Layla

 

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them. - excerpt from Goodreads.

Layla by Colleen Hoover explores different area and perspective. This book was written in the male perspective and started off with a heavy sense of mystery. I would say I was definitely surprised for a first half of the story. This review will be short because much of it will be spoilers if I talked about the plot itself. I can share that the characters are unique and their experiences worthy of your attention. I liked how the author transition between two timelines, how going back and forth is the key to my constant drawn to the book.

I love how real the feelings of Leeds is, how honest he is in his thoughts. Although he tries his best in saving the relationship, you can also feel how weary he is. As for Layla, you do not get her perspective but her reactions to Leeds. When another important character like Willow is introduced into the story, your curiosity as a reader will rub on, that wanting to know how things will end up.

I was quite anxious to complete the book and get to the ending and to my relief it was less than 300 pages long. This is definitely one of the shortest Colleen Hoover book I've read. I don't absolutely love it like some of the other titles but overall this was a good book. It highlights the changes of human when met with tragedy, it talks about love in a way that it recognizes familiarity and also being able to grow as well. The thing that I did not like about this book is that the setting is quite stuck but I understand it's because of the nature of the situation that Leeds, Layla and Willow is caught in.  Anymore comments will lead to spoilers. so just get ready for mystery, love and human principles that needs to be questioned. This is probably the first Colleen Hoover book that I won't re-read as knowing the ending gives away to all the mystery.

The Darkest Part of the Forest

In the woods is a glass coffin. 

It rests right on the ground, and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives...

Hazel and her brother, Ben, live in Fairfold, where humans and the Folk exist side by side. Tourists drive in to see the lush wonders of Faerie and, most wonderful of all, the horned boy. But visitors fail to see the danger.

Since they were children, Hazel and Ben have been telling each other stories about the boy in the glass coffin, that he is a prince and they are valiant knights, pretending their prince would be different from the other faeries, the ones who made cruel bargains, lurked in the shadows of trees, and doomed tourist. But as Hazel grows up, she puts aside those stories. Hazel knows the horned boy will never wake.

Until one day, he does....

As the world turns upside down, Hazel has to become the knight she once pretended to be. But as she's swept up in new love, with shifting loyalties and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough? - excerpt from book cover.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black is a standalone story for young adults in the paranormal/fantasy genre. At first the story starts off introducing a little bit here and there and then very quickly things starts to get all mysterious, I was easily hooked. I couldn't put down the book because the mysteriousness was capturing my attention. The plots was smooth with many twists and turns that were wonderfully exciting. I really really loved how the events unfold in the book.

The characters were interesting people, both main and supporting characters. Their reactions and interactions were quite entertaining. It was exciting to read about what they were doing presently and their pasts as well. I totally anticipated the romance that was happening in the book but even if it was predictable, it was satisfying.  I'm so impressed with the author's writing, she never disappoints me.  Her writing style for the book was good too being in the third person view. The book was not really long so it was a fast read for me.

Holly Black really writes well, I can't compare her books with each other as they have all impressed me and I'm really fond of her work. It is without a doubt that she continues to be one of my favourite authors. Her books are all unique and I could not think of any other books similar to hers currently. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoys stories about abnormal things happening that is shrouded with mysteries. This also will be an enjoyable book for readers who loves this author.  After reading this book, the story is not easily forgotten.

The Unbound

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to ger  her life back. But moving on isn't easy, not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real. When her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's truly safe.

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. Unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything: not only her role as Keeper, but her memories - and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?- Summary from book jacket

The Unbound by Victoria Schwab is the next book after the Archived. I was truly captivated by the book and I didn't want it to end at all. I would love to have this become a longer series because I wanted more of Mackenzie's school life and learn more about Wesley Ayers too. I think it would be exciting to know more about their relationship too. Alas, it had to end and I absolutely loved the ending.

This book is so so good with its plotting and I have to say that even though the start felt slow but it was important to have that pace as the mystery slowly builds up stronger. When the climax of the story comes you would be wowed big time, that's how I felt though. There are more characters introduced this time and I really loved everyone involved in the story. Every character was well written with their interactions with Mac that I so adore. The story flows really well because we have characters such as the ones written in the book. Mac and Wes really captured my attention and I wanted to read more about their progress in the story. Mac is such a strong person who did so well in her struggles.

The actions such as fighting scenes were really well done in the book. The entire concept of the book is so unique in the first place and I wanted to know more secrets. This book is such a page turner just like the first book and if I have to choose which was written better I wouldn't be able to as both books were good. In conclusion, this book was fantastic and I wanted more, the author continues to be my favourite without a doubt. If you love the first, you'll love this one as well. I highly recommend this book to people who love young adult fantasy, action, love and mystery all together, this is the book for you. I heard a rumor that there might be a third book, so fingers crossed.

The Archived

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was: a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, sje lies to the people she loves, and knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 

Being Keeper isn't just dangerous- it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now that her little brother is gone too, Mac start to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itsself may crumble and fall. - Summary from book jacket.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab is about a young girl who has a secret job passed down by her grandfather. This book is absolutely fantastic, I couldn't stop reading it at all. This book just grabs your attention and you're trapped having a thrill ride. The plot is so unique and special that it keeps you entertained from start to end. I really love the twist and turns of the book as I could not anticipate anything at all. I love the mystery surrounding the book and how the main character slowly uncovers more to the story.

The other thing to love about the book is the characters where the female character is  a strong person and how she deals with the problems are just so brave and smart. You would not only love the female character, you will fall in love with the male character. I wished there was more of him but it's much of a mystery for him. He is such my type of guy and reading about him just makes you fall for him because of his personality and his actions. The fighting and the action is very well written as writing about fighting scenes is never easy.

The whole world built for the story is also a job well done. It's easy to picture in your mind. The values that are highlighted in the book is also good and it's quite deep but I love it. This book would make very good movie material. I'm so so happy that there is a second book as I couldn't get enough of it. In conclusion, this is a book with a fantastic plot line, memorable characters, haunting world that is a page turner. You won't stop thinking about it if you didn't finish it one shot. When I put down the book, I wanted to dream about it and that's how much I love the story. I highly recommend this book because the author has already captured me with Vicious and this book just made her my favourite author. This is definitely a book worth reading again and again.

Black Heart

Cassel solved his brother's murder and at the same time manage to cut a deal for his other brother to join the government as an agent. Cassel himself will also be joining them when he finishes his high school. At the of book two, Lila has formally joined her father and made markings that shows she is part of the mob. Even though he has not join as an agent yet, once a week Cassel receive training from his brother. Today they are following Lila and she handed cash to another fellow.

Cassel and Barron followed that guy and waited at a diner across the street. Baron stepped out awhile to make a phone call and Cassel caught the guy in action killing someone. He decided to chase after him and ended up in an alley. Cassel confronted the guy and knocked the gun out of his hand but still lost him as the murderer jumped over the fence. When the feds came to where he was, he quickly hid the gun and details about Lila ordering the hit.

Another thing that troubles Cassel is that his mother was no where to be found since her act of con was exposed by the victim. She is now a wanted criminal by the feds. Lila called Cassel to meet with her and she drove him to her father's place. His mother has gotten herself in another pinch where years ago she tricked Lila's father and stole his gem. Now Cassel have to find the gem as the one his mother has is fake or else her life will be taken. Cassel is working against time to find the gem and also secretly as he can't let the feds know of his situation.

Black Heart by Holly Black is the final book to the curse workers trilogy. I really love the ending for this book and to the series. All the plots and twist in the book is just unexpected and wonderful. The main character is a indeed a smart guy pulling a con that you would have not thought of. The many turns of events in the book is truly exciting which grasp your attention well. Out of the trilogy this is my favorite book as there is more action and lots of emotions from the characters.The relationships for the characters in this book is well portrayed and it really makes you feel for them because of their situations that is so messed up. There is much character development for everyone in the book.

The writing is just as good as the other two books with smooth plots that slowly builds up tension for you and then the climax just gets you unexpectedly. Holly Black can really write a good fantasy that is not of the norm paired with  much human emotions and behaviors. I also love that she included an element that is not used much which is cons. This book is so well written that I believe there are no flaws and I wouldn't change anything at all. A fantastic trilogy to read and it definitely satisfies readers who love books on con and fantasy. I highly recommend the series as Holly Black's writing is quite enchanting and capturing.

Red Glove

Cassel's mother was released from jail in the previous book and then use her touch on Lila to make her love him. Cassel was devastated with it and so he avoided Lila the whole summer. He followed his mother to Atlantic City where he helped her run cons and they lived in a 5 star hotel without paying a cent. It was a crazy summer and his mother asked for one last scam before he returned to school. Cassel was to snatch her handbag in front of their target (loves to save damsels) will help his mother. While he did what his mother asked, he injured himself in the process but his mother was able to use her curse on the target.

Cassel's mother was really happy and she wanted to celebrate with the son until there was a ring at their hotel room. It was the target and he recognize Cassel very well and their scam failed. His mother was very upset on the drive back home where he complained about her and resulted in Cassel being slapped. Cassel was dropped off at school and the term was about to start.

Later, he was shocked that Lila enrolled into his school to be with him even though she was cursed. Lila told him that it was hard for her to stay away from him. Things were not going well for Cassel as he was whisked away on the first day by FBI agents to find out that his eldest brother Philip was murdered. The agents insisted that Cassel investigate and find the killer by threatening him. At his brother's funeral, Lila and her father attended where Lila's father tries to recruit him to help the mob. Cassel does not want to join either side and so he has to work out a way to save himself.

Red Glove by Holly Black is the second book to the curse worker trilogy and it continues after Cassel found out that he is a transformation worker which is one of the rarest. Though the ending of the first book seems quite conclusive but the second book was wonderfully written with a new adventure. The side characters for the first book gets more development in this book and I really enjoyed that. Of course, our main character is also growing up. I also love the relationships in the book which is quite realistic because of the situations faced and behaviors of the characters.

I love that this book's story challenges our main character and he reacts really well to it. The plots again are surprising, exciting and very smooth. This book really captured my attention from start till end. Every action and plan has a purpose which is fruitful to the plots. This author can write a story that pretty much has no flaws at all. The second book also contains con elements in it and much human behaviors along with morals. It's a book that is smart as the main character can really think well. If you love the first book, this book is just as good. It has a really good con and I believe it is a book worth reading. 

White Cat

Cassel's family are all curse workers and he is the only one who does not have the magic touch. Curse workers are considered criminals as with a touch to the victim they can change people's emotion, kill people, change people physical condition, alter memories and more which are deemed illegal. They only have one type of curse work which is discovered when curse workers accidentally work someone or something and that is already considered a crime.

Cassel is in a private boarding school where he tries to act as normal as possible but much people knows he is dangerous as his mother is in jail for her crime. He had a girlfriend and secretly running a bet system as the rich kids like to bet on silly things. One night he found himself on the roof of the dormitories as he was dreaming about chasing a white cat to get back his tongue. When he woke up he was falling off and managed to hold on and yelled for help.

After the incident, the school decided to send him home until he can proof his sleepwalking problem is safe. His eldest brother Philip came to pick him up and that night when he was staying over, he heard his brothers talking to their grandfather. As it seems everyone has been keeping a secret from him. Philip's wife also seemed odd saying that she hears music all the time and her face looks distress most of the time. Cassel figured that there is something going on as the details to the incident of him murdering his best friend Lila seems too vague to remember as well. Cassel has to unravel his past and memories to find out the truth.

White Cat by Holly Black is the first book to the curse workers trilogy and this book is quite unique. I absolutely enjoyed this book from the start till the end. The plots of the book is truly wonderful, it keeps your attention and then something surprises you. I have read a lot of books about magic but this book is unique and I'm intrigued that magic can be written this way. Besides magic involved in the book, there are con aspects too.

I love watching movies where people do con jobs whether big or small and this books incorporates con really really well. The author explains con really well and I appreciate the researched that was done for this topic. The characters of the book are also good because you get to know them and find out more about them in the plots that unfolds in the story. I love the main character Cassel as he seems like a complex guy but only wants simple things. He is one character that needs to find his memory and uncover the truth about himself. The character development is a job well done.

I really love the climax of the book because there's was much suspense and when it happened it really was surprising and satisfying. Reading this book gave me the feeling that I was watching a movie and I think it would be an interesting story to be made into a movie. I love that this book has moral values and also touches the dark side of people. I reccomend this books for readers who enjoy paranormal with much mystery and suspense included. I'm falling in love with this author's writing and I get to read the next book without waiting as the series is completed. I will definitely reread this book in the future.

Girl of Nightmares

Cassio has been having nightmares where he sees Anna being tortured in many ways. While he went on the job with Thomas and Carmel in a barn, Cas heard Anna's voice and hesitated to kill the ghost. Things got messy and Carmel almost got killed but in the end he managed to kill it. Cas cannot let go of Anna and he continues to think about her. He want to find ways to bring her back but Morfran warned him and Gideon told him it was not possible to do it. The nightmares keeps getting worse and last for a long time. Cas wanted to find out why it was like that and Morfran told him his athame was the connection that Anna has with him now.  Cas and Thomas found out that he could talk to Anna by opening a window and Thomas would be the witch that can help with the ritual.

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake is the second and last book in the series. The book was quite slow paced in the beginning and then it picks up late in the book. I was not impressed by this book and thought some mystery was just thrown into the book to make it slightly interesting. There wasn't enough action in the book. I was disappointed as there was not much character development on the main guy and only his friends had a bit too. The introduction to new the characters were just okay as there wasn't much background on them.

The first book was good and so I expected more on this book but sadly disappointed. I would have love to read more about Anna but she's just a side character. I rather she played a more prominent role. Overall the book ended well and besides the plot being slow it's still not bad of a second book to the series. It's seems like an epilogue for Anna dressed in blood that is quite long. It's definitely an interesting paranormal book as I have not read such a story before but the characters did not capture me much. I don't think I would be picking up both the books to reread as it's an okay book to me.