Shift by Em Bailey

Title: Shift
Author: Em Bailey
Released Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: EggmontUSA

Olive obediently takes her meds and stays under the radar at school. After "the incident," Olive just wants to avoid any more trouble, so she knows the smartest thing is to stay clear of the new girl who is rumored to have quite the creepy past.
But there’s no avoiding Miranda Vaile. As mousy Miranda edges her way into the popular group, right up to the side of queen bee Katie – and pushes the others right out – only Olive seems to notice that something strange is going on. Something almost . . . parasitic. Either Olive is losing her grip on reality, or Miranda Vaile is stealing Katie’s life.
But who would ever believe crazy Olive, the girl who has a habit of letting her imagination run away with her? And what if Olive is the next target?

Marshmallow thoughts:~

Amazing. What other words to describe it? Like Olive said there's no other words in the English language to describe it. This book have all the things that makes a great novel with a gripping, funny, mysteries and original storyline that gets you hooked. This book will keep you guessing through the end. Seriously, even the ending left you shrouded with mystery. 

The author's writing is one of my favourite. Her writing is flawless, smooth and neatly arranged so that the surprises will be revealed in the most dramatic way that will left you shaking your head and gaping in wonder. The plot is always full of surprises and twisting turns. In addition to the amazing plots is the characters. Each of the character is distinctive and each of them have the little quirks and flaws in them that makes them real . The author never fails to make you love them even Miranda. 

When I read the synopsis, I wasn't expecting to see a paranormal edge to this novel. The paranormal aspects of this story is unique and different. I never read other books with idea like this before. Truly one and only. The idea of a shapeshifter is totally  different. Shapeshifter drained a personality out of a person  and slowly  but terrifyingly turning into them and the original person would die slowly. Creepy huh? I partly wish this book would be a series just so I can read more about the shapeshifters. But I don't think that would be such a great idea since despite of the mysterious ending I still think the story is complete, well, in the mysterious way...

Near the middle of the book, the story takes a different, unexpected but interesting turn. Some people moan and yelled at Olive for her sudden stupidity but I don't mind at all. This just further shows that main characters ain't always suppose to be the perfect, shiny and brilliant type that seems to always do the right thing. Even main characters have flaws that makes them more real. Even Olive learns her lesson and works her way out in the end. So no worries, our main character is strong. :)

This book might seem simple at some point with a little cute romance added in. I may have said this a thousand times already that I dislike romance. I can stand if it's a side story, love it even. But I know sometimes it is important to add a little of it to the story to make it more interesting, real  and I enjoy it sometimes. The main character, Olive has some conflict-romance with Lachlan and I love it how she is not some kind of damsel in distress stereotype and instead she is the true heroine who go through and learn her own mistakes. She fell down but doesn't need a knight in shining armour to help her get up. Sometimes what she need is a knight that would help point her to the right direction. That's what Lachlan is for. Another thumbs up for this novel for that.

For a first YA novel, Em Bailey sure have wrote such an incredible novel. Shift is one truly amazing read that you guys should check out. I am now officially Em Bailey's number one fan. I am looking out for more Em Bailey's masterpiece. Keep it up Em! 

Marshmallow Squad went MIA

Hye guys! I don't know if you are aware (I hope you do! XD) that I haven't been updating my blog for a week now. I was having my exam last two weeks so there's nothing I can do since my mom is keeping one eye on me and I can't even read books! But after the exam is over I read a few good books and I can't wait to share it with you guys. But since the exam have turn my brain to mush I'm taking longer time to form a coherent thoughts for a review. So let me rest and sort out my mushy brain first and I'll be back with the reviews. The thing is the next two weeks is a very busy week for me with all the organizing and sorting through the mess. It's the aftermath of the exam. So I am not sure when I can be fully back on but when I do I'll be  on full blast!

These are the books I've read:

I will be posting the reviews soon. See ya!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Released Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Dutton Books

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Marshmallow thoughts:~

When I pick this book up I have only a slightest idea of what it was about. I've never read books by John Green before so I don't know what to expect. I went home skipping and laughing in joy to have a book to spend my time with. Little did I know that this book will change my night forever. I wasn't prepared to get my emotions stirred up and my heart broken to little pieces. The Fault in Our Stars is a story filled with humour, honesty and is  a compulsive read that will grip you and never let you go until the very end.

I bought this book knowing it was going to be a sad one but I was not aware of how sad, eyes stinger and heart crushing it would be. Still, I am grateful that I've read this book because it is beautifully written and utterly honest and have taught me so many things that made realised that life no matter how hard the challenges is, it's not a reason for you to give up.

Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace is the two most inspirational people I've ever met. Katniss Everdeen, and Beatrice Prior be damned. Most people have team shirts for their most favourite character and I think I want to make one myself. Team Gus and Team Hazel. I will parade down the streets while wearing Team Gus and Team Hazel shirt (either one) and gives free Nutella to everyone. That's how hyped I was feeling. Gus and Hazel wasn't like those characters on their dying bed saying those fake inspirational talk or speeches and are all happy ending. Being a cancer victims, Gus and Hazel know the choices they have and the reality of things and they speak for what's real and what not to be hope for and that's the most heartbreaking thing of all.

Gus and Hazel has a  unique way in viewing the world and I can't helped but be awed at how strong, vast minded and the deep thinking they have about the world. It might be a little unbelievable for two teenagers to be talking so deeply into things with all those talks about universe, oblivions and my, have they been reading dictionaries? Seriously, their choice of words will bring Oxford Dictionaries bow down in respect. But I don't care about that. The thing that really matters is seeing the thing they are pointing and the thoughts they are conveying  and absorbed it, think about it and you will realises and learn a lot of things that you never thought of before.

I went through a lot of emotions while reading this book especially at the last few chapters. I was smiling, laughing and sometimes thinking about one of the million deeply thought things by Gus. The last few chapters was an emotion turbulence. I have to actually close the book down and step away to try and coax myself not to cry. This is one of those book that will left you thinking even days after you finish reading it.

As we all know, it's hard to write a review about the book you love and I don't think my review is enough to tell you guys how amazing this book is. You will have to read it for yourself. Just bring Kleenex near you when you are on the last few chapters. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Book Trailer Thursday

Book Trailer Thursday is when you get to share the trailers of books you are excited of!!
I found this meme from The Bookshelf Review. Visit there to watch more trailers!

These are a few trailers of books that I am currently reading, going to read and can't wait for.

Currently Reading:~
Shift by Em Bailey

Isn't it amazing? The idea of the story is so intriguing! I am halfway through the book and it's amazing!

Going to read soon:~

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Another book with brilliant idea! Really can't wait to read it!! >.<

Book(s) I can't wait for! :~

The Mark of Athena By Rick Riordan

OMG! This book is out already but I will have to wait another few weeks to buy it!! My mom's rules. >.<

Anyway, isn't the trailer brilliant? It makes my curiosity rose even more! I really can't wait!! 

So do you have any trailers you wanna share? I always watch the trailer before reading the book because it adds spice to the mystery. ;D Lol whatever I'm talking about. 

Waiting on Wednesday :D

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Ooohhh~ Today I am super excited to share with you all the books that I can't wait for!!

Title: Beta
Author: Rachel Cohn
Expected Publication: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Series: Book One of Annex

Elysia is created in a laboratory, born as a sixteen-year-old girl, an empty vessel with no life experience to draw from. She is a Beta, an experimental model of a teenage clone. She was replicated from another teenage girl, who had to die in order for Elysia to exist.
Elysia's purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air induces a strange, euphoric high, which only the island's workers--soulless clones like Elysia--are immune to.
At first, Elysia's life is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne's human residents, who should want for nothing, yearn. But for what, exactly? She also comes to realize that beneath the island's flawless exterior, there is an under-current of discontent among Demesne's worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care--so why are overpowering sensations cloud-ing Elysia's mind?
If anyone discovers that Elysia isn't the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When her one chance at happi-ness is ripped away with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she's always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive.
The first in a dazzlingly original science fiction series from best-selling author Rachel Cohn, "Beta "is a haunting, unforgettable story of courage and love in a cor-rupted world.

Doesn't it sounds exciting? I've never read a book quite like this so I am expecting so much from this book. I know this book is going to be great! Can't wait! :D The cover is so pretty too isn't it? ;D

Title: Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Expected Publications: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Hyperoin Book CH
Series: Book Three in The Heroes of Olympus

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .
In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? 

Oh my god! I have been waiting for this book for so long and finally, finally the time has come!!! Rick Riordan has created the most amazing stories of all and I don't think there's any other book that can matched up with the Percy Jackson (aside from Harry Potter of course). :D Oooh~ Just wait a little longer and you will be mine!! *evil laugh*

So what are the books that you are dying to get hold on to? Share it with me! :D

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Released Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: Book One of the Raven Cycle

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Marshmallow thoughts:~

When I first saw the cover my eyes didn't linger long. I thought it was some classic book in the medieval times.  I just walk pass it and didn't even think twice about it. Yeah I am gonna knock my head with the book for that. To think that I nearly pass up this book just because of the cover? I cannot forgive myself. Only thanks to the good reviews that kept popping up on my mail that finally make me wanna read the book. If you are a cover sucker like I am and was thinking of passing up this book then you better not! Let me tell you this. This book is awesome! I've just finish reading the book and I am still excited over it.

I love all the characters in this book including Neeve and ...uh except for Mr. Whelk. Even his name make me wanna stick my tongue out. Each character are vibrant and distinctive and the author has done a great job in giving each character their own unique voices and not once does the story seems flat.   Ever chapter shifts through several point of views and every one of them is enthralling.

The book centres on around Blue and The Raven Boys. The Raven Boys are Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah. The relationship between them four is something that will make you smile and make this novel even more remarkable. These boys are in every way different but their continue support to each other and their bromance makes you love them so much! Gansey has become quite obsessed to the ley lines that has led him to Henrietta where he might find the thing he is looking for. I think Gansey is a unique character. Being born to a rich family, he is not really sensitive towards money so sometimes he have a fight with Adam because of that.

In addition to the The Raven Boys, there is another character which I immediately grew fond of. Blue is intelligent, sensible and sometimes a bit odd. I love it how she was neither a damsel in distress despite the number of boys present nor that she is some lone warrior. Her character brings out a fresh new feelings to their adventure. I also love her family consists of her mother and a lot of aunts. What I love about the author is that she makes even the supporting character memorable be it with the strange character like Persephone and Calla or a character with a hidden motives or even Mr.Whelk who stands out because of his strange name. Even the Raven Boys is not even how I thought they'd be. I thought of them as some snobbish and typical rich boys like how Blue initially thought they were. But each of them has their own story which will be revealed slowly throughout the story.

This is actually the first book of Maggie Stiefvater's that I've ever read and I fell in love with her writing. Her writing is poetic and somewhat magical. From the beginning the story is written in a mysterious way that makes you want more. 

A lot of people seems to have a complain for the ending but I have nothing against it. The last line of Ronan's makes me smile though it did makes me confuse for a second. I have to step back one chapter to read it again. Halfway through the book I can already guess that the story won't resolve by the end of the story. There's just so many things yet to be solve and I am looking forward to it in the next book.

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Title: The Emerald Atlas
Author: John Stephens
Released Date: April 1, 2011
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Series: Book One of The Book of Beginning 

Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
Until now.
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem.  And—if an ancient prophesy is correct—what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.
The Emerald Atlas brims with humor and action as it charts Kate, Michael, and Emma's extraordinary adventures through an unforgettable, enchanted world.

Marshmallow thoughts:~

I don't know how this book could be put into the same group as J.K. Rowling. This book still has a long way to go to even be on my favourite list. O-oh I am starting to get harsh. Sorry in advance. I have a lot more to say. First of all this book has taken the most common plot there is out there-orphans. Somehow I think the reason so many authors decide to make their heroes orphans because it's easier that way. No certain obligation, no thinking twice about running all over the globe and etc. It's too often used that it's getting annoying. 

The idea of travelling through time is intriguing and that's the main reason I continue on reading this book. The story can be fast and slow at times but never did I get excited over anything that happened in this book. The narrative of the story itself is slow, flat and lifeless. There is no excitement in it. It doesn't make you want to read more or make you wonder what's going to happen. A few times I'm thinking of putting this book down and forget about it but I am not easily defeated. I've read worst. So I continue on reading in hope of something that would make me love this book like how everybody else seems to like it but there's nothing. 

The only thing I love and appreciate in this book is the bond between the three siblings, orphans and heroes namely Kate, Michael and Emma. Kate is the oldest and she is responsible for the promise she made to her mother to take care of her siblings. I feel sorry for her because I understand what she is going through being the eldest of the siblings myself. Michael is the nerd one in the family. I love Michael for his excitement with dwarves and I think the only time I laughed is when Michael finally found a dwarf. Emma is the youngest in the family and she reminded me a lot to my sister who is such an annoying brat that I feel sorry for Michael that is always in fight with Emma. Seriously, the ONLY thing I love in this book is the bond between the siblings. Other than that, nothing.

Having read a lot of books with magics I have a distinct idea of how magic is a complex thing and  I get irritated a lot of times after reading how the magicians, in this case Dr.Pym use their magic with such simplicity that it is ridiculous. This book is certainly not one of the adventures that I've enjoyed. 

The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade

Title: The Ghost and The Goth
Author: Stacey Kade
Released Date: June 29, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Series: Book One of The Ghost and The Goth series

After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck here in spirit form with no sign of the big, bright light coming to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser/outcast type who hates the social elite. He alone can see and hear her, but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.
Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?

Marshmallow thoughts:~

Books about ghosts and about people who can see them aren't really high up on my list of preferred books. I've read quite a number of books in the genre and I never quite like them. There are always using the same plots and characters and it's getting boring over time. But when I read the description of the book I can feel there's something different about it.

The beginning of this book might have a little of that typical characters where there's the perfect cheerleader, Alona who sits among the first-tier people and are branded as the snobbish and mean girl. Then there's the weirdo, Will Killian who can see and hear ghosts and that is always a trouble. He's been hugely misunderstood by the society and are on the fast track to the mental hospital. By the description from Alona, Will does sounds like a walking dead himself but Alona being the mean girl and all that...

So Will can't really survive the day without his music which was taken by the mean and evil Mr.Brewster. What's a story without the mean people, right? Will was sure that he would not survive the day being chase by ghosts after his secret was being revealed thanks to Mr.Brewster grandpa-ghost. So all was going downhill for Will until his saviour showed up. Presenting none other than Miss Alona!

What I like most about the author's writing is that she manage to write in the perspective of a teenager without trying to sound like one. The author made the characters seem real. Most importantly the author made the character be less perfect which is perfect because a lot of books out there really likes to portray the characters as handsome with golden hair and all in all perfect which really irk me sometimes. Will might not be the perfect hero there is but the imperfection is the thing that makes it all real and true. 

The most important thing is there is no insta-love. Thank god for that. Though their relationship did happen quickly I can assure you that it's not love at first sight. The two of them actually hates each other at first but slowly they were able to work their differences out. It might be a great ending for both of them  if only Alona is not a ghost. Did I tell you that Alona died?  I wonder how their relationship is going to grow later. Definitely something I'm looking forward to.

All in all, The Ghost and The Goth is a very unique and great read. The plot is a very interesting one where there's not many out there who truly manage to live it out. The author's way of writing makes the story even more vivid and real. I will definitely continue reading the series as I am quite curious about how their relationship is going to grow.