Continue reading „Book Review : Hollow City by Ransom Riggs“
This is the book of @wethebookdragons for the month of October and I really want to join the readalong because I love horror/scary stories. My highschool term paper was about ghost hunting and I was collecting True Philippine Ghost Stories books when I was in college. Horror asian films are my favorites and some of them are Shutter, Ju-On, One Missed Call, and The Ring. I also love American Horror Story.
I didn’t know what to expect because it was the first book I’ve read from Katie Alender. All i know is that the cover and title are both creepy and intriguing. I’m happy that I ended up liking this book even though I expected it to be much creepier/scarier.
Continue reading „Book Review : The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender“
This is the fifth book in the Miss Marple series and my second read from Agatha Christie. I totally enjoyed And Then There Were None (ATTWN) so I’ve decided to read more of Christie’s novels and luckily, three of my favorite bookstagramers are hosting #QueenofCrimeReadalong, an Agatha Christie-themed readalong.
„A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks, at 6:30 p.m. Friends accept this, the only intimation.“
Just like the residents of Chipping Cleghorn, I bet you’ll also get nosy once you’ve read this announcement. You will also think that this must be a „murder game“.
Continue reading „Book Review : A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie“
After reading two fantasy books in a row, I’ve decided to get some light contemporary book and I picked up The Last Summer Of Us. The story starts with the funeral of Limpet’s mother and I was like „Okay? Should I continue reading this or not?“. And I guess the answer is obvious.
Limpet, Steffan and Jared. Three best friends crammed into a clapped-out rust bucket of a car on a whirlwind road trip to forget their troubles and see out the end of the summer. But no matter how far they drive, they can’t escape the hidden secrets and slow-burning romance that could upset the balance of their friendship – perhaps forever.
Limpet (a nickname), Steffan and Jared are best friends and each of them are dealing with their own family problems. So when the idea of a road trip came up, they’ve packed their things and jump in Steffan’s car. The journey brought up some important revelations that made this trip (and summer) their last.
I am glad that this book was written on Limpet’s POV because it’s interesting to know how she sees her two best friends and how she feels being always the middle person. Jared and Steffan have their own unique personalities but together, they make me want to become a part of their friendship. I adore the relationship of the three. How they are supporting each other even they have their own problems. Sure they have their flaws but these made them more relatable.
Continue reading „Book Review : The Last Summer Of Us by Maggie Harcourt“
I bought this book because of its cover. Can you blame me? I love the style of the unknown woman’s dress (or whatever it is) and the ink on her arm. Plus the simple font style of the title. The cover is stunning.
I seriously had no idea that this is a fairy tale re-telling of Beauty and the Beast until I saw some fan arts on Tumblr. This is also the first Sarah J. Maas book that I’ve read and I am now a fan of her. No wonder why a lot of readers love this book and the Throne of Glass series.
Feyre is a Huntress.
She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price…
Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy’s kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor’s body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked – but his piercing stare draws her ever closer. As Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she’s been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadows grows.
Feyre must find a way to break a spell, or lose her heart forever.
Feyre is a very strong protagonist. I admire her determination and love for her family. She will do anything just to keep her loved ones safe even if it means sacrificing her own life. She is a huntress and a painter. Wow! Tamlin is Feyre’s love interest. At first, I wasn’t sure with him but it changed. He is sweet, passionate and incredibly hot. Together with Lucien and his great sense of humour, the three of them make a great team. Now let’s talk about Rhysand. I admit that I also like him. There is something intriguing with his personality that makes me want to know him more. Amarantha is the female version of Lord Voldemort. Enough said. I adore all the characters in this book and how they’ve developed throughout the story.
The story is captivating. It is well-written, and gripping. I can’t imagine how Ms. Maas does it. This book will get your attention and will bring you to Phrytian together with Feyre and the other characters. The story of Beauty and the Beast is familiar to most of us but Ms. Maas made her recreation more interesting by adding mystical creatures and unexpected twists. I also love the world-building in this book.
At first, I thought;„What would be the second book all about? It seems like everything turned out good.“ But then there was a scene towards the end that convinced me that a second book is indeed a must. I don’t want to be specific with this one because I might spoil you. I just know that this is a part of a trilogy when I finished reading the book. It’s actually written at the back under the synopsis. Now I have to wait until next year for the sequel.
It is so hard to write a long review of this book without giving spoilers. So better grab a copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses before I say some things that will spoil you. You will not regret it!
Series : A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Edition : Paperback (416 pages)
Publisher : Bloomsbury Children’s (May 5th 2015)
Genre : Fantasy, Young Adult, Retelling
Date Read : September 2015
Series : The Selection #1
Edition : Paperback (327 pages)
Publisher : Harper Teen (March 2013)
First Published : January 2012
Genre : Young Adult, Fiction, Dystopia
Source : Hugendubel Buchhandlung
Date Read : August 2015
Check this on Goodreads
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
My Thoughts
This was a read-along with my reading buddy Joyce for the month of July.
America Singer has no intention in joining The Selection, a contest where 35 girls from different parts of the country compete with each other to win the heart of Prince Maxon and become the princess of Illea. After being „forced“ by her loved ones, she finally joined and was selected together with the other 34 girls.
The book’s cover made me buy it. I had no idea what this book is all about and I thought this is like an „American Idol“ kind of story but it’s not. Maybe because America’s last name is Singer and she sings. The Selection is more like „The Bachelor“. I personally don’t like the idea of the competition (The Bachelor) so I was a little unsure of my feelings towards the story but I’m glad that I still ended up enjoying it.
Continue reading „Book Review : The Selection by Kiera Cass“
Series : The Lunar Chronicles #2
Edition : Paperback (454 pages)
Publisher : Square Fish (February 2014)
First Published : January 2013
Genre : Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia, Fiction
Source : Amazon.de
Date Read : August 2015
Check this on Goodreads
Cinder is back and trying to break out of prison–even though she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive if she does–in this second installment from Marissa Meyer.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana.
My Thoughts
At first, I thought that this book will focus with the new characters and will only include some parts of Cinder’s story. I was wrong.
The sequel of Cinder, Scarlet is a modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. It introduces us to Scarlet Benoit who is living in a small town in France. Her grandmother is missing and Scarlet don’t have any idea what, how or why it happened. She meet a mysterious street fighter named Wolf and teams up with him to find her grandmother. Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder is trying to break out of the prison when she accidentally meet another prisoner named Carswell Thorne. Both Scarlet and Cinder have their own mission and questions that need some answers.
I preferred this sequel to the first book becasue this has so much exciting things going on, the plot twists are quite unexpected and there are additional interesting characters.
Scarlet is determined, a bit naive but also a badass like Cinder. For me, Cinder is more mature than Scarlet because she went through a lot of things in her life. I can say that I like Cinder more than her. Wolf is a strong and silent type which made me like him. He is a bit complex and I hated him once but it changed quickly. Me and Joyce are currently fangirling over him. Thorne, or should I say Captain Thorne, is the complete opposite of Wolf. He’s cute, funny and hilarious. I like the chemistry between him and Cinder and their conversations are fun to read. Iko is back and even though we don’t see (or hear) much of her sassiness, it still made me feel happy. I almost forgot Kai. In my review of Cinder, I’ve mentioned that I wasn’t sure with how I feel about him. In this book, we get to know him better. I can say that he is a great leader and loyal person and I totally disagree with his final decision. I think romance is not the major thing on the story but I’m still rooting for Cinder and Kai.
Edition : Masterpiece Edition, Paperback (317 pages)
Publisher : Harper Collins (March 2013)
First Published : November 1939
Genre : Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Classic, Fiction
Source : Hugendubel Buchhandlung
Date Read : August 2015
Check this on Goodreads
First, there were ten – a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal – and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion.
My Thoughts
Ten strangers were invited to visit Soldier Island in Devon. Later that night, a recorded message was played saying that each of them are responsible for a crime. One by one, the ten strangers begin to die. The question is, „Who is the murderer?“
I’m so glad to finally read an Agatha Christie book. I chose „And Then There Were None“ after searching for Christie’s best-selling novel.
This book is brilliant!
Continue reading „Book Review : And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie“
Series : The Lunar Chronicles #1
Edition : Paperback (387 pages)
Publisher : Square Fish (January 2013)
Genre : Young Adult, Fantasy, SciFi, Retellings
Source : Amazon.de
Date Read : June 2015
Check this on Goodreads
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
My Thoughts
A fairytale retelling story set in a scifi/dystopia world with a female cyborg as the main character. Unique and interesting storyline plus incredible writing style. The worldbuilding in this book is astonishing and I can’t wait to learn more about the other people and their continents.
Cinder is a very likable character. I like that she’s tough, independent and a little sarcastic. I love her relationship with her sweet step-sister Peony and her hilarious best android-friend Iko. The characters feel so real especially Queen Levana. She’s a great villain and she gave me goosebumps. I’m not really that sure with Prince Kai so I hope I’ll know him more on the next book.
Continue reading „Book Review : Cinder and Glitches by Marissa Meyer“
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.
With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.
This was a great and refreshing read. I like that the dialogues are so natural and the characters are relatable. The scenes are also hilarious. Continue reading „Book Review : Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli“