Name : Heroes R US / Herogiri
Series : Stand Alone
Paperback : 290 Pages
Published by Random House India
Language : English
Source : Gifted



First Sentence : Arnab Bannerjee wondered if Tolstoy would ever be found guilty of causing his death.

 I started reading this book without even bothering to read the blurb or reviews. Truthfully speaking I fully expected to not even get past reading 10 pages of this book. Earlier I have tried reading books by Indian author and DNF'ed those books by the time I have crossed 50 or so pages. So this is what I expected of this book too. So Wrong !

Arnab Bannerjee is an assistant Librarian in a Delhi college. His search for a missing book led him to a ongoing robbery in the campus Bank. His attempt at saving the book was misunderstood for him rebelling against the robbers and him getting beat up by them. Later after recovering from some minor injuries from the scuffle, one day Arnab stands up against a few eve-teasers and discovers he has some new powers. Still trying to figure out what is happening with him, he finds himself falling for a girl named Mishti, who is his boss's niece. And when Mishti escapes from the clutches of some fiends who tried to threaten her life, Arnab decides to take matter in his own hands. He follows up on those low-lives and with his new found powers defeats them and then makes his escape when he sees the police coming.

That was just the beginning. I don't wanna dish out the whole story in my enthusiasm. Arnab is the new Generation Superman. Who stands for and will fight for the people, and overthrow the justice system if it comes in the way. I liked the naivete and clumsiness of Arnab. Mishti although she was the love interest but not the center of the plot which was refreshing to say the least. But the most interesting character parallel to Arnab was Khan Chacha. He was a mentor, a friend, a guardian, and a father figure to Arnab. As far as the villain goes, there were more than one unlike other superhero stories.

To cut it short. The story is good and definitely worth a read. I was expecting more than a few laughs but fell just short of some giggles but that's ok. If someone is not into politics than they will be seriously disappointed because this one has a lot of politic issues. Other than that I will definitely recommend it.

My Rating : 3 out of 5 Stars.

Review: Rook

Rook by J.C.Andrijeski
Series: Allies War #1.
Paperback: 406 Pages.
Published by White Sun Press.
Language: English.
Source: Copy Provided by Author.

Blurb : Twenty eight year old San Francisco Native, Allie Taylor at least thought she was human. Against a gritty and original backdrop of a modern day Earth populated by a second race of beings, Allie finds out she's a member of an enslaved yet deeply powerful race, whose members believe her to be their most venerated leader, come to end the reign of humanity. With her guide, Revik, a mysterious and deadly seer who acts as her bodyguard and teacher, Allie will come to grips with who she really is, or end up a slave like the rest of her kind....or worse, betray the very people she always thought of as her own.

First Sentence - 
"PUT IT DOWN!" A VOICE YELLED. "ON THE GROUND! RIGHT NOW!" 

Naturally something that starts with something like this has gotta be intense right? It was. Very Intense. Unfortunately this book arrived two weeks before my exams were about to start so I just read a few pages. Big Mistake. Okay enough of my blabbering.
  
In the beginning we get introduced to the main character Allie. A little bit about herself and then enters the mysterious and enigmatic/ handsome/ droolworthy ..you get my point.....Revik. And then begins the journey of self discovery. Allie is slapped awake with a reality that she never would have wanted and would have dreaded before. 
"You are the Bridge," he said. "The Harbinger."
Then comes the denial. Off course. Like any sane person would Allie tries to deny that she has any powers or is from another race. It takes a lot of convincing and some car chases to make Allie think that Revik might be saying something that could be closer to truth. Also there's something very fishy about the looks that pass between Revik's friends and Revik. Like they are keeping some kind of deep secrets about Allie and Revik which Revik knows and Allie can't seem to quite figure it out. 

Characters : Personally I didn't much connect with Allie. Not because her character was naive or totally weak but because her logistics were not something I would have really cared about. Maybe some other time I would have loved her character but right now I didn't. Revik on the other hand was off course delish. His mysterious entry, his anti-social ways, his surprising flashes of past kept me curious and entertained all at the same time. Cass's character was a bit refreshing compared to the typical BFF characters I have read. I loved how supporting as well as a good friend she was to Allie. Jon. I would have liked to know more about him other than the fact that he was Allie's elder brother. Terian. Now he was a more mysterious than even Revik. He was a enigma. If that makes sense. Because I couldn't paint him in a black or white role. Maybe a grey character? Neither good nor bad. 

Plot : The world building though confusing at start gradually became more magnificent as the story progressed. The plot had lots of twists and surprises that caught me off guard and kept me on the edge of my seat. Though the the previously mentioned secret of Revik and Allie was a bit annoying because everyone could sense it other than Allie herself which is kind of irritating. And the obstacles between Revik and Allie weren't basically obstacles more like unwanted emotional junk which could have been dealt with if only Allie and Revik could have been more open to the idea of communicating with each other. Terian was a whole lot of box filled with surprises which kept the plotline interesting. 

Overall : I'd say this is a one time read book. Though the book didn't end on a cliff hanger, it was an engaging enough read that I'd sure like to read the next one in the series. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes twisty plots with a dash of spicy romance. 

 My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars.

Short Reviews

I have been having trouble reading these days could be the drastic pile of books that are sitting on my shelves all unread or it could be that every book I have picked up in the few months has turned out to be less than what I expected! Moreover because of work I didn't get any time to read. Or it could be the personal problems I have been facing this year that has led to me distancing myself from the only escape I loved - Books. 

 Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson #1) by Louise Rennison.

 The blurb seemed to be directing towards humor and a very good teen book. And having heard so much about the series my expectations from it were very high. The writing is good but I just couldn't connect with Georgia. Her inner monologue was just too annoying for me. Georgia's use of 'Matti and Vati' instead of 'Mom and Dad' was confusing. Being no expert at writing I wouldn't even think to comment on that. The only thing that got me reading the whole book was Robbie. I wanted to find out what happened between Georgia and him. Sadly there was very less of Robbie for me to read. I wouldn't even think of picking up the next book in near future. 

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse/ The Southern Vampire Mysteries #13) by Charlaine Harris.

Whew! Finally the series sees an end! Its been a long time coming. I mean not that I don't love this series but after the 12th book I just wanted to see it come to an end. I wanted to see finally who Sookie ended up with. No I am not gonna reveal who did. But I would have been happier to not read this installment at all because I knew what was gonna happen. The story was confusing and writing was completely rushed. I could feel that the author just wanted to end the series. Tie all the loose ends and blow all the rest to heaven. I am quiet disappointed that it all had to end in such a disastrous way. I wouldn't recommend reading this to even my enemy. 

Sadly this has not been a best year for me in books. Most of the books I have picked have been disastrous or just plain boring. Only a few books have been totally worth the reading time. Hopefully I get to read some good books before the year ends.

Review: Rouge by Isabella Modra.

       


"You have a fire inside of you."  


Hunter Harrison desperately hopes her guardian Joshua is joking when he confesses - very solemnly - that she is pyrokinetic. Hunter would normally laugh in his face, if it didn't explain all the spontaneous fires that happen only when she is nearby. Still, the logic is a little hard for a smart, socially isolated eighteen-year-old to comprehend. That is, until Joshua explains the truth behind her parent's death.

  Spun into a new life filled with cold truth, terrifying wonder and a mountain of responsibility, Hunter faces the flames dwelling inside her. But the fire is more deadly than Hunter can comprehend. It explodes when she is angry. It erupts when she is afraid. And, worst of all, it threatens the life of her boyfriend Eli, who is innocently unaware of her abilities.

  So how does an extraordinary teenager juggle dealing with superpowers between work, graduating and keeping her hormones in check?

Simple. By fighting fire with fire.  {Goodreads}

My Thoughts:  A few months ago I had Rouge as my WoW ! I was so excited when the lovely author of this book , Isabella provided me with an e-copy of Rouge for review. Unfortunately only just now I had the chance to read it. It took me almost a month to complete this book because I have been in a book reading slump. 

 Characters: Hunter, the main protagonist is kind of a weak character. I somehow couldn't connect with her. Yes, teenagers sometimes run away from their problems but not always. I like my heroines to be a bit more courageous , so Hunter felt a bit flat to me. Eli on the other hand was sweet and totally a guy I would fall for. Joshua's character was a complete surprise. I couldn't predict a pattern in his behavior and that's a strong point for me to keep reading the book.

Plot: Initially, I wasn't sure where the story was going. The beginning was all confusing and got dull but being a patient reader I held on to it and finally saw the plot turn a bit interesting. The plot in itself wasn't predictable but Hunter was. Every time something happened her answer was to cut and run. Which in my opinion isn't the best of traits for a heroine. The plot in itself was complete but something felt missing.

Writing: Now I am not a professional writer and make many a grammatical mistakes on a daily basis but here and there I found some errors and spelling mistakes which annoy me at my best. Other than that I would have loved to see some humorous situations in the book to lighten up the tense moods of the character now and then.

I am sure if there would be a sequel to this book I would be reading it just to see what happens next but I am hoping it would be far more better than this. 

My Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars. (It was Ok)

Review : Dragonfly (Dragonfly #1) by Leigh Talbert Moore.

Anna Sanders expected an anonymous (and uneventful) senior year until she crossed paths with rich-and-sexy Jack Kyser and his twin sister Lucy. Pulling Anna into their extravagant lifestyle on the Gulf Coast, Lucy pushed Anna outside her comfort zone, and Jack showed her feelings she’d never experienced... Until he mysteriously withdrew.

Anna turned to her internship at the city paper and to her old attraction for Julian, a handsome local artist and rising star, for distraction. But both led to her discovery of a 

decades-old secret closely guarded by the twins’ distant, single father. 

A secret that could permanently change all their lives. 

(Goodreads)

My Thoughts: 

I won this book in a giveaway and was gifted an e-copy of this book by the author. Never having read any books by Leigh I wasn't sure what to expect. Also I like to go into the book knowing nothing so that I am always surprised by the plot. So I hadn't read the summary or any of the reviews posted on the internet. 

  The start is a bit common where Anna is all depressed because of her best friend parting her and now she is all friendless and alone when two new faces enter, Jack and Lucy (Twin Brother and Sister). Anna is totally enamored by Jack from the moment she sees him. Then she hears some scandalous rumors about Lucy in from her classmate and kind of a friend Rachel, when Lucy decides to invite Anna at her home. Enter Julian. Long-time crushed on from afar, 
incorrigible flirt, and local artist. 
  
 So before I go ahead and spoil the book I'd like to stop! So basically the start was slow but the book progresses from there. I would have quit the book if I hadn't been intrigued by Julian. Anna is totally like any other teenager. Confused. I would be too if I had to decide between two swoon worthy boys. The plot revolves mostly around Anna, Jack, Lucy & Julian. And their parents. The mystery is what kept me reading. Although by the time I reached halfway through the book I guessed what the big secret is I still wanted to find out the reactions of the characters. 

  Anna was a bit annoying at times. I wanted to shake her hard and put some sense into her. I know people make mistakes but then learn from them too which Anna refused to do. I hate heroines who like lack self-respect and throw themselves on somebody they love. I hated Jack because of his hot and cold nature. Though he had his reasons for doing that. Lucy on the other hand was a likable character. I could see Anna and her friendship growing during the book. Although her attempt at attention was a bit too dramatic for my tastes. Julian was my favorite character in the whole book. He was by Anna's side whenever she needed him and was totally supportive. I know its very rude but he was the sole reason I read book one and will be reading book 2 because I am curious about what happens next with him!  

   I have to say, Leigh definitely knows how to keep the readers on the edge of the seat right until the end. And even then making the readers beg for more. Since book one ends on a slight cliff hanger I am thankful that I have book 2 (Undertow) as well. Thanks Leigh for giving a copy of this book to me !!

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars. ( I Liked it.)

Review: Diamond Sky (Love Lines #3) by Diana Nixon.

Summary: A new page of the Love Lines story that will reveal new secrets and mysteries buried in the walls of Dever. Eileen, Christian & Evan need to find an old spell to protect themselves and those they love from being killed. There is only one problem - no knows where the spell is hidden...

A mysterious student comes to Dever. A boy whose eyes are always watching. Who is he? What secrets are hidden behind his smiles? Is he a friend or an enemy?

When you think you are so close to getting what you want, think twice about your every step. Because what you think is the right thing to do may take away your life... 

  - Goodreads.

My Thoughts: 

  I read 'Songs of the Wind' Book 2 of Love Lines series just few weeks ago so everything was fresh in my mind from the previous book. It is impossible to say anything that won't give away the content of the story because almost everything is connected in some way or another. Basically this book tells of another quest of Eileen, Christian and Evan just like in the previous books. But unlike the previous two books this one had a lot going on. It would have been easy to get confused if had it not been written the way it was. 
 A new interesting character is introduced in this book. He is what we call the suspicious element of a book. To mix and shake things up a little bit. To add a little spice to the up and coming troubles. I actually liked him. Eileen the main protagonist sure knows how to handle the boys in her life so it was interesting to see her weave her way through Christian, Evan and Will. I have liked Amanda (Eileen's BFF) from the beginning and it still hasn't changed. Evan. He's a compliment unto himself. The bond him and Eileen share is the best. 

 This book is filled with everything a good book should have: Action, Drama, Romance, Humor, Tragedy(yes there is some here) and Hope. Hope that everything will turn out all right in the end. Hope that there will still be a tomorrow to love and cherish. Hope that tears will be a memory and happiness present reality! 

My Rating : 3 Out of 5 Stars. (I Liked it.)

* I received e-arc of this book in exchange of an honest review

Review of The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Macy is that girl. The girl who saw her father die. Everyone she knows looks at her sympathetically. But Macy doesn't care about that. She just wants to stay in control and be perfect. She is doing just that after a year and half of her father's death when she runs into the Wish Caterers. They are the complete opposite of her life. Where everything in Macy's life is perfect theirs is filled with chaos. After a suggestion of a break time from her boyfriend Jason, Macy has had enough of her boring life. Trying to be perfect for her mother, sister and her boyfriend. On a whim she joins the Wish caterers and finally believes she has finally found a place where she can be herself and also fit in. Her new friends also include Wes. Who builds art sculptures out of junk when he is not catering. Macy finds herself connecting with him. But what happens when her on break boyfriend returns from camp at the end of summer? The story as well as the characters are amazing. As the story progresses you can see the characters grow and come out of their shell. Macy and Wes are both written as fabulously as they could have been. Overall I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves YA Contemporary, cause this is one of the best contemporary books I've ever read.