The Bibliophile's Journal

Friday's Finest: The Stand

2011-07-01T00:04:00.000+08:00

No one can tell what goes on in between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just... come out the other side.

Quoted from The Stand by Stephen King

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

2011-06-28T02:55:00.002+08:00

Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Hardback
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd— whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself— Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, and monsters both real and imagined.

There is nothing in the world that could prepare a person to face a life that has been shattered by circumstances. Let alone when that life belongs to a ten-year-old boy, Connor, whose father left to live with his new family in the States, leaving him behind with his beloved mother, who is fighting for something that may not end the way he wants it to be. There is too much that weigh on his small shoulders without having anyone there that he could really turn to. One day, The Monster that claims to be answering Connor’s call starts visiting him at the exact time, 12:07, everyday. Taking the form of a yew tree, he brings along with him three true yet unpredictable stories, which he presents to Connor one at a time. Once he is done, The Monster wants Connor to tell him a true story, one that Connor swears not to tell anyone, or else he will eat Connor alive. In the midst of this chaos in Connor’s life, is seeing this Monster the sign that Connor has actually reaches his breaking point? Or The Monster is really there for a grand purpose that Connor could only see once he is ready to see it?

A Monster Calls is truly an epic tale that is compact with concise, lyrical prose and full to the brink with mixes of emotions. Having just finished this book for the second time, I feel that I’ve just stepped off an extremely emotional roller coaster ride, witnessing a life that no ten-year-old really should have. The original idea of this book comes from the late Siobhan Dowd, the Carnegie Award winner, and the author, Patrick Ness, deserves a standing ovation for his remarkable job in turning this idea into a memorable and beautiful story that could moves anyone who reads it to tears. I strongly believe that the outstanding black and white illustrations by Jim Kay really help in accentuating the dark theme of the book and suit the sombre mood perfectly. Another one thing that truly satisfies me is when I finally figure out the significance of every metaphors and symbolisms that Ness used throughout the story. It is like everything is there for a reason and to really see the puzzle being put together, pieces by pieces, really gives me such an incredible feeling.

To be quite honest, I truly cannot list down anything that I did not like in A Monster Calls. This is not the book that you can tell whether it is good or it is bad by analysing its characters or its plots, but rather by reflecting its meaning and see how much it fits to real life. Reading A Monster Calls makes me think back about my life when I was ten, the age when I feel that future is like a sea that will give me access to everywhere without realising that there is something sinister down there that can snatch me at anytime and put my life to a sudden halt. Connor meets that sinister creature, so does many other children in this world and for some reason I really cannot stop thinking about that. Despite sounding like a middle grade novel by judging from its description and a hybrid of paranormal and fantasy genre by its cover, A Monster Calls is indeed a pure contemporary novel that speaks for people of all ages. I highly recommended this book to everyone despite its depressing and emotionally exhausting nature cause I assure you that every single tears that you shed will be totally worth it. Kudos to Patrick Ness for providing us with such a masterpiece.

Favourite Quote: There is not always a good guy. Nor is there always a bad one. Most people are somewhere in between - The Monster

A Monster Calls is a beautifully written and important book that will speak to you in a way that you cannot really imagine. It is full with sentimental values that will make shed some tears with the characters, reflect back your own life and make you want to hug your love ones just one more time. Highly, highly recommended!

Credit: This book review takes part in Book Review Party Wednesday at Cym Lowell's Blog

Friday's Finest: A Monster Calls

2011-06-24T06:36:00.002+08:00

You do not write your life with words, the monster said. You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.

Quoted from A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

The Summoner by Layton Green

2011-06-20T00:42:00.003+08:00

Title: The Summoner
Author: Layton Green
Series: The Dominic Grey Novel #1
Source: From author for review
Format: Digital Edition
Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
A United States diplomat disappears in front of hundreds of onlookers while attending a religious ceremony in the bushveld of Zimbabwe. Dominic Grey, Diplomatic Security special agent is assigned to investigate. Aiding the investigation is Professor Viktor Radek, a phenomenologist and Nya Mashumba, the local government liaison. The first work in a globe-hopping series whose protagonists investigate the world’s most bizarre and dangerous cults, The Summoner is a stylish, haunting novel of mystery and suspense that will linger long after the last page is turned.

It’s the year of 2009 in Harare, Zimbabwe. A Diplomatic Security Special Agent, Dominic Grey, is assigned to investigate a mysterious disappearance of an ex-US diplomat, William Addison, under the supervision of local authority, a government liason named Nya Mashumba. Earlier investigation showed that Addison went missing whilst attending a religious ceremony held in a Zimbabwean bush. With the help of an expert on cults, Victor Radek, they later find out that this ceremony was held by a movement derived from a traditional Yoruba religion, JuJu. This new version of JuJu has a darker side that involves evocation of evil spirits and ritual sacrifices that includes human sacrifice. As they get deeper into this investigation, they uncover more disturbing evidences that they believe to be related to this eerie movement. In this race against time, will they manage to locate Addison alive? And can they unmask the man behind this disappearance before they, too, become the victims?

The Summoner is a plot-driven, well paced novel that is full with intrigues that will keep readers questioning and guessing till the very last page. While reading this novel, it is very obvious to me that Layton Green has done an extensive research in the subject of Yoruba religion, its derivatives and also the life in Zimbabwe itself. He filled his novel with articulate, summarised version of this vast information in such concise yet detail way, which makes it easier for someone with little to zero knowledge about these subjects to truly understand the important part of this novel, imagine the situation that shrouded the country and how depressing it really is. Besides that, Green also managed to maintain the suspence elements throughout The Summoner by carefully organised the mystery, spice it up with multiple interesting twists that readers could hardly expect. All these make this book such an engrossing read.

Like many other plot-driven book, The Summoner also comes a little flat when it comes to character development. It is true that there are some descriptions about the characters, for example Dominic and Nya’s backgrounds, but they are often spelled out rather than revealed. This makes me feels detached from the characters to the point that I do not really feel much when something happen to them. There is not much that has been revealed about the third important character in The Summoner, Victor, so I really hope that readers will find out more about this interesting, intelligent man in the next instalment. Other than that, there is also a brief romantic relationship that occurs unexpectedly in this book that I find too rush and little bit unbelievable. I understand the author’s intention in not turning this book into love story but I think it would be nice if there are some explanations on their relationship.

In the nutshell, The Summoner is a gripping, gruesome and disturbing story that is packed with action and information. For those who are squirmish, there are some parts of this book that will surely make you squirm (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!). The pace, the unexpected twists and shocking revelations surely make this book one engrossing read.

Favourite Quote: Juju was not just born out of fear - Juju thrived on fear. Juju was fear - Victor Radek

The Summoner is a well-researched book that reveal the connection between disappearances of some people to a dark religious sect in Zimbabwe. This is not just a mere whodunit story as it also clearly explained what has been done to these people. An engrossing read especially to those who enjoy thriller and book about cults.

Friday's Finest: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2011-06-17T00:01:00.012+08:00

I stumbled upon The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky by accident but ended up totally in love with it. The following is a poem featured in the book that shows how much things could change in a person's life. It is pretty long but the final paragraph is the one that seriously gives me goosebumps.

A Person, A Paper, A Promise
by Dr. Earl Reum

Once on a yellow piece of paper with green lines he wrote a poem

And he called it "Chops" because that was the name of his dog

And that's what it was all about

And his teacher gave him an A and a gold star

And his mother hung it on the kitchen door and read it to his aunts

That was the year Father Tracy took all the kids to the zoo

And he let them sing on the bus

And his little sister was born with tiny toenails and no hair

And his mother and father kissed a lot

And the girl around the corner sent him a

Valentine signed with a row of X's

and he had to ask his father what the X's meant

And his father always tucked him in bed at night

And was always there to do it

Once on a piece of white paper with blue lines he wrote a poem

And he called it "Autumn" because that was the name of the season

And that's what it was all about

And his teacher gave him an A and asked him to write more clearly

And his mother never hung it on the kitchen door because of its new paint

And the kids told him that Father Tracy smoked cigars

And left butts on the pews

And sometimes they would burn holes

That was the year his sister got glasses with thick lenses and black frames

And the girl around the corner laughed

when he asked her to go see Santa Claus

And the kids told him why his mother and father kissed a lot

And his father never tucked him in bed at night

And his father got mad when he cried for him to do it.

Once on a paper torn from his notebook he wrote a poem

And he called it "Innocence: A Question"

because that was the question about his girl

And that's what it was all about

And his professor gave him an A and a strange steady look

And his mother never hung it on the kitchen door

because he never showed her

That was the year that Father Tracy died

And he forgot how the end of the Apostle's Creed went

And he caught his sister making out on the back porch

And his mother and father never kissed or even talked

And the girl around the corner wore too much makeup

That made him cough when he kissed her but he kissed her anyway

because that was the thing to do

And at three a.m. he tucked himself into bed
his father snoring soundly

That's why on the back of a brown paper bag he tried another poem

And he called it "Absolutely Nothing"

Because that's what it was really all about

And he gave himself an A and a slash on each damned wrist

And he hung it on the bathroom door because this time he didn't think

he could reach the kitchen

Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

2011-06-13T19:00:00.002+08:00

Books in this series:
(1) The Way of Shadows
(2) Shadow's Edge
(3) Beyond the Shadows

Author: Brent Weeks
Source: Personal Copies
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

The City of Cenaria is in an upheaval state as a new King is settling in the throne while The Sa’Kagé, the criminal underworld, who controls everything from smuggling to prostitution ring in the city is getting more powerful day after day. Life is even more challenging for children like Azoth and his two best friends, Jarl and Doll Girl, who scrounge to survive on the vilest part of Cenaria known as “The Warren”. As members of a guild, these kids’ main job is to stealing money to buy food and to pay for their dues. Failing to do so will caused them to be beaten by the sadistic Guild Fist, Rat. As the hatred between Rat and Azoth steaming further, Azoth knows that the only way to be something better is by running away from Rat’s claws. Azoth’s plan of escape comes in the form of one Durzo Blint, the famous “Wetboy”, Cenaria City’s most feared professional assassin. The plan quickly turns into revenge once Rat finds out about his intention and do unthinkable things to both Jarl and Doll Girl.

Azoth begs to be Durzo’s apprentice, but to be one, sacrifices need to be made and one person has to be killed. The going continues to get tough for Azoth, but he never falters and keeps on going. With Durzo as his Master, Azoth learns the way of being a skilled killer, the way of living in the shadows and eventually finds out his real purpose of being Durzo’s apprentice. Once he aces the art of assassination, Azoth is given a new identity as a minor noble, Kylar Stern, a name that means “Undying Dier”. Despite learning everything from his Master, there is still something that Durzo hides from Kylar, a secret that plays crucial role in the continuation of the series. As the Land of Cenaria continues to struggle, Kylar is torn between embracing the monster that he has become or be the greater good that he always wanted to be. Is that decision truly is in Kylar’s hand or circumstances will bare its ugly teeth and make the decision for him?

The Night Angel Trilogy is indeed a series that amazed me in so many levels. I didn’t put any expectation when I first picked up these books as they are not the kinds that I normally read but I’m pleasantly surprised to see how they are able to blow me away with mind blowing plots, unique characters and impressive world building. The trilogy is definitely a series that has it all: from story about adventure full of action, magic and violence to story about love packed with laughter, affections and heartbreaks. The beginning of the first instalment, The Way of Shadows, maybe a little confusing initially because it starts off from multiple angles and many loose ends are left open. However, as the story goes on, the author – Brent Weeks – expertly weaves each separated stories and slowly reveal the bigger picture, one that I honestly never sees coming. This totally proves that he is one of those extraordinary writers that have an incredible talent in writing and holding the suspense from the beginning to the end.

Another one aspect that I really appreciate in The Night Angel Trilogy is that it never really lost its stride. In every books, there are continuous heart pounding actions interweave with some tender moments that tend to occur during unexpected circumstances. The characters that Weeks created for this series are all complex, multi-layered and fit within the dark, unforgiving world that he created. Each and every one of them is complete with their own strengths, weaknesses and also secrets that are slowly unfold throughout the series. However, like many other epic fantasy books, this trilogy also contains so many characters, plot twists and in depth storylines. These maybe drawbacks for some readers as they may cause major confusion and difficulties in understanding everything that the author tries to convey. Though believe me, the more you read, the more you’ll discover and Weeks definitely did an excellent job in unravelling every single knots and confusions that readers have once they start reading his books. Do trust me when I said the wait and anticipation are totally worth it.

Without any doubt, The Night Angel Trilogy is definitely one of the best series that I completed in 2011. The author introduced readers to a world so awful and so devoid of any ethical sense. A world where people are willing to kill one another to gain power, willing to eat one another just to survive. This is the kind of series that will scare you with its gruesome details and also fill you with hopes and despairs. A remarkable read that I recommend to all.

Favourite Quote: "Life is empty. Life is meaningless. When we take a life, we aren't taking anything of value. Wetboys are killers. That's all we do. That's all we are. There are no poets in the bitter business" - The Wetboys' Vow

An extraordinary tale that depicts the life of a street urchin, from a mere child grow up to be a skilled assassin. This is not a light read by any means and it does include some graphic violence and obscenities. Though if you're looking for something complex and gritty, this is definitely the book you need!

Winners: The Light Series & Eyes Like Stars

2011-03-03T14:44:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! I am so sorry that it took me quite awhile to announce the giveaway winners this time around. Things have been a little too hectic these days, so I am truly sorry. Though without further ado, the winners of the two giveaways held on my blog are as follows:

Winner of The Light Series by Jennifer DeLucy

Entry #28 The Mortal Bookshelf

Winners of Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Entry #89 Peep
Entry #17 Alyssa

Congratulations everyone! Please check your inbox and get back to me within 48 hours or else new winners will be selected.

Cover Reveal: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

2011-02-18T18:19:00.002+08:00

SYNOPSIS (Contain spoiler. Click to Read More)

Bertie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue the kidnapped pirate, Nate, from Sedna the sea goddess. Now all she has to do is reunite her father, The Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own. However, things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her father has vanished, Sedna is out for revenge, her own actions have trapped the Theatre Illuminata, the only home she’s ever known, into a strange kind of limbo, and the stress of her in-between state is tearing apart the fragile threads of her mother’s sanity. Bertie’s best hope for salvaging the situation may lie in the summons by Her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the Distant Castle and hope of winning the magical boon given to the most pleasing performance. Bertie is caught between her growing responsibilities to home and family and the dream of flying free, just as her heart is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate. With so many forces pulling on her, how will Bertie be able to choose which wish to make come true?

I am so excited! What do you think of the cover?! It is deliciously gorgeous, don't you think? As Lisa mentioned on her blog today, "Once again, Jason Chan has created something incredibly beautiful and magical that wholly captures the essence of the book". Only one word that I think can describe this book cover: PERFECT. So Silver Bright is scheduled to be released on September 2011. If you're interested to pre-order the book, you may do so through: Book Depository and Amazon.

p.s. I'm extending the giveaway of Eyes Like Stars to 24th February 2011. So if you haven't entered, there is still plenty of time to do so. To enter, visit the giveaway page.

Lisa Mantchev wrote her first play in fourth grade, and has been involved in the theater ever since. She lives with her husband, daughter, and their hairy miscreant dogs on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

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Cover Fragment: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

2011-02-15T21:55:00.005+08:00

Do you remember Lisa Mantchev's books, Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream? Can you recall how brilliant the cover arts for both books look like? I can promise you one thing: the cover art for the 3rd instalment of the book is even more fantastic! Here I feature the second fragment of the new cover. If you're interested to view the first cover featured on the other blogs yesterday, you can view them at: Princess Bookie, Page Turner's Blog and On the Nightstand.

Those two faeries are cute, aren't they?

The full cover for So Silver Bright will be revealed on my blog as well as a few others on this Friday, so stay tune! But for now, there is something special for all of you. Scroll down for details *wink*

Here is your chance to win the first book in the Théâtre Illuminata series, Eyes Like Stars. One US/Canada reader will stand a chance to win a signed paperback version of the book while another international reader will win a paperback copy of the book that I will send through Book Depository. So please make sure that they can deliver to your place before you enter.

Series: Théâtre Illuminata, Act 1

Eyes Like Stars is an excellent read which I highly recommended to people who love anything fantasy and to those who’s looking for a very fun book. Hilarious and one of the most imaginative book that I've ever read. I think you'd missed a lot if you don't pick this one up. That surely tells a lot!
Click here for full review

Giveaway Details:
(1) This giveaway is open internationally
(2) Contest ends Friday, ~~February 18th~~ February 24th

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Giveaway: Win The Light Series by Jennifer DeLucy

2011-02-10T20:02:00.001+08:00

As promised yesterday, here is your chance to win books (marvelous ones, I promise!) by author, Jennifer DeLucy. The lucky winner will walk away with digital copies of both books in the Light Series, Seers of Light and also Whisper of Light.

(Click on covers to read my reviews)

Giveaway Details:

(1) This giveaway is open internationally

(2) There are several ways to gain extra entries. One of it is by commenting on the guest post by Jennifer DeLucy.

(3) You must be above 17 years of age due to some of the adult contents in the books

(4) Giveaway ends on February 24th, 2011

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Guest Post: Jennifer DeLucy, Author of the Light Series

2011-02-09T17:29:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! We have Jennifer with us here today, where she is going to briefly introduce to you about things you need to know on World of the Sentient. Sit back, relax, have some popcorns and enjoy the guest post! There will be a giveaway tomorrow where you can win both books in this series. All comments you posted here will be counted towards the giveaway.

Sentient: A human being with paranormal gifts. Sentients have evolved souls due to many successfully reincarnated lives. They are charged with the task of contending with paranormal phenomena/entities.

Entity: A supernatural life form.

Astral: A living energy, human or not, that derives its existence from the matter of the universe.

Dark Astral: A non-human Entity with a powerfully negative root. Dark Astrals are most often Energy Drainers.

Energy Drainers: Astrals that have spun into existence due to an environement of overabundant negativity, for example, prisons, mental institutions, and so on. Energy Drainers attach themselves to and manipulate their hosts to cause suffering and fear, the root of their existence.

Endowment: The formal term applied to a Sentient's particular gift.

Seer: A Sentient whose soul is ancient and has evolved tremendously over time. A Sentient who has attained Seer status need not return to the human form, as they have gathered sufficient wisdom over the course of many lifetimes.

Combatant: A Sentient gifted with a deadly psychic strength which extends to the physical. Combatants most often battle vampires.

Vampire: An animalistic being, once human, that craves the blood of humans due to its ability to temporarily replicate the sensation of having a soul.

Empath: A Sentient gifted with the ability to feel the emotions of others. Empaths can also sense the variances in human Lightlines.

Lightlines: The complex range of colors exuded from one's Aura and directly related to emotion.

Aura: The extension of the human spirit beyond its flesh-covering.

Pathcrosser: A Sentient gifted with the ability to speak and connect with the dead. A Pathcrosser can merge souls with a lost spirit and guide it to the next plane.

Soul Merge: A Soul Merge is a Pathcrosser's means of drawing a soul to the In Between, to the place where the Light of the Source can be seen and understood more readily.

The Source: Universal energy understood to be God, or the creative consciousness and animator of all life in the universe.

Emotions Endowment: Not to be mistaken for an Empath's ability, a Sentient with an Emotions Endowment is able to manipulate the the feelings of others based upon their own desires.

Energy Sensor: A Sentient gifted with the ability to locate other living energies at long range distances.

Memory Endowment: A Sentient possessing a Memory Endowment has gifts very similar to a photographic memory, or perfect psychic recall of information.

Intelligence Endowment: A Sentient possessing an Intelligence Endowment will display genius in not only human terms but in paranormal terms, as well. Sentients with an Intelligence Endowment
can quickly identify and understand concepts and psychic phenomena based upon subtler cues such as smell, sound, and air wave frequency.

Telekinetic: A Sentient with a Telekinetic Endowment can focus their energy in order to displace or move an object.

Healer: A Sentient with a rare Healing Endowment can use his/her own soul's energy to repair psychic or physical trauma in another living being.

Energy Catalyst: A Sentient with the ability to stimulate growth and reactions in nature and other life forms.

Conduit: A Seer's Endowment, or the ability to use one's own body to restore another's soul.

Turning: The process of becoming a vampire.

Repelling: The concentration of strong emotional energy, channeled and directed toward an enemy in an act of defense. When physical touch is too dangerous, such as with vampires, Sentients will use this tactic to disarm or knock an opponent down.

Enthralling: A vampire's mechanism for mental control of a victim.

Fated Blend: The term used to describe soul mates that have a close, repeated connection over many lifetimes.

Society (or WorldWide Society): The overall representative community of Sentients and Seers across the globe.

Council of Seers: A leadership of established Seers who are charged with the supervision of all Sentient groups throughout the world. The Council of Seers dispenses funding to all Sentient groups.

Jennifer grew up in the valley city of Scranton, Pennsylvania and is currently living in the Midwest, Jennifer continues to pursue opportunities as an author, editor and musician.

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Winner: Two Books by JL Bryan

2011-02-06T18:25:00.000+08:00

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who participated in The Haunted E-Book Week that I featured on my blog the last two weeks. I am thoroughly happy with the number of people who commented on the entries that I posted on that week. So again - Thank You!

Without further ado, the lucky winner of two books by JL Bryan chosen by random.org is:

Entry #168 Nathalie Brault!

Congratulations winner! Please check your inbox as I've already emailed you the prizes =)
Stay tune because there will be something more coming this week.

Human Blend by Lori Pescatore

2011-02-01T08:00:00.001+08:00

Title: Human Blend
Author: Lori Pescatore
Series: Human Blend #1
Source: From author
Format: Digital Edition
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Marion, Virginia seemed like a nice place to live a normal life, but she is not a normal girl. Laney has special abilities that keep her looking over her shoulder as she makes her escape from the men who had kidnapped her. A young doctor's interest is piqued when he witnesses her ability. Laney's budding relationship with a local boy puts both of them in danger when the men she was hiding from find her. All of their lives will change forever as ancient secrets become unearthed.

A runaway with special abilities. A young girl with a difficult life. An unfortunate child with a dark, mysterious past. This is a story of a girl named Laney, who arrives at a small town in Virginia, bearing a new identity as “Julie Miller”, in hope that she will stand a chance to start a brand new life and experience some levels of normalcy. Despite her own fear that everything she feels will just be temporary, she cannot help being attracted to a local college student, Austin Dorsett, and their relationship blooms almost instantly. Her new job as a volunteer in a local hospital attracts the attention of Dr. Eli Elsworth, a doctor who bears huge secrets of his own and also the only one who witnessed the thing that Julie is capable of doing. As Julie starts enjoying her new life, troubles seek her again, though with them come several revelations that may shatter her own beliefs. Can she handle the truth, knowing that she is not the person she always thinks she is?

Human Blend may seem like many other paranormal books out there but there is a little something about this book that makes it unique. The author, Lori Pescatore, has brought forward new types of paranormal and mysterious species, adding on something rather refreshing into the paranormal world that she created. However, I do believe that readers would benefit more if she explains in a much greater detail about these creatures and the mythology in this book rather than making us wait for the next chapter in the series. Nonetheless, the special abilities possess by each of them are indeed intriguing and I find myself being quite curious as to what else that they are capable of doing.

The characters that the author introduced in this book all come with distinct personalities. I have to admit that I did not feel much towards Julie despite every hardship that she had went through. She is described as a strong-willed, independent person but the way she reacts tells me otherwise. While I can understand that she was badly affected by her past, I cannot fathom the way she suddenly gets panicked and has the desire to runaway a few times and then can be immediately calm down after a word or two from the guys she is with. This shows that she actually needs others to hold her through the ordeals that she is dealing with or else she is going to break. The supporting characters seem to capture my interest more in this book like Eli, the protective doctor, and a mysterious, manipulative character named Percone. Hope that these two characters will be explored even more in the next instalment in the series.

All in all, Human Blend is a good enough read that it keeps me reading till the final page. However, I have to say that I did not feel really attach to the characters nor the storyline of this book and I strongly feel that more concrete explanation and details are needed to make it interesting. There are also some technical and editing issues that I came across while reading the book like typos and the transition from one character's viewpoint to the next that is not being done swiftly. Though if you are not picky about these, I don’t think it’ll prohibit you from enjoying the book. Like I said earlier on, Human Blend does have a unique and interesting concept. So as a new author, Lori Pescatore deserves a round of applause for her effort in bringing something new to the community.

If you're interested to read some more positive reviews on this book, you may check these reviews: Review by Kit from Reading Teen and Donna from The Happy Booker.

Favourite Quote: Sure you can take care of yourself. That's why we all spent the last two days chasing after you and that crazy-ass thug with a death wish. Face it, Julie, your life screams 'damsel in distress' - Marcus

This book was a good read for me but it didn't totally absorb me in. I seriously wish that there are more mythological details being explain regarding the two species being introduced in this series.. However, I have no doubt that paranormal readers will love this book as there are quite a few unique stuffs to be looked forward to.

2011 Reading Challenges

2011-01-30T18:20:00.001+08:00

Rule: Read 100 or more books in 2011

Books I've Read
(1) Eldest by Christopher Paolini
(2) The Haunted E-Book by JL Bryan
(3) The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
(4) The Long Walk by Stephen King
(5) 127 Hours: Between a Rock & a Hard Place by Aron Ralston
(6) The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
(7) The Van Allen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz
(8) The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir
(9) The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde
(10) A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
(11) Bruiser by Neal Shusterman
(12) Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
(13) Halfway to Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(14) At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost
(15) One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(16) Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz
(17) Nightlife by Rob Thurman
(18) Moonshine by Rob Thurman
(19) Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(20) Magyk by Angie Sage

Rule: Read as many books as I can off my shelf

Books I've Read
(1) Eldest by Christopher Paolini
(2) The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
(3) The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Rule: To read 24 horror and urban fantasy books in 2011

Books I've Read
(1) The Haunted E-Book by JL Bryan
(2) Halfway to Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(3) At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost
(4) One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(5) Nightlife by Rob Thurman
(6) Moonshine by Rob Thurman
(7) Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Rule: To read 12 mystery books in 2011

Books I've Read
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Rule: To read 6 or 12 Stephen King's books in 2011

Books I've Read
(1) The Long Walk by Stephen King
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Rule: To read 10 historical fiction books (Struggling the Addiction level)

Books I've Read
(1) The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Rule: To read 20 fantasy books (Obsessed level)

Books I've Read
(1) The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
(2) A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
(3)
(4)
(5)

Giveaway: Win Two Books by JL Bryan

2011-01-27T01:41:00.001+08:00

Did you read my review on The Haunted E-Book? Do you feel like you want to read it? Well, here is your chance! The author, JL Bryan, provides me with digital copies of two of his books: (1) The Haunted E-Book and (2) Dark Tomorrow. Let's see some recaps on what these books are about:

Title: The Haunted E-Book
Series: Stand Alone

The Haunted E-Book is one interesting book that will keep readers turning the page until they find the answers to all of their questions. This book is indeed not for one with a faint heart and I don’t think it is suitable for young readers either due to its graphical nature as well as some of its mature contents. Definitely a creepy book that is full with heart-pounding scenes that will make you glance over your shoulders every once in awhile and make you wonder "Am I being watched?" at all time. If you are the fan of horror books, I don't think you'll regret reading this.

Title: Dark Tomorrow

Series: Collection of Short Stories

The world of tomorrow is the world of the unknown. This collection of eight stories includes: (1) "Spectrum" - A highly adaptable alien crashes into a Shoney's in Tennessee. (2) "The Fortune Teller's Lament" - A psychic finds his life slowly ruined by a coin-operated fortune-telling machine. (3) "The Officefrau" - A strange invasive species is moving into Dave's office. (4) "The Fixer" - At first, Norton thought he'd found an accounting error. Now he's spending Christmas Eve with a special security agent from his company, and learning he found much more. (5) "Bad Code" - Donald lost himself deep inside the company network, and now he's trying to put himself back together. (6) "The Long Night" - A spaceship crew is taking a few hundred million tons of radioactive waste away from civilized space. But there's another kind of evil inside the cargo bay, and it wants out. Plus two bonus stories by Amanda Hocking - "The Second Coming of Pippykins" and "Of Shoes and Doom"

Giveaway Details:

(1) This giveaway is open internationally

(2) There are several ways to gain extra entries which include commenting on my review of The Haunted E-Book, Interview with JL Bryan and Guest Post by JL Bryan
(3) This giveaway open to those above 17 years of age due to some of the adult content

(4) Giveaway ends: 4th February 2011

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Guest Post: JL Bryan, Author of The Haunted E-Book

2011-01-26T19:32:00.000+08:00

I am happy to welcome author JL Bryan on my blog again today! He is going to talk more about what he thinks the real meaning of creating and reading a book. Keep in mind that your comment on this post will count towards the grand prize for this blog tour as well as the giveaway that will be posted tomorrow!

For today's post on The Bibliophile's Journal, I wanted to explore something about books in general, since The Haunted E-book delves into those issues—what is it to write and create a book? What is it to read a book? What do these activities mean to us as human beings?

In The Haunted E-book, a nineteenth-century “tramp printer” creates a certain book, with some inspiration from a treatise on the manufacture of black magic spell books. When anyone finds and reads this book, they find themselves stalked by his ghost. He threatens anyone who tries to stop reading the book without finishing it.

Reading the book awakens his ghost, bringing it back to “life.” He draws his strength psychically from the reader. When nobody's reading the book, his ghost becomes dormant until he gets another reader.

This is similar to what happens when we read a book by any deceased author. Reading Milton or Shakespeare or Mark Twain—or, lamentably, Kurt Vonnegut—brings a portion of that author's mind back to life. The reader's mind animates the recorded thoughts, ideas and imagination of the writer, a kind of mini-resurrection.

When the reader stops reading, it all becomes dormant again. When a book has been read for the last time, either because no remaining copies exist, or simply because nobody new ever chooses to read it, then this last bit of the author has finally died.

Reading a book can be a lot like getting possessed by a ghost. For a while we turn our mind and imagination over to another person, and let them shape our experience. The ghost of the writer might be thousands of years old, and from an entirely different part of the world.

In the comments, you might mention some of your favorite authors who are deceased, or books that have given you a window onto other times and places that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford and screenwriting at UCLA. He is the author of five novels and one short-story collection. His new novel is The Haunted E-book. The sequel to his novel Jenny Pox will be available by summer 2011.

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The Haunted E-Book by JL Bryan

2011-01-25T18:49:00.002+08:00

Title: The Haunted E-Book
Author: JL Bryan
Series: Stand Alone
Source: From author
Format: Digital Edition
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Dee escapes her dreary librarian job and unfaithful boyfriend by reading romance and fantasy on her Kindle. She tries The Haunted E-book, the story of a 19th century tramp printer whose ghost awakens whenever someone reads a book he created. The ghost stalks his readers and threatens them with death if they stop reading the book. Though she doesn’t usually like ghost stories, Dee can’t stop herself from reading it.

Reading is the finest route that someone can take to briefly escape from the nagging sound of reality. A journey that an avid readers willingly walk through in order to get to another world where he or she no longer needs to be the player but settle for a role as a mere observer. Though what if this supposedly short journey morphs into a winding nightmare that one cannot disembark from? What if during that journey, you unleash something that could torment your life and those that you love?

That is what happens to Dee, a young librarian from a very small town, whose life has not been the one that she once hoped for. She hardly gets lucky with her career and even with her romantic relationship but things start to go down further ever since she stumbles upon a book called “The Haunted E-Book”, written by an unknown author. Without realising it, her life is now controlled by this unknown spirit that threatens to kill her if she ever stops reading the book. There is no stepping down from this heart-pounding rollercoaster ride, where the reader has now become part of the pawns played by this sinister anonymous author. Will Dee be able to uncover the truth behind this mysterious book and comes out of this creepy, nightmarish journey alive?

There is no doubt that that JL Bryan is one versatile author. He did a remarkable job with his previous book, Jenny Pox (click title to see my review), and despite moving on to something completely different, he managed to nail it yet again. When I first skimmed through The Haunted E-Book, I thought I would be confused by its multitier plots, where there is story within story, but once I start reading, everything just flowed smoothly. This proved that Bryan has an outstanding talent in manoeuvring the story skilfully and also developing and arranging the plot neatly that it makes it much easier for readers to follow. Another thing that I truly appreciate is that the author tied every single lose ends together at the ending. I understand the purpose of each character in the book better and also learn the secret that revolves around the book and also its writer.

The strength of The Haunted E-Book definitely lies in its mystifying villain and also its creepy plots. I like that the author does not overload the readers with all information at once but rather reveal things little by little and this surely increase the level of suspense in the book. The thing that I like most in The Haunted E-Book is actually the history of the villain himself, his job as a tramp printer and also the person he really was when he was still alive. I seriously wish that this history part is written in a much greater length because I feel that this is the most crucial part as it gives more dimensions to the book. Nonetheless, it still provides readers with some great details that are needed to answer some of the questions that they might have whilst reading. Bryan also portrays the main character in the book, Dee, in a very interesting way. She seems broken on the surface but her tenacity and will to keep going is truly inspiring. What fate that befell her in the end? Well, that is for me to know and for you to find out!

In the nutshell, The Haunted E-Book is one interesting book that will keep readers turning the page until they find the answers to all of their questions. This book is indeed not for one with a faint heart and I don’t think it is suitable for young readers either due to its graphical nature as well as some of its mature contents. Though if you are one that is looking for something different and will creeps you out, this is definitely for you. Last but not least, to all readers – beware while reading – cause you don’t know what you’re going to unleash and let roaming the world after this... *evil laugh*

Favourite Quote: A weave of words, when woven well. Captures souls in a devil's spell. The heart I hunt, the mind's my prey, and you will believe all I say. Open my book, let me in, and I never shall leave you again - The Unknown Author

Definitely a creepy book that is full with heart-pounding scenes that will make you glance over your shoulders every once in awhile and make you wonder "Am I being watched?" at all time. If you are the fan of horror books, I don't think you'll regret reading this.

*This review is taking part in Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday

Interview: JL Bryan, Author of The Haunted E-Book

2011-01-24T21:39:00.001+08:00

Today, I am very pleased to welcome JL Bryan, author of the remarkable book, Jenny Pox, and a newly released horror novel, The Haunted E-Book (Review will be up tomorrow!). There will be a giveaway for your chance to win his new book as well as collection of short stories at the end of this week, so do stay tuned. Comment you post on his guest posts for this week will count towards the grand prize for this blog tour.

Hi Bryan! First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the release of “The Haunted E-book”. Can you share with us some of your most valuable experiences while writing this book?
Hello Miss Shy! Thank you for having me over this week. This book was a challenge to write because there is a structure of stories folded within stories, but I wanted to present it in a way that was entertaining and easy for the reader to follow. I also learned a lot about the history of books and publishing, including more information about antique letterpress printing machines than I’ll probably ever need again.

What inspired you to write “The Haunted E-book” and how does the idea for this book evolve?
The book explores a lot about the evolution of the printed word, how information travelled in the past compared to now. For more than century, Jonah (the ghost) has been limited to haunting those who read specific physical books he manufactured by hand, and there’s only a couple of those in the world. When one of these is made into an ebook, though, he becomes a far more powerful ghost, because he has lots of readers at once. So I thought it would be interesting to explore this idea of an evil ghost who sort of benefits from the evolution of technology.

You have written several books, which are all under different sub-genres (for example Jenny Pox is a paranormal book and Helix is a science fiction). Why do you choose to do this instead of specialising in one specific genre only?
I’m just interested in a lot of different things and I get a variety of story ideas that I want to explore. Genre becomes an issue when you’re trying to tell people about the book or market the book. I just write whichever ideas excite me the most, and if the book happens to end up as science fiction or paranormal or horror, then that’s where it ends up. It’s not very wise from a commercial standpoint, though, because there are different audiences for different kinds of books, and so a reader who likes one of my books might not necessarily be interested in the other genres I write. Right now I’m experimenting by writing a sequel to Jenny Pox. I’ve never written a sequel, and usually each book I write is completely different from the others. So this is an interesting challenge.

Do you feel any differences while writing from one sub-genre to another? If so, which one do you find most challenging and why?
I don’t really focus on the particulars of a genre when I write a story, I just explore the specific idea that I have. There’s a lot of crossing of genres, really. Helix has some horror-style elements, with a very wide variety of monsters, but it’s set on space colonies centuries in the future, and everything is rooted in technology rather than the supernatural, so the major genre of that book is science fiction. I wrote Jenny Pox thinking of it as a horror story, but the universal audience response was that the book wasn’t really horror, but contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy, or even YA paranormal. I didn’t even know some of those genres existed.

Do you mind sharing with us your workstation, where “The Haunted E-book” as well as the others was born?
I don’t actually have a good camera (just the crummy one on my phone) but I attached a picture of the same type desk I have. The desk was originally used at a 19th century timber company in Wisconsin. My wife’s mother used to write mystery novels at this desk until she passed away, and that’s where I write books now.

When you are not writing, what other activities that you enjoy doing?
I like reading, playing with my dogs, and sleeping when possible.

As “The Haunted E-book” is a horror book, I wonder what were the best horror book and movie that you have read and watched so far.
There are different ways to categorize “best,” but I definitely think Stephen King’s Pet Sematary is the scariest horror novel I’ve read. My favourite horror movie is the original Night of the Living Dead, but The Exorcist is probably the scariest (Me: I definitely have to agree that The Exorcist is the scariest movie I ever saw. Still remember vividly the girl's head rotate 360 degrees. WAY creepy!)

J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford and screenwriting at UCLA. Most of his writing wanders into the horror or science fiction genres.

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The Haunted E-Book Week

2011-01-23T20:11:00.000+08:00

This week will be a very special week on The Bibliophile's Journal as I'll be featuring the author, JL Bryan, and his newly released horror novel, The Haunted E-Book.

I will start off this week with an interview with the author, follow by my review on The Haunted E-Book and also a guest post by JL Bryan, where he explores the meaning of creating and reading a book. There will be a giveaway by the end of this week where winner will stand a chance to win two books, The Haunted E-book as well as Dark Tomorrows written by JL Bryan.

But wait - Not Just That! Every comment that you left on the guest posts will also count towards the grand prize for this blog tour. What are the prizes? Let me summarise it for you:

First Grand Prize:
Winner will receive the entire collection of ebooks in The Haunted Library

Second Grand Prize:
Winner will receive an Amazon Kindle Wi-Fi (or equivalent Amazon gift card)

Possible Third Grand Prize:
Winner will receive a Kindle DX (or equivalent Amazon gift card) if The Haunted E-book reaches the Top 100 in the Kindle store during the tour

For more details on the tour as well as guide on how you can earn more extra entries, just head to JL Bryan's blog. Hope that you guys will be having fun during this week. Who knows, one of my lucky readers might walk home with one of those grand prizes!

The Giver by Lois Lowry

2011-01-05T20:29:00.001+08:00

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Series: The Giver #1
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
In the story of a seemingly utopian city in a futuristic world, Jonas is singled out to receive special training from The Giver--who alone holds memories of pain and pleasure in life. Now, it’s time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Jonas lives in a seemingly perfect world where every need is provided and every choice, every decision is not his to make. A world that is organised by set of rules and filled with what may seem like happy and content citizen. The person who defies those rules will be “Released”, but what this “Release” truly is and what happen during the process is not something known by every individual in this community. On December every year, comes one ceremony that has been happily and anxiously awaited by everyone in the society. A ceremony that is held to celebrate children from one to twelve years old.

Among all these ceremonies, the Ceremony of the Twelve is the most important one as this is where every twelve-year-old child is assigned with their specific assignments based on some prolong evaluations. This assignment depicts the person that they will be and the career that they will venture in as they grow up. This is where Jonas learns about his future, where his life drastically begins to change and where he starts learning the truth – fascinating, startling, mind-boggling and bone-chilling truth – about the world that he lives in. How does he feels bearing secrets such as this? And what can he does with a knowledge this big?

What more can I say other than admitting that The Giver is definitely a masterpiece. I was more than a little sceptical upon starting this book mainly due to its small size. I let myself thinking that it is impossible for a 179 pages book to deliver much, let alone boggle a person’s mind. I was wrong – totally wrong! Lois Lowry has skilfully created this one unique world that closely resembles ours yet when examined closely is different in many ways. I truly appreciate how slowly Lowry reveals the storyline, letting readers munching every detail bit by bit, allowing them to understand this community and churn the meaning of life that they live in.

One thing that truly fascinates me is how she came out with all these perplexing rules that the community must obey and justify them with profound reasoning. For instance, children are only allowed to start wearing front-buttoned jacket at the age of seven, which is the first sign of independence. Before that age, they can only wear jackets that fastened down the back as this will encourage them to help each other dress and learn the concept of interdependence. Another aspect of the book that I found interesting yet chilling is the truth behind “Release”. At first, readers are lead to believe that those who are “Release” will be banished and sent to live outside the community. Though the actual event that happens is extremely horrifying and still brings chill down to my spine every time I think about it.

The Giver is indeed an intelligent book that is full with suspenseful mysteries and packs with unthinkable, plausible questions that will continue raking your brain even long after you finish reading. The book gives an example of how life could be like without choices, love, pleasure and hardship, left readers to wonder if life does have any purpose, any meaning without them. I was not thoroughly satisfied with the ambiguous ending at first though after reflecting back the things I have been reading, I think it was bittersweet and suits this book perfectly. In some ways, the ending reflects real life, in which we take the risk yet there is no way we can predict what will come out of it. Such a splendid piece that I think ought to be read by everyone.

Favourite Quote: The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.

The Giver is one extraordinary read that delve into readers' minds and challenge the things they believe in. My review definitely unable to do this book the justice it well deserved. I believe that those who love sci-fi, mystery and dystopian book will definitely love this one.

Books Read in 2010

2011-01-01T20:47:00.001+08:00

Originally, I only aimed to read 50 books for 2010. However, in the end of the day, I managed to surprise myself and read 120 books in total. The list of books that I have read is as follows:

(1) The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
(2) The Pact by Jodi Picoult
(3) Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
(4) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
(5) Mr. Maybe by Jane Green
(6) Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
(7) A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
(8) The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling
(9) The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
(10) Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

(11) The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
(12) The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
(13) The Gift: A Novel by Cecelia Ahern
(14) Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult
(15) The Awakening and The Struggle by LJ Smith
(16) The Waitress by Melissa Nathan
(17) The Host by Stephenie Meyer
(18) Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
(19) Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
(20) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

(21) The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
(22) The Fury and Dark Reunion by LJ Smith
(23) Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
(24) The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
(25) Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
(26) Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
(27) Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine
(28) Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine
(29) Fade Out by Rachel Caine
(30) Tithe by Holly Black

(31) Valiant by Holly Black
(32) Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
(33) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
(34) City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
(35) Ironside by Holly Black
(36) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
(37) Kiss Of Death by Rachel Caine
(38) Beastly by Alex Flinn
(39) Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy
(40) Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

(41) The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
(42) Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
(43) Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
(44) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
(45) Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
(46) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
(47) Looking for Alaska by John Green
(48) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
(49) The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
(50) The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

(51) The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
(52) Unwind by Neal Shusterman
(53) The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld
(54) Fallen by Lauren Kate
(55) The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer
(56) Inkspell by Cornelia Funke
(57) The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family by Dave Pelzer
(58) The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
(59) The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
(60) The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

(61) A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
(62) Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
(63) Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
(64) Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld
(65) Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld
(66) Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
(67) Shutter Island by Dennie Lehane
(68) Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
(69) The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King
(70) The Fallen by Thomas E. Sniegoski

(71) Leviathan by Thomas Sniegoski
(72) Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks
(73) The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
(74) Storm Front by Jim Butcher
(75) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
(76) Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
(77) Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
(78) Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz
(79) Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
(80) Death Masks by Jim Butcher

(81) Blood Rites by Jim Butcher
(82) Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
(83) Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher
(84) White Night by Jim Butcher
(85) The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
(86) White Night by Jim Butcher
(87) I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
(88) Small Favor by Jim Butcher
(89) Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
(90) Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

(91) Changes by Jim Butcher
(92) Jenny Pox by JL Bryan
(93) Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
(94) Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
(95) Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
(96) The Giver by Lois Lowry
(97) A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
(98) The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
(99) Vision in White by Nora Roberts
(100) The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

(101) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
(102) Ghost Town by Rachel Caine
(103) Whisper of Light by Jennifer DeLucy
(104) Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
(105) The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
(106) Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
(107) If I Stay by Gayle Forman
(108) The New World by Patrick Ness
(109) Nightfall by LJ Smith
(110) Delirium by Lauren Oliver

(111) Brethren: An Epic Adventure of the Knights Templar by Robyn Young
(112) Human Blend by Lori Pescatore
(113) The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
(114) Annexed by Sharon Dogar
(115) Crash into Me by Albert Borris
(116) Acting Up by Melissa Nathan
(117) The Hollow by Nora Roberts
(118) The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts
(119) Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
(120) Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell

Aims for 2011

- To diversify my reading choices

- To try reviewing more books. I believe I can do more if I can just focus. Seriously need to work on this one!

- To do more interviews and guest post. I think I've started to get comfortable with this features so I'm looking forward to do more in the future.

Goodbye 2010, Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T00:00:00.005+08:00

The year 2010 may not have been the best year for me. Not entirely bad really, but mostly bittersweet I have to admit. Though one really good thing did come out of it, which is this blog. I have never known that I can have this space and still maintain it a year after, but yes - I did it! I believe it is an accomplishment in some ways as I am quite famous in starting something but not waiting long enough to see how that thing turns out in the end.

One year ago, I marked the birth of The Bibliophile's Journal with this post without knowing where this path would lead me. My first review was for the book The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger and I would like to think that I have improved in my reviewing style but that is of course, one of the things that only my readers could judge. Little by little, I garnered friendship with numbers of bloggers out there and also gain some blogging advices from bookaliciouspam, which had helped me tremendously through this year. I loved communicating with my readers, valued every single comments and really enjoyed all these bookish banters that we frequently have on Twitter. I guess it is easier to say that I am truly proud to be apart of this community.

Thank you to my readers, my followers for your unrelenting support throughout 2010. I believe that without you, this blog won't get this far. I know that my achievement is not as big as the other blogs in this community, but it is still an achievement nonetheless. Thank you for being apart of it and I hope that this friendship will continue on, in many more years to come. Happy New Year everyone. Here's hoping that you'll have a wonderful time, welcoming the new year with new hopes, treating it as a new beginning. Have a blast!

Goodbye bittersweet 2010 & Welcome 2011.

May this year brings more joy.

May this year brings more success.

May this year be more memorable than the last.

Free eBook: Random Acts of Senseless Kindness

2010-12-27T21:49:00.000+08:00

Do you remember the author Graham Parke, who did a guest post on my blog regarding his book birthday the other day? To show his gratitude, he is sharing with us all a short novella with the title A Gomessy New Year: Random Acts of Senseless Kindness!

Title: Random Acts of Senseless Kindness
Series: Short Novella

Clinical studies have recently shown that reading this eBook is not only likely to make you more attractive to the opposite sex, it will also elevate your random luck by about 9.5%** So, that's a nice bonus right there. The events in this novellette take place approximately 5 months after those described in the novel "No Hope for Gomez!". As such, it may contain spoilers. (**These statements have not been evaluated by any person of consequence!)

To download this ebook, just follow this link: Random Acts of Senseless Kindness by Graham Parke. This ebook will be available for free download from 26th of December 2010 to 16th January 2011.

Huge thanks to the author for this. And if you're interested to learn more about the book No Hope for Gomez, just click here. Have a great week and happy reading =)

Happy Holiday + Light Series Winner!

2010-12-25T22:13:00.000+08:00

First of all, I would like to wish everyone of you who celebrates Christmas this weekend a very Happy Holiday. Hope that you have a really great time celebrating with your friends and family (And also get the present that you really, really want, of course!)

Secondly, thank you SO much for those who participate in my Seers Weeks with Jennifer DeLucy. Your comments are all greatly appreciated and I'm hoping that I will get the chance to feature more authors in the coming year! Without further ado, the giveaway winners are:

#176 Kelly from I Work for Books

(She wins both books from the Light Series)

#37 Casey from The Bookish Type

(She wins the first book, Seers of Light)

Congrats to both winners. To those who didn't win, don't worry. Cause there will be another opportunity coming in the coming month ;) Do stay tune! I left you guys today with a fabulous Seers Holiday Video. Hope you enjoy and again, have a great time this weekend.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

2010-12-24T00:19:00.001+08:00

Title: The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Author: Kim Edwards
Series: Stand Alone Book
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Literary Fiction

Synopsis (from book cover):
On a winter night in 1964, Dr. David Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy. Yet when his daughter is born, he sees immediately that she has Down's syndrome. Rationalizing it as a need to protect Norah, his wife, he makes a split second decision that will alter all of their lives forever.

What do you think a secret can do to a relationship – strengthen it further or cause it to fall apart? This is one of the many question marks that Edwards engraved in her bestselling book, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. The book chronicles the life of a family in the span of 15 years – from the year of 1964 right through 1989. The couple, Dr. David and Norah Henry, leads a happy and serene life right until the night the doctor is forced to deliver his own baby in the middle of a blizzard. His first son, Paul, was born perfectly but the twin – his daughter, his Phoebe – one that he does not know exists was born with Down’s syndrome.

Knowing the fate of his daughter and the possibility of complications that might follow as the girl grows up; he makes an ultimate decision to send his daughter to an institute that manage children like her. He hands the little girl to the nurse, Caroline Gill, and prepares to tell his wife that their daughter was born dead. This is where the future starts to change; this is where the landslide begins. While Caroline runs away, trying to raise his daughter on her own, the secret that David keeps from his wife morphs into a hedge that separates the two of them and later cracks the family. How could people do the unthinkable thing while convincing themselves that it is for the best? How does this one lie has the ability to affect the life of so many?

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter is indeed an interesting and thoughtful read but admittedly, I do have a mixed feeling about it. Edwards’s style of writing is so beautiful, so poetic and she definitely has an excellent way in visualising the scenes, capturing the atmosphere and most importantly, revealing the life of people in those 15 years in great detail. One thing that I appreciate most from her writing is that she has this deep emotion towards the characters that she created to the point that she managed to persuade me to have some compassion towards them as well, when the truth is, I did not fully second the decisions that they made and the actions that they had taken. She makes me understand them, put myself in their shoes and sees the obstacles through their eyes.

What falls short – for me – is that Edwards seems to be focusing more on the difficulties that both David and Norah faced rather than those suffered by the other victims of the situation: Caroline, Paul and Phoebe. Yes, I can understand David’s guilt and Norah’s depression but I think the impact of the deception towards these other three lives should also be pin-pointed and described in length. There are some stories about them but the intensity doesn’t seem to match David’s and Norah’s. I strongly believe that if the stories about these separate lives are being laid out in a more balance way, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter will be even more heart-wrenching, mind-blowing and poignant read. Nonetheless, the book is still good, complete with interesting storyline and characters that can be likeable at one point, but totally hated at another.

After reading The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, I can understand that it is not really a candy to just about everyone. It is one depressing book that talks about deceptions and the dominoes effect that is initiated by just one big secret. A book about grief and a vivid detail on what could possibly happen if one is not allowed to grief openly and freely. There is a lot to ponder in this book which makes it an excellent choice for a book club as it is the kind that is meant to be dissected and deeply discussed.

Favourite Quote: You can't stop time. You can't capture light. You can only turn your face up and let it rain down - David Henry

A riveting and depressing story that I found interesting but may not be suited to just about everyone. Edwards descriptive writing is mesmerising and the issues that she tries to bring forward surely keep readers thinking even long after finishing the book. I personally am glad that I read this.

2010 Reading Challenges Update

2010-12-20T21:07:00.001+08:00

Hosted by: Home Girl's Book Blog

Challenge Level: Mini Challenge (12 books)

Status: Completed

Book List:

(1) The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling

(2) The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

(3) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

(4) The Host by Stephenie Meyer

(5) Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
(6) Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
(7) The Queen's Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

(8) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

(9) Looking for Alaska by John Green
(10) The Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine
(11) Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
(12) Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld

Hosted by: The Royal Reviews

Challenge Level: Obsessed Level (20 Books)

Status: Completed

Book List:

(1) Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks
(2) A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
(3) The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer
(4) A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
(5) Brethren by Robyn Young
(6) Good Omen by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
(7) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
(8) Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
(9) Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
(10) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
(11) The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King
(12) Dewey by Vicki Myron
(13) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edward
(14) Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
(15) The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
(16) The Pact by Jodi Picoult
(17) The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
(18) The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
(19) Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult
(20) The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Hosted by: The Royal Reviews

Challenge Level: Fascinated Level (6 Books)

Status: Failed =(

Book List:
(1) Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
(2) The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
(3) Brethren by Robyn Young
(4) Annexed by Sharon Dogar

So, I managed to complete two of the challenges that I signed up to early this year. Not so bad, I suppose? However, I do realise that I read too much fantasy/paranormal books, so I am determine to balance my reading choices a little bit in 2011! Other than that, I am also looking forward to reduce the number of books that I have on my TBR shelf. 2010 has certainly be a great reading year for me as I managed to finished 115 books to-date and I'm hoping that this trend will continue next year.

So, what is your resolution for 2011 reading-wise? Is there something that you hope to improve?

Giveaway: Win Light Series by Jennifer DeLucy

2010-12-09T08:35:00.004+08:00

Our sweet author, Jennifer DeLucy, is generous enough to provide digital copies of Seers of Light and Whisper of Light to one of my lucky readers. As I am sure a lot of you would like to have a hand of this series as well, I am going to giveaway another one digital copy of Seers of Light to the second winner! Let's recap back on what my thoughts are on these books:

Title: Seers of Light
Series: Light #1

DeLucy has indeed created a novel that rich with terrifying mystery and astounding storyline, weaves with delicious, intricate romance. The ending of this book gives closure to readers while at the same time, opens the door to possible sequel, which I hope will be released in near future. Enchanting and utterly refreshing, Seers of Light is indeed a must read especially to those who love paranormal romance. I don't think I've come across book such as this one before. Definitely an original read that I highly recommended!

Title: Whispers of Light

Series: Light #2

I have to admit that when I knew Whisper of Light is not really a continuation of Lillian’s journey from Seers of Light, I was left sceptical and a little disappointed. But soon as I started reading, I realised that the sequel might be different, but it is unique and interesting nonetheless. The author, Jennifer DeLucy, has masterfully creates a spin-off that lets readers view the personality of the characters from a totally distinct light. Whisper of Light is surely a book that is full with rollercoaster ride that tangles readers and pulls them into its intricate, emotional journey in finding one-self, in gaining acceptance and in acquiring forgiveness along the way. Such a remarkable read and will certainly be one of the books that I'd always remember.

Giveaway Details:

(1) This giveaway is open internationally

(2) There are several ways to gain extra entries which include commenting on my review of Seers of Light and Whispers of Light and also Interview with Jennifer DeLucy
(3) This giveaway open to those above 17 years of age due to some of the adult content

(4) Giveaway ends: 24th December 2010

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Interview: Jennifer DeLucy, Author of Light Series

2010-12-08T08:32:00.002+08:00

Today, I am very pleased to welcome Jennifer DeLucy, author of the astounding Light Series, here on my blog. I have read both of her books, Seers of Light and Whisper of Light, and tell you what, she writes beautifully and there are some degrees of originality in her works (Read my reviews here). There will be a giveaway for your chance to win these books later this week, so stay tuned!

Hello there, Jennifer! Thank you for stopping by today. First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspire you to be a writer?
Hello! Well, I’ve always wanted to be a writer—ever since I was a little girl. Writing and music were and still are my two loves. I also do some freelance editing work, but my aspiration is to solely write.

I believe that having a career in writing requires a lot of discipline. Do you mind sharing with us your routine when it comes to writing?
It does require a lot of discipline, especially for me. I tend to be quite easily distracted, so, I have to make myself focus on the task. Once I’m in it, though, I might as well be hypnotized because hours can go by and I won’t know it. I definitely don’t like to force writing if I’m feeling uninspired, but sometimes you have to give yourself a little pep talk.

Is there any particular reason why you choose to write under paranormal romance? Do you think you might switch to other genre someday?
The paranormal genre came naturally to me. I don’t think I could have imagined myself writing without some supernatural elements, because I believe in a lot of that stuff and consider spirituality to be so important in life, so one way or another, my writing is influenced by it.

The Light Series is indeed unique in so many ways. Whilst reading your books, it feels like you create your own myth and I've the feeling that I'm not the first to feel that way! So I wonder, where does all this idea come from?
You’re right! A lot of reviewers and readers make the comment about The Light Series being unique, and it’s funny because I never purposely set out to create something out of the norm. I just wanted to write a book, and Seers of Light was the end result. Then Whisper of Light flowed naturally from that, and the same goes for book three (which I’m currently writing.) As cheesy as it sounds, the premise of Seers was just an extension of the things in my heart. I’ve read a lot of near death experiences and was moved by them, plus, I enjoy and believe in all kinds of spooky, ghostly things, so it felt right. I know a lot of paranormal/fantasy novels create worlds and characters that are high fantasy, with foreign terminology and cultures and places, and I like those novels a lot. But, I think it was really important to me to make The Light Series characters regular people, like you and me, living in our world and trying their best to fit in, despite extraordinary circumstances and abilities. I wanted the readers to be able to relate to these novels both emotionally and philosophically.

If you're a sentient, what sort of endowment you would like to have?
Hm. I think I would say an Empath. Though it makes life more painful at times, I think that the ability to feel the true emotion of others would also make it easier to understand and show compassion toward those who would hurt us or otherwise make us angry. Empathy is an extremely healing, peace-promoting gift.

Which character/s in this series did you found hardest to write about?
You know, I’ve been trying to come up with an answer to this one, but I can’t seem to! All the characters have kind of introduced themselves to me quite easily. I feel very lucky about that!

If I force you (I know I have to force you to make a choice on this one :P) to choose between William and Christian, which one you would choose and why?
Aaaaw. Sneaky! I’ve gotten this question once before and I couldn’t bring myself to choose. But, since you really want me to, I’d have to say William, and here’s why. The decision between the two men is really user specific, so to speak. Some people are attracted to a Christian—an outgoing, devoted, protective provider type with old fashioned charm that publically radiates adoration, while others are more attracted to a William. I think Williams are kind of rare to find, because they tend to sit out of the spotlight. I’ve mentioned this in one of my blog posts, actually, but more than anything, I value a partner who challenges my character without making me feel any less because of it, someone who will push me when I’m being a chicken. William is a good one for that. Also, I kind of like the idea of a guy who trusts you with the depth of his emotion and affection, while maintaining an aura of humble mystery in public. (Me: Oh my! Now I'll have to fight for William with you. He is *really* a sweetheart!)

Tell us five things that readers might not know about you.
Five things, you say. Well. Let me make a list:
(1) I would love to write screenplays
(2) It’s my ardent desire to start a band and travel around performing while doing book events
(3) I wrote the songs playing in the background of my book trailers specifically for each novel.
(4) I adore Asian food! (Indian and Thai are two of my favourites.)
(5) I am a bit obsessed with Youtube. Currently, l am addicted to the Shaytards. You should check them out!

Book Trailers

(1) Seers of Light

(2) Whispers of Light

Jennifer grew up in the valley city of Scranton, Pennsylvania and is currently living in the Midwest, Jennifer continues to pursue opportunities as an author, editor and musician.

WEBPAGE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Whisper of Light by Jennifer DeLucy

2010-12-06T16:08:00.002+08:00

Title: Whisper of Light
Author: Jennifer DeLucy
Series: Light Series #2
Source: From Omnific Publishing
Format: E-book
Genre: Speculative - Paranormal Romance

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Jennifer DeLucy again plunges us into the world of lingering spirits, dark apparitions, and malicious vampires. But this time she takes us to the California coast where we get to know a new ensemble of gifted souls that are just as vibrant and endearing as the Sentients we came to love in Seers of Light. In Whisper of Light, DeLucy delivers exciting supernatural encounters as well as very human interactions that will both break your heart and make it soar.

There is nothing worse than living in a house full of sentient but knowing that you are not really part of them. You are just an ordinary girl – without any endowment, any extraordinary talent – and this means that you require protection from other sentient, being an unneeded burden to them when you and your group are in danger. This is how Nicole feels and this is the world that she lives in. What makes it worse is that, without the supernatural ability, her father sees her as a failure, as a nothing, as an embarrassment and pretty much determine to make her life a living hell. She has nowhere else to go. Her guilt over certain thing that happened in the past trapped her here, in this house, with an awful father and group of extraordinary people. Being here makes her realise how small, how worthless she really is.

Nevertheless, the arrival of a new Combatant, Christian Wright, to Wendell’s group lightens thing up a bit for Nicole. He treats her well and for the first time in her life, there is someone out there who sees and accepts her just the way she is. Christian, who initial purpose to join the group is to run away from the past that haunted him in Seers of Light (click the title for full review), begins to feel that there is something connects himself to Nicole. He starts letting himself to think that there is still possibility for him to find love, something he has stop believing in after what had happened in his old group. However, the self-consciousness and insecurity that get in the way proves that building this relationship is harder than it may seem. Whisper of Light is a book about a journey towards self-discovery and self-endurance. To move on is to let the past goes. The question is: Are they strong enough to make that happen?

I have to admit that when I knew Whisper of Light is not really a continuation of Lillian’s journey from Seers of Light, I was left sceptical and a little disappointed. The fact that Christian was not entirely my favourite in the previous book makes this feeling even worst. But soon as I started reading, I realised that the sequel might be different, but it is unique and interesting nonetheless. The author, Jennifer DeLucy, has masterfully creates a spin-off that lets readers view the personality of the characters from a totally distinct light. One of the things that I like most in this book is the change of scenery and atmosphere from the first instalment. This gives a new breath to Whisper of Light and it was so well-written that you feel as if you are really there with this group of Northwest sentient. What this book lack of, I think, is the amount of action. There are some small adventures here and there but none is as intense as found in Seers of Light. Still, what this book shorts of is made-up in its in-depth emotional tone, where there are number of parts so intense, so moving you cannot help but really feel for the characters.

The aspect that serves as the backbone of the book is indeed its row of well-developed casts. There are numbers of them in this book (in the whole series, in fact!) but it feels like the author managed to create each and every one of them with different personality and most important of all, purposes of their own. I truly admire the female lead in this book, Nicole, as she is such a strong-willed, sweet person yet have a very fragile heart at the same time. Her personality and situation are being described in a detail way till it is so easy to relate to her and understand her predicament. The change in Christian’s attitude is also remarkable, surprising and I found that my thought on him begins to change. So I think it would be interesting to see the further development in this character in the next instalment. The other thing that I really appreciate is the fact that DeLucy does not create the love interest between these two based on lust, but instead begins it with something far deeper and sweeter. The pace of this book is a little slow but I honestly feel that it suits the tone, the atmosphere and the theme just perfect.

As the conclusion, I feel that the number of distinctions between Whisper of Light and its predecessor make these books even more memorable in minds of the readers. If Seers of Light is filled with heart-pounding action and Whisper of Light is saturated with heart-warming love story, I really cannot wait to see what else Delucy has for us in store for the final book in the series. Such an astounding book that I thoroughly glad I got the chance to read. I believe you should too!

Favourite Quote: Will it always be your fault because you weren't obsessive enough, weren't fast enough, wise enough, strong enough? Just stop. Stop thinking that you need to be any more than what you already are - Nicole

Whisper of Light is surely a book that is full with rollercoaster ride that tangles readers and pulls them into its intricate, emotional journey in finding one-self, in gaining acceptance and in acquiring forgiveness along the way. Such a remarkable read and will certainly be one of the books that I'd always remember.

*This review is taking part in Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday

Winners: Gratitude Giveaway!

2010-12-03T21:46:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry that it takes me awhile to annouce the winner this time.
I seriously did not expect to get this many entries *lol*
But nonetheless, I am very happy and I would like to thank all of you for making my giveaway a huge success.

Without further ado, here are the winner of my giveaway.

International Prize Pack:

Entry #327 Justeen (just_xoxo@...)

Malaysian Prize Pack:

Entry #3 cj'alhafiz

Ebook Prize Pack:

Entry #163 Elizabeth Briggs
Entry #139 Wanda Flanagan (flanagan@...)
Entry #16 Michelle
Entry #41 Nina
Entry #144 farna91
Entry #89 Charlie

Congratulations everyone. I have emailed all of you so please reply with your choices within 48 hours or other winners will be chosen.
Thank you again for your incredible support.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

2010-12-01T22:20:00.002+08:00

Title: Beautiful Creatures
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Series: Caster Chronicles #1
Source: Pam @ Bookalico.us
Format: Hardback
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis (from B&N):
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

It all begins with a chain of dream. Not really the normal kind, but ones that are so real that when you wake up, you can find mud and dirt from the dream staining your bed, sticking on your body. These are the strange dreams that haunt and connect two people – Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes – even before they set eyes on each other. When Lena moves to the small, monotonous town of Gatlin, controversies stir instantly, connecting her to numbers of strange occurrences that happen ever since she steps her feet on this Southern land.

Knowing that Lena is the girl from his dream, Ethan quickly comes to her rescue, only to cause the flame to burst in this closed, tight knitted society. However, nothing seems able to sever the connection that has been established between these two. Nothing - other than this huge secret that Lena tries hard to keep away from Ethan’s knowledge. When one day, a flashback brings the two of them back to the Civil War era, witnessing the fate that befallen lovers like them, Lena knows by heart that she cannot let the same thing happen to them. Will Lena let Ethan goes as she knows that she is cursed? Can Ethan accept the fate that they cannot stay together? If not – what are they willing to do in the name of love?

Huge round of applause goes to Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl as they successfully create this interesting, intricate story that weave paranormal element with delicious romance, sprinkles of humour and heart pounding action. Despite being written by two authors, the writing flow seamlessly, the ideas connect perfectly and the prose is written beautifully. Set in a town called Gatlin, Beautiful Creatures introduces readers to the Southern cultures that are substantially rich in nature and unique. There are lots of details in every page, which helps readers to enhance their imagination and truly feels how it is like to be in the world created by these authors. The intense and comprehensive passages bring forth the Southern feels and atmosphere to life. Another thing that I love most in Beautiful Creatures is some of the historical information provided throughout the book. As someone who does not come from the States, I really appreciate this part and find it intriguing.

While I enjoyed the whole complicated details in this book, I find it rather surprising that I did not fall head over heels with its main characters. I like that Ethan is such a sweet, cute, athletic and all that, but after awhile, I begin to question his authenticity as a male character. Lena, on the other hand, feels rather flat and I don’t think I really know a lot about her in this book. Perhaps this is done on purpose as to add some more mysterious feel on her character, which will be better evolved in the next chapter in the series, who knows? Characters that I like most in Beautiful Creatures are Link, who is Ethan’s sidekick and Lena’s uncle, Macon. I feel that Link’s hilarity and Macon’s eccentric behaviour add more colours to the whole story.

Overall, Beautiful Creatures is indeed an impressive debut and serves as an excellent beginning of the series. I truly love the setting and the atmosphere that the authors successfully created throughout the book, it is really impressive. The size of the book might be intimidating but it serves my literary appetite just right and make me craves for more. Definitely worth it!

Favourite Quote: She looked up at me, and the whole world disappeared. Like there was just us, like there would always be just us, and we didn't need magic for that. It was sort of happy and sad, all at the same time. I couldn't be around her without feeling things, without feeling everything - Ethan Wate

Beautiful Creatures is a well-crafted, beautifully written book that is full with forbidden, intricate love, paranormal aspects and fast-paced action that surely manage to indulge the appetite of multiple group of readers. A page-turner that shouldn't be missed!

"No Hope for Gomez" Birthday Party

2010-11-30T17:07:00.000+08:00

Today, I am pleased to welcome the author of No Hope for Gomez, Graham Parke, who will be hosting an online birthday party to celebrate his one year old novel. Read on for more details on this party!

“It's the age-old tale:

Boy meets girl.

Boy stalks girl.

Girl already has a stalker.

Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come!

Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:

(1) Exclusive short story collection
(2) No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters
(3) Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
(4) Signed hi-res poster + bookplate

(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

Oh yeah, you can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE.

Graham Parke is responsible for a number of technical publications and has recently patented a self-folding map. He has been described as both a humanitarian and a pathological liar. Convincing evidence to support either allegation has yet to be produced. No Hope for Gomez! is his fiction debut.

WEBPAGE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Gratitude Giveaway

2010-11-17T13:00:00.004+08:00

Special thanks to my older readers and welcome to the new ones. I am your stop #39 today. I hope that you're enjoying this giveaway hop and that you like the books that I'm offering here. There are three prize packs to be won, so choose which one you would like to enter!

Prize Pack One: International Pack
(1) Open internationally
(2) One reader will win one book from the following choices and another digital copy of a book listed under Prize Pack Three
(3) The book will be sent directly from Book Depository so please check if they can send the book to your country
(4) Book choices are as follows. Click on image to read review of the book.

Prize Pack Two: Malaysian Pack
(1) Open to Malaysian readers only
(2) One reader will win one book from the following choices and another digital copy of a book listed under Prize Pack Three
(3) Book choices are as follows. Click on image to read review of the book.

Prize Pack Three: Ebook Pack
(1) Open internationally
(2) Two readers will win two books each from the following choices
(3) Book choices are as follows. Click on image to read review of the book.

GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES
(1) This contest is open to all. Being a follower is appreciated but is not compulsory.
(2) You can enter by filling this form.
(3) Giveaway ends 28th November

Huge thanks to Kathy from I Am A Reader Not A Writer for hosting this giveaway hop. To visit the other participants of this event, just click the Gratitude Giveaway Mainpage. Thank you for entering!

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Winner: Jenny Pox Giveaway

2010-11-16T22:46:00.000+08:00

There were 56 persons who participate in this giveaway.

And the total entries were close to 200!

But the one lucky winner chosen by random.org is:

Entry #122 PinkStuff28!

Congratulations and I've emailed the winner with her prize =)
Thank you everyone for your incredible support.
Do stay tune cause I have another giveaway coming up pretty soon.

International Contests Waiver: November

2010-11-16T02:54:00.003+08:00

Win Yourself a Nook Color!

Mary from Sparkling Reviews is hosting another awesomesauce giveaway this week and this time, she is giving away Barnes & Nobel's Nook Color! I am SO excited about this one and am hoping that I'd stand a chance to win this. If you are interested, just hop to her site, follow her, spread the words and enter. Remember that this e-reader will be given once she achives 1100 followers. Click here for more.

Maeve's Birthday Giveaway

Maeve from Murphy's Library is hosting a giveaway to celebrate her upcoming birthday! Everyone is welcome to enter this giveaway which will run from 19th November till 27th November. There are quite a few ways to gain extra entries. For more details just visit her site. Happy Birthday, Maeve!

Amelia's Blogoversary Giveaway

Amelia is celebrating her blog anniversary by giving us - her readers - a chance to win books of our choice! There will be two winners all together where the first winner will get two book and the second will get one book. For more details, head over to Imagination in Focus. Contest ends December 20th.

Reader Appreciation Giveaway

To show her gratitude to her readers, Charlie from Bitsy Bling Books is giving away up to $30 gift certificate to one lucky winner. All you need to do is be the follower of her blog, fill the form and spread the words. For more details about this giveaway, just head to this page. Contest ends 28th November.

100 Followers Giveaway

Chanelle from Beyond Words is currently hosting a giveaway to celebrate her followers. There are number of great pre-order books to be won through this giveaway. There will be three winners all together. What are you waiting for? Head over to her blog and enter! Contest ends 2nd December.

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

2010-11-01T22:46:00.005+08:00

Title: I am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Series: Lorien Legacies #1
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Hardback
Genre: Science Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real. Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing. But they know.

Lorien was once a beautiful, life-sustaining planet for a race called Loric. That was until the killer race – Mogadorian – from the planet Mogadore invade their home and caused a horrific destruction. As Lorien began to die, nine young Loric Gardes were sent to Earth, accompanied by their guardians and trainers known as Cêpans, in hope that one day they will receive their powers, their Legacies that will help restore Lorien back to its glory. These Gardes were protected by a charm that makes them vulnerable to the killer in specific order.

Now Number Three has been slain, so Number Four knows that they are now after him. Nothing more could be done other than run away, change his identity and try to be as invisible as he possibly can. Four, now known as John Smith, together with his Cêpan, Henri, settled in a place called Paradise in Ohio. However, soon as he gets there, John commits his first mistake: he begins to bond, have a friendship and fall in love. In the end, it dawn to one thing: Is his personal interest more important than the person, the warrior that he is destined to become?

The author, writing under the pseudonym “Pittacus Lore”, did an excellent job in establishing the ground in I am Number Four. While I am normally the kind who does not read any book under science fiction or books related to aliens, it is still very easy for me to cruise through this book, to understand and follow the lore, the aliens’ history and the different kind of alien races that the author trying to bring forth in his book. All these were written in great detail but so carefully threaded so that readers do not feel overwhelm with the information given at one particular time. Some might say that this portion, which consume about half of the book, is slow and boring, I personally think that this is the sole reason that keeps me reading.

While the background story was written exceptionally well, I feel that the other features of the book such as the characters, the storylines and the style of writing do not manage to boost the book to the level it should. The characters, for instance, are all stereotypical – a good guy, a beautiful ex-cheerleader, a geeky bestfriend, football players as enemies (see the pattern?) – lack in dimension, monotonous and boring. The storylines on the other hand, feels askew from the original thing that matter, which is survival, the moment the love story takes place. It actually annoys me to see that the authors could put the backbone of the story aside and let it be replaced by a romance that, in my opinion, feels stale and unbelievable. There is a heart-pounding action scene towards the end of the book but even that part feels inconsistent and very predictable to me. I strongly think that sans the clichés and perhaps the love story, together with a better characterization and well-thought storylines, this book can really be a lot better than it is.

In the nutshell, I didn’t really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would when I first pick it up. There is nothing really spectacular about its writing and I believe that if you read it, it is pretty clear that it was written for the big screen. However, if you are a big fan of action, there is quite a lot in this one for you to enjoy, but if you like details and solid book, I don’t think you’ll miss much by skipping this.

Favourite Quote: When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.

Despite its high potential, the book's inconsistencies, predictability and the fact that it is fully stuffed with clichés make it impossible for me to get totally absorb into the story. The pace of the book is just nice and there is a lot of action to be enjoyed. However, if you're looking for more, this is not really a good choice.

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

2010-10-28T17:30:00.001+08:00

Title: Adios, Nirvana
Author: Conrad Wesselhoeft
Series: Stand alone book
Source: NetGalley/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: Digital copy
Genre: Contemporary fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Since the death of his brother, Jonathan’s been losing his grip on reality. Last year’s Best Young Poet and gifted guitarist is now Taft High School’s resident tortured artist, when he bothers to show up. He's on track to repeat eleventh grade, but his English teacher, his principal, and his crew of Thicks (who refuse to be seniors without him) won’t sit back and let him fail.

Losing someone you truly love is probably the most tragic event that could happen in a person’s life. It is even harder when the one who was taken away was the one you looked up to, shared your passions with and whom you confided in. This is what happened to Jonathan – this is the story of his life, his guilt, his grief following the death of his better half, his twin brother, Telemachus/Telly.

Jonathan is a young poet that everybody wants to be but a torture soul that no one wants to become. Since the death of Telemachus, he is no longer complete and he feels that no one can patch him back, to make him whole again. He crawls through life in a mindless stupor, dwells in self-pity and seems to only survive by consuming endless amount of taurine and caffeine tablets. Realising how self-destructive Jonathan has become, his best friends, which he called “his Thicks” and those others who know his true potential start devising a plan to wake Jonathan up from his prolong daze, to make him realise that his life is one that is worth living. What does it take for someone to begin moving on and embrace life? And can the course of life of the hopeless be changed by those who he loves and respects?

Adios, Nirvana is a book that portrays loss, grief, friendship and a value of life. The skeletal bone of the story is rather simple and of little meaning: a boy seeking for ways to handle his grief. However, the complexity of the messages hidden behind its intricate, raw, brilliant writing is what makes this book important and moving. Conrad Wesselhoeft is definitely not the kind of author who tailors his writing to make it more acceptable to everyone as he depicts reality of life as it is, no sugar coating and no polishing. I have no doubt that some people might feel rather uncomfortable with the way this book was written and some offensive language used along the way, but to me, this makes this book more real and believable.

One of the aspects in Adios, Nirvana that I thoroughly enjoy is the way the author slowly reveals the vital information, carefully creating the tension inside of the book. Ever since I start reading, I’ve wondered why Jonathan called his brother “Telemachus” but not by his real name. My question is answered towards the end of the book and it sort of emphasize the relationship between these two brothers, how one of them is one half of the whole and how truly decapitate Jonathan feels after his brother is gone. Other than that, Wesselhoeft also did an excellent job with the characters in this book. Jonathan is not entirely likeable from the beginning but the author lets readers embark this journey to see the changes in him and the real person that he suppresses beneath. The other characters too are very well-written and it can easily be seen how each and every one of them trying to help Jonathan moving on with his life.

Despite feeling that the ending is a little too rush; I am still overall satisfied with this book. A bittersweet story that talks about seizing the moment and understanding that despite every hurdle, life can still be the way we craft it to be. Adios, Nirvana is a book that I deeply love – the kind that leave imprints in my heart that won’t fade in many years to come.

Favourite Quote: To live is to swim toward the shimmer, to die is to never try

A memorable read that I highly recommended. With wonderful prose, excellent characters arc, brilliant hidden messages and honest voices, I have no doubt that this book can give readers something more than they first expected. A great contemporary debut that should not be missed.

Giveaway: Jenny Pox by JL Bryan

2010-10-22T09:54:00.004+08:00

Author J.L. Bryan is generous enough to provide me with an extra digital copy of Jenny Pox to be given away to ONE of my lucky readers. Here is the excerpt on what I think of the book:

Jenny Pox is a bittersweet, original book that completes with a little bit of everything – from delicious romance, to gory paranormal stuffs and also some actions. With its engaging writing, well-structured and simple plotlines along with its comfortable, effective pace, the book is definitely something that readers, especially those who love paranormal romance should not missed. A page turner and an original book with great plotlines and characters that I highly recommend.

Giveaway Details:

(1) This giveaway is open internationally

(2) There are several ways to gain extra entries which include commenting on my review of Jenny Pox and JL Bryan's guest post

(3) Giveaway ends: 4th November 2010

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Guest Post: JL Bryan, author of Jenny Pox

2010-10-21T21:54:00.001+08:00

I am utterly excited to welcome JL Bryan, the author of Jenny Pox to my site today. As you well know, I absolutely enjoyed reading Jenny Pox (read my review here). However, he is here today not mainly to talk about Jenny Pox, but to discuss why the length of books might be significant to a person but not to the other. Leave your comment on this post to share with us your preference and gain an extra entry for Jenny Pox Giveaway! Without further hesitation on my part, Jeff:

What does length tell us about a story? Why do we often seem to want stories that go on and on without end?

Stephen King mentions (in On Writing, I think) that most fans say The Stand is their favorite book of King's. It's also his longest. He jokes about how it feels when most of your fans agree that your best work is decades behind you. I think people like The Stand because it's a grand epic, a world in which the reader can go deep and get lost among all the drama and world-shaping storylines.

Successful books often turn into long series. Readers and authors alike develop relationships with the characters and want to continue that connection. There's something in certain fictional worlds that keeps bringing us back for more.

That "something" may be different for each person. I once had an interesting religion class where the professor talked about stories and "sacred time." An example might be Christmas, and the whole Christmas season. Sacred time is marked by a return to long-established stories, stories that we've known since childhood. With Christmas, there's the story of the Nativity, and there's also the story of Santa Claus. There are the stories of Rudolph, Frosty, and Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. An entire fabric of stories is woven together into the complex cultural event called "Christmas."

"Sacred time" is not linear but circular. The same events happen again and again, the same stories are told, the same rituals carried out. It exists outside of regular time, in the mythical realm of gods and dreams. The repeating of stories is how we build structure in our lives and define who we are. We tell stories from our past as a way of explaining our identity. (Of course, sometimes people make up stories about themselves, or tell the same stories to the same audience too often and becomes bores!)

My religion professor believed movies were the new sacred stories in our pluralistic society. Movies could be a shared experience, and they could help you transcend time for a moment. Watching the old animated Rudolph doesn't just bring back the story of a couple of North Pole misfits. It brings back Christmas memories from my childhood, the excitement of the decorations and shopping, seeing relatives who lived far away, and of course rushing down to the tree at the first sign of light on Christmas morning.

It's all there, woven into the story of Rudolph, lost memories waiting to emerge again each holiday season. I think this has something to do with why we like long stories, whether it's an epic tome or an ongoing series. We step out of the stream of our own lives and into another dream world, one that's familiar and welcoming to us. We revisit with old characters like lost friends. And we share them with each other, whether it's watching a movie that we've all seen before, or discussing books we enjoy. Because stories aren't just about escaping. They're also about connecting with each other by way of the dream world.

A large book lets us share a deep, long dream with each other. An ongoing series helps us return again and again in the company of others, and even take part in affecting the course of the story, by giving out feedback that the author might read.

I've never written a sequel to any of my books, but people keep asking for a sequel to Jenny Pox. It means my readers and I have gone someplace special together, and they want me to take them there again. The idea of going back to that world and dealing with the aftermath of the first book seems daunting, but strangely appealing. I want to see how Jenny and the other characters deal with what lies ahead.

Miss Shy asked me to write about the length of books and series and what length might signify. I think it signifies a desire to stay in that other world, and to repeat the experience of that particular world at different times in our lives. The world of that big epic or that long book series we love becomes one of the threads composing our own inner world, while connecting us to the inner world of other people.

J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford and screenwriting at UCLA. Most of his writing wanders into the horror or science fiction genres.

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Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan

2010-10-17T23:50:00.001+08:00

Title: Jenny Pox
Author: J.L. Bryan
Series: Perhaps?
Source: From author for review
Format: E-book
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Paranormal

Synopsis (from author's page):
Jenny is a quiet, small-town girl in South Carolina whose touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague. Jenny can't control her power. Her life is friendless and lonely until she meets a boy, who possess power of his own. Her love for him brings the wrath of his beautiful and immensely popular girlfriend Ashleigh. Jenny must master her own deadly power to free Seth from Ashleigh's control. Then she must defeat Ashleigh before Ashleigh can destroy her.

What if you were born with supernatural power? Not just a mere kind, but one that is formidable enough that it can cause death on another person. What does it feels like living your life knowing you cannot touch anyone for fear that you might end up killing them? This is the destiny that Jenny Morton has to face every single day of her life. Knowing that her skin, her condition, her power – whatever term one might called it – killed her own mother when she was born is painful enough but understanding and accepting the bitter fact that she is going to be lonely, friendless her whole life is even harder to bear. However, when a tragedy happened and she learnt the secret kept by Seth, the boyfriend of her #1 enemy Ashleigh, a glitter of hope enters her life. To win Seth, she will have to confront Ashleigh and to learn controlling her "curse". What is it about Seth that drawn Jenny to him? Is Jenny the only one in this small county that has supernatural ability? If not, what is the connection between them and what brings them all here?

Jenny Pox is indeed a novel which is full with surprises. The author, J.L. Bryan, has successfully manoeuvred this book from a somewhat cliché storyline into something utterly different. He weaves three intricate elements – paranormal, mystery and romance – together making this book a little complex at the beginning but nonetheless, a very interesting read. Bryan is definitely the kind of author who does not dump information to his readers. In fact, he takes time building his story, giving away answers little by little while at the same time, making readers crave for more. The story starts off with little Jenny who is still clueless about her own power but as she grows older and understand how dangerous she really is, self-hatred starts to bloom inside of her. The way the author portrays the emotional burden that Jenny bears on her shoulders is remarkable to the point where readers cannot help but feel sad and mourn for Jenny. Bryan also goes all out when he describes the disturbing and gory details in his book that truly make me squirm whilst reading.

Bryan also did a great job in depicting the real life of teenagers in a small town and this make it a lot easier for readers to feel connected to the characters. Jenny is a very likeable protagonist with a very strong heart but her difficult life makes it hard for her to realise how much she really worth. The moment friendship buds between her and Seth, I’ve start to root for them to be together. At first it seems rather unrealistic for someone to fall in love very quickly but knowing how desperate Jenny is to find a true friend and love, it all just seems possible. Plus, it is better to see Seth with Jenny rather than the manipulative, power-craze, two-faced antagonist, Ashleigh. There is something more that correlate these three characters but you definitely need to read the book to find out. Another character that I love in Jenny Pox is Jenny’s father, who acts as a strong pillar for Jenny despite the demons that he has to fight within himself too. Even though Jenny grows up without a mother, having a father that love her unconditionally truly make things somewhat bareable for her.

In the nutshell, Jenny Pox is a bittersweet, original book that completes with a little bit of everything – from delicious romance, to gory paranormal stuffs and also some actions. With its engaging writing, well-structured and simple plotlines along with its comfortable, effective pace, the book is definitely something that readers, especially those who love paranormal romance should not missed. While some might say that this is a Young Adult book, I personally think that it fits more under adult due to some explicit and gory scenes and also some contents that might be considered offensive by certain group of people. However, if you don’t mind all these, Jenny Pox is a paranormal book with a great twist that totally worth it.

Favourite Quote: Jenny lifted one small, fuzzy-pink gloved hand and looked at her fingers. "I'm poze-nuss," she said.

Jenny Pox is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It deals with some paranormal issues and contemporary ones, like obsession to gain power, extremism and difficulties to be an outsider. A page turner and an original book with great plotlines and characters that I highly recommend.

I Was Tagged! le gasp

2010-10-14T01:07:00.001+08:00

The Rules:
(1) Accept the tag and link to the tagger at the beginning of your post.
(2) Answer the questions honestly in your post by listing four things.
(3) Pass on the love by picking four other people to tag and listing them at the bottom of your post. Notify them that you tagged them.

Four Things In My Handbag:
(1) My cheap purse which refused to die. I've always pray that it'll die soon, but since it still going strong - sort of - no way I'm changing to a new one.
(2) My cell phone. I hardly use phone but I cannot leave the house without it, unless I am at my hometown.
(3) A book and my beloved iPod for the obvious reasons
(4) A notepad and a pen. I always have these two in my bag even though I hardly ever use them. Ever!

Four Favourite Things In My Bedroom:
(1) Bed obviously and a garfield pillow! This is the place I land when I read.
(2) My beloved bookshelves! Nothing fancy, but I love them nonetheless.
(3) My guitar, which I'm still trying hard to master *erk*
(4) A little bear, my dear faithful companion!

Four Things On My Desk:
(1) My beloved black laptop. Oh, how I love thee...
(2) Books and papers
(3) Stationary case
(4) A water bottle

Four Things I've Always Wanted to Do (But Haven't Yet):
(1) Finish my study and find a decent job
(2) Further my study after I gather some working experience
(3) Have my own properties, like house, car, etc.
(4) Go traveling somewhere, where I can touch REAL snow!

Four Things I Enjoy Very Much At The Moment:
(1) Reading. I think this is the thing that I enjoy most right now.
(2) Sleeping. Yeah, I know. I'm lazy :P
(3) Playing with stray cats at the back of my house.
(4) Tweaking blog. I don't know why, but I really love doing this.

Four Songs I Can't Get Out Of My Head:
(1) Happy by Leona Lewis
(2) All That I'm Asking For by Lifehouse
(3) Good Life by OneRepublic
(4) Never Alone by Jim Brickman feat Lady Antebellum

Four Things You Don't Know About Me:
(1) I like being alone perhaps because I've gotten too used to it, yikes!
(2) Like Darlyn, I also HATE, HATE, HATE dentist. Had a really bad experience when I was like 4 years old and I think that experience stayed with me till now :-S
(3) I hate my own handwriting as I think it looks childish. Hee hee.
(4) I hate insects that have too many feet. Seeing the feet movement truly make me sick. Weird, don't you think?

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
(1) Jen @ The Introverted Reader
(2) Mavie @ The Bookologist
(3) Blodeuedd @ Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
(4) Dazzling Mage @ A Reading Kabocha

p/s: Thank you Darlyn for tagging me! This was fun =)

Beastly by Alex Flinn

2010-10-11T20:31:00.003+08:00

Title: Beastly
Author: Alex Flinn
Series: Stand alone book
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Synopsis (from author's page):
I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster. You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

The Adonis of Tuttle Prep, Kyle Kingsbury, owns just about everything that a person could dream of: a good look, an excellent build, a bunch of cool friends and a handful of money. All these put him on top of the school’s popularity chart, makes him the King, who is loved by everyone in the school. Well, at least that is what he makes himself believes. The situation turns ugly when Kyle decides to play a trick on a fat, ugly girl named Kendra without realising who she really is. His evil plan backfire, causing him to be cursed, where he is turned into who he really is in the inside – A Beast. Without falling in love and being truly loved in return, Kyle will remain as a beast... forever. Here begins his desperate journey to find a true love, to learn the things that he had missed and to heal himself from his tainted past. Can he find what he is looking for before his time runs out?

Set in contemporary New York City, Beastly is an updated version of the famous classical tale, Beauty and the Beast. The author, Alex Flinn, deserves a credit on her creativity where she swiftly adapts ideas from the original to fit into the modern world. For example, the kingdom is now the city of New York and the castle that has been the resident of the lonesome beast is now Kyle’s huge, yet empty apartment. Apart from that, she also includes an interesting idea of her own where she adds excerpts from a chatroom called “Unexpected Changes”, in which numbers of magical creatures afflicted with transformations gather together to discuss problems in their daily lives. This is actually my favourite part of the book as it introduces the readers to other characters like the mermaid and the frog, who are also chasing for true love. This, along with the author’s concise and fluid writing indeed make this book an interesting read.

Despite of that, there are still quite a few things about this book that fail to satisfy me. I feel that Beastly will work a lot better if the characters in it are somewhat older as it is a little hard to believe that a person at the age of 15 to 17 can really find and understand the real meaning of true love. The story can also be more believable if the author lets the characters mature a bit more, for instance by taking times telling the readers about Kyle’s transformation into his better self in a much greater details. I feel that this has been done in a rather abrupt way to the point that it has become unrealistic. It would really be nice to see more changes in him before he finds the love that is meant for him. The too easy and too sweet ending is also another thing that disappoints me. I was not hoping for a surprise when I started reading this book but I was still hoping for some additions to the fairy tale that can distinguish Beastly from the original tale other than just the mere settings.

All in all, I am not entirely satisfied with this book as I thought that it could really be a lot better especially when it comes to the ending. It is an average, fluff and light read that I believe suitable for those who are big fans of fairytale-ish kind of books complete with heart-warming romance and interesting characters.

Favourite Quote: Those who do not know how to see the precious things in life will never be happy.

Beastly is just an average read for me. Too many potential details have been left out from the story causing the book to lose some juice that can make it more interesting. Don't get me wrong; it has a good pace, simplistic writing and some tweaks from the original but I guess, I just need more for it to be interesting for me.

*This review is taking part in Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

2010-10-03T14:30:00.000+08:00

Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study Series #1
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis (from author's page):
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a reprieve. She'll eat the best meals and have rooms in the palace, so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. As Yelena tries to escape her dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can't control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear...

The practice of magic is strictly forbidden in Ixia. However, in the home of General Brazell, series of experiments are conducted to measure magical abilities of some orphans that the general and his minions abducted at very young age. Yelena is one of them. Initially, the orphans regard General Brazell as a father figure that they don’t have. Nevertheless, when the once harmless tests turn into torture, they begin to see the demon that resides behind the general’s shield. The general gives up on Yelena when she failed one of her test and hands her to his son, Reyad, to do whatever he pleases to her. When the situation turns sadistic, Yelena has no choice other than to kill Reyad in self-defence. She now faces an execution for the murder that she commits. Given an option, whether to face the noose or serve the Commander as a food tester, Yelena ends up chooses life over death. Does the choice she made worth it? Or she is left with more problems in hand than she previously did?

Poison Study ferociously grabs readers with its intense plot, heart-stopping action and delicate romance. Snyder has proved that she is one of the authors, who are not afraid to present the gruesome details of Yelena’s world descriptively in her writing; which is something I truly appreciate. She successfully enthralled readers with her impressing world-building and the way she creates the nail-biting atmosphere in Poison Study. The setting of the world that Yelena lives in is complete with its own rigid, unfaltering legal and political systems, which are different from our own. While there is something we call justice in our world, such term cease to exist in Yelena’s as any kind of murder committed outside of the war will directly send the doer to the noose. Difference like this one pique my curiosity towards this book and make it even more appealing.

The characters line-up in Poison Study is definitely another thing in this books that I really admire. Yelena is portrayed as a strong-willed, sarcastic and resourceful character. She is extremely strong mentally from the very beginning and I feel that no one can stand tall with the strain that she is under but Yelena never falter, never gives up and keeps on moving forward. Later, with chain of trainings she rises to be someone stronger physically and is able to go into combat as if she was born with such talent. Valek, the man in-charge of the food taster, is another mysterious character that I come to love. The complexity of his character is rather intriguing and I absolutely love the way his interaction with Yelena change throughout the book. The thing that happens between them is rather subtle yet solid, without consuming the entire plot of Poison Study.

Overall, Poison Study is definitely a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. With its invigorating plot, intense atmosphere and fast-paced action, Maria V. Snyder plunged readers to a grotesque world where killing is make necessary for one to remain alive and to gain power. This is indeed a book that you don’t want to miss.

Favourite Quote: Everyone makes choices in life. Some bad, some Good. It's called living, and if you want to bow out, then go right ahead. But don't do it halfway. Don't linger in whiner's limbo

An addictive read that instantaneously seize readers into Snyder's intricate and intense world, where only the strong and smart one will survive. A story about self preseverance and self discovery in the midst of danger that I'd recommend. Definitely one of my favourites!

Contact Me

2010-10-01T15:11:00.002+08:00

If there is any problem with the following form or should you prefer to contact me directly, you can email me at shy8629(at)gmail(dot)com. Thank you for stopping by my site.

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

2010-09-23T21:36:00.000+08:00

Title: Princess of the Midnight Ball
Author: Jessica Day George
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Synopsis (from author's page):
Returning home from the war, young Galen finds work with his mother’s family in the royal gardens. There he learns that the king’s twelve daughters have a secret: every night they dance their shoes to tatters, but no one knows how or why.

The war between Westfalian and Analousia has already end leaving Galen, a young soldier, without any place to go. He travels to Bruch in search for his mother’s sister, Tante Leisel, hoping to find a job and a place to live. Once arrives in Brunch, he finds his aunt’s family and they give him a bed, also a job with his uncle as a caretaker in the garden at the King’s palace. At that time, the King himself is desperate to uncover the mystery that surrounds his twelve princesses. Every three days, the princesses’ dancing slippers are worn out but nobody has any idea why.

When the princesses’ health begins to deteriorate, the King offers one of his daughters in marriage to any prince that manages to solve the mystery. However, when the princes that accept the challenge die of mysterious death, one after another, rumour of witchcraft abound and the church starts getting involve. Without anyone else that willing to take on the challenge, it is now up to Galen to put pieces of the puzzle together, save the princesses’ lives and also the kingdom. What is he planning to do? And what is his idea to ensure that his plan works?

Jessica Day George has successfully enchanted the readers with this enticing, magical and solid fairy tale retelling. Princess of the Midnight Ball is based on Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, though I find that George’s version has more depth and the storyline is also much stronger than the original. The backbone of this book is basically the same as in the Grimm’s version; however the author expands the story more at the places that need some extra explanations. In some way, George provides the reader with some answers towards the questions that the readers might have whilst reading Grimm’s story. So this improvement serves as a huge advantage for the readers, making reading experience much more enjoyable.

In term of characterisation, multiple alterations have been made in Princess of the Midnight Ball. For instance, the twelve princesses appear to be somewhat naughty in Grimm’s version but in George’s, they are much lovelier and each one of them come with distinct, definable traits. The author also named these girls with name of flowers and each one of those flowers could be found at the garden that the King keeps for his deceased wife. Galen’s character is also different between these two versions. In Grimm’s, Galen is described as an old soldier who keeps an ambition to be a king but in George’s; he appears to be a handsome, young, kind and down-to-earth soldier. The changes that the author made add more dimensions to each character in the book and it is amazing to see how these changes could enhance the details in the original book and make it even livelier.

Personally, this is one of the best renditions of classic fairy tale that I’ve ever read thus far. The story indeed doesn’t stray too far from the original, but the twists and turns added by the author is enough to give new breath to the classic that most of us loved. Such a remarkable read that is suitable for those who love a happily ever after story.

Favourite Quote: To Galen, war was a disease, something to be avoided, not something he wanted to talk about with the other afflicted men over the campfire.

This rendition of Grimm's Twelve Dancing Princesses is a light, quick read that is suitable for children and adult alike. The changes made by the author give new dimension to the classic, making it even more fleshier and juicier. Enchanting and adventurous tale that I would recommend to all.

On My Wishlist #10

2010-09-04T18:20:00.002+08:00

I've always wanted to read books by Lisa Schroeder. I was lucky enough to win I Heart You, You Haunt Me in a contest recently and I seriously love what I've read so far! It's surprising to see how much little words (it was written in verse) can make a person truly feel emotions the author trying to convey. For this week, I am craving for another books by the same author, Chasing Brooklyn and Far From You.

Title: Chasing Brooklyn
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams. Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest

Title: Far From You

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole. Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can, by writing her music, losing herself in the love of her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife. But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half-sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful. Perhaps she's not so alone after all..

My wishlist surely gets longer and longer everyday it seems! If you're participating in this meme too, please leave me a link so I can check what books you hope to get your hands on to this week. Have a great weekend everyone =)

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

2010-09-01T17:58:00.002+08:00

Title: The Alchemyst
Author: Michael Scott
Series: Nicholas Flamel #1
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Synopsis (from book cover):
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty. The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

Everything seems normal in the life of Josh and Sophie Newman until the day they find out the truth that has been safely hidden by the couple, Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, for hundreds of years. On that day, the Newman’s twin finds themselves caught in the midst of a battle that erupts between the immortal Nicholas Flamel and Dr John Dee over the ownership of The Book of Abraham the Mage (or “The Codex”) which holds an immortality secrets and also capable of destroying the world. Dr Dee ends up stealing the book from Nicholas and also kidnaps his wife and confines her on Alcatraz Island. Realising that their lives are in great danger, Nicholas finally explains to the twin how he believes that there is a prophecy in the Codex that mentions the twin and their roles in saving the world. Here begins their journey, where they are joined by a Scáthach warrior in finding the source that could awaken the twin’s dormant magic. With Dr Dee still tailing them, will they manage to find what they are desperately looking for? Or this is just the mark of the end of the world?

The premise features in The Alchemyst is definitely an interesting one. Crossing some historical facts with numbers of mythical details and weaves them together with a good fictional story surely able to create a strong base that can pique the interests of those who enjoy reading works in fantasy genre. Michael Scott indeed came with a lot of refreshing ideas for this book but unfortunately, the execution and the style of writing leaves a lot to be desired. It is difficult to be mesmerised by the story when the flow keeps on being disrupted by unnecessary notions and dialogues. The way the author tries to integrate current pop cultures into the book also feels “forced” and after repeating the same thing couple of times, it starts to get annoying. I believe that there is no need to mention how much the twin misses the internet, the iPod and the laptop over again to make sure readers are attach to the characters and story.

The majority of characters in The Alchemyst are of people with significant historical accounts or of well-known mythical figures. This is another factor that makes this book intriguing but it seems that Scott did not use a lot of these facts to solidify the characters he creates in the book, which causes them to feel rather flat and lack of dimensions. I really wish that the author could fatten the characters and plots a little bit more with the facts that he has in hand to make the story feels even more believable and “complete”. There are also couple of other characters and historical events that I’ve never heard of in this book, so an extra details and explanations could really be a huge plus.

Overall, the idea behind The Alchemyst is vast but reading through it makes me feel like the author just touch things on the surface. This series certainly has a lot of potential, so I’ll definitely keeps on reading to see if things get better in the next instalment. If you’re a hardcore fantasy/mythology fans and rarely expect too much for the material you reads, this is perhaps something that will satisfy you. In my case, it didn’t.

Favourite Quote: I am old now, so old. Do you know how many friends I've buried over the centuries? - Nicholas Flamel

A book that has high potential that failed to live up to my expectation. There is a lot that happen in this book, in term of action but the substance is not really there. If you're not the kind who loves fantasy and not the kind who tend to hope too much, you might enjoy this more than I did.

p.s. Have you read any books in this series? If so, what do you think of them? Do leave links to your review so I can read your detail thoughts on it!

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

2010-08-24T18:24:00.003+08:00

Title: Shutter Island
Author: Dennis Lehane
Series: Stand alone
Source: Borrowed
Format: Paperback
Genre: Psychological thriller

Synopsis (from B&N):
Summer, 1954. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels s come to Shutter Island, home of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Along with his partner, Chuck Aule, he sets out to find an escaped patient, a murderess named Rachel Solando, as a hurricane bears down upon them. But nothing at Ashecliffe Hospital is what it seems. Is he there to find a missing patient? Or has he been sent to look into rumors of Ashecliffe's radical approach to psychiatry; an approach that may include drug experimentation, hideous surgical trials, and lethal countermoves in the shadow war against Soviet brainwashing. Or is there another, more personal reason why he has come there?

Situated offshore from Massachusetts, Shutter Island is an asylum specialise in housing the criminally insane person. US Marshall Teddy Daniels lands himself on this island for a reason – to investigate the disappearance of an inmate, a young lady named Rachel Solando. However, from the moment he and his colleague, Chuck Aule, step their feet on the island, they could smell suspicions everywhere: The general staffs that help running the place do not seem like persons they could trust, the medical personnel sounds like someone with hidden agendas and the stale, depressing atmosphere in the asylum also screams that something else is really wrong. As the strange hurricane starts brewing, Teddy finds himself trap in this island, force to solve the puzzles and begins to realise that besides his inability to trust anyone in the island, could he really trust his colleague? And most important of all, could he trust himself, what he believes and what he sees happening before his eyes?

Shutter Island is indeed a book with layer upon layer of secrets. I have to admit that I only pick this up because I didn’t get the chance to watch the movie but seriously speaking, the mystery that waits me in this book make the hours spend reading it totally worth it. The beginning of the book might be a little slow as nothing really happen for quite awhile, though Lehane’s style of writing making these dragging parts somewhat entertaining. He uses them to establish the ground at which this story is set in and also gives a general overview on Teddy’s current and previous lives. I truly enjoy the way he portrays how the people in the 50’s are like: the way they talk, their manners and the issues that they talk about which I find entirely fit with the whole settings.

Another thing that really intrigues me is his grotesque description on how the mental healthcare really like in the 1950s. Lehane appears to me as an author who loves detail and this make it easier for readers to imagine the whole things that happen throughout the story. Besides crafting an excellently creepy settings, the author also succeed in developing an interesting, mysterious character. Teddy is indeed an unpredictable man that is very hard to read. On the outside, he appears to be a strong, stubborn person, but in the inside, he is an entirely different person. It is fascinating to see how the author dissects this man little by little, to give readers a better understanding on who he really is.

Reading through Shutter Island is like walking in a huge maze. You may be expecting something at first but after being wrong for multiple times, you simply just wait for the real bomb to drop. I honestly didn’t see such revelation coming towards the end of the book and it literally made me sits down, reanalyse back what I’ve been reading. With its creepy setting and intense storyline, Shutter Island is indeed a must read!

Favourite Quote: He wanted to ask her what sound a heart made when it broke from pleasure, when just the sight of someone filled you the way food, blood, and air never could, when you felt as if you'd been born for only one moment and this, for whatever reason, was it - Teddy Daniels

A fantastical psychological thriller with such a brilliant concept that is full with numbers of major twists and turns. As you begin to believe in something, another twist unravel, bring you to a brand new storyline that will indeed take you by surprise. Are you a fan of mystery/thriller? If yes, then this is made for you!

On My Wishlist #9

2010-08-21T19:21:00.001+08:00

Every once in awhile, I do enjoy reading books that have more contemporary or realistic tones. Most of the time, the heaviness of the subject matter totally pique my interest while the emotions trapped within the pages are able to absorb me into that dark, hollow world, in which my own shelter life hardly knew exist.

I've had people told me before that life is hard enough, so why must ones read something that's emotionally draining? To me, this is the wonder of reading. It lends us a pair of special shoes that let us walk through another people's life, see the world through their eyes and there are always some lessons to be learnt in the end. Yes, it is draining but the pieces that you pick here and there make it totally worth it. So for this week, I feature couple of realistic books that I really hope I get the chance to read.

Title: Impulse
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from B&N):
Three teens who have attempted suicide meet in a psychiatric hospital, battle their demons, and begin to heal. The handsome son of wealthy parents, Connor has everything anyone could want—except his family’s love and affection. Jailed for years after killing his mother’s child-molesting boyfriend, Tony is confused about his sexuality. Manic-depressive Vanessa cuts herself. All three stories intertwine in a brutally honest story about pain and resilience.

Title: Tricks

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from B&N):
Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons. Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story — a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

Title: The Piper's Son
Author: Melina Marchetta
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Links: Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world. But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death. And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.

Title: Forbidden

Author: Tabitha Suzuma

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan have never had the chance to be 'normal' teenagers. Having pulled together for years to take care of their younger siblings while their wayward, drunken mother leaves them to fend alone, they have become much more than brother and sister. And now, they have fallen in love. But this is a love that can never be allowed, a love that will have devastating consequences... How can something so wrong feel so right?

Now I have a question for you: Do you read book that boggles your mind, makes you cry and breaks your heart? If you do, which books are your favourites? And if you don't, why?

That's all from me for this week "On My Wishlist". Hope that you have a great weekend everyone.

Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld

2010-08-17T00:52:00.003+08:00

Books in this series:
(1) The Secret Hour
(2) Touching Darkness
(3) Blue Noon

Author: Scott Westerfeld
Source: Personal Copies
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction

Midnighter is the term used to describe those who were born at the stroke of midnight. Based on its basic concept, the Midnighters series is indeed one of the most original series that I’ve ever come across thus far. Creatively written by the author, Scott Westerfeld, this series is the cross-breed from multiple genres: fantasy, paranormal and science fiction to name a few. With the right combination of suspense element, woven together with some mysteries, lore and a dash of romance, the Midnighters series – without doubt – is able to engage the interest of multi layers of readers and its varieties making it a very interesting read.

The strange world of midnighters only occurs at the heart of Bixby, Oklahoma. While normally there are only 24 hours per day, there is the 25th in this world which is known as “The Blue Hour”. For ordinary people, this extra hour passes by in a blink of the eyes but for the midnighters, they could live in this hour like usual. Only difference is that, they have to live in it along with the sinister, ancient creatures known as the Darklings and Slithers. According to the midnighter’s lore, there used to be a huge bunch of midnighters who lived and protected the small town of Bixby. However, the numbers ceased drastically for an unknown reason and the lore itself stopped about fifty years before the beginning of the book.

The new generation of midnighters only consist of five young teenagers: Rex the Seer, Melissa the Mindcaster, Dess the Polymath, Jonathan the Acrobat and Jessica – the new girl in town – whose power is not yet known until the end of book one. Despite their different personalities, they work together to investigate the truth that happen to their predecessors, saving one of their own and also saved Bixby and the world from turning into the monsters’ buffet. What sort of things do they have to do to win this seamlessly impossible battle against these creepy creatures? And what kind of sacrifice that need to be made to make this happen?

The Midnighters series proves to the readers what a genius author Westerfeld really is. He integrates some mathematical and linguistics concepts into these books making them somewhat unique till it is hard to find something else to compare them to. The author brings forth the idea that number “13” and also words with thirteen letters are crucial in the fight against the monsters along with light/heat and anything that belongs to the new world and technology. Number “12”, on the other hand, is specifically associates with the Darklings. For example, Bixby located at 36˚00’00”N (which is multiple of 12) 96˚00’00”W (another multiple of 12) and the sum of individual digits is 24, another multiple of 12. It is said in this book that The Blue Hour only happens in Bixby because of these strong associations. This mathematical assimilation into this series totally intrigues me as it makes something that is supposed to be fiction feels totally real.

The row of characters is another thing that I admire. Despite of choosing only one main character, Westerfeld put all five of them alternately onto the spotlight. Throughout the course of this series, readers get the chance to know each one of them and the reasons that make them who they are. Among all five of these characters, I fell in love with Rex since the first book in this series. He is the self-imposed leader of the group and I see that despite the refusal from some of the members, they still turn to him when they face ultimate challenges. Besides that, Rex is also a selfless person with a dark past of his own. This flaw makes him more realistic and likeable.

In a nutshell, I cannot really find anything that I hate about this series. I completely enjoyed it as it has a bit of almost everything. I’ve to admit that it may be confusing at first and that it takes a little time to let the basic concept to sink in, but once that phase is over, these books will certainly be unputdownable.

Favourite Quote: In the blue time, math kicked ass - Dess the Polymath

Skillfully and consicely written, the Midnighters is indeed a series that suit within multiple domains. With a fast, yet comfortable pace, lots of actions and plotlines that thicken up quickly, this series didn't fail in making readers sit at the edge of the chair throughout the reading course. Definitely a series that didn't disappoint!

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

2010-08-08T12:30:00.005+08:00

Title: Inkspell
Author: Cornelia Funke
Series: Inkheart #2
Source: Borrowed
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative fiction -Fantasy

Synopsis (from B&N):
Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of Inkheart, the book whose characters became real. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval world of his past. Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long, both are caught inside the book, too. But the story is threatening to evolve in ways neither of them could ever have imagined.

Inkspell begins right at the point where the story ends in Inkheart. The only difference here is that, rather than taking place in our world, numbers of main characters from the first book are forced to enter the Inkworld due to some complicating matters. The way Funke describes the magical world in this book is really fascinating and I believe that this is one of the many things that hooked me to this book. Along with the characters, readers are given the chance to stroll into the Wayless Wood, meet the rulers of the Inkworld and also getting to know all those interesting players who inhabit the cities in the Inkworld.

Another thing that makes me like this book even more is that the characters appear to be fully developed as compared to Inkheart. Readers are able to peek into the hearts’ of each character and learn who they truly are. I really like the development in Dustfinger character, especially and also the relationship between Maggie and Farid. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I love this book in the end. I don't really like Inkheart much because it appears to be dragging too much to me but in Inkspell, the adventures and emotions capture in it alone make it way better than the series previous installment.

Favourite Quote: Isn't it odd how much fatter a book gets when you've read it several times? As if something were left between the pages every time you read it. Feelings, thoughts, sound, smells... and then, when you look at the book again many years later, you find youself there, too, a slightly younger self, slightly different, as if the book had preserved you like a pressed flower... both strange and familiar - Mo Folchart

I'm glad that my opinion on Inkheart (Click to read my review) didn't deter me from reading the 2nd book in the series. Inkspell is surprisingly different, complete with well-developed character and interesting, heart-wrenching situation. Keep on with the series even if you didn't like Inkheart cause it really does get better!

On My Wishlist #8

2010-08-07T12:00:00.002+08:00

I've come across quite a lot of great books recently but these two are among those that I'm looking forward to. The Edgar Allan Poe references in Nevermore really pique my interest to read more on this book. Though I believe that it is the cover that caught my interest at first. Just look at the way the guy stares at us? Looks creepy!

Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh
Series: Not Sure
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy
Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares. His life depends on it.

I've never really heard of Patrick Rothfuss before. Yes, it's my lost right? I came across this book when I was browsing Goodreads the other day and the description totally blow me away. The second installment of this series will be published soon, if I'm not mistaken, so I really have to get to this one as soon as possible! Have you read this book before? If so, what do you think about it?

Title: The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Series: Kingkiller Chronicle Series

Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from B&N):
Told in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet's hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

That's all I've for this week! Do you participate in this meme also? If so, don't forget to leave me your links. Have a great weekend =)

Blog Award: Versatile Blogger

2010-08-06T20:04:00.000+08:00

It has been awhile since the last time I do any award post!.Few days ago, a friend of mine, Natasha from Ulat Buku in The City, told me that she forwarded this award my way. Thank you so much, Natasha! Upon receiving this award, I'd have top share up to five facts about myself and then pass this along to five other blogs that I've recently discovered. So, here we goes.

Some Random, Not-So-Interesting Facts About Myself
(1) I don't like to talk. Yes, you definitely heard that right. I really don't like to talk. This is the habit that I *so* want to change but unfortunately, until this moment, I am still can't. Anyone of you can give me some tips on how to be a better speaker? I'd TOTALLY appreciate that!

(2) I enjoyed doing stuffs on photoshop. Sometimes I wonder why didn't I think majoring on any of these graphics courses cause it is so much fun then what am I doing right now *lol* I'm not saying that I'm really good at it but for a self-learner, I think I did OK =)

(3) Well, I might love photoshop but I absolutely scare of people that try to take my picture. I feel like I act awkwardly in front of camera hence why I really don't like it. I guess my extreme shyness must have something to do with this, yikes!

(4) Every single books I have must be plastic-wrapped before I start reading them. I bought most of the books I read and tell you what, books are very expensive in Malaysia, so I feel like I've to take a really good care of them.

(5) I absolutely cannot live one day without peeking into a book or surf the net. Recently I have this episode where my broadband fail to work and seriously speaking, I feel like my life is not complete :-/ I never have a day, so far, without having books around, so not really sure what that will do to me. Guess that this really make me a book AND internet junkie *blush*

So, that is all that I can think about right now. I'd like to pass this award to my lovely friends here:
(1) Mavie from The Bookologist
(2) Amelia from Imagination in Focus
(3) Aly from Fantasy4Eva
(4) Bella from A Girl Reads a Book
(5) GMR from Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Looking for Alaska by John Green

2010-08-01T16:32:00.000+08:00

Title: Looking for Alaska
Author: John Green
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis (from B&N):
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words – and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green’s arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction.

Who can predict that some final words could give a huge impact in one person’s life? “I go to seek a Great Perhaps” were the last words said by François Rabelais. This single sentence appears to inspire a young man, Miles “Pudge” Halter, to move few steps forward, leaving behind his old life and enrol to a boarding school in searching for his own brand of “Great Perhaps”. At the Culver Creek, he finds some close friends: The Colonel, his roommate, Lara Buterskaya, a shy Romanian, Takumi, a crazy Japanese and last but not least, Alaska, the girl who he begins to love silently.

Written in two parts, the “Before” and the “After”, with one pivotal event, Looking for Alaska chronicles the journey made by Pudge and his friends as they face the ups, the downs and the inevitable in the rough route that they call “life”. What is this “Great Perhaps”? And will the event that occurs manage to make Pudge able to understand and to grasp the real meaning of the “Great Perhaps” better in the end?

Judging by his excellent writing and the way he swiftly tackles the intricate subject in this book, no one would believes that Looking for Alaska is actually the first work by John Green. Written in such realistic manner, Green makes it easier for readers to relate to the characters that he creates in his book and further understand such trials that they have to go through. This relatabilty, along with bunch of interesting, real characters and crisp storylines make this book an incredibly great read.

Miles, in my opinion, is one of the most ordinary protagonists out there. He seems clueless about almost everything on his first day at Culver Creek and it looks like his bunch of “colourful” friends are the ones that start shaping and introduce him to the real world. I wouldn’t say that all the things that they teach him are good things, but nonetheless, they help him to spread his wings and gets himself out of his own cocoon. Another character that I find very interesting is Alaska herself. She is really brilliant but also incredibly torn at the same time. These factors make her somewhat unpredictable and Mile’s description on Alaska in the book sure tells a lot: “So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane.”

For such a thin book, Looking for Alaska certainly is fat with messages that relate to valuable aspects in life. It is a book about love, friendship, loyalty, regrets, grief and route to maturity. Dashes of last words used by the author, peppers with some religion references help enhancing the storyline all together. This book indeed comes with some great messages but it all depends on the readers on how they want to perceive it. An incredible read that I would recommend to all.

Favourite Quote: It's not life or death, the labyrinth. Suffering. Doing wrong and having wrong things happen to you. That's the problem. Bolivar was talking about the pain, not about the living or dying. How do you get out of the labyrinth of suffering? - Alaska Young

This book totally takes me by surprise. It begins with something light, then gets to the climax with a BAM and ends with a philosophical ending. John Green did a brilliant job in capturing how it is like to be a young, insecure and friendless teen. I'd certainly recommended this book to those that enjoy books that make you think.

International Contests Waiver: August

2010-08-01T08:24:00.006+08:00

Downside Series by Stacie Kane Giveaway

I've only heard of this series rather recently and I don't think I've heard of many negative stuffs about it. The people @ The Qwillery is giving us a chance to win all three books in this series in their giveaway which will end on the 4th of August. To enter, just click here!

August Competition

Another monthly giveaway being held at Sheree's blog. For this month, winner stands a chance to win one of these novels: The Sky is Everywhere, (I want this!) Mockingjay or By Fire, By Water. For further details on this giveaway, just head to her site! Contest ends 31st of August.

August Giveaway

Alaine from Queen of Happy Endings also hosts an awesome giveaway for this month. There are three books choices for winner to choose from: The Red Queen, For the King's Favor and Torment (I want this!). This contest will end by the end of this month. More details on her site.

2011 Releases Giveaway

Another FAB giveaway hosted by Eleni from La Femme Readers! SO many great books to choose from and I believe that this giveaway is one of the most competitive ones out there! For more details on this one, just head over to Eleni's site. Contest will end on 2nd September.

20 Followers Giveaway

There are numbers of interesting books to be won in this giveaway. For every 10 followers she gains, she will add another book into the pile! So if you're interested, head over to the Sparkling Reviews to enter. This contest will end on the 10th August 2010.

100 Followers Giveaway

Great pre-orders to be won at this giveaway hosted by The Norwegian Book Girl! There are numbers of details about this giveaway that you can read at her site. Ends on 27th of August 2010. Hurry up!

Blog Birthday Giveaway

About Happy Books is celebrating its 2nd blogoversary! To celebrate, Sabrina is giving away a book of readers' choice (worth 10 Euros) to two lucky winners. To enter this giveaway, simply head to Sabrina's blog. Contest ends on 15th August.

50 Follower Giveaway

Join this new site - Like Mother, Like Daughter - and stand a chance to win a book plague (this is for US residents only) or a book of your choice up to $10 from Book Depository. So what are you waiting for? Head over to their site to enter! This contest ends on 27th August.

Need by Carrie Jones

2010-07-26T22:51:00.000+08:00

Title: Need
Author: Carrie Jones
Series: Need #1
Source: Personal copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Paranormal

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now. She couldn't be more wrong.

Sudden passing of a love one could do numbers of things to people’s minds. The untimely demise of her stepfather had left Zara deeply depressed, relatively numb and what freak her most is that, she begins to feel like everywhere she goes, someone is there – watching her every moves. Zara’s emotional status causes great concern to her mother, who eventually decides that she would be safer under the care of Grandma Betty in Maine.

But Zara thinks that she knows better and believes that there is nothing this dreary, awkward, cold town could do to help her. Little does she know that a grandma’s love, some eccentric, quirky friends and a hot boy could put some colours to her monotonous life. Things are all right until the stalker starts ruining everything again, convincing Zara that he is more than a product of her imagination. Who is this “stalker” really is? And what is his connection to Zara and her past?

Couple of comparison has been made between this book and Twilight and as I read the first few chapters, I can clearly see why. However, as Need starts picking up its tempo, it begins to separate itself from the other series and set up its very own niche. Truthfully, I am not entirely crazy about this book but the few surprises still make it a good read. One thing that is really unique about Need is Jones’ creativity in relating certain type of phobias with every single chapter in it. The style of writing is very simple, making Need one light, quick read. Another factor that makes me like Need is its characters, which are normal despite the whole circumstances they are all in. The qualities that each character have are clearly portrayed make it easy to distinguish their purposes and roles in the book.

However – to me – Need does come with couple of issues. Its straightforwardness and lack of complexities cause it to be somewhat predictable, which spoil the fun of reading a little bit. By looking at those creepy plotlines used by the author, this book does seem like it has a lot of potential but the overly simplistic discoveries and solutions at the end of the book is really not satisfying. Plus, the way Zara accepts who the stalker really is and how he relates to her are also implausible. I wish that there is a little more depth in this sense and the creepy elements are consistent right to the end, but alas, that didn’t happen.

All in all, despite some of the problems I have with the book, I know I’ll be reading the next chapter since I need to know how the series ends. I believe that those who love paranormal and want to find something to read other than those vampires’ ones will enjoy this book.

Favourite Quote: The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage

Combination of some creepy and some romance elements make this book interesting enough to caught interest of paranormal readers. If you're looking for something quick and light, this book is certainly for you. Though for those who are looking for more substance, there are parts of this book that you may not like.

Winner: $30 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

2010-07-19T20:19:00.000+08:00

There were 92 persons who participate in this giveaway.

And the total entries were close to 300!

But the one lucky winner according to random.org is:

#124 CHELSEA M from Vampire Book Club!

I've emailed the winner and she has 48 hours to reply to my email or else I'll pick a new winner. Thank you everyone for your incredible support =)

The Queen's Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

2010-07-18T01:25:00.005+08:00

Books in this series:
(1) The Thief
(2) The Queen of Attolia
(3) The King of Attolia
(4) A Conspiracy of Kings

Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Source: Borrowed
Format: Paperback except #4
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Enthralling. Captivating. Amazing. These are among the best words that I can use to summarise how I feel towards this fabulous series. The moment I start reading the first book, The Thief, I have a feeling that right then I’m holding something unique, I’m diving into something spectacular and I believe – without any doubt – that these books have the capability to sweep me away. After finishing all four books in a span of less than a week, my earlier prediction turns out to be true. I have unquestionably fallen deeply in love with this series. Written in a simplistic ways with a very comfortable pacing, The Queen's Thief is indeed a series that's full with surprises and I hope that I can deliver this review spoiler free while at the same time showing all of you what is it that I love about this series.

In The Thief, readers are being introduced to the most important character in the entire series – Eugenides or in short, “Gen”. He is young. He is hilarious. He is egocentric. And most crucial of all, he is the thief. He claims that he is genius enough to steal everything but apparently, he is also foolish enough that he brags about his most recent stealing activity at a bar, which leads to his imprisonment in a jail at Sounis. One day, the King’s Magus offers him freedom but in return he has to steal something for him. Here is where everything begins, where Gen and his companions – The Magus, his apprentices, Sophos and Ambiades, and a guard named Pol – start their adventure across three adjacent kingdoms, Sounis, Eddis and Attolia, to retrieve something no one else really believes exists. Narrated by the humorous Gen himself, readers get to see glimpses of his own thoughts and a delicious, detail account of his dazzling journey.

However, one thing that Gen – at all time – manage to keep to himself is the fact that he is actually more than what he lets everyone else sees. How clever this smelly, constantly starving character really is? Pieces by pieces of this intricate puzzle are being revealed rather slowly in the subsequent volumes in the series. It is surprising to me that The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia and A Conspiracy of Kings are no longer being narrated by Gen but from the eyes of two queens, a king and a mere guard. This drastic change is absolute necessary as the pace of the series moves up a notch and the plot thickens and becomes more complicated. Here we can see where Eugenides true power really lies and eventually finds out what other intricate things that this amazing character is able to steal.

While it is clear that I am terribly in love with the main character, Eugenides, the female figures in these books are also ones to be admired. Both queen of Eddis and Attolia portray two very strong-willed ladies with heads of their own. This is something that I think I rarely see in today’s books. The way they handle matters in hands are incredible and creepy at times too. Another aspect that really drew me into these books is the author’s way of establishing romance between Euginedes and his lady. You won’t find any “I love you’s” nor any scenes that clearly indicates that these two are in love. Though what is lack in words are made up through gestures, which ends up thoroughly melt and warm my heart. Little words do speak volume, these books really prove that.

Overall, this series is definitely my best read for this year. I know there are still months till the end of 2010, but these books have set the bar so high that I doubt any other books can beat it. While I cannot reveal what other things that Eugenides successfully steal in this series, I can tell you that in the span of few days, he had snuck into my senses and completely steal my heart.

Favourite Quote: You are treasure beyond any price - Eugenides

A hidden germ that should be praise, should be loved, and should be devoured.. This is definitely a series that gets into your heart and is there to stay. One word of advice is that try not to read any synopsis of the books in this series since they contain some major spoiler that could ruin some shocking surprises for you.

International Contests Waiver #6

2010-07-17T15:39:00.049+08:00

Sequels Contest @ Girls W/out a Bookshelf

This is your very great chance to win some most anticipating sequels that will be published sometime this year. This splendid giveaway is being hosted by the ladies at Girls Without Bookshelf. For further details on this giveaway, just click here. This contest will end on 31st of August.

A Comeback Contest @ Igloo Reviews
I really love a contest in which I get the chance to win any book that I want. And Sarah from Igloo Reviews let us all do just that! For this contest, she lets a winner to choose any book that he/she wants as long as the price doesn't exceed $20! To enter, just go to her site over here. This contest ends on 14th August.

Choose Your Book @ Today &Everyday
Another chance to win a book of your choice but this time, the contest is being by Jeanette from Today & Everyday. There will be one winner and he/she can choose anything as long as it is below $15! Just visit here. Contest ends 14th August also =)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #11

2010-07-12T22:01:00.001+08:00

Another new week! How fast does time flies these days, eh? The previous weekend was really great for me as I got to spend some time with my beloved family and watched the World Cup final together (Oh yeah,we're all into football and support the same team!). While I didn't really manage to read much in the past week, I'm glad that I manage to fight this review-writing-slump I've been having lately. Hopefully this trend will continue and I can write more, and more, and more reviews from now on.

Anyways, the books that I reviewed in the past week were:

(1) Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: Asher is indeed an excellent writer as the simple words he used in Thirteen Reasons Why managed to instill such intricate, multi-layered emotions and let readers feel how is it like to be in Hannah’s shoes. Such a compelling, poignant read that I'd recommend to those who love reading book with such a heavy theme. Thirteen Reasons Why is definitely the kind of book that will stay with you for a very, very long time. It's haunting, I kid you not!

(2) The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: I want to love this book but I cannot really find anything spectacular about it. Though it is still an easy and quick read that should be enjoyed by those who really love the Twilight series. Not a big fan? You won't be missing on anything by skipping this.

Books that I read:
(1) The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
(2) The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

That's all for this week. Don't forget to enter my VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a gift certificate to CSN Stores worth $30. This contest ends on 17th July and opens to he resident of US and Canada.

Until later everyone. Wishing all a very happy week!

The Short 2nd Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

2010-07-11T00:03:00.007+08:00

Title: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: Twilight Companion Novel
Source: Available for free online
Format: E-book
Genre: Speculative fiction - Paranormal

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire. All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is a short novella that chronicles the life of a newborn vampire named Bree Tanner. I believe that the fate that has befallen this minor character in Eclipse has already been known by everyone, though how everything begins is a total mystery – until now. Acting more like a gap-filler, this book explains what happen before the war between this army of young vampires and the Cullens, how they were recruited and what kind of lies that was fed by their leaders to make sure that they follow their commands.

While I liked reading the saga, I found that this book fell a bit flat for me. I know the main focus of this book is on Bree though I believe that Meyer could add more substance by elaborating on the other characters or her relationship with them as well. I truly need more for this book to totally grab my interest. All in all, this book is just OK for me but I’ve no doubt that those who really love the saga will find this book enjoyable as well.

Favourite Quote: I’d never been a fan of fire. This might have been because of some buried childhood memory, or maybe it was more recent. Becoming a vampire was enough fire to last me - Bree

I cannot really find anything spectacular in this book but it is still an easy and quick read that should be enjoyed by those who really love the Twilight series. Not a big fan? You won't be missing on anything by skipping this.

P.S. Have you read this book? If you have, let me know what you think!

On My Wishlist #7

2010-07-10T21:49:00.003+08:00

It has been a long time since my last "On My Wishlist" post. Today, I would like to introduce two books that I've been craving for ever since I saw them featured and reviewed in some other blogs.

The first book I've on my wishlist this week is The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff. I heard that it is a book about fey though the thing that attract me most is its cover (Yes, I've to admit I get *easily* attracted to pretty covers). I think it is somewhat gruesome but attractive all the same. Have a look!

Title: The Replacement
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Series: Not Sure
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy
Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?

I've heard a lot of negative reviews on Angelology by Danielle Trussoni but the good ones written by Pam @ Bookalicio.us and Shweta @ The Book Journal totally grab my interest. Click on the links to go to their reviews.

Title: Angelology

Author: Danielle Trussoni

Series: Not Sure

Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy

Links: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Sister Evangeline was just a girl when her father entrusted her to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in upstate New York. Now, at twenty-three, her discovery of a 1943 letter from the famous philanthropist Abigail Rockefeller to the late mother superior of Saint Rose Convent plunges Evangeline into a secret history that stretches back a thousand years: an ancient conflict between the Society of Angelologists and the monstrously beautiful descendants of angels and humans, the Nephilim.

That's all I've for this week! Do you participate in this meme also? If so, don't forget to leave me your links. Happy weekend everyone!

International Contests Waiver #5

2010-07-10T19:25:00.002+08:00

(1) Big Honkin's Contest @ The Bodacious Pen

A huge, huge, huge giveaway held by Tara at The Bodacious Pen! There are three prizes to be won and tell you what, the books choices are just WAY too yummy. So, don't missed your chance and enter now. Just visit her site over here. Contest ends 26th of July.

(2) Summer Celebration Giveaway @ Pure Imagination

Another great giveaway! One winner takes ALL. Who doesn't love that, right? Books that the winner could win are: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, 13 to Life by Shannon Delany, The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June and Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel. So what are you waiting for? Head to her site over here. Contest ends 6th August!

(3) 50 Followers Contest @ Words on Paper

Your chance to win a book of your choice worth under AUD15! What a great contest, right? If you're interested, just head over to Word on Paper and enter. This contest ends on the 31st of July.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2010-07-08T04:26:00.009+08:00

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

I used to wonder what kind of tragedy that happens in one’s life that eventually leads to suicide. What sort of hardship that the person has to face till he/she thinks this life is not worth living anymore? In Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah Baker tells us her story and in some ways, she did answer part of the questions that I have in mind. Who would have thought that some small, silly actions could cause a snowball effects that ruined a soul and be the ending of someone’s world? In this book, Hannah - in her very own way - explains to us “Why”.

Jay Asher successfully nailed readers’ attention with his frank and concise writing in Thirteen Reasons Why. Despite knowing how the book will end and having this uneasy feeling about the subject matter, I found myself continue to leaf through, trying to dive into Hannah’s world and truly understand how she feels about everything that had transpired. Hannah – to me – is not really a complicated character but the situations harden her. It is very easy for readers to recognise how different her “voice” sounds like as she slowly unravels one thing after another that finally leads to her decision to commit suicide.

Hannah begins as a cheery person, then turns sarcastic, angry and being downright distraught towards the end when she finally believes that no one is there to pull her out of the sinkhole she’s currently in. It is sad to see how “implicitly” she tried to reach out but nobody can really hear her. Can we really blame her for not crying out loud, directly tell people that she needs help? Or is it the others fault that they didn’t take time to really listen to her? These are amongst the many questions that linger in my head after I finished reading this book.

Asher is indeed an excellent writer as the simple words he used in Thirteen Reasons Why managed to instill such intricate, multi-layered emotions and let readers feel how is it like to be in Hannah’s shoes. Kudos Jay Asher!

Memorable Quote: You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything

Such a compelling, poignant read that I'd recommend to those who love reading book with such a heavy theme. Thirteen Reasons Why is definitely the kind of book that will stay with you for a very, very long time. It's haunting, I kid you not!

Cover Re-make Contest: Final Vote!

2010-07-03T11:27:00.000+08:00

I made it to the final round for both contests that I joined! I've never thought that it's possible, but yes I really made it this time. So, I'm going to do a *little* shameless self-promotion here :-S If any of you think I deserve to win any of these contests, I'd truly appreciate your support =) Just click on the title or cover image to go to the voting page!

(1) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver @ Hooked on YA Books

Number for this cover: #1

(2) Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick @ Tynga's Reviews

Number for this cover: #7

Thank you so much for those who vote for me. And on another note, don't forget to enter my CSN Gift Certificate giveaway that will end on 17th July. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and to my American friends, Happy Fourth of July to all of you =)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #10

2010-06-28T19:59:00.002+08:00

Posts have somewhat become "sporadic" on my blog lately and I surely hate the sound of it. I don't like it when other things in life kind of snatch the time away from me, from doing the things that I truly love. Come to think of it, I wonder why someone can't just pay me for just reading and doing things that are more fun?? *lol*

In the past couple of weeks, I've managed to reviewed couple of books:

(1) Unwind by Neal Shusterman: Saying that this book is an “enjoyable” read would definitely be a lie but the messages and knowledge that was cramped into these 352 pages really make everything worthwhile. Written by an author with such a deviant imagination, Unwind is definitely a phenomenal, thought-provoking book that should not be missed. Such an incredible, powerful read that will stay with you for a very long time.

(2) Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy: Enchanting and utterly refreshing, Seers of Light is indeed a must read especially to those who love paranormal romance. I don't think I've come across book such as this one before. Definitely an original.

(3) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare: As an excellent author, Cassandra Clare managed to retain the success of City of Bones into this book and more. Intense. Poweful. Intriguing. Full with complicated love triangle of some sort, endless humour and non-stop action. Definitely the kind of book that will keep any readers from sleeping at night until they reach its very last page. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

(4) Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts: With its beautiful, lyrical prose, Honest Illusions is a meaningful and beautiful book with its own capability to make you laugh, cry and sigh at one time or another. This is the kind of book that will captivate and pull you in before you realise it.

Other than that, I'm also hosting my VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY, courtesy of CSN Stores. So, to whomever who are interested to win $30 CSN Stores gift certificate, all you have to do is filled out the form in this page. The contest will run until 17th July and is open to residents of US and Canada only.

And last but not least, I've also made it through the final round in a cover re-make contest held by Tynga! I made the cover of Crescendo as featured below. So head over to her site and vote for the cover you think deserve to win the contest =)

Number for this cover: #7

So, that's about all that happen in this blog since the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping that I could post and read more in July than I did in this month. Wishing everyone a pleasant start of the week. And thank you for stopping by!

Giveaway: $30 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

2010-06-26T22:43:00.005+08:00

Recently, a representative from CSN stores contact me with this opportunity to do a giveaway on my site. I quickly head over to their stores and now I understand how HUGE they really are. You can get many things, there from lighting to furnitures, pet supplies to office stuffs, so on and so forth! Among all those items that they have in store, the ones that make me drool are these...

Laptop messenger bags!! I've wanted one of these for very long time now as my laptop literally goes wherever I go, so a bag like this one is truly an essential for me. It could fit most 15" laptops and still has room for numerous stuffs like notebooks, mp3 players, cellphone and more. Very useful, right? Be sure to visit their sites and see what else they offer over there.

The Giveaway
One of you - my lucky readers - will have a wonderful opportunity to win a gift certificate worth $30 from CSN Stores. To enter, simply fill out the following form! This giveaway runs until 17th July 2010 and only opens to US and Canada residents only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen! Thank you to CSN Stores for offering me the opportunity to host this giveaway.

p/s: Kindly inform me if any of you run into problem with the following form. Thank you!

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

2010-06-25T03:09:00.005+08:00

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Series: Stand alone
Source: Personal Copy
Format: Paperback
Genre: Science Fiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

What if you live in a period where your parents own the right to “terminate” your life? Period where someone else has a say on what is going to happen to you, your future more than your own self? Period where your life means absolutely nothing just because you’re incompetent, an excess or a tithe chosen at birth? These are the facts that bring three names – Conner, Risa and Lev – together. Their paths cross each others’ because they are “The Unwinds” and they have to fight really hard to remain alive, to remain whole as themselves and not just as “the remaining” of themselves as a part of somebody else. During this time, when humans themselves have become the monsters, how can all these youngsters fight for their own survival?

I rarely read a book that truly horrifies me but it seems like Unwind managed to do just that. Concisely and vividly written, Shusterman creates a world close to our own, completes with realistic, complicated and well-developed characters. It doesn’t take long for one to start feeling for these young kids, understand their suffering, thinking about how those they love and trust can betray them in such unthinkable way. This book definitely horrifies me in a very different aspect since it doesn’t really filled with any gory details about some of these chilling events stated in it. Though the parts that have been left unsaid by the author are the portions that frighten me most since they make my mind wanders, imagining the most daunting things that could possibly be happening to these kids. There is not many books that can give such effect to me and this signify how excellent this book really is.

Unwind is a book that touches numerous critical issues - from abortion to organ transplantation, legal issues to religion aspects – but Shusterman fiddles with these issues with such implicit manners till one might not notice how heavy this book really is until they take time to think deeply about it. Saying that this book is an “enjoyable” read would definitely be a lie but the messages and knowledge that was cramped into these 352 pages really make everything worthwhile. Written by an author with such a deviant imagination, Unwind is definitely a phenomenal, thought-provoking book that should not be missed.

Memorable Quote: I was never going to amount to much anyway... but now, statistically speaking, there's a better chance that some part of me will go on to greatness somewhere in the world. I'd rather be partly great than entirely useless - Samson (One of the Unwinds)

A book about humanity, about morale and about survival when your own life is at stake. Such an incredible, powerful read that will stay with you for a very long time. And definitely a book that will trigger a question in your head and keep you thinking for a long, long time.

Covers Remake Voting

2010-06-18T01:16:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! Whoa, it does feel like I haven't written anything on here for a VERY long time. Recently I joined two cover remake contests and they are open for voting now. So, if you feel I deserve a place for the next round, I'd really appreciate your votes. Click on the titles or cover images to go to the voting page.

(1) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver @ Hooked on YA Books

Number for this cover: #4

(2) Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick @ Tynga's Reviews

Number for this cover: #22

To those who votes for me, first and foremost, I would like to thank you. Hope you guys have a great week and those who are on Summer Holidays, happy holiday to all of you. Cheers!

Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

2010-06-01T23:54:00.001+08:00

Title: Honest Illusions
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: Stand alone
Source: Borrowed from friend
Format: Paperback
Pages: 492 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Overall Rating:

Synopsis (from author's site):

The daughter of a world-renowned magician, Roxy Nouvelle has inherited her father’s talents—and also his skill in an activity that he thought he managed to keep hidden from her. Into this colorful world comes Luke Callahan, an escape artist who captures Roxy’s heart—and keeps secrets that could shatter all her illusions.

First Paragraph: The Lady Vanishes. It was an old illusion, given a modern twist, and never failed to leave the audience gasping. The glittery crowd at Radio City was as eager to be duped as a group of slack jawed at a dog and pony show.

My Review: Life is hard for the 12-year-old Luke Callahan. In his attempt to safe himself from the hell he calls home, he is force to be a runaway, live on the street, earning money through pick pocketing. His life takes an unexpected turn one day when he meets Max Nouvelle, a magician, who breathes life into his world: takes him in, loves him like his own son, teaches him to be his apprentice and eventually shares his hidden secret with him. With Max as his father, Lily as his loving mother and Roxy as a lovely yet snarky sister, Luke feels like he has everything he ever wanted.

As he grows older, the feeling Luke has for Roxy grows stronger, making him feels guilty, as Roxy is practically his sister. However, when Roxy makes her sudden moves, the romance buds immediately. Their happiness doesn’t last forever as the ghosts from Luke’s past creeps into his world again; forcing him to vanish in order to protect the family he comes to love. What would Luke do when he realises that he needs to stand up to claim back what he has missed and wins back the woman he loves? Will Roxy ever forgives Luke for leaving her behind at the time she needs him most? What is the real mystery behind Luke’s disappearance?

Reading through Honest Illusions is like munching a bunch of chocolate that you can’t have enough of. Written in a time progression manner, where the story travels from one period of characters’ lives to another, Honest Illusions is definitely one of the best romance novels I’ve ever read. Fluidly written, the author seems to be a master in weaving the events in the past with what happens in the present, leaving readers with no unanswered questions and complete satisfaction. The strength in this book lies in its beautiful prose, along with interesting, multilayered characters and also the structure of the story itself. Huge part of the Honest Illusions consists of what happen in the past, allowing readers to thoroughly understand what really happen to the main characters, what makes them who they are and why they act in certain ways.

The characters created by Roberts in this book are real and well balanced. Luke, for instance, is a good looking, well-behaved, strong and stubborn character, but at the same time, he is actually an extremely vulnerable person. His past shapes him that way and this can’t be shaken off by simply moves on. Roxy, on the other hand, is a delicate, beautiful and soft character but she also has strong traits in her that keeps her standing when she faces difficult situations. All these make Honest Illusions an extremely delightful read.

A story about true love between lovers, true love among family members and about trust and acceptance, Honest Illusions is indeed a kind of book that must be read by those who enjoy contemporary romance. I enjoyed it great and is definitely one of the books that I’ll re-read in the future.

Final Verdict: With its beautiful, lyrical prose, Honest Illusions is a meaningful and beautiful book with its own capability to make you laugh, cry and sigh at one time or another. This is the kind of book that will captivate and pull you in before you realise it.

Memorable Quote: He [Luke] makes me remember not to forget. If you forget all the pain, the loneliness, the despair, you forget to be grateful for the lack of it - Maximillian "Max" Nouvelle

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2010-05-28T14:35:00.000+08:00

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: Mortal Instruments #2
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardback
Pages: 453 Pages
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy/Paranormal
Overall Rating:

Synopsis (from Amazon):

The Shadowhunters are battling a world of demons that few people can see. Guided by the laws of the Clave, these hunters balance fighting with the other more mundane aspects of life—love, betrayal, and confusion. Jace, the fiercest teenage Shadowhunter, seems determined to make everyone around him angry, and is looked upon with suspicion because someone of his own blood is out to rule the world. Meanwhile, love triangles abound, vampires are reborn, and general teenage angst blossoms among a group of friends and siblings. Set in an alternative present-day Manhattan, the story comes complete with Britney Spears references and even, ironically, refers to the scientific CSI.

First Paragraph: "Are you still mad?" Alec, leaning against the wall of the elevator, glared across the small space at Jace. "I'm not mad". "Oh, yes you are". Jace gestured accusingly at his stepbrother, then yelped as pain shot up his arm.

My Review: The sacred Soul Sword, Maellartch, is now in the hands of Valentine. With one act of horrific sacrificial ceremony, Valentine will have a complete control over the whole demons in the world. Realising that this will push Valentine one step closer to his goal in “purifying” the world from the Downworlders, Jace and his friends are set on a quest to stop further disastrous events from happening. However, Clave – the ruling organisation of Shadowhunters – has their own doubt. The Inquisitor is being sent, Jace is being investigated, making things a lot harder than it already is. As the clock continues ticking, new plan needs to be devised in order to stop the agenda planned by Valentine, with or without the support from the Clave. Could they make this happen?

An excellent and exhilarating read; Clare has indeed successful on her own quest to captivate readers’ interest and evading the much dreaded sophomore slump with City of Ashes. The author skilfully starts the book by reintroducing readers to some major characters in the previous instalment while at the same time, spilling some beans and hints that spark readers’ curiosity on the things that are more to come. Her ingenious, fluid writing gives Clare some powers to manoeuvre readers’ moods: making them feels the chemistry and the tension between Clary and Jace, letting them experience the grim feeling of the prison at the Silent City and force them to live through the heart pounding action when team fights off Valentine’s armies. Those 453 pages will flow too fast before you even realising it!

Fantastic characters have always been the drive force for this book, as well as its predecessor. The development of certain characters, especially those who sit at the sideline in City of Bones is fantastic. Among the whole characters, the drastic change that happen to Simon is the one that will surprise readers most but this is indeed a great way to bring forth his character and at the same time making him looks more important in this book rather than the previous one. However, the predictability of the villain, Valentine, is rather puzzling since bad people are not supposed to be too predictable, but that seems to be one of Valentine’s traits. Hope that the trend won’t continue into the next book in the series. Very entertaining!

Final Verdict: As an excellent author, Cassandra Clare managed to retain the success of City of Bones into this book and more. Intense. Poweful. Intriguing. Full with complicated love triangle of some sort, endless humour and non-stop action. Definitely the kind of book that will keep any readers from sleeping at night until they reach its very last page. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

Memorable Quote: You know how the bonds of family are, my lady... They cling as tightly as vines. And sometimes, like vines, they cling tight enough to kill - Jace

International Contests Waiver #4

2010-05-28T11:42:00.004+08:00

(1) Massive Birthday Extravaganza @ I Should be Writing

A huge giveaway held by Valerie at I Should be Writing! There will be two prizes for readers and writers and the book that excites me most is definitely "Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver. Head over to her site for further details. Contest ends 10th of June.

(2) Win an E-Reader @ Bibliophilic Book Blog

Here we go again! Another chance for you to win an e-reader of your choice or $100 Amazon gift card. Nothing can get even better than that, don't you think? Head over to Monica's site and enter this fantastic giveaway. And I'd really appreciate it if you tell her that I sent you there ;) We can both get some extra entries! Contest ends 15th July.

(3) 500 Followers Contest @ Shut Up! I'm Reading

This giveaway is open to both States and International readers. Those from States stand a chance to win some awesome selection of books while international readers get to choose a book of your choice worth $15. What are you waiting for? Just visit here to enter. Contest ends 30th June.

(4) 50 Followers Contest @Mel's Books and Info

Here is your chance to win one of these fantastic books: Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev, Infinity by Sherillyn Kenyon or The Tension of the Opposite by Kristina McBride. Just head to Mel's Books and Info and fill up the details. This contest will run until 4th of June. Good luck!

Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy

2010-05-14T23:16:00.007+08:00

Title: Seers of Light
Author: Jennifer DeLucy
Series: Light Series #1
Source: from Omnific Publishing
Format: Paperback
Genre: Speculative - Paranormal Romance

Synopsis (from book cover):
Lilian Hunt has never truly lived. Always sensing more to the world than is easily perceived, she fears that her instincts are stubborn flights of fancy, or worse, mental instability. But some things—disappearing strangers, tangible dreams, and visits from malevolent creatures—cannot be ignored. Before it's too late, Lillian is ripped from the only existence she’s ever known and thrust into a reality that she always suspected, but could scarcely believe. She must learn the truth about who she is, the powerful beings that wish to destroy her, and the two men who would die to protect her.

Being different is something that Lillian Hunt has gotten used to for her entire life. Growing up in the hands of her grandparents after her mother left and her father passed away, Lily often finds herself having trouble fitting in and socializing with those of her own age. However, when her dreams start becoming too real and she sees and hears things that are not really there, she begins to worry that she has indeed growing insane.

Everything changes when she suddenly encounters a danger during a walk in the wood and is saved by a young man, Christian, who later tells her that she is more than she leads herself to believe. She is then trusted into a world she never knows exist, world that previously belongs to her mother, the world where Sentients – gifted humans with special talents – exist to control the supernatural beings and help keeping the balance in the world. As Lily is apart of this Sentient’s world, she also has her own power that she must learn to control and use at certain circumstances. What sort of endowment that Lily possessed and how does the new community of Sentients that takes her in helps her to learn the power that she only now finds out she has all along?

Debut author, Jennifer DeLucy, has successfully created a very interesting, intense and well thought-out world that is similar to our own though filled with supernatural beings and humans with supernatural abilities. Seers of Light is indeed an intensifying read that takes me by surprise and completely blows my mind away. It starts off rather slow at first but the story builds up quickly after the background has been established. Another aspect of Seers of Light that startles me is the fact that it is dialogue-driven, which is something I’m not completely used to before. It is distracting at first but nonetheless; it tremendously helps in picturing the development and chemistry between characters a lot better.

Another interesting part of Seers of Light is its characters. There are quite a lot of them in this book and it is surprising to see that each and every one of them is multidimensional and has their own important, distinct and unique roles. Among them all, I feel that the most important characters are: (1) Lily – a likeable and practical character that knows what she wants and is able to handle any hardship that happens in her life, (2) Christian – the “Combatant” that rescued Lily in the wood is a very emotional character but there are reasons as to why he behaves that way and (3) William – a mysterious, attractive and interesting character that feels like he has no where in the world that he could fit in. It is very interesting to see the development of these three characters and the connection between them as the story goes on.

DeLucy has indeed created a novel that rich with terrifying mystery and astounding storyline, weaves with delicious, intricate romance. The ending of this book gives closure to readers while at the same time, opens the door to possible sequel, which I hope will be released in near future. All I can say about this novel is: I.Need.More!

Favourite Quote: Taking a step forward, I stood in the light, tilted my head back and closed my eyes. It held my face and wrapped its arms around my shoulders, and for the very first time, I let hope in – Lily Hunt

Enchanting and utterly refreshing, Seers of Light is indeed a must read especially to those who love paranormal romance. I don't think I've come across book such as this one before. Definitely an original read that I highly recommended!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #9

2010-05-10T10:35:00.000+08:00

This is a weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. The main purpose of this meme is to discuss what we've been reading in the past week as well as those that will be read within this week. Do click on the image above to participate and join the fun!

Wow! It has been ages since the last time I did my Monday post and I surely missed it. Life, in general, has been way too busy the past couple of weeks and now I'm determine to start joining this weekly event once again. Since yesterday was Mother's Day, I hope it isn't too late for me to wish all mothers out there Happy Mother's Day!

Books that I've reviewed recently:

(1) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: Brace yourself as you embark this journey and getting immerse in the world created by Clare, where you can find troll living in an apartment complex and vampires riding motorcycles that could fly. And hold on tighter as you reach the OMG moment close to the end of the book ;) Highly addictive and highly enticing making this book a highly recommended read!

(2) The Choice by Nicholas Sparks: Another simple, heart-warming and bittersweet book by Sparks. I didn’t really enjoy this book much because I think the pattern of this book is too similar from his other writing. However, I believe that those who haven’t taste any or some other better books by Sparks will still be enthralled by this story.

(3) Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine: Highly enjoyable books that I recommend to those who love paranormal books. The series combine suspenseful moments, edgy mysteries, juicy romance and light, funny banters that keep readers wanting more.

(4) Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott: This delicate writing and story telling by Elizabeth Scott is a moving and gripping read that has an ability to touch the hearts of those who love reading about human's emotions and how ones thrive under unexpected circumstances. Highly recommended to everyone.

(5) Tithe by Holly Black: Not something I would recommend unless you’re up to something really dark and not the kind who squirm when reading foul languages. And since I didn't really enjoy this book all that much, I'm interested to know what you think of it if you've read it.

Books read last week (Links to Goodreads):

(1) Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine: Book #8 of the Morganville Vampires series! I enjoyed it =)

(2) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Re-reading this as I wasn't entirely happy about it the first time I read it. Glad that I gave this another chance because I ended up loving it.

Plan to read this week (Links to Goodreads):
(1) Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy
(2) The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Hoping this week to turn up great for everyone!
Until later, have a pleasant start of the week =)

The Bibliophile's Journal

Friday's Finest: The Stand

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Friday's Finest: A Monster Calls

The Summoner by Layton Green

Friday's Finest: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

Winners: The Light Series & Eyes Like Stars

Cover Reveal: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

Cover Fragment: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

Giveaway: Win The Light Series by Jennifer DeLucy

Guest Post: Jennifer DeLucy, Author of the Light Series

Winner: Two Books by JL Bryan

Human Blend by Lori Pescatore

2011 Reading Challenges

Giveaway: Win Two Books by JL Bryan

Guest Post: JL Bryan, Author of The Haunted E-Book

The Haunted E-Book by JL Bryan

Interview: JL Bryan, Author of The Haunted E-Book

The Haunted E-Book Week

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Books Read in 2010

Goodbye 2010, Welcome 2011

Free eBook: Random Acts of Senseless Kindness

Happy Holiday + Light Series Winner!

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

2010 Reading Challenges Update

Giveaway: Win Light Series by Jennifer DeLucy

Interview: Jennifer DeLucy, Author of Light Series

Whisper of Light by Jennifer DeLucy

Winners: Gratitude Giveaway!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

"No Hope for Gomez" Birthday Party

Gratitude Giveaway

Winner: Jenny Pox Giveaway

International Contests Waiver: November

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Giveaway: Jenny Pox by JL Bryan

Guest Post: JL Bryan, author of Jenny Pox

Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan

I Was Tagged! *le gasp*

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Contact Me

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

On My Wishlist #10

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

On My Wishlist #9

Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

On My Wishlist #8

Blog Award: Versatile Blogger

Looking for Alaska by John Green

International Contests Waiver: August

Need by Carrie Jones

Winner: $30 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

The Queen's Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

International Contests Waiver #6

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #11

The Short 2nd Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

On My Wishlist #7

International Contests Waiver #5

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Cover Re-make Contest: Final Vote!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #10

Giveaway: $30 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Covers Remake Voting

Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

International Contests Waiver #4

Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #9

I Was Tagged! le gasp