tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14030180101270071952023-12-11T16:13:49.088+08:00TBB ▲Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.comBlogger679125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-70547711452179056952018-12-05T20:14:00.002+08:002018-12-05T20:14:39.719+08:00WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: THE ASIAN AUTHORS ROCK EDITION.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><b><i>Jill of Breaking the Spine</i></b></a> that highlights our much anticipated books.</div>
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<b> DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE BY JOAN HE</b><br />
<b>Expected Publication Date:</b> April 2nd 2019 by Albert Whitman Company <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36430989-descendant-of-the-crane">Add to Goodreads</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Tyrants cut out hearts. Rulers sacrifice their own<br />
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Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, but when her beloved father is murdered, she’s thrust into power, suddenly the queen of an unstable kingdom. Determined to find her father’s killer, Hesina does something desperate: she engages the aid of a soothsayer—a treasonous act, punishable by death... because in Yan, magic was outlawed centuries ago.<br />
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Using the information illicitly provided by the sooth, and uncertain if she can trust even her family, Hesina turns to Akira—a brilliant and alluring investigator who’s also a convicted criminal with secrets of his own. With the future of her kingdom at stake, can Hesina find justice for her father? Or will the cost be too high?<br />
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In this shimmering Chinese-inspired fantasy, debut author Joan He introduces a determined and vulnerable young heroine struggling to do right in a world brimming with deception.</blockquote>
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<b>SPIN THE DAWN BY ELIZABETH LIM</b><br />
<b>Expected Publication Date:</b> July 30th 2019 by Knopf <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36683928-spin-the-dawn">Add to Goodreads</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.<br />
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Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.<br />
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Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.<br />
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And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.<br />
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Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.</blockquote>
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The illustrations in both covers are just stunning! As a newbie artist, I have a new eye in appreciating art like these two and I must say that they are --- WOWZAAAAAH! The palette, the intricate details and symbolism are just so well done I can imagine petting the cover in person with so much love for both of them.<br />
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I miss championing not only debut authors but Asian authors as well! I am just so damn proud that more and more Asian /and diverse/ books are being published and it is absolutely time to shine! I cannot ever word it correctly - the importance of representation - that seeing these books I know would matter to me /and a lot of people/ hit shelves soon just give me so much pride and joy!<br />
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And of course, the synopsis of both books! I can only ever hope that both books would deliver because THERE'S SO MUCH POTENTIAL IN THESE AND MY HEART WON'T BE ABLE TO HANDLE DISAPPOINTMENTS HUHUHU - but really, I am just excited to read them and drown in all the goodness of it all!<br />
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2019 is surely gonna rock YA!<br />
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<b>What title/s did you pick this week?</b></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhOzBUlk83yehg0tTfHs-1ts1Ne4kyTVuXPKXnASxPqOQ2R7R13Oturh7yj7N8R_LdcHu9ZjVmawIWbnxCG9G-gOl8PfhyphenhyphenGxS6esWeSZQLSOIa5xHMrBrAQrkSgKZv3zGx7iNwg_oOcA/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhOzBUlk83yehg0tTfHs-1ts1Ne4kyTVuXPKXnASxPqOQ2R7R13Oturh7yj7N8R_LdcHu9ZjVmawIWbnxCG9G-gOl8PfhyphenhyphenGxS6esWeSZQLSOIa5xHMrBrAQrkSgKZv3zGx7iNwg_oOcA/s320/RG-kate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-41130834199031837242018-11-14T22:21:00.001+08:002018-11-14T22:21:47.521+08:00REVIEW: STORM SIREN BY MARY WEBER.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNTB2t0ZmIyHOHmnTYqFjT2cg-QB_WeUmXXhS48b_CyBhY3P6c2yVmWCsgppnbhTdKO7v8oPA0mLvYng8D0BLGQAq07_p6ROj4a687RnadREMCHmP-rB9xTB1IS5sKbNd-ZHXjypOUm4/s1600/18806259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNTB2t0ZmIyHOHmnTYqFjT2cg-QB_WeUmXXhS48b_CyBhY3P6c2yVmWCsgppnbhTdKO7v8oPA0mLvYng8D0BLGQAq07_p6ROj4a687RnadREMCHmP-rB9xTB1IS5sKbNd-ZHXjypOUm4/s1600/18806259.jpg" data-original-width="312" data-original-height="475" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Storm Siren<br />
<b>Author:</b> Mary Weber<br />
<b>Series:</b> Storm Siren #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Hardbound<br />
<b>Publication:</b> August 19th 2014 by Thomas Nelson<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from Fullybooked<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 333<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Fantasy, Romance<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.<br />
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As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.<br />
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Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.<br />
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Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.<br />
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But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?<br />
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Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401690343/">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storm-siren-mary-weber/1117260740">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Storm-Siren-Mary-Weber/9781401690342">Book Depository</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><br />
Was just so tempted to DNF at around 100 pages due to lack of events. There was literally nothing going on until about 200 pages in. World building was lacking, too. I appreciate the map but then that's it? What I don't understand as well is that Nym was a slave with <i>Storm</i>'s power (sounds so intriguing) but the story didn't elaborate her history as a slave and as an Elemental. She was full of loathing and guilt for things she clearly didn't intend to do and then no backups in the story or anything. It was so focused on developing a very awkward romance between Nym and her trainer, Eogan. The enemy was attacking them already but Nym and Eogan was just non-stop bickering but still throwing hints that they have a thing for each other. I understand that the pressure of suddenly being the hero (by saving their kingdom from a war that I have no clue how started) is hard for her to accept but she could have focused on her training and used the opportunity to control her powers. But nah, she was just furious and jealous all the time. Plus, Eogan is a little manipulative, like whenever Nym is trying to explain herself, he would always flip the table and make Nym believe it's her fault. Like, wtaf.<br />
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I don't have anything good to say because for me, the story line is impressive but the execution failed. I had high hopes for this but meh. I don't recommend. Better try reading something else and save time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e4TfyUMX-v-R4urvqCSjC0I2RLDs80k92OBNpDhkJdq9UNomU3Xplm0J5McklH0rD0lKUlhetJLizn5xmb8HIsJdGzTnEo7RNeSLnF4_2Lwty5G3rcHsTBXMvsol_EQihuWSdcmlY40/s1600/RG-1S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e4TfyUMX-v-R4urvqCSjC0I2RLDs80k92OBNpDhkJdq9UNomU3Xplm0J5McklH0rD0lKUlhetJLizn5xmb8HIsJdGzTnEo7RNeSLnF4_2Lwty5G3rcHsTBXMvsol_EQihuWSdcmlY40/s320/RG-1S.png" width="320" height="64" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"I think some have to fight harder to choose good over evil because the evil's got it out for them. And maybe it's because those're the ones evil knows will become the strongest warriors, recognizing true wickedness when it rears its head."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-77941511885099832222018-11-14T00:27:00.001+08:002018-11-14T00:27:54.742+08:00REVIEW: KINGDOM OF ASH BY SARAH MAAS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4lUYNgBEqxycKG7TXMaM3IIrEkzWKGbmp53IKxvxlgea7Ct8rk6fc7JZR5kmIfdHU8mbVp8k7C7NrXkRREkH0LMWWYV5ACbE_D_eMm9haqskayEWIPyDO4tRbQF2UDuHwEeNjIBT0JA/s1600/33590260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4lUYNgBEqxycKG7TXMaM3IIrEkzWKGbmp53IKxvxlgea7Ct8rk6fc7JZR5kmIfdHU8mbVp8k7C7NrXkRREkH0LMWWYV5ACbE_D_eMm9haqskayEWIPyDO4tRbQF2UDuHwEeNjIBT0JA/s1600/33590260.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Kingdom of Ash<br />
<b>Author:</b> Sarah J. Maas<br />
<b>Series:</b> Throne of Glass #7<br />
<b>Edition:</b> First Edition, Hardbound<br />
<b>Publication:</b> October 23rd 2018 by Bloomsbury YA<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from Fullybooked<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 992<br />
<b>Genre:</b> High Fantasy, Romance<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .<br />
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Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…<br />
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With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.<br />
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And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.<br />
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As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Throne-Glass-Sarah-Maas/dp/1619636107">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-ash-sarah-j-maas/1128476774">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Kingdom-Ash-Sarah-J-Maas/9781408872918">Book Depository</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><br />
This is my first review in forever so I am not really sure how to go about this but just express how I felt overall. Without going too much in to it to avoid spoilers.<br />
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We've all waited so long for this finale and I did savor each page of this beast - yes, up til the acknowledgements ("to whatever end" was literally the motivation haha). But to be absolutely honest, it felt like it dragged until about halfway through the book. There's a chunk of it that felt unneeded, it would eventually convey how it all ends but I am not complaining. I mean, I finished it. I just wish it clocked at around 500 pages so I could totally say I loved it so damn much and not just I liked it because it saddens me.<br />
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Aelin also felt like a stranger to me in KoA. Maybe because of the torture she endured and her "borrowed time" reality. There's so much lacking and at the same time so much growth in her character it made me rediscover what I loved and hated about her. <br />
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And then there's Manon. Damn, gurl. Why did SJM leave me hanging like that? There should be a separate book about this character and I am praying that she would be given enough time to feel things and heal. Damn, damn, damn.<br />
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KoA though is still the perfect ending to a series that saved me from despair over and over again. I am sad that this is the end for my Celaena (she will always, always be Celaena to me) but also happy they wouldn't suffer anymore.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e_bhQR1N3n7NydmIdq6porjce84XKrgQeZzlnUedbnOJPYJsDloG3MABBw_Ow893JxB5cUr4bjDqOQPsV01FdS9h_80-rcuj33mgYVYoogcW0WwZeYDvlhZIoWRYax81o_V0M0DWgmg/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e_bhQR1N3n7NydmIdq6porjce84XKrgQeZzlnUedbnOJPYJsDloG3MABBw_Ow893JxB5cUr4bjDqOQPsV01FdS9h_80-rcuj33mgYVYoogcW0WwZeYDvlhZIoWRYax81o_V0M0DWgmg/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My reviews:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2013/05/TheAssassinandthePirateLord.html">The Assassin and the Pirate Lord</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2013/09/ToGDesert.html">The Assassin and the Desert</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2012/11/ThroneOfGlassReview.html">Throne of Glass</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2013/08/CoM.html">Crown of Midnight</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2014/09/Rowan.html">Heir of Fire</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2015/10/Rowaniseverything.html">Queen of Shadows</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2016/09/EoS.html">Empire of Storms</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebookaholicblurbs.blogspot.com/2017/09/TowerofDawn.html">Tower of Dawn</a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sHfY5arsTHHg8ttGw4ZIAPvirEDxC2_KkmJ0pydP_ac3wj6JxlPyNrf_ThbWgY_j6ZUs5VVPi7Gj-J7lBq1rwIOC62p52QCyGo9KNxObztQBrK_rgwy5dAGA0cJi0BiJA8Rh9NJ2no/s1600/RG-4S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sHfY5arsTHHg8ttGw4ZIAPvirEDxC2_KkmJ0pydP_ac3wj6JxlPyNrf_ThbWgY_j6ZUs5VVPi7Gj-J7lBq1rwIOC62p52QCyGo9KNxObztQBrK_rgwy5dAGA0cJi0BiJA8Rh9NJ2no/s320/RG-4S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Let's make this a fight worthy of a song."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-26233854024148898432018-11-13T15:13:00.000+08:002018-11-14T16:16:53.716+08:00HELLO, WORLD.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld7ZKJZV-MyeTssnHJGjFutP9zsSDzqWJR2Ql9Xqd-OqoWipnf0zBSR-q5oyX66l-JG7JW7fG0iAYK-Ns0OvIo5sOnFM6R1kHD5PL-CzdM1wiMcl45KTUnLbVL_ISvTZtDlzrbaOXp1w/s1600/IMG_3195.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld7ZKJZV-MyeTssnHJGjFutP9zsSDzqWJR2Ql9Xqd-OqoWipnf0zBSR-q5oyX66l-JG7JW7fG0iAYK-Ns0OvIo5sOnFM6R1kHD5PL-CzdM1wiMcl45KTUnLbVL_ISvTZtDlzrbaOXp1w/s640/IMG_3195.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So.. hi! I'm alive! *waves* hehehehe been meaning to write something up to kinda explain the sudden blogging break but this damn thing called <i>burnout</i> just wouldn't leave me alone so it got delayed. Why am I here now though? This past weekend, something sad came up and everything just suddenly made sense to me. More like a blessing in disguise kinda thing. I won't go through the specifics but life has been a whirlwind of struggles since the last time I posted (May). It's still hard as of writing but more manageable now. That's basically the only *initial* reason for the blogging break. Focusing on my mental health and health in general was the goal. But a few months ago, during I think my first month of unannounced break, I found out that one of the publishers I worked with since 2013 dropped me off their mailing list just because I was on a break not even that long yet and that was the last straw for me. I know I don't have the right to complain or anything but it was so devastating to me. It added another blow to the already aching heart. I deleted my old Twitter (I got it back just earlier today thankful that no one grabbed my old handle), deleted my bookstagram account (which was stuck with the same number of followers for years), sold half of my book collection and didn't renew my domain host subscription anymore. I was so freaking tempted to delete this blog, too but thankfully, blogger friends talked me out of it. I mean, everything was so chaotic in my personal life that handling a full-blown rejection from someone you worked with for the longest time, I couldn't. I could not deal with it. The anger, frustration and pain were just so extreme it felt like something is going to literally explode inside me. So I stepped away from the things that trigger the stress - blogging and reading.<br />
<br />
Going back to the things that made sense to me last weekend.. I realized that I was so freaking focused on superficial things I see on social media. In short, social media negatively affected me. I didn't realize that I was becoming someone else, I was becoming greedy and envious. I was turning into someone I know I'd hate. All this just to fit in a society where validation is flying around. I know it shouldn't have that control over me but it did. So I took a break, reassessed, and learned.<br />
<br />
Also, Kingdom of Ash kinda saved me, too. I just finished reading it two days ago and it was the first book in 7 months that I finished. It made me feel things. It made me feel normal in a way -- it made me remember how I felt when I was starting to review books. <i>No pressure, just all fun.</i> I reviewed it on Goodreads and it felt so good! And I never felt more freer. This is how it should be, right? You read what you want to read, at your own pacing. Stop when you need a break. I will be forever grateful to all the publishers I worked with but this time, I am just going to focus on me.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who emailed and sent DMs before asking how I was. Thank you for sticking with me. Thank you for reading and for being here.<br />
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I'll be here once more, taking it one step at a time. No pressure, just all fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiAib_zt0LumBFMvy8p_qhuVuDsDqTsFE-LiImtxmATkdHd2QqHSw6OgTi8Fo91qTxUp8mtFOo30mNk6OqbWvvfAMAb9y5QUGiiyI073DG7pVYLoWBoPi77x7Kj9Cy9QnJlx__H7DnQU/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiAib_zt0LumBFMvy8p_qhuVuDsDqTsFE-LiImtxmATkdHd2QqHSw6OgTi8Fo91qTxUp8mtFOo30mNk6OqbWvvfAMAb9y5QUGiiyI073DG7pVYLoWBoPi77x7Kj9Cy9QnJlx__H7DnQU/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIcvjXb7B6nSEYTGd6dXdmOwAmfv224JiQ0y-zAF1Qcl-rcqQGd1bK4wvhTd01C2tP1F7otCyrqGl-0rELL159yn00NBAr2hyCoiDXxRblB0iGsF0b1g0IdDN2s2d1afo0ndVwuVX_q8/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIcvjXb7B6nSEYTGd6dXdmOwAmfv224JiQ0y-zAF1Qcl-rcqQGd1bK4wvhTd01C2tP1F7otCyrqGl-0rELL159yn00NBAr2hyCoiDXxRblB0iGsF0b1g0IdDN2s2d1afo0ndVwuVX_q8/s320/RG-kate.png" width="320" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-83669813583577751562018-05-02T20:28:00.000+08:002018-05-02T20:28:01.390+08:00LOVE, SIMON+BOOKISH STICKER SETS LAUNCH BY TBBJOURNALS AKA ME HAHASo umm finally, I have retrieved my Blogger password!! I can now finally blog OMG some publishers no longer approve my ARC requests maybe because they thought I've gone completely silent here! So imagine my big sigh of relief earlier when I found my credentials HAHA!<br />
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Anyway, this isn't a review because umm the titles says it all (but I will get to reviews shortly). I've been wanting to produce sticker for a while and when I say I while I mean since 2016 -- and last April 24th, I FINALLY DID IT!!! (I am only posting now because of me being dumb that I completely forgot my new password) OMG it was sooooo freaking surreal. It took me a while to draw and it took me an entire day (I am not exaggerating) to process everything. From scanning, laying out the illos in Photoshop, cleaning, laying out the stickers in print format, getting the correct color in prints (OMGGGGG THIS PROCESS IS CRAZY!!), testing prints in the sticker paper, cutting them out and finally packaging them. Seriously, it took me one whole day and extra muscle ache in the morning just to get these simple (but full of love) stickers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholwKK2Gqe805zKlFyChJOO8Xt_dUbP6BzYqRsF5_9oQCawD7NLHamA-JfcB8iFlj5MbfMd_7Smp0ZPz1Mw3rlkBiC5Z2v9bJ9BP5oUGaoC24btIgionpXu6oKzURIaOOK2-X6U9xFJrk/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholwKK2Gqe805zKlFyChJOO8Xt_dUbP6BzYqRsF5_9oQCawD7NLHamA-JfcB8iFlj5MbfMd_7Smp0ZPz1Mw3rlkBiC5Z2v9bJ9BP5oUGaoC24btIgionpXu6oKzURIaOOK2-X6U9xFJrk/s640/IMG_9825.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br />
This is the entire set of my first ever merch and I feel like a legit artist HAHA! Seriously, I have never done anything in my life - arts wise - that I put so much love and care like I did in this one. It isn't perfect but it's something I made because I loveeeeee what I do and how I did it. It made me happy, even more happier than selling them to be honest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpQu3DYNR6HAbC3eNTyX_ATRREqA5n2yJPU_nHthWEfjpu5XxJj0jmpnbw_zlgG-lR7_ihk1BUmm_3Dmw41fjmy6AM3G-iM22Dbv48s0F2k0m3wxdOmyfVw6r0MMjUTgTktpLM8Bu15g/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpQu3DYNR6HAbC3eNTyX_ATRREqA5n2yJPU_nHthWEfjpu5XxJj0jmpnbw_zlgG-lR7_ihk1BUmm_3Dmw41fjmy6AM3G-iM22Dbv48s0F2k0m3wxdOmyfVw6r0MMjUTgTktpLM8Bu15g/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love, Simon Sticker Flakes Set (just in time for the movie!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2cRfhLi3w0c2bWwwRd7aCI-8f2k8xZ9xnoJFXN61Xav5QiSCmGUa0MIKV6ZY0NWSNCWpxsT0SLX1HfutvvEGeqBK8kwy9xrOlCsbYrXHV8dJhfAk2iBId6fQj6UgTxwk7_Y1qkpSgZI/s1600/IMG_9824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2cRfhLi3w0c2bWwwRd7aCI-8f2k8xZ9xnoJFXN61Xav5QiSCmGUa0MIKV6ZY0NWSNCWpxsT0SLX1HfutvvEGeqBK8kwy9xrOlCsbYrXHV8dJhfAk2iBId6fQj6UgTxwk7_Y1qkpSgZI/s640/IMG_9824.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookish set that my inner book blogger is so proud of!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hCGi_eFs1ORGty4of8mg3CkqU6aylxI2sX6ooDEZOa3V2QOY_J-QGeXd0u-eUYkDfXLqBSL5kEsyQekT0Gk61mpvknXm3M-AuhQMgbTPjlrF9r_R4buIt2WsVmKkbt2zcf8GMPZ0zdo/s1600/IMG_9827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hCGi_eFs1ORGty4of8mg3CkqU6aylxI2sX6ooDEZOa3V2QOY_J-QGeXd0u-eUYkDfXLqBSL5kEsyQekT0Gk61mpvknXm3M-AuhQMgbTPjlrF9r_R4buIt2WsVmKkbt2zcf8GMPZ0zdo/s640/IMG_9827.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky Books Illustration that my inner artist is flailing so hard for!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oTyjIjxI1HbmjHQ18GvWa0Q-YV-QWf48uwnmT0y2CeVD_kJniCO9d7Y_D5DZQQJ6VztVEUg2a5pkMNPvcScsMz9NyMpQDjkoUo3-HDkI5SYHHCOj61Jp81GgfQPSOI-HcHE9X467VOA/s1600/IMG_9828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oTyjIjxI1HbmjHQ18GvWa0Q-YV-QWf48uwnmT0y2CeVD_kJniCO9d7Y_D5DZQQJ6VztVEUg2a5pkMNPvcScsMz9NyMpQDjkoUo3-HDkI5SYHHCOj61Jp81GgfQPSOI-HcHE9X467VOA/s640/IMG_9828.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the packaging looks like - this ,my children, is what my inner journalist (er?) is absolutely happy with!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjnzPOIf0QYoGzuqBZ2Sai-LD7z3eTKO1Ce7uDCMCu9zOtcxHRvSjLVRIlhxRZC1NKSx5qG4t6P9KBQn_LMBuOh5YOUIucJZI8S0Rj7sqyvgQ2klyDJgvfYum7YWxR_y-nYuJc7xzwLk/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1408" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjnzPOIf0QYoGzuqBZ2Sai-LD7z3eTKO1Ce7uDCMCu9zOtcxHRvSjLVRIlhxRZC1NKSx5qG4t6P9KBQn_LMBuOh5YOUIucJZI8S0Rj7sqyvgQ2klyDJgvfYum7YWxR_y-nYuJc7xzwLk/s640/IMG_9861.JPG" width="563" /></a></div><br />
Took a picture of the sets I sold (but wasn't able to take photos of the ones for Krish, Olivia and Erica) and I couldn't thank these "first set of clients" enough for reaching out and supporting my sticker shop. IT IS SO FUCKING VALIDATING I CANNOT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN IT. Especially when clients liked my stickersAnd I will say it again that I did put so much love in each envelope because I made everything by hand. That's something I would do over and over again because dude, the feels? UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXvIP3tKSQzXP788cD2OtfbXjXg4D7uDvBia8H2xhL_ooFVpuhe80FwxSdYcd75rkjzDtctfdOnS8efRmedR1WXojb0SwLtRHSD3YORWUoZDBa1MDXu4tR8yx_csxktqKRa-t0vED3Lc/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXvIP3tKSQzXP788cD2OtfbXjXg4D7uDvBia8H2xhL_ooFVpuhe80FwxSdYcd75rkjzDtctfdOnS8efRmedR1WXojb0SwLtRHSD3YORWUoZDBa1MDXu4tR8yx_csxktqKRa-t0vED3Lc/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">If you want to order, kindly DM me on IG. You can reach me via @tbbjournal or @tbbstoreph and I will gladly answer. Unfortunately international friends, my stickers are only available for shipping within Philippines. I haven't worked out how INTL shipping works haha but I am on it. Again, thank you for all the support!</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I1obE-_ZQdVjzpJEXJYFOD4cXZqthgyVpHHu0YHOS5vviyMsFxVNlHVZuVlbwHprVcw3D4x6WLfDO9wXopHFCe_nZfI9Xus7ywS79A7QTTx0C-mb4-eWGBvGW8NvqVubpCgvbEqHP3s/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I1obE-_ZQdVjzpJEXJYFOD4cXZqthgyVpHHu0YHOS5vviyMsFxVNlHVZuVlbwHprVcw3D4x6WLfDO9wXopHFCe_nZfI9Xus7ywS79A7QTTx0C-mb4-eWGBvGW8NvqVubpCgvbEqHP3s/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-71831311587235808372018-02-27T23:07:00.000+08:002018-03-04T22:39:16.394+08:00REVIEW: THE WRATH AND THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLEiuaG3lvPq61uMbio13RtapNclwtjMVRoTT0KCZzb7RpjaUXLlNeTpp_ZvkDbnJcrF6gltEqFEOopUM8WlywShNXrocYkKanIuBHlOG8xIpQHDKHXoIn4gHQRXDsJtp74q9jwUbQT4/s1600/18798983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLEiuaG3lvPq61uMbio13RtapNclwtjMVRoTT0KCZzb7RpjaUXLlNeTpp_ZvkDbnJcrF6gltEqFEOopUM8WlywShNXrocYkKanIuBHlOG8xIpQHDKHXoIn4gHQRXDsJtp74q9jwUbQT4/s1600/18798983.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Wrath and the Dawn<br />
<b>Author:</b> Renee Ahdieh<br />
<b>Series:</b> The Wrath and the Dawn #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Hardbound<br />
<b>Publication:</b> May 12th 2015 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 404<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Retelling, Fantasy, Romance<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
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One Life to One Dawn.<br />
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In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.<br />
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Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:<br />
ISBN: 0399171614 (ISBN13: 9780399171611)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399171614/">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wrath-and-the-dawn-renee-ahdieh/">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Wrath-and-the-Dawn-Renee-Ahdieh/9780399171611">Book Depository</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>My heart just cannot fucking handle all the emotions <i>The Wrath and the Dawn</i> gave me. It's astonishingly good that I cannot - for the love of me - wrap my mind around how fucking extraordinary this book is! I hate myself so much for waiting this long to get into it but also proud of that I picked it up at my own pacing. I am also trying my best not to capslock for intensity but damn, I'm gonna fail right about now BECAUSE TWATD WAS FREAKING SOLID PUNCH IN THE GUT!<br />
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Shahrzad plans to kill the monster that murdered her best friend. Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan, marries and kills his bride by hanging each dawn. In order to avenge her best friend's death and stop the killings, she volunteered to be his bride. She knew she only had a day to live but Shahrzad being the clever person she is, made way for her death to be postponed for a day. She tells the King a story and ended it in a cliffhanger so she could continue the story the next day. And the next. She has to kill the Caliph and she has to do it fast. But unbelievable turn of events occurred and she's now faced with dilemma: the monster isn't the monster she thought he was and very much conflicted with her feelings. <br />
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I felt strings of emotions I never knew I am capable of feeling. I don't even know how to summarize this without spoiling but guuuuuuuuuuys, TWATD is definitely one of the best YA Fantasies I have ever read in my life! HANDS DOWN THE MOST THRILLING EVER! I know I've used "left me on edge" before so let me rephrase this as "made me shut the book and take a breather" kinda book! Ahdieh surely knows how to build up scenes and is confident to know exactly where to drop the bombs! Her writing is music to me and gosh, I was shrieking and giggling and crying and it was all wonderful. The story was certainly bloody and dark and I want more.<br />
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I have nothing but praises for this story. It legit made me fall in love with it. The absolute perfection of each character (HI, KHALID MI BABY LOVES), how blood weaves its way to love and how love produces magic, how each chapter holds so much anticipation and action? OUT OF THIS WORLD KIND OF GOOD! Aware of all the feels even, I am at a loss for words, really.<br />
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I heard that it's inspired by <i>Thousand and One Arabian Nights</i> but I haven't read that one yet. So the best way I could describe this is Beauty and the Beast-ish x 1000000 of amazing feels. Khalid has a very dark past but he's not a jerk at all and didn't use it as an excuse to be a jerk. He's very much to swoon for. He's interesting to the core, charming, passionate and self-less. Most especially, he's a true leader.<br />
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Khalid took me by surprise a lot and Shahrzad was simply mesmerizing! A beautiful queen indeed. She knows how to come out of situations she hasn't anticipated and she's very clever! She's stubborn and doesn't let anyone own her plus, she carries herself pretty well. She's not afraid to admit if she's hurt or if she wronged people. She's brave to have accepted her vulnerability and wise enough to have used her weaknesses as her strengths. I loved how her character developed and the progress of her relationship with her husband was perfectly executed.<br />
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ALSO, I CRIED LIKE A BABY AT PAGE 350. MY GOSH.<br />
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<i>The Wrath and the Dawn</i> is currently sitting at Number 1 in my Best Books of 2018. Thrilling and intense, it isn't that so hard to fall in love with this book! Absolutely enchanting and perfectly intoxicating!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVa3M2Z6ZZfGehNIB4U5hM6uOqzAR1YpT9Kw9nMkBzSFoa0t5Ho1opZLkD-xBtjRCV0c0ezoYCLne5r_f-U1311aH7CqXEI5q0jAHlLIheMTO3OMmHVuuxrfB_KTKDx42h9lv-sDIowNU/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVa3M2Z6ZZfGehNIB4U5hM6uOqzAR1YpT9Kw9nMkBzSFoa0t5Ho1opZLkD-xBtjRCV0c0ezoYCLne5r_f-U1311aH7CqXEI5q0jAHlLIheMTO3OMmHVuuxrfB_KTKDx42h9lv-sDIowNU/s320/RG-5S.png" width="320" height="64" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"There is no one I would rather see the sunrise with than you."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"I know love is fragile. And loving someone like you is near impossible. Like holding something shattered through a raging sandstorm. If you want her to love you, shelter her from that storm…And make certain that storm isn’t you."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-61490801790614201612018-02-16T02:50:00.000+08:002018-02-16T02:50:26.090+08:00BIG BAD WOLF PH BOOK SALE 2018.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FJKKiFoSw866iY3Se2Gd7NS4-SgpFAXyw2SXOkBimohSZcXMrRjdSRo22YKsQr57LgSKH5HH4_bBY0SlMXh-dNHL_JwCo32LFOqecEFLusLQats-KKnKOXh8Upb8rRhKtban5KW_52k/s1600/IMG_20180216_014903.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FJKKiFoSw866iY3Se2Gd7NS4-SgpFAXyw2SXOkBimohSZcXMrRjdSRo22YKsQr57LgSKH5HH4_bBY0SlMXh-dNHL_JwCo32LFOqecEFLusLQats-KKnKOXh8Upb8rRhKtban5KW_52k/s640/IMG_20180216_014903.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Big Bad Wolf Book Sale originated in Malaysia back in 2009 and it is their first time here in the Philippines. There are over two million books on sale plus admission is free! They will also be open 24 hours a day from today til the 25th. As a huge lover of books, it's definitely a book sale I wouldn't pass up on.<br />
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Lucky enough, my bookstagrammer/blogger friend Eunice of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nerdytalksbookblog/">@nerdytalksbookblog</a> got an Exclusive Preview Pass which is good for two and she tagged me along last night! Just got home a few hours back and I did enjoy being with my bookish friend.<br />
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World Trade Center in Pasay City is huge (and thankfully, near me) and I was instantly overwhelmed with books from different genres in different editions! Of course, first aisle I visited was the Young Adult annnnnnnnd <br />
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I was honestly *slightly* disappointed. Okay, hear me out. I am a hardbound collector and I actually didn't know what to expect so when I saw that most YA titles are old and majority are paperbacks, I felt just.. sad. I frequently see most of those titles in our local Book Sale Store and I don't know, maybe I was just subconsciously comparing it to the <a href="http://www.thebookaholicblurbs.com/2018/02/BookBingeBazaar.html"><b>previous sale</b></a> I went to.. they didn't have the titles I was looking for and everything was kinda a mess (books in the same series are scattered in different aisles and such) so yeah, I was sad. Buuuuuut if book formats you don't really mind and that you badly just want to get a hold of books, this sale is for you!<br />
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They didn't have much of YA variety to choose from and I also didn't find poetry books but they have good selection of Romance and Children's. I love their Non-Fiction and Art selections!<br />
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I saw some bookish friends - Gela and Gavin - and thankfully, I didn't forget to take a photo! Gavin toured me and he knows where to find which! Absolutely impressive! Thanks, Gavin!<br />
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Book prices range from (from what I actually saw ehehe) 190-230, boxed sets are roughly around 700-900. Cashiers are all so efficient despite the long lines! Most of the staff are approachable and accomodating! The ones I got are 230 each and I am quite happy with my haul. Who am I to complain when I have new books? <br />
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As usual, I filled my cart first and then sorted them out. Was only supposed to get 4 but I couldn't... I just had to get these! And like I said, I am pretty happy with these! Hahaha loooook<br />
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<br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23438288-flawed">Flawed (Flawed #1) by Cecelia Ahern</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12127810-the-house-of-hades">The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11516221-the-scorpion-rules">The Scorpion Rules (Prisoners of Peace #1) by Erin Bow</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24751478-soundless">Soundless by Richelle Mead</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24807186-wolf-by-wolf">Wolf by Wolf (Wolf By Wolf #1) by Ryan Graudin</a><br />
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I would understand if some people get disappointed but don't let that discourage you! Go grab that opportunity to experience this book sale (that some proceeds would go to Gawad Kalinga) and enjoy! My overall experience wasn't so bad actually! <br />
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<blockquote>
<b>What day will you go?</b></blockquote>
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Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-34499691874167750032018-02-14T23:49:00.003+08:002018-02-14T23:49:46.791+08:00REVIEW: THE TRAITOR'S GAME BY JENNIFER NIELSEN.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title:</b> The Traitor's Game<br />
<b>Author:</b> Jennifer A. Nielsen<br />
<b>Series:</b> The Traitor's Game #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> February 27th 2018 by Scholastic<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC provided by the published<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 400<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Fantasy, Romance <br />
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<blockquote>
<b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well -- and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.<br />
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The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what -- and who -- it is they're fighting for.<br />
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Jennifer A. Nielsen introduces us to an unforgettable new heroine in this epic tale of treachery and intrigue, love and deceit.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074P94JGZ">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traitors-game-jennifer-a-nielsen/1126492574#/">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Traitors-Game-the-Traitors-Game-Book-1-Jennifer--Nielsen/9781338045376">Book Depository</a></b></div>
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My first book for February 2018 is done and I am glad it's <i>The Traitor's Game by Jennifer Nielsen</i>. I missed fantasy so much and this book quite satisfied the need. It took me a while to finish because WHAT IS BUSY LIFE and some parts just stopped picking up the pace plus there were lines that made me a little bit uncomfortable so I needed to pause. The reading experience was pleasant but I just didn't go crazy about it.<br />
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Kestra is a Dallisor - household name and enemy to all. Her father serves the evil Lord Endrick, as if being a Dallisor isn't enough. She was in exile for three year after a group of rebels kidnapped her but her father summons her for a fixed marriage. Her carriage was ambushed and her trusted trainer Darrow was held captive. The Coracks are known to be brutal and in order to save Darrow, she has to play their games. Or will she play them?<br />
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I read Jennifer's <i>The False Prince</i> and absolutely loved it. Jen has this amazing spin when it comes to treachery/deception of characters so <i>The Traitor's Game</i> really screamed JEN. But there were just too much plot twists. It is really a good thing because the story won't let you sit properly but there were parts I started getting confused. And this also made easily predict what's really up. Unraveling the mysteries with the characters wasn't that thrilling anymore and I strongly felt I was kinda let down. The revelations/discoveries of secrets was timely in the beginning then it went haywire on the latter part.<br />
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Kestra's character was also annoying most of the time. She's such a clever and tough girl but her inner monologues were too much. There were times I can barely tolerate her. But there is definitely character arc and I bet she's going to be way better in Book 2.<br />
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Lastly, I don't understand the romance part (though I am glad there's no love triangle *knock on wood). Everything took place within four days, they hated each other, they are enemies by blood then oh so suddenly, the sexual tension was that much?? Good thing Simon's good nature complimented Kestra's. Or else, I would have DNFed this haha<br />
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Though both books kinda have the same theme, <br />
<i>The Traitor's Game</i> didn't top my love for <i>The False Prince</i>. I wish it were smoother. Just because it's a title I would not recommend in a heartbeat, doesn't mean it isn't good. Would absolutely pick up Book 2 and hope for the best.<br />
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<i><b>Thank you so so much for the galley, Scholastic Asia-Philippines!</b></i><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
"You are ripping at my heart, Kes. Every time I reach out and you pull back. Every time you offer a smile to someone who's not me. When you doubt me, or mistrust me, or hide your secrets away, it's like a claw that shreds me from within. When we're together, I forget how to breathe, but whne we're apart, I realize you've become my air. I want you to take a risk, but take it with me. Risk yourself with me."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
"Life doesn't give us what we want. It gives us what we need and asks what we will do with it."</blockquote>
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Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-14877667019655014202018-02-09T19:32:00.001+08:002018-02-09T19:32:41.981+08:00#BOOKBINGEBAZAAR 2018 SHOPPING RECAP.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got homea few hours ago from Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, which is so far away from my place. I attended National Bookstore's most amazing book sale to date ever, today! It's the first day of #BookBingeBazaar Sale and OMGGGGGGGGG! IT WAS CRAZY -- CRAZY GOOD!<br />
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I was supposed to be there by 10am but I think I arrived at 11? There were so many book lovers there, all ages, and it was so fascinating to see how Filipinos love reading. This sale to be honest, is one of the best sales NBS has ever had and the titles are omg mind-blowing! I was so overwhelmed with how much new ones are in there! YA, paperback or hardbound, new or old, are all priced 175php (less than 4$) so I grabbed everything I want!<br />
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The NBS space in Mega Trade Haull is quite huge and I think I circled the entire thing 4x just to double check if I missed any books I want. Hohoho<br />
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I was also able to see my friends JB, Hazel of Stay Bookish, Lyra of Deviantly Deviant and JM of The Bookfreak Revelations. (Wasn't able to take selfies with JM and Danica!! Hiiiii) I am most excited for you guys to see Hazel's haul because how does 'one huge cart full of books' sound to you? <br />
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I didn't get most of the priority titles I came there for like Lady Midnight, City of Bones, PPL or Conjuring of Light hardbounds but I sure did bag the fall-back titles in my list! WOOOOHOOOOOOO!<br />
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Like this one!! I WENT CRAZY WHEN I SAW THIS IN LYRA'S CART AND THANK YOU HAZEL FOR GIVING ME THE EXTRA COPY YOU FOUND HUHUHUHUHU OMG THANK YOU BOOKISH LORDS BECAUSE AAAAAAH BEEN WANTING THIS BOOK FOR SOOOOOO LONG NOW I CRYYYYY GDGDGDGDG<br />
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After sorting my cart, I left all these because ya girl had to stick to her budget haha kinda sad not being able to get them all but my happiness exceeds my sadness because damn it, When Dimple Met Rishi is e v e r y t h i n g<br />
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So here is the hauuuuul!!!! There is a theme in here if you haven't noticed yet and I am letting you also know that I saw that ARC in there so I got it thinking it might just be a mistake that it got mixed or something. I don't want other online book sellers getting it. So I am really hoping it's the only one because it shouldn't be there to begin with. <br />
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- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22447220-ensnared">Ensnared (Splintered #3) by A.G. Howard</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11284898-the-storyteller">The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34927042-alex-approximately">Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26109094-summer-of-supernovas">Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31123249-saints-and-misfits">Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26192915-outrun-the-moon">Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8928054-shine">Shine by Lauren Myracle</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi">When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon</a><br />
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Thank you, National Bookstore, for this wonderful sale! My bookish heart is filled and my bookish shopping craving is satisfied! More of this, please! HAHAHA MWAAAAAH<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b>DID YOU GO TODAY OR WILL YOU GO THIS WEEKEND? Let me see your haul!</b></blockquote>
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Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-66636274467075070122018-01-22T22:56:00.001+08:002018-01-22T22:56:34.906+08:00BOOKISH HAVEN: A VISIT TO MT. CLOUD BOOKSHOP.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittu9BLi_mYu-RuUV9ZpJKy1fvEkQ0zP1rp70vmXehoG9WrgDstVAB8klkLMf4qcANXvvC5VRWQMUlQ4zaLfwZaj8YrJjyYkWIQWFl3KwfDE5-djZeIXtlQOlJcXMgb9dvHpcQSd25bIQ/s1600/IMG_20180122_223316.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittu9BLi_mYu-RuUV9ZpJKy1fvEkQ0zP1rp70vmXehoG9WrgDstVAB8klkLMf4qcANXvvC5VRWQMUlQ4zaLfwZaj8YrJjyYkWIQWFl3KwfDE5-djZeIXtlQOlJcXMgb9dvHpcQSd25bIQ/s640/IMG_20180122_223316.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first saw and heard Mt. Cloud from Kevin's post a few years back, it immediately became a personal goal to visit. There's just this magical pull from Indie Bookstores that a visit is a must. Luckily, I had the chance to revisit Baguio (currently drafting while in transit to Manila) and the first order of business is to locate it.<br />
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Most cab drivers weren't familiar with Mt. Cloud but they know Casa Vallejo by heart. Mt. Cloud is just there, sitting calmly in the middle of a busy area and it's honestly easy to find. I took a bunch of photos first before I entered the store and honestly, I wasn't expecting anything. I just let the store blow me away and it diiiiiiiiid!<br />
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Mt. Cloud Book Shop houses Filipino Authors and Artists. Every single corner has illustrations, accessories, bookmarks etc made by Filipinos and every shelf space carries Filipino blood. Well, that's based on what I saw! Seeing the books friends wrote and artist's talent in painting/drawing just made me feel so damn proud of being a Filipino! Not only Filipinos are courageous and brave but we are also amazingly talented and Mt. Cloud made sure they display that for everyone to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yjbl4rj1m_XDaizF6vZ4-DQ9rFtbfTt9lbLA_DznPCRDQRYbmDFUoHkk8nJE_Bz5-o1TphTYJ6cV_Cy7Hzjeb6EaHFT7PwAYapUt0IgqJfzJGv49KMwMD1b7v50_OgbajZQFL-Voh6o/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yjbl4rj1m_XDaizF6vZ4-DQ9rFtbfTt9lbLA_DznPCRDQRYbmDFUoHkk8nJE_Bz5-o1TphTYJ6cV_Cy7Hzjeb6EaHFT7PwAYapUt0IgqJfzJGv49KMwMD1b7v50_OgbajZQFL-Voh6o/s640/IMG_6333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children's corner and some amazing crafts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IzQ434nFzgys3HPs_6wf19WXLt-693tv20Uy_TfipYWwMgAKZUiw6nkCmbKqGHyl9wOxzJjqMn8pWDR3veSMrwkaGJwj-L0H9xM2X4BQiUmKgYVLfprqq908gpilD7R83PC0xoMd5hE/s640/IMG_6339.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that! Stairway to Heaven!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the second floor/loft</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_3M9suwuk7cMETuTNrBgn2zQ-s2uXDrjCwsrerHf-xdt9YNZJcQnAJ9NmxS_FvoERGglm0rTDfPVfZ0nx1ZTvIoFDqfVtVDznieG4XoJgnMFdGD3xByqfsICOqtDII8F4YrIYph0DKE/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_3M9suwuk7cMETuTNrBgn2zQ-s2uXDrjCwsrerHf-xdt9YNZJcQnAJ9NmxS_FvoERGglm0rTDfPVfZ0nx1ZTvIoFDqfVtVDznieG4XoJgnMFdGD3xByqfsICOqtDII8F4YrIYph0DKE/s640/IMG_6334.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More books! I saw Romance Class books here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkJyLei1QnC8LbBAF42exz0xhmbfXw6EVoW_bT4mID3N4hLGIUjxP9F6Z0zhr3GVAgb7v5_Xa7P24gq7VRG1QB7TEt75vWKHfve2UjtlxCj39Pl7xg0ddGgA3ToXrGhgqojgBMAru81s/s1600/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1600" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkJyLei1QnC8LbBAF42exz0xhmbfXw6EVoW_bT4mID3N4hLGIUjxP9F6Z0zhr3GVAgb7v5_Xa7P24gq7VRG1QB7TEt75vWKHfve2UjtlxCj39Pl7xg0ddGgA3ToXrGhgqojgBMAru81s/s640/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at my happy face! I couldn't help not to pose for a pic! Mt. Cloud is just an amazing bookstore and it is absolutely worth visiting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And now the haul --<br />
<br />
Here you go! I saw a few more Romance Class titles that I've been eying for a while but I don't wanna hoard just yet so I got the ones on top of my list slash I cannot find in Manila hehehe! So lucky also I stumbled upon these illustrated Filipino themed post cards because I am kind of obsessed with post cards lately. And I gotta have the Mt. Cloud stickers for my bujo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF2kmWun1VWMPbD57qX_RF7aukMoRmxflHogu0GOOmvNRKZccRun9O4AFv7s-moHQpjm9BMfy6MtKYJ9YdUHLtLXxTgov8lD-w5_WKqB9GftRszBypQBrXUaTenOTyJGePyrKkD8J5qQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF2kmWun1VWMPbD57qX_RF7aukMoRmxflHogu0GOOmvNRKZccRun9O4AFv7s-moHQpjm9BMfy6MtKYJ9YdUHLtLXxTgov8lD-w5_WKqB9GftRszBypQBrXUaTenOTyJGePyrKkD8J5qQ/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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Mt. Cloud Book Shop sure has such cozy and warm ambiance that would immediately make one feel at home. They have well stocked shelves and it is exciting to see books by friends. Visiting Mt. Cloud is definitely one of the highlights of this short trip!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkloJ9c6ZFTjN9w63WoUK0Um1lEJPny_lkrQKdpC-id6nsVsGVPF4x5x3sK9WxCQyXGw7VInlFg8-dQAWgEJjxJMR_8ukGGtOXnt6NfkXNLKFJYE2QOOook2Iod4KwK5w1x_8Q9v8Vs5i/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkloJ9c6ZFTjN9w63WoUK0Um1lEJPny_lkrQKdpC-id6nsVsGVPF4x5x3sK9WxCQyXGw7VInlFg8-dQAWgEJjxJMR_8ukGGtOXnt6NfkXNLKFJYE2QOOook2Iod4KwK5w1x_8Q9v8Vs5i/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have you been to Mt. Cloud?</b></div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRGDzEyd7zfS8agajRQkYNBoNIdV8gtmXRbBNcr54meViYKAAfK8kkrukIooIwyG2kxZMRFVH7BoRdgWUJZ0Q9FCGV0ZyFex9IAnk7SkHe-BqCIQwZxRe6wwzSbN-Or_msnZ6y2Y3vNoZ/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRGDzEyd7zfS8agajRQkYNBoNIdV8gtmXRbBNcr54meViYKAAfK8kkrukIooIwyG2kxZMRFVH7BoRdgWUJZ0Q9FCGV0ZyFex9IAnk7SkHe-BqCIQwZxRe6wwzSbN-Or_msnZ6y2Y3vNoZ/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>
Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-89010700858295822012018-01-11T17:45:00.001+08:002018-01-11T17:45:22.797+08:00REVIEW: POISON'S CAGE BY BREEANA SHIELDS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd46qbFAq606jwm3yKjKMpyBY2FcUvZUF5l2i2hjT7gbGUypszkeUqy6Niy7YV__6SjAyrcz7b6F6TpmxM8E-52kfGM5S08v1EfcR-EYSWVN0CRv38Mrh9K1Gj_eWC4dQvN4prfVquBA/s1600/PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd46qbFAq606jwm3yKjKMpyBY2FcUvZUF5l2i2hjT7gbGUypszkeUqy6Niy7YV__6SjAyrcz7b6F6TpmxM8E-52kfGM5S08v1EfcR-EYSWVN0CRv38Mrh9K1Gj_eWC4dQvN4prfVquBA/s1600/PC.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Poison's Cage<br />
<b>Author:</b> Breeana Shields<br />
<b>Series:</b> Poison's Kiss #2<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> January 16th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 336<br />
<b>Category:</b> Mythology, Romance, Fantasy<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
<br />
A single kiss could kill. A single secret could save the kingdom.<br />
<br />
Iyla and Marinda have killed many men together: Iyla as the seductress, Marinda as the final, poisonous kiss. Now they understand who the real enemy is—the Snake King—and together they can take him down. Both girls have felt as though they were living a lie in the past, so moving into the King's palace and pretending to serve him isn't as difficult as it sounds. But when you're a spy, even secrets between friends are dangerous. And each girl has something—or someone—to lose. Does every secret, every lie, bring them closer to the truth or . . . to a trap?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:<br />
ISBN13: 9781101937860</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101937866/">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/poisons-cage-breeana-shields/1126605042">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Poisons-Cage-Breeana-Shields/9781101937860">Book Depository</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"><b>WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS HEHE</b></blockquote>I just finished reading the last page of Poison's Cage and woooooooowsa, I am blown away. This is waaaay better than the first book and absolutely the perfect ending for a duology! I was kinda hoping there's a third book but I am absolutely satisfied with how things wrapped up! It was truly an amazing read!<br />
<br />
Poison's Cage let me walk along side Iyla and Marinda in their quest to destroy the Nagaraja. The story is told from their alternating perspectives and it is so fascinating to be able to see everything from both sides. Iyla is such a tough cookie but her longing for Marinda's affection, her resentments towards what she lost and the emptiness of being an just option have all dawned in her and it's relatable in ways I can't even pinpoint. Her struggles of choose between her own life or Marinda's gave me such conflict as well but her loyalty and love for her friend outweigh any doubts. Shields gave Iyla's story redemption and hope that I thought it would end there, but she gave her love, true love in fact, that made me so happy! Iyla deserves so much more and indeed, it was even beyond what I expected. And I think I might have fallen in love with Fazel's lightness and sincere character. They balance each other well. One rejects kindness like a reflex and one gives kindness without reservation.<br />
<br />
Marinda grew up so much in this installment. Her doubts and assumptions are all obvious throughout the story but it made her so real, so raw, that her pain pinches my heart. However, the good in her triumphs in situations she can easily kill. Despite the agony she just went through (OMG, THIS PART FELT LIKE I'VE BROKEN A BONE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE UGH EXCRUCIATING PAIN), she remained hopeful and unafraid to love the people around her. <br />
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The twists and turns of the story just floored me. Some parts can be easily predicted but Shields have so many things up on her sleeve apparently. The mythology has been nothing but richer and she owned this story, backed up by her research and love for the Hindu, Buddhist and Indian mythologies. I've never used this phrase in a while but believe me when I say this is mind-blowing!<br />
<br />
There's no perfect ending for Poison's Kiss than Poison's Cage. Fast-paced, mythology-rich and exquisite character arcs, this book lands a spot in my Best Books of 2018, no doubt! It was beautifully written and I want more books like this in my life and in yours, too!<br />
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<i><b>Thank you, Penguin Random House International, for the galley!</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEfVNILuU5pwkCYuUu_QCiMXgKPYa0rwZloGzix6AhbwvsPjt3oijxpr2_yl8CC21rHY4IwwZ1PMkxWOL_xXcpXI9JgAp48P79AgzC220pFrCBqxJSW8yHc_A_ccb8OfVwRJ-0JRhRY/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEfVNILuU5pwkCYuUu_QCiMXgKPYa0rwZloGzix6AhbwvsPjt3oijxpr2_yl8CC21rHY4IwwZ1PMkxWOL_xXcpXI9JgAp48P79AgzC220pFrCBqxJSW8yHc_A_ccb8OfVwRJ-0JRhRY/s320/RG-5S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">"But I learned a long time ago that tears are thieves of power."</div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">"I need him to fall for me-at least enough to loosen his lips and dislodge his secrets. And I can't do that if I let myself be charmed by his easy laugh. By the way his skin feels like velvet against mine."</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-46253259438872887402018-01-05T14:19:00.000+08:002018-01-08T17:32:10.986+08:00BLOG TOUR REVIEW: BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER BY MARIE LU.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4xBH0jwZ58whxnbH5CzajG45vF8Ma-Hbx0ib24U9GCzDFuiCiW2ljwPzVvXCDzIoNgmG6TvWryW1RrC1J4W4PzFg5GIkbecBqlNwzpktaXavi5hddZBHPvVPIGNc9BAo64R5NOw8Epg/s1600/TSOS0688.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4xBH0jwZ58whxnbH5CzajG45vF8Ma-Hbx0ib24U9GCzDFuiCiW2ljwPzVvXCDzIoNgmG6TvWryW1RrC1J4W4PzFg5GIkbecBqlNwzpktaXavi5hddZBHPvVPIGNc9BAo64R5NOw8Epg/s640/TSOS0688.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Happy New Year, everybody! Hope you had a blast lasy NY Day! I surely did! Today I will share my first review of the year! Thank you <a href="http://thebookfreakrevelations.com/">JM of The Bookfreak Revelations</a> for hosting this tour and PRH International for sending in my review copy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4xWihTFivOIzSwzxfnWN1b1CnO2j37046heod3CVa117LUOM5tgWtRmrBcVgNbBjhK38bc_J-eSUNbITC3YsfEWrPVKHE_ZvjYw8tyWgBxWFU-ZXfe7znAGm3fBKwVCra10psls7zHw/s1600/29749090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4xWihTFivOIzSwzxfnWN1b1CnO2j37046heod3CVa117LUOM5tgWtRmrBcVgNbBjhK38bc_J-eSUNbITC3YsfEWrPVKHE_ZvjYw8tyWgBxWFU-ZXfe7znAGm3fBKwVCra10psls7zHw/s1600/29749090.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Batman: Nightwalker<br />
<b>Author:</b> Marie Lu<br />
<b>Series:</b> DC Icons #2<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> January 2nd 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 272<br />
<b>Category:</b> Fantasy, Romance, Heroes, Retelling<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.<br />
<br />
The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.<br />
<br />
One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.<br />
<br />
Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.<br />
<br />
In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:<br />
ISBN13: 9780399549786</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399549781">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/batman-marie-lu/1126605090">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Batman-Nightwalker-Marie-Lu/9780399549786">Book Depository</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>It is fitting that Batman: Nightwalker is my first read of 2018. New Year, new stuff.. right? It is also my first 2018 Blog Tour review and my first ever Marie Lu book so HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME, INDEED!<br />
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I was so happy to have been given an ARC of Nightwalker because I was really looking forward to getting this one. The first book in this series was by Leigh Bardugo and I have absolutely fell in love with her take in <a href="http://thebookaholicblurbs.com/2017/08/Warbringer.html">Wonderwoman</a>'s story. It did set the bar quite high, if I am being honest. But the authors of this series are no doubt going to blow my mind to bits, and I have never been right in my life in this level. My first Marie Lu book was absolutely phenomenal.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I am not THAT of a DC fan. I am a Marvel kinda person but I am familiar with Bruce Wayne. Lu gave me a different side of Bruce and I am so relieved that this book is finally out in the wild! Lu wrote it in a very uplifting way and it is such an eye-opener. The politics in the story is honestly? THE TRUTH! It is happening right now in our government and Lu remarkably took this chance to dissect it like no one has done before.<br />
<br />
What truly made me fall in love with this book is Lu's inclusion of diverse characters. I was sooooo happy and fascinated to have met a Filipina character - yes, a side character that felt so Hermione-ish to me - a character that resonated with me as a Filipina. Aside from that, Lu was able to explore each of the characters in a way that reflected not only their physical attributes but their intentions and hearts. I saw how Lu gave these characters their own timeline to shine. IT WAS JUST BASICALLY AN AMAZING BOOK THAT I LOVED SO DEARLY YOU REALLY NEED TO GET THIS.<br />
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Younger Bruce is still the Bruce I know todat. He's still the loving person I adored. It melted my heart how much he is willing to sacrifice for those that matter to him. In this book, we can definitely see his vulnerability but despite the fear, he still trusted his heart. Everything in his story is well-balanced and I really, deeply wish Lu would write a sequel. BECAUSE AN ENDING LIKE THAT REQUIRES A SEQUEL.<br />
<br />
Also, my love for Alfred with never ever dwindle. EVER.<br />
AND I SCREAMED WHEN DETECTIVE GORDON WAS INTRODUCED! LIKE, IT WAS THE BEST THING TO HAVE GRACED THESE PAGES EVER HAHA!<br />
Lastly, what could Madeleine and Kady (Illuminae) do if given a chance to work together?<br />
<br />
Batman: Nightwalker is such action-packed novel that I could not literally put down! Marie Lu has proven how amazing she writes and her take on Batman is one version that will stick with me for a long time! Highly recommended for those people who love stories with hackers/underground notorious groups/droids and BATMAN! REWARD YOURSELF AND GO PICK THIS ONE UP NOW!<br />
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<i><b>Thank you PRH International for the galley!</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhsimyYG51hsdHINQAkvPzEahra1QtM1CEBsrAHCftN1PrPHHBCyb3a8TnEIIIC5Yz88_KZ5k9_wxpXLF454G6SuHIY8yM8X_FqMDAGBzlO8-mpBg2Weqe2dR9UWWrbqJdVrCo-X1PGc/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhsimyYG51hsdHINQAkvPzEahra1QtM1CEBsrAHCftN1PrPHHBCyb3a8TnEIIIC5Yz88_KZ5k9_wxpXLF454G6SuHIY8yM8X_FqMDAGBzlO8-mpBg2Weqe2dR9UWWrbqJdVrCo-X1PGc/s320/RG-5S.png" width="320" height="64" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Just because one can doesn't mean one should."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-28438662791986212982018-01-02T21:46:00.000+08:002018-01-08T23:37:10.460+08:00JANUARY 2018 HOT PICKS!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the second day of 2018 and I cannot believe how just fast the days go by. It was just literally yesterday when I was drunk-texting my family and friends, greeting them HNY and now look at me, all sober and ready to go back to my normal daily life. HA! But I am honestly excited for the books that are hitting shelves this year!! Let's start with this month's!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30339479-you-ll-miss-me-when-i-m-gone"><b>You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon</b></a><br />
January 2nd 2018 by Simon Pulse</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31207017-love-hate-other-filters"><b>Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed</b></a><br />
January 16th 2018 by Soho Teen</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33918883-before-i-let-go"><b>Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp</b></a><br />
January 2nd 2018 by Sourcebooks Fire</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34499244-the-forgotten-book"><b>The Forgotten Book by Mechthild Gläser</b></a><br />
January 2nd 2018 by Feiwel & Friends</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25446297-unearthed"><b>Unearthed (Unearthed #1) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner</b></a><br />
January 9th 2018 by Disney-Hyperion</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32320661-everless">Everless (Untitled #1) by Sara Holland</a></b><br />
January 2nd 2018 by HarperTeen</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34371260-poison-s-cage">Poison's Cage (Poison's Kiss #2) by Breeana Shields</a></b><br />
January 16th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29217027-iron-gold">Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga #4) by Pierce Brown</a></b><br />
January 16th 2018 by Del Rey</div>
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These are the Top 8 Titles I wanna get and read these month! I have advanced copies of some of these and I cannot wait to get to them! But will try to finish Iron Gold and post my review on the release day!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b>WHAT TITLES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? ARE YOU ALSO THRILLED FOR IRON GOLD?</b></blockquote>
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<br />Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-14940650256294530282018-01-01T01:45:00.000+08:002018-01-08T02:26:21.859+08:00WELCOME, 2K18!Looking back, 2017 has been both horrible and wonderful all at once. Horrible in a way that I'd *maybe* let myself go and became too comfortable with and in things that eventually affected me negatively (both physically and mentally). I wasn't the type you can easily bully but somehow, inside THAT bubble, I allowed toxic people to take control of how I view myself and this went on for so long. This led me to doubt *points to myself* everything. It was so hard to just be hopeless in your little corner that I have gotten accustomed to the every day bashing and loathing of these said toxic people I don't even have anything to do with. But the universe still cared somehow and it gave me the perfect window to jump out. So, 2017, I would like to thank you. I am stronger than these people think and I could finally believe in me again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRM_k6Fp4MzrZsU-sMRE9KJngdUlMmrjRutd5-R_kKcQoXpFjXAvj9znWdA3-3uzEXSJzKAN7WiYBlY1k7DcM19JEvEnpiPuY6EhQEo0_Ir9GoVtx5gz8LNwrdVQHT5OaqQVIDfkc9-0/s1600/IMG_5338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1600" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRM_k6Fp4MzrZsU-sMRE9KJngdUlMmrjRutd5-R_kKcQoXpFjXAvj9znWdA3-3uzEXSJzKAN7WiYBlY1k7DcM19JEvEnpiPuY6EhQEo0_Ir9GoVtx5gz8LNwrdVQHT5OaqQVIDfkc9-0/s640/IMG_5338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And as I venture into 2018, I would like to take some time-off. I will use this opportunity to recover from what I have been through and prepare myself for bigger things ahead. This year, I want to focus my energy in healing, forgiving and in doing these little things I love so much. I wanna be a healthy me both physically and mentally. It will be a year I will invest in me and I will make as many happy memories as I can with the people that matter. <br />
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And of course, to finally having plenty of time to tackle that never ending TBR titles HAHA!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDbTIdS3xFzHsCxP0Snr2F2fehc9IoytZgqE1FSTIAdyxeNX5Q-DpMVOO2Xecg53l8GEZVYphMNolinF7oJQJnAndhVg5hqYnk2-Alo00NRZ_yPKUEba239VjgDieJ8hJQMfQYT0uVT8/s1600/SFIN5226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDbTIdS3xFzHsCxP0Snr2F2fehc9IoytZgqE1FSTIAdyxeNX5Q-DpMVOO2Xecg53l8GEZVYphMNolinF7oJQJnAndhVg5hqYnk2-Alo00NRZ_yPKUEba239VjgDieJ8hJQMfQYT0uVT8/s640/SFIN5226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"><b>HERE'S TO THE AMAZING BOOKS WE WILL READ THIS YEAR!<br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!</b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBae9NFiuYx2z5I3P70copVNfZZH2l_nIxQswrS2U8nYpfMljvMDxpE5lh0is5oajbYzq2-AlkAHPdH4H0jkLnoPScXrtrjLYsLzNgbrY0Cztdg2PSPuOLZXkfh0KKxCD23MrcN_VVhQ/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBae9NFiuYx2z5I3P70copVNfZZH2l_nIxQswrS2U8nYpfMljvMDxpE5lh0is5oajbYzq2-AlkAHPdH4H0jkLnoPScXrtrjLYsLzNgbrY0Cztdg2PSPuOLZXkfh0KKxCD23MrcN_VVhQ/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-38999477806999313022017-12-13T15:52:00.000+08:002017-12-26T15:54:42.182+08:00TBBTRAVELS: TOKYO, JAPAN 2017.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21LiL5lO0YiOJ6NcSvkQdyRFnNpdD6fDwf2JvG9VM4Cm1XXcBu4BaSOYU8kXJ0eCGH8PD8eYBSEJKviEUu0LDf4tidtoD0tYGk-z1zE6Tr7ZK6kyhLSnLokWLZX9bQ_hQllRaRPJQg_8/s1600/IMG_4527.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21LiL5lO0YiOJ6NcSvkQdyRFnNpdD6fDwf2JvG9VM4Cm1XXcBu4BaSOYU8kXJ0eCGH8PD8eYBSEJKviEUu0LDf4tidtoD0tYGk-z1zE6Tr7ZK6kyhLSnLokWLZX9bQ_hQllRaRPJQg_8/s640/IMG_4527.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Helloooooooo, guys!! I haven't blogged in forever lol and it feels like I don't know how to do it anymore. I have been quite busy last month because my mom was hospitalized, I left my job (YESSSSS!!! GOODBYE FUCKING HELLHOLE!) and I traveled! It was my first out of the country trip and it was so surreal I still have hungover. It wasn't the best trip (oh God, don't get me started) but it was definitely one for the books!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVwTI-eyewReUd1XLxuugVYG4Z-p5nLaN9oEpQBQXGUPIlYzpmUGyAP9eJ4i20w5xM29SwqUxuv4NgawfxyDQ1orPTAgPKIz2K-tkEmkgt2AEaEfEvP9bUDxwMa9Co1oU955wbsN_8hY/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVwTI-eyewReUd1XLxuugVYG4Z-p5nLaN9oEpQBQXGUPIlYzpmUGyAP9eJ4i20w5xM29SwqUxuv4NgawfxyDQ1orPTAgPKIz2K-tkEmkgt2AEaEfEvP9bUDxwMa9Co1oU955wbsN_8hY/s640/IMG_4482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We booked our flights (connecting) October of 2016 so we had a year to prep-up. The visa application wasn't hard at all (thank God) unlike what I heard from other people. Tokyo blew my mind away. It was everything and so much more! Though I wasn't able to go to places I really wanted to visit like Tokyo Library, Gundam Base and Gundam Cafe among others, the experience was still so fucking amazing I feel like I'm still floating!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnBrSz2lxsKhPx_e4beyCjy9gICA7C1LZOciIsErjQjEE3qgTfOs3QbMyh0emiXZHPWlHP3HVRETv-9TGTVdT6vEs1QuivIBxkzWSis9Q6AVIop2EUP9TVzPl5SQ1kgDm8lrOa7G_1mg/s1600/DSC_3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnBrSz2lxsKhPx_e4beyCjy9gICA7C1LZOciIsErjQjEE3qgTfOs3QbMyh0emiXZHPWlHP3HVRETv-9TGTVdT6vEs1QuivIBxkzWSis9Q6AVIop2EUP9TVzPl5SQ1kgDm8lrOa7G_1mg/s640/DSC_3406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diver City, Odaiba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The streets are clean, air is script and scented, everywhere is safe, food is amazing and it was basically like the country I wanna migrate to! HAHA! Seriously, people are soooo disciplined that when I went back here I was always cursing because people are unbelievable annoying here! The shops are all organized and Japanese people are hands down kind! I WANNA TELEPORT BACK THERE NOWWWWW! What amazed me most is the train system and how people line up all the time, plus the fact that you won't have any other choice but to walk! I've never really loved walking that much but Japan made me look forward to doing it every single day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRE4c2FuPMJryhy2hVQ_X-w2XSZpLk2HPbNfg57U6d7ZzB97Bfim1wOeMFSuxJyClMz2ha83WBQe51PXjg5RaaOG-EeIfpJyy7_7znOcaUQnMtNQkkED-hRIwQdNKyHdt4u4eY_zTW2o/s1600/DSC_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRE4c2FuPMJryhy2hVQ_X-w2XSZpLk2HPbNfg57U6d7ZzB97Bfim1wOeMFSuxJyClMz2ha83WBQe51PXjg5RaaOG-EeIfpJyy7_7znOcaUQnMtNQkkED-hRIwQdNKyHdt4u4eY_zTW2o/s640/DSC_3772.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden near Tokyo Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFVNPe-jGcLhZ27mXHa29txGWb_twHPjz8i6JF-3je9vVnhcp0JI7v6-ZyuKtiypoL0fHBpyhOo5yaKVkmAy39knxsOpPk2HphltX1hqiVnWpHKaVXNNo-07orRYX0IorIRRJMJf6oog/s1600/DSC_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFVNPe-jGcLhZ27mXHa29txGWb_twHPjz8i6JF-3je9vVnhcp0JI7v6-ZyuKtiypoL0fHBpyhOo5yaKVkmAy39knxsOpPk2HphltX1hqiVnWpHKaVXNNo-07orRYX0IorIRRJMJf6oog/s640/DSC_3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korakuen Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxHQARXWGwO80Ulek-ZRqPhjkFv3etYsmXXw_vrNu7LjxZaTWfRs_8LUCFbhCLrzWHRbPmhuursdgXqUNgagh4CRpnXw8zlBFFiwzCcnAredYTZpAglOg1VH8EEzLWywaQLAvbFDkJqc/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1444" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxHQARXWGwO80Ulek-ZRqPhjkFv3etYsmXXw_vrNu7LjxZaTWfRs_8LUCFbhCLrzWHRbPmhuursdgXqUNgagh4CRpnXw8zlBFFiwzCcnAredYTZpAglOg1VH8EEzLWywaQLAvbFDkJqc/s640/IMG_4464.JPG" width="631" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaves are glowing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My friends and I stayed in Book Tea Bed in Azabu-Juban and the capsule hotel has bookish interior so imagine me squealing when I saw it! Books are in Japanese mostly and the English ones are classics! It was a nice place to rest after a day of walking and sight-seeing! I was also able to visit a few book stores and would try to share in another post!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwu1wqadtHWvdUIXJygaCHhO7mAGlZxm9WX5IxcMFSwV4ApGq2SAlYcE8U1jYk6V2gDe7yYQjrtb3JnV-ok_Qa-eMZ-CltKGnPC7SPOi5ddbTB7Fwr6LWnWiGEEwQJhCq-9VV-GLn98s/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwu1wqadtHWvdUIXJygaCHhO7mAGlZxm9WX5IxcMFSwV4ApGq2SAlYcE8U1jYk6V2gDe7yYQjrtb3JnV-ok_Qa-eMZ-CltKGnPC7SPOi5ddbTB7Fwr6LWnWiGEEwQJhCq-9VV-GLn98s/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I have around 300 pics and 15 vids but I won't post them all here. I decided to make a 14-minute video though because I know I won't be able to do Japan justice! But you should go and visit Japan, it's absolutely one of the countries to tick off on your Bucket List!<br />
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<center><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cvplr67KLBA?rel=0&controls=0" width="560"></iframe></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwu1wqadtHWvdUIXJygaCHhO7mAGlZxm9WX5IxcMFSwV4ApGq2SAlYcE8U1jYk6V2gDe7yYQjrtb3JnV-ok_Qa-eMZ-CltKGnPC7SPOi5ddbTB7Fwr6LWnWiGEEwQJhCq-9VV-GLn98s/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwu1wqadtHWvdUIXJygaCHhO7mAGlZxm9WX5IxcMFSwV4ApGq2SAlYcE8U1jYk6V2gDe7yYQjrtb3JnV-ok_Qa-eMZ-CltKGnPC7SPOi5ddbTB7Fwr6LWnWiGEEwQJhCq-9VV-GLn98s/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"><b> Have you been to Japan? How was it?</b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcGvPrOS-wZxPLFCsgpQfmDtoV8l6KVOI60YO_cYEEQ76c3RMm5VBhVrR_44OOjCTYmE3S08UhQd-4RuSRQOLAwa6QqZz4Kd3vTVWNrfuIBhP4lyZ-jSlaAACzp844WTe27_sa6Kjbb4/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcGvPrOS-wZxPLFCsgpQfmDtoV8l6KVOI60YO_cYEEQ76c3RMm5VBhVrR_44OOjCTYmE3S08UhQd-4RuSRQOLAwa6QqZz4Kd3vTVWNrfuIBhP4lyZ-jSlaAACzp844WTe27_sa6Kjbb4/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a> </div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-60347002720474283142017-12-12T19:14:00.001+08:002017-12-12T19:14:51.120+08:00POP FICTION BLOG TOUR REVIEW: THE CONSPIRATION OF THE UNIVERSE BY KENNETH OLANDAY.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwts5kWOTbmPfVzdXPmYEVH0Isw4YcsBTRUySafhvwd_wnq2eQI1nU8ErpDW5Gh2Du59R1sFw4d4d4EMP6WxwrTSLFm_WDr5kjk8Z-xd2-JZrJUkz4TNW_jMThNFJ_SW3NAzSsP_iHe58/s1600/TCOTU_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwts5kWOTbmPfVzdXPmYEVH0Isw4YcsBTRUySafhvwd_wnq2eQI1nU8ErpDW5Gh2Du59R1sFw4d4d4EMP6WxwrTSLFm_WDr5kjk8Z-xd2-JZrJUkz4TNW_jMThNFJ_SW3NAzSsP_iHe58/s640/TCOTU_banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpqOOX_79udOh37qfKMr9CVDpxBq7iFcaAWk64f57AzAvI0F3wJwP4-c-QdX8H_AwddXV7JbyB1tyyc7_t_cS5GDuaReFJedPIxa6L9xfJOHqGdF5qlemwmNVcwsPQxxJOpS9Ab9XkSE/s1600/Cons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpqOOX_79udOh37qfKMr9CVDpxBq7iFcaAWk64f57AzAvI0F3wJwP4-c-QdX8H_AwddXV7JbyB1tyyc7_t_cS5GDuaReFJedPIxa6L9xfJOHqGdF5qlemwmNVcwsPQxxJOpS9Ab9XkSE/s1600/Cons.JPG" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Conspiration of the Universe<br />
<b>Author:</b> Kenneth Olanday<br />
<b>Series:</b> Standalone<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> 2017 by Cloak Pop Fiction (Summit Books)<br />
<b>Source:</b> Finished copy provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 241<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Romance, Magical Realism (?), Fantasy, Contemporary<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Luke believes in a quote by his favorite author -- that is you want something so bad, the universe will conspire to help you get it.<br />
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Luke must have wanted to find love so much that Eureka, the heroine of his favorite book, comes to life and falls in love with him.<br />
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There is just one catch: once Eureka reaches the end of her book's storylike in the real world, then her story with Luke will end, too.<br />
<br />
Will the universe conspire to help the star-crossed lovers find true happiness with each other?<br />
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One thing is for sure, Luke will do everything he can to keep Eureka forever.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>LOCAL BOOK STORES </b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>I just finished reading my second Pop Fiction book. My first was Karmic Hearts that unfortunately, I didn't enjoy at all. Texts were confusing, typos were all over the book and it was honestly a hard one to read. Though reading <i>The Conspiration of the Universe</i> felt as if it was still a draft manuscript instead of the finished copy, I enjoyed it well enough to land three stars.<br />
<br />
If you have read <b><a href="http://www.thebookaholicblurbs.com/2017/04/Literally.html">Literally by Lucy Keating</a></b> (and loved it), this one's for you. Eureka is a character in Luke's favorite book. She appeared in Luke's life just right in the middle of his heartbreak. It's as if <i>universe conspired</i> for Luke to fall in love again. They were happy but you know how it goes, once the book ends, so as Eureka's story in real life.<br />
<br />
A scene in TFIOS had a cameo, too. The part were Hazel and Augustus went to meet the author of the book and confronted him about the ending, the characters and a sequel. This made me deduct two stars from my rating because apart from being super similar to Literally, I wasn't expecting another kinda dupe scene to pop-up. I was enjoying it despite the similarities because I thought that the spin of the story would be somehow unique and I would see the author's <i>print</i> in it but I didn't. Would have been a superb one if the story was you know, owned. I am not saying that this book copied Literally (it might have been written prior to Literally) but the similarities are so uncanny and I didn't experience 'discovering' new things in this book. It felt flat at times and aside from the typos and cliches, it wasn't the book I could say gripping or mind-blowing or anything that would stick for a while.<br />
<br />
Matt's short story made me absolutely giddy though. He's a side character that I would love to see more from and by the end of the book, I was given a few pages from his point of view. He's absurd at times but definitely a friend you would love to have.<br />
<br />
The Conspiration of the Universe is a story I enjoyed. I may have had some issues with it but seeing Luke and Eureka happy made the reading journey worth it. <br />
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<i><b>Thank you for the review copy and for having me, Summit Books!</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHJ1eioBLaS8abEuSyMlAdkmDk8ab-gthvKD35WQiB_k-YC-lYKBU71HvrDLeqSYr2UomilL9xPoubbsgBVbiD5u83ww8MH2iC4MeewGLxs8fYnethBTwuCV0EDvlck_wnVHZLVtBmCE/s1600/RG-3S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHJ1eioBLaS8abEuSyMlAdkmDk8ab-gthvKD35WQiB_k-YC-lYKBU71HvrDLeqSYr2UomilL9xPoubbsgBVbiD5u83ww8MH2iC4MeewGLxs8fYnethBTwuCV0EDvlck_wnVHZLVtBmCE/s320/RG-3S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Every day we had to make a choice. Most of the time, the effect of our choices would be so small that we'd forget about it. But sometimes, it would be so big that you'd never forget it for the rest of your life."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Isn't love like a ground wire?"</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRMemwGU6RrISg5X2jArX2_qRBtRILysUrnnv8S79qwKXpypmTBRhmw0Tiem3yMP4DgGwXpSbemYPeZNPBo2Gl3Y8zErabaAmpmfXZQpIUJtxC0Uqhrm9pyR34J7h8wDkg4W71URDOiY/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRMemwGU6RrISg5X2jArX2_qRBtRILysUrnnv8S79qwKXpypmTBRhmw0Tiem3yMP4DgGwXpSbemYPeZNPBo2Gl3Y8zErabaAmpmfXZQpIUJtxC0Uqhrm9pyR34J7h8wDkg4W71URDOiY/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Check out the participating blogs for reviews:</b></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsgjt3EtcBNFAO2NC1cxDFX4Qkpo4GivXtn13JkS4uhsGFPP-ZE3PLCFX1uKjsjn6w6-ipQCFbEGYnlxP2HNF9GmHaz-nG8d54Um1Y49MdGHT-Le2WbjWvpNpGgItU4PopyuHPHSSgQM/s1600/TCOTU_schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsgjt3EtcBNFAO2NC1cxDFX4Qkpo4GivXtn13JkS4uhsGFPP-ZE3PLCFX1uKjsjn6w6-ipQCFbEGYnlxP2HNF9GmHaz-nG8d54Um1Y49MdGHT-Le2WbjWvpNpGgItU4PopyuHPHSSgQM/s640/TCOTU_schedule.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-85801892512426432462017-10-27T22:10:00.000+08:002018-01-11T22:33:54.746+08:00DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: SONGS TO GET OVER YOU BY JAY E TRIA.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhIK9g42ZtfFKdOzJAMqYrKo0xmvBp21DXCGxMCGRzJYzUL2-DhpxoE_xXDwgcP_NCFUM8EXp_xQqJhVpQcBIsDXvOItTrINEmbhJNIKfdtigHJCCJZC_x-MVKJbnpvzMY-beJ9nGA1k/s1600/Dewey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhIK9g42ZtfFKdOzJAMqYrKo0xmvBp21DXCGxMCGRzJYzUL2-DhpxoE_xXDwgcP_NCFUM8EXp_xQqJhVpQcBIsDXvOItTrINEmbhJNIKfdtigHJCCJZC_x-MVKJbnpvzMY-beJ9nGA1k/s640/Dewey.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Title:</b> Songs to Get Over You<br />
<b>Author:</b> Jay E. Tria<br />
<b>Series:</b> Playlist #2<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> August 22nd 2015<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from the author<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 149<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult, Romance<br />
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<blockquote>
<b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
It's harder to get over someone who was never really yours.<br />
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They say rock stars get all the girls. But Miki knows that's not always true. He, for one, though the guitarist of popular indie band Trainman, just can't seem to get the girl. It's kind of his fault, really. No one told him to fall in love with Jill. No one told him to stand still and watch as she moved on from a terrible breakup into the arms of another guy—a Japanese celebrity with the face of an angel and the body of a god.<br />
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So when someone else comes along, someone who finds him cute, smart, and funny (sometimes in the haha sort of way), will Miki finally move on? Or will he continue to pine for Jill?</blockquote>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BR4BRVS/">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://romanceclassbooks.com/book/songs-to-get-over-you/">Romance Class</a> ▴ <a href="http://www.jayetria.com/print-books-order-form/">Author's Website</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>
I will just make this one quick, go read my review of Book 1 <a href="http://www.thebookaholicblurbs.com/2017/10/Shintaaaaaa.html">here</a>. Now, you've basically heard of Miki the wallflower best friend, right? Well, this book is about HIM and how he handled... everything! I MEAN, I COULDN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH FEELS THERE IS IN THIS BOOK. SO SO MUCH!! Yes, I am incoherent because I WAS ONCE *THAT* BEST FRIEND HUHUH SO FORGIVE ME IF THIS WON'T MAKE SENSE - BUT I AM TELLING YOU NOW, GET THIS BOOK!<br />
<br />
I wish I read it sooner than later, it could have saved me from being lonely when I was in *THAT* best friend-ish situation. HAHAHAHUHUHU<br />
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TRIA IS JUST SO AMAZING IN WRITING ABOUT HOW LOVE CAN RUIN, BUILD, OR BLOOM A FRIENDSHIP. AND <i>SONGS TO GET OVER YOU</i> WILL PROVE THAT SOMETIMES, YOU JUST SHOULDN'T CROSS THAT FINE LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ANYMORE. THAT SOMETIMES, IT'S BEST TO JUST BE A FRIEND. I DON'T KNOW, IT HURT HAHAHAHA<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
"Maybe it's the kind of love that you get used to, because it's there. Not the kind of love you need."</blockquote>
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Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-75497227104485132452017-10-26T08:20:00.000+08:002018-01-11T22:26:21.290+08:00DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: SONGS OF OUR BREAKUP BY JAY E TRIA.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhIK9g42ZtfFKdOzJAMqYrKo0xmvBp21DXCGxMCGRzJYzUL2-DhpxoE_xXDwgcP_NCFUM8EXp_xQqJhVpQcBIsDXvOItTrINEmbhJNIKfdtigHJCCJZC_x-MVKJbnpvzMY-beJ9nGA1k/s1600/Dewey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhIK9g42ZtfFKdOzJAMqYrKo0xmvBp21DXCGxMCGRzJYzUL2-DhpxoE_xXDwgcP_NCFUM8EXp_xQqJhVpQcBIsDXvOItTrINEmbhJNIKfdtigHJCCJZC_x-MVKJbnpvzMY-beJ9nGA1k/s640/Dewey.png" width="640" height="320" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjOLXce0IC6Fv9X3QLLjJoH7zUCciM1JdjCevQ94EEZfzQDhotusOka0Hts6NvHGlzu5EMZaKlPt0Sdi3oWOLfYN1ex0_nPo26Jx8TDQTw107lNlSyE03Pm3rMV16IUYn6-VrnUzZ7yo/s1600/26151729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjOLXce0IC6Fv9X3QLLjJoH7zUCciM1JdjCevQ94EEZfzQDhotusOka0Hts6NvHGlzu5EMZaKlPt0Sdi3oWOLfYN1ex0_nPo26Jx8TDQTw107lNlSyE03Pm3rMV16IUYn6-VrnUzZ7yo/s1600/26151729.jpg" data-original-width="297" data-original-height="475" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Songs of Our Breakup<br />
<b>Author:</b> Jay E. Tria<br />
<b>Series:</b> Playlist #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> August 22nd 2015<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from the author<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 145<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult, Romance<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Every breakup has its playlist.<br />
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How do you get over a seven-year relationship? 21-year-old Jill is trying to find out. But moving on is a harder job when Kim, her ex-boyfriend, is the lead guitarist of the band, and Jill is the vocalist. Every song they play together feels like slicing open a barely healed tattoo.<br />
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Jill’s best friend Miki says she will be out of this gloom soon. Breakups have a probation period, he says. Jill is on the last month of hers and Miki is patiently keeping her company. <br />
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But the real silver lining is Shinta. Having a hot Japanese actor friend in times like these is a welcome distraction. This gorgeous celebrity has been defying time zones and distance through the years to be there for Jill. Now he is here, physically present, and together he and Jill go through old lyrics, vivid memories, walks in the rain, and bottles of beer. Together they try to answer the question: what do you do when forever ends?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014BQ3O4W/">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://romanceclassbooks.com/book/songs-of-our-breakup/">Romance Class</a> ▴ <a href="http://www.jayetria.com/print-books-order-form/">Author's Website</a>▴ </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><i>Songs of Our Breakup</i> is an easy 5-star read. Its unique take on tropes, superb writing style, subtle love triangle, devastating heartbreak and amazing music are elements I loved tremendously. It also right away captured me because I have a thing for singing, I used to jam and mostly have guy friends. You can easily see yourself flipping through the pages with passion because the story is that amazing. Plus, Tria did mention Mobile Suit once so SOLD!<br />
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Can we also talk about the height of the characters in this story, please? Tria and I stand tall (5'8"-ish) and I AM SUPER THRILLED TO ENCOUNTER GROUP OF FRIENDS WHO ARE ALMOST THE SAME HEIGHT BECAUSE HELL YESSSSSS THAT IS ME IN THERE, ALRIGHT?! THANK YOU, TRIA, FOR REPRESENTING US TALL PEOPLE. IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME.<br />
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I was straight rooting for Shinta. Aside from his jaw dropping looks, I loved his values. He's thoughtful, respectful and he's the kind of guy worth waiting for. Not sure if my ship will sail but I hope it would (though I still have 2 books to read so I don't really know what's gonna happen). Miki on the other hand is the best friend you can always rely on. The love triangle was put in there in the subtlest way and to be honest, I didn't see it if it weren't for Nico and Son's convo. Yeah, I am that dense. Miki's like, a wallflower in Jill's life. He's so scared to come fight for Jill because he doesn't wanna gamble it -- he can't lose his best friend -- which is a thing I am all too familiar with. FAAAAAK!!! SO MUCH FEELSSSSS!<br />
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The breakup between Jill and Kim (seven years together!) was a nasty one. But Jill handled it professionally for the sake of their band. I WAS LIKE, GURRRRL, HOW DO YOU DO IT? When they talked and legit shook on it, it was the most painful part because how could you not hurt by officially saying goodbye to the person you literally grew up with? I wish they worked on their differences instead of separating but Kim is absolutely right at one thing, <b>some things just don't work anymore.</b> OUUUUUUCHHHHHH. Tria, get it together!!! You are breaking me apart!<br />
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Lastly, the songs reflect the character's emotions in such a hardcore level I cannot even explain. The depth just hits the heart. I wanna hear these songs and wallow in my misery. DAMN, SOMEONE PICK UP THE PIECES OF MY SHATTERED HEART, PLEASE. <br />
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A story of moving on and living life one day at time, Songs of Our Breakup gives another level of meaning to forever. YOU NEED THIS BOOK YESTERDAY!!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYwTRIFhfe050XdwgpnhUm96mBy_gq2L9-7E4p8RGBxDcdWrgH0k7ovcjUN9-2JABP2-Z-Ixo4yRgZ4339s4-SK_NppUpA1axJx5zre5NTjreO35yxRWtjaFLmmpPWMYh-zcBrgjhT0U/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYwTRIFhfe050XdwgpnhUm96mBy_gq2L9-7E4p8RGBxDcdWrgH0k7ovcjUN9-2JABP2-Z-Ixo4yRgZ4339s4-SK_NppUpA1axJx5zre5NTjreO35yxRWtjaFLmmpPWMYh-zcBrgjhT0U/s400/RG-5S.png" width="400" height="80" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"She had grown up with this boy, shared B-sides, long nights, test answers, pajamas, and shawarma with him, a collection of things and moments that changed them both...Jill still knew the face, but no longer the boy behind it."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-44355869375962489802017-10-24T06:39:00.001+08:002017-11-01T08:53:40.178+08:00DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: THE ART OF SHIFTING GEARS BY CHI YU RODRIGUEZ.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW6CqPeqH_i8aMMEE4sAncLz5z1Hs1gnjPithY0uX1eKx5TIlIZztcwnMUe22A7RUF5Xzk1umfmHaN4z2GpcGupft9wJLFNtC-XRS-6K2qac6IQ4s_YFc3HAbashpgfRPIXvDHxo0p1o/s1600/Dewey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW6CqPeqH_i8aMMEE4sAncLz5z1Hs1gnjPithY0uX1eKx5TIlIZztcwnMUe22A7RUF5Xzk1umfmHaN4z2GpcGupft9wJLFNtC-XRS-6K2qac6IQ4s_YFc3HAbashpgfRPIXvDHxo0p1o/s640/Dewey.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19oR967JbIPQLT3M8n3i2kEJp7COccv9FEHROR3aa73YjaAE5kQM-vt2cCETWT-KoDwiSFBdzRMAlzHDquIlmGJ43bCNwXjiBsIcOATTvF9AfS42x5qh4-kGuOlV5ko4mC4UBOqZgB1w/s1600/33841388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19oR967JbIPQLT3M8n3i2kEJp7COccv9FEHROR3aa73YjaAE5kQM-vt2cCETWT-KoDwiSFBdzRMAlzHDquIlmGJ43bCNwXjiBsIcOATTvF9AfS42x5qh4-kGuOlV5ko4mC4UBOqZgB1w/s1600/33841388.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Art of Shifting Gears<br />
<b>Author:</b> Chi Yu Rodriguez<br />
<b>Series:</b> Standalone<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> April 2017 by Anvil Publishing<br />
<b>Source:</b> Copy provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 120<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult, Romance<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
Rae de los Santos was en route to a perfect adult life. She knew what to major in, she knew what career path she was going to pursue, and she knew who she was going to be with all the way to the realization of her dreams—until her seamless journey made a turn for the unimaginable and skidded to a stop.<br />
<br />
All of a sudden she was facing every roadblock possible, and the people she held dear ended up running over her heart.<br />
<br />
For a year, she distracted herself with hot lead and burnt rubber, using karting as a lifeline until she was strong enough to face the world that shunned her.<br />
<br />
But during Rae’s junior year in college, she was again blindsided by signs that weren’t supposed to be there. Will Rae go full speed ahead? Or will the seduction of the past slow her down?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Shifting-Gears-Chi-Rodriguez-ebook/dp/B06XBXZV8F">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://romanceclassbooks.com/book/the-art-of-shifting-gears/">Romance Class</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.anvilpublishing.com/shop/new-adult-literature/the-art-of-shifting-gears/">Anvil</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><i>The Art of Shifting Gears</i> is another #romanceclass book that I enjoyed! I think this is the first book in the history of MY ever that I met a racer/mechanic female protagonist! Though our Rae is set to become a teacher, her hobbies and abilities are not limited to it and that's a character arc I've tremendously loved. <br />
<br />
I was just a little bit - for the lack of a better term - unsatisfied. The story happened within a year and it left so many questions unanswered. Not sure if it was intentional to keep the readers imagining. As a reader however, I would like to have an understanding of what have happened in the past in order to have better judgement. But I was left guessing the following:<br />
<br />
a) What really happened to Tessa, Rae and Mike? (Like, I get the gist but shouldn't there be more to it)<br />
b) When did the parents pass? Money started to become an issue? (From the looks of it, yes. But it also sounded that they're well-off in the beginning, so what happened?)<br />
c) What Jason supposed to be an LI as well?<br />
d) Where is the follow-up on the racing encounter with Mike?<br />
e) How did Rae end up with Jason when there is really no chemistry? Wait, what? REALLY?<br />
f) What's the podcast for, to be honest?<br />
<br />
and more. The fluidity of the story wasn't as smooth as I expected, it really felt like half of the story is missing and tropes that were mixed up just didn't work well together. But what I loved most are family dynamics, diversity and the rawness of life struggles. I want more racing, I want more car scenes and I want more girl power.<br />
<br />
The Art of Shifting Gears is 5% cars, 50% life problems and 45% boy drama. But banters are to look forward to. The story has so much potential but needs a little bit polishing in my opinion. Would have been a lot better if 'sub-scenes' (or back story) have follow-ups and if prose didn't just jump over one another. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Thank you, Anvil Publishing, for the review copy!</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A99ZEOec5N0y8IY1EiyUu_hFAleh7tFuLMYzuKZjl95IbKx4vk77noZrsPH7dXZ5H9YhNJN9G0gBYpvLHUdrnaj_NEDhgRY4ppkzrK27aIPBr4MlPXIu3CoCSlvbj6YXm0nJ0Zy_Axk/s1600/RG-3S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A99ZEOec5N0y8IY1EiyUu_hFAleh7tFuLMYzuKZjl95IbKx4vk77noZrsPH7dXZ5H9YhNJN9G0gBYpvLHUdrnaj_NEDhgRY4ppkzrK27aIPBr4MlPXIu3CoCSlvbj6YXm0nJ0Zy_Axk/s320/RG-3S.png" width="320" height="64" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"When things left unsaid and emotions left unexpressed have been stewing for so long, they become dense. They weigh a person down, the grime of pain sticks to their skin, forms a permanent lump in their throats that keep them from breathing normally ever again."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-37643438753798449632017-10-22T10:57:00.000+08:002017-10-27T09:02:39.756+08:00DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: THE SUN AND HER FLOWERS BY RUPI KAUR.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjwdzh8pJ2Ff5rRZmSdQcrbgnqbuAZQnd13IkC5eolHi-anw6kbVcLterjvyGmGwtjmXYrMp7XzIMrBLMPP-DmaHZjR3U641m5CMtqCWn5CXebFuwDaf3mv2xGODldZp6N_5GQaprxiA/s1600/Dewey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjwdzh8pJ2Ff5rRZmSdQcrbgnqbuAZQnd13IkC5eolHi-anw6kbVcLterjvyGmGwtjmXYrMp7XzIMrBLMPP-DmaHZjR3U641m5CMtqCWn5CXebFuwDaf3mv2xGODldZp6N_5GQaprxiA/s640/Dewey.png" width="640" height="320" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zCJ8l1DXeMEtRGxDQFACOTN0MS3s9uUFUNTlTvfT-E_4w3CrulKq6CBCYYxwWTERyLfiD49A6g5GIE24s0KJlgg5VdjNFOrli-RbFtnN-GvEHDNGeX4MSBZ_rPR8E1_Essc5XHiDfx8/s1600/Rupi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1032" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zCJ8l1DXeMEtRGxDQFACOTN0MS3s9uUFUNTlTvfT-E_4w3CrulKq6CBCYYxwWTERyLfiD49A6g5GIE24s0KJlgg5VdjNFOrli-RbFtnN-GvEHDNGeX4MSBZ_rPR8E1_Essc5XHiDfx8/s400/Rupi.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Sun and Her Flowers<br />
<b>Author:</b> Rupi Kaur<br />
<b>Series:</b> Standalone<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> October 3rd 2017 by Andrews McMeel Publishing<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from National Bookstore<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 249 pages<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Poetry<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
<br />
From Rupi Kaur, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey, comes her long-awaited second collection of poetry. A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself.<br />
<br />
Divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.<br />
<br />
this is the recipe of life<br />
said my mother<br />
as she held me in her arms as i wept <br />
think of those flowers you plant<br />
in the garden each year <br />
they will teach you<br />
that people too<br />
must wilt<br />
fall<br />
root<br />
rise<br />
in order to bloom</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449486797">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sun-and-her-flowers-rupi-kaur/1126734852#/">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Sun-and-Her-Flowers-Rupi-Kaur/9781449486792">Book Depository </a></b>▴ <b><a href="https://www.nationalbookstore.com/the-sun-and-her-flower">National Bookstore</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><i>Trigger Warning - Rape</i></b></b></div><br />
<i>The Sun and Her Flowers</i> is my first Rupi Kaur book, I must say that I enjoyed and connected to it the most part. The verses bring awareness to issues people would normally ignore and some had hit home. Most of my fave parts left me uttering what-the-fucks because of how real and strong they were.<br />
<br />
However, it was a little bit of a let down. Maybe because of my high-expectations brought by the hype. A lot of the verses or topics confused me. What also <i>weirded </i>me out is that the book is chopped in to 5 chapters but some entries do not feel like they were in the correct chapter? Most of my feelings jumped between the previous chapters and the verse I was at. Also, a chunk of it bore me. To death. The illustration also wasn't my cup of tea.<br />
<br />
The Sun and Her Flowers is an okay read. I loved the cover and I liked it enough to rate it 3 stars. I will definitely pick up <i>Milk and Honey</i>, there might be more feels in there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCseoYQ8O95Dsgh18ynTBIy6lpW-qrsZqvXrad_gmoj5wp3DD7aSA95OPhsMB3XH8Bhoyw0gh8zn6zANPyTnO80hmop4keM6JUpi9TevK1jUdawBelr7PVLEv6OZTzeuUoN9ux9noXp54/s1600/RG-3S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCseoYQ8O95Dsgh18ynTBIy6lpW-qrsZqvXrad_gmoj5wp3DD7aSA95OPhsMB3XH8Bhoyw0gh8zn6zANPyTnO80hmop4keM6JUpi9TevK1jUdawBelr7PVLEv6OZTzeuUoN9ux9noXp54/s320/RG-3S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"it isn't what we left behind<br />
that breaks me<br />
it's what we could've built<br />
Had we stayed"</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-70795299403468021742017-10-21T09:12:00.000+08:002017-10-26T10:57:45.554+08:00DEWEY'S 24-HOUR READATHON 2017.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUItLgpdGy-QKPkarah71Rwd9kiZJJXdl7vp8vSqjL1W1oAG1XhP_E138DCck6Loy1NJPYFWURiV_aN2CnVDWmmpsKRyKhU9K9B6sxfU4bsU6P93oS0dpjGIo2Pq6S2R3v2vBRwW09kic/s1600/Dewey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUItLgpdGy-QKPkarah71Rwd9kiZJJXdl7vp8vSqjL1W1oAG1XhP_E138DCck6Loy1NJPYFWURiV_aN2CnVDWmmpsKRyKhU9K9B6sxfU4bsU6P93oS0dpjGIo2Pq6S2R3v2vBRwW09kic/s640/Dewey.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so thrilled to participate in the <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/october-2017-reader-sign-ups/">Dewey's 24-hour Readathon</a> this year! I've always wanted to join but I have too many excuses in the past but today, I summoned all my courage and signed-up! This year is the first time I will join so I am a little bit ambitious, the books I decided to read are just around 150 pages each or less and these should be easy reads. That is if I could keep up with stay up all night. Here they are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBjJ-9bsxeDGL1CGMJvb6QVVUYoAaFTY7dAV5hGktPXxkBklIzIGC-Qe7TjE1oXMqlkLFIIx7t4iEDQAQSDGlu73AFUPoV1EQZJo_WcNdQcY74x_CxDvOI007Z7tuGxH8Soy76w-CxeM/s1600/Dewey+Picks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBjJ-9bsxeDGL1CGMJvb6QVVUYoAaFTY7dAV5hGktPXxkBklIzIGC-Qe7TjE1oXMqlkLFIIx7t4iEDQAQSDGlu73AFUPoV1EQZJo_WcNdQcY74x_CxDvOI007Z7tuGxH8Soy76w-CxeM/s640/Dewey+Picks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26139204-the-year-we-became-invincible">The Year We Became Invincible by Mae Coyiuto</a> 176 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33841388-the-art-of-shifting-gears">The Art of Shifting Gears by Chi Yu Rodriguez</a> 116 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33789837-midnights-in-bali">Midnights in Bali by Carla de Guzman</a> 100 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26151729-songs-of-our-breakup">Songs of Our Breakup (Playlist #1) by Jay E. Tria</a> 145 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29097251-songs-to-get-over-you">Songs to Get Over You (Playlist #2) by Jay E. Tria</a> 149 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32505591-songs-to-make-you-stay">Songs to Make You Stay (Playlist #3) by Jay E. Tria</a> 162 pages</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35606560-the-sun-and-her-flowers">The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur</a> 248 pages</b></div>
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The stack above (except Kaur's) are all from Filipino Authors (so technically, all books are diverse). I have 7 books with a total of <b>1096</b> pages. I should be able to finish them all in one day but knowing how easily I could fall asleep, I dunno how much I could get done. So let's see how I go! Can't wait!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yoMq51lYYzr-f4OgbEkFobFLk-k3Wbct_ywBPZTIvyyd2O7ffSC7ye2LLKdUxtTUde17MaTPewBImAbu5_BzNv_VbjA263KVjGpZsuHe96r6Ng5NiMq3-QHG_Ek5Ubs-CgaAe5E7i3E/s1600/WC-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="313" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yoMq51lYYzr-f4OgbEkFobFLk-k3Wbct_ywBPZTIvyyd2O7ffSC7ye2LLKdUxtTUde17MaTPewBImAbu5_BzNv_VbjA263KVjGpZsuHe96r6Ng5NiMq3-QHG_Ek5Ubs-CgaAe5E7i3E/s200/WC-divider.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Are you also participating in this year's readathon? What are you planning to read?</b></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyX_RfXC_fqxte3ZLL3S3gPnw4GB1ayII_vqZgJG0zzO7pmByXFkbCpSwDNL5pGyJHebc5_ShGAyX2QLjUKixiAy_SVGmyFh4EQ1LEAGCUj07pTU2IGbBAkKmg13U3uPXw_J-oeIri9A4/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyX_RfXC_fqxte3ZLL3S3gPnw4GB1ayII_vqZgJG0zzO7pmByXFkbCpSwDNL5pGyJHebc5_ShGAyX2QLjUKixiAy_SVGmyFh4EQ1LEAGCUj07pTU2IGbBAkKmg13U3uPXw_J-oeIri9A4/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>
Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-67398565736903049842017-10-18T09:21:00.000+08:002017-10-24T19:46:08.777+08:00REVIEW: THE MAPS THAT CONTAIN US BY MARLA MINIANO.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0jE0J2vE-rPlb3CBAFy80vNqGBeSL4stDjbmLjA4pLOuqFLDSg5dZutpVNPBUmpxbH4k2GwZ4zmnEOmqbD8nIyiyyqqNZ1zhN-YVKekh-QQDqjDw6sPmJhk1QnXi6PSzrap3Yb8VGnA/s1600/themapsthatcontainus_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0jE0J2vE-rPlb3CBAFy80vNqGBeSL4stDjbmLjA4pLOuqFLDSg5dZutpVNPBUmpxbH4k2GwZ4zmnEOmqbD8nIyiyyqqNZ1zhN-YVKekh-QQDqjDw6sPmJhk1QnXi6PSzrap3Yb8VGnA/s400/themapsthatcontainus_cover.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Maps That Contain Us<br />
<b>Authors:</b> Marla Miniano, Reese Lansangan<br />
<b>Series:</b> Standalone<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> September 2017 by Summit Books<br />
<b>Source:</b> Bought from National Bookstore<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 99<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Poetry<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
What are the places that have transformed you? What are the cities you’ll never forget? What are the paths that will forever mark your soul?<br />
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In creating their new book of poetry and flash fiction, The Maps That Contain Us, bestselling author Marla Miniano and singer/songwriter Reese Lansangan write about the restless, unforgettable migrations of their spirits. From Ann Siang Road in Singapore to Matnog in Sorsogon, from Amsterdam to Tokyo to Hawaii, they explore love, loss, life, and loneliness in this collection, hoping to finally find their place in this world.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>LOCATE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>National Bookstore ▴ BookSale Store ▴ Fullybooked</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Guard your heart, the blues and the purples of it,</div><div style="text-align: center;">close it and lock it and slode the key under</div><div style="text-align: center;">the threadbare carpet for now. Don't worry,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you will find it when you need to. It can</div><div style="text-align: center;">wait. Close your heart, love, but open</div><div style="text-align: center;">your mouth to speak just before you leave--</div><div style="text-align: center;">not to say goodbye, but to tell him you're done</div><div style="text-align: center;">breaking. There are only pinks and golds</div><div style="text-align: center;">in your horizon, and even indelible ink</div><div style="text-align: center;">washes off in time, fades out the way voices</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the night do. And when he laughs</div><div style="text-align: center;">and tells you to save it for yourself, don't</div><div style="text-align: center;">allow yourself to shut down. Even when</div><div style="text-align: center;">he says it again and again: save it for yourself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Save it for yourself</i>. Run a hand over your face,</div><div style="text-align: center;">everything is in place, remember,</div><div style="text-align: center;">tear your eyes away from his mouth, still</div><div style="text-align: center;">moving, trace a path to the front door, and</div><div style="text-align: center;">save yourself. --MM"</div><br />
The first time I heard of this book on Twitter, I knew I had to get it. I just knew. The gut-feeling that it's something I would enjoy was just there, flickering. You know that saying about trusting your gut? Damn son, my gut was right because I LOVED THIS!<br />
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As a frustrated artist, I admire prints that are done in watercolor. <i>The Maps That Contain Us</i> has these illustrations on the cover that are catchy and pretty much sold me the book. I cannot tell you how much I adore the cover alone! It showcases the talent of the illustrator and it gets you intrigued by just one look. Not only that, the illustrations inside are all gallery worthy I wanna frame them all and hang them on my wall so when I look at them, I will be reminded of how beautiful this book is.<br />
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Such a tiny book but is full-packed with the things that make your heart ache. The loss and longing in this book are all so deep I can't help contemplate about such sensitive topics in my life. That raw pain in there was just so strong I am at a loss for words. There's nothing more painful than knowing the story behind an art and this little book is surprisingly such a beautiful outlet of the said pain. The prose was alluring and it felt like - *snaps fingers* - a comfort and reassurance that every thing is going to be okay. You know when you also get that sentimental feeling that when you go to a certain place, you associate it with a memory? This book is THAT, exactly and it is beyond beautiful.<br />
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The Maps that Contain Us has impacted me in ways I didn't anticipate. It speaks to me. I loved the prose, writing style combinations, illustrations and cover. This book is written from the soul, a masterpiece that mirrors the heart, sorrow and all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlAWonkUeqiTVyLd2qkPcvtnsq_-CHmO8avptlQrRR9PtExl1vudzlZuL2sHtKDIIRc-iTwemK2bcYDRZhN6fxXQov5tKYVwd54B7Y76Fe3kWpnmgUvICGhwCHD82u2Ux41ApFf0Z-Rc/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlAWonkUeqiTVyLd2qkPcvtnsq_-CHmO8avptlQrRR9PtExl1vudzlZuL2sHtKDIIRc-iTwemK2bcYDRZhN6fxXQov5tKYVwd54B7Y76Fe3kWpnmgUvICGhwCHD82u2Ux41ApFf0Z-Rc/s320/RG-5S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"I keep coming back<br />
Not because I love you best<br />
But I had you first -RL"</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-7646374474160730232017-10-16T11:51:00.001+08:002017-10-24T13:23:04.681+08:00REVIEW: THE PROBLEM WITH BEING LAURA BY AVA FELIZ.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwlgLkqcWmUP9HcHtTa8Qcy8H8rEaFYzcuxjbzrqzwwBncxPh6j1b3hUfgLcvNt12YBHn4NpBaeQRHw6bTB8AB7V6Va0s5gdvDg0BkhdacgF1Yz4L1lhwkgApIknGblI2LdVVSbop13g/s1600/34673576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwlgLkqcWmUP9HcHtTa8Qcy8H8rEaFYzcuxjbzrqzwwBncxPh6j1b3hUfgLcvNt12YBHn4NpBaeQRHw6bTB8AB7V6Va0s5gdvDg0BkhdacgF1Yz4L1lhwkgApIknGblI2LdVVSbop13g/s1600/34673576.jpg" data-original-width="297" data-original-height="475" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> The Problem with Being Laura<br />
<b>Author:</b> Ava Feliz<br />
<b>Series:</b> Standalone<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> February 2017 by Spark Books<br />
<b>Source:</b> Finished copy provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 104<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult, Romance<br />
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<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
<br />
Laura Bayani is the most rigid person you’ll ever meet, from her white long-sleeved blouses with starched collars to her knee-length black skirts to her three-inch high heels. While her colleagues value her efficiency, it hasn’t won her any friends. For a promotion at work, Laura is advised that she has to prove she has the social skills to be an effective manager. Her colleague, Mikaela Perez and her brother, Miguel, agree to help. However, her every effort is met with disaster, and Laura feels increasingly unsure as she tries to break free from her self-imposed chains.<br />
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Will Laura have the courage to find herself, and maybe even love, to achieve things beyond her wildest dreams?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Being-Laura-Ava-Feliz-ebook/dp/B0713PC7QN">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.nationalbookstore.com/the-problem-with-being-laura.html">National Bookstore</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.anvilpublishing.com/shop/new-adult-literature/the-problem-with-being-laura/">Anvil</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>Laura is an achiever and a breadwinner. She cannot afford to lax due to her responsibilities at home and this pushed her to be serious at work. She was then bullied, called 'Ice Queen' and she's always the center of rumors. These made her keep to herself and not talk to anyone, it's like she's always sarcastic or mad when she does. She learned not to smile and shut the world around her. Until social skills is her key to get that promotion.<br />
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I absolutely enjoyed <i>The Problem With Being Laura</i>. From seeing her get bullied to freeing herself slowly with the help of her friends, it's something remarkable and definitely a thing I could relate to. It's always magic to witness how love (in any form) can transform lives. Laura showed me the side of life where lemons make people so salty they turn to stone and she also showed me how it could be undone. Laura's determination and open-mindedness helped her find the real her which led her to her happiness and I kinda envy that. The 'steps' she took cracked her hard core shell bit by bit and that is so fascinating to watch her development unfold. It's practically seeing a cocoon be a beautiful butterfly. (I cannot think of a better analogy, sorry)<br />
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I love her ways of getting what she wants and I truly understand why she sometimes snaps at her friends. She's lucky she has friends - namely Mikaela and Miguel.<br />
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Speaking of Miguesl.. Ahem, Miguel, ahem!!!! Miguel is not only dreamy but I think he exists only in fiction and dreams! The way she pursued Laura IS. EVERYTHING! He's such a big help in cracking Laura's armor and their "dates" (Kart racing, plane riding etc) are all drool-worthy. I mean, GOALS.<br />
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The Problem with Being Laura is such a feel-good read and definitely recommendable! Adventurous and quirky, this book is magic!<br />
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<i><b>Thank you Anvil Publishing for the copy!</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr9xiKviZAKW968V6thdpetoVxxre0OWK_d6GolvgXmxvW5_X2G8VogcNQ2y5_bwRAZE5FgGC74cTlxVZjEoFwhgEzVrIx-S_uuwSs_k2wD0FhTf3pEV-jxOZtKgCR-IW-eT2CBm8BYY/s1600/RG-4S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr9xiKviZAKW968V6thdpetoVxxre0OWK_d6GolvgXmxvW5_X2G8VogcNQ2y5_bwRAZE5FgGC74cTlxVZjEoFwhgEzVrIx-S_uuwSs_k2wD0FhTf3pEV-jxOZtKgCR-IW-eT2CBm8BYY/s320/RG-4S.png" width="320" height="64" data-original-width="424" data-original-height="85" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"She looked at him, standing so close to her. This guy who leaped from being a stranger to someone who could read her and her wishes, and tried to make them come true. This guy whose brown eyes and actions had been telling her something the past few weeks."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-33303194686108975922017-10-09T13:22:00.000+08:002017-10-09T13:22:14.090+08:00REVIEW: MOMENTS OF JOY BY YSA ARCANGEL.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfCtYLHHGUb1c07ZCM-uAYLo-x5WOM-I3gzF3ejHEe4hHtkNurxjMQMOBvXWKiqLmnvKL_q9oJFEPsdc-8pKanmFTKuukK7JDGL1E-ZZfXdAsZ30I7w8ufkXsdsIdWvhl-4dGAoxUPdo/s1600/34512776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfCtYLHHGUb1c07ZCM-uAYLo-x5WOM-I3gzF3ejHEe4hHtkNurxjMQMOBvXWKiqLmnvKL_q9oJFEPsdc-8pKanmFTKuukK7JDGL1E-ZZfXdAsZ30I7w8ufkXsdsIdWvhl-4dGAoxUPdo/s1600/34512776.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Moments of Joy<br />
<b>Author:</b> Ysa Arcangel<br />
<b>Series:</b> Moments to Remember #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Kindle<br />
<b>Publication:</b> April 25th 2017 by Ysa Arcangel<br />
<b>Source:</b> Freebie from Romance Class News Letter<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 177<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult, Romance<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
With her family history of Alzheimer's and at great risk of acquiring the disease, Brandy Curtis always plays safe. She had always avoided commitments like the plague.<br />
<br />
However, everything changed when she met Ivo, a gorgeous doctor with irresistible charm. He was just supposed to be another hookup, but he quickly became so much more.<br />
<br />
It started as a one night stand which was followed by another, and another. The more nights they spent together, the more Brandy felt that life had given her something to live for.<br />
<br />
The timing couldn't be worse. As her heart gets closer to Ivo, her memories begin to fade.<br />
<br />
Will Brandy be able to actually have moments of joy with Ivo against the odds of losing herself into the recesses of her tangled brain?</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Joy-Remember-Book/dp/1545292167">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/moments-of-joy/id1272666466?">iBooks</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/moments-of-joy-2">Kobo</a> ▴ </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div><br />
<b>What I didn't like about Moments of Joy:</b><br />
- The father in the beginning of the story just woke up from coma and the first thing he did? Ask his kids to read someone else's diaries.<br />
- The parts medical prose felt off. <br />
- This novel is 177 pages and almost 8-10 pages were all about the detailed sex (which I have nothing against). They have the hots for each other I know but instead of letting the readers know how they fuck each other four separate times, the two times they had fucked could have been used for more character arcs or story development. But what do I know, right?<br />
- Too little time for character development<br />
- Everything was legit in a rush. This one felt like the story is limited to only 177 pages.<br />
- Confusing as to who is the one narrating. (But this one could just be me haha)<br />
- Should have at least translated the Italian lines to English because not everyone is fluent in Italian language.<br />
- Cliches. There's just too much that even the names of the characters threw me off. God. From Romeo and Juliet, to the names of the siblings, to the ending? I am gonna faint.<br />
<br />
<b>What I absolutely enjoyed about this book:</b><br />
- I really, really, realllllyyyyyy love this cover!<br />
- Brandy is so freaking hilarious and scary at the same time. Her fear of inheriting Alzheimer’s was understandable and I adore her for being so so selfless in her decision not to get too close to anyone she could inflict the impending pain to. I mean, if that isn't brave enough then I don't know what is.<br />
- The alternating POV narration. Ivo's POV is my fave!<br />
- Verona. I am swooning because this place is OMG.<br />
- The pain of losing your mother to Alzheimer is something I cannot hope to happen to anyone but Brandy was trying to hold it together and just be there for her family. It was bittersweet and emotional.<br />
- Ivo's commitment to Brandy was remarkable.<br />
- How the plot twist was revealed gave me all the chills!<br />
- The family dynamics is well executed and I love the fights between the siblings - something real!<br />
- The deployment of the entire story is intriguing despite the eye-rolling cliches.<br />
<br />
Moments of Joy surely filled me with joy. Despite the cringe-inducing cliches, it balances it with the way the story unfolded and how the characters had given justice to their parts. Moments of Joy is addictive, catchy and oozing with sexy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_cmdEVPGMQ2aEM3oYDLI1_i4RopI1wvha5aTiJgryf7WtoWs-mavIHX5yV22IrU7q9uPOSIDN5d-u-nLpfsgGMxYJ17sPGc3oDB6riRsXhrOoCKyWf7MeYwd4_LdlBu4NvW9PoxnOe4/s1600/RG-3S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_cmdEVPGMQ2aEM3oYDLI1_i4RopI1wvha5aTiJgryf7WtoWs-mavIHX5yV22IrU7q9uPOSIDN5d-u-nLpfsgGMxYJ17sPGc3oDB6riRsXhrOoCKyWf7MeYwd4_LdlBu4NvW9PoxnOe4/s320/RG-3S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"If you think being friends with the source of your pain will help you through an emotional crisis, you're mistaken. Once you've had an opportunity to heal, it may be possible to be friends, but not before."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1403018010127007195.post-24202867185641567852017-10-04T15:47:00.003+08:002017-10-04T15:47:46.731+08:00REVIEW: FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS BY JULIE C. DAO.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBOKbQ-WPk8nrCOgdgJN2kj0kmWEwROVS-WbDqZlrBig74xb-jK7FlF_qy1Qk7xGyOLEoReFuyvjSdXWxVJjIAjUX1Waj7IrAgydGQuH7BiSVPiNHJNZbgDs3RONUIXNEOu4-z6GvsIeO/s1600/33958230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBOKbQ-WPk8nrCOgdgJN2kj0kmWEwROVS-WbDqZlrBig74xb-jK7FlF_qy1Qk7xGyOLEoReFuyvjSdXWxVJjIAjUX1Waj7IrAgydGQuH7BiSVPiNHJNZbgDs3RONUIXNEOu4-z6GvsIeO/s1600/33958230.jpg" /></a></div><b>Title:</b> Forest of a Thousand Lanterns<br />
<b>Author:</b> Julie C. Dao <br />
<b>Series:</b> Rise of the Empress #1<br />
<b>Edition:</b> Paperback<br />
<b>Publication:</b> October 10th 2017 by Philomel Books<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC provided by the publisher<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 384<br />
<b>Genre:</b> High-Fantasy, Retellings<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />
<i>An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.</i><br />
<br />
Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?<br />
<br />
Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:<br />
ISBN13: 9781524738297</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forest-Thousand-Lanterns-Rise-Empress/dp/1524738298">Amazon</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forest-of-a-thousand-lanterns-julie-c-dao/1125490032">Barnes and Noble</a> ▴ <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Forest-Thousand-Lanterns-Julie-C-Dao/9781524738297">Book Depository</a> ▴ <a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/552427/forest-of-a-thousand-lanterns-by-julie-c-dao/9781524738297/">Penguin Random House</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkhz_MCBPgbekvsS6wvjDjXhnald8WZ9p7flJGg_tQchHm0UwPW41hyphenhyphenkuxP43e69E7XlM9uoaAnDGBjWkB23j8FPtpQbTJhrZgz8dKl5DHvsuwz7WZzbbYV0AFdg0U99Zcjpu1DuapC5o/s1600/RG-MyThoughts.png" /></a></div>Based on my reading experience, it's been tricky for me to delve into retellings with so much anticipation because it could be such a hit or a miss kind of read. Going in practically blind, the first half of <i>Forest of a Thousand Lanterns*</i> didn't grasp me. It was a bit slow because this the part where the build-ups happened and I felt like there are plenty of descriptions or scenes unfolding that are all unnecessary. But I took my time and kept reading.<br />
<br />
This book is going to hit shelves October this year and I have a lot of things to say about it. First off is that I. FREAKING. LOVED. IT!!! It was absolutely epic! The second half of the book was just entirely opposite of the first because this part was where all THE things happened. I started reading it around five in the afternoon and I literally wasn't able to put it down until I devoured it around midnight! The pacing shifted and there were a lot of pillow-punching and screaming happened. It kept me on the edge because of all the scheming and revelations! It was brutal, intriguing and mind-blowing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXoRhqX3OXW94iHMbEfmy0TE6qV2bYIxKXhGb2WhE-27iPLjVbi7tEOkw7LTJwYOuml1cPVXFO_rkvpCgWqgQ_Cpoh9gdjwLBMILkJ7X3CG4IsOTCYW91sH8lT1N7s4Iydvzcods9F18/s1600/quote-lesson.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="500" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXoRhqX3OXW94iHMbEfmy0TE6qV2bYIxKXhGb2WhE-27iPLjVbi7tEOkw7LTJwYOuml1cPVXFO_rkvpCgWqgQ_Cpoh9gdjwLBMILkJ7X3CG4IsOTCYW91sH8lT1N7s4Iydvzcods9F18/s640/quote-lesson.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it's a MULAN gif but it's the closest I could find hihih</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>Forest of a Thousand Lanterns</i> gave us a totally amazing retelling of the Evil Queen. Xifeng was abused by her Guma all her life but trained her to go after her great destiny: to be the Empress of Feng Lu. She's beautiful and she knows it's her weapon. She also knows something evil is inside her, conniving and wanting to control her. But the urge to go after what she was destined to is strong so she left Guma and went with the love of her life, Wei, to the Imperial Castle. Nothing stopped her in getting what she wanted. Her character was just so broken and greedy her need to be powerful exceeds her need to be saved. But despite the darkness lurking inside her waiting to be released, I adored her focus and her determination to lift herself up and become not only the fairest but the most powerful. There's no way you would be able to say that something else made her the villain because from the start, it was all her. She embraced it without seconds thoughts. The moments she was at war with herself were all lost battles because deep inside her, she knew what she wanted. Even Guma's <b>confessions</b> didn't stop her. It was a very dark story of a beautiful girl wanting the world kneeling in front of her.<br />
<br />
The world building set in East Asia was phenomenal. This was one aspect I was so excited to learn about and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was everything I hoped it would be. Rich, delicious and absolutely a masterpiece.<br />
<br />
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is one heck of a debut novel I will forever remember. Bloody, lyrical and luscious, this well-delivered Evil Queen back story is the one you have all been waiting for! I can promise you that it is glorious!<br />
<br />
*Let me know if you did cry because of the title.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Thank you so much, Penguin Random House International Sales, for sending me the ARC months in advance!</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s1600/RG-FinalVerdict.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzu_THXmU_GvWL6SnOGbEW_y-nNnndH_GUwbB9z1ns4DZGJV-a_2e262UQffw8Iguu9zeMI0E_k1xAh4k9ljKMLG3NKf5O69lRllwOl4aLDlkwGZZ-gmIO7mbT1LKAogfouVz0iQ6NZZR/s200/RG-FinalVerdict.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsojR4x7ndRVRP1y1omACGSys73RDVk4qv8a2Qf5Ylo_nI4PaqIcmpyKGdC_SGLxjFLD8Rag6dMxe1hWJD28rujm1Pbbm1O-Miq3i8F07YHkQCx2ucVsIH-qWQLKSIDRolAB4xFCUn8cjY/s1600/RG-5S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="424" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsojR4x7ndRVRP1y1omACGSys73RDVk4qv8a2Qf5Ylo_nI4PaqIcmpyKGdC_SGLxjFLD8Rag6dMxe1hWJD28rujm1Pbbm1O-Miq3i8F07YHkQCx2ucVsIH-qWQLKSIDRolAB4xFCUn8cjY/s320/RG-5S.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">"Isn’t’ it better to give up a fraction of your freedom to gain tenfold in happiness, even for a short time?"</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEDGCFyniH9Jl8be5o9OS_kJkX0yF0x2xqe0Roz4gs8GJ-TeEi-PSKxZ1d28uvAKpILYXU4Kv6z-VZkhEPKeV6MWakuORf8m4K2SQF75GWOGVqK053VYOxwQIbSE4c-0bLojR_jSCLzW3/s1600/RG-kate.png" /></a></div>Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498325357378920849noreply@blogger.com2