Friday, June 26, 2015

Mini Reviews #11 ♥ Everything Everything, Damage Done & more.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Everything Everything
Nicola Yoon

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Goodreads
Source: DRC was sent free of charge via Netgalley.

Thoughts:  I shall be doing mini reviews today of hyped books & upcoming releases, mini reviews are getting pretty popular these days so here's to hoping we find some gems in stones. Well, the cover is gorgeous, and the title suits the novel well. Madeline has a rare deadly disease SKID, she is allergic to everything in the outside world. She's not allergic to people, but she is allergic to most things such as chemicals and so on, and that can be fatal if she goes outside. She is forced to stay locked in a room, this somehow reminded me of the fairy tale "Rapunzel" but it's different. You know, a girl forbidden to go outside, and she is locked in her house all the time by her mother and prince charming the hero comes to the rescue soon? Her mother was strange, and I believe she should let her daughter have friends. I thought the concept of the disease was unique, and it was brilliantly executed by the author. The romance was sweet and heartwarming, Olly the male lead was an adorable character and the conversations they had were swoon worthy. This is a wonderful novel this year, this is by far the young adult genre's best year. The novel and plot itself is fascinating, although, I couldn't love this novel. The reviews in the story of books and lists were unnecessary. This is a novel worth trying though, it's beautiful.



Damage Done
Amanda Pantich

Genre: Thriller, YA

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Goodreads
Source: Review Copy was sent free of charge via  Random House Books for Young Readers (Penguin Teen) Thank you Aisha.

Thoughts: Damage Done is a well-written thriller about twin characters, Julia and her sociopath brother. Her brother has killed people before, he is inhuman to other people's emotions but his twin sister. Julia is now in a hometown with her family with a new identity, she is trying to start fresh, but someone from her past is not letting her. She's a complex character, although, I did like her overall. This thriller has plenty of potential, I even liked the romance between Julia and the male lead, he was adorable and I was smiling with their conversations. The world building plot was quite intriguing, and I had to finish this novel in one setting. Now this is a disturbing book in young adult so be careful, the ending is open ended and I wish it wasn't. I wanted more, you know? It can be bothersome when a thriller is left with an open ending. It's still an intriguing ending, but I wish there was more to it. Overall, it's a fantastic thriller with many twists and turns down the way that I had not expected at all. Recommended for fans of The Ice Twins, and Dangerous Girls.


Remembering Us
Stacey Lynn

Genre: New Adult, Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Goodreads
Source: Review copy was sent free of charge via Montlake Romance.

Thoughts: Amy has lost her memory after an accident, and she does not remember anything for the past two years, even her boyfriend Adam. The concept reminded me of the book The Vow, although the author here approaches it with a different take. Everyone believes Adam and Amy were a perfect, happy couple but Amy sees him differently in her flashbacks. Well, hello to the guy on the cover! This is a new adult novel, so naturally it does have an angst but there is a plot twist when Amy has lost her memory. I thought the novel was well-written, and I couldn't wait to read what happens next. I liked Amy's character but I didn't like Adam, he seemed crazy at times destroying the wall when he was angry and what not. I was disappointed mainly because the novel didn't offer anything new, I was excepting something different. It's mainly a romance novel, and I do wish it was developed more. Recommended for fans of The Vow.


The Shattered Court
M.J Scott

Genre: Fantasy, Adult, Romance

Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Goodreads
Source: Gifted.

Thoughts: How beautiful is that cover though.. unfortunately, the book itself was a bit terrible. I'm not sure what I was thinking despite all the reviews that I asked my sister to buy me it. The heroine Sophie lives in a time with royal witches, once they reach their twenty-first birthday, they manifest their powers to their goddess. Sophie unknowingly to Cameron, a member of the royal guard, this makes her power not binded and dangerous. Now, this is a fairly long book, but this novel basically has no plot, it's just steamy scenes right away and I did not like any of the characters at all especially Sophie. Sophie is frustrating - she's like a damsel in distress. There is no story here, this book is about 400 pages of a long teaser. It's depressing because the premise had a lot of potential. I'm surprised I even finished this novel to the very end. I'm not sure I even understood what I even read, there is nothing about this novel that is going to make me pick up the second book in the series - I only like the cover and title of this new series, that's about it. If you're looking for a better book about witches, you should try Hex Hall.


The Jewel
Amy Ewing

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Young Adult

Purchase: Amazon | Goodreads | Barnes & Nobles
Source: Borrowed from the library.

Thoughts: There was been a lot of hype about this novel, and I have just gotten a chance to pick it up. The cover is amazingly beautiful, and I love how it actually looks like a jewel. Violet is a surrogate, she will be purchased at the surrogacy action to one of the royal families. The Jewel represents royalty - but behind the jewel lies many brutal truths. I don't think this novel is as bad as everyone has been saying, the concept is unique and it is fascinating. It's been compared to The Hunger Games, but I personally don't feel the vibes except for the dystopian aspect and the lady in the waiting who is similar to Cinna, that's about it. Otherwise, they're two different novels. This novel had plenty of potential, I thought this could easily be one of my favorites until the second half.. The first half was wonderful, however, the second half had an instant love boom out of nowhere. That bothers me a lot, I couldn't relate to the romance at all. The novel is well-written, and I found the concept very well done. I found myself enjoying this novel, and the ending was amazing though, so I do look forward to checking out the next book in the sequel. It's ironic how I usually end up liking a book everyone hates, and I usually dislike a book that everyone loves. 


Thank you for reading this! Have an amazing month of June - Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & drop by :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures..

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron 
femmmefatalee@gmail.com



64 comments:

  1. The hype surrounding The Jewel is probably what made me wait on it - I still haven't read it, but seeing that you mostly enjoyed it is encouraging! I love the cover for Everything Everything and the buzz for it was nuts at BEA this year but it's not really my genre so I didn't grab it. I might just regret that if more positive reviews like yours start rolling in XD Lovely reviews Benish^^ ♥

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    1. I still liked The Jewel, I didn't find it terrible at all. Everything, Everything is truly a beautiful novel ♥

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  2. Great mini reviews! These all look like they were fabulous reads for you!

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  3. Great reviews! I am so excited to read Everything, Everything because the topic is really fascinating! You're right about it being kind of Rapunzel-esque. I'm also bothered by open-endings, because they are so rarely done well. But the plot of Damage Done is really intriguing, so maybe I'll check it out anyway...

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    1. Thank you Erin ♥ Everything, Everything and Damage Done were both fascinating reads - I hope you enjoy them as well.

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  4. It's a shame you didn't enjoy The Shattered Court! I've been wanting to read it (mayyybe just because of that glorious cover) but it sounds like I wouldn't enjoy it, so maybe I'll just avoid wasting my time. I'm glad Everything, Everything was a good read. I have an ARC that I cannot wait to start enjoying. :) Great reviews!

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    1. Yes, I didn't like The Shattered Court at all. Although, Everything, Everything was an amazing contemporary novel ♥

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  5. Damage done sounds like my kind of a book... and open endings always make me think more :) It's more mysterious and you can kinda guess for yourself and use your imagination! Although open ended movies I cannot stand!!! :P

    www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com

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    1. I hope you enjoy that one, it's still great despite the open ending ♥

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  6. I am so glad to see you enjoyed Everything, Everything Benish. I have not tired any of the others :)

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    1. Thank you Kimba, I actually started reading this one based on your review :)

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  7. Yay, I am glad you liked The Jewel! I have long thought it my "guilty pleasure" book, because it IS one of my favorites despite its flaws- actually, it's the only book on my "favorites" shelf that I DIDN'T give a full 5 stars to. I am so excited about Damage Done now! I was going to request it, but I was hesitant, waiting for reviews, but now I need! Also, I am so looking forward to Everything, Everything!

    I had thought about buying The Shattered Court but... thanks for letting me dodge that particular bullet! Fabulous reviews :)

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

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    1. Aww yay another person who enjoyed The Jewel as well, I thought I might be the only one :) It does have flaws, but I agree it does have a lot of potentials. Damage Done was an amazing read as well ♥ Enjoy these books! Thank you Shannon :)

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  8. I've been reading a lot of positive reviews on Everything Everything and I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it as well! Damage Done sounds fascinating, except for the fact that it was left open ended! The Shattered Court has a beautiful book cover, too bad it didn't really have a plot :( I love the cover for The Jewel as well :) Great Mini Reviews Benish!!!!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Lindy! Everything, Everything does have a beautiful story ♥

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  9. Lovely reviews - and so many wonderful covers! Glad to hear you enjoyed Everything Everything. I am really excited to get to that one myself.

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  10. I was actually quite surprised to like the Jewel as well, especially after the influx of negative reviews. It was weird, there were annoyances but I enjoyed it overall. Everything Everything sounds fascinating and I just LOVE the cover. It's a shame about The Shattered Court though, it sounds very meh with the damsel in distress and everything. :LOVE the sound of Damage Done, sociopaths really fascinate me and this one sounds perfect! Wonderful reviews Benish.

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    1. I agree, there's many negative reviews about it but I personally feel it's not a terrible book and it does have plenty of potential. Damage Done was really good too, hope you enjoy these books Jeann ♥

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  11. I have an eARC of Everything Everything and you're making me SO excited to read it! Since you described the hero as "adorable"--count me in ten thousand times, okay!? Cute guys are my thing. I also didn't know that Damage Done has a romance--now it's definitely going on my wishlist. Ha, I have been seeing rants about The Shattered Court basically being nothing but sex and rape. So, no thank you! :/ So glad you liked the Jewel! Okay, I kind of hated it because yes, the instalove in the second half was INSANE and I just couldn't deal with it at all. D: Awesome reviews, Benish! <3

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Aimee ♥ Everything, Everything is really cute so I do hope you enjoy that one - & Damage Done does have a romance, I also liked the male lead in that book as well. The Shattered Court was just a disaster for me..

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  12. Great reviews Benish :) It looks like I might have a couple of new books to add to my list, I really like the sound of Everything Everything and Damage Done in particular!

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

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  13. The book one here that I'd probably want to read the most is the one you rated the lowest :/ I've sort of been staying away from the Jewel because I've head quite a few negative things about it. Maybe I should give it a go but I don't think I could deal with the instalove suddenly developing.

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    1. Aaah yes, The Shattered Court didn't do anything in my case. It has an interesting premise and a beautiful cover/title, but that's mainly it. The Jewel wasn't that bad though, although the instant love bothered me as well.

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  14. Damage Done is going on my TBR! I am so excited to read Everything Everything
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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  15. Ahhh I'm so happy you loved Everything, Everything. The cover is so gorgeous, and I can't wait to read this beautiful romance story. I love the diversity and the intriguing plot. Lovely review <3

    Rachel @ APCB

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    1. Thank you Rachel, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have :)

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  16. I'm surprised that you liked The Jewel and hated The Shattered Court haha still, you go gurl, be unique. Damage Done looks like an intriguing thriller!

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    1. LOL aw thanks ♥ & yes, I'm usually that odd ball out.

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  17. I am so ready to read Everything, Everything!

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  18. Welll. Definitely will not be picking up This Shattered Court, haha. And HEX HALL!!! YES!! I read it when I was pretty young but I honestly just want to have like a marathon of the series right now.

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    1. Yes, Hex Hall is a wonderful series overall. I preferred the first books much better though!

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  19. I love how there is a basis for her disease (Everything, Everything). More often, books usually skims that part. I enjoyed that one, too!

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  20. Ugh, The Shattered Court was a disaster in the making. It was absolutely nonsense with such a vey sexist world who viewed women as prizes to be won. Here she goes, getting engaged without her consent and all she can think is, "Well, at least he's not a dirty old man!" LOL x_x the fudge. I hated that book with a passion >__>

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. I should have listened to everyone's reviews on who hated it, I don't know why I was thinking it could be different LOL.

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  21. Damage Done sounds just like my type of book, but I detest open endings! They sometimes aren't so bad in a thriller, though, so maybe this could work. I also like the sound of Remembering Us, and yes I agree, that male model on the cover is quite scrumptious! It's unfortunate you didn't care for Adam much. I'm wondering if that romance works out in the end or maybe she finds someone new. Thanks for the wonderful mini reviews, Benish! :)

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    1. Sometimes they can work, although for this one - I just needed a better closure in Damage Done. I'm glad you can agree about the male model on the cover! Thank you Rachel♥

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  22. I so can't wait to get my hands on Damage Done, need to buy it ASAP, especially because of the comparison to Dangerous Girls, although I liked Dangerous Boys better, but it definitely sound disturbing, so I'm all for it.
    The Jewel cover is gorgeous, right? The UK cover is as well (it definitely lucked out with both!( Glad you mostly enjoyed it, (I think I gave it a 4) did really like it a lot, and definitely interesting and unique. Yeah, so wasn't a fan of the romance (I'm totally shipping the wrong people too). Loved the ending, didn't see it coming, haha.

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    1. I haven't read Dangerous Boys yet, although I aim to sometime this summer :) & I agree, The Jewel cover is stunning. It's very unique as well with the actual jewel shape and the ending was awesome heh :D

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  23. I actually really liked The Jewel as well, but I know so many didn't. I think it was mainly the romance that stopped me from loving it. It was too predictable and cheesy instant lovey. I think book two will be much, much better, especially with that ending showing a snippet of what's to come. Damage done sounds incredible, I love a wicked YA thriller, but that open ending worries me. I can't cope with one at the best of times, never mind one to finish off a thriller. Definitely giving Everything Everything a go though, it sounds incredibly unique and really lovely. Wonderful reviews Benish, glad you were able to enjoy most of them <3

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    1. I'm glad you could relate Kelly<3 There's so many negative reviews of this book, but I personally don't find it that bad. It's like how it was me with The Sin Eater's Daughter. Great first half, romance failed, but an epic ending! Thank you for dropping by ♥

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  24. I've been looking forward to Everything, Everything all year! This book sounds amazing and unique - so glad you loved it Benish! I haven't heard of the others except The Jewel, which I really enjoyed as well! Some people hated it, but it definitely had potential. I went into it blind so I guess that helped. Agreed about the insta-love though...ugh. It was so bad.

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    1. It is really unique, I think you just might like Everything, Everything :) & Yay! Another person who enjoyed The Jewel, it's still a very good book but that instant love booms out of nowhere.

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  25. I totally agree with you about THE JEWEL–after reading so many reviews I thought I would hate it, but nope! It turned out to be pretty good! But yeah, the insta-love sucked. But THAT ENDING. Can’t wait to read THE WHITE ROSE. Great mini-reviews :D

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    1. Yessssssss, finally someone I can relate to :) & I know, the ending was wonderful. Thank you Rabiah ♥

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  26. Lots of great books - great mini reviews too! I think I enjoyed The Shattered Court more than you did, Lol and I also enjoyed The Jewel and agree the romance was surprisingly my least favorite aspect - the world was interesting though. I'm hoping I get more with The White Rose coming up.

    Thanks for sharing, Benish! :)

    PS Happy late Birthday!

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    1. Yes, atleast you enjoyed it more then me :) The White Rose has a beautiful cover though! I hope the series gets better ♥

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  27. I have a copy of Everything Everything and I am now looking forward to reading it. Damage Done has a creepy cover, I love a good thriller but I am not thrilled about an open ending. I am surprised you liked the Jewel, that one got some really lackluster reviews last year. Thanks for your input.

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    1. Yes, Damage Done was a super creepy book overall. I really liked The Jewel though, I don't see why it's so bad to many people.

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  28. Damage Done sounds perfect (in a creepy thriller way :D) Always wanted to know what it feels like to have a sociopathic sibling... I know, I'm weird :P

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    1. Haha it's fine, I would wonder that too.

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  29. Great mini reviews Benish :-) the only book I have read is The Jewel and I quite enjoyed it despite a few small issues. I am curious about Damage Done, I always enjoy a good YA thriller.

    Sharon – Obsession with Books

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    1. Thank you Sharon & I'm glad you could enjoy The Jewel as well! Damage Done is well written ♥

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  30. ohmy, well-written thriller and good romance!! I really, really need to read Damage Done NOW!! I've been eyeing on Everything Everything for quite some time now. That beautiful cover is really enough to make me buy it and reading your thoughts made me more excited for it! That story is so interesting and its nice to know that was well executed! Great reviews, Benish! :)

    czai @ the Blacksheep Project

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    1. Everything, Everything is pretty much amazing. I wonder if it's a retelling of Rapunzel, it does sound pretty similar although it's cutesy in it's own way. Thank you Czai! ♥

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  31. GREAT idea with the mini-reviews, Benish!! The two books I'm interested in are "The Shattered Court" and "The Jewel". It's too bad you didn't like "The Shattered Court".....it has such a beautiful cover! But that's what you mentioned in your post on book covers; some books have beautiful ones, and the inside story is just not worth it. Sad.... I like to read about witches, though, so I think I might give Scott's book a try. As for "The Jewel", I must definitely read this one!! I have seen some good reviews of it. Thanks so much for sharing!! : )

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    1. Thank you Maria & I agree, The Shattered Court is beyond beautiful ♥ I found the books Hex Hall and The Silver Witch a lot better, you should give those a try too :)

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  32. Great reviews! I haven't heard of most of these books before, but I am highly looking forward to Everything, Everything. I wanted to read the Jewel initially, but some of the reviews scared me away. I'm not sure if I want to read it or not anymore.

    Dreams @ Once Upon A Dream Books

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    1. I hope you enjoy Everything, Everything even more than me ♥ The Jewel is really unique with it's concept but the romance is kind of a disaster.

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  33. I have read Everything, Everything, Benish and I love it so much!!! <3 Sigh. All feels for Maddie and Ollie. :)

    Yani |@ www.paperboulevard.com

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