POP FICTION BLOG TOUR REVIEW: THE CONSPIRATION OF THE UNIVERSE BY KENNETH OLANDAY.

Title: The Conspiration of the Universe
Author: Kenneth Olanday
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: 2017 by Cloak Pop Fiction (Summit Books)
Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 241
Genre: Romance, Magical Realism (?), Fantasy, Contemporary

Synopsis:
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.

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.

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.

Will the universe conspire to help the star-crossed lovers find true happiness with each other?

One thing is for sure, Luke will do everything he can to keep Eureka forever.

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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 The Conspiration of the Universe felt as if it was still a draft manuscript instead of the finished copy, I enjoyed it well enough to land three stars.

If you have read Literally by Lucy Keating (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 universe conspired 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.

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 print 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.

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.

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.

Thank you for the review copy and for having me, Summit Books!

"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."

"Isn't love like a ground wire?"

Check out the participating blogs for reviews:

REVIEW: THE MAPS THAT CONTAIN US BY MARLA MINIANO.

Title: The Maps That Contain Us
Authors: Marla Miniano, Reese Lansangan
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: September 2017 by Summit Books
Source: Bought from National Bookstore
Pages: 99
Genre: Poetry

Synopsis:
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?

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.

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"Guard your heart, the blues and the purples of it,

close it and lock it and slode the key under

the threadbare carpet for now. Don't worry,

you will find it when you need to. It can

wait. Close your heart, love, but open

your mouth to speak just before you leave--

not to say goodbye, but to tell him you're done

breaking. There are only pinks and golds

in your horizon, and even indelible ink

washes off in time, fades out the way voices

in the night do. And when he laughs

and tells you to save it for yourself, don't

allow yourself to shut down. Even when

he says it again and again: save it for yourself.

Save it for yourself. Run a hand over your face,

everything is in place, remember,

tear your eyes away from his mouth, still

moving, trace a path to the front door, and

save yourself. --MM"

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!

As a frustrated artist, I admire prints that are done in watercolor. The Maps That Contain Us 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.

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.

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.

"I keep coming back
Not because I love you best
But I had you first -RL"

BLOG TOUR GUEST POST: KARMIC HEARTS BY JHING BAUTISTA.

Hello, blurbies!! I am so happy to have been given a chance to be a part of this wonderful Blog Tour! Today is the last day and this is the last post so thank you so much to Summit Books and Pop Fiction for hosting! Karmic Hearts by Jhing Bautista is the first ever Pop Fiction book I ever read. Sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. I have encountered *technical* nuances that could have been easily avoided and it was honestly hard for me to get in to. Well, I'll spare you with my rants for now but I'd like to share with you a letter from Cupid! Enjoy!

Title: Karmic Hearts
Author: Jhing Bautista
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: June 2017 by Summit Books/Pop Fiction
Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 241
Genre: Paranormal, New Adult

Synopsis:
Love. Magic. Fate. Best-selling romance novel author Karmina Joan writes about these things. She believes that every person has a purpose, that every soul has a destiny to fulfill. She thought hers was simply sharing her stories.

Her story unfolds with Cupid, the Angel of Love himself. He brings with him a mysterious vessel and a message from on high. It turns out Karmina has a bigger purpose after all—a mission that will make or break humanity as we know it.

As Cupid teaches her the tricks of his trade, Karmina unknowingly gives him something unexpected in return— something the angel of love will find oddly familiar. This may become the one flaw in an otherwise perfect plan that destiny had in store for them.

Does love truly conquer all or are there limits to what humanity can do in the name of love? Witness as Karmina struggles to find the answers before time runs out on true love.

Question from Kristine Balwit:

'Hi, Cupid. why can't I choose who to love?"

Also, don't forget to check out the participating blogs:

Again, thank you for much Summit Media, Pop Fiction, Jhing Bautista, Blog Tour Participants and Jesselle of The Lifelong Bookworm for having me!