Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sweet Evil

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
 

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

I keep holding my breath like someone is taking the air out of me and away from my lungs! Oh my gosh! This book is killing me like are you trying to kill me or what? Even just the introduction between Anna and Kaidan, the connection between them, GAH! It’s literally killing me to death because of their delicious flirting. OMG. I can make out Kaidan’s h-o with t accent! Oh good! I’m such a fangirl over these YA characters!!

I’m so gonna die right at this moment and seriously fangirling mode is switched ON like it can never be switched off! Never! Kaidan!!! I don’t even know how to breathe through my nose!! It’s choking me! Kaidan omg omg Kaidan!!! I practically fans myself with my bookmark and it doesn’t seem to make myself not to feel hot over Kaidan!! I even used a Sci-fi book to fan myself!!! AAAAAAHHH!! Remarkably Kaidan is freaking h-o with t guy!!! EVER!!

He’s even trying to kill me with his flawless skills with him playing drums!! I’m not really into drummers but Kaidan extremely get me on the hook!!

I’m so happy. Happy. Sweet Evil is sweet!! Utterly delicious!! :D

I gotta give it 4 stars though. Minus 1 star off the rating. I have my reasons by the way. Believe me I really really do like it. The romance and paranormal that puts into a story—brilliant!! However, I was kind of upset with 446 of pages and there weren’t really exciting story to it. Mostly it was about between Anna and Kaidan. Most of the 3 stars were for that deliciously irresistible romance—perfectly written, good use of vocabulary which i’m so impressed at with the author. 1 star for the plot—it lacks of story. It’s missing it’s important points. So many events that happened but then along somewhere part of the book it got lost to what it really wants to tell the readers. There was a story about them being Nephs and stuff but then much of it wasn’t put into action or something. Like the author was too focused on the lovebirds which I’ll not say is a bad thing. I’m still considering whether to give 4 stars. Yes, I’ll still give 4 stars! Good that I still have a soft heart toward books.

“…there is no way of truly knowing one’s heart until one is put to the test.”
<–I like Kopano's wise advice. Really. He's a natural, kind guy I think I'll like too!

Anna: “How do you know if a drummer is at your door? … The knock speeds up and he doesn’t know when to come in.” lololol XD

I’m looking forward to the sequel and I hope it gets better than this!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Beastly

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. 

I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly.

Lindy’s Diary captures all the romance and edgy mystery of the original!

3.5 stars, approximately 4 stars!

I actually watched the movie first before reading the book. I didn’t know that Beastly was a book before came the movie. Seriously. However, i’d still prefer the book to movie. More detailed and got me a couple of laughter here and there between Will and Kyle. But still I wish I hadn’t watched the movie because all along while reading, I imagined Lindy as Vanessa Hudgens which I didn’t get it why she kept popping up in my imaginations though she’s not what I really imagined Lindy looked like.

I love how both characters loved sharing their interests in English Lit (believe me I’m not good in English Lit—I only got a chance to get an A just because we did a drama. I like acting. I did well. Surprise, surprise to English teacher).

Anyways, it’s nice that the author wrote this fairytale retelling. It’s nice and I really enjoyed it! I LOVE it!! The memory of me, first time watching Beauty and the Beast Disney movie when I was young kept rushing through my head…a good, cheerful, hopeful, magical, memory. All those flashbacks, I love Beauty and the Beast. It’s one of my favorite Disney movies. And now my head is stuck with the song Beauty and the Beast as well though it’s not a bad thing—I’ve always wanted to watch it again. I hope I can have the time to.

I love Kyle’s tutor, Will, so much that he kind of reminds me of my English teacher—Mr A. Will is wise and helpful. Funny man too! Pretty much the exact English teacher I have.

I’m glad too that I read this Beastly edition that includes Lindy’s diary—her diary described much more of what happened between her and Kyle and from her diary I understood more of their experiences and some of the events I think I missed—like Adrian and Lindy sent gifts to 2 kids. I won’t spoil it for you though. And yeah, you’ll find more interesting extras to read in this edition of the book! It’s fun, adorable to read!

Definitely a read for anyone! Fantasy, romance, fairytale lovers/fairytale retelling lovers whoever you may be of lovers…it’s amazingly magical!!! I’d love to reread it if I have a handful of time again with me.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Imaginary Girls

Chloe’s older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can’t be captured or caged. After a night with Ruby’s friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers a dead body floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away—away from home, away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns home at last, she finds a precarious and deadly balance waiting for her. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

I want to slap myself for even reading this book really. I literally surrendered. I’m done with this! Not interesting enough, boring! Not clear! Sooo boring! I had yawned a couple of times just because I really tried reading until now I’m still trying to read it until the last page. I want to understand what is it really with Ruby. I even went back to reading it and then…look, I’m so disappointed!! What I did: I put the book down, flipped it through, read a bit of this bit of chapter here and there. Read the very last chapter. Skipped. Go back to read it again. Stopped. Read it. Skipped pages. Then… Blegh!!

I’m so into the cover, it’s so beautiful. The photography underwater—perfect! Love it! That’s probably my only love that’ll give the book seriously. I considered not giving a star but maybe 1 star will do just for the stunning cover.

I am confused about Ruby’s super phenomenal power whatever power she has and can manipulate people or something. Lure them, I guess. It’s weird. How’d she get it and… I don’t think it was revealed to the readers either. I can’t. I don’t like Imaginary Girls! NO! SO disappointed though the author is really good, creative but somehow something still missing that wasn’t I expected. Yeah, it was creepy that wants you to crawl back under your bed kind of mystery/thrill/horror… But really, it wasn’t what I thought the book was. It’s not the book for me with this I don’t even know riddles, hidden messages. The whole story is just—confusing it got me headache already.

Ruby, she is the kind of elder sister that I don’t want to listen to, not all the time. She’s pretty rude. One thing, I like about her will probably be taking care of Chloe. But I guess she does it differently and for me, it’s so terrifying clueless of what she wants and it’s so disturbing, in my opinion, of them both. Chloe worshipping her sister goddess like Ruby is the only living person revolving around her space and time. She’s loyal as if she has no mind of her own that makes decisions herself. It’s always Ruby she’s listening to and her advices and warnings. Precautions about boys, just about maybe every thing and stuffs.

I actually thought that maybe to answer Ruby’s ‘power’ is because she’s a siren. Who would have thought? Yep, that’s a wild guess that’s all. Possible though. Or she is a ghost like London. Who knows. And I noticed that when Chloe does something or about to do or did something, Ruby will potentially always be on her head like Ruby’s the mastermind and like Ruby has given her the list precautions of everything she’s about to do right then.

From my understanding though i still have no idea what’s the book talking about, is that at the end of the book, what Ruby did to Owen when he was London happened to Chloe with Ruby taking the keys to her car and let Ruby handled the driving. And maybe before they even get to town, Chloe was one of them like London and Ruby and Olive.

That’s all I would say, my opinions—sucks I had read this book. SO not the book I had imagined it would be. Bad for my taste. 1 star.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Waiting

After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.
Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. 

London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault? 

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

It’s been difficult on the protagonist part as I read the book, only took me hours to finish it. I’m rating 3.5 stars not reaching the “about 4 stars” for me though.

All London needed was love. From her parents especially. Needs support. And she needs to forgive herself so that she can move on. It takes time and she had all the time she needs. Her friends around her made her see that she still surrounded with people she can lean her shoulders to cry on. That’s what’s good about her friends—they give her their full support and understands how she feels by listening when she speaks of her dear brother.

Out of all her friends, I really love Lili. Lili who has no idea, not even a clue of what she has got to say but say pretty random stuffs about herself, family, shares anything anyway—I like that about her. She’s a Miss Chatterbox. Like a radio that won’t stop unless her story ended or it’s time for questions or something. And she’s really cheerful, loves her family. Lili made friends with London not too easily but she kept London close to her even when she didn’t know what happened to London or her family. She still like to be with London and be her friend.

I am thinking of why the title is “Waiting” after now that I am done reading the book. I guess she’s waiting when she’ll ever forgive herself let the past be past. When she’ll let go of repeating everything that happened to Zach’s in her memories of him that ended him once and for all. Waiting for the moment to be loved by the people she loves so much, she have been waiting for like eternity to get the love return back to her and be happy again, alive, loving living life. Waiting for something that it’ll be the same way like it had before the tragedy. Waiting for someone to say to her that none of it was her fault. No ones fault of what happened.

I can relate one thing though and I agree with the book, that if one family is gone, i don’t know if it ever be whole again. I don’t know. Here’s the quote from the book: “When the best part of a family dies, everyone falls apart…” Like everyone is affected by it all. Can’t seem to move on. Time can heal not everything but most of it. I can much say that. It’ll be scars one day and to my wounds, it’s now scars and I know it will be too, for London and her family.

Goodbye quotes (not from the book) that I like and probably what London feels:

“You never leave someone behind, you take a part of them with you and leave a part of yourself behind.”

“Life wouldn’t be the same without you and all the memories you have given me.”

“Every goodbye makes the next hello closer.”

“You know that you are in love when the hardest thing to do is say goodbye.”

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Pushing The Limits

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I wonder when I’ll feel when love saves me from all the hurt and pain and tears, fear and almost every possible nightmare in my life. I wonder.

Both sides of the story are really realistic. I didn’t expected it to be more than just about high school problems. or another ridiculous, draggy, girl-falls-in-love-with-boy chick flicks plots I heard probably countless of time. Never it occur to it’s more of personal, deep issues that the characters has to go to the bottom of it all and make things work if ever ‘normal’ exists at all.

Noah’s part really had me crying. I felt it like he reminded me of my past. I cried. Not that we’re exactly on the same situation but I know it in me that, I saw the pain I had then— past I never wanted to ever touch at all I had buried long ago and when I read on Noah’s thoughts about his parents

“They’d never know that they lost the most amazing people on the face of the planet. They’d never know how the loss had torn me up every single day of my life.”


I had imagined of what would happened to me if that came real.. ….My parents..if they continued… I can’t exactly say it. It hurts. I had imagined too much even imaginations killed me already to just think it.

Noah, I know it hurts. So much especially you had every knowledge about your parents. I almost… yeah. I know how it feels. *takes a deep breath*

Almost all of my memories of my past then sprang in my head, flooded and tears just flowed down my cheeks. I don’t even know when a book had reminded me of my past.

I don’t know why the one thing I love that was said by Noah is, “You’ll be fine.” I guess it’s just nice to read/hear “you’ll be fine” every day. I’ll listen to that person or read that everyday. What I love about Noah too is that he’s not just about words, when he said something he will do, without a doubt, he’d do it. He’s committed and true to what comes out from his lips. Not letting down the people he loves surrounding him good vibes even though inside he feels like dying each day. He’s good guy, Noah, that is.

If you lost one of your parents, would it still feel whole? Would it feel like you’ve lost both even though you know you still have the other parent left?

That’s my burning questions whenever I say Echo’s name or think of her character. I sympathize with her. Funny though, at my attempt reading her name, Echo, and thought it’s a boy’s name. Whoops. Yeah. I admit. I’m pretty dumb.

Echo reminded me of my favorite singer, David Archuleta’s song, “Broken”. Simply because the lyrics are relevant to her. “Broke but not broken.” that’s one line lyric that I love for Echo. Reminds me of what she went through.

Anyway, I love how the author includes Greek mythology, and constellations plus art to the character. It gives Echo a beautiful background which I am so happy of!! I love it!!

Oh my, i almost forgot I like Mrs Collins even at first the author introduced the readers to her. I automatically thought that she’d be a great help and supporting Noah and Echo. She has the role that stood out by just stepping into Noah and Echo’s lives and trying to make a change and lending a hand to both without asking for anything in return and she’d always help and always try to get many help as possible just so she could help Noah and Echo.

I guess there’s a reason that this book ever came to me and so in love with it! I want to hug Noah and Echo so bad for being the inspirational fighters!! Amazing book!!! :)

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Nine-year-old Oskar Schell has embarked on an urgent, secret mission that will take him through the five boroughs of New York. His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11. This seemingly impossible task will bring Oskar into contact with survivors of all sorts on an exhilarating, affecting, often hilarious, and ultimately healing journey.

I’ve tweeted about this book few months back that seems like yesterday but it wasn’t yesterday haha!

I have to be honest I didn’t finish the book. I started reading it on Sep and I left it unread. And so… Now that I have so much time in my hands because it’s holidays (2 months!) I gotta go read and finish this incredibly inspiring book! I find it bizarre (sort of). It’s funny. But thinking it though, the whole book—crazy, so original.

There’s just so many things running through my head now and I thought about what the book says especially a quote that has got me was: “There’s nothing wrong with not understanding yourself,” *shakes head, slightly* isn’t it weird to feel like you don’t understand yourself at the same time you KNOW yourself?? is it possible that sometimes we don’t understand ourselves? Then you ask yourself, “yeah, why? Why?” the brain starts to think enough to find the answers, it can be through experiences, etc.

ANSWER: I can say that, it is ok not to understand.
Because truly, i don’t understand myself sometimes. However, I don’t want to give up trying to find what I don’t understand, I want to dig deep and find what it is. It’s really hard to search what you’re looking for—maybe if you know what it is truly, then maybe…yeah, you can.

Probably Oskar Schell may think the same way. Not to stop finding what it is. How. Why. All these questions shouldn’t be missing in our daily lives.

I have to say Oskar Schell gets inside my head and right now I saw this library loan receipt that has got the name of who borrowed it and the books he borrowed, and well… I said, “why do some people slip these loan receipts in between the pages of the book. Don’t they need it? Or do they want people to know who they are maybe? Or do they simply forgot about the loan receipt is even between the pages?

Crazy, right. Now I sound like Oskar Schell. Thanks to this book! It’s so wonderful!!

“Even if I don’t like what I am, I know what I am. My children like what they are, but they don’t know what they are. So tell me which is worse.”

I don’t like what I am—some part of me I haven’t really like still but I know what I am and that good? I say, yes! :)

This quote from the book has somewhat struck me and it rang the bell. “It’s that at the end of my search I wanted to be able to say: I don’t know how I could have tried harder.” by now I should be finishing this book but because of youth camp it pretty delayed me to finish it but all is well and I’m so grateful that I had attended the camp. The quote just felt right to me because no matter how hard i try while I was at camp to really come out of my comfort zone instead i want things to just take it slowly start from baby steps and continue it.

Till now I find it hard to deliver or share my thoughts to people. Afraid to speak up… It’s difficult. I want to try everyday to be myself, set aside the fears that makes the barriers that makes things difficult for me to do and these barriers i have is too hard to break.

*takes a deep breath* I always want to try. Try, try. Until I do not know what is “try” and the word “do” comes in. That’s what I want.

There are some points that I had to rack my brain for understanding what it says and made me think of what it may define. I had it slowly read the book and I truly like it in someway or another. Some were ridiculous like it’s just written for the sake of writing it—quite of a nonsense actually haha! Well, sometimes not making sense still make sense. And I relate to that and it’s different. :)

I may have no favorite character but I kinda like Dr Fein because of what he told Oskar that I did could relate,

“… I end up crying a lot usually in private. … I also can’t sleep over at friend’s apartments because I get panicky about being away from mom I’m not very good with people.”

“I feel too much.”

“My insides don’t match up with my outsides.”

“I don’t know. I’m only me.”

I’m not really sure those are really Dr Fein’s sayings. Anyway, another that I like is from Oskar

“I promised myself that I wouldn’t be the first to look away. But, as usual, I was.”

I really like the part of when Mr Black and Oskar were at observatory deck of the Empire State Building aka (in the book) Empty State Building hahah!! “Lovers who kiss up here may find their lips crackling with electric sparks.” I have to admit—it’s sort of a wonderful book at the same time my brain seems to just wander and think of what it really means. The ending… Well. The expectations that I was looking for was not in it. I was hoping for a superb ending but it was fine. 3.5 stars. Approximately 4 stars. Strangely familiar to a book but not at all. Really strange, bizarre (kind of), beautiful. Go read it if you have enough time to. You might ask yourself deep question you never have thought of yourself.

What I tell myself inspired by the book: Sometimes the key you’re looking for is with the person you won’t be able to find, ever. Unless the person who has got the key is looking for the owner himself.

“It’s that at the end of my search I wanted to be able to say: I don’t know how I could have tried harder.”

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Mortal Instruments #3: City of Glass

To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family’s past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he’s willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?
Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling The Mortal Instruments.

I gasped in surprise here and there gasped in horror from the deaths that I didn’t expect would happen. Grotesque, horrible death especially of what Valentine did with the Inquisitor. I have to say I like this book better than the second— City of Ashes. I give it 4 stars! I really think about it, if only I could visit this fantasy world, I would. I’ve been wishing, daydreaming about it. Alicante, Idris particularly.

I hope Clary’s character get well-develop and make better progress. This one did a little bit but I want more from her. I didn’t really like her attitude from City of Ashes. I just hope her character improves more in the next book.

There’s one huge question burning in my head about Jace. Let’s face it, it’s quite of a spoiler but how the heck did get the mark like star (birthmark of Herondale)? He was a baby and his biological parents died and he was only in the womb? How did he get the scar/birthmark? Who had marked him? It couldn’t be his real parents because they died. Hmmm. Unsolved question.

I like how I’ll guess about what’s going to happen. I can’t wait to read the next to this i don’t know what City was it though, haha! Oh well. I don’t believe Jonathan/Sebastian was dead. He had probably survived and now lying-low, recovering and lurking for the meantime. I guess.

Anyway, I really like Simon and Isabelle to be together!! And yes, Magnus and Alec! SQUEE, people!!!! :D many events happened in the book such a thick book and I like like it!!! Never to late to read the TMI books!!! GO GO!! I love you Cassandra Clare!! Continue to do what you do! Make Clary’s character more likable. Thanks, bye!

I was arguing with myself while reading the pages, who do I like more Jace or Sebastian haha!! You’ll find out who you like by the end! I somehow knew it Jonathan/Sebastian could’ve just said at his cousin at Penhallows and new friends the Lightwood plus his ultimate sarcastic smart mouth challenger, Jace is amalayer amalayer? Omg amalayer??? Loooooool XD

And omg just some spoiler again, live long Herondale family you guys are charming enough haha!

Ok I’ve gone too far and out of control. And it feels like i’m still bad at reviewing books because it all includes my fangirling mode. Oh well. Enjoy TMI: City of Glass!!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Nine year-old Bruno knows nothing of the Final Solution or the Holocaust. He is oblivious to the appalling cruelties being inflicted on the people of Europe by his country. 

All he knows is that he has been moved from a comfortable home in Berlin to a house in a desolate area where there is nothing to do and no one to play with. Until he meets Shmuel, a boy who lives a strange parallel existence on the other side of the adjoining wire fence and who, like the other people there, wears a uniform of striped pyjamas.
 

Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel will take him from innocence to revelation. And in exploring what he is unwittingly a part of, he will inevitably become subsumed by the terrible process.

I liked the book in a kinda weird way. I don’t know what exactly I’m talking about because the ending got me really quite lost. I didn’t really understand, maybe I have to reread the last chapter or something. I actually did however, I still can’t comprehend what the ending’s talking about.

To be honest, I have to say I have to discuss this book if I meet my friend who suggested this book to me and I gotta ask why this is his favorite book and I’ll probably don’t get him his opinions either. I’m hoping I will.

It says about true friendships though. That, I truly get! if the author continued to write a few more pages of what really happened… I guess Bruno and his friend died together as a prisoners of war (POW). And I guess too that Bruno lived his life the way he would have wanted all along. Bruno probably did not care at all if he’ll be in danger so long he was with his best friend—through to the end of their friendship.

I guess is all. And that’s probably my understanding of the second and last chapter. And about his father, he knew but didn’t said a word. He accepted that Bruno rather be out there happy and maybe call it ‘freedom’ as long as he stays out there alive and well, not like himself full of misery that he had lost his position in the army.

Ok that’s a little spoiler. Those are only my interpretations of what maybe truly happened to Bruno and family, I just want to go to the bottom of it all. Elaborative ending is all I want.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

68 Knots

“…a novel about adventure, exploration, self-discovery, teamwork and mystery.”

This edgy novel about a diverse group of teens who commandeer a sailboat and support themselves by pirating during one summer full of adventure and discovery, is also a subtle yet powerful novel of awakening, of coming to grips individually with the issues they face as they are on the cusp of adulthood. Written with restraint and authenticity, this powerful debut will appeal to older YA readers.

This book a whole lot of different to me and I love it because the plot is different from other YA novels especially when it’s about sailing. I don’t have a one tidbit knowledge on sailing but this book gave the imagination or at least a bit of what’s all sailing about. Literally. And I got something out of it and just beyond sailing.

It’s about life. Finding yourself in a vast ocean – just you, making your own decisions. The characters—I feel them. I someway or another I understand them because they have not experience what’s like to be on your own, having an “alone and just-do-it yourself time”. I figured out that once in a while, we should really have our own time to ourselves so that we know and we have a better understanding of who we are and how are we able to make things work out.

In my opinion, that’s what’s almost all the character learned and how, no matter what, has somehow satisfied their summer days in the Dreadnought.

And also, they discovered that deep inside them, there is something they have yet to know about themselves. They have an ability that they didn’t think they had before and have not able to use them—not for revenge or anything that comes down to bad things but they come to think that it’s better if they are happy and comfortable, confident as ever. That all because of their voyage or a little adventure around the coasts.

Met people. Different kinds of people. Same for us in reality. They had stories we’ve never heard of and would want to share with us.

Tough decisions, one friend’s betrayal. Love. Beliefs. Being dauntless. This book has got it!! This book can be a life changing to others because as I turned each of the pages and read them, there’s always a hidden message in it that I also think the characters in the book has understood. I didn’t really regret reading this book even if it took me a while finish it. I even came back to read when I abandoned it once, thinking I could not be possibly finish this. But I had. It’s wonderful!!!

Continue to sail our boats and search our dreams in this beautiful journey, and let’s get through every storm we come across and always look over the horizon of tomorrow for always future holds good things for us!! Ahoy!!

P.S. The mates the characters met in their adventure in the ocean, I think it in life it says a lot too. For me, I think, meeting and communication with people is important and that always welcome good people aboard will bring something good back to us after our hospitality to them and for letting them enter our ship—in reality that’ll be called blessings in our life. :)

How I wish i have a book club so I can have a discussion with them about the book. Here’s the website for the discussion questions: http://www.tanglewoodbooks.com/books/68knots.html

I was just thinking about The Cab’s song “Take My Hand” and this song reminds me of when the Dreadnought crew had to say their last words to each other, say their goodbyes before heading and surrendering the ship and meet Captain Fernandez and the rest on the shore. This reminds me of that. And – Arthur and Dawn together on shore saying goodbye to each other.
Take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know
How did this night become the enemy?
It’s over, it’s over, it’s over
Another song that reminds me of Arthur and Dawn – “That 70′s Song”. It kinda reminds me of when Arthur and Dawn volunteered to stay the night on deck to do the look out.
You say the storm will pass, we’ll work it out
The road can get a little rough sometimes I’ll move it fast without a doubt
Our hearts will beat in separate rooms tonight, tonight
“The Way We Talk” by The Maine might be just the best song that fits for Arthur on Marietta, haha!! OR the first time he saw her or maybe the time when Arthur rejected her offer to stay on board and dive in the chilly water with the others, haha!!
Oh she’s fresh to death,
She’ll be the death of you,
Seduction leads to destruction.
Yeah she’s fresh to death,
She’ll be the death of me,
She’s fresh, she’s fresh but not so clean.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Past Perfect

Beautifully written by Leila Sales. She’s awesome for writing this!

I have a copy of this beautiful book given by Ms Leila Sales, herself and it's such great feeling to have received it from her and got a personalized autograph!! I love Ms Sales!

I can read this book over and over again :D :D
This book is amazing. Beautifully written. I love it! The song that it reminds me of so much is Someone Else’s Heart by Kina Grannis. I really adore this song! There’s history in it. I like history!

This book will be good to those who had been in a relationship where everything just didn’t work and broke up—can’t seem to move on. Obviously I haven’t experience any of the pain Chelsea Glaser felt but still I feel her and understands.

I am really fascinated about this book. It shows what truly LOVE is. Teenagers this days are different. Guys are treating girls like Barbie when girls really are not. Throw away..find someone new to toy around with.. I don’t understand any of these stuff either when you can only have one real love and not a few or lot of ‘em.

There are some quotes I really liked! A few quotes:

“What really happened doesn’t matter. What matters is how we agree to remember it.”

“A boy once told me that love without heartbreak is just a pretty myth.”

“History is written by the victors.”

“….he has the emotional maturity of a toddler…”

The book gave me hope to a guy that I’ll have a real love (in the future) and not looking at it through glass when it actually it’s not real but I want that guy to be REAL. Hope it makes any sense! Haha!

I came across my friend’s status on Facebook about Love and I actually learned something out of the book and commented: I guess when you love someone that easily, it’s not true love. But if it’s hard, that’s true love? *wild guess* LOL

I am so amazed at how wonderful book ‘Past Perfect’ is! I love it! Great job Ms Sales! Thank you for writing it!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Unraveling

Two days before her junior year, Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, her life flashing before her, then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And though it isn’t possible, she knows with every fiber of her being that Ben has brought her back to life. 

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. As the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s needs to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

UNRAVELING is a gripping story of one girl’s fight to save her family, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

Omg omg omg who is this kiddo, Ben Michaels??? this is a good book! It’s killing me!! #Unraveling

I have to continue reading. I just. I just have to!!!

Is Ben Michaels an alien or something? He might be disguised as a human, a teenager living a normal life & want to be hero of the world? LOL

I can’t help think though the 1stfew chapt. are like Twilight-y —the “Edward-saves-Bella-from-crashing-her-body-between-truck/car scene” lol But in truth I’m really curious, who is Ben Michaels.. wait, more of like, WHAT is he??? #Unraveling wth I don’t like suspense I’m so scared I dropped my iPod! at least Ben Michaels didn’t say he was an alien, only a freak! Hahaha omg how could you, Ben Michaels??? i wasn’t expecting it but then i know somehow the situation of what’s been happening around involves you! omh J heard it. why would Ben let his peers pressure him to do those things? it’s not like he can’t control what he wants & not to do lol lol ok i was correct maybe. Ben Michaels was.. well.. i can’t spoil it for the readers. no wonder Pittacus Lore gave it a good review ;) but man, why does it have to be suspense, in my case. whenever i read a page, my heart’s pounding so fast and i’m holding my breath haha omh this book reminds me of Physics. time travel..& yeah the multiverse thingy we were discussing one day in school w/ a friend & 2 teachers. oh it could get this crazy in this science fiction world. like it!! :) i’m hoping for the sequel to this, it’ll be Ben Michaels’ POV. it better be his the next time lol only it wasn’t going to be! i thought this book has zombies in it that’s why my dreams last night became a nightmare, really and time travel included. sheesh twas scary idek why i was in “10th century” like – whut? but at least the time travel saved me from those grotesque-looking zombies Hmm if anyone at all survives going through a black hole…what’s on the other side? Future? Past? Or another world? I’ve completely lose it I just finished reading Unraveling!! HECK – it’s an incredible book!!! I NEED THE SEQUEL AND TELL ME,PLS BEN MICHAELS IS COMING BACK
APPARENTLY, those are my insane tweets, you’ll ever read and very bizarre too! And please mind a bit of a spoilers in those tweets – whoops. So each tweet has a meaning in them well, not EACH tweet but at least each, I guess haha. What surprises me now is that my dreams – it was really crazy imaginations coming out from head while I doze off at night. Zombies – that’s what I thought of this book. Zombies, zombies. So thrilling and full of suspense! I can’t – I just love it!

Janelle – i love how she really looks up to her dad because i do the same to my dad :) ! Most essays that I can include a family member – I’ll always write about my dad and that’s what most likely Janelle would do in school essays homework too. She’s intelligent and she has it in her head before things happen – she’s got it all covered. I like her that she is book smart too! How she would protect all that she loves. She’s a keeper, Ben Michaels! ;)

I just wish it could hurry things up so I can read the sequel already!! I have a feeling about Ben Michaels!! Aaaah!!!

The science in it is so cool and it’s my favorite part of the book!! Good thing it didn’t turn out to be zombies in Janelle’s way or all the people in San Diego (setting of the book which I’m so happy because it’s in San Diego!! SAN DIEGO, BABY! Haha!! I was like that’s where head of Qualcomm building is located – almost all the time dad tells me about and… i don’t wanna spoil it but really, in the book, the author wrote Qualcomm!!!!) SOOOO HAPPY WITH THIS BOOK!! :D :D :D

I LOVE PHYSICS – AND THAT’S THAT!! It’s so interesting whenever my friends and science teachers have the time to discuss with us of what they know – any theory at all from scientist and stuff and omg i can’t wait for next year for more Science Advocacy in school! AND i’m thinking of participating in another Science competition if teacher has any competitions they would like to go for and have experience and the opportunity – we never know maybe we’ll achieve something because we know something… idk haha. ;)

PHYSICS AND CREATIVITY RULES OUT THIS BOOK!! THANK YOU TO ELIZABETH NORRIS! <333 BEN + JANELLE = FOREVER AGAINST THE UNIVERSE, HAHAHA!

Thursday, November 08, 2012

The Traitor in the Tunnel

Queen Victoria has a little problem: there’s a petty thief at work in Buckingham Palace. Mary Quinn takes the simple case, going undercover as a domestic servant. But before long, a scandal threatens to tear apart the Royal Family.
One of the Prince of Wales’s irresponsible young friends is killed in disgraceful circumstances. Should the Queen hush things up or allow justice to take its course? Mary’s interest in this private matter soon becomes deeply personal: the killer, a drug-addicted Chinese sailor, shares a name with her long-lost father.

Meanwhile, James Easton’s engineering firm is repairing the sewers beneath Buckingham Palace. Trouble is, there’s a tunnel that’s not on the plans. Its purpose is unclear. But it seems to be very much in use.

These overlapping puzzles offer a perfect opportunity for Mary and James to work together again… if they can still trust one another. This is Mary’s most personal case yet and she has everything to lose.

I really love this book has not ended yet and it’s got a 4th book on the way to be published! Thank you so much Ms Lee!! It’s the best mystery historical book ever! And how lovely it is of James Easton in the book and has got some good humors as well!! I love it!!! Mary is just an absolute character we all should be looking up to! She’s got her moral correct and very reasonable and witty at the same balancing all her situations she faces in her life. She also prioritize her family her and herself in hand before others come in. I just love Mary. James too!!

Looking forward for another adventure with Mary and future husband James!! Whoops, spoiler me. Never mind. ;)
LONG LIVE The Agency!
Ciao!

Monday, November 05, 2012

Shut Out

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it’s a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy’s car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend’s attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all. She and the other players’ girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won’t get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don’t count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.

You can’t miss reading this novel!! I mean really. I find it pretty nice for especially teenagers, to go for this one!

I was curious when I don’t really know what the title truly means. And it’s amazing I learned something out of the meaning and that could probably use in sports whenever I watch it with brother or dad. I’m not really into one of those sports mentioned in the book – eg. soccer, (American) football. However, it’s a good book for my taste.

It’s a book for real teens but I can tell you the book says a lot about the main character and protagonist, Lissa. And the book is not those drama over the top, or too sugary-coated plots.
I learned from her of how to really be yourself when it comes to love. You have to be honest of how you truly feel of that person. You can’t avoid the fact that you are actually possibly in love. I guess we really can’t avoid love once it hits us. Even if we try to actually divert ourselves away from it, it’ll just keep going back to face you, where you are, this time in a different kind of way. It can be through the ‘hard way’. Eg. Someone getting hurt. Feel betrayed, etc.

You know like probably to be able to see it, love will actually find its way. Way no one else can.
Love is really powerful. I believe it. Yeah, I do. It just do amazing things even when we don’t realize it but we will eventually see it. That’s how I see the book is trying to send across the readers.

I especially love both Cash and Lissa. They are different people but when you measure the difference there’s actually just an acute difference. There’s much more similarities that connected both.

And Lissa, her mindset from other mindsets of protagonists I had read and explored so far, hers is not the type of drama-thinking-exaggerating one not like those contemporary protagonists I’ve read. Really. And I’m so proud of that! It shows Lissa is a mature young lady and that already showed when she takes care of her family and that she has responsibilities to put as the priority. I really like her in the book. She’s got leadership skills as well (which i would have to learn from her lol) And from what the girls did in the book, well, Lissa did looked out what is really important about herself and those around her inner circle—peers. Slowly, everyone will find it out for themselves how to end it all off with the rivalry. —YES, just READ the book! :P

To end this off, I would like to encourage you girls out there to read Shut Out and I assure you, you’ll not cry and feel like it’s drama, exaggerated plot with exaggerated characters—NOPE, not with this one, definitely not anymore!! Go ahead, and give it a shot!

P.S. Enjoy the 2 loooooong months of holiday, bookwormies! Read many adventurous and exciting books!!
Always smile.

Over out :P

Friday, November 02, 2012

The Fault in Our Stars

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.

Oh my gosh. Why John Green?? Why wrote this freaking novel when all it did is break my heart & ruin my eyes because I cry, cry cry cry.. :’( what happened to Alaska… she died in the book & I didn’t like it, because of that. Idk why she even did it to herself! I get it now! :’(( </3

Oh. I just can't. Can't handle this. *wipes tears*

"Sometimes people don't understand the promises they're making when they make them."

"Pain demands to be felt."

"The world is not a wish-granting factory."

I really should announce this – this is the first book from John Green that like!! It's such a heartfelt coming-of-age story of two cancer-plagued teenagers. I just cried :'). It's so beautifully written.
Many inspired quotes in the book. For both of the teens, it's all so challenging for both them. Hazel Grace Lancaster who was pretty negative about how will she survive while this boy is positive enough that if you look at him, he's such a happy normal living creature as if he has no sickness worrying him physically and especially mentally. Has kind heart this boy, Augustus. It's him who helps his friends and understands them better. I think he's one of a kind :) and i like his story.

Hazel Grace – i think she just want to live a normal life and it did when Augustus came into her heart. She found that this is for her and Augustus as well felt that this love is for him. There's a connection between them. I think Augustus really wanted to have true love- to have a one & only love before he leaves the world.

Because we don't know how much time we have left in this world and I'm sure Augustus doesn't want to waste his time not knowing how to love and be a sacrifice to all he loves. And I think that's basically what I get from the book. And there are probably more… and I'm sure they are all wonderful meanings.

This book deserves to win the Goodreads 2012 in category – Young Adult Fiction. I give you props for this awesome book Mr Green!! I'll sure to reread it soon! Thanks for writing TFIOS!!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Divergent

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue–Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is–she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
….
I’m afraid of how am I going to elaborate and sort out my opinions on this book. Basically, I’m speechless of what I have to review on it. I have the mind of that I might actually mix things up. But really, I just love the book and the whole of dystopian in it. It’s amazing! There were some parts of the book, I admit, that I can’t reach within my imaginations haha!

What surprises me was Beatrice’s character and the rest of them!! Pretty realistic! I’m really amazed by Beatrice’s values too. The book itself, has demonstrated values that we should have in our life – successful or not, we should have the right attitude toward others. And that’s something.

So many good actions that gripped and absorbed me in while reading it. Totally enjoyed the ride as if I was in all of what was happening in the book!

I think I might actually have to look up on Beatrice’s bravery here. Her courageous self is simply what made the book such a reverting one. Without it, I wouldn’t think it’ll be what the book turned out to be. I have to say I’m not that brave like her but I’ve always wanted to be eccentric and brave and courageous like her. Dauntless. Fearless. Anything that touches the sense of bravery always brewing in you, that you have to be active all the time. Problem with me is, I’m pathetic. Low self-esteem. I wonder how can I change this. Is it because of this questions: Do I get to choose what I want or people have already chosen what’s best for me? With the choice they gave me, that resulted – I feel no confidence in me, no courage to fight for what I want… ??

Are those the reasons why I’m not eccentric and not brave enough to face head on? I’ve asked myself these questions before. It’s sad.

Anyways, I hope that didn’t turn out to be a drama queen there haha!!

I cannot be Beatrice.

Difficult to be her, in my case. I have just too MANY fears. Some of it are even ridiculous than hers..so yeah. And I’m aware that myself is a big coward. There. I said it. A coward. Btw, just a bit of spoiler: The real coward in the book, seriously, is Eric. Really. (IMO)

Just remember to check out Divergent! Because you have to. It’s truly awesomeage!! And there’s an ebook of the 1.5 – Free Four – in Four’s points of view!! Do check them all out!!

Another thing, in my opinion, Tris and all, are like living in a world with just a couple of options and that’s it for them. No freedom. And how I see “Visiting Day” is more of like prison visitation. Is it only annually? Bah! then in that case, Dauntless is probably worse than a prison cell, idk. (TOO MUCH SPOILER, sorry)

OMG the song, “Young Dumb And In Love” by Mat Kearney, imo, is a good song to be included in the Divergent movie!! EEEP! FOUR AND TRIS! <3
*****
Happy reading fellas!!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

One Night That Changes Everything


book synopsis missing

Haha, i didn’t know this book has a prequel novella!!

I read this book at one go, really. I gave it 3 stars or was it 2? Anyway despite my low rating for it, I kinda get a lesson learnt.

It’s about giving second chances to people and I think this book has showed that it’s better if we give people another chance and from there we can build up the trust again.

People makes mistakes and are not perfect. Even ourselves aren’t so don’t judge others about anything because really, we are all the same as in we are human beings and that’s our nature to make mistakes but that doesn’t mean we can’t change to a better person. It’ll take quite a long time – making effort and all. Hopefully it’ll be worth it.

Shadow and Bone

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

One of the best debut novels I’ve read this year. Thanks to Ms Bardugo! Truly fantasy fantastic!! Can’t wait for the sequel! I’m sure there will be more surprises to come and I hope for new characters Alina and Mal will know along their journey and eventually hopefully lend a helping hand to them to defeat the Darkling (though I still think Ms Bardugo has not given him a name lol, I like it—unknown, mysterious, dark boy he is) and I’m sure Ms Bardugo has not given the climax of the story yet! Eeeep!! This is just the tip of the iceberg!! Looking forward!!

Into fantasy?? YES! Probably the right book to read NOW! The moment I read it, I couldn’t put it down. It’s just a poor thing if you do not read it in one sitting!!

GO. READ. SHADOW & BONE.

Hoping for a movie.

But anyway, books are the best way you can have your movie, because you pretty much is the direction, it’s your imagination that flows while reading!! It’s awesome!!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Timepiece

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking…
Kaleb Ballard’s relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb’s powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he’s stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough…

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

I enjoyed this one very much than the first. Timepiece is different from Hourglass and I love it!! I love Kaleb’s points of view and all his train of thoughts going on in him. I just like every bit of it. I approve this character and the cover looks really amazing!!

Mr A, English teacher, I guess he saw me reading this book with so much interest and I think he got curious and took a peek at the cover and he said “very… inte—res—ting”. Haha!! Yes and the title sounds like it! :)

There is one thing i liked to pinpoint here, the relationship between Kaleb and his dad including his mom, is just really touching to me. They are so bonded. And Kaleb’s dad, showed NOT TELL Kaleb, he love his son very much. I kinda get that. Kaleb probably just needed compliments from his dad that he’s helping and that want some more passion especially in a father-son relationship.

And one more thing so good about Kaleb, he found the love of his life, Lily. Cute couple (than Em and Michael haha!)!!

Anyone interested in Science time travel fiction, this one’s one of the good ones out there to read and enjoy!! The third installment comes out next year, Infinityglass!

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Shooting Stars

Jo is a 16-year-old paparazzo who’s desperate to get out of the game, but needs the money. When she’s offered a week-long job with fantastic pay, it seems like the perfect solution to her problems. But this particular job is low and dirty and will mean betraying the only star she’s ever liked…

Fast read cute book!! I find it really adorable, teenage book!!

However, there are more messages that is saying especially about megastars in Hollywood. We may think they are what we think they are but actually there’s more to their side of story than they are showing on your TV screen.

Jo. Good for Jo in this book. Really funny and sweet character too. It’s got great twist between and her the superstar which I would say yeah I agree that this book is witty enough that should teenagers read!

It’s all saying that superstars still have their own reality other than all shining spotlights on them. They also have weaknesses like us. Of course they are still human and also have delicate things about them, after all. So, when you see them in personal or on TV, you may want to consider thinking first before you speak or give opinions about them while you sit on your couch. Think about how are they getting along with their family when they are not in tours, filming movies, etc. Or do they ever do anything else they like in their own personal time in when they can have fun and no one will mob them?

If you happen to see superstars in the surface where you really just walk around aimlessly and suddenly they clashes/bump right in front of you, do wave at them!! It’ll make a difference and they will feel normal in a normal-no-spotlight-on kind of way :) !

The book may not just referring to the superstars in Hollywood in my opinion, they happen in schools too! In your own school! Probably a popular guy or girl in your school where everyone knows about him/her so much its everyone’s talk in any news they get around. And that popular guy/girl might have deep secrets— better to say it as “weaknesses” rather than secrets. you never know, they’ve been having hardship about something. Surprise surprise all in the way! Better know people first and get real close to them before you judge. ;)

Happy August reading, bookwormies!!

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

A Spy in the House



Orphan Mary Quinn lives on the edge. Sentenced as a thief at the age of twelve, she’s rescued from the gallows by a woman posing as a prison warden. In her new home, Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls, Mary acquires a singular education, fine manners, and surprising opportunity. The school is a cover for the Agency – an elite, top-secret corps of female investigators with a reputation for results – and at seventeen, Mary’s about to join their ranks.

With London all but paralyzed by a noxious heat wave, Mary must work fast in the guise of lady’s companion to infiltrate a rich merchant’s home with hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the Thorold household is full of dangerous secrets, and people are not what they seem – least of all Mary.

Packed with action and suspense, and evoking the gritty world of Victorian London, this first book in the Agency series debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits.

Witty plot! LOVED IT VERY MUCH!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Shine

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.
Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

It has a deep meaning that has to be broken down which i’m no good at. It’s hauntingly a beautiful story Myracle wrote. I’m so glad I read this book! I truly love it!

Cat is a really different protagonist I had read in books so far. She’s one of a special kiddo and got curious of her friend’s side stories though now that I think of it – a book that has kinda sounds like it will be Asher’s book—Thirteen Reasons Why, however I need to argue with myself that Shine is waaay much better!!! No doubts!! I take back the argue with myself because it was i did it only in a literal sense way—I didn’t really argue in fact Shine did shine really SHINE shine!! Absolutely a book you will get suspense of! Truly amazing book!

Cat has the attitude of persevering on her friends though she may have left them for 3 years. In my opinion, she needed those long years to be away from them just so she can know herself better and who she really is when actually it pretty much did not really worked out. She still needs her friends and this book showed me that friendship is a treasure no matter what happens either now or in the future. Since she left…sure things have changed – pretty much -but her friends… she finds out something she didn’t know of before about them.

I guess that’s how sometimes life works. A huge storm has to pass you to let you know you have to ‘open your eyes’ to live life not just by existing but living it to the fullest. And when Cat came in to the whole scenario of her friend’s lives—all curious and all…it changes greatly! Without Cat, they wouldn’t have found out who did the cruel things to Patrick. She has the key to everything when she was hit awake by the storm. REALLY wide awake!

With her ‘eyes open’, she sees everything clearly and suddenly started to realize that there are more to this than the news/people are actually saying or investigating. It’s mine to know the truth. Patrick is my friend. I gotta do what I have to do.

Guess that all she’s thinking when everything finally clicked and fall into places. That’s where you truly see it. It has been revealed pieces by pieces to you.

Just gotta let you readers know that – you have to read this book!! Highly recommended! Thumbs up!!

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Pandemonium

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push, 

like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.


O-M-G. I JUST DIED AT THE VERY LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK. *shakes head, amazed* With all the “Then” and “Now” in the book, it was pretty awesome!

It was all there how Lena showed her perseverance and resilience. She knows that with all she is doing— hope and will light penetrate through and find her. She falls and keeps on standing back up. That’s how her character is. I love that about her. Lena reminds me of Katniss from The Hunger Games trilogy. Lena has developed in this book too! Great development actually of the character!! So proud of her! Go get ‘em, girl!

And Julian will resemble a bit of a Peeta here. I know it sounded I’m comparing here but no. It tells me that people should be the same when things get rough. These characters had no choice but to overcome everything just so to survive in a world where they were throw in.

Everything we are here for are challenges every single day. The characters have no way escaping them and doing always best no matter what and that shows something beyond tough. It’s bravery. I hope everyone are like these characters.

Anyway, I guess I was losing the whole point of the book however I don’t think I did not. So I better leave it that way.

It’s a whole new different level compared to Delirium, though I gave Delirium, 4 stars and Pandemonium, 3.5 stars. I guess there’s a reason behind these. I would reasoned it as it was because it pretty much had an idea from The Hunger Games when the author put the new character, Julian in. Pretty much that’s the reason and that’s all. yes! Still I enjoyed reading it!

Overall I liked the book!! I absolutely cannot wait for the third and last installment! Aaah! Last book—Requiem!!

Go check the book out and read it today!!
Happy reading bookwormies!! :)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

The Last Echo

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet’s talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it’s Violet’s job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by “the girlfriend collector” she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new “relationship” and Violet may have caught his eye….

The last thing I can say about the book is…I would like a copy of Dead Silence now and read it like I have all the time to myself! 24 hours!!

I’m dying to know where all the situations going – from Violet joining Sara’s physic organization to her relationship with boyfriend, Jay and the connection she has with Rafe that’s blooming inside her. It’s all crossroads Violet is standing on and so she has to decide carefully. And the fact that the cliffhanger Derting left the readers gets me all curious. The organization is beyond of what it really is all about. That – I’m curious and I’m sure Violet is too.

The criminals are all creepy in the book!! I had goosebumps!

Looking forward to reading the next book!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Catching Jordan

What girl doesn’t want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn’t just surrounded by hot guys, though – she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that’s just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there’s a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team… and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Catching Jordan wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. It’s an ok read. Didn’t really find it great or anything beyond ok. It’s a humorous book, yes. I like that part where I kept cracking up because of Henry. But that doesn’t stop me from reading another book of Miranda Kenneally. I actually can’t wait to read Stealing Parker. :)

There’s this kind of attitude about Jordan that I think I find similar from myself. I think the word is paranoid. It’s the thing about her dad.

I guess that’s all I have to say. However, do check this book out! You might actually love it!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Hallowed

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

First things first. TEAM TUCKER ALL THE WAY!

No different emotions I felt towards Christian when reading the book. I still want Clara with Tucker. Period. Enough of Christian (no offense). I like the book. I give it 3 stars is all. Fast read and really in just a day or two I finished it.

What I like is Clara finally or has the idea of what she really is except that she’s still kinda lost about her “we belong together” cliche quote used in the book. In the first book, Unearthly, I didn’t like her mother who forces her so much who will she end up with in the mission she was accomplishing. However, it suddenly changes my opinions about her from this book, Hallowed. I guess it’s like that to some people in real life when you tend to hide something from them that you sometimes have the kind of attitude they won’t understand and instead it appears to be bad to them all together when in truth, it’s for their own benefits. Clara’s dad is the coolest by the way!

The story of the Shameejza (is it spell like that or what?) yeah, that guy.. Oh boy. I don’t find the problem so complicated when all the characters did was talked and shine light to him and the bad guy is all disappeared. Weird.. I didn’t like.

I have this evil wishful thinking that probably Christian will turn out to be a bad guy in the third installment. I don’t know why the thought grew out of my head like that. Maybe it’s because I find it so creepy whenever he does his telepathic with Clara and the visions he had. He’s kinda freaking me out. OK THIS IS – SPOILER ALERT. In the book, Clara and Christian kissed at the cemetery, he was kinda like (to Clara) “I had been seeing my vision of you and me and right now it is happening. We kissed here.” I was like? What the heck? Why would you say that? I know he should but…ugh! It’s just so creepy in my opinion. And it’s not exciting at all. The definition of what he admitted to Clara turned out so creepy to me it sounded like – “oh it’s supposed to happen – so we must let it happen. We must kiss, it’s our purpose” Dangit! It’s absurd!! I also think that Christian’s purpose to protect Clara is like… ugh… like why does he have to do that when both have the potential to fight and be guardian angel to others instead? Besides it’s people around them that need help. Duh. Come on. I’m not bias to this whole situation but I can be when it is necessary.

It’s getting cliche for most scene in the book (I WANT GOOD TWISTS PLEASE, Ms Hand)! Like…

Christian became a bad guy. Clara finally sees his true angel color, a Black-half-White Wing Triplare (if that’s even possible. i feel like Angela, full of theories/possibility to think of such kinds of angel-blood exist) Clara is destined to be with Tucker. Forever and ever. Forevermore. ever. ever. Whatever may come between. Nothing can interrupt even the hugest storm. Stupid Christian, he only wants to destroy Tucker because in his vision/dream Tucker will always be with Clara but he prevented it so that’s why he wanted to kill Tucker. Christian works for Black Wings.

Ok I’ve gone bonkers! NUFF SAID. I hope the story goes along those lines that should go in the third book.

That’s why I love Tucker in the whole of this beautiful mess. He’s picture-perfect for Clara! I want Tucker with Clara!! Don’t break up, please you adorable Carrot and country guy! Carrots. AH. I really like this cute nickname Tucker calls Clara. Hehe.

I rather read Unearthly again and again than Hallowed. Unearthly is full of Tucker-Clara moments!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Prince

Love and lies can corrupt even the purest heart…

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her.

But something is changing in Will – the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and what she was born to do?

YES! This series is one of the best I’ve read!! I took the time reading this amazing book!! All thanks to the wonderful author of Infernal Devices! I CAN’T WAIT FOR CLOCKWORK PRINCESS!! Breath-taking novel!

I’ve got lots of tweets to share (my tweets)! HAHAH! Lemme color ‘em BLUE. TWITTER IS BLUE, anyway lol

*facepalm* WILL. HERONDALE. Goodness. Will.

Hahahah!!!! Gosh, Will! Thank you for always making humorous comments on things. XD

Cassandra Clare is one the best authors!! Really love how you write! @cassieclare

Bridget: “I am a fine cook, sir,”…”My previous employers had no complaints.” Will: “Lord, you’re Irish,”…”We had Irish cook once when I was a boy. Potato pie, potato custard, potatoes with potato sauce…”

9 months till Clockwork Princess. Oh gosh. Good thing I still have Clockwork Prince to finish reading and the rest of the TMI books.

I’m again reading this History textbook and somehow it reminds me of Jem Carstairs. Also the London Institute haha! The trading between the Chinese and British.

Poor poor Will Herondale. #continuingClockworkPrince

Will Herondale… *BIG HUGS*

I don’t think I can be strong like Will. Avoiding the people u love because you are curse to them. OUCH.But I’d probably have done the same.

OMG Will!!! There is no such thing as you test yourself whether you’re in love or not. If you are, then you truly are! #Willforeverinlove

“…wanting what you could not have led to misery and madness.”

*sniffs* don’t. Don’t make me tear up like this Will, Jem. #trulythebestparabataiever

Gabriel’s sister, Tatiana!! HAHAH! Who said a 12 year old girl couldn’t dream to be a Herondale? XD

Will… your barriers!! YES! It got destroyed! OMG! Yaaaaay!

currently reading (still lol) Clockwork Prince and art homework is not done yet. Idk if I plan to do anything about it LOL #JemimaIsIsabelle

By the Angel, I must say I better stop swooning over young Master Herondale for I have an early gathering to attend in church tomorrow. Well, not tomorrow. It is in fact today.

“It is always better to live the truth than to live a lie.” – Magnus Bane

I can’t take it anymore. Will is always hurt. :’( However, I love Jem too. I will not him hurt too. #ohprettyboysicanteven

Aw Tessa. #sohardtobeinherposition #youwillneverunderstandboys #goodnightgottasleepsoundlynowthattheHerondaleboyhasalreadyconfessedhislove

By the Angel,I want demon pox on me now if I must.#hopingfornoschool #HerondalewilllaughhisheadoffifeverIhavedemompox #leftArthomeworkundone

Good night tweeps! #MundielikemeneedsEnergyRuneImeansleep LOL #imstilllivinginthefantasyworldwhentomorrowisreality –.–

Will’s demon pox song HAHAHAH XD


Tumblr users are the bestest!!

My brother and I exchanged homework lol. I’m doing his English essay while he does my Art/painting poster homework haha! #myparabataiindeed

Cliffhanger!! No! #iwanttoreadClockworkPrincessNOW

Sorry for posting my fangirling tweets in this post. And when I do review of book, I’m such a fangirl – I know it’s stupid. Yes. Ridiculous. Anyways, there was this stick-post-it in my cabinet side, and I looked at it – it says “The restaurant we’ve ate Chinese foods. I ate Fried noodles with chicken chops. *Tang Dian Wang Shanghai Restaurant” HAHAHAH!! EPIC, man! My English then was terrible! Ok. What makes me looked at it was random. It has been stick on in the inside of my cabinet for years!! Crazy, isn’t? Anyways, the name of the restaurant with the word ‘Shanghai’ caught my eye! It reminds me of Jem! Our precious Jem!

Oh yes! The demon pox song that Will compose out of his own random, giddy, self was totally humorous!!! THE BEST THING EVER!!!

I have nothing bad to say about this book! I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT!!! Highly recommend it you all bookwormies!!

Review Updates!

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none at the moment.

- to be read soon -
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