Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

Well, much that I like aloof heroes, I am not really the big fan of Vasic. Yet, ‘Shield of Winter’ becomes one of my most loved Psy-Changeling books.

The story line is believable. As the aloof and remote person, Vasic would not get personal with other people, but with duties bound, he is forced to form a so-called bond to protect and take care of Ivy, who, with her full-scale affection, is a perfect complement for him.

Hmm, my only objection is that Sasha, with her cardinal status, should have had more significance in solving the madness of the net, but then it can also be positive as she is not stepping over her role as a supportive character in the book.

Like ‘Kiss of Snow’, there is also another love interest going on, and I’m dying to read more about Java and Abbot!

Give B+. 

The Elite by Kiera Cass

After reading the first book, I predicted the gloomy situation of American and the prince in book 2, and well, it did come true! After his affection/infatuation towards her in book 1, it’s easy to see a ‘spoiled’ boy becomes frustrated when not getting what he wanted .. fast.

There are many elements I don’t really like in this book, and some of them are too predictable. Still, by the way, with the lifestyle and extravagance of the palace and the nobles, no wonder this country is in need of rebels and reform!

Don’t like

-          The staff and servants at the palace are all too supporting America.

-          The shocking fact about the King’s cruelity

-          The near-nothing logic of the rebels

-          America’s reaction/decision towards the project

Give it C+, though the book has much potential to develop from book 1. 

World After by Susan Ee

“A girl finding a way to protect her family while learning to trust the enermy.” (ANGLE FALL)

“A girl finding a way to reunite with her family while forming a bond with her angel.” (THE WORLD AFTER)

Wow! It’s been one of the best YA books I have read, and I am rarely impressed with the angel theme! Yet, the series blows my mind and makes me think differently!

At first, I didn’t really dare to read it as I truly DID enjoy ANGLE FALL and I feared that the book would be less than my grand expectation, but then, it went even better and better! The most charming aspect of the book is finding exits from grim and life-threatening situations for the characters.. when such situations seem too dark and hopeless.

Still, personally, the most beautiful moment in the book becomes the reunion of the two characters. In too many books, the yearning and longing lovers have for each other will be expressed by sweet words, too sweet and sugary words. But, in THE WORLD AFTER, it starts with awkwardness since neither of them doesn’t know how to start, to express their feelings in words, and they let comfortable silence speak for them. My favourite shot is when Penryn refers that Raffe’s sword has been missing him while, in reality, she is referring to herself. I find this particular shot truly believable, for in the beginning, the two characters has formed alliance to achieve their own goal, but they haven’t yet expressed their sensitive feelings to each other freely. The symbol is therefore just right.

Though I had been dreadful that the second book would end up bloodily like book one, THE WORLD AFTER leaves no enormous heart-breaking cliff-hanger. Yet, I still die to read book three just after finishing it. I really need to know the possibility of Raffe’s getting his wings back to his body, and INDEED, the direction of relationship between the two. Is it possible or is it not?

It's a relief to know that the series now extends to 5, not 3 like I first thought! Yeah!