Funny how Gray made it a huge deal when she found out that Jagger had loved her even from before. Throwing child-like tantrums over the fact that she Funny how Gray made it a huge deal when she found out that Jagger had loved her even from before. Throwing child-like tantrums over the fact that she was the only one oblivious about his feelings (everyone was so aware of it as if it was written in bold letters: “THEY WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER). But she got over it quite easily. So they tried. Although it was the guy who tried more.
But there was twist, & oh boy wasn’t that quite dramatic?! She didn’t know his former fiancée was capable of it. Interesting stuff but hardly memorable. ...more
My need for that amazing read is colossal. It was continuous struggle to find that book that I will truly enjoy. The journey was long, the anguish wasMy need for that amazing read is colossal. It was continuous struggle to find that book that I will truly enjoy. The journey was long, the anguish was building up and I almost thought it was impossible. All I wish was a book that not only can hold my attention for more than 100 pages but to actually like it. Then this book came to my radar and I’m quite pleased that after I finished it, I can safely that I sincerely enjoyed it.
Now you are all free to disregard my over the top introduction, I know I’m so dramatic but as I said I’ve been eager to read an enjoyable book. Been going on for half a year now! And not that I have read so far are worthless (ok, some were but that’s another story for another day) but they didn’t just click with me. I’m not one that seeks literary merits mind you, but I do crave for entertaining read and this one offered that—well, almost.
This book is about a girl caught up with some dangerous men—mafia. And if you weren’t aware I have a thing for this theme (All These Things I’ve Done, Sempre among others) so I embraced this fully aware of some bits and pieces (all thanks to my sister who unintentionally rec’d/spoiled a bit to me) but even with predictability factored in, I was so amused with my whole reading experience. The delivery of the story was straight—unembellished, unpretentious. I liked the little pieces were important if placed in the bigger picture. I already drawn conclusions of what might happened but some things left me still surprised.
Then the characters! I love the female MC—Sophie had great knack for sarcasm which I found funny most of the time. She doubted, questioned but still had the naivety that was not eye-rolling in any form for me. (Because it did happen plenty of times before in other books; but you already know that). That instance where she bantered with a very dangerous guy ironically lightened up the mood for me; which was also affected my perspective of some of the antagonists of the story.
Of course there’s the romance and while I’m not swooning or rooting for anyone (for now), I wasn’t really all that unhappy that I wasn’t. In fact, while the romance was apparent it didn’t really dominate it. I still preferred the mafia side and about why there was feud between Sophie’s restless uncle and their new neighbors. That storyline had me more interested than romance (which very rare to happen, I‘ll tell you right now!).
I think the reason why I enjoyed it so much because it offered things quite in the right amount. There were slice of life, that family drama, a dash of action/mystery, and some romance. For me, not one aspect overwhelmed the other. Funny how I sought out complicated plot and that one that delivered was the meek of ‘em all. Well, I’m such simpleton and with that I should have known better! :P
I had that sudden impulse to discontinue when things went too mushy way too quickly. But I pushed through the initial discontentment thinking maybe thI had that sudden impulse to discontinue when things went too mushy way too quickly. But I pushed through the initial discontentment thinking maybe there was reason why it needed to establish the relationship quite early in the game. Well, there was, but to me, the romance as merely an accessory to the conflict later on & that didn’t totally satisfy me.
This book has that kind of set-up where the boy is from an esteemed family that fell in love with the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. One would already guess that there’s be gonna lot of hindrances ahead. For one, the guy was the nephew of senator that firmly supported law against illegal immigrants; and so, it was the quite an irony when he fell in love with a girl who was undocumented. They were eager to find a way to make her legal, even though at the start she felt hopeless that she’ll able to have that status. But for him, he’ll find a way for them to be together.
It was really tough on her part; living in constant fear that they’ll be caught. Being an undocumented brought lot of consequences even if their only desire was to have a better life. I knew a bit about illegal immigrants. I’ve watched few documentaries regarding Filipinos living abroad illegally. And I can’t completely fault them on their wish to better their lives (even if the method was wrong). Life here in my country is hard; seeking for greener for pasture in order to survive is a choice they need to make. There are legal ways but it’ll take time—long time. So at most, I understand the girl’s struggles and difficulties more than the guy’s drama at home. He did have some burdens but I think it wasn’t as significant as the girl’s.
The fast romantic development paved way to making their decisions more concrete; as if reasoning their feelings for each other as an adjunction to the possible answers to their problems. The guy was willing to sacrifice for her, to give him her his name so they can’t be apart, but she opted out. Even with her sound intention, the thin relationship development made it so unconvincing (guy went saying something like it came from John Meyer’s Your Body Is A Wonderland lyrics & that sudden protectiveness; and I was only at page 34!). Although I kind of understand her (but at some selfish thought I still saw it as passing a chance & as I said, they guy was so keen to give her security). But in the end, their decision sort of made sense; probably not the most ideal for some but willing to start on clean slate is I think what they really need (after all that happened).
Reading the story in Kaidan’s perspective yielded opposite effect.
If anything, this book established what it was supposed to be: a companion, nothing Reading the story in Kaidan’s perspective yielded opposite effect.
If anything, this book established what it was supposed to be: a companion, nothing more, and nothing less. Now, I know I’m little too harsh on it considering I do like the trilogy, but that itself made me a bit salty about how this book turned out. I was all excited to read this because I was big fan of Kaidan but you see, I realized that I do like him on Anna’s perspective; and when the spotlight was on him, I can clearly see the difference.
Sweet Temptation is more or less a rehash of the three books, now in Kaidan’s POV. As a love interest, he was swoon worthy, no doubt. But as the protagonist? Nah, he was bit on lackluster side. To be honest I found the entire thing a bit monotonous because, let’s face it, without Anna would he really stand up against his father? Anna clearly had an objective; he on the other hand rode her coattails. He did help out & I’m not dismissing that (Anna was pretty much naïve when it comes to this stuff) but like I said he just accompanied her. He had character development because of it but all the interesting parts of the story where on Anna’s. It made me understand that it is important for me that a character needs to have solid resolution, Kaidan do have that but it hugely intertwined with Anna. So once the focus was shifted on him I saw his character’s evident shortcomings.
Did the book add more flair to the overall story? Not a lot. But it’s still worth reading if you ever curious on how he thinks/behaves. It might not be productive; at least to me it didn’t, but I still think it’s worth the shot. Honestly, I had expectations because I’ve always been fascinated with stories that have been told in different POV, much more if it is now narrated by favorite character. Obviously it didn’t happen here. It did solidify the fact that Sweet Evil trilogy was truly Anna’s journey.
This book is obviously should not be read without reading the first three & I really recommend for you to do it. This offered pretty basic deal to me. But still is disappointed that after knowing what running inside his head realized it wasn’t as strong impact to the story as would’ve thought of. Nevertheless I still enjoy few bits, learned new things about him & I’m pretty happy how his life (with Anna) turned out to be.
It was neither hilarious nor overly dramatic but definitely far better to offhandedly label as mediocre. The story wasn’t novel by any means but it waIt was neither hilarious nor overly dramatic but definitely far better to offhandedly label as mediocre. The story wasn’t novel by any means but it was good enough to easily finish (I’m struggling to finish books nowadays so this is a feat in itself!). Both MCs have problems per usual by what I love about it is didn’t define these characters as if the only thing that will make them interesting are these issues. As Hannah (girl MC) said: she is a survivor.
The romance was pretty ok. I didn’t expect anything profound or anything similar but I did like the banter, or as Garret described, bickering. Anyway, it’s a good romance, not the best but it is something you shouldn’t miss out if you are in need of a fun NA read. ...more
Well, gotta give it to the book, the idea was gold (yes, pun intended) but in the end it still wasn’t all too interesting to me. Ah, the journey to fiWell, gotta give it to the book, the idea was gold (yes, pun intended) but in the end it still wasn’t all too interesting to me. Ah, the journey to find my perfect book continues. ...more
Honestly, as in all honesty the love interest can’t be of any Asian descent (or any nationality for that matter) and the story will remain intact. It Honestly, as in all honesty the love interest can’t be of any Asian descent (or any nationality for that matter) and the story will remain intact. It doesn’t matter if Jason is Japanese, and instead of Hangul, Kanji is plastered everywhere: that’s how little the Korean culture affected the story. So if you’re one of those interested because it has some k-pop written in the summary and thinking perhaps you’ll get a glimpse of their music industry there then Hello, I Love You by Katie M. Stout isn’t all that. You better of watching Korean drama instead.
Grace has flown half around the world to escape her life full pressure from being the daughter of well-known music producer and the guilt her mother putting on her because of her brother’s death. Her destination (without a solid reason why) is South Korea. Little did she know she’ll thrust into the world of music again, now via her roommate’s famous k-pop artist brother, Jason. She has studies, adapting to new culture, maybe some language barrier and problems at home on her plate; so romantic relationship to some k-pop idol wasn’t on her plan as well.
Like I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t have to be Korea which made me a bit disappointed. I’m not the biggest k-pop fan—ok, so I have been on one of their concert. Sure, I did watch Korean dramas (and yes, it’s not like a soap opera!). And yes, I’m sorta obsessed with this one Idol group. But I don’t think I know enough to nit-pick the parts but the lack of Korean variety in this novel is very apparent. It mentioned of this and that but it did not make me feel like she’s in Korea that much. It could be actually anywhere as I said. Also, I watched few behind the camera footages/shows to see how strict their labels are to their talents. Yep, relationships are pretty much hush-hush in their business.
At the latter half, I gave up. It doesn’t matter anymore; I’ll just enjoy it sans Korean vibe. Grace was bit of moody but granted her life back home wasn’t appeasing—that I kinda understand. But those withstanding, she wasn’t charming or relatable at all. Jason, well, I found him quite generic. But I did like his goal to have music of his own. Something he does want for himself and not manufactured by his label. But seeing how the industry is there, that’s quite a struggle.
The summary is promising but story failed to deliver what I hoped. Romance wasn’t all too saccharine for my taste which is good as it somehow pacified my broken expectations. Needless to say, I managed enjoyed the little things out of my grand pre-reading beliefs. So yeah, it was just really ok.
I read a short story just recently (like just two to three weeks ago?) called 眠れぬ王に捧ぐ夜語 (a story for sleepless king at night). It is, like The Wrath aI read a short story just recently (like just two to three weeks ago?) called 眠れぬ王に捧ぐ夜語 (a story for sleepless king at night). It is, like The Wrath and the Dawn, a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights. If it weren’t for the length (which I think was intentionally short hence was rushed) I would’ve loved it even more because I liked how it used the stories she tells, a very important part of the plot (and and to refrain from spoiling too much, those stories are connected to the couple) and not only to prolong the heroine’s life.
If you have literature class in school, you must have tackled this piece of gem. I was a non-reader before but when I stumbled across this great story (or collection of stories), I was quite mesmerized. I loved this story and the stories within. So anything that says it’s retelling of Arabian Nights piques my interest instantaneously. But what made me more excited prior to reading were all these raves reviews. Expectations multiplied ten folds y’all~! But now that I have, I guess, I’m little embarrass to say that I’m part of minority—again. While I think it was quite enjoyable, it wasn’t all too breathtaking as I thought it’d be (compare to the original; but then again nothing beats the original).
I must admit that Shahrzad has spunk; though at certain times this attitude of her can be mistaken as willfulness. She offered herself to wed the king even though she knew what has happened to all the girls before her and she could also have the same fate. But she has an agenda. Courageous enough to banter to the king of telling him stories only to leave the ending for the next day. In that way her life was spared, albeit momentarily. But unbeknownst (to me), she fell in love with him and so was him with her. Because the king and that incidents regarding the girls weren’t exactly as it looked on the front. And she, becasue of the truth, might eventually give up her real purpose.
So there you have it, if anything, the essence of the plot on which it was adapted from remained intact; I’m really grateful for that. But for some reasons I wasn’t invested with the characters (which is always been an important part of my reading). As I said mentioned the heroine can be too stubborn and arrogant. The king was restless (that was understandable though) but not quite intimidating as how they pictured him to be. Individually, I did like them. Romantically speaking? Now that’s where I was lost.
The romance did lead the story. I even want to mention that there was love triangle but it was quite dismaying so I won’t expand it any longer. I do love romance but I wasn’t rooting for them or anything quite surprisingly. In fact I was little confused because while there was tension between them, I didn’t feel it was romantically linked. I can tell she was really, sincerely mad at him and I can also feel that the king was suspicious of her, yet it happened. I was one big question mark when it did. *sighs*
The story was rich; the writing was splendid (although sometimes it felt rigid. I don’t know I’m being nit-picky again, so sorry). Overall, it was an OK read. I might check the sequel because the ending left something worth checking out, as well as that brief sample of the sequel that led me all too curious.
Kidnapping, missing best friend and potential romance between these two best friends but halted because of the said kidnapping? One is to expect that Kidnapping, missing best friend and potential romance between these two best friends but halted because of the said kidnapping? One is to expect that it’ll be a heavy, dramatic sort of story. Well, wrong. I was wrong. It isn’t like that at all. Oh, but I was very glad that it wasn’t. I liked that premise wasn’t as predictable as I thought it’ll be (or dramatic for that matter). Emmy and Oliver by Robin Benway presented a story that it might sound intense at first but it came to me as a very light read.
Emmy and Oliver were besties. In fact they live in the same neighborhood, born at the same day, in the same hospital. Everything was going well until Oliver was hauled inside truck and drove him miles away from her. But the confusing part of it was that the one that took Oliver was his own father. Years had passed and Oliver returned, along with him was his experience with his father and the lie he grew up with. But it wasn’t just about him; because him leaving the town scarred many people, including Emmy and her relationship with her parents.
He was kidnapped by his own father might elicit some reactions already. You know what, he might look like the antagonist of the story, but Oliver’s father wasn’t all what people had judged him. Sure, his reasons and judgment weren’t appropriate. But I can firmly say that I can understand his reasons as why he did what he did. In fact, Oliver’s memories with his father weren’t bad at all. He told some fond memories he had with him. In a way, the word kidnapping was overly dramatic term for me (although what he did is actually that) when in fact he was just scared man longing for his son.
Now, let’s go to the romance/friends’ angle. Does absence makes the heart go fonder? Personally, no; especially if they were separated at such a young age. I just don’t believe a romance in such a short span of time was possible; when ten years had passed and lot of things can/will change a person. The transition wasn’t too favorable for my taste so I hardly connected with the romance. That said, when Emmy decided on things, she was brave enough to stand her ground. In some stories I’ve read they all go for love first, the rest next. But if you think about it, love should also mean understanding & cooperation. Well, at least on me.
I understand Emmy especially on how her parents treated her like fragile item. But I do know why they acted that way. Oliver’s situation added that anxiety/fear for them. But know what, just because you made the decision doesn’t mean it’s automatically right or it will go well. Or when parents’ decide for you it’s not always mean removing your freedom to choose. But there’s still that sense of individuality to be able to decide on your own. Emmy didn’t want to be inside that bubble wrap anymore. This is the aspect I liked about the story.
It’s weird for me that title of the story is Emmy and Oliver when it felt like it wasn’t significantly just about them. But to me it’s more Emmy, Oliver and their parents (but that's mouthful though, haha). Because I think they played such crucial part in their stories.
Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler is not about the how’s but rather the result, the after effects of that result & what to do with it. So if you’re inteImmaculate by Katelyn Detweiler is not about the how’s but rather the result, the after effects of that result & what to do with it. So if you’re interested to read it because you’re too keen to know on how the supposed Immaculate Conception happened then you won’t get that. I didn’t get that. I think the why/how pregnant is not the real focus but more of a device to kindle events; and those events were given spotlight. At least that was the impression I got.
If my friend told me that she is pregnant and she was still a virgin and didn’t do the deed, I would be very skeptical. I will doubt for sure. Just like her fiends did. Just like her boyfriend did. Just like her father did. Just like most people did. Because at this modern age will someone really believe a phenomenon like this could still happen?
Now with that question lingering in my head, made me conclude that maybe this is what the book wanted me to think. The absence of the definite “how” did make me think like the people of the book:
to doubt
. In hindsight maybe it’s not about the miracle itself but being able to believe it exists/that it could happen. I think the faith of the people was tested when they were presented with a situation that truly suggests cynicism because no one can prove it. We always need an evidence to believe, right?
The heroine was lost because she herself didn’t know how it happened. People gossip about her, lost trust on her. But amidst that there were still people who didn’t lose faith on her. Who trusted & believed her. Who doubted first but managed to believe later. And those who have unwavering trust. I think it was such a big assurance to know that people still believe—even against the odds—on her; or even if they doubted at first still chose to believe. That was what happened. In fact, someone took a chance on her.
When I finished the book I was so confused, a bit disappointed but after weighing in, I think it was somewhat clever. And that itself was quite a feat that this book managed to accomplish. Like I said it felt like I was in those people’s shoes.
I’ve been thinking really hard on how to start this review. Should I just drop the bomb and get away with it? It’s easier frankly. Then I realized a wI’ve been thinking really hard on how to start this review. Should I just drop the bomb and get away with it? It’s easier frankly. Then I realized a warning is the most appropriate way: I didn’t enjoy it. That’s right; I didn’t enjoy A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. Yes, that A Darker Shade of Magic that I’d been anticipating for many months to read.
So what did really happen? How did it lead to this? Honestly, I’m still tad puzzled myself. I think I’d prepared to love this book only to get utterly dissatisfied by it. So many people have been raving about it and I’m really glad that it got such positive buzzes around the community. I need a book that can wow me. I need it desperately. It was what led me to believe that this was the one book that will finally help get back on the swing of things. Oh boy, my heart’s slightly bruised and beaten from hoping. It is apparently, not.
For the most parts, I attached Vicious too closely to this novel, hoping the same result. That’s partially my fault. I loved Vicious; I’m one of those who love reading stories with moral obscurity as its theme (Vicious, Tokyo Ghoul, Death Note). Those gray areas are interesting to explore. But Kell to me is more indifferent (although I think he was intended to be this enigmatic character but I just didn’t get that). He has a past that purposely will stir your interest. But he was most of the time an unsteady character for me. Different? Perhaps. But there were certain aspects of his character that he himself wasn’t sure of.
It is without a doubt holds very interesting concept: alternative universe of different kinds of London, space/time travelers, and magic! It is exciting if you think about it. And then Kell possess almost extinct ability to travel in those Londons. One of the last ones! And if that’s not enough he has magic, like he can manipulate elements (plus something else, something only his kind was able to). He’s freaking special! But even with those features I find myself forcing my way ‘til the end (as I had promised myself that I will try reading and in all fairness it wasn’t boring; I was just bit disconnected). Also quite baffled, I found myself not caring that much.
But I know why they loved it; Ms. Schwab writing is succulent. It’s one of the things I really adored in this book. The description was beautiful and vivid. I hope I did like the rest but unfortunately it’s a no to me. I’m not too sure whether it’s gratifying to pick up the sequel but like I said I didn’t care all that much.
If I were to describe this book in one word then simple would be the most appropriate. There’s nothing extravagant or extremely annoying happened but If I were to describe this book in one word then simple would be the most appropriate. There’s nothing extravagant or extremely annoying happened but it’s not completely insipid. The summary gave me all the hints I need to know on what exactly is the direction of the story. For me, it was completely straight, no u turns, simple roadblock, but ultimately an unpretentious road to drive through. It was all ok-ish. ...more
When I was reading this book I couldn’t rid that jingle by our local health department about tuberculosis out my head. It sounUnpopular opinion ahead.
When I was reading this book I couldn’t rid that jingle by our local health department about tuberculosis out my head. It sounded like this illness is manageable—according to the jingle not mine. I’m tempted to read more information about it online then I just dismissed the idea. Maybe I was wrong (that commercial though!) and this book was right. I really don’t know but regardless if there was an exaggeration or not (although notes at the end clarified it); it just that, the story didn’t capture me.
The story established the fact an ending laced with tragic elements will take place. And oh boy, did every single thing remind me of that. I would have guessed already that between the two MCs, something bad was bound to happen. Like really, really bad will happen to one of them (worst case scenario both). MC #1 Lane, a young promising kid found himself one day at hospital with boarding house facility called Latham House. His life turned upside down and now he had to deal things that were never in his wildest dream. MC #2 had more history on her; Sadie was for me somewhat a rebel. As one kid there said, she only gets in trouble if she allows it. Like Kaori from 四月は君の嘘 (Your Lie in April) in a very less likable way (and this show made me cried bucket of tears!). Opposite attracts, same situation empathy, despite having different personalities, I think they had things that made them connect.
Sans the romance, which I enjoyed minimally, I think the rest just didn’t click with me. There was something about this kind of book that feels manufactured for me. Like, ok their lives are hard but even with that I just don’t feel anything for them. Granted I’m not one to cry easily, there were books with illness that still made me bawled like a baby (e.g. Sing Me to Sleep) even though I know what will happen in the end. I think that way the latter book was told was raw and heart wrenching; things that I was unable to feel in this book.
So as I said, tragedy will ensue to one of them. It’s not like it was unexpected. The irony of it is it was not how you will think it will be. One day, one of the MCs started speaking things about leaving and being gone and then the next day, well…your guess is as good as mine. It wasn’t that I didn’t anticipate or I hoped it’ll be dramatic, although in a way I was relieved that it turned out this way instead—barley though. Still, I think something relevant is missing. (In Filipino, kung baga sa pagkain matabang.) Maybe I have a stone cold heart to feel anything about this story. Or just simply, it wasn’t the book for me.
PS: If this what TFIOS was about no wonder I was repelled to read it.
I think this book and this local flick that I haven’t watched (just saw the trailer) share the same plot: girl lost his boyfriend to an accident; his I think this book and this local flick that I haven’t watched (just saw the trailer) share the same plot: girl lost his boyfriend to an accident; his heart was donated and she might/might not fall in love with the boy who received it. In a nutshell that’s how Jessi Kirby’s Things We Know by Heart is. It might be a little predictable to my taste but the good thing is that while some parts came too convenient for me, I enjoyed the entirety: of her searching for that final piece but got more than just moving forward.
Quinn loses her boyfriend and she thought that knowing the people who got his boyfriend’s organs was an important part of the process she needed to move on. But the last person changed that course of events, of her simply wanting to know to something deeper. She only wanted to see how things went but she got more than what she could be possibly imagined. She just found herself enjoying herself in Colton's company. But the truth was looming like dark mist on this potential relationship. But to properly move on she must tell the truth.
It was quite simple but that simplicity is what made it so refreshing. She only wanted to know how these people were. I think I get her motivations as to why she wanted to check them up. I mean, I think (it’s just me) that him dying was not truly the end, by extension at least for some people it didn’t. But at the same time I also think that she was clinging (too much, but understandable so) to that. Even if it just fragments of who Trent used to be; the fact that it still there is somehow assuring? (I don’t know, I wanted to write it down as profound as I can but alas my limited vocabulary is hindering me).
I also knew from the get-go things will go south once the truth is revealed. But I’m glad it didn’t progress to some dramatic point and they reconciled quite neatly. I think both of them; Colton and Quinn needed to move on from those things that anchoring them down. So it must be fate that instead of her just merely observing, she had run-in with him and that escalated further more—the better more.
Was it intentional to make me hate the heroine? For someone who was devoid of emotion when it started, it sure had great knack of eliciting negative fWas it intentional to make me hate the heroine? For someone who was devoid of emotion when it started, it sure had great knack of eliciting negative feelings out of me. There wasn’t even a time that I can identify with the MC; because not only did she know the repercussion of what she did because it already happened before. Not to mention, how largely it affected other people; so one would think that it was enough to know things better. But no, she still did. Oh man, she still did even though she should’ve known better!
Ok, I get it, I know it sucks that her mother wrote a story—a bestseller based on her not so stellar situation. That situation that escalated and got her tangled in this mess. Her mother’s doing was one but what inspired her mother to wrote it down was all her. But you know what, at first I still understand. We are inclined to make mistakes, that’s true but if she was well aware of the aftermath of the decision she should have tried her best not to do it again. Second chances, sure why not? But she behaved afterwards like she didn’t know the consequences, as if she hadn’t learned her lesson. But did she really?
The thing about this MC (gosh, I don’t even have the tolerance to write her name anymore) was hard to relate. Granted we all made unwise decision in our lives, she was doing the very thing that she did that got her in trouble in the first place. And yet, rational thinking flew right out of the window when sexual tension thickened. Get a grip girl! Get a grip! Choose! You can’t have both!
Cheating? I don’t avoid it like the plague because I don’t see things in black & white. Although cheating is wrong regardless, some still do it because they have reason. A reason shouldn’t need to abide to what I believe but when it felt like flimsy emotions and plain indecisiveness, sympathy is just hard to give (to everyone involved!). And anyway, was it really that hard to think that hooking with her ex-boyfriend, who is by the way also the brother of the guy she was currently dating (who was also the guy why the ex became the ex), was all sorts of wrong? No? Exactly my point! Now wasn’t really that hard to understand?
Felt like P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han betrayed me. It’s not only about my expectations but what I found endearing qualities in the first book wFelt like P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han betrayed me. It’s not only about my expectations but what I found endearing qualities in the first book was just not here. I would have blamed my slump for not liking it that much but I compared notes with other people and felt the same way that I did. Because damn it, why did John Ambrose McClaren happened?!
But at the same time, I don’t blame him. His character was actually well portrayed. I really liked John. His exchanged letters with Lara Jean brought an inappropriate smile on my face. Even though I should be rooting for Peter. I was all excited to see how the story will flesh out their relationship then they hit a major curve ball—unnecessary drama which pulled everything down to me. I get that relationship face difficulties and all that. But we were left with a cliffhanger and I was eager to find out if they do end up together what would it like to be (while they’re in a relationship). It was depicted in underwhelming way. Ah, high school drama~
John and the ex-girlfriend represent how young and weak their relationship was. That contract of them not breaking each other’s heart was sweet in a very juvenile way (well, they are young and so was their love for each other). It wasn’t just one of them, both had fault why they had a falling apart somewhere in the middle. Lara Jean knew better and sometimes I wanted to ask the same question she threw at Peter. The conflict in this sequel continually made me shook my head. What were you lad/lass doing?
It went from reconciliation, exchanging letters from a boy she loved before, scheming ex-girlfriend, plus meme from a controversial video to “I choose you” like a pokemon trainer. But after all that I still didn’t have the gall to rate it lower than 3 stars; all thanks to the very superior prequel. Oh I wish this didn’t happen and thought it would have been better of me thinking about an open-ended conclusion than to know how non-existent Lara Jean's character development here. How unfortunate.
I’m a big fan of the first two books even though I admitted how fussy I am with this genre. But this series proHeir of Fire left me a bit conflicted.
I’m a big fan of the first two books even though I admitted how fussy I am with this genre. But this series proved me wrong—twice. Now, in the mood to read it, I braced myself with expectation based on my previous experiences. But it came to a point where all these development stirred clear from what I know of the series.
If anything else, this third installment was without a shadow of doubt a set-up. Sure, there are tons of things that needed to develop did develop. Revelations were deemed to unfold, unfolded; but all those things changed my entire perspective of the story. Like the first two books were nothing but an introduction albeit a long one and we were now in this place where it actually started. In which is not entirely terrible. But I came to love all the things that happened in the first two and to see them changed didn’t sit well too much with me. At least at the beginning.
Now that I have let the nit-pick parts admitted, let me emphasized on this new journey. Celeana might have great bloodline(s) running through her veins and looks like from there things are getting harder and harder for her. But not without new companions. I didn’t embrace them fully at first. There are quite few additions to the story and one that standout for me (all thanks to Celeana at one point did appreciate what a fine specimen her new companion is) was Rowan. Ok, as a big Chaol fanatic that I am I saw him at the beginning a threat. No, not in ship war kind of thing but of my own opinion. He made me feel like treading on tightrope whether he’ll win me or not. But he did. I’m inclined to love character that has loyalty (which at first had me questioning why) to the female MC (ala Hak from 暁のヨナ or Obi from 赤髪の白雪姫).
So where were the two main men before? This is not solely Celeana’s journey for sure, those two have problems of their own. Chaol was little…confusing for most parts (which was why I’m bit disappointed) but if it means for his character growth then I’m all for it. But my man Dorian is fighting back. I love the attitude, keep that up! And well, I smell potential romance for him? Well, I’m glad for him (was there really something solid happened more than flirting? I beg to differ.).
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, it was a set-up. After reeling everything in, pounded it in my head plenty of times; it actually made sense. And if I were honest that last line about Celeana’s true identity is bound to leave a big tremor! Hopefully something I can fully comprehend and like this time (optimism FTW).
I loved Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series. It’s one my all-time favorites. All-time!!! It is why I was sWell, this wasn’t what I had in mind.
I loved Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series. It’s one my all-time favorites. All-time!!! It is why I was so looking forward to her brand new YA series (I never got around reading her adult books though). And she was also bringing new ideas on the table; at least new in terms of recreation of certain themes. It’s not my first time to read YA book with exorcist; Gretchen McNeil’s Possess had that too. But since I have a great history with the author’s previous work, you could say I expected a lot from it. But it didn’t deliver all that.
For starters, Nina has similar qualities with Kaylee; with her gallant actions to her loved ones. Kaylee had done it for her friends and family, while Nina was doing it for her younger sister. She had done all kinds of things, questionable things in order for them to survive. Who will be there for her and her sister if it wasn’t for her? She cannot expect from her mother because she had his problem of her own and not that she actually cares for them. But her younger sister got in a pickle that might rouse curiosity, and possibly punished. But worst, Nina has her own worries that will get the church’s attention in no time.
The church was a shady organization here so gone is that idea of chivalrous occupation of fighting off demons (it ain’t D GRAY MAN, self! although their organization is suspicious too); when that same institute have their own demons lurking inside (yes, pun intended). There was enough action but it wasn’t all that engaging to me. I even thought some ideas were recycled from the other series. As for Nina, she can be little hard to read, sometimes bordering annoying; because there was this instance that a guy proposed of answering her questions (because all the crap that had happened there’s must be answers to them.) but she was like “nope, not listening to a stranger” yet got infatuated with him after few more pages in? I don’t get her!
The thing about Vincent’s writing is that there is a clear impression of who is the villain of the story. And despite them representing “goodness” (supposed to be) from the very beginning Nina’s quips about them did bring suspicious earlier in the game. So most were foreseeable, even the love interest. Too bad I was looking forward to him, too (incorporeal or otherwise). *sighs*
It wasn’t a solid read for me but I managed to get by unlike my sister who was on the brink of dozing off when she read it first. She and I have similar tastes (most of the time) so I took that reaction as a caution. I guess, you can say it was warranted.
You know, I spent a good amount of time on staring at the screen, with blank page in front of me ready to be filled with my opinion of the latest bookYou know, I spent a good amount of time on staring at the screen, with blank page in front of me ready to be filled with my opinion of the latest book I read. Yes, I read a book after months of not doing so. It was both weird and refreshing that alas, I’m actually typing a review again.
But wait, are you supposed to talk about the book and not spouting your melodrama. Ah, yes, the book that I actually finished (took me 4 days though). This book is Cynthia Hand’s latest offer; a book called The Last Time We Say Goodbye.
When I started reading it I asked myself: am I really gonna read such a depressing book as my first salvo for 2015 (and hopefully aid me to rid of this horrendous slump)? I doubted at first because usually I’m not huge fan of this kind of book. Most often than not they feel manufactured, inorganic like I’m expected to cry, to get emotional because the book was all about that. But some like this one just plainly tell a story of a girl who lost her loved one and how she coped with it.
I didn’t cry. I wasn’t emotional as well but I did get Alexis, the pain, the grieving, accepting then moving on. Learning more about Tyler and who he really was for Alexis, it is reasonable how it weighed Alexis down by losing him. It’s not just about Alexis and her grieving but also about her brother. Alexis also knew about Tyler, his friend, even his relationship with this girl. Truth to be told, Tyler was already emotionally unstable even then and she had witnessed/experienced it. And she really helped, very eagerly so.
I was also surprised it wasn’t as heavy as thought it’d be. No, I’m not saying it was shallow. In fact I actually like that there still something in it that was light, something positive which I look forward to develop in this this type of book. Because when it comes to stories like this, I always aim for the silver lining. And silver lining did I want for Alexis. I want something good to finally happen to her, to her family. I was waiting for that acceptance and forgiveness which I think did happen for her, and her love ones.
And the last bits on the end were really touching. You know, being able to know how it is to lose someone dearly; we sometimes forget the good parts and fixated on wallowing on the bad ones. But I’m glad in the end as part of her accepting and moving on she remembered those times as well. And finally bid her last goodbye. It was really a good story.
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