Cleffairy's Blog, page 208
July 21, 2011
The Last Archangel
Title:The Last Archangel
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Imprint: Bonneville Books
Pub Date: 8 July 2011
ISBN: 9781599558943
Author: Michael D. Young
I was intrigued by the book cover when I picked up this book from Netgalley. The book cover looks very mysterious and looks promising, and yes, the book is mysterious and very well written.
I was amazed with the author's knowledge and creativity in putting mythology and biblical theme together, and like many good fantasy stories, this book is fast-paced and full of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, and definitely wouldn't mind reading it again some time in the future. Suitable for those who love fantasy and paranormal stories.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Cedar Fort publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.
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The Iron Knight
Title: The Iron Knight
SubTitle:Book 4 in the Iron Fey Series
Publisher:Harlequin
Imprint:HarlequinTEEN
Pub Date: 25 October 2011
ISBN: 9780373210367
Author: Julie Kagawa
The Iron Knight is the final installment of the Iron Fey series. A series that I had a pleasure to read a couple of month before the release of Iron Knight. Truth be told, I was rather reluctant to start reading the Iron Fey Series as it's written in the character's point of view, a style of writing that I always have difficulties to grasps. I am not usually comfortable reading that sort point of view, but the Iron Fey series is so amazing and incredible that I can easily overlook the issue.
I've been anxiously anticipating the release of The Iron Knight for quite some time now, and so when I saw it's available as an ARC in Netgalley, I couldn't help but request it despite the fact that I still have a lot of pending reviews.
The Iron Knight does not disappoint. It's all I can ask for in a fantasy. It's romantic, unpredictable and not to mention, rather bittersweet. Unlike it's predecessors, The Iron Knight have a wonderful ending, and provides a closure for the main character, Megan and Ash. I was really satisfied, though I wish that the author indulges us more with the ending.
Reading Iron Knight makes me think alot. It makes me wonder how far we should go to keep a promise that we made to our loved ones? And I wonder how far we should go in sacrificing ourselves for the love of our lives? This book makes me feel that sometimes, things can change so much that we fail to recognize the fact that even friends can be the most dangerous enemy.
Nevertheless, the Iron Knight is a wonderful read. Definitely a keeper for fantasy lovers. I feel rather melancholic by the time I finished reading. I feel as if I'm saying goodbye to my best friends. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and while this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest the readers to read the other books in this series to gain more understanding on the characters' decisions and whatnot.
I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.
Book description:
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her
irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan's side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
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July 19, 2011
My first book signing dinner…
*picture stolen from Mommyling*
I think July 2011 have been the most hectic but memorable month of the year for me. I went on a… *choke* honeymoon, had countless romantic dinner and quiet time with the love of my life, had tonnes of fun in places I never thought I'll go, experienced things that I never thought that I'll ever experience before, and most importantly, an impromptu book signing over an unplanned dinner.
Sounds like a busy month, no? Yes… busy, very busy. I barely have time to breathe, but it's also a very blessed month for me. God have been so kind to me and has blessed me with so many things and I can't think of asking for anything more.
Now, I know some of my friends have been asking me to sign the proof copy of the novels that I've given them…and I've been putting it off since not everyone who is close to me has received their copy of my novels yet. Don't ask me why some of my friends haven't receive it, but there has been a lot of issues with the Home Ministry and customs clearance…and there's not much thing I can do but patiently wait for the issue to be resolved.
Anyway this entry is about my first book signing in public. I did not plan the event. Of course, there's some point in the future I will want to hold a meet and greet and talk about my books and get to know my readers, but I am not exactly ready to release my novels in Malaysia for various reasons. That explains why you can't buy it in Malaysia, and that explains why only some people have the ARC of my books too-the books are just ARC, proof copies for reviewers and advance readers. Some of it are not ready for publication yet. They are error infested and I gave them away in hope that those who received it will give me some constructive criticism and their opinions on the books.
I don't feel like I'm ready for a meet and greet or a book signing at the moment. I don't feel like I'm ready for a glamorous public exposure yet, I feel like I still have a lot of things to learn as an author, but my evil sisters seems to think otherwise.
It all started with an innocent conversation. I was chatting with Smallkucing's Mamarazzi and Mommyling where I was complaining that I'm feeling hungry and desperately need to eat(duh, I'm always hungry), and then, out of the sudden they asked me out for dinner.
And so, I went out for dinner with them, but it is one hell of a dinner. I think I'll never forget that til the day I breathe my last. I was eating, quietly and sedately while the rest were talking with each other happily. Then, out of the sudden, Mommyling took out two of my novels and asked me to sign it for her. I was really surprised. I never thought that she'll bring the novels out, what more ask me to sign the novels there and then.
Foolish me thought she merely wants me to take it and sign it when I reach home and give it back to her the next time I meet her like what Smallkucing's Mamarazzi always do, but no…she did not want me to take it back home and sign it and give it back to her the next time I meet her. She wants it there and then. *FAINT*
I was stunned for a moment. That was really unexpected. But of course, I complied and sign it for her…and I thought it will be over once I sign the novels for her, but noooooo… she had to take out her camera and snap my picture while I sign the novels. *SHOCKED* She even used flash to snap my picture and people from the next table were very curious when they saw me signing the novels while Smallkucing's Mamarazzi, Mommyling and our respective spouses cheer on. *HORRIFIED* I practically had to resist the urge to look around and register the surroundings so that it will be etched in my memory forever. >.< I was kinda flustered. Tsk. Talk about camera shy author. (How the hell I'm gonna survive my book signing ceremony in the future, I have no idea… I'm still trying to work it out.)
I don't think I can ever recover from that little surprise Mommyling decided to cook up. I will remember it forever, because despite of the shock that it gave me, I couldn't help but feel happy about it… not because I feel glamorous or feel like a celebrity, but I feel that someone appreciate me enough to do such a thing for me. That little surprise alone, means much more to me than a public meet and greet session and one day, when someone ask me about my first book signing experience, I'll be quoting this one in particular.
My novels have been featured in Claire's blog, Smallkucing's blog as well as Mommyling's blog too. It might not mean much to others, but to me, it's way better than being featured in one of the column in the mainstream newspapers. To me, any Tom Dick and Harry who have connection with the editor or journalists can have themselves featured in the newspaper, but not any Tom, Dick or Harry can be featured in their blogs, because they did it from the bottom of their hearts and asked nothing in return for writing it.
Thank you very much, ladies. Without you guys, I am no one.
Cleffairy: The best things in lives are mostly unplanned.
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July 17, 2011
Do not procrastinate from paying your debts!
Sometimes you just have to face yourself and realize that you you are where you are because of some poor choices you made along the way. Sometimes we think that if we put things off a little longer, it will be better. But hear me loud and clear, it is not! If you're putting off paying Payday cash and credit card debt, you need to face up to it. Procrastination only makes things worse, it prolongs the pain and the worry unnecessarily. Procrastination is the is like a thorn in the side, it's every time you put something off for some reason or another (usually instant gratification). But no matter how long you put it off it will still be there. Taking care of your debt requires you to make some serious changes in your life and your habits. It's not just about taking the easy road, there really is no easy road. Life is full of challenges and obstacles, and with every one of those situations comes a lesson to be learned.
When it comes to debt so many people procrastinate because they unknowingly trying to avoid the feelings of pain. Addressing the problem is a reminder of the mistakes that you once made. By leaving the task unaccomplished you begin to turn a small problem into a bigger one, the longer you put something off, the worst in becomes. The goal in this situation is to stop thinking about it and take the action to tackle whatever it is that is haunting you. If you look too far ahead, your task starts to seem impossible, you begin to think about how many months or years it will take you to complete it and it becomes overwhelming. Thinking too far ahead is not always beneficial, especially when it comes to paying off your debt. Just take the first step, it can and will change your life.
Every time you put an important task off, or put something on hold for a later time it will make you feel bad over time. Make a list of things that you have to take care of in order of importance and begin to tackle them one at a time. The sooner you do this, the great you will feel. When it comes to your debt, there are many easy steps to take. They do take work and time, but there's no greater feeling than getting rid of tsomething that is so draining on your energy.
Taking that first step is not always easy, fear is the number one reason people avoid doing what they have to do. It's time now to step out of your shell and take charge of your life for t he better. Whatever it is that is holding you back, you can overcome it. Devise a plan and follow it, just do it!!
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July 16, 2011
Can you?
Can you write a blog entry without pictures? I can. I definitely can write without having the need to compose my stories with the assistance of pictures. It is not an issue to me. I can go on and on writing like nobody's business without a picture.
But can you read a blog post without any pictures? I daresay not many pay attention to read what others wrote when there are no pictures, especially if it's a long winded entry. More often than not, people just skim through, and hurriedly leave comment before leaving or hopping to another blog.
Tsk… and therefore…miscommunication and misunderstandings always happen.
It disgust me when that happen… especially when the comment that was left was completely irrelevant to what I wrote. It's like chicken and duck talk.
So, how do you actually get messages across when you have no pictures to use to assist your writing? Tsk… I'm afraid I have no answer to that.
Cleffairy: Men are visual creatures, are they not?
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July 13, 2011
Malaysia Open Source Conference 2011
I may have led some of my friends to believe that I went on a second honeymoon in Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia earlier this month. I am not sure if I should say this, but reality is quite far removed from the truth. My family and I were actually there not completely for pleasure, but for business purpose.
My family went down to the Northern of Penang for Malaysia Open Source Conference 2011. The event was held in Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringi, Penang from 3rd to 5th July 2011.
Being an Open Source supporter, I have no high expectation on this event, truthfully, considering that despite of it being a community based conference, the way the organizers organized this conference is much more similar to those conference done by our government- where community does not exactly have much say in decision making and whatnot. Call me stereotyping, but it doesn't help my confidence either especially when the way they organized this whole thing is practically similar to Linux Varsity Skudai 2010- where certain university has more say in the event decision making and whatnot instead of the community who are supposed to be in charged of the event in the first place.
It is beyond my comprehension why the Malaysian Open Source Conference must be done in Penang. Marketing-wise, it would make much more sense if the event was held in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya or Cyberjaya. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this event is aimed to educate corporate companies on open source awareness, is it not? Most IT-based companies' headquarters is not in Penang, am I right? Tsk…really made me wonder why it must be done in Penang. Sponsor problems, I assume? Hmm, no idea.
Anyway, while the conference attract loads of walk-in visitors as well as students, it is still a disappointment to me as INTERNET CONNECTION WAS PRACTICALLY NONEXISTENT in Malaysia Open Source Conference 2011. Where the hell was the ISP sponsor? What a shame. An IT event without reliable Internet connection. Completely laughable, I must say. And to think they chose a venue with unreliable Internet connection.
Another thing is that the issues of speakers and the topic of their speech. I was rather disappointed. I was expecting something more… interesting. But then again, this is individual opinion.
Anyway, if my husband did not need to attend the small-scale graduation ceremony over there in the Malaysian Open Source Conference 2011, I would have declared that this event is not worth attending and a complete waste of time, effort and money. To me, an IT conference that failed to have a proper Internet connection is not even worth my consideration, what more paying to attend it to listen to paid speech.
Sometimes I wonder what good does it make if the concept is good but the execution is….'questionable'?
Anyway, at the end of the day, I am extremely glad that I did not give any of the organizer my media contacts, or my friends who is still practicing in media line would have laughed at me for not having an insight to warn them that live reporting, live blogging, live streaming and whatnot would have not been possible due to the lack of Internet connection. Phew! At least I did not loose face and made the members of the media laughed in my face for being bloody foolish- an IT conference where Internet connection is practically nonexistent…quite a joke, I must say!
Cleffairy: Was forced to consider that bloody trip as a honeymoon or a short vacation, or her blood would boil and she'd go on and on seething like a cat being poured cold water.
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July 12, 2011
Laying low…
I feel sick… and tired of the things that's going around in my country lately. I mean, there's so much bad news, and so much anger among my people right now in Malaysia.
I suppose some of my readers are wondering why I choose to zip up my mouth regarding the BERSIH issue despite the fact that I strongly support the freedom of expression and despite the fact that I am a voter and there's nothing that I desire more than a clean and transparency in the coming General Election. For those who don't know what BERSIH is… it's a movement that supports clean and fair election-which is declared illegal by the current Malaysian ruling government *ooopsss, dictatorship much?*. 'BERSIH' is a word derived from Malaysian language, bearing the definition 'clean'.
Well, this is why I'm laying low: I refuse to be a marionette on a string by feeling upset over issues that I do not intend to participate due to safety reason. What benefit do I get by getting all emotional about it? I feel that if I do not intend to participate in the rally to express myself, then I better keep my goddamn mouth shut and I shall do my part when the election comes: by voting, by exercising my rights as a voter.
I know a lot of people are expressing their frustrations over various social media websites and whatnot, but you know something? That is something coward-ish to me. True patriots won't just talk and vent. They would do something much more than just vent around. They would do something that comes out with an actual result.
For those who are making so much goddamn noise over various social media… I won't suggest you to stop, but I do hope that when the parliament has been dissolved and the times comes for you to vote, you'll go and vote instead of merely making annoying noise. One vote could make a difference. If you do not like the current ruling government, then the General Election is the time for you to choose a better leader for a better Malaysia.
Cleffairy: Do you not know that empty cans makes most noise? And did you know that there are various ways to exercise your freedom of expression than merely venting your frustrations over social media countless times?
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Prince William and Kate
Title: Prince William & Kate
SubTitle: Royal Romance
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint: Lerner Publications
Pub Date: 1 September 2011
ISBN: 9780761380290
Author: Matt Doeden
Category: NONFICTION – JUVENILE: Biography, Autobiography & History: Biography & Autobiography
Pre-order Prince William & Kate: : click here
This world is corrupted and tainted with so many distrust that sometimes, people stopped believing in true love. Reading the journey of Prince William and his wife, Kate (Duchess Kate) made me feel that despite the corrupted world, true love still exists. Reading this book makes my heart melt and knees buckle… in a good way that is.
'Prince William and Kate' is a wonderful biography about the royal couple, and I daresay it will make a wonderful memorabilia if you're a fan of the royal couple. It's wonderfully illustrated and the biography followed the journey of Prince William and Kate's courtship to marriage in a way that will make the readers swoon.
This book is a keeper and makes a wonderful gift or a permanent library collection.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
On April 29, 2011, the whole world watched as Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton exchanged marriage vows. This royal wedding was one of the most anticipated events in England in recent years. Ever since the couple officially announced their engagement in November 2010, every detail of the wedding has captured headlines around the globe.
Why all the excitement? William is second in line to become Britain's king. William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales is the firstborn child of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales. And through marriage to William, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton—known as Kate—turned from a commoner into a duchess. If William becomes king one day, Kate will be the Queen Consort.
Follow the couple's royal romance from their first meeting at the University of St. Andrews, through the ups and downs of their relationship, to the romantic wedding ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey.
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The Final Hour
The Final Hour by Andrew Klavan is a very fast-paced adventure cum thriller that will surely make your adrenaline pump faster than it usually does.
This book is probably aimed to younger adults… boys, particularly and I found that it is enjoyable despite of the confusing plot. At some point I feel as if I was Alice, wandering around in Wonderland without a clear purpose, but it is a good read nevertheless.
I suppose if you're a fan of adventure fiction, or a thriller, you would want to give this one a go. Highly recommended to boys age 12 years up.
I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for this.
Book description:
Charlie West was an ordinary high school kid who went to bed one night and woke up in the clutches of terrorists and wanted by the police for murder. He also woke up with no memory of the events of the last year.
His memory is returning now and has brought the terrible realization that he knows when the terrorists are going to strike next.
Whatever it takes, Charlie knows he can't give in or give up until they're stopped . . . even when the final hour is ticking away.
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Vision of Lucy
I've always love reading Christian fiction. Especially if the theme is loosely tied around romance. They're much more satisfying than normal romance fiction. 'Vision of Lucy' is another one of my favourite Christian fiction. Somehow, I could almost see myself in the protagonist of this story, Lucy. She's such a determined young thing, and would do anything to achieve her goals, and never did succumbs to people's expectations of her as well as peer pressure. She did what she thinks is right, even though it was wrong in the eyes of the society. I liked how adventurous Lucy was portrayed. She's such a memorable character and I definitely would read this book again some time in the future.
I highly recommends this book to those who enjoy a light hearted read with a hint of humour, romance and adventure. I rate this book 3 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.
Book description:
Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he'll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.
When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.
Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.
God's arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness.
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