This is a novel set in post-war Germany. The main character is a fifteen year old boy who fell in love to a thirty six year old wo...moreSpoilers everywhere!
This is a novel set in post-war Germany. The main character is a fifteen year old boy who fell in love to a thirty six year old woman. The first part of the book is mostly about their sexual relationship. It is pages and pages of sex after sex after sex. What makes it different from the books I've read before is that this is about a forbidden sexual romance of a young boy and a mature woman whereas in most books it is old man and young girl. The sex scenes are written pretty well and even if it is a weird and controversial one I enjoyed reading it from the boy's point of view. (I saw the movie trailer by the way and it felt gross and wrong to see Kate Winslet's touching a teenager).
The second part is about the meeting of the boy and the woman in a court room (they have been separated at the end of the first part). The woman was charged with murder because her past job was a guard of a camp. If you are familiar with the Holocaust these camps are where the German guards placed the Jews and then after some time they will kill the Jews using the gas chambers. So this is the woman's work, she was alleged to be the leader of the guards and the one who was responsible at the accident that happen. That night of the accident the church where the guards kept the Jews was bombed. The bomb caused the fire. It started on the church's roof. The Jews inside the church started yelling but the guards outside the church did not help them escape. The gates of the church remained locked. Then the Jews inside the church were burned to death. She confessed that she did not unlock the gate because she decided that it might cause panic and maybe they can't control the Jews if they open the gate. She also admitted that she's the one who wrote the report (the boy who is narrating the story will reveal that the woman can't write that report because she's illiterate). The woman chose to admit that she committed murder rather than blew her cover-up that she's illiterate.
Continuation...
It's hard to understand the character of this woman named Hanna. While reading it I tried to analyze why did she make that choice. I'm trying to put myself on her situation and I'm still wondering if I would do the same thing given that I love reading books. Would I chose to admit that I'm illiterate to prove my innocence? It's a hard decision but I think maybe the character believed that she will be charged guilty no matter what she say so she chose to at least retained her cover that she's literate.
I only gave it three stars because I felt that the idea of the book is excellent but somehow the author didn't execute it well. I wished there are more dialogues and the characterization is more in-depth. Sometimes the narration is too lengthy and I felt like I'm distanced from the character's feelings. The monologue of the narrator is too long it felt like reading an essay rather than a novel. The author will spoon-fed the reader with a lot of ideas it makes it boring and irritating. It seems like he wants to say something but I felt lost with his words. It is false eloquence, I think the author thinks the longer he explained something the better ;p. However, I still recommend this book or (maybe watch the movie.)
This is my first time reading a John Grisham novel. Based on what I read from book reviews here in goodreads wherein sometimes reviewers compared auth...moreThis is my first time reading a John Grisham novel. Based on what I read from book reviews here in goodreads wherein sometimes reviewers compared authors or they sometimes mentioned their favorite authors, I had this idea that John Grisham wrote serious novels. I'm surprised to find out that this one was not a serious type of novel, but more of a light and humorous one. For me it is a light reading wherein you can read and enjoy it and not be stressed out (compared to Jodi Picoult's). There are parts that for me are really funny like there's this scene that they need to put a Russian doctor on the witness stand out of desperation.
What I really like about it is that I learned a lot of things about the legal system and about lawyers in America. How was it like working in a law firm and all these things lawyers do to make money. And the book also shows continuity because it does not stop from one case. So, I learned that in being a lawyer sometimes you will lose your case, but you can learn from your mistakes and win your next case. I also like the realistic portrayal of lawyers wherein there are lawyers who are almost perfect and there are lawyers who are not that good in litigation. Some only care for money and there are some who genuinely care for people. I still don't know if this is the best book from John Grisham, but this is the latest one so maybe if you are a John Grisham fanatic you really should read this. (less)
The story involves a very interesting rape case. This is my first time reading a rape case wherein there's a big part of me who thinks that the rape v...moreThe story involves a very interesting rape case. This is my first time reading a rape case wherein there's a big part of me who thinks that the rape victim is annoying and I am actually rooting for the rapist. The sweetheart defense is really strong and it's hard to tell who's lying and who's telling the truth. Jodi Picoult is really good at this and it really makes me think hard about what is really going on. There are a lot of twists and turns that makes the story more exciting and engaging.
I already read four of her books (My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact and the Plain Truth) and it feels good that although there are a lot of elements that are still the same I still find this one interesting from her other works. What I like about it is that the plot is well thought out compared to Plain Truth, indeed its plot is very fluid. I like the comic strip parts of the books even though they are fillers, they are nice fillers. I like the Dante's references and how it connects with the storyline.
My only complaint is that I find the ending not satisfying because it lacks closure. I think Jodi Picoult's novels are limited with word count because the story is already really long and maybe she can't write the continuation anymore so it ended that way. I feel bad that there is no court drama in this novel and majority of it is focused on investigation. However, I still find this novel thought-provoking and well written. (less)
The book started a bit slow. Compared to the other Jodi Picoult books that I've read (My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact) this seems a bit...moreThe book started a bit slow. Compared to the other Jodi Picoult books that I've read (My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact) this seems a bit dragging and you probably be bored reading the first half of the book. The thing that I don't like about it is some of the parts of the book is irrelevant and is only there as fillers. Like for example, the paranormal aspect of the story wherein Katie can see her sister Hannah's ghost in the pond. The love story of Katie and Adam is also written poorly. Also, the flashbacks are written in italics that you can hardly read it.
Despite of those flaws, the second half is really interesting and fast-paced. The thing that I really look forward to is reading the court drama in every Jodi Picoult book. It makes you think hard and sometimes it's hard to not really get into it even though you know that it's just fiction. The ending of the story is probably one of the most disturbing and shocking endings that I've read. It is open-ended and it leaves a big question in the mind of its readers.
Spoiler....
At the end, we learned that Katie's mom was the one who killed the baby and she confessed it to Atty. Hathaway after Katie's trial (the decision of the court: Katie is guilty but she will not be put in jail but will suffer a sort of experimental house arrest). Technically, Katie is still free despite the fact that that was the verdict (seems like a victory in the part of the defense) but after the shocking confession of Katie's mom the lawyer was put in the pressure of telling the truth or just keeping it for the sake of everybody. And the story just leave it there with a little bit of hint that the lawyer might just keep it a secret because she has developed a bond in the family.(less)
I think the tree in the story is very noble. The tree just gives and gives 'till there's nothing left for her to give. I just feel sad for the tree because the boy was actually taking advantage of everything. It's weird but I'm actually sad because of a tree.
I think there's something really painful when you have love someone truly that you don't care about what's in it for you and it is not reciprocated but you still continue to love and give and you are just content that that person is happy.
Now I'm depressed and I want to hug and comfort that tree.
This is a required reading for school. I've read this a long time ago but I remember I really like it a lot. My favorite will always be The Boy who Cr...moreThis is a required reading for school. I've read this a long time ago but I remember I really like it a lot. My favorite will always be The Boy who Cried Wolf. (less)
This book has a very interesting protagonist/narrator. He loves prime numbers. He hates brown and yellow. He knows a lot about capital cities of diffe...moreThis book has a very interesting protagonist/narrator. He loves prime numbers. He hates brown and yellow. He knows a lot about capital cities of different countries. He finds it hard to understand human facial expressions, jokes and metaphors. Etc. Etc.
Actually if there's a real crime (not just a killed dog) and a bigger mystery and somehow a more complicated plot I'll give it 5 stars. But the story is very simple so just 3 stars. I still like it because I learned a lot about Math, Science, Sherlock Holmes, etc.
Also the atheistic comments and the dry humor makes it more compelling and enjoyable. (less)
Best book of the series so far. I have heard that the book series is originally intended as a trilogy, but the story bec...more
Jesus. Christ. Christ. Jesus.
Best book of the series so far. I have heard that the book series is originally intended as a trilogy, but the story became so complicated that it needs seven books to resolve all the problems and plot issues.
I think that the series is really a complicated story even more complicated than Lord of the Rings. When I started the series I feel that I know who the villains and who the good guys were, but even the characters are complicated. Sometimes they are neither a villain nor a hero they are just in the middle.
Lord of the Rings is a kind of story that you already know who the bad guys and the good guys were but this series is far more intriguing and there are a lot of secrets and it is just so beautifully written. At first I think that the Lannisters are the enemy, but now I'm starting to root for them, for Tyrion, Jamie, Tommen, and Myrcella. Even the characters that I thought are good people are the bad ones and the character that I thought are the bad people turned out to be the good ones.
There are just too many lies that I feel that I was also mislead in some ways. And I really applaud that some of the truths are finally revealed. It was very unpredictable and I really thought that the author really think about how he will play out the story and the characters.
I really recommend this series if you haven't read it yet and I would say that I know not all readers would really like the book. I think it fits more to mature readers. There are sex, violence and a lot of mature content that not really for young readers. I also say that if you are a reader who always loves happily ever after this is also not for you. If you are willing to invest time in a long series about politics, magic, and family I think this one is for you.
Spoiler Alert
Jon Snow ***Jon Snow is no longer a virgin. At first I was really annoyed because I want him to not break any of his vows and remain an honest brother of the Night's Watch. However, this would mean that Kit Harrington, the guy who played Jon Snow will have numerous sexy scenes *drools* so yeah never mind.
Ahem. Aside from numerous sexy scenes, a lot has happened to Jon Snow. In the end he became the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He has a power similar to Bran. He is also a wrag (or was it warg?) I'm not sure about the spelling but he can also be inside Ghost's body.
I can't really tell all that happened but here are some of them:
Ygrette the lovey dovey wildling he loved and has sex with was killed.
Lord Mormont was killed.
We know a lot about the wildlings in this book which in the past books are really a blur.
There's also Janos Slynt who became a new member of the Night's Watch.
King Stannis came to the wall and rescue them from the wildlings.
King Stannis offer the position of Lord of Winterfell to Jon Snow.
Daenyrys ***Actually I'm starting to get bored reading Dany's chapters. Barristan the Bold joins them and she is gathering an army and the dragons are growing. She doesn't trust Jorah anymore and she kinds of get him out of her sight because he learned that Jorah betrays her at first by sending information to Robert Baratheon about her and Drogo and their son.
Tyrion ***Tyrion is my favorite POV to read. His POV is always funny and interesting. My favorite parts in this book is Tyrion and Sansa's wedding it was really an interesting part to read. It is funny and painful at the same time. I think it's unfair for both of them to be wed.
I think Tyrion is attracted to Sansa because Sansa is very pretty and he is very fond of the Starks and he's just this ugly but smart and kind dwarf who just wanted love and attention.
Sansa on the other hand was this girl who dreams of prince charming and beautiful wedding and she unfortunately wed to an ugly dwarf and he is a Lannister.
When I told my sister about it she was actually furious because she hates Sansa and she thinks Tyrion deserve a better wife than Sansa. Whereas at that moment I'm thinking the exact opposite wherein I think Sansa deserve a better husband.
What happens to Tyrion: He is accused of poisoning and killing King Joeffrey.
Tysha is not a whore, revealed by his brother Jamie.
Jamie rescues Tyrion from his cell.
He will now leave King's Landing.
Arya ***Arya's POV became repetitive and less exciting. She meets a lot of characters including the Hound and Ser Benric Dondarion. At the end of the novel she will be traveling to Braavos. She got Needle back.
Bran ***Another less exciting POV. He goes beyond the wall to find the Three-Eyed Crow and meeting Samwell Tarly along the way.
Robb ***FUCK! Robb was fucking dead. It was really cruel how he died and it was in the hands of his alliance House Frey and it happens in a wedding that the people would call Red Wedding after the horrible murder.
I've heard that this book will be two seasons season 3 and season 4. And I think it will be a great idea because Robb was killed halfway to the book and I think it would be really a dramatic ending to Season 3. And all the fans will be like I DON'T WANT TO WATCH THIS FUCKING SERIES ANYMORE! Actually that's what I feel like when I read that part. I stop reading and I was like thinking in my head NO IT DOES NOT HAPPEN and for a moment I don't want to read anymore. It's just very shocking because I'm not really expecting it because I thought if Robb will die in the books it will be at war fighting the Lannisters.
I'm just wondering if the HBO series will raise the bar and will do it exactly like in the books because IMO his death is too grotesque for TV because he's beheaded and then they stitched the head of Grey Wind to his body. So it looks like Robb with a wolf head.
Catelyn Stark also suffers a brutal death she was cut from ear to ear and then they throw her body naked in the river. However, at the end of the novel she came back as a zombie. Idk if that's the right term but she came back from the dead.
Jamie ***I think Jamie became more likable and relatable in book 3. He lost his right hand and he can't fight anymore. I really love his POV and there's really more to Jamie than meets the eye. He's not exactly the character I thought he was in book 1.
He has a heart and a very complex character. I think his only fault was loving Cersei his twin. Now I love him more. He is the antihero of the series. I really like that the two Lannister boys are both antiheroes in a way and there are very real and honest characters.
Now that I finished book 3. I'm excited to know what will happen to these characters:
Oh my God, I finally finished reading it. A Dance with Dragons is the 5th book of A Song of Ice and Fire series of George R. R. Martin. If you're a fa...more
Oh my God, I finally finished reading it. A Dance with Dragons is the 5th book of A Song of Ice and Fire series of George R. R. Martin. If you're a fan of the book you already knew that the 5th book is not a continuation of the 4th book, but still the continuation of the 3rd book A Storm of Swords. The 4th and the 5th book were actually just one book and the reason for dividing it to two books is that if the author decided to just make it one book it will be composed of 2, 000 pages which probably the reader wouldn't like because that would really look like an encyclopedia rather than a book.
And maybe if you have been my goodreads friend you have probably noticed that I'm a big fan of the book series . Actually I started reading it because I saw my father watching the TV adaptation and I'm also a big fan of the TV adaptation on HBO.
So you probably wonder why I gave it a low rating, but sadly I can only discuss my reasons through spoiling things or events that happen inside the book that I really don't like. So if you're okay with reading spoilers or you already read the book you are free to continue reading this review.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
SPOILERS EVERYWHERE!!!
Okay...So I guess if you truly have read the book you knew that George R.R. Martin killed Jon Snow in the book. I know that George R.R. Martin really kills major characters if he thinks it is truly necessary like Ned Stark, Rob Stark, Khal Drogo, Maester Aemon, etc. In fact, at first I kind of like that he kills characters because it truly shows that he's not afraid to take risks and it makes the story more believable and thrilling. However, I can't accept that he killed Jon Snow because he is one of my favorite characters and it is not easy for me to just shrug it off because I thought that Jon Snow is one of those characters that will live through the end. A lot of the fans speculated that he is not dead and he will survive, but I think that is impossible because he obviously got mortal wounds. Some even speculated that he can be undead like Catelyn because Melissandre can probably do some sort of magic to revive him. However, undead means like he will be more like a zombie and I don't want Jon Snow to be a zombie for God's sake. Maybe this will all be cleared in the 6th book whether Jon Snow is dead, alive or will become undead. However, knowing George R.R. Martin the possibility that he's dead is bigger and you know probably he's really dead and the fans like me just can't accept it. Like his father Ned and brother Robb. Dead and gone forever.
Secondly, I also dislike reading Cersei's walk of shame. In which to atone her sins she needed to walk naked, barefoot and shaved. Like they shaved her head and all of her body hairs like pubic hair, the hair on her legs, underarms, etc. Then, she was walking and all of these people (men, women, children) just look at her and shouting nasty words like they told her that her breasts are sagging and her body is ugly because it has stretchmarks and stuff like that. Also, they throw things at her, etc. Being a girl reading it feels like it was too cruel and even if I am not a fan of Cersei because she's a bitch and it's just I really don't like her. I can't really feel like it was appropriate to do that to Cersei. I really find it too cruel and misogynistic.
Third, I find the story very dragging and I know the author was really trying hard to get all of these subplots and major plots in this book. For me, it became really confusing and there are just a lot of characters and story arcs. Again, this is not the continuation of the 4th book. So the 4th book and the 5th book have the same timeline it just that, the difference is the setting and the characters. One story arc from the 4th book was continued in the 5th book and this is the Cersei Arc. Since in the 4th book Cersei was captured and in the 5th book the story continues for the atonement of her sins. So I just really find it confusing I know that the TV editors and producers will be having a lot of hard time arranging the arcs for the TV adaptation.
So that's it...2 stars and I really feel happy that I read this monstrous book series and now two more books to go. The 6th will probably release after five years so good luck to my memory. I wish I can still be a fan of this book series and finish it in the future. However, I probably will not re-read the books, but I will still continue to watch the next seasons of the TV adaptation.(less)
It is known that I love love love George Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and also the TV Series Games of Thrones. And I'm reading the books non-stop f...moreIt is known that I love love love George Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and also the TV Series Games of Thrones. And I'm reading the books non-stop from book 1 up to the latest one A Dance with the Dragons. And I already gave 5 stars for book 1, 2 and 3 and I absolutely love A Storm of Swords...
Lol.
But, why oh why only 3 stars for the fourth book?
So if you happen to notice the fourth book of the series got a lot of negative reviews and a lot of the fans dislike it. And in my perspective you really can't blame the fans because the third book A Storm of Swords is a very INTENSE book and you're feeling like a whirlpool of emotions and there's a lot of cliffhangers and questions that are left unanswered. Unfortunately George Martin is a slow writer and writing for the fourth book took him 5 years. So for those early fans of the book series they really wait for many many moons and to read the fourth book that is actually not the entire fourth book because the stories became too large that the author needed to cut the next story line to two parts geographically. Meaning in the fourth book you'll only read the continuation of the story that is happening in King's Landing, Eyrie, Harrenhal, Riverrun, Iron Islands, Dorne and Braavos.
This means that what you'll going to read are the POVs from Cersei, Jaime, Brienne, Samwell, Arya, Sansa, Asha Greyjoy, from a Dornish princess named Arianne, Victarion, etc. (sorry if I missed out other characters).
If you're interested what will going to happen to Jon Snow and the Wall, Tyrion, Daenyrys, Bran, etc. you're not going to find them out yet because that will be on A Dance with the Dragons. Which actually makes IMO the book confusing. Because first of all A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons is not divided chronologically but geographically so it was really the same timeline but different settings and POV.
It's really confusing. I think the TV series can actually remedy this one they should put these 2 books in 1 season because it will be messy if you're like repeating the time line for season 4 and 5. It will just not work.
And despite all my whining I think I'm still lucky because book 1 to 5 are available and I just need to suffer waiting for book 6 and 7, which might take George Martin a decade to write.
These are the pros and cons of reading A Feast for Crows (w/ SPOILERS): Pros: 1. There are IMO a lot of interesting chapters that outweigh the boring chapters. I enjoys Jaime's, Sansa's, and Cersei's. Arya's, Brienne's, Samwell's and Arianne's can be boring but can also be good at times. I really don't enjoy Asha's and Victarion's because I don't really give a damn about the politics in the Iron Islands.
2. There are these character developments that I really love. >Jaime -It's hard to explain but Jaime has come a long way. He is a very different character from book 1. In book 1 I just have this perception that Jaime is evil.He pushed Bran out of the tower and make him a cripple. He killed the King that he sworn to protect. He fucks his twin sister. Overall Jaime Lannister is the villain of the story and there is this feeling that you're rooting for Robb to kill Jaime. But as the story progresses he CHANGE. He became a cripple and he lost his right hand which now makes it difficult for him to fight. He has this interesting relationship with Brienne and he's staying away from Cersei. I just feel that he became more of a good guy. I think what makes the story complicated is that it started out I love the Starks and I hate the Lannisters and I wanted the Starks to win and kill the Lannisters. But then I still love the Starks but I also came to love the Lannisters. Now Idk what side I'm rooting for.
>Sansa -I really love reading her chapters and I know a lot of people hate Sansa including my sister. But from the start I really don't hate this character. From book 1 up to book 4 she has grow a lot. And I think from the Starks she has a greater chance for revenge...
Eddard- dead Robb- dead Catelyn- undead Sansa- she's now on Eyrie disguising as Alayne...learning to become a player of Games of Thrones with the help of Littlefinger...planning to marry the heir of the Eyrie Arya- in the Braavos Bran- looking for Coldhands Rickon- idk what's going on with him, he's still alive Jon- became the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch
It was also interesting that I have read from Sansa's POV what she really feels about Jon Snow because I think Jon has a different perspective and I have read that from book 1 from Jon's chapter that Sansa don't like Jon Snow because he's a bastard but actually it was really different when I've read it from Sansa's. I think Jon misunderstood Sansa.
She also has weird relationships with the guys from this book series. First with Joeffrey and then with the Hound and then with Tyrion and then Robert and now Littlefinger. I just think George Martin really played with Sansa and the boys of the series. It is given that she is beautiful and to think that a lot of guys are attracted to her and it was just really weird for me. It's like there's a lot of possible combinations but they're quite unacceptable and nothing seems to fit Sansa normally.
Cons: 1. I think the problem with the book is that it just feels incomplete without the other chapters from other characters like Jon Snow, Tyrion and Daenyrys. It really fails because after reading book 3 you just wanted to know what's going to happen with this three and it just feels something's important is missing.
2. To tell you the truth, I cheated and I skimmed 3 chapters (from the Greyjoys and Brienne) because I can't really push myself to give a shit and read boring chapters. Sometimes the purple prose is just really bad and I just skip them and I know there is a TV series coming so I'm not really that anxious to miss anything boring.
3. I just really feel bad about the ending because Winter has come and there snows falling in Riverrun and Eyrie and then...because uhhhm I'm currently reading Dance with Dragons right now and it's like I was brought up by George Martin to this situation in the end of the fourth book in which Winter has finally come and I'm totally excited and then it feels like he's using a time travel machine wherein I will go back from the beginning of the Feast of Crows but from Jon, Tyrion and etc.'s POV. It was just freaking annoying.
4. I want more deaths and war, and compared to book 3, book 4 is more of a bridge and a buildup for what's to come. (less)
Okay so this book is actually book 2 of the series called A Song of Ice and Fire. So you need to read Game of Thrones first before jumping into this o...moreOkay so this book is actually book 2 of the series called A Song of Ice and Fire. So you need to read Game of Thrones first before jumping into this one. Also, there is an HBO TV series named Game of Thrones and you can watch that if you're not okay with reading very long books.
To be honest with you, I started reading half of the book 1 GoT and then I decided to watch the TV series until the last episode. Therefore, by the time I consumed my reading of the 1st book I think my excitement in reading it was lessened because I already know what was going to happen. So when I was reading the second half of GoT I was not really enjoying it and I just wanna get over it to read the second book.
When I started reading this, I don't have any idea what will happen because the TV series will have the season 2 next year in April. I think that really helps for me to like this one better than the first one.
The feeling is, I know that this one is really long, but ironically I just can't get enough of it and I just wanted more. It seems like you really enjoyed it that you do not care even if it is very long and you do not have this feeling that you are bored or the story is draggy.
So for those of you who are afraid to read the series because you think you will not enjoy it because it is too long, just give it a try and it was really addicting and good. You will find it hard to stop reading. That's how good it is.
What I find unique about this series is that the author is actually very brutal to the main characters - the Stark Family. He lacks romanticism. Do you know the difference between a romantic and a realistic?
So here's the situation there is a farm girl who is barefooted in the mud. A romantic will see it like there's a very beautiful girl and that she's barefooted and the romantic will find the feet sexy and the girl smelling flowers and sunshine. Whereas, a realistic will find the scene disgusting and the realistic perceives that foot is calloused, cracked, dried, ugly because she's in the mud and she's barefooted and she's an ugly farm girl.
The author is a realistic more than romantic. So don't expect happy endings and good triumphs over evil. Expect the worst. Expect that life will be awful. Children, women, weak people are going to be abused, raped, killed, etc.
This is not really a happy story and more of a tragic story.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!!!
Jon Snow
***Jon's story here is not really that exciting. Someone told me that his story will bloom at book 3. So in here he became a ranger and then I think he killed somebody on the Night's Watch which I kind of forgot the name. He was now in the hands of these wildlings and they make him yield and sort of killed his companion, which is a member of the Night's Watch to spare his life (Complicated stuff, but actually he's not a traitor of the Night's Watch and it was like an act he played.)
There was also a scene here wherein he spare the life of Ygrette a girl wildling because he can't kill the girl. Because of that I really admire Jon Snow because in this book men are very cruel to women (women are raped, abused, killed, etc.) and what Jon Snow did to this girl made him more human.
Daenyrys
***Her story is also not that exciting. I think she can't really fight for the Iron Throne right now. Her dragons are now growing. In the end she finds ships for her khalasar so that they can pass the sea and go to Westeros. Some of the scenes got me really thinking. So there is a prophecy for her. There will be three treason that will happen: treason for blood, treason for gold and treason for love. There are a lot more prophecies, but I kind of don't remember them now, but they always include the number three.
Tyrion
***I think Tyrion is more on the good side rather than the bad side. He's really a peculiar character. He seems to defy the Lannisters. He makes plot against Cersei and Joeffrey, but in the end I think he's loyal to his blood, but still there are times that it really feels weird for me that he's really fond of Starks. He's sad when he knows about Bran and Rickon killed and beheaded in the Winterfell where he shouldn't be feeling that way because the Starks are their enemy. He even protected Sansa from Joeffrey.
At first I feel that he's too cunning and that he will outwit Cersei and that he will be a good Hand of the King. But I think he fails in that one. He ended up injured because of the battle between King's Landing and Stannis Baratheon. He suffers a burn in his face.
Arya
***So Arya change her name a lot in this book. From Arya to Arry to Weasel to Nam. She lost Needle the sword given to her by Jon Snow. At the end of the novel she's escaping from Harrenhal with Genry and Hot Pie. I really find her POV exciting and a lot of fun. There's this scene wherein she was fighting the army of the Lannister together with Yoren and the recruit of the Night Watch and she's shouting Winterfell! She's just a cute, strong and lovable character.
Bran
***So Bran find out that he has a talent with dreams which I forgot what's the name of that talent. But he kinds of have a glimpse of the future through his dreams which should be interpreted first because they are symbolic dreams.
At the end of the novel Theon attacked Winterfell and then he allegedly killed Bran and Rickon and place their heads in the spikes, but we find out that it is a fake death. And the heads are not really Bran's and Rickon's.
So what happened to them in the end is that they are escaping Winterfell: Bran, Rickon, Osha, Hodor, Summer, Shaggydog with the two children I kind of forgot the names.
Winterfell is on fire btw and all is likely dead: Micken, Maester Luwin, etc.
Robb
***Where the hell is Robb? He's kind of battling and it was told he's always winning. It is more like telling than showing when it comes to Robb. I think the TV series will do justice on this character than in the books.
Jamie
***Still a captive in the Riverrun I think Cately killed him, but I'm not really sure. He's drinking a wine given by Cately and I'm not sure if the wine is poisoned. Catelyn called Brienne she's like bring me your sword and I think Catelyn will kill him.
So who now holds the Iron Throne?
King Joeffrey still holds the Iron Throne. Cersei is still the Queen and regent. He's now betrothed to Maergery the ex-Queen of King Renly. Lord Tywin is now the Hand of the King. Sansa and Joeffrey's betrothal is now invalid and void. However, Sansa is still a hostage and most likely be Joeffrey's mistress and mother of his bastards. Sansa is now menstruating btw.
King Renly is dead and he's killed by a shadow like a sorcery kind of stuff. King Stannis is defeated, but I'm not sure if he's dead. King Robb is winning, he gets Harenhal, but he lost Winterfell to Theon Greyjoy. King Greyjoy (forgot the name) claim the Iron Islands and Winterfell.(less)
Compared to the other Kowalski books this book is not that enjoyable. There are times that my head aches because of too much drama. The girl became pr...moreCompared to the other Kowalski books this book is not that enjoyable. There are times that my head aches because of too much drama. The girl became pregnant because of a condom malfunction and then after that one night stand they have to help each other out for the baby. I think the story is predictable and a way dramatic at times.(less)
I'm starting to really like Shannon Stacey and her books. It's like Perfect Chemistry Series for Adults.
This book is more about second chances. I real...moreI'm starting to really like Shannon Stacey and her books. It's like Perfect Chemistry Series for Adults.
This book is more about second chances. I really like that is very humorous, light and addicting. It is a very short read and you can finish it in three hours in one sitting.
I really recommend it to all who like to read light romance happily-ever-after novels. I gave it four stars just for comparison's sake because Yours to Keep is better.
Note: This book is given free courtesy of www.netgalley.com for book review purposes.
It's been a while since I downloaded this galley and transfer it...moreNote: This book is given free courtesy of www.netgalley.com for book review purposes.
It's been a while since I downloaded this galley and transfer it to my phone to be read, but unfortunately I didn't have enough time to really read it. Then, came the time that my mother got hospitalized and I'm taking care of her 24/7 that I finally have the time to read it in my phone during the hours that I do not actually do anything.
At first the e-book started with a short summary intro of the book and I really thought at that time that it would suck because the synopsis sounded very generic. It's like a story about a pretend engagement and I know this is so not an original plot to begin with.
However, the book was really funny and it was addicting. It's very rare that I read this kind of romantic comedy that I really like the humor and I can't help, but smile and hide my face in a pillow to laugh my heart out.
The story kind of remind me of a mix between The Proposal and Friends with Benefits.
The one part that I really laugh my ass off is the Newly Wed Game kind of game, but not really. There's this part that the couples are writing answers from a question and then after that they should have matched answers to win. And then the last question in the game was like "If you have a sex motto with each other what would it be?" and the lead girl's answer was like "Size doesn't really matter." But of course it's not that it was true, but it was a pretend engagement so at that time they don't really had sex yet.
The ending was also sweet I really like what the guy did at the end of the novel. This is a very light, sweet, and funny novel. I read it in one sitting and it's very addicting and I think I should read the other books by Shannon Stacey.
Yay! Finally, I finished this monstrous book. Seriously reading it feels like it was even longer than the HBO series which has ten episodes. Anyway I...moreYay! Finally, I finished this monstrous book. Seriously reading it feels like it was even longer than the HBO series which has ten episodes. Anyway I really like this book and I think presently I am very obsessed with it. I am even considering to have it as my top 1 favorite book of all time and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins needs to step down and give that spot to Game of Thrones. However, I think I just need to finish reading the other books to make it more fair to the other books that I have read. I just need to invest more in these books and then I will decide if it's really my favorite book of all time.
So yeah what can I say, but YOU HAVE TO READ IT! YOU REALLY HAVE TO READ IT! (Yes I love to be redundant) I have read a lot of books, more than 200 and seriously this book feels like it was the best I have read in all my life (I know I sounded cheesy). Seriously read it folks.
Spoiler Alert ***If you're not interested with me talking about nonsense things just scroll down and my book review is down there somewhere.
Why did I read this book? So I came upon Game of Thrones because of my father who was watching something in his laptop (at first I thought it was a movie) and this is the scene that I have seen at that time... So the scene was like this beautiful, naked woman surrounded by baby dragons and I was just curious about it (I mean who wouldn't be curious?). Then I just asked him...
Me: What are you watching? Dad: I'm watching Game of Thrones
At that time I am not really sure, but I know that there is a book called Game of Thrones and it was written by someone whose name is Martin because I've seen a couple of book reviews by some of my friends here in goodreads.
Me: Game of Thrones. Is that movie came from the book Game of Thrones? Dad: I don't have any idea of it being a book. Really? Is it a book too? It is not a movie, but a TV series btw. I was watching it because it is about political dynamics blah blah blah...fantasy blah blah blah...dragons blah blah blah...it has just have a lot of sex scenes though blah blah blah...
So after that I just really got curious and I asked first in a forum here in goodreads if Game of Thrones the book has a TV series. And they said yes it has a TV series on HBO. And I don't know I just really like that scene with the baby dragons and the naked woman therefore I download an e-book from 4shared.com because I'm broke and I don't think that book is available in the local library. So yeah and then I read it.
Book Review with ***MAJOR SPOILERS*** (both from the book and the TV series) So I read the book and I was very disappointed with the prologue because: 1. The writing style is PURPLE PROSE. Ugh. 2. I don't really know what the hell is happening and it's just...I don't know what the hell am I reading and then I decided to read it another time and read other books.
So I give up the first time and second time reading it I got past the damn prologue. And I still can't get into the story because: 1. Multiple POVs 2. There's like so many like really a lot of characters and I still don't know what the hell the story is all about.
But then after a few chapters (like maybe about 10% of the book) I get used to it even with the purple prose. And then I am not confused with the characters anymore and somehow I begin to understand what's the story is about.
So it's started with the Stark family in Winterfell (let's just get this somehow organized)
House of Stark Location: Winterfell Sigil: Direwolf Words: Winter is coming
Lord Eddard Stark: Lord of Winterfell, will become hand of the king, will be beheaded somewhere in the story
***I love his character and actually I've kind of known that he will be beheaded in the end because of a youtube Hitler video I accidentally watched here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kLSYT... I am used with my favorite characters dying in books that I read but it still shocked me that the author killed the main character in the first book of the series. I've heard that the author is somehow crazy and he wants to write a book about good guys dying and evil reigns in the end. I think the author just want to be different from the norm. I don't know I am very disappointed that he died because it's very disheartening and depressing and I actually love him both in the book and in the TV Series.
Catelyn Tully Stark: Lady Stark, wife of Eddard Stark
***I also like this character. She's not perfect and she still has flaws like she is very kind to her husband her children, but she's like an evil stepmother to Jon Snow.
Robb- eldest son, has a direwolf named Grey Wind (not really sure about the direwolf's name)
***I also love this character. I think he really progresses a lot from this book alone. From being a boy to a commander to a King (King in the North as they say)
Sansa- girly, betrothed to Prince Joeffrey of House of Lanister-Barratheon, has a direwolf named Lady
***My sister and our maid are my companies in watching the HBO TV series when I bought the DVD. My sister actually hates Sansa and she thinks that this character is stupid, but I actually don't hate Sansa. I somehow like her character. She's very innocent and somehow very idealistic. I just like her and it's really sad when her direwolf Lady was killed because of the Queen. I don't know I'm very scared of what will happen to her now that she's with the Lannisters in the end.
Arya- tomboy, has a direwolf named Nymeria
***I like Arya more than Sansa. She's more of a tomboy and she liked sword fighting and she's also a very sweet girl. I like the earlier parts when she is together with her brother Jon Snow.
Bran- loves climbing, will be crippled somewhere in the story, has a direwolf named Summer
***I actually like Bran he's a free spirit and he likes climbing. I don't know, but I'm also afraid for this character because he became crippled. I just don't want him to be hurt or killed.
Rickon- youngest son, has a direwolf named Shaggydog
***For most of the time Rickon doesn't appear so much in the story. So I don't really feel anything about him.
Jon Snow- bastard of Eddard Stark, real mother unknown, has a direwolf named Ghost, will join the Night's Watch somewhere in the story
***I also really like this character. He has the most interesting story. He's a bastard. He doesn't know who is her mother. And I just like him and Ghost. I also like the conversations between him and Tyrion in the earlier parts of the book.
House of Barratheon-Lannister (Royal Family) Location: King's Landing Sigil: Barratheon- Stag, Lannister: Lion Words: Barratheon- Ours is the Fury, Lannister: Hear Me Roar
King Robert Barratheon- will be killed by a boar somewhere in the story
***He actually reminds me of Pres. Erap Estrada (you will know what I'm talking about if you're a Filipino). He's not really a good leader like he just wants to drink and to have sex with whores and he's very corrupt, but in spite of all that he's very charismatic and influential. He's actually very funny too.
Queen Cersei Lannister Barratheon- Queen of the seven kingdoms, has a secret affair with her brother Jamie Lannister
***I actually like Cersei. She's very cunning and bitchy. She's also has this side of her that I felt very sympathetic and I kind of get where she's coming from and why she did all of these things. She's a very complex character.
Prince Joeffrey- in truth he's Jamie Lannister's bastard
***I really dislike him from the very beginning. I think the author really made this character very unlikable. I don't care if he will be killed in the next books.
House of Lannister Location: Casterly Rock Sigil: Lion Words: Hear Me Roar
Lord Tywin- was hand of the King to Aerys Targaryen, rich man
***I don't hate this guy. He's pretty okay for me.
Jamie Lannister- Kingslayer, killed the King he sworn to protect
***even if he's a villain, I don't really hate him and I like that he cares for Tyrion and Cersei. I think he's actually a good guy.
Tyrion Lannister- dwarf, youngest son
***I think this guy has the quotable lines in the book. I really like this character in spite him being a dwarf. He is very good with words and using his brain. Very interesting character.
House of Targaryen Location: Vas Dothrak (I forgot exactly the complete name) Sigil: Dragon Words: Fire and Blood (something like that)
Viserys- got killed somewhere in the story
***pompous, another unlikable character
Daenyrys- she's the one in the first picture, the one with the baby dragons
***her journey is actually amazing. It's like at first she was not sure and then her character became stronger and then she faces these terrible trials and her husband and son died, but in the end she got baby dragons. So what the hell right, she got dragons.
You know what I'm the type of reader that even though I know that they are fictional characters I still take it personally that the characters died. And I'm a Filipina and they say that we like happy endings and we like the main character to triumph in the end. However, because the author was really cruel and brutal and heartless killing off characters like he doesn't really care. I don't know it's just really irritating. But what the hell right I still like the story and the characters and I'll be prepared and I know a lot of them will be killed. I'll just cry when that happen.
So I make a list of my favorite characters that I do not want to get killed:
Maybe I can handle three or four deaths from these character list that I made, but if all of them died, I swear by the seven Gods I will stop reading.
In terms of comparing the book to the TV series I like the TV series better because the book is written very purple, verbose and overly detailed (yes I indeed love to be redundant). The TV series is more polished and edited and the book is too damn long. Read the books if you can't wait for the next season that will come out next year. (less)
or The Knife of Never Letting Go or Divergent, etc.?
Do you love the dessert?
*coughs* I mean desert. Do you love the desert?
Do you love cage fighting?
and worms?
If you're cool with those things, then I got to say YOU HAFTA READ THIS!
When I started reading Blood Red Road I did not like it that much because the beginning was a little bit cheesy especially when they talked about stars and prophecy. Also, the writing style did not help, there are a lot of spelling mistakes and grammatical mistakes. I know that this writing style was used by Patrick Ness on his Chaos Walking Trilogy and I also have the impression that Moira Young stole the idea.
The words in this one spells like how they would sound like for example:
exactly will be something like ezackly, stomach will be stummick, respect will be respek, afraid will be something like afeard and so on and so forth
There are also grammar mistakes on the subject and verb agreement like I says was used rather I say.
But once you start reading it you will get used to it in the end. Just like what happen to me when I read The Knife of Never Letting Go.
Once you meet Miz Pinch that is when the story will get more exciting. If there is a one word that I can describe what Blood Red Road is, it will be Adventure. Once you read this, you are brought to different places, different situations and different characters. I really like the places they are different and I can just imagine them. The world Moira Young creates is really something. It's like Graceling and Lord of the Rings, the world is just rich. The Silverlake, Hopetown, Freedom fields, etc. There are many places and they are really amazing.
It is also unpredictable I'm always looking forward to what will happen next. There are a lot of characters from the good ones and the bad ones. I really like them Saba, Lugh, Emmi, Jack, Epona, Ash, Maev, Helen, Tommo, Demalo, Miz Pinch, the King, all of them. The characters are really great you will root for them, and care for them like they are real.
The love story was also a good one Saba and Jack. Saba is stubborn and strong. She reminds me of Katniss and Katsa.
Jack is happy go lucky, cocky and teasy. He reminds me of the lead guy in Tangled ...Finnick, and Jace Wayland.
That's it! I really like it because of: 1. The world building 2. The characters 3. The love story
SPOILER ALERT!!!
My favorite part is the one (view spoiler)[when they are in the river Saba and Maev was there bathing in the river and Jack came. Maev left and Saba and Jack were talking and then Jack wanted to take a bath too and he teased Saba if she wanted to watch him and he started to count one two three trying to remove his trousers and Saba ran (hide spoiler)] And there are times that Jack will be shirtless
and I'm thinking
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Maybe what I didn't like about it is the ending because I expected that (view spoiler)[killing the King would not be that easy (hide spoiler)] and it (view spoiler)[ended like all is well (hide spoiler)]. (view spoiler)[How about the next book? Who will be the villain and what will be the conflict? (hide spoiler)] I just hope the next one is just as exciting as the first one. (less)
This is a pretty good sequel to the first book Divergent. The plot is action-packed, there are lots of running, shooting, and fighti...more Non-spoiler review
This is a pretty good sequel to the first book Divergent. The plot is action-packed, there are lots of running, shooting, and fighting. These days I've been addicted in watching Nikita an American T.V. Show about a group of assassins. While watching the show I missed reading Divergent because it made me remember the initiation of Tris in the dauntless faction when Alex, a character from Nikita is undergoing her training to become an assassin. That's why I'm really excited in reading the sequel and to go back to Tris' world. I think that's the good thing that I liked from this series because it's full of action. Although, in this sequel Tris is traumatized and she is having problems holding a gun, which is acceptable because of what happened at the end of Divergent. So, it became more complicated because Tris can only use knife or any other weapons except gun.
This book is also more suspenseful and the horror is more psychological. A lot of the characters here have been controlled because of the serum and simulation. It also became hard to know who are the allies and who are the enemies. It has a lot of intrigue and in the end it seems like the enemy is not the enemy and the friend is not the friend. I find myself confused and I like it because there are a lot of surprises, twists that I didn't see coming and great reveals. The ending is amazing and mind-blowing. I feel like I really wanted to tell someone about it because it's really shocking and I just need someone to talk to. It's crazy, the ending is just 'oh my God I want to know what happens next'!
There are talks about which one was better this series of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. And let me tell you this, Mockingjay for me was a little bit disappointing and if the ending of this series will surpassed THG...I might prefer this series over THG. :)
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Thank goodness I have money and thus I can buy a copy of Insurgent. This series is too good to not buy the books. Will probably go to the bookstore tomorrow. :) ________________________________________________________________ OH EM GEE The cover is out and its gorgeous ^_____^ me likes it.
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Oh my gosh! I never really expected it but here I am hooked with another series. It's like a really long time since I'm excited for the next book. The waiting, the agony but there's also excitement.
Of course Harry Potter, Twilight, Vampire Academy, Percy Jackson, The Mortal Instruments and my most loved of all The Hunger Games has long ended.
But with every good series and trilogies that end I'm happy that there are new series and trilogies that emerge.
"I can well imagine an atheist's last words: "White, white! L-L-Love! My God!" - and the deathbed leap of faith. Whereas the agnostic, if he stays true to his reasonable self, if he stays beholden to dry, yeastless factuality, might try to explain the warm light bathing him by saying, "Possibly a f-f-failing oxygenation of the b-b-brain," and, to the very end, lack imagination and miss the better story."
This is a very typical story of faith against adversity and faith still manage to triumph in the end. What makes it unique is that Pi, the main character is a Hindu, a Christian and a Muslim at the same time. His trial of faith and survival starts when the ship that he and his family together with their animals (because they are zookeepers) sink in the Pacific.
He found himself inside a lifeboat together with his animals orangutan, hyena, zebra and a tiger. It was similar to the movie Castaway, but instead of being totally alone he has animals with him. It was actually pretty similar to National Geographic and you will learn a lot about animals and their behaviors.
I think this book is really informative and thought provoking and very brutal. There are scenes that are really horrendous like cannibalism, etc. However, all in all I think this is really a must read. Its get kind of weird and boring sometimes, but it's not really preachy.
I think it has a lot of symbolism that I just can't interpret yet. I think the tiger and the other animals maybe symbolize something.
What I learned from it is that sometimes we really need to believe in the unbelievable and believe in something, whatever religion it is. This book actually acknowledges Atheism, but not Agnosticism. I think what the author tries to point out is that better believe than doubt and just make a stand. Believe in Science if not Religion or believe in Religion than doubt both Religion and Science.(less)
Divergent's so good it deserves a white teddy, and that's saying something.
***Review of Divergent***
Note: Without spoiler
I've known a lot of good thi...more Divergent's so good it deserves a white teddy, and that's saying something.
***Review of Divergent***
Note: Without spoiler
I've known a lot of good things about this book, from youtube and goodreads and they were saying that if you liked Hunger Games, definitely you have to read it. Also one of my friends here, Rollie, even mentioned that he liked Divergent more than the Hunger Games. And of course, I trust these people, when they say that a book is amazing, for sure I know it is true.
Then I'm itching to read it, but the problem was, I've no money and I'm even finding a hard time looking for the copy at our National Bookstore. Then, came the time that we went to Mall of Asia and, we're kind of celebrating my 20th birthday and our waiting place was the National Bookstore and I've seen Divergent in the New Releases Section. I think it was really the approriate time, I've money and it's my birthday (4 days kind of late, actually) and I decided to have a birthday treat.
So for those who haven't read it yet I heartily recommend it. It is a Young Adult Book. The genre is dystopian. The futuristic world in Divergent is divided into five factions...
Abnegation (The Selfless)- symbol: a hand helping another hand Amity (The Peaceful)- symbol: a tree Erudite (The Intelligent)- symbol: an eye Dauntless (The Brave)- symbol: a flame *this is also the symbol in the bookcover Candor (The Honest)- symbol: scale
If you're wondering what the term Divergent means it actually means that you can fit to two or more factions. You will know more about it reading the book.
What I really liked about the book is the world the author has created, at first I thought it was really idealistic, but when I'm reading it, I surmised it is flawed (of course I'm reading Dystopia, you know the 101, government and system is corrupted blah blah blah) and it is also more like political so it's really thought provoking and intriguing. I also like that there's romance in this book, but there's no love triangle, so I think it's different.
It's a mix of adventure, lots of fighting and there's training and simulation tests, there's mystery, there's political intrigue, there's humor, lots of violent scenes and it also has romance. So boys and girls I think would love it.
I also like that there's a lot of betrayal, a lot of twists and turns and for most of the time it's not really what I expected. I've been thinking that it could be a contender for the Hunger Games, but I'm not 100% sure if this one is better since this is only the first book in the series. So my decision if Divergent is better than Hunger Games will be decided I think after reading all the books in the trilogy.
PS: I think if I will have to choose for a faction, I'll be Erudite. :)
Note: With spoiler, to those who have read it, just scroll down
Yay spoilers ^^
The scenes that I did not expect:
1. So while reading it I never really expect that Caleb will choose to be Erudite, I knew that Beatrice will choose Dauntless because of a youtube review I've watched.
2. I was also shocked when I've learned that Beatrice's mom is a former Dauntless and she was killed in the end of the book, I thought that the author would spare her life. And even Tris' dad she had it killed at the first book.
3. Four's real identity. I thought that when at the start of the book when they're talking about Tobias and Marcus it never really crossed in my mind that that conversation would be important. And Four is Tobias and then at the end of the book he was reunited with his dad. I don't know if Marcus was really an evil character, I think we'll know more about it as the series progresses.
4. The end part of this book really came out as a shocker. There's war, there's genocide and all came out really intense and violent. There are important characters that were killed like Will and Tris killed her. Tris' mom and dad were killed. A lot of Abnegations were killed. And we don't know what will happen to Tori and Christina.
5. Two factions are left in chaos and we don't know what will happen to the Dauntless and the Abnegation. And it seems that for a while they will be factionless. I'm not also really sure what will happen in Amity and Candor if they will support the Abnegation refugees or the Erudites.
I never would have thought that I'll have the chance to read this book, for the reason that I don't even know that this book exist. However, when I on...moreI never would have thought that I'll have the chance to read this book, for the reason that I don't even know that this book exist. However, when I once again attended a meet-up by The Filipino Group in Goodreads last April 10 2011, which was also a celebration of the first anniversary of the group, Kwesi and I had the opportunity to swap books.
I have given him the book 1st to Die by James Patterson and he gave this book to me, which I don't have any idea what the book is all about. But judging on the title "Godless" I have a feeling that it will delve on Religion and Atheism.
Reading the backcover of it I was already fascinated, a teenage boy bored of his parent's religion (Catholicism) decided one summer to create his own religion, which was Chutengodianism, a new worship which fundamentally believe that the Town's Water Tower was the one and true God.
A big part of me immediately relate to that kid. I would say that I also found going to churh, listening to priest, praying rosary, reading the bible etc. boring. Most of the time, I believe I am a non-believer, an atheist, but no I think a Skeptic is the perfect word for me. I want to believe in God but I wanted proof, I want to see it before I believe it.
I find it really funny that this book is so natural. There are a lot of things the character said about Religion specifically Catholicism that are really offensive. I'm thinking if you're a believer of Christian Faith you might find it blasphemous or the book was like questioning Religion and it puts Religion on a bad state and there are a lot of the propaganda but for me it doesn't felt contrived or it doesn't felt like I was forced to believe in it. It's like here's the thing, think about it and it's not like here's the thing, believe in it. If that even makes sense.
I also love that the book is very funny and sarcastic. It's like reading this, I laughed out loud and I can't stop it. I even think about it's like a long time ago a book made me feel that way. And yeah I found books that made me laugh, special. It's like a very nice friend that could lighten up your mood and will give you a stomachache for its dry wit.
It's a very nice read and I really recommend it, just be open minded especially if you're a Catholic. I don't find questioning faith and God wrong or even found Atheists bad people. It's a very thought provoking and imaginative book that would really got you thinking about your own faith as well.
I also find the ending of it satisfying and it's a great way to end the book. Jason, the main character ended it with an epiphany or a reflection about himself, and there is that uncertainty about him and what he really believes in, that I find amazing and haunting.(less)
I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, luuuuuuuuvvvvvit!!!!
It's so Sci-fi *dreamy eyes* just pure awesomeness...
It might be a bit weird but I rea...moreI love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, luuuuuuuuvvvvvit!!!!
It's so Sci-fi *dreamy eyes* just pure awesomeness...
It might be a bit weird but I really do love space ships (I'm not kidding) and this reminds me of Gundam Seed. Holy Cheesecakes, I want to read more!(less)
I think I’m one of the few fortunate people in Goodreads who actually have been given 3 free books, as of this year 2011 (And I’m talking of real, tan...moreI think I’m one of the few fortunate people in Goodreads who actually have been given 3 free books, as of this year 2011 (And I’m talking of real, tangible books not just e-books). First I've won in the Goodreads Giveaways (I’m not confabulating its really true) and I’ve got two books Envy and Chill Factor by Sandra Brown delivered at my doorstep and it was autographed…Oh My Gosh.
And then my luck of receiving free books doesn’t end there. This book that I’m reviewing Before Ever After was given as a birthday gift by Ms. Samantha Sotto, the author of this book. If you’re wondering how it happened, if I received it because I won again in a giveaway or if the author is my friend in real life, no that was not how it happened.
What happened was I added this book in my gargantuan to-read list and then when I was reading the book info I noticed that the book will come out on my birthday which is August 2. And then I wrote a review saying, “You know what, this book will come out on my birthday. :) No kidding. I love it already,” and then Ms. Sam Sotto have read my review and gave me a message that she love to give me a copy of her book on my birthday.
And I was like:
Of course since that was really cute and sweet and heartwarming that the author herself has read my review and she even think of giving me a book on my birthday *sniff sniff* (which was actually a first time for me, even though I really love books I never got them as birthday presents, however I got a home library as a graduation present).
Okay to make a super long story short I’ve met Sam personally during the 5th meet up of The Filipino Group in Goodreads and she handed it to me and I’ve even got the chance to have it autographed.
And this is how it looked like: ***Die envious folks...teehee***
So okay done with the introduction and now let's get into reviewing...to be more organized I'm going to write the pros and then the cons...
So here goes.
Pros: 1. I really like the short stories/subplots/folktales inside the story. I can't really explain it but these stories are really unique and they are really interesting. The first subplot (something about a revolution)I think while reading it I even say a bad word out loud because I was just really shocked and thank goodness I was alone in my bedroom so no one really heard me utter those bad words.
And then the second subplot was my favorite of all (it was the Basilisk Story) I remember the format was kind of similar to the Shrieking Shack story of the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. To make it more clear (I think if you’re a Potter fan, you’ll understand what I’m saying) do you remember when I think Hermione told Ron about the story of a ghost howling in the Shrieking Shack and that’s how it got it name (Shrieking..Get it?) And then later in the story we learned the truth that it was not a ghost but (view spoiler)[Lupin when he transformed into a werewolf that makes the sound (hide spoiler)]. So in this book it was similar to that, there’s a story about a Basilisk but later the true story about it came out.
Also I like the very last story, the story of Maximus and Livia. It was another great subplot and I remember I even have palpitations reading it. It was just intense, I can’t really describe it.
2. I like how she can write from one genre to another. First it was a mystery and then there’s romance, there’s adventure, there’s historical fiction mix with fantasy and supernatural and then there’s also humor. She can make me laugh, sometimes I feel intrigued and then it can be sweet, it can be tragic, it can be informative. It was a mix of light and heavy. The heaviness of the subplots which in general are tragic stories is lightened and layered by the humor of Max and the campers. She can also play with different timelines, different settings and different characters and that made me decide that this book is a book that is hard to write, it has its complexities and despite the fact that there are things that I didn’t like I still think that it deserve a 5 star rating, not just because the author gave this to me and I owe her a good review but I think she really deserve it because of the fact that she have write a good novel.
Cons: 1. The one thing that I didn’t like in this book was the ending. While I was reading Maximus and Livia’s story as I’ve mentioned I was having palpitations and I was like I’ll give the book a solid five stars but then come to the end of the book I was disappointed because the ending was made in such a haste. I think the epilogue has only four sentences and I know it was (view spoiler)[a happy ending (hide spoiler)] but it was really confusing and I’m not really sure if the elements of (view spoiler)[Immortality, how Max became immortal was properly explained, how Shelly became Immortal as well (hide spoiler)] It was very confusing, I didn’t quite get it. But still I think minus the unclear ending it was a good read. I recommend it to all my friends and to Ms. Samantha Sotto, congratulations on your debut novel. I’ll look forward for more. (less)
This book reminds me so much of Pretty Woman. A man and a prostitute falling in love with one another.
However in this one the male protagonist was ov...moreThis book reminds me so much of Pretty Woman. A man and a prostitute falling in love with one another.
However in this one the male protagonist was over ninety years old and the female protagonist was about fifteen years old. The book was an easy read, I read it in one sitting. Good somewhat philosophical and it talks about life, aging, love and death. Nevertheless I was a bit disturbed with the age difference of the main characters so I'll just gave this one three stars.
Extra: This book was banned in Iran because a group of conservatives thought the book was promoting prostitution.(less)
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