From the shelf: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Title: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8-10, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the the last installment of the Starcrossed trilogy following Starcrossed and Dreamless. This reveals the consequences regarding the decision of freeing the furies. Betrayal and realization is basically the theme of this trilogy's conclusion. I wanted to slap Matt but he realized that the fates were doing this cycle all over again. It broke my heart to see friends in conflict and families apart in this installment, especially the sudden death of one well-loved character. I liked Hades than Zeus here but I guess its the author's way to prove a point. Every decision made had consequences and even though everything is temporarily halted, there was still the threat of the higher beings clouding above them.

Till the next read..

From the shelf: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

StarHearts, as fans of Josephine Angelini call themselves, will stay up all night reading Dreamless, the second book in the bestselling Starcrossed series. The saga mixes mythology, romance, action, and intrigue in a completely original way.

Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.

Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the second book of the Starcrossed trilogy. After being bound by Starcrossed, I was compelled to read this especially with my curiosity bothering me. I even thought that this would be a second book slump since trilogies sometimes have bad, confusing sequels but I was wrong. There was more action and a quest that could change the order of things. I read reviews of this and they are suggesting a third party coming along but I didn't see it that way. For me, Orion is like the friend Helen needed that came at the right time. There would be confusion which was natural but I think that it wouldn't be pursued. Hector is one character a reader would love very much. He is like this brother you wanted to have and it was depressing to think that he is an outcast. I also have this itching feeling that Daphne has something planned all along but I guess I have to read the last installment to find out. Whatever the consequences would've made with the united houses, the freeing of the furies and the Olympians would be answered in the third book. I sure hope so.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 3-6, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This was recommended to me as I was scanning available reads on Good Reads. Being someone entranced with mythologies, I decided to give it a try after the series being on my 'to read shelf' for almost a month. At first I thought that this would be another book and since I started I should get through with it but it did really reel me in. Basically by the fact that Helen's true nature peaked my interest. It took me halfway through the book having the question 'why' hanging over my head. I, of course for a fact knew that she was different (of course they all are) that was definitely a 'duh' moment. But what reeled me is the way things were revealed. I also expected the prophecy, they all had one, but I still want to know how everything unfolds in the end. Bound by betrayal, deception and destiny I guess Helen and Lucas have to work everything out on their own.

Till the next read...

Welcome bibliophiles and readers alike!

You have finally crossed this threshold, this quiet corner of a blog...

I am Dawn.

Blogger of Tea, Books, Crannies and Nooks.

I have been blogging since 2011 on my personal take on books but it is only in the last 2 1/2 years where I tried to concentrate on building this book blog.

I love to read (obviously) since I was young.

Instead of Barbies, my favorite gifts is either stuff toys or books. 

I remember my first interaction with books through the children's book 'Milton the Monster'. And I definitely loved the fact that Milton's tummy was squeaking. Yes, I was that child endlessly squeaking Milton's tummy for fun. I was sad that my book was gone when we moved to another city. I hope anyone knows that book.

During my grade school years, my love for the mystery genre begun: Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy, Hardy Boys, Tin Tin to name a few. I did enjoy the occasional Baby Sitters Club, Sweet Valley and Archie comics. Greek and Roman mythologies are also fun to read. Yes, I was that kid who stays in the library if I have time to spare during lunchtime. I was a nerd...still am.

High school years opened my world to Harry Potter (Slytherin!), the classics starting with Pride and Prejudice...well, everyone fell in love with Mr. Darcy and the rest is history.

Genres I love to review:

I am a broad reader but I particularly love...

Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense/Crime genre, thus my current love affair with  the the following series: Bones, Castle, How to Get Away with Murder, Hannibal, American Horror Story. All dark? I too enjoy Empire, New Girl, The Mindy Project and who doesn't love F.R.I.E.N.D.S., How I Met Your Mother, Will and Grace, Dharma and Greg, Charmed...there I go blabbing again.

YA novels! I love reading every sub-genre of the YA world. I don't only read dark things, everyone. Balance...everyone needs balance.

For romance, I do enjoy the Historical Romance sub-genre because of my mom's Barbara Cartland collection.

I love to read and review from authors known and especially those new ones. It may surprise anyone but there is an abundance of gems...so give them a chance. The only sad thing is that I only have ebooks...I like to have a physical copy! That would go well with my library...very pretty indeed. I live at the other side of the world *forever crying*. They should have those in the local bookstores!!! Yep, I have that list: 'buy the physical copy list'.

I love to babble, talk, gush about everything....but in the real world I am an introvert. My geeky job is my real world and this is my alter ego. I feel like a superhero and I love it.

After reading me talk on and on above, its time to hear from you! Bibliophiles, readers and the first timers...especially those who finally found the love of reading, I hope that this blog will help you find a new good book to love and immerse you into the world unknown.

You may catch me at:

Twitter: @hikarulibrary
Email: dawnlanante@gmail.com
Bookstagram: @hikarulibrary

Music. Dramas. Series. Movies. Manga. Anime. Books. Book Reviews. Travel Diaries. Stories. Blogs. Fandoms. Part Geek. Part Nerd.

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 2

Title: Diary ng Panget 2
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read:August 18, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I suppose this would be the sequel to Diary ng Panget. Though, I think that it was just a continuation of the story, that it could be mashed up together. Again, as usual this is an easy read...the author had this quirky, hilarious one-liners and bickering between the protagonists. And again, I'm consistent in saying that my teenage self would've enjoyed it better. A great way to pass time and I guess I'll be reading part 3.

Till the next read...