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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine . It's where we showcase all the books we can't wait to get our hands on!

This week's WoW pick is;

Crewel (Crewel World #1) by Gennifer Albin
Expected publication: October 16th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.
That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.
Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.
Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.
Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.
Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Why Crewel is selected as this week WoW's pick is pretty obvious. The cover is like a breath of fresh air and the blurb sounds like the most original dystopia ever!!!

And I'm also selected as one of the members of Crewel Street Team (Hurrahh!!) so you'll see a lot of Crewel-ish post coming soon this month! :)

For the sad story, I was actually approved for an ARC of this but because I didn't download the galley straight away, somehow when I did want to download it, the publisher had already archived the title T_T
Lesson of the day: Download all the galleys you scored as soon as you know you've been approved.

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Warning: Spoilers...spoilers everywhere.

TABLE-FLIPPING TIME!



UH, GUYS??!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?? I'M IN THE 1% WHO GAVE THIS BOOK A 2-STARS OR LESS?

It took me more than two weeks to finish this. It took me overnight to finish Obsidian. Granted, I was busy for the past couple of weeks but throughout that many sittings, I stopped because I was bored not because my homework got in the way. Trust me, at one point, I rather do the house chores than continue reading. And I did. Haha!

Then, it couldn't be my fault for not liking this, right? Gah, I don't know... So many of my GR friends rated this as a 4 or 5-stars read, and some of them even said that this is better than Obsidian.

*Sobs*

I don't think this is the 'haters gonna hate' case because I absolutely loved Obsidian (I even gave Katy a nickname!). Onyx is less twilight-ish and more action-packed (at least for the last 10% of it). Oh, the irony! I just remember that I hated the last 10% of Obsidian.

If you're hoping to find Daemon as less of a douche this time, I'm sorry to tell you that he is still a douche for at least the first half of the book . Worse, he had this Edward-like over-protectiveness.

"Daemon, you can't beat up guys because they talk badly about me," --said by Katy

The horror! If you think he was over-protective of Dee in the first book, you ain't seen nothing yet! And no Katy, no. One person's bad attitude shouldn't be attributed to the stress or to one's twin brother's death. Occasional display of bad attitude, yes but definitely not all the time! And that thing with keep mistaking Blake's name. It was clearly overdone.

Moving on to Katy. Dear God, what has happened to you girl? Kind of wanted to take the cookie from Daemon's mouth? Trying to disregard the girl in your that screamed, HE NOTICED ME? You could so picture Daemon getting into that sort of thing in the library?

AND THE SELF-BLAMING!!!

*Sobs harder*

Making friends with his sister, asking way too many questions, almost getting myself killed...twice. Plus discovering their big secret, and all the times I'd ended up with a trace. I frowned as I slid out of my car and slammed the door behind me. No wonder Daemon had been such a douche canoe those months. I was trouble.

But in the way, this situation was my fault, it had been my bizzaro output of energy that had drawn the DOD here.

Wow, I can't believe Katy just thought of those. She should have a lot more self-worth than that.

THE OVERCONFIDENCE!!!

And all the talks about becoming stronger so that she can protect Daemon and Dee is just too ambitious considering she just found out who (or what?) she is. This is really sad. I'm glad to see the transition from helpless YA heroines to kick-ass heroines these days, but no need to overdo it.

THE DENIAL AND THE SKEPTICISM!!!

No Katy, no! Of course Daemon had been treating you like a slice of unwanted pizza before but you can't just keep pushing him away when he did prove himself so many times already? She even refused to be healed? Well, that's just egocentric.


Was he going to kill me and stash my body? Drastic but probable after everything I'd caused

I'm sooo hoping that Katy was joking because although I think Daemon is a scumbag, I do believe he won't go as far as killing Katy, don't you think?
[Was he going to kill me and stash my body? Drastic but probable after everything I'd caused

I'm sooo hoping that Katy was joking because although I think Daemon is a scumbag, I do believe he won't go as far as killing Katy, don't you think? (hide spoiler)]

THE CONFESSION OF LOVE!!!

The part which I'm sure many of us had anticipate. But, but...


"And what does 'us' really mean?"

"You and me"

Ultra-cheesy!!! And that's just an example. Gosh, this is not a soap opera, is it?
["And what does 'us' really mean?"

"You and me"

Ultra-cheesy!!! And that's just an example. Gosh, this is not a soap opera, is it? (hide spoiler)]

Blake. Hmm...I kinda liked him at the beginning. But after the revelation that he is similar to Katy, he changed 180 degree? Then, what's the point of making him a likable character in the earlier chapters? Just to give some hints of love triangle? Well, Blake characterization is just confusing for me. And Katy did not just found out about his true identify from Google! I actually laughed at this part. I mean, with DOD status as the super-secret, super-confidential organization, that kind of information shouldn't be able to be googled like that? I mean, they were the one who 'assigned' that task to Blake.[But after the revelation that he is similar to Katy, he changed 180 degree? Then, what's the point of making him a likable character in the earlier chapters? Just to give some hints of love triangle? Well, Blake characterization is just confusing for me. And Katy did not just found out about his true identify from Google! I actually laughed at this part. I mean, with DOD status as the super-secret, super-confidential organization, that kind of information shouldn't be able to be googled like that? I mean, they were the one who 'assigned' that task to Blake. (hide spoiler)]

Dee? Sorry to say that I can't point out her contributions to the story other than making out in public with Adam. Bizarre still, Daemon had to make out with Katy at such strange times After he'd taken over Katy's date with Blake? After Adam was killed? Luckily, Daemon had self-control for not taking it further.[After he'd taken over Katy's date with Blake? After Adam was killed? Luckily, Daemon had self-control for not taking it further. (hide spoiler)]

Bonus chapter from Daemon's POV also adds almost nothing to the story. *sigh*

Well, on the bright side, I'm glad it's over so that I can now move on to other books.

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Okay, now for a random rambling. I'm positive that August 2012 had to be the busiest, most chaotic (hellish even) month in my undergraduate studies.

But YA market is now swarming with so many new releases that I've been dying to read!!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine . It's where we showcase all the books we can't wait to get our hands on!

This week's WoW pick is;


Premeditated by Josin L. McQuein
Expected publication: October 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

A week ago, Dinah’s cousin Claire cut her wrists.
Five days ago, Dinah found Claire’s diary and discovered why.
Three days ago, Dinah stopped crying and came up with a plan.
Two days ago, she ditched her piercings and bleached the black dye from her hair.
Yesterday, knee socks and uniform plaid became a predator’s camouflage.
Today, she’ll find the boy who broke Claire.
By tomorrow, he’ll wish he were dead.

I don't always read thriller but with the blurb like that? Come on, how can I pass this one.

But a year away? Pfffttt!!!!

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

The truth is, I almost wanted to give this book 2 or 3 stars and never continue on with the series.

But by page 286 out of 323, boy I changed my mind. Rachel Hawkins had done the unthinkable by not only providing me with an epic climax that caught me off guard but also supplying another epic climax that left me breathless.

And she did that with only 50 pages left to spare! How cool is that?

Before the climax, apart from a few good laughs, the book didn't impress me too much. Archer is just like a better version of Edward. Elodie and her entourage are the usual, popular hot girls with a mission to be mean to our protagonist, Sophie. And the whole cliche high school drama is completed with the social outcast, Jenna the vampire.

Well, I would like to see more of Cal in the next book. *wink2*

I'm a bit disappointed with Sophie as a character. Yes, she is excellent in making my side cramped with her witty remarks but I feel like the author intentionally molded her character as one of those 'every-girl-can-fit-into her-shoes' kind of characters. I mean, she claimed she got average appearance (crazy hair, freckled skin etc! Ehem, I think freckles are cute), tad clumsy (her spells mostly went wrong), had a crush over the hottest guy in the school...


Oh yes, Sophie is the epitome of this meme.

*sigh* What did I expect anyway, I can't compare her to Katniss, Katniss would be able to sense something fishy was going on. I'd be thankful to the author too if Sophie doesn't have any feelings (or lust) towards Archer or Cal. I don't know...that kind of thoughts made me feel...a bit uncomfortable.

Before I end my review, I would like to share some of the hilarious lines. Yup, I was that entertained.

There were only six adults in the oldest picture, and all of then looked really serious, like they'd probably kicked kittens for fun.

"Say the five words yo begin the ritual." I blinked at her. "Are you freaking kidding me?"

"I'm Beth." and I realized I was supposed to shake her paw. I did, gingerly. "Sophie." She smiled. It was terrifying, but that wasn't her fault.

His eyes were nearly watering, and his lips were twitching. My hand tightened on the stake. Maybe shoving it into his heart wasn't such a bad idea.

I'd been harboring this secret fantasy that he was only pretending to like her so that he could publicly dump her in the most embarrassing way possible, preferably on national television.

"So if you can heal with your touch, why are you working here as like, Hagrid, or whatever?"

One more thing, HOW COULD THE PUBLISHER PUT A CAT ON THE COVER WHEN SOPHIE WAS ALLERGIC TO CATS HERSELF!!! DO NOT EVER

EVER

MISUSE A PICTURE OF A CUTE ANIMAL FOR YOUR PROFIT!



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Remember my gushing review for The Assassin's Curse?

No?

Maybe this snapshot will help refresh your memory.


Yup, THAT The Assassin's Curse. If you haven't read the review, go read it now! And truthfully, we're almost eight months in 2012 and my statement still holds.

And now, from the author of The Assassin's Curse, Cassandra Rose Clarke brings you a heartbreaking story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, with an intriguing science fictional twist;


And now for the cover reveal and the blurb;

There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.
He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.
When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

The Mad Scientist's Daughter publishing house, Strange Chemistry/Angry Robots has been kind enough to provide a PAPERBACK ADVANCED READER COPY of this book. Mind you that this title will only be released in Feb 2013, about five months away and you could have a chance to read it ahead of everyone's else (including me!). Yes, I don't get one of the physical ARCs, I have only one job, which is to host this giveaway :(

Sounds great?


Con­test Rules:
To enter, please fill out the Raf­fel­copter form below.
All you have to do is to like my Facebook page.
The give­away is open to Australia and New Zealand residents only.
The publishing house will mail the ARC directly to the winner's doorstep!
When the win­ner is cho­sen, it will be announced here and the win­ner will be emailed. Please check your email because I am only giv­ing the win­ner 48 hours to respond!  Oth­er­wise another win­ner will have to be selected.
Please enter your email address in the Raf­fle­copter form and not the comments!

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Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.
Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.
Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

I had a high hope. A very high hope. As high as Charlie Sheen on crack.

Yup, you got the idea.

I like how the overall concept based on an Indian myth. Hmpphh...I just like stories from India in general. I can watch Hindi movies without subtitles.

I kid you not.

I like cats. Tiger, leopard, cheetah, puma, they are ALL cats to me. I'll risk my life just to pat their heads.

Unfortunately, I had risk my sanity because this book has cats tigers.

It wasn't plain bad. Fallen was plain bad (Hmm...I never get tired of making fun of this book). In fact, I should give the author credits for doing an extensive homework on the background of the all the legends and myths and the elaborated descriptions on each settings.

One thing for sure. This book has a plot.

Well, I would say that the editor did a terrible job because the first three chapters and the last two chapters were just a waste of papers.

Seriously. Who wants to read this? "There were mounted pumps full of shampoo, conditioner, and soap"

Here we got two well-characterized male leads, Dhiren and Kishan and we, the readers had to read the story based on the most annoying female lead I ever came across in my whole reading life!

If you think Lucinda Price was annoying, I think this Kelsey was gazillion-fold more annoying.

Like Luce was annoying because she was dumb as soup but Kelsey was just plain annoying, you wouldn't even feel guilty feeding her to one of those bloodsucking monkeys, Kappa.

Here, lemme tell you why:

1. She is useless. She can wield the gada easily (because somehow the gada becomes lightweight in her hands) but not even once, she used that gada to destroy any upcoming obstacles. Like, Ren had to do all the dirty job by himself.

2. She could not even pack for herself. It was Mr Kadam who had to pack her foods, clothes and EVEN shampoo and conditioner. If she is real, I'd lost faith in humanity.

3. She is whiny, pessimistic and ermm..ANNOYING.
Ren: Are you ready?
Kelsey: No! Give me a minute to mentally write a last will and testament.
Ren: It'll be fine.
Kelsey: Sure it will. I want to make sure I can record every minute of this experience in my journal. Of course, that's probably a moot point because I'm assuming that I'm going to die in the jump anyway.

Ren, you should just push her off the cliff.

Oh wait, not before you deliver her a good bitchslap first.

Oh dear Ren, why did you have to comb Kelsey's hair and massage her back. You are not her butler or her servant, you are a freaking prince.

Pardon me but I didn't find the combing and massaging as romantic.

*sigh* Why didn't I just give up on Young Adult genre already! I'm sick of all this cheap romance.

Mooooooving on.

4. Kelsey is a disgrace to the female population as a whole. I'm aware that women can be difficult and complicated. They tell you that they're fine but they're not. They tell you that they're okay but they are jealous.

Why didn't I use we instead of they anyway?

Whatever. The thing is, Ren is treating her well, too well even. At some point in Kishkindha, Kelsey suddenly thought she was no good for Ren, Ren would find other girls once he is free from the curse yada yada. Seriously, Ren didn't do anything wrong and she suddenly broke down and ignored him!


5. Ren: Faster, Kelsey. Run faster!
Kelsey: I can't go any any faster, Ren!

6. Kelsey's dying thought 'That's okay. Looking at his gorgeous face one last time is enough for me. I'll die a happy woman.
Me: Die, bi*ch die!
(few lines later)


7. Ren pulled Kelsey's closer. Kelsey's thought: I had almost died after all. I deserved some kind of reward for surviving, didn't I.


8. Kelsey's thought: My poor, knobby, blistered, sore feet. Oh well, maybe Mr Kadam will spring for a pedicure later.


My job here is done. *Walks away*

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