Book Review : The Other Side Of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon

Book Review : The Other Side Of Midnight
by Sidney Sheldon

Plot:

Novel by one of World’s favorite storyteller, Sidney Sheldon. This epic tale is a story of two women born far away from each other but linked closely by fate. One of them being the most beautiful powerful and wild Noelle Page and the other being the smart brainy and unaware of the mysteries that beauty and sexuality beholds, Catherine Alexander.

Noelle has a tough start to life as she struggles to become something she thinks she is. On the way road to success, moving past/with different men she finds the one who’s ‘the one’ the American RAF pilot Lawrence "Larry" Douglas.

She has a nice warm affair with him but soon he leaves her, alone and pregnant, dressed up for wedding.

She then swears on her life to take everything away from Larry which would quench the thirst of her rage starting from his unborn child.

Larry meets Catherine and gets married to her soon after. This is when Noelle meets the Powerful Constantin Demiris (Costa) and finds her way to go to the extreme limit and destroy everything. Everything. Including herself.

Review:

“If you don't know why, I could never explain it to you.”

Written by the pen of Sheldon, this one beholds a tale of deception and rage which eventually results in doom. One of the great thing about this book is the drama and theme of it. The strong storyline and bewitching characters may be a part of fiction but never once you feel them far from reality or you don’t want them to be.

The character of Noelle Page is the protagonist. She has a different nature, the one you would want to know more about. Sidney creates an aura of mystery around her and even when she does evil you can not disagree to her moves keeping in mind all that she had to bear. the rise and fall in her career is a mirror to a struggler’s life.

The story is different. Theme is fantastic and to sum it up this book is a must read.

“To be successfull you need friends and to be very successfull you need enemies.” 

I would give this one of my two introductory books of Sidney Sheldon (the other being ‘Stars shine down)

a whole-hearted:

****1/2

Reviewed by Adina Farid

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Book Review : The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris

Book Review : The Silence Of The Lambs 

by Thomas Harris

Plot:

Clarice Starling, the young and smart FBI trainee is called up to present a psychological research related questionnaire to the brilliant psychiatrist as well as a cannibalistic murderer Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

The real intention being assistance in the most recent killer hunt who has tried to escape every FBI trap and is continuously murdering girls to make a hide out of their skin. Buffalo Bill is a complete anonymous as he leaves no sign of evidence after getting complete with his victims and disposing them in river.

However Jack Crawford, Clarice’s boss knows it well that Hannibal Lecter knows more than much about the out and about of Buffalo Bill and uses the smart mouth trainee Clarice who soon becomes an integral part of this case to trick Lecter into uttering out truth.

The book is more surprising and full of 440 volts shock waves and unravels like a flower in our minds. It is raw but interesting just like moths.

Review:

“Over this odd world, this half the world that's dark now, I have to hunt a thing that lives on tears.” 

There is no doubt in this novel being one of the most greatest horror thriller ever written.
The theme of this novel is one of the most unusual kind but never fails the reality. The drama and mystery that it creates is like a thick fog which almost leaves you paralysed to go back to the real world until you’ve read the very end.
It would be an understatement to say that this book leaves an impact on mind because it certainly becomes the favorite of every thriller you ever read.

“Problem-solving is hunting; it is savage pleasure and we are born to it.” 

This book is a deep study of human psychology which insists that we work hard and wish to go to any level to solve a query which refers to the ghosts of our past and a solution to which will result in the Silence of the screams that we hear everyday in our mind.

“The intimacy of the detail - why The Silence of the Lambs is quite possibly the Thriller Writer's bible.” 

This book is pure addiction, silenced my lambs!

So I’d be too mean to rate it any less.

*****

Reviewed by Adina Farid

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Book Review : The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Book Review : The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

“Everyone loves a conspiracy.” 

Book Synopsis: 

An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last. While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter. Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Book Review :

“History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books-books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. As Napoleon once said, 'What is history, but a fable agreed upon?” 

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a fast paced thriller where the main characters have to decipher clues in artwork, architecture and riddles to get to the bottom of a murder and save themselves. This is the first book I ever read by Dan Brown and I was completely speechless. It is book is so engaging that I was not able to put it down. Dan Brown is the master of mystery and fictional history likewise. He fabricates the story with such intricate and minute details and suspense that a reader cannot even guess what is going to happen on the next page. If you are looking for a book full of historical and mysterious intrigue, this book is for you. And mind you! It is is a long book. 

From the instant the book starts, Dan Brown immediately grabs the reader’s attention, grabbing them by the throat and making them read on right until the end! I like conspiracy theories, so the whole basis of the book was interesting.

Obviously most of what is in the book is fiction, but Brown's story telling makes you think it's real. 

I thought his use of real places, people and events in what is a fictional story was very clever.

 “Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire.” 

   If you're into mystery/suspense genre, history or secret societies, I recommend this.

I’ll give it:

****1/2

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer

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Book Review : Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Book Review : Dear John by Nicholas Sparks 

-“I fell in love with her when we were together, then fell deeper in love with her in the years we were apart.”

Book Synopsis:

Our hero John grew up with a silent, meticulously organized father that he didn't understand. In his teens he began to rebel, hanging out, playing pool and drinking. This continues for a number of years with John working menial jobs, getting several tattoos and going nowhere fast. Eventually John decides it’s time to grow up and he joins the army. In fact it's during 2 weeks leave that he first meets Savannah, diving into the ocean to rescue her sinking purse. Savannah is your stereotypical good-girl; raised in a stable family she's kind, pretty and hopes to save the world. It's also love at first sight for our couple despite the warnings from her tattoo phobic college friends. Together the pair plans a future together, counting down the days until John's discharge as Savannah helps him understand his father and he in turn feels contentment for the first time in his life.

On Sept 11 everything changes as John in a moment of patriotic loyalty chooses to re-up in the army, putting a hold on their marriage plans while he enters the war in Iraq. The two try to maintain a long distance relationship but the war changes John and the years apart put a strain on their deep love. When John's father grows ill he returns home but will he be too late to save both his relationship with his father and the love of his life?

Review:

You can always tell you're reading a great book when you find yourself skipping ahead into the final chapters to see how things will be resolved, even though you've vowed you wouldn't. Love doesn't always have a happy ending (especially when it comes to a Nicholas Sparks novel) and this is a wonderful yet quick tear-jerking romance.

 I fell in love with John's character and surprisingly his father too. Each is well written and they felt like real people. I also enjoyed reading about John's military career and the reasons that take men into a war. Savannah as the heroine was a little too perfect for me but their heartbreaking love story and the regret that they both share will keep you up into the wee hours, and leave you wondering about John long after you've finished reading its bittersweet ending.

Some Great Quotes from the Book:

-“Passion is passion. It's the excitement between the tedious spaces, and it doesn't matter where it's directed...It can be coins or sports or politics or horses or music or faith...the saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't care deeply about anything at all.” 

- “I finally understood what true love meant...love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.” 


-“The saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there's nothing to make it last.

This heart-wrenching book is one of my favorites from Sparks, 
I’ll rate it with:
****

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer 

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Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead 

“You're my flame in the dark. We chase away the shadows around each other.”

Book Synopsis:

 In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do.

Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch—a former Alchemist who the organization denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus’s help, Sydney realizes that the group she’s been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her growing magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her special blood—or else she might be next.

Forging her own ways is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain—and following her heart—she’ll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

 Book Review:

I think I’m one of the few out there, who’s loved Sydney from the beginning. I love her analytical and sharp mind. I found her social awkwardness endearing and hilarious, but in The Indigo Spell, Sydney comes into her own! She’s had a lot of changes and upheavals in her thinking, and I think she’s grown so much from the Sydney we met in the Vampire Academy series. Even though, I’ve always loved Adrian from the beginning, I never thought of him as viable boyfriend material. He was charismatic, but all over the place. In the Bloodlines series he’s grown so much, no longer is he the spoiled and pampered playboy. Not that he’s lost his mischievous edge, he just thinks of more than himself now. First and foremost, he thinks of Sydney: 

•“Well, you can think what you want, so long as you remember—no matter how ordinary things seem between us—I’m still here, still in love with you, and care about you more than any other guy, evil or otherwise, ever will.” 

 •“No one’s going to throw you around and get away with it,” said Adrian.

“What happened with us has nothing to do with you,” retorted Marcus. 

“Everything about her has to do with me.”—Adrian 

He was so sweet and protective over Sydney, I had a big smile on my face, and I was basically doing a happy dance throughout the book!

I’ll rate this one with:

****

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer 

Bloodlines : http://reviewsentertainment.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-bloodlines-by-rachelle-mead.html

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) : http://reviewsentertainment.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-golden-lily-by-richelle-mead.html

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Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Summary:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Review:

In this installment, we pick up right where we left off in Bloodlines. The group is minus the traitorous Keith, with Sydney making points for handling the situation so well. Dimitri and Sonya have arrived to study spirit with Adrian. Both the vampire community and the Alchemists want to find out why, once a Strigoi is changed back into their original state, they will never be able to be turned back to Strigoi again. Sydney, Jill, and Eddie continue to attend Amberwood Prep as siblings but they have a new addition to assist in the protection of Jill: Angeline, the dhampir from the Keepers, a separatist group of Moroi, dhampir, and humans who don't care for the rules of the Moroi court. Angeline is a fun addition to their group, and I like how she mixes things up for Jill and Eddie! 

Richelle Mead really shines in character development, and this is my favorite part of this story. Sydney had come a long way since we first met her in VA. Her prejudices are slowly breaking down. She is finally seeing the Moroi, and dhampirs as people, not as evil, unnatural creatures. My favorite part of her growth, though, is that in relation to Adrian. To see them grow close, and lean on each other was a real pleasure. There are many moments of swoon and hilarity. Adrian is his usual wise-cracking self, and then Sydney can just be so clueless with social situations, you can't help but laugh. The best part with them is seeing how much they genuinely care for one another. I've always had a soft-spot for Adrian. In VA, he helped Rose so much without questions or strings attached (well, maybe a little bit of string!). But I always thought he went above and beyond for her, as well as Jill. He's even more of a sweetheart in this book. There were times I would be sighing, oh Adrian! I don't want to give anything away, but fans of "Sydrian" will not be disappointed.

"You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth. And you don't even know it." 

And I have to give you this one too:

"Sage," he said. "What are you wearing?"

I sighed and stared down at the dress. 

"I know. It's red. Don't start. I'm tired of hearing about it."

"Funny," he said. 

"I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it." 

This one was my personal favorite or maybe I am biased because of Adrian,

 I’d give it:

****

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer

Sequel to Bloodlines :http://reviewsentertainment.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-bloodlines-by-rachelle-mead.html

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Book Review: Bloodlines by Rachelle Mead

Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Summary :

Sydney’s blood is special. That’s because she’s an alchemist –one of the group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets – and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with the allegiances in question, her future is on line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir – the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir – is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill’s guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk outside – and within – the school grounding. Now that they are in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Review:

Bloodlines is a spin off from the Vampire Academy Series. As such some of VA’s secondary characters come back and take centre stage action here. This is also an entirely new plot line and not a continuation of the original story. Certainly a few key plot elements from the VA series are mentioned throughout the book and are of importance, but the book can be read irrespective of having followed Vampire Academy or not.

It is written in what has now become typical Richelle Mead style, i.e. intrigue intermingled with humour and romance. It is also designated for young adult readers, yet it is not restricted to just them. It does make an interesting and easy to follow plot line that can amuse and entertain whoever decides to pick it up.

I have to admit I was a little scared of this one. I really liked Vampire Academy and I didn't know if Mead could pull off a spin off, but let me reassure anybody who has doubts this book is awesome! This book is told from Sydney’s point of view. For those who don't remember she was the alchemist who helped Rose escape from prison. I liked Sydney in VA series but she always seemed a little cold. Well in this new series we get to find out why and I have to say that if I grew up like she did I would be pretty cold too. I really liked her voice and I will even go as far as saying that I liked her better than Rose. Sydney has her flaws of course but she is such a strong character that those are easy to overlook. The whole Alchemist world interests me and I think there will be some strong story lines to come. We also get to see several characters from VA and among them of course is Adrian. I will state for the record that I was Team Dimitri all the way but oh I have completely fallen for Adrian now. 

Vampire Academy fans will embrace the new story & new readers will become absorbed by Moroi and Strigoi culture, by the Alchemists’ sometimes medieval beliefs and by the simple thing that’s called life and it comes to challenge the much likeable characters.

 Bloodlines does not disappoint.It intrigues and excites and it does entertain. 

I’ll rate it with:

****

Vampire Academy : http://reviewsentertainment.blogspot.com/2013/12/vampire-academy-by-richelle-mead-plot.html

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer 

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Book Review : The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Book Review : The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

“Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness.”

Plot:

Narrated by Death, The Book Thief is the story of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old German girl who given up by her mother to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann in the small town of Molching in 1939, shortly before World War II. On their way to Molching, Liesel's younger brother Werner dies, and she is traumatized, experiencing nightmares about him for months. Hans is a gentle man who brings her comfort and helps her learn to read, starting with a book Liesel took from the cemetery where her brother was buried.

Liesel befriends a neighborhood boy, Rudy Steiner, who falls in love with her. At a book burning, Liesel realizes that her father was persecuted for being a Communist, and that her mother was likely killed by the Nazis for the same crime. She is seen stealing a book from the burning by the mayor's wife Ilsa Hermann, who later invites Liesel to read in her library.

Keeping a promise he made to the man who saved his life, Hans agrees to hide a Jew named Max Vandenberg in his basement. Liesel and Max become close friends, and Max writes Liesel two stories about their friendship, both of which are reproduced in the novel. When Hans publicly gives bread to an old Jew being sent to a concentration camp, Max must leave, and Hans is drafted into the military at a time when air raids over major German cities were escalating in terms of frequency and fatality. Liesel next sees Max being marched towards the concentration camp at Dachau.

 Liesel loses hope and begins to disdain the written word, having learnt that Hitler's propaganda is to blame for the war and the Holocaust and the death of her biological family, but Ilsa encourages her to write. Liesel writes the story of her life in the Hubermanns' basement, where she miraculously survives an air raid that kills Hans, Rosa, Rudy, and everyone else on her block. Liesel survives the war, as does Max. She goes on to live a long life and dies at an old age.

Review:

Disclaimer: 

If you want a fast read, this book is not for you. If you only like happy endings this book is not for you. If you don't like experimental fiction, this book is not for you. 

If you love to read and if you love to care about the characters you read about and if you love to eat words like they're ice cream and if you love to have your heart broken and mended on the same page, this book is for you. 

“When death captures me,” the boy vowed, “he will feel my  fist on his face.”

Personally, I quite like that. Such stupid  gallantry.

Yes.

I like that a lot.

Death himself narrates the story about a little girl named Liesel growing up with her foster parents in Nazi Germany. At the beginning, I felt somewhat intimidated by the idea of Death as a narrator. I assumed that his voice would be dark and thunderous, but for the most part, he was a ray of light illuminating earth’s saddest time. Incredibly insightful observations and occasional dry humor are only some of the things no one but Death could have brought into this story. Besides, we hear people calling God’s name every day for many reasons, but when Death calls to Him in despair and even those calls fall on deaf ears, no one can fail to understand the gravity of the situation.

I do not carry a sickle or a scythe.

I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold.

And I don’t have those skull-like 

facial features you seem to enjoy

pinning on me from a distance. You 

want to know what I truly look like?

I’ll help you out. Find yourself a mirror while I continue.

The Book Thief is not one of those books you read compulsively, desperate to find out what’s on the next page. No. It is, in fact, better to read it slowly, in small doses, in a way that allows you to savor every word and absorb the power and the magic it contains. All the while, you know what’s going to happen. Death has no patience for mysteries. However, anticipation of the inevitable makes it even worse. My whole body was tingling with fear because I knew what was coming and I knew that it was only a matter of time.

Zusak found a way to give a fresh approach to a much-told story. He offered a glimpse at the other side of the coin. Really, should we feel sorry for the people hiding in a basement in Munich suburbs? Sure, bombs are falling on their heads, but most of them are members of the Nazi Party, willingly or reluctantly. Some of them truly think that Jews are no better than rats. Some, on the other hand, are hiding a Jew in their own basement. Some are just innocent children. But the more important question is, are we any better at all if we don’t feel compassion and sorrow? Death does a great job of asking all these questions in a calm, unobtrusive way.

Some Quotes From the Book:

•“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.”

•“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”

•“Somewhere, far down, there was an itch in his heart, but he made it a point not to scratch it. He was afraid of what might come leaking out.”

•“I guess humans like to watch a little destruction. Sand castles, houses of cards, that's where they begin. Their great skills is their capacity to escalate.”

•“There was once a strange, small man. He decided three important details about his life: 

1. He would part his hair from the opposite side to everyone else. 

2. He would make himself a small, strange mustache. 

3. He would one day rule the world. 

...Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words.”

I’d rate this different yet powerful novel with:

****

Reviewed by Fouzia Umer 

Book Review : Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L.James

Book Review : Fifty Shades Of Grey 

by E.L.James

Plot:

Written By E.L James this erotic fiction was firstly based on the story of Twilight, using the same details. But after immense popularity of this genre writer wrote the whole trilogy & is one of the best seller these days.

Well, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be! Fifty shades of Grey is a true fantasy world. A treasure to woman fiction as well a guide to BDSM.

This kinky version of Twilight has touched the epitome of success in no time.

The Story takes start in Portland where Anastasia Rose Steele is going to interview one of the most handsome, rich & powerful businessman of America because her roommate & editor of student paper Katherine Kate Kavanagh is sick.

She has no idea about Christian Grey’s background even about his age & looks. Just there to oblige to her dear friend’s request when she enters clumsily into Mr. Grey’s office and finds a Greek God-like ridiculously handsome man sitting behind desk. Ana hyperventilates! 

As a result she stumbles through the interview and leaves Christian's office believing that it went badly. Ana tries to console herself with the thought that the two of them will probably not meet each other again. However she is surprised when Christian appears at Clayton's, the largest independent hardware store in the Portland area, where she works. While he purchases various items including cable ties, masking tape and rope, Ana informs Christian that Kate would like some photographs to go along with her article about him. Christian leaves Ana with his phone number. Later that day, Kate urges Ana to call Christian and arrange a photo shoot with their photographer friend José Rodriguez.

The next day José, Kate, and Ana arrive for the photo shoot at the hotel where Christian is staying and Christian asks Ana out for coffee. The two talk over coffee and Christian asks Ana if she's dating anyone, specifically José. When Ana replies that she isn't dating anyone, Christian begins to ask her about her family. During the conversation Ana learns that Christian is also single, but is not "a hearts and flowers kind of guy". This intrigues Ana, especially after he pulls her out of the path of an oncoming cyclist. However, Ana believes that she is not attractive enough for Christian, much to the chagrin of Kate.

After finishing her exams Ana receives a package from Christian containing first edition copies of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, which stuns her. Later that night Ana goes out drinking with her friends and ends up drunk dialing Christian, who informs her that he will be coming to pick her up because of her inebriated state. Ana goes outside to get some fresh air, and José attempts to kiss her but is stopped by Christian's arrival. Ana leaves with Christian, but not before she discovers that Kate has been flirting with Christian's brother, Elliott. Later Ana wakes to find herself in Christian's hotel room, where he scolds her for not taking proper care of herself. Christian then reveals that he would like to have sex with her. He initially says that Ana will first have to fill out paperwork, but later goes back on this statement after making out with her in the elevator.

Ana goes on a date with Christian where he takes her in his helicopter to his apartment. Once there, Christian insists that she sign a non-disclosure agreement forbidding her to discuss anything that they do together, which Ana agrees to sign. He also mentions other paperwork, but first takes her to his playroom full of BDSM toys and gear. There Christian informs her that the second contract will be one of dominance and submission and that there will be no romantic relationship, only a sexual one. The contract even forbids Ana from touching Christian or making eye contact with him. At this point, Christian realises that Ana is a virgin and agrees to take her virginity without making her sign the contract. The two then have sex.

The following morning Ana and Christian once again have sex, and his mother, who arrives moments after their sexual encounter, is surprised by the meeting, having previously thought Christian was homosexual because she had never seen him with a woman. Christian later takes Ana out to eat, and he reveals to her that he lost his virginity at fifteen to one of his mother's friends and that his previous dominant/submissive relationships failed due to incompatibility. They plan to meet up again and Christian takes Ana home, where she discovers several job offers and admits to Kate that she and Christian have had sex.

Over the next few days Ana receives several packages from Christian. These include a laptop to enable her to perform research on the BDSM lifestyle in consideration of the contract as well as for the two of them to communicate, since she has never previously owned a computer, and a more detailed version of the dominant/submissive contract. She and Christian email each other, with Ana teasing him and refusing to honor parts of the contract, such as only eating foods from a specific list. Ana later meets up with Christian to discuss the contract, only to grow overwhelmed by the potential BDSM arrangement and the potential of having a sexual relationship with Christian that is not romantic in nature. Because of these feelings Ana runs away from Christian and does not see him again until her college graduation, where he is a guest speaker. During this time, Ana agrees to sign the dominant/submissive contract.

Ana and Christian once again meet up to further discuss the contract, and they go over Ana's hard and soft limits. Ana is spanked for the first time by Christian; the experience leaves her both enticed and slightly confused. This confusion is exacerbated by Christian's lavish gifts, and the fact that he brings her to meet his family. The two continue with the arrangement without Ana having yet signed the contract. After successfully landing a job with Seattle Independent Publishing, Ana further bristles under the restrictions of the non-disclosure agreement and the complex relationship with Christian.

The tension between Ana and Christian eventually comes to a head after Ana asks Christian to punish her in order to show her how extreme a BDSM relationship with him could be. Christian fulfills Ana's request, beating her with a belt, only for Ana to realize that the two of them are incompatible. Devastated, Ana leaves Christian and returns to the apartment she shares with Kate.

Review:

“I've never wanted more, until I met you.” 

Without any ado Grey is the most hottest & helplessly addictive book ever published!

This genre has been there before but the presence of this series has given it popularity it never imagined. 

Apart from kinky fuckery and stolen background of twilight this book has its own charm as its has Christian Grey. The most powerful fictional hero ever created. 

What else does Grey series have? Why so much hype? Well to be honest to God, a lot of info on BDSM tools and gear and lifestyle so rich that one can’t stop drooling.

The mood and story of this book is much more logical and intriguing than that of Twilight, clearly!

If you prefer critics over your mind and wishes than definitely Mr. Grey won’t please you as it can be called a Critic’s nightmare and Teenager’s Brain-Destroyer!

The dailogs between Anastasia and Christian, The emails & most specifically Ana’s subconscious are evidence of writer’s ability but then the kinky part becomes too much at one point to bear.

Overall this book is quite entertaining and a dose full of shining stars to our fantasy world!

A movie is also being made on this novel and will hit the charts pretty soon.

I do Believe you’re making my palm twitch!

This book works for me and well again TBH, I’m obsessed with Christian so maybe a little biased I would rate this ridiculously awesome book

****

Laters, Baby!

Reviewed by Kelly Cutrone (Me)

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Book Review: Allegiant (Divergent #3)

Book Review: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
By Veronica Roth

-“One choice will define you.”

Plot:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Review:

Allegiant was one of my anticipated books of 2013, I really didn't know how Veronica Roth could wrap up the series successfully. Allegiant was panned by fans and many fans felt that this book ruined the entire series for them. Then there's me, one of the few "black sheeps" who actually enjoyed this book and felt that it was extremely necessary that it ended this way.

Allegiant is nearly impossible to describe because there's just so many subplots going on at the same time. At any given moment, there are at least 5 or 6 different storylines that Roth is telling and it's a bit overwhelming at times. This is definitely the most complicated of all of the books in the series and I guess it makes sense, given the fact that Roth needed to somehow conclude the series in a satisfying way.

Finally readers will learn what being "Divergent" really means for Tris and Four. Tris and Four's relationship is definitely tested in this one and there is a lot of bickering between the two. I just wanted them to make up and just resolve their differences; it does make sense that they are constantly on edge due to hectic nature of their lives. When there aren't fighting (which wasn't very often), there were some very sweet moments between the two. The romance in this one is pretty light, but we do get to see more of what's going on in Four's head.

I have to address the way Allegiant ended because it's caused so much controversy Veronica Roth received death threats after fans had read the ending. The ending of Allegiant was such a risky move on Veronica Roth's part; Roth had the guts to pull off something most authors wouldn't even dream of doing. This is why Roth has sold millions of books because she pushes the limits and is always creating ingenious plotlines. Anyway, I felt that this ending felt inevitable, Roth even said that she always felt like she knew it would end like this. After a bit of pondering, it all made sense to me and I felt like Roth had been leading up to this ending ever since Divergent. In fact, if you read Insurgent, there's tons of foreshadowing that hinted that Allegiant would end like this. Allegiant's ending felt necessary to me and I really feel that this is the ONLY ending that truly would have worked. While I didn't love the ending, I felt that Allegiant's conclusion was extremely effective. There's no denying that Veronica Roth is dauntless after reading Allegiant, it takes an extremely brave and daring individual to write an extremely controversial ending without fearing retaliation from fans. 

Some Of My Favorite Quotes From Book:

-“I suppose a fire that burns that bright is not meant to last.” 

-“I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me.”

-“Change, like healing, takes time.”

-“The first step to loving someone else is to recognize the evil in ourselves, so we can forgive them.”

Though it’s not my favourite book in the series, it still was a heart breaking book, I’ll give it:

***1/2

Here is the Other Parts of Trilogy:
1) Divergent
2) Insurgent


Reviewed by Fouzia Umer

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Book Review : Insurgent (Divergent 2)

Book Review : Insurgent ( Divergent # 2) 

By Veronica Roth

-“One choice can destroy you”

Plot:

Insurgent's plot takes off immediately after Divergent's ending. The simulation was over. Beatrice 'Tris' Prior, along with three other refugees, went to the Amity compound for safety. She believed that the reason Erudite destroyed Abnegation was to ensure high political power. However, not everything was as it seemed. After overhearing a conversation between an Abnegation leader and the Amity representative, Tris realized that there was more to the attack against her former faction. There’s something Abnegation was protecting… something worth dying for. 

As tension grew among factions, Tris decided she must know about the truth—the main reason Abnegation was obliterated and the startling secret that would change everyone in Chicago forever. But the path towards her goal proved itself to be extremely difficult. Relationships would be put to the test. Unlikely alliances would be made. Conscience, grief, and guilt would constantly haunt her. With both external and internal conflicts to face, this would be her greatest battle yet. Her choices would either transform her… or destroy her.

Review:

Just like the first book, Insurgent is a page-turner. I was immediately drawn to the story. I’m glad to say that the sequel didn’t disappoint!

Tris is one remarkable heroine. With all she endured in Divergent, we see a girl carrying a heart full of guilt, regret and raw pain. She lost so much and she incited loss too, the guilt of Will's death plays heavily on her throughout Insurgent. She goes through one heck of an emotional roller coaster, but through it all, even when she falls to the lowest of lows and especially when she doesn't believe she can go on, she does. She keeps fighting, because she is a survivor. She is still Tris. Even if at times you might not agree with her decisions, you still cheer her on and not for a minute does she allow you to become disengaged in her story.

Revealed are more sides to Tobias and oh, I am in love with this boy. He's not without his frustrations, mystery and secrets, but that is what makes him so captivating. It's his flaws that give him intrigue, mixed with a beautiful kindness and exhilarating, sometimes scary side. Four.... Tobias... he is a thrilling specimen. Sometimes I wish Tris was more expressive with him, because you could see in certain moments the pain and sadness he was holding back, but it made for the kind of emotional angst that is torturously delightful. Tobias goes through his own emotional turbulence in the sequel, some of which puts him in a position where he and Tris struggle to stay on the same page, but each has their own reasons, each fueled by the right motivations, and while it's painstakingly messy sometimes, both Tobias and Tris shine as individuals.

It has everything I could ask for—action, likable and relatable characters, stunning twists, thought-provoking situations, and scenes that invoke emotions. Furthermore, the second installment in the Divergent trilogy didn’t suffer “second book syndrome”. It didn’t feel dragged. The plot was as action-packed, emotional, and suspenseful as it could get. Insurgent is as good as the first, even better in my experience. Be warned though, that the book ends with a cliffhanger. 

Some Great Quotes From Book :

-“People, I have discovered, are layers and layers of secrets. You believe you know them, that you understand them, but their motives are always hidden from you, buried in their own hearts. You will never know them, but sometimes you decide to trust them.” 

-“Like a wild animal, the truth is too powerful to remain caged.”

-“Cruelty does not make a person dishonest, the same way bravery does not make a person kind.”

Final Verdict:

"To wrap up this review, Insurgent is a must-read for big fans of the Divergent trilogy. Not only did it avoid becoming a filler book, but it also did a good job in adding more depth to the story."

 I rate this exhilarating book with:

****

P.S : Divergent's Review Here

Reviewed By Fouzia Umer

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Book Review: Delirium By Lauren Oliver

Book Review: Delirium By Lauren Oliver

What If Love Was a Disease?

Book Synopsis:

For the past sixty-four years, love was considered a disease which impaired reason and posed a threat to society. A cure was established to protect United States citizens from the debilitating effects of the illness. At the age of 18, each person is required to undergo a procedure, permanently curing them from the sickness. The story follows 18-year-old Lena Haloway, who grew up in Portland, Maine with her aunt and uncle. Lena anxiously counts down the days until her procedure, anticipating the moment she can join the other "cureds" with excitement. This excitement quickly fades as Lena herself succumbs to the disease, becoming hopelessly entangled in a forbidden romance.

Book Review:

I have to admire Oliver for the creative spin she placed on American society when establishing this dystopian world. She managed to create a plausible universe in which love had been almost completely eradicated. I felt a pang of sorrow each time Oliver highlighted the emotionless shell of a community in which parents exhibited no compassion for their children and married couples exchanged no signs of affection for one another. Such examples reveal the underlying theme: a life without love is not worth living. More importantly, Oliver's writing was flawless. She vividly described each scene, allowing readers to visualise each event as it occurred. Through her writing, Oliver also evokes a vast array of emotions from her readers. When Lena is enraged, readers are fuming. When she breaks down, crying hysterically, readers are right there, sobbing along with her. Her feelings of love, betrayal, and loss transcend all boundaries, lodging themselves in the hearts of readers around the world.

Lena's characterization, although less than stellar at times, does have its perks. Above all, Lena treasures her family and friends. She is terrified at the thought of losing her best friend, Hana, after her procedure. Lena, like the rest of society, was convinced that love was dangerous and potentially life threatening. After experiencing the effects of the disease firsthand, she comes to the startling realization that love is harmless. Lena was determined to discover the truth, no matter how heartbreaking the truth may be.

On the other hand, Lena is not the epitome of perfection - no properly characterized protagonist should be. She struggles to move on from her past, particularly her mother's suicide. Her mother gave up her life for the ones she loved, and Lena is more than willing to do the same. But she continues to visualize her mother leaping from a cliff and slowly falling into the tumultuous waters below (a rather frequently mentioned event throughout the book). Additionally, Lena compares herself to a princess who is waiting for her prince to save her. Yes, she outright states this comparison and is not ashamed to do so. Unfortunately, the concept of a damsel in distress does not appeal to the majority of teens in this day and age, myself included. They would prefer to read about a strong, independent, female protagonist who does not rely on others to come to her rescue. I think we've all outgrown Disney movies at this point.

Lastly, there was the slightly overwhelming ending that left me shaking and speechless. To avoid giving away the ending, let's just say it was ... unexpected. Life changing.  Devastating.  Shall I continue, or let you form your own opinion?

My Favorite Quotes:

-“You can't be happy unless you're unhappy sometimes"

-“Love: a single word, a wispy thing, a word no bigger or longer than an edge. That's what it is: an edge; a razor. It draws up through the center of your life, cutting everything in two. Before and after. The rest of the world falls away on either side.”

-“You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred thousand arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate, into refusal, against hope, and without fear.

I love you. Remember. They cannot take it.” 

The scientific name for ‘Love’ i.e a dangerous disease is “Amor Deliria Nervosa”. Wow Lauren Oliver!  I never thought love could be described this way. This literally is a case of Fatal Attraction. 

I recommend this book to all those who like reading something  fresh and non-clichéd.

My Rating For This ‘Delirious’ book is:

****

Reviewed By: Fouzia Umer 

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Book Review: Divergent By Veronica Roth

Book Review: Divergent By Veronica Roth

Plot/Summary:

Beatrice Prior resides in a dystopian Chicago where society is divided into five different factions. These factions were created to grow specific virtues and to bring harmony to the world— Candor, Dauntless, Amity, Erudite, and Abnegation. On a designated day once a year each and every sixteen year old among the factions must make a choice, a choice that transforms their future. On this day each one is to decide the faction they will be devoted to for the rest of their lives. The choice for Beatrice is to live her life with her family, or be who she really is— there is no way she can have both. The decision she makes is one that surprises everyone— including herself.
After the decisions have been made the new initiates all go through their chosen factions’ initiation. Beatrice, now called Tris , struggles with the other initiates in order to live out the choice they have made. The initiates undergo tests that challenge them in every way—physically, mentally, and emotionally—some having dire consequences. Initiation is a transforming time and during it Tris has to determine who her true friends are and how a new relationship with a fascinating, sometimes overwhelming boy all fit into her new life. Through all of this Tris has been holding back information, about herself, that she has been warned not to share or it could lead to her death. She soon discovers conflict and unrest that threatens to destroy the seemingly perfect society she once knew, she even comes to discover that her secret may be the one thing that can save them all—or it could be the one thing that destroys her.

Book Review:

Divergent was a fun, addicting, action-packed read that hooked me from page one. Its unique and imaginative concept is thickly layered without ever becoming difficult to follow. It wasn't at all plausible, but it also never became over-the-top or silly. It was a perfectly formulated source of enjoyment and a captivating read!

I can't touch on plot details because there is too much mystery to potentially spoil, but I will say that the story revolves around an alternate world that has been divided into factions representing five honorable human traits. The people who inhabit these factions follow rules and stick to their "group". But even a carefully constructed society contains individuals hungry for more power; those who will go to any extent to obtain it. 

I loved the deeper meaning generated throughout this story: how these human virtues are singled out and thoroughly defined. We see the good and bad of each, as well as the consequential aftermath. We are shown the impact and power of these values combined. Although this book represents a dystopian world, there are universal truths to be found within its pages.

-“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

The characters were perfection. Our Heroine, Tris (Beatrice) is strong, independent, and quick to adapt. She endures an honest struggle to define herself and her worth. 

Four displays honorable traits and was incredibly easy to love. He's a gentle hero, with a fierce determination. I enjoyed the slow build-up to his relationship with Tris, and the fact the he wasn't quick to fawn all over her—yet the way he defended her honor was admirable. Their romance was youthful, and sweet—very realistic for their tender age.

The fans of “The Hunger Games” and other such dystopian novels are going to love this book. It has less violence as compared to THG but a strong and completely different storyline. Another thing! Thank God there isn’t any clichéd love triangle in this book. Our Four-Tris ship is gonna sail without any icebergs for quite a long time. 

My Favorite Quotes From Book:

-“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” -Four

-“Then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.”-Tris

-“Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up”-Four

-“Politeness is deception in pretty packaging.”

I recommend this bad-ass and gripping book to all of you and rate it:

****

Reviewed By : Fouzia Umer

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