YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Join Aarati, Neha and me in reading this newly released book. :D

Oh my goodness thankyou so much!

I'll join :) I have a lot going on that week so I might read slow but I'm in

I'll join, but I may start a day or two after you guys.

Same as Aarati.

Same as Tessa/Aarati. I will try start the 20th!!

Can't wait to read it, but I gotta wait a bit :P. By the way it just has 27 chapters (or so I've known) which, I don't know, seems a little short to me, don't you think?

Looks like the chapters average about 10 pages? Sounds about right to me. Ignite me had like 80 chapters if I recall correctly but that's because the chappies were short XD Will start soon~

Awesome. I'll be reading 5 chapters a day (and 7 chapters on 25th). I'm gonna start it now..i'll report later :D

First five chapters- Interesting plot, and story is treading well. It isn't much detailed though, like the days and hours are speeding like a blur, which is a good strategy if there are 27 chapters. I really like the characters, and in the starting it is already hinted that something bad's gonna happen, which is a good formula for every book so no one is surprised :P. I'm not really attached to the book yet, like I'm not that curious to know what's gonna happen next, but its interesting enough to not make me stop reading.
I think I might like this book if I read it furthur..

Now, I've kinda broke my own rule by reaching upto Chapter 16. I COUDN'T PUT IT DOWN! And I'm not a patient reader soo...

Anyways, My prediction was Corrrect! I'm really liking this book. (view spoiler)[ It brings many questions in the mind, like How Humans are 'actually' gonna co-operate with sweet and helpful aliens? Are those alien species really to be trusted?

Cara is strong (from inside),smart and cute (which basically can only happen in the books..*sigh*). Aelyx is a pretty interesting dude, poor guy learning the human ways..even probably falling in 'love' which means next to nothing in his home. I loved how writer is trying to explain us such a world which is devoid of everything- Love, War, Colors, Rage etc., which is pretty interesting to know. And the writer seemed to have done a lot of research related to changes that could occur in humans after 10,000 or something years so Huzzah for that!

Hmm..what else? Oh yes, the romance bit (which is little more than the sci-fi bit) is Soo good! I'm still waiting for the kiss though -_-. But they're such a CCUUUTTE Couple!

The writing is okay, not bad but not really really good, but that's ok. The little laughs and curiosity are like companion feels in this book. Chapter 14 is my fav so far, honest! Maybe boys should give that kind of advice to girls :D. (hide spoiler)]
Alrighty I've blabbed a lot! I hope I DON'T finish the book tomorrow :P. And I wanna know your views too. Believe me it's pretty interesting to read :).

Hey! Sorry I'm late but I'm starting today!! I will read as I have time and later tonight I hope to catch up.

Page 70 / First 5 chapters
(view spoiler)[It's easy to flip these pages! I like the idea of exchange students between Earth and L'eihr. It's hilarious that a common rock from L'eihr turns out to be a beautiful gem when beheld by human eyes.

Cara's parents have so much affection I hope they display a serious side sometime? It would be annoying to keep seeing them smooch and be ignorant about what was happening around them.

I knew Eric was an asshole. How did he get with Cara in the first place? Not liking Tori either. I hope she changes my impression of her. I'm more into the L'eihr supporting characters Eron and Syrine. Their exchange experiences from what we gather through the com-sphere seem over the top but funny. Hope we continue to get those glimpses. (hide spoiler)]

@Neha Oo glad you're enjoying it! Hope I like it more and more as I continue :)

Noella wrote: "Page 70 / First 5 chapters (view spoiler)[
It's easy to flip these pages! I like the idea of exchange students between Earth and L'eihr. It's hilarious that a common rock from L'eihr turns out to be a beautiful ge..." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I had the same opinion about Cara's parents, until I knew the reason behind it. I don't like Eric either, but Tori is a typical bestfriend who is more bold & bada** than her friend. I see these kind of besties often around me :P. Eron is really nice, syrine is okay, poor girl got stuck with a lustrous human :D (hide spoiler)]

I also started reading this and I'm sorry to say, but I'm not that impressed. So far it feels like the Lux series that, despite having a total geek fall for a hot guy, had no depths whatsoever. Cardboard characters put together in a overly used story. Why is her boyfriend a dick? Why is her best friend a sassy girlfriend? Really, these characters are such painful stereotypes that I'm starting to feel less excited for the story now. I hope it will be decent. So far it looks more like a high-school drama than an actual SF.

Also, she would prefer if her parent would hate each other than display affection in front of her. No honey, you wouldn't. Only a spoiled brat who hasn't see the constant pain such a relationship can bring to a household could say something so insensitive. I know the author is trying to be funny, but she's doing it wrong...

Neha (Athena) (Queen Elinor) wrote: "First five chapters- Interesting plot, and story is treading well. It isn't much detailed though, like the days and hours are speeding like a blur, which is a good strategy if there are 27 chapters..."

I just finished the first 5 chapters. I like most of the main characters. I was glad when (view spoiler)[she dumped her boyfriend. He was cruel, at least her girlfriend said she would deal with the guy there for a year (hide spoiler)].

I like it so far.

Noella wrote: "Page 70 / First 5 chapters

I agree the pages are so easy to just read and flip and flip and flip. It goes by so fast.

(view spoiler)[ I hated Eric and was glad she dumped him. Tori is okay at the moment for me. I too like Eron and Syrine. But you can tell they have something planned and it does not sound good. I kinda hope whatever it is they don't go through with it. (hide spoiler)]

@Tessa I think almost all the popular new books have the female with a boyfriend who is prick at first. They the so called "good one" comes later in the book.

@lindsey if you like it now you're gonna like it even more in the next chapters.

Neha (Athena) (Queen Elinor) wrote: "@lindsey if you like it now you're gonna like it even more in the next chapters."

I'm glad. I jumping right back in.

@Tessa
The typical asshole boyfriend and best friend who's sassier than the main character. I agree it's so overused! It feels like the main character shares no interests with the friend. Sigh~

Up to chapter 10
(view spoiler)[Tori is such a bitch. Everything seems like it has to go her way. It's strange seeing her transform her appearance and she gets angry Cara is hanging out with the exchange student. Some friend, she doesn't even want to talk and side with Cara for a moment.
Is Cara going to make some better friends at this point..? Not too keen on seeing Tori back !! (hide spoiler)]

@Tessa and @Noella what made me really mad about the friends was the fact they told her to pick at first. And the boyfriend was all I like "he must go." Like really what a bossy pants.

Up to chapter 10

(view spoiler)[I agree Tori is such a bitch! I mean making her pick is just crazy. A true friend would never do that.

I love how Cara stands up for the new student. Her dad coming to help when people were coming and telling them to send him back was great! I'm glad they are standing up for him. It was perfect.

I too don't really want to see Tori back anytime soon. Unless she gets a new heart and treats her friend with some respect! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[Who was interrupting Cara and Aelyx at the nature reserve? Ruined a good moment!

This is not really important but Cara texts her friend "4giv me" does anyone actually shorten it like that? Doesn't sound very sincere either. Which is good in this case though, considering Cara really has nothing to apologise for lol (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 13
(view spoiler)[ oh em gee I knew it from the beginning the so called hatred Tori had toward Eric would change! Don't they feel bad for ditching Cara at all? The two jerks deserve each other!! I liked Ashley who's the only L'annabe left. she seems funny~ I wonder if the person leaving threatening messages is someone from the school? Is Marcus involved? It seems grander than them though what with the overblown protests. I'm confused what Aelyx, Syrine and Eron have been doing by planting that thing which has been killing plants? And without their higher ups knowing? They don't seem to want this alliance with humans :( Eron has been swayed. Come on Aelyx it's your turn to sway and you should stop what you're doing! (hide spoiler)]

Upto chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ Haha it was almost funny how I wanted a kiss to happen, and in chapter 17 it happened to be more than that XP. Soo much things happening in just one chapter, i admit i'm not kinda used to it. I don't admire the writer's writing style either. The plot is going great and all, and I can tell what's going on, but sometimes the way it is being described confuses me.
No doubt the two characters have fallen for each other 'pretty hard', (they admit in chapter 22). One time they're loving each other, other time they're debating like hell.
One of the things that I like is the humor content in the chapters, especially in chapter 20
"..and for the first time since their argument began, Cara noticed they’d attracted quite the little audience. A few of Barry’s friends had joined him, sitting cross-legged on the ground and lean- ing forward in rapt attention. One soldier propped against his Hum-V was even munching popcorn from a Smartfood bag. He nodded for her to continue as if she’d pressed the pause button, and now he wanted to resume watching Romancing the Clone."
And don't even get me started on Chapter 22. First half- funny as hell. Second half- Totally opposite!
ERON WAS MY FAV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I admit her friends are quite weird. Like NOW they're trying to save her, just because they were 'friends'. Definitely suspicious. (hide spoiler)]

Page 226
(view spoiler)[Looks like Tori has fully turned her back on Cara. Evil glances now? F off Tori! It's getting sad that no one sticks up for Cara except Aelyx. Even Syrine is dissing her without even knowing her. Ashley is only sticking around for Aelyx...
On a happier note, those pages where Aelyx and Cara teach each other their peoples' way of showing their attraction? A bit cheesy but melting-ly hot ! (hide spoiler)]

@Noella Lol i know right?

So I'm done. And loved it.

Anyone watching Star-Crossed on The CW? Cause it reminds me of this.

More to come. I'm on my phone

I'm done too. (view spoiler)[ Alright first of all, Cara's decision was COMPLETELY unexpected. How could she just run away with Aelyx without thinking twice, to a place from where return is barely possible? WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?? The book also makes us learn that how emotions are not created intentionally but unintentionally- Syrine's anger is a good example of that. And wow,who knew Cara's best weapon i.e debate might come all the way to help her to survive? Also the way Aelyx described the Way was much too scarier than they actually were. The Way isn't that strict..one of them was even mooning on Cara, which was really funny exchange by the way. And because I already read the synopsis of second book (Sowwy..) I knew that Aelyx was gonna stay on Earth. Ended Hopefully. I'm getting a whiff of a long series though..
I'm gonna give it 4 stars but if it was possible i'd give it 3.5. It was entertaining read, but really it was just for entertaining. (hide spoiler)]

@Lindsey
I'm watching Starcrossed too haha :D There's a few similarities what with the protests and the aliens assimilating in high school.

Hoping to finish this book today and discuss further~

@Noella Since there as only been two episodes (counting tonight's) that is all the similarities.

What's in Star-crossed? Lol just curious..

Watch the trailer on U-tube :P It looks really good. I thought the first episode was just okay though.

@Lindsey Oh I forgot the biggest similarity: the aliens look human hahaha :P

Yes that is a big similarity.

End of chapter 19
(view spoiler)[ That person who's been threatening Cara with notes has upped the ante. Poor Ashley. Is Brandi really interested in Aelyx or she said that to make Cara get off her tail? I hate how Aelyx is ignoring Cara :( (hide spoiler)]

Minor Spoiler: You won't be so sad in chapter 20.

End of chapter 24
(view spoiler)[I didn't trust Eric and Tori even after they pulled Cara through a school closet and told her things they heard. I mean it doesn't explain their bitchy behaviour. I couldn't really accept the fact that Brandi was behind the threat notes. It made all this mystery that had been built up seem childish. I was shocked when Marcus was so at ease with pointing his rifle at any one. Who lets this kid handle a freaking gun?! I'm pissed Eron had to die through all this. It was so sudden!! (hide spoiler)]

I thought the first 80% was pretty childish!

@ Neha
I enjoyed the (view spoiler)[debating between Cara and Aelyx infront of that English teacher(?) Mr Manuel. It was obvious he was taking Aelyx's side but both Cara and Aelyx made some good arguments. They match on an intellectual level XD (hide spoiler)]

It leans more towards light-hearted than full-on-epic. The latter which I would've preferred but it's not too bad of a read.

Ending thoughts
(view spoiler)[@Neha I liked how Cara debated her way out at the end. I was quite impressed haha!

That guy who was oogling Cara during her speech, Is he meant to be L'ehir too? How come he's not emotionless and stuff like how Aelyx was at first?

I liked Aelyx's sister as soon as she appeared. Unlike all the other female characters she wasn't bitchy. And she was engaged to Eron! Damn I wish Eron was still alive. Would've liked to see the story play out between her, Syrine and Eron! What a surprise Syrine turned out to be. I thought she was tame but her true self reared its ugly's head near the end.

Since the book's switch the focus between Cara and Aelyx in third person to tell us their thoughts, I think it could have worked really well if it was written in first person. We could have really gotten into the heads of Aelyx and Cara and see the difference in their ways of thinking.

Anyway, I agree it was an entertaining read but it was more focused on characters (i.e. Cara and Aelyx) and placed a lot of emphasis on teenagers paving the way for interplanetary relations and felt like the authorities in both planets were not very involved. (hide spoiler)]

@noella Haha yes the debate part was funny, but there was this another more funnier exchange between them. Hint: It includes soldiers as an audience XD.

(view spoiler)[ About one of the Way member who was mooning on Cara. Hey, it was mentioned earlier that the current generation of L'eihr had been deliberately revoked of that drug which control their emotion. And that dude was about 20 so.. (hide spoiler)]

The only way I can participate in a discussion about this book is if I just don't take it seriously. So, here it is, my blog entry about this "alien" of a book that everyone loves and I just feel so alienated about because I can't feel the same way.

Blog entry........................26 February 2014
Status: reading Alienated
Impression: I'm bored
Read so far: 5 chapters
Favorite character so far: pizza
Favorite quote so far: "He pronounced it A-licks"
Enjoyment level: below the sea level [Holland knows best]
Challenge: finish this for the Mad Lib competition [I used Tangled for food so I need this for my title ends in "ed" book]

This book is trying to communicate with me, but so far I'm having a hard time understanding what it's trying to say. It jumps from one character to another [from one perspective to another], using sometimes first person, then just going to a 3th person view and sometimes I'm just not sure who is trying to talk with me.

More "awesome" inside on this book coming soon. Don't forget to subscribe! >.O

@ Neha Oh I missed that part about (view spoiler)[ the revocation of the drug then (hide spoiler)]! Explains a lot XD

Aww Tessa, doesn't look like you're enjoying it at all! I'd say it was better than Hex Hall though lol. My opinion :P

Hex Hall started out stronger. Made me laugh from chapter 1.

Blog entry........................26 February 2014 [1 am]
Status: still reading Alienated
Impression: I'm still bored
Read so far: 8 chapters
Favorite character so far: meth butterflies
Favorite quote so far: "Cara's stomach was already full. Off butterflies on meth" [Ignore the fact that there's a point where it should have been a comma, that's just the way aliens communicate.]
Enjoyment level: trying to find a way to get to the surface
Challenge: finish this for the Mad Lib competition [2 days minus 1 hour left]

So, me and this little alien finally managed to connect a little in chapter 6 when she tried to bake for him. That part was funny, but after, it lost me again. Lick guy is going in the middle of the night in the forest and she doesn't find that suspicious at all? Oh little alien, I still don't understand you.

More updates coming soon. Current dilemma: is our main character stupid or naive? Is she just misunderstood? *buhuhu*

Lol. Well at least you're still reading it :P