(re)Review: Torment by Lauren Kate

Torment by Lauren Kate

Release Date: September 28, 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Series: Fallen, Book 2
Rated: YA 14+
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Read my (re)review of Fallen HERE.

How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for?

In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean – and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future . . . and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened . . . what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

I'm rereading the Fallen series because of a blog tour that I'm a part of coming up in November for the release of Unforgiven in paperback. I'm glad that I reread Torment, because I clearly didn't understand much of it reading the book the first time round. It might be me getting older and actually comprehending stuff, but yeah–I wasn't left perplexed by the end as I was four or five years ago. Also, that's also probably the reason why the third book Passion didn't make too much sense. Now I get to go into that with a clearer understanding!

Oh geez, Luce's character tormented (get it?!) me throughout this book. I wanted her to be a stronger heroine compared to the last book; a girl with a little more backbone. I got my wish (somewhat), but ugh, it seems like that confidence made her even MORE unlikeable. Why do you have to be so stupid? I mean it absolutely drives me nuts, the way this girl thinks: Daniel AND Cam told me not to leave campus for some reason, and they keep on talking about my "protection"...meh, imma roll out. What could possibly happen? I mean, the last time I left some chick tried to kill me, but that was just a coincidence, right? RIGHT? 

Oh god, the idiocy of this child.

Again, like the last book, the other characters were amazing compared to Luce. I loved Shelby–she was the quirky, outspoken one taking over Arriane's place...kind of–and Miles. I was reading my first review for Torment (only some slight cringes along the way...maybe I'd started to write better reviews? Who knows), and apparently I hated him. Well, damn, I'm doing a complete 180˚ because I LOVED him this time round. I don't know why, but I think the pretty sickening lovey-dovey way that Daniel gives up everything for Luce (ugh, somebody also needs a stronger backbone!) and his over-obsession with her–which is, okay, kinda understandable because of the whole in-love-with-her-for-several-centuries thing–slightly changed my view on him. For now I'm leaning more towards Team Miles, although I'm sure it'll never happen. Miles is sweet and I seriously don't know why I hated him so much to begin with–probably my obsession with Daniel–but, I'm hoping to read more about him in the coming books. I even liked Cam a lot more in this book! I love the truce that the angels and demons made, because I enjoy it when opposite teams join forces. I can't remember much of what happens in the next book, but I'm hoping this sort of collaboration continues. 

With the main character slightly more annoying than the first book, I would recommend Torment for the plot and other characters. I'm enjoying rereading the series so far, and this one–on top of having probably the most gorgeous cover–shows that the stakes are higher and nothing is as it seems. I'm looking forward to digging into Passion next, and then finally getting to Rapture to see how it all ends.

If you like this, try...

• Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick ● Goodreads
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl ● Goodreads

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The Memory Thief by Bryce Moore

The Memory Thief by Bryce Moore

Release Date: September 20, 2016
Publisher: Adaptive Books
Rated: MG 12+
Format: ARC
Source: Sunshine Sachs
Buy: B&N
Goodreads ● Website

After witnessing another one of their parents’ public fights, twin brother and sister Benji and Kelly wander off at the local county fair.  Benji runs into a group of bullies and escapes into a tent called The Memory Emporium, where he meets a strange old man inside named Louis.  The old man shows him a magically vivid memory of a fighter pilot, in the hopes of getting Benji to pay to see other memories Louis has collected from people over the years.

Benji quickly realizes the ability to take memories could help his parents stop fighting with each other, and he asks Louis to teach him how to become a Memory Thief.  But Louis isn’t the only person with the ability to show and manipulate memories.  There’s also the mysterious Genevieve, a Memory Thief with much more nefarious motives.

Benji learns how to manipulate memories himself, but having that power comes at a cost to his family, and possible to his own mind as well.  Genevieve’s powers get out of control as she steals more and more memories from people in town – including Benji’s sister, Kelly.  Benji must learn to use this newfound power, as he is the only one able to stop Genevieve.

It's been a while since I've dived into a middle-grade book with fantasy elements, but wow, this one was fantastic! I had a ton of fun reading The Memory Thief. Not only did it remind me of my middle school reading days, but it also was so captivating that I read it in one or two sittings. I'm so glad I got the chance to read and review this one, and I'm hoping there's going to be more.

Benji was such a great character, and I loved how with taking memories from other people, his personality changed as well. The writing seamlessly adapted his character to fit the situation, and it felt like a natural progression. Kelly was a fantastic character as well–I really enjoyed the sibling (or rather twin) connection Benji and Kelly had with one another. Louis was just this eccentric old man who I couldn't help but enjoy, and Genevieve was this intriguing antagonist, who I will admit, while evil, sounded awesome as a baddie. The only thing is that I wish we had learned more about Genevieve. This book was kind of short, and I wish we'd explored more into her motives as a "villain" in this story. I mean, you do get some sort of explanation and exploration of her life at the end, but I felt like that could have been examined more. 

I enjoyed the novel's concept. The idea of memories and being able to see other people's memories and taking them, borrowing them, etc., is something I actually haven't come across in middle grade or young adult literary fiction until now. The closest, I think, would actually be Roald Dahl's The BFG, where dreams do play a large role...but they aren't the focus of the story. Anyway, obviously memories play a large role in this story and 

A fun adventure that readers of all ages will enjoy, The Memory Thief was an action-packed story about a boy trying to save his family and the rest of his town, whilst trying to adjust to his newfound skills in memory navigating. While this worked well as a standalone I'm secretly (well, not so secretly now!) hoping that there will be a sequel, or even a series. Don't miss out on this one!

▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Hayley at Sunshine Sachs for sending me a copy for review! ▪ ▪ ▪

If you like this, try...

• Trollhunters by Guillermo del Toro & Daniel Kraus ● Goodreads
• The BFG by Roald Dahl ● Goodreads

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(re)Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Release Date: December 8, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Series: Fallen, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in Savannah. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

I'm rereading this series because I'm going to part of the upcoming blog tour for the release of the paperback of the fifth book in the series, Unforgiven. It's been such a long time since I've read these books! I didn't even actually finish the series–I have yet to read the fourth book, so this reread will give me the chance to do so. I was a little afraid of going into this one, because while I did absolutely love this book when I first went into it way back in 2010 (and wrote a review that I couldn't finish reading because I was too busy cringing), my attitude towards books in general has changed, and I felt like I would be annoyed at parts of it. I'm glad that I still liked this book for the most part, even if I found parts that I didn't, and I'm excited to be rereading and continuing on with this series.

I can't remember how I felt about Luce the first time round, but ugh–I didn't like her! She's the only problem I had with the book. Seriously wayyyy too obsessive over Daniel. He flips her off, she wants him more. She's told to stay away from him, she just CAN'T. She stalks him, tries to find out more about him... it was just way too much. I mean, sure around the time this book was published, a lot of the young adult paranormal or supernatural novel's heroines were like this. Drawn to the mysterious boy, wondering why he's so different, basically trying to grasp onto any connection they have. 2010 me definitely would have appreciated it, but I just about tolerated it. I mean, there was a character–who shall remain nameless to avoid spoilers–who said it best:

❝You're the human equivalent of a migraine.❞

–p. 415, paperback

The other characters though? Loved them. Well, maybe with the slight exception of Penn. That chick was wayyy too clingy. Maybe that's why she and Luce are friends? Makes sense anyway. But yeah, Arriane was a total badass, and I liked that she was quirky and different. I even loved Gabbe, because she's got that sweet, protective vibe to her. Cam was super interesting, because he's the typical bad boy, and definitely has some swoon to him. Daniel–oh, Daniel–was one of my first book crushes, and yup, distance (and a whole load of time) DOES make the heart grow fonder.

While my hatred for Luce tarnished my reading experience this time round, I'm excited to be diving back into this world. It's been a while since I've read a good ol' supernatural book with the classic tropes that made the young adult market boom. Dark and compelling, with a delicious gothic touch, Fallen reminded me of my love for (not only Daniel Grigori, but also) eternal love stories and paranormal fiction.

If you like this, try...

• Evernight by Claudia Gray ● Goodreads
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ● Goodreads

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Waiting on Wednesday – Week 181

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming releases that I'm DYING to get my hands on!

This week's WoW is:

Kiss Cam by Kiara London

Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny have been friends forever and co-own a vlog channel called WereVloggingHere. Their fans are huge "shippers" who believe that Juniper and Jasper are perfect for each other, and, despite warnings from friends and family, a simple Truth-or-Dare inspired kiss soon spirals out of control into a whole new world of making out and surprise kisses.

Juniper and Jasper's relationship begins to shift. But as fan requests for different "Kiss Cam" segments keep pouring in, Juniper puts her worries aside and convinces herself that it doesn't mean anything. After all, it's just kissing… right?

October 18, 2016 ● Goodreads

I only heard about this one recently, and that cover just GRABBED my attention. Not to mention the title too! It sounds really unique and relevant to today's internet culture, and vlogging and trends sound right up my alley. Can't wait for this one!

What are you waiting on?