Devoted by Hilary Duff

        

Devoted (Elixir #2)
by Hilary Duff

Summary from Goodreads:

"Since Sage was kidnapped, Clea has no way of knowing if he is alive or dead. And even though she has only just discovered they were soulmates, she feels like a part of her is lost forever. What’s worse, she can’t even turn to her best friend Ben—because every time she looks at him, all she sees is his betrayal.

But waiting for something to happen is not an option, so Clea is ready for action. Suffering through dreams of seeing Sage with another woman, she makes an uneasy alliance with Sage’s enemies and sets out to be reunited with Sage...in this life or the next."

Rating:

I’m a little overwhelmed with Devoted. It was a good and all, definitely a step up from Elixir, the first book. But I guess the vastness on how this series has progressed into was not something I was prepared for. What started out as a simple love story morphed into a world where the story of the Elixir of Life has more to it than it seems and the tragic love story between Clea and Sage is just one of the few misgivings when the Elixir is involved.

Devoted introduces readers to whole new set of characters that will either disgust you, awe you or make you sympathize with. There are so many things the Elixir could do that the characters are unaware of until disaster strikes.

I’m kind of a little disappointed with Clea and Sage’s actions. Even with the whole narrative and history about them being soulmates and how strong and rare this bond is, what they did spoke louder than what history projected, and trust me their actions did not speak “we’re soul mates.”

I admire Hilary for creating this book; even though she had help, the storyline is still commendable. Although I’d have to say that the stretch Devoted has introduced me to made me feel that I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it either. It may have been a bit too much for me to take in but I definitely enjoyed reading this.

The ending has unwrapped this series to endless possibilities and it is what I may call an "open" ending. I don't even know if that makes sense but I’m certainly looking forward to the third installment.

In My Mailbox [9]

In My Mailbox [9]

hosted by The Story Siren

I wasn't planning to buy anything from the bookstore this week and wanted to settle with my ebook hauls because of err... a necessary purchase that took up most of my allowance. Fortunately, I got my hands on a few hardbound books courtesy of my ever spoiling hubby - thank you! LOL.

 

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

- I have the ebook but I just love the cover. Doesn't it just look dazzling on the shelf? Ha! Ha!

Devoted by Hilary Duff

- Major cliff-hanger from the first book, Elixir so I really want to know what happens next. Also want to see how well Hilary Duff develops as a YA author.

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Also since I need to brush up my skills as a CG Artist (actually an aspiring one), I got the following books for reference:

Dream Worlds by Hans Bacher

Game Art Complete by Andrew Gahan

...and this is why I couldn't purchase any new books myself this week:

I splurge on a game, tsk tsk tsk... which will eventually take up the time I'm actually supposed to do other things more important than playing a video game. O well... ^_^

So what did you guys get this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall

        

        

1. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

          - Who doesn't want to read this? I know the ARC's available online but I'd rather wait for the real thing. I'm not much of an e-reader.

2. Vanish by Sophie Jordan

         - I'm curious about who the cover is and what's in store for Jacinda and Will's relationship.

3. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stolh

         - I loved the first 2 books so I'm excited about this one too.

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

         - It's kind of like a girly version of "Lord of the Flies", I want to see what it's all about.

5. Forgotten by Cat Patrick

        - It has a very interesting synopsis.

6. Devoted by Hilary Duff

         - I've read the first book out of curiousity now I want to see how Hilary develops as a writer/author.

7. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

         - Beautiful cover, intriguing summary, 'nuff said.

8. Enclave by Ann Aguirre

         - I've seen this many times on the shelf of a bookstore I constantly go to, I think it's about time I pick it up.

9. Meridian by Amber Kizer

         - It sounds dark and mysterious, I want to know if this has something new to offers to the whole raving angel-themed books.

10. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

         - This has been in my TBR list for a while and now that it's coming out I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Hopefully those that are just about to come out this fall would be available here in the Philippines as per their expected release dates. I'm really excited to get my hands on them.

Elixir by Hilary Duff

        

Elixir
(Elixir #1)
by Hilary Duff

Summary from Goodreads:

"Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before. 

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures."

Rating:

If some people were sceptical about this book, I was actually very curious to read it; I mean we’re talking about Hilary Duff here! C’mon it’s intriguing!

The book wasn’t bad. In fact, I found it pretty good! The writing was clear and very descriptive, although I did find some of the parts a bit too descriptive. I guess Hilary was trying to let the reader know Clea well enough to relate to her, but I guess that went a little too much.

The plot was put together very well and I admire Hilary Duff’s creativity. However I think she needed to add a bit of excitement in between events. I’m saying this because I found the story a bit too forward. It’s like taking a trip across the country without any pit stops or side trips to add a little fun. Almost more than half of the book was focused on Clea’s thoughts pondering with which decision to make; followed by a sudden pouring of everything that has to do with Sage then BOOM! The end… I felt a bit frustrated there because after revealing Sage’s plan, the mystery of the disappearance of Clea’s father (which was the actual reason for everything in the first place) suddenly didn’t matter. It was left out so plainly in just a snap. Also, the ending really just left me hanging. But then again, there’ll be a 2nd book, so maybe my questions will be answered there and I’m looking forward to it.

I’m eager to see Hilary Duff grow as a writer and enhance her writing ability. She’s brave enough to step in world were she knew people would doubt her and I would like to see what else she can offer us after Elixir.