Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

As this is the second book to The Lynburn Legacy, I will leave a shorter review [there may be SPOILERS].
Kami Glass and her friends struggle to resolve their own personal conflicts, all the while preparing for the greatest danger of their lives. With Jared out of her head, Kami is more lost and alone than ever before, unsure of who she is and what she truly wants. But the chaos of their relationships must be cast aside as everyone is forced to band together and face the sorcerers demanding to return to the old days of blood and sacrifice.
This novel is largely working out relationships and what's really going on between everyone and in their heads. However, several events do happen, and it is not at all boring, which makes me eternally grateful to the author. In fact, critical changes occur, so anyone crazy enough to want to skip this book should dismiss that idea immediately. I did happen to catch one typo, in which two characters got their names mixed up, which is interesting (pg 328). Also, once again, Brennan shows a wonderful modern perspective in addressing the personal issues that really aid character development and perhaps making a fantasy strangely relatable.
In conclusion, from a faraway glance, the second book of The Lynburn Legacy is simply a bridge between presenting an issue and its resolution, but isn't that how all trilogies work? And yet Untold is still thoroughly entertaining. To anyone who still has not begun this series, I highly recommend it.
I rate this book 8.9/10
~Mushu

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Kami Glass lives in a quaint little village known as Sorry-in-the-Vale, itching to uncover its secrets. Every town has some story to hide, and this aspiring journalist is intent on sharing everything in her own newspaper, The Nosy Parker. When the Lynburns, a mysterious family everyone seems to fear, return from America, Kami is convinced they are just the secret she's been searching for. However, the whispers and mysteries escalate to a dangerous level when bloody crimes begin unfolding and Kami discovers the voice in her head is a real boy, a Lynburn. What Kami learns about the Lynburns- and herself- is more than she ever imagined, but she's prepared to face it all head on.
Unspoken is the first book in The Lynburn Legacy, a trilogy. Brennan does excellently in describing the setting, detailed but not too wordy. A fantastical aspect is weaved in smoothly, without seeming tacky or requiring an excessive amount of explanation. Brennan also creates a fierce main character, and doesn't neglect the development of side characters. Kami is an independent, inspiring person while breaking out of the "spunky girl cliche" as one review titled it. I really loved that she embraced her femininity without being boy-needy. Brennan beautifully displays her immense skills as an author through this one book, building a unique plot and expressing excellent writing talent.
This novel does end in a devastating cliffhanger though. I am not exaggerating. The ending is heart-breaking. Be prepared to become invested in this series and please do have the sequel on hand.
I'd recommend this book to those who like more sophisticated fantasies. It's not a light and fluffy adventure, but it is not super dark with blood everywhere.
I rate Unspoken a 10/10.
~Mushu

Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday

Of Monsters and Madness is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and his character Annabel Lee.

Annabel moves to Philadelphia after her mother's death to where her father, who seems less than joyful to meet her after all these years, practices medicine. She struggles to find comfort in the stony town with all its uptight mannerisms and expectations, but quickly becomes infatuated with her father's assistant, Allan, a poet when not working with her father. Bloodied murders bring danger to the unfamiliar streets of Philadelphia, and Annabel discovers horrifying connections between the crimes, her father's work, and Allan's poetry. When Allan's peculiar cousin Edgar threatens the safety of those Annabel loves, she must uncover what exactly is happening in the night, and how she is to stop it.
Very different from the style which I am accustomed to, this novel was nonetheless very intriguing. I found certain points to be rather flat and anticlimactic, but the atmosphere created was strong. It wasn't particularly memorable although it is not as if I have already forgotten what happened in the story. It was an interesting and unique concept to approach but the book itself did not leave anything for me to hang on to, nor did it leave me wanting more.
Despite personally not loving this book, the concept is fascinating enough that it may capture other readers, perhaps fans of Edgar Allan Poe's works.
I personally rate this book 6/10
~Mushu

Ensnared by A.G. Howard

Ensnared is the final book in the Splintered trilogy and it is most definitely an amazing end. I often find that the first book in a series isn't very connected with the last, as if the author wasn't sure that they'd get a sequel, or they forgot their original intentions when they first started. However, Howard successfully ties all three books together. Events in the first novel actually foreshadow what happens in the third. Once again the story was full of complexities and clever twists to engage the reader.
I think there's no need to provide a summary because if you read book two, Unhinged, you've probably been eagerly awaiting this third installment anyway. In my review for Splintered, I mentioned that it isn't necessary to read the following books because it had a splendid end. I take that back. Read all three books!! You will not regret it.
My only complaint would be the epilogue of this book wrapped everything somewhat quickly, but I think it's fine considering it's an epilogue and really more of a "in case you're wondering, here's how life went after the story ended." Also, some people may not like how Howard chose to deal with the romance and who Alyssa (the main character) ends up with. I think Howard's decision makes sense though, and actually holds a deeper meaning behind it.
So I certainly recommend this book to all who have read those that came before it, and if you have not started the series at all- I highly recommend you do so!
I rate this book 9/10
~Mushu

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City is the sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I highly recommend reading that first book, and then this one. The summary includes spoilers! You have been warned.
The children travel to the mainland, in search of help to turn Miss Peregrine human again. With their loop destroyed, the wights and hollowgast are intent on stopping them, and stealing Miss Peregrine back. The peculiars will find new loops and allies, and learn more than they'd ever want about what the wights are planning.
Although I have failed to give a summary worthy of this book's greatness, you should most definitely read this series. Riggs continues to create literary perfection and provides a plethora of creepy photographs. I thought this book was even more thrilling than the first one as the adventure continues and new secrets are unfolded. The ending leaves you eager for more, and I promise there's going to be a review on book three posted- as soon as it comes out.
I'd rate this book 10/10
~Mushu

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I swear I've written a review for this book before... but I can't find it so here we go.
Jacob Portman spent his childhood listening to his grandfather's fantastical stories about his life in Miss Peregrine's home during World War 2, accompanied by even more amazing photos. When Jacob stumbles upon his grandfather's sudden death, however, it seems these tales were anything but fantasies. He then must go on a journey to uncover the truth behind Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children- and it may lead to more than one boy can handle.
I read this book a while ago, but I remember clearly the events. Riggs is an excellent author and manages to beautifully create the eerie setting and take you completely into this world. There's a complex plot, a little bit of romance, and genuine characters. Included in the novel are several real photos Riggs collected that the story relates to. It's the first book in the series so it's not as action packed as what will come, but it's still very good. I highly recommend it. Also there is a graphic novel version by Cassandra Jean. It follows the novel nicely so I'd recommend it too.
I rate this book a 9.5/10
~Mushu

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

 I will admit it. I have a major obsession for dark, morbid stories. But this really is such a good book.

Jasper Dent, aka Jazz, is the son of the notorious serial killer Billy Dent. Ever since the passing of his mother which he struggles to remember, Jazz has been raised in the way Dear old Dad thought was best- how to murder people. Because of his upbringing, Jazz is conflicted between his sociopathic instincts and his humanity. When dead bodies start piling up, each mimicking the styles of Billy Dent's past kills, people obviously point fingers at Jazz. But how can Jazz even begin to defend himself, when he isn't even sure if he's all that innocent? By tracking down that killer, of course.

I absolutely adored this book. It's very unique and dives deep into the way a sociopath (probably) thinks. There's incredible detail on every single thing. Unfortunately that  increases just how bad this would be for a squeamish person. But if you like gore then by all means. The ending was pretty good, with a haunting openness to it, but I personally found what happened in the last chapter (not the epilogue) a bit strange for a last chapter. Otherwise I loved it.

 

I'd rate the book a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I'm hoping you all were able to guess, but this is the second book for Anna Dressed in Blood. I didn't really think the book needed a sequel, but reading it wasn't a disappointment. Also there are some spoilers in this, just a warning!
Cas hasn't been able to move on with his life after Anna disappeared into Hell, despite his friends convincing him Anna sacrificed herself for a reason. Furthermore he sees Anna everywhere, even in his dreams. But what if they aren't just dreams? Images of Anna being gruesomely tortured continue to haunt Cas and he knows he has to put a stop to it. It's time for Cas to save the girl he loves... from whatever it is that's happening.
I liked Anna Dressed in Blood more and the ending made me extremely sad, but the book was excellent. The writing was optimal as usual and I loved being able to read about these characters one last time.
I'd suggest it to anyone who loved Anna Dressed in Blood and wanted more closure or what's happened since the end of it.
I rate Girl of Nightmares a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Splintered by A.G. Howard

 Splintered describes the truth behind Wonderland from Carroll's classic story. In this book, Wonderland is much darker than the whimsical adventures we all thought we knew. Alyssa Gardner is the supposed descendent of Alice Liddell, and her great-great-great grandmother's madness has been passed on through the generations. But is it really madness? With her mother in an insane asylum, Alyssa is shocked to discover she and her mother hear the same voices coming from bugs and plants. She begins to question everything. When her mother's sickness seems to be growing worse, Alyssa decides to go back to her roots- jump down the rabbit hole and undo the curse placed on her family. But she soon finds out things are so much more complicated then she could ever have expected.

Right from the start of this novel you get a taste of how twisted and gruesome the story will be. I personally loved it, but I can see how some people would find it disturbing. Before Alyssa entered Wonderland I did find the beginning to be generally slow, but I loved it as soon as the main plot began. There was also a love triangle, which wasn't as bothersome as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed all the twists at the end, some I didn't entirely predict.

I'd suggest this book to anyone who loves dark fantasies or the original Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Also this book is for older audiences- probably about 14+ There is a sequel, but the ending to this book was perfect so it's not necessary.

 
I rate Splintered an 8.5/10 The second half of the book was much better than most of the beginning.

~Mushu

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

For the longest time, Walk of the Spirits has been my favorite book. Well, Anna Dressed in Blood has taken it's place.
This book is about Cas Lowood, who kills the dead. Before him, his father hunted ghosts until an especially bad ghost brutally killed him. Now, Cas travels around with his mom and their cat, killing ghosts with his father's athame. They then come into yet another town, this time in search of a ghost known as Anna Dressed in Blood. But there's something very different about this ghost. Cas feels some sort of connection with her. While Anna gruesomely killed anyone who entered her house, for some reason, she spares him.
When I first read this book, I kind of thought it was like Walk of the Spirits, House of Night, Power Rangers, and Big Bang on Running Man all mixed together. Except the book takes its own path, completely unique and amazing. There was terrifying action, suspense, dramatic flare, and a dark feeling throughout.
I loved the writing; the author really portrayed each character well and the plot contained enough that I could never guess what was next. It was one of the scariest books I've ever read and absolutely one of the best.
I'd really recommend this to anyone but I guess mainly to those who love dark and creepy paranormalcy. It's also pretty gruesome and violent, so if that stuff creeps you out, I guess not. But try the book anyway! You won't regret it!
I'll rate the book 10/10 -it really is amazing
~Mushu

As Dead as it Gets by Katie Alender

Here it is, the third book in the Bad Girls Don't Die series. After how the second book left off, I was pretty excited to be reading this and I'm not dissapointed. Ah... what a good book. Warning though, don't read this review unless you have already read the second book.
After Lydia Small's death, Alexis would love for things to just return to normal. Sadly, normal's not an option for Alexis. After the incident with her eyes, she can now see ghosts on TV and in pictures, not only that, she can see Lydia's ghost. Lydia seems to be attacking Alexis, trying to get revenge, but when other girls start getting hurt- some Lydia didn't even really know- it seems a bigger problem is beginning to happen.
The beginning of this book was kind of confusing for me- mostly because I couldn't remember anything from the last book. After a while, though, the story really caught a hold of me. I love the characters and how the plot unfolds. There were plenty twists in the story, keeping me on my toes.
I'd reccomend this only if you've read the other two books. If you have, definately read this!
I rate this book a 8.8/10
~Mushu

Walk of the Sprirts by Richie Tankersley Cuisick

This book is about Miranda Barnes, a girl who just moved away from her old life in Florida and isn't so sure she wants to get used to this new one in St. Yvette. There's something weird around her, whispers, shadows, and those pleading voices. Slowly she'll come to understand that she has a gift like her grandfather. She can communicate with spirits and she'll have to find some way to put them in peace.
Okay, not the best summary but believe me, this is one of the best books ever! There was the thrill of the mystery, and the author was great at portraying that amazing friendship we all hope to find. I also love how there was a connection between Miranda's life and the spirits. I read this book a long time ago, and it's still one of my favorites.
The writing's good, the plot's good and it was such an amazing story. Please be sure to read it! I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who like reading about spirits and such.
I'd rate this book 10/10 (maybe even more than that.)
~Mushu

Shadow Mirror by Richie Tankersley Cuisick

This is the sequel to the book, Walk of the Spirits. Because I really liked Walk of the Spirits, my expectations were really high for this book. Maybe too high?
Miranda Barnes still needs a little time to get used to her abilities, but the spirits aren't willing to wait for her to get comfortable. She begins to recieve unsettling images and visions from looking into the mirror, and especially when she goes to the plantation, Belle Chandelle. Miranda will soon find herself caught up in her own romance and the tradgedy dwelling around her.
I didn't really like the beginning of this book. It didn't get interesting untill Miranda found out what exactly she was supposed to do. Of course I still loved the connections and the snuggly friendships. This book was good, but not quite as good as the first. You'd be fine only reading the first book and never reading this one. I think there may be a third one though, and if there is, I'm reading it.
I'd rate this book 8/10
~Mushu

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

This was one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I'm asuming this book was originally written in German because that's where the book takes place and it was translated. Unfortunately, I don't know who the translator was but give them credit too; they did an amazing job in translating! I'd most definately suggest this book to anyone.
The book is about Anna, a good girl, and Abel, a rough-looking kind of guy who is actually very nice and simply trying to take care of his younger sister, Micah. After slowly getting to know Abel more and more, Anna gets to hear the beautiful fairy-tale which Abel tells his sister. Abel has many problems living the way he does, and Anna is more than willing to help, if Abel would just let her. But then when people messing with Abel wind up dead, all fingers point to Abel himself. Anna can't help but wonder- is she in love with a murderer?
I wasn't drawn in right away, but I soon enough was! The writing of this book is very formal and I'd just recently read a teen fiction so I guess I just wasn't prepared. At times I was a little confused, but everything quickly made sense after I read on. The plot was very thick and there were so many twists in the story, it was hard to ever put the book down.
Someone once told me, "American stories often have basically happy endings. Well, you should read a European story. It's much more meaningful and realistic." Very true. In the end, everything somewhat turned out alright, but not everything was perfect. It was so, so sad I was about to cry. And I don't usually cry over books. It was also kind of mature... So if you can stomach an extremely sad and mature story, DEFINATELY, without a doubt, read The Storyteller. The only thing you will regret is not reading it sooner. And sorry this is so long...
I'll rate this book a 10/10
~Mushu

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Well... I was looking forward to this book, I've just finished it and... wow. Sad. It's not the last book. Darn. How I'd rate this whole series... is going down. I'm not exactly thrilled with the House of Night anymore. But when I rate this, I'll rate the book. Not the series. Though for the series, I'd rate it 6.25/10

I'm constantly shocked at the amazing writing ability the Casts have. They can write like, half a book, and it seems like nothing happened (of course, something did- but yeah). I just love how well they write, but I'm not sure I'm liking their plots anymore. First of all: ew. The bad guy is together with a bull. There's also a bunch of other disturbing romances. Maybe just not my age? But some of them are so weird.
Compared to the more recent books, I'm very happy with how Destined turned out. Some of the problems are being tied up, bad guys are turning out good, the truly bad ones are being found out- I'm very happy.
*Alright, SPOILER ALERT(the summary): Zoey and the Nerd Herd are finally settling down- kind of- and now Zoey's preparing to face off with Neferet, while dealing with the recent death of her mother. All around her, everyone seems to be experiencing their own problems too. Rephaim must turn away from his own father and make sure he stays with good, Stark has major troubles sleeping, the Twins aren't getting along, and Stevie Rae's more than a little protective of Rephaim. And there's still more...* END OF SPOILER
I'll recommend this to mature people and those who've read the rest of the series.
I rate this book a 8.3/10
~Mushu

From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender

This is the second book to the Bad Girls Don't Die series. When I first saw this book, I thought: They really don't need to add a sequel...  Then my sister ended up borrowing the book so I decided to read it myself too. I wasn't so sure that this book would be any good...
The book is about when Kasey gets herself involved with ghosts again and then Alexis gets caught in as well. I find it amazing how Alexis' emotions change so much throughout the book, but the book is written so well that you don't see the sudden change of thought. Amazing yet terrible. I loved this book, and I hated this book.
At first, I was a little bored, reluctant to read- then I was really pulled in and getting excited.
Suddenly...
Plot twist! This book already had a plot twist, this one wasn't needed. The book was wrapping up fine but then it was like Alender wanted to drag it out more. That was a major disappoint. There were other parts in the story that I found unnecessary, annoying and other stuff.
I enjoyed this book, and it is very nice... but it just wasn't quite right. Anyone who read Bad Girls Don't Die can read it, of course, it's not that big a deal if you don't.
I rate it a 6/10
~Mushu

Possessed by Kate Cann

When I first started reading this, it seemed kind of stupid and I didn't really want to read it. Eventually, as I went on reading, I enjoyed the book more and more. The book is about Rayne, who just wants to leave the noisy, crowded place where she lives. Her summer job takes her to what she thinks is the perfect place- a country mansion. Turns out that the mansion is spooky, maybe even haunted- the past of this place seems to brought Rayne in as well. Soon, Rayne no longer even feels safe.
Okay, that's based off of the official summary but I don't really remember the details, I only remember that summary was not so accurate. I do remember that the story had many surprising twists and that I really enjoyed it.
There is a sequel, Consumed, which I haven't read and only plan to if I need a book and come across it.
I'd recommend this to people who like a creepy ghost story, probably not for the younger readers.
I rate this book a 7/10
~Mushu

7 Suicidal Videos by Victoria Springs

This book reminded me an awful lot of "Thirteen Reasons Why". Many other people agree with this opinion and got upset saying that this story is copyrighted. Personally, I don't agree. Think about vampires: an idea often used and twisted into the author's own version.
I really liked this book, it was pretty interesting. I've got to admit though, thinking back, the book was awfully open. There were tons of tiny missing and important details. There never really were seven suicdal videos, which suck and there was an "open ending" meaning that you had to think up yourself how it would end. But it was too open if you ask me. Very important things were left out!
The only thing that kept me going was the idea was interesting and the writing was good. Well, writing technique that is. I think Springs needs to work on story plot and all that.
This book was rated pg-13 but there are some pretty gory deaths (obviously).
You can read it on Wattpad. Springs' username is ChixWithStix33
I rate this a 8/10
~Mushu

ATTENTION! Destined by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Just a quick update: This is NOT the official review for Destined. It's supposedly the last book in the House of Night series which I look forward to purchasing and then reading. Just saying for anyone who has read the other books and hasn't realized this: Destined is out! Finally!
And by the way: Happy Halloween! =(^._.^)=

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Alexis is considered weird by everyone. But then again, her sister is pretty weird too. Kasey, Alexis' little sister, has become obsessed with an antique doll. It doesn't seem that important but after Kasey found the doll, weird things begin happening around their home. Even Kasey seems to be changing. Her eyes turn from blue to green, she talks all old-fashioned and her sweet personality changes to a much meaner one. Alexis seems to be the only one who can stop what's happening and save Kasey too.
There was a teensy bit of romance along the way and a whole ton of spooky moments. I totally loved this book! I was pulled in right away and was even quite terrified at some points. I loved everything involved with this book. There was also a second book, but it really isn't neccisary to read.
This book could be something read by boys or girls. I'd suggest it to those who like somewhat scary stories, strong relationships (like friendship and family) and things like that! But it's really good! Give it a chance!
I rate this book: 10/10