Book Review: Saving Francesca

Title: Saving Francesca
Author: Melina Marchetta
Publication Date: March 31, 2003
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian’s, a boys' school that pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom. Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an impossibly dorky accordion player. The boys are no better, from Thomas, who specializes in musical burping, to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling of who she really is. Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

MY THOUGHTS
Francesca Spinelli transferred from her all-girls' school, St. Stella's to St. Sebastian's, because her parents thought it would be convenient for her and her brother to be in the same school now that St. Sebastian is starting to accept female students. Unfortunately for her, the female classmates she had back at St. Stella's weren't the same group who transferred with her to St. Sebastian's. And not only is Francesca trying to adjust to her new life in a new school, she's also trying to find her own person. Things at home aren't looking good with her mom's depression and her dad not knowing what to do.

Melina Marchetta once again delivered a story that gripped my heart. I don't know how she does it but I hope she continues to do it in her upcoming books. I read The Piper's Son first when I should've read Saving Francesca instead. TPS took place years (...? Or maybe just a year. I haven't been keeping track on the EXACT date.) after SF and even if you could still read TPS without the need to read SF because the book could still stand on its own with its story, it's still a nice thing to read SF because it will give you a

Saving Francesca revolves around Francesca finding herself because all her life she has this "picture" of who she is courtesy of her mother and her friends from St. Stella.

I want to be an adjective again.
But I'm a noun. 
A nothing. A nobody. A no one.

I don't know how many times Marchetta's books have hit home (meaning have my feelings in knots). This one really had me because of Francesca's relationship with her mom. I had to send my mom a text message after I finished the book and told her I love her (I'm away from home, that's why). Depression is such an ugly and scary thing. I couldn't even begin to describe it but I've lived through it and I never want to back to that place. Her mom's well-being really tested their family's strength to hold on and I couldn't hold back my tears every time Frankie talks to her mom but her mom isn't the same as before. And it hurts to read when she had to argue with her dad and that time when she ran away.

The depression belongs to all of us. I think the family down the road whose mother was having a baby and they went around the neighborhood saying, "We're pregnant." I want to go around the neighborhood saying, "We're depressed." If my mum can't get out of bed in the morning, all of us feel the same. Her silence has become ours, and it's eating us alive.

I had to give it to Marchetta on how she tackled depression in this book. She clearly put it here that it's not something you get over overnight. It's not something you are prepared for, like Frankie's mom was in high spirits the other day and the next, she didn't have the energy to even get out of bed. Frankie, herself, was even fighting the feeling that she felt like is crawling inside her to take over.

Now on to the lighter side of the story: the friendship between Frankie, Siobhan, Tara, and Justine. 

I am always weak for friendships, especially female friendships. These girls didn't start out as friends and they're all so different from each other that it marvels you how they got along and formed this beautiful bond that will likely last a lifetime.

I think I'm a bit in love with these girls. They make me feel giddy. Like I haven't a care in the world. Like I'm fearless.
Like I'm used to be.

And I just have to add these three guys: Will Trombal, Thomas Mackee, and Jimmy Hailler. Bless them and their existence because they also play a big part in this book and I have come to love all of them.

This was honestly so heartwarming and bittersweet with a side of romantic and funny. Another great read from Melina Marchetta that is bound to land in my reread shelf.


MY RATING

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Book Review: The Piper's Son

Title: The Piper's Son
Author: Melina Marchetta
Publication Date: March 01, 2010
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

The award-winning author of Finnikin of the Rock and Jellicoe Road pens a raw, compelling novel about a family’s hard-won healing on the other side of trauma.

Award-winning author Melina Marchetta reopens the story of the group of friends from her acclaimed novel Saving Francesca - but five years have passed, and now it’s Thomas Mackee who needs saving. After his favorite uncle was blown to bits on his way to work in a foreign city, Tom watched his family implode. He quit school and turned his back on his music and everyone that mattered, including the girl he can’t forget. Shooting for oblivion, he’s hit rock bottom, forced to live with his single, pregnant aunt, work at the Union pub with his former friends, and reckon with his grieving, alcoholic father. Tom’s in no shape to mend what’s broken. But what if no one else is either? An unflinching look at family, forgiveness, and the fierce inner workings of love and friendship, The Piper’s Son redefines what it means to go home again.

MY THOUGHTS
Marchetta delivered a very emotional story that tackled loss, grief, heartbreak, hope and love in The Piper's Son. We follow Tom's life after the death of his uncle and how it affected him and his family.

I read this before Saving Francesca and how I wish I could unread it so I can read SF first. I was kind of spoiled of some stuff here, no matter how little some are, and it was an unfortunate thing for me. Nevertheless, I still loved the story and there were a lot more going on with Tom and his family so my focus was on that.

Throughout the story I felt Tom's hurt and I actually understand him regarding his feelings over his "broken" family. It was heartbreaking to know how a tight-knit family like his crashed down when his uncle died and everyone is unsure of wanting something. I could even feel his aunt Georgie's grief and the things that she's been dealing with in her life.

What made me love The Piper's Son was Marchetta's take on family relationship, friendship and mental health. Though this can be said to her other books too. The way she writes these grip your heart and attention that it sucks you into the story. It also gives you a view of life because these events also happen in the real world where it's a present


MY RATING

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Series Review: Lumatere Chronicles

Series Title: Lumatere Chronicles
Author: Melina Marchetta
Books: 

• Finnikin Of the Rock
• Froi Of the Exiles
• Quintana Of Charyn

Publication Dates: 

• Book #1: September 29, 2008
• Book #2: October 3, 2011
• Book #3: September 26, 2012

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon (book 1)

Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive.

Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father.

But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin's faith in her . . . but in himself.

MY THOUGHTS
I flew through the Lumatere Chronicles and it was an adventurous reading experience. This will be a short review of the series and each book. I only put the first book's description since it's how this series all started.

Finnikin Of the Rock: Finnikin and Evanjalin's bickering was one of the highlights in this book and it gave me a sense of humor in the midst of the angst and pain the characters are in... or just the story in general. Note at the description that the royal family was murdered and kingdom isn't in good condition and they're on the search for the lost heir so you can definitely tell how much the characters are hurting every time they recall the good times and how everything fell apart. But when the secrets were out, I knew this book was gonna be a favorite of mine. I love how it surprised me and that I really didn't expect anything. I had this gut feeling, but it wasn't it. And Evanjalin is one of my instant favorite characters.

Froi Of the Exiles: Book two was just as shocking as the first one and there were more events that took place and more characters are introduced. Froi grew on me in this book and I'm glad Marchetta didn't brush the thing he did in the first book under the rug. As for the other characters, Quintana was one of the characters introduced and like Evanjalin, she became one of my favorites. My heart broke for this girl and the only thing I could think of while flipping the pages was that I want to protect her and cherish her and tell her that she deserves to be loved and treated with respect. Another character was Phaedra and I can't stress enough how I admire her. The way she stands for others, be it her people or not, is something I definitely salute her of.

Quintana Of Charyn: A great book to wrap the series. The last book was no different than the first two when it comes to excitement, surprises, angst and smiles. There were so many things going on and how the characters were clashing here and there, but those what made this very entertaining to read.

Overall: Lumatere Chronicles is one of the well-plotted stories I've read and it's definitely reread-worthy. Enough to make you smile, laugh and get your heart broken. I also want to say how much I love Marchetta for writing her female characters with defining strengths and personalities.

The ring's a promise of peace and I'm greedy with hope. It's a song that we sing in a tongue that we share. And though you say it's a gift from a king to a king, I say it's a sign from a queen to a queen.

MY RATING 

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Book Review: Shameless

Title: Shameless
Author: Lex Martin
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

Brady…

What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

Katherine…

When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

MY THOUGHTS
Lex Martin made me so happy with this one. Before Shameless, I read two books that made me emotionally exhausted (in a good way) so I needed something that could stop my book hangover and pick up my mood: Shameless did just that. Although this was also an emotional roller-coaster, but it was definitely what I needed at the moment and I'm so glad I picked it up. This book had enough fluff and sweetness to make me swoon. It also had enough hotness to make me melt. Props also for the humor.

I roll my eyes. "I know I look young but I'm not that young." I already told him my age.

"No, twenty-three is old enough."

"Old enough for what?" I ask innocently as I stare up at him. Old enough for you?

He clears his throat. "Old enough to vote."

Brady just received a shocking news that caused him to pack his bags and stay in Texas. There, he was met with a realization that made him wish things were different and if only he could've have been a little more understanding and open. Taking care of a baby was never on his list of expectations. And he has no idea where to start. Even though he's clueless of what to do, Katherine was there to help.

Brady and Katherine make a really good tag-team. Brady's patient and a good listener everytime Katherine explains something to him and I love it whenever Kat inserts a little bit of Spanish here and there... or when she's pissed so she goes on full rambling/cursing. I love their chemistry, it's one of the things I enjoyed reading. And they're not only raising a little girl, they also got crops and animals to take care of plus some things in the house needed fixing. I want to take about the animals though. There are A LOT. For someone who loves animals, I want to live in this farm and adopt them all. I suddenly want a raccoon (Brady and Bandit are so cute... and hilarious).

I feel like I flew through this book--which means the story was good that I didn't have the heart to put it down. Kat and Brady's relationship isn't also insta-love. It had a good build-up and it was one of the book relationships I had a good time reading because of its adorableness, sweetness, hilarity and hotness (the sexual tension was just *fans self*) and the two had this understanding and respect where they don't push the other when one doesn't want to open up just yet. And when it comes to family relationships, I'm glad there's no "evil one" here because lately, I wanted to read something with a good family dynamic. There were some issues, yes, but they don't take away the meaning of "family". They're a good bunch to be around.

I already plan on rereading this. Can't get enough of Kat and Brady, and little Isabella just pulls your heartstrings with her cuteness.

MY RATING

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Book Review: The Rose & the Dagger

Title: The Rose and the Dagger
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn, #2
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

MY THOUGHTS
A beautiful conclusion of one of the many fantasy books I've come to love. The Rose & the Dagger takes us to Shahrzad back with her family and the people whom she knew most of her life yet are enemies with her husband, Khalid. During her stay, she discovered secrets that could either help her and the people she loved or could put them in danger and be used for destruction.

My emotions were all over the place because The Wrath & the Dawn left me in a state where I want the next book ASAP. This duology easily became my favorite because of its interesting characters with their own stories to tell, the world-building where there's magic and curses discovered, Shazi's stories and the love between her and Khalid--and not just them though. Other characters were falling in love and they all made me so happy and... heartbroken (you'll know when you read it). Their love stories are the kind that made my heart flutter and shatter at the same time. When Sharhzad and Khalid fell in love, a part of me fell in love with them.

I love Renée Ahdieh for that plot twist. I did not expect that AT ALL. I had to keep myself awake because all I could think of was "I WON'T STOP UNTIL I FINISH THIS BOOK TONIGHT" and I did. Although the book have some stuff that I think weren't necessary (posted them in my Goodreads review but warning: SPOILER ALERT). Still, I gave this a solid 5 stars because I might have some bit of issue with it, the good stuff outweighed (a lot!) the ones that I think were irrelevant or just plain no.

Shahrzad al-Khayzuran is truly a queen. With or without a crown, to me she is one. A strong girl who doesn't belong anyone but herself. A girl with a brave heart and a bright mind. I love her so much. Also a standing ovation to the other female characters in these books because they have their own unique personalities, wits and smarts. I won't discuss them because I might give away. Their stories is for you to discover.

The ground did not exist. Nor did the sky.
Here, she was truly boundless.
Fear would never overtake her again.

This is the last book and it's time for that goodbye. As hard as it is for me not being able to read more about them, I'm glad and satisfied. Thank you, Renée Ahdieh, for the story that made my reading and waiting so worthwhile.

MY RATING

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Book Review: November 9

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication Date: November 10, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

MY THOUGHTS
Colleen Hoover did another great job in surprising me with a twist and making me go through an emotional whirlwind. I still feel the aftermath of Maybe Someday, the last book of hers that I read, and I was both excited and scared to read this one. Excited because the plot sounded good, scared because Colleen Hoover knows how to deliver a great amount of angst in her books.

“What’s it called?” she asks.

“What’s what called?”

“Our book. What’s the title going to be?”

“November Nine.”

Fallon and Ben are the kind of characters you want to get to know deeper. It’s like peeling an onion and going through its layers. I hope that’s not a bad metaphor because it’s quite fitting for some reason. They got their own family issues, aspirations in life, insecurities and secrets. Their agreement to meet on every 9th of November without contact made the book and title interesting. But November 9 wasn’t just a date, it was more than that. It held a big part of both Ben and Fallon’s lives.

The book’s summary about the ultimate plot twist wasn’t lying though. For me, it was a dark kind of twist and other readers will probably put this book down and not continue it but it didn’t work on me. It got more intriguing that I had to continue. That was the reason why I grabbed on to the pages until the ending. I had a WHAT?! reaction, no kidding. Props so much to the author for tugging my emotions and for surprising me the most. When you thought things are going smooth but then it’s like, “Nah, not yet”. For that and for the engaging story, thank you to the author for another swoon-worthy yet heartbreaking book.

MY RATING

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Book Review: The Forbidden Wish

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

When Aladdin discovers Zahra’s jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn’t seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra’s very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

MY THOUGHTS
Another great read, another book to add to my favorites list.

“But every wish has its price, and the price of the Forbidden Wish is thy life. Thou must swear upon the souls of thy people that thou wilt never speak those words. If thou shouldst suffer for the love of me, I would never forgive myself.”

Every bit of The Forbidden Wish was a ride of adventure and I enjoyed every thrilling turn with the emotional ups and downs. The story sucks you in with its magical world and interesting characters from the poor people who seek revolution and freedom to the royals who have their secrets to keep and to the creatures who possess magic and power for either good or evil.

Zahra–I love her. She has been inside the lamp for thousands of years and still haunted by the memory of her past with a human. Which also caused my heart to break for her. Reading what she’s been through and the bond she’s formed with a queen who treated her like a sister only for things to end tragically was just sad. Stuff like this always make me go “WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD CHARACTERS”. And as always, my favorites ones are the ones who are always doomed. But despite all that, Zahra managed to be a strong female lead not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I admire her strength and how smart she is. Aladdin, on the other hand, was a fun character to get to know. I love his witty self and how he cares for Zahra and the people who thought he would be their hero even though he’s very sure that he is not one and will never be. His and Zahra’s chemistry also made me swoon and had me elighted to read every moment they shared. It made me so happy on the inside everytime.

Zahra and Aladdin aren’t the only two with amazing stories to share. There’s Caspida and her Watchmaidens who are the very definition of “squad goals” and “girls bite back”. Really, if I could step into a fictional world with enough abilities to fight, I want them to recruit me to join them. I love the Watchmaidens loyalty to Caspida and how they would risk their lives to protect her and of course, Caspida cares about them a lot too. I was a bottle of emotions when it came to them… and later on with Caspida and Zahra. The female friendship and girls fighting alongside each other here made me love this book even more.

“Are you with me?”

“In victory or death, I will be at your side, sister.”

This book is worth rereading and if you love fantasy and fairy tale retellings then I definitely recommend you get your hands on this. The Forbidden Wish even has a light humor in it that will definitely ease up the worries or tension you for the characters.

MY RATING

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Book Review: More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

Title: More Than Music
Series: Chasing the Dream, #1
Author: Elizabeth Briggs
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Music major Maddie Taylor just finished her junior year of college and has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, yet every night she practices guitar and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to be rock stars. That is, until tattooed singer Jared Cross catches her playing guitar and invites her to join his band on The Sound, a reality TV show competition.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared than his flirty smile and bad boy reputation – and that he’s just as big a geek as she is. With each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, but when the show pressures them to stay single they’re forced to keep their relationship secret.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

My Thoughts
More Than Music is definitely my kind of book. So much music stuff going on and the characters/the band, despite the rock star image, are all adorable (but also hot) geeks on the inside. This came out last year but I've seen More Than Fashion (the third installment) appearing on my Twitter timeline so often that I got curious so I decided to get my hands on this. And I fell in love with it. First I fell for the music. I knew 90% of the songs mentioned and that My Chemical Romance there--instant bonus brownie points.

Maddie is definitely one of my favorite characters now. The moment she took that leap of faith by signing the contract and when she drowns herself in the music had me admiring and cheering for her. There's always a sense of happiness inside me whenever I read a character getting lost in what they love doing and being so passionate about it that they'd go the extra mile even though they knew the risks but are just so determined to reach for that dream. It makes me proud and not just for characters in the book, but also for people in real life like YES, GO FOR IT! She has her downs also, the act of running away when she thinks things are falling apart but it was really good to read her get back on her feet and continue to fight instead of caging herself in misery.

He's hot, he's got a reputation, and has lots of tats but he's secretly a geek on the inside who loves to put up quotes on the wall--oh, and he's got a smile that either warms your heart or makes you swoon. Jared is one talented musician who is pretty serious when it comes to the band. He's as passionate as Maddie when it comes to music. His confidence and the way he encouraged and helped Maddie drew me in. It was nice to read that he wasn't all around flirting even though he liked her. I was grinning ear to ear when he serenaded Maddie to ease her nervousness and that definitely was the most romantic thing I've read in the book despite the many kisses and sexy moments. Just like Maddie, he's got his bad days too but he did get back on track towards a better road.

THE SQUAD AKA THE FRIENDS WHO WERE SO WONDERFUL TO THE PROTAGONISTS: Kyle (best friend and bro), Hector, Carla, and Julie... let's add Alexis too because she's one of the nice characters in the story. I'm thankful that Maddie and Jared have these people in their lives because they are absolutely fun to read and I, myself, would love to have them as friends. Carla and Julie are the BFFs that you wouldn't trade for the world and they are just so supportive of Maddie it was so heartwarming to read. Since these friends have their own stories too, count on me to check the other books out.

I flew through this book, it was really GOOD. Love music and romance with a side of friendship that makes your heart melt at the bond they have? Then I recommend this book (I'm late for the party but hey~).

My Rating

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Book Review: This Girl by Colleen Hoover

Title: This Girl
Series: Slammed, #3
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series

My Thoughts

I BUTTERFLYING LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! No wait, not just this book but the entire trilogy. Slammed was my second Colleen Hoover book and I know I'm late since a lot probably have read it but I did plan on reading the books. I just had Maybe Someday first in my hands and weeks later, I was finally able to own all the books in this trilogy so I flew through the pages and dive right into the story. Everything was just well done and I wasn't disappointed by a bit. In Slammed, I felt my heart break a hundred times; in Point of Retreat, my heart broke and shed both happy and sad tears; in This Girl, I've laughed, smiled and shed tears again, but this time they're happy tears. Just thinking about the epilogue makes me cry.

Slam poetry is one thing you cannot not love when you're reading the books. It's one of the reasons strong feelings are evoked from the reader because the characters also pour out their strongest feelings, whether bad or good, when doing a slam poetry.

Very beautiful trilogy and I couldn't ask for a better ending. Every teardrop was worth it.

My Rating

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Book Review: Dearest Clementine by Lex Martin

Title: Dearest Clementine
Series: Dearest, #1
Author: Lex Martin
Publication Date: May 25, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

My Thoughts

One word for this books: adorable. It's many things other than adorable actually, but the whole time Gavin and Clementine are together, I can't help but feel mush all over even though romance wasn't over the top, which is good. There's humor and drama but it still comes in full circle on the word, adorable. Clementine and her friends were fun to read and you can't help but want to have friends like hers.

I like Clementine's character and her passion for writing. I love whenever she talks about it and when she also talks about her book and how she's one successful young author under another name. Though she's keeping that one a secret. With all the writing, book stuff and other things going on her life, she doesn't want to get involved with someone. Until Gavin stepped in and just in time that she needs an inspiration. They're fun together and they're both smart. But when their relationship turned into a different route, I can't help but feel sad for Clementine. I wanted to get angry at Gavin, but when he explained, everything made sense. I love them and I love that they share their laughs, it's beautiful to read.

Dearest Clementine brought me warm fuzzy feelings because of friendship and the sibling relationship between Jax and Clementine. It also brought a big smile on my face every time there's a Gavin-Clementine moment going on, and I can't stop it. I like the fact that I was unable to predict what was going to happen next and how things slowly unwraps. Great read and I'm all too happy with the satisfying ending.

And yay to the FRIENDS reference, the mention of Ross and Rachel's "we were on a break" phase was hilarious.


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Book Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa (ARC)

Title: The Forever Song
Series: Blood of Eden, #3
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
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VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

*I received this ARC for free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

My Thoughts

The final installment of the Blood of Edent trilogy is packed with action that makes every page exciting to read. I was very excited to read this and when I finally did, Julie Kagawa didn't let my hopes and excitement down.

Plot

The start was really good and full of the trio (Allie, Kanin and Jackal) kicking butt and..drinking blood. The mysteries and thrilling parts were wonderfully executed that sometimes it made me surprised because I didn't see it coming. Until the end, the action didn't stop. Although there was a certain scene about the curing that had me a bit puzzled. Also the graphic images and bloodshed were kind of gruesome but ever since the first book, it had that already so I wasn't fazed a hundred percent. Even though this time around, it has lots of it compared to the first two books.

Characters

I could never be more proud of Allison, on how she grew up as a character and how she handled the 'monster' in her. I'd give this girl a standing ovation over and over. Kanin is still the stoic Master vampire but the moment he showed his soft side in this book makes you want to melt and love him..and cry for him. The book's all dark and angst-filled but thanks to Jackal because he brings out the humor in the air. He became the voice of reason lately and his sarcastic side just makes you laugh. These three make one badass, vampire family. Let me also put the fact that their teamwork was so good. Hands down. Zeke makes you want to hug him at first, punch him the next (you'll know why) and hug him again and keep him forever. What happened to him was devastating but I'm also proud of him that he's fighting and he has hope, and thanks to Allie for helping him. I agree with his given nickname, thanks to Jackal, 'puppy'.

Conclusion

I'm sad that this is the last book but Julie Kagawa did a good closure for the trilogy's finale. If you loved The Immortal Rules and The Eternity Cure, you'll love this one as much as the two. Precaution, it will bring you tears.

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Book Review: Cress

Title: Cress
Series: Lunar Chronicles, #3
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: February 04, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Retelling
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In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

My Thoughts

Marissa Meyer has done it again. Another read from the Lunar Chronicles series, another great journey to this futuristic fairytale retelling and new characters to have a thrilling adventure with. Cress introduces us to a few new characters and we get a glimpse of someone for the next and last book in the quartet, Winter. I have once again loved the third installation and the events during the last few chapters made me want the next book ASAP.

Cress was a lovable main character just like Cinder and Scarlet. She's awkward and oblivious that I find it funny and cute. And one can't help not to fall for Captain Carswell Thorne. In this book, we get a new side of him that we haven't seen in Scarlet. In book two, he's usually the sarcastic and charming one, here, he's still that but there's more of him that I didn't expect to see. The rest of the characters still amaze me with their determination to stop Levana and fight her and the evil Lunars. It's just sad that there were so many traps and some of the characters got harmed and kidnapped. Ever since the first book, I can't seem to stop worrying for them. They've already been through so much that I can't wait for the last book so that there's finally an end to Levana's cruelty.

There was never a dull moment when I read Cress, same goes for the books before it, and I've been enjoying every moment. Except for the sad parts, they weren't enjoyable, they were worth the tears. Very good book, loved it and I'm very much excited for Winter.

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Book Review: Scarlet

Title: Scarlet
Series: Lunar Chronicles, #2
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: February 05, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Retelling
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Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Thoughts:

I am so in love with this book and I regret that I didn’t plan on reading this right after I read Cinder. I wasn’t sure at first what to feel for this (before I read it) because it’s from another character’s POV and I’m not used to changing POVs in fantasy books. I’m used to them when I’m reading contemporary but fantasy (or any other genre aside from contemporary)? No. I wanted to remain in Cinder’s head (even with Emperor Kai) and I wasn’t ready to let go just yet. To my utter surprise, Scarlet sure had me wrapped around its pages. The POV? Different POVs which I’m thankful for because there’s enough screen time for the characters and the events circling around them. It’s not also written in a messy way because I’ve encountered books with multiply POVs, and in third person, that ends up having their readers confused with the flow.

I have loved Scarlet as much as I loved Cinder. I love how these heroines can be badass without kicking butts every single time. Sure they have kicked some but their badassery (not really a word) wasn’t determined on their physical strengths. It was more on the way they think and their determination to fight. I wish there was more about Scarlet’s grandma because she seemed to know a lot, especially on what happened to Princess Selene. Cinder and Carswell tag-team was so fun to read especially Carswell Thorne’s personality. And then we have Wolf who, from the start, already caught my interest from the start due to his shyness. In the end, he’s still managed to keep me interested. Wolf and Scarlet though, I love them so much together that right now, I’m wanting more of them!

I’m excited to start Cress but at the same time, I want to reread this and go on Scarlet’s journey again.

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Book Review: Isn't She Lovely

Title: Isn’t She Lovely
Author: Lauren Layne
Publication Date: October 23, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
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Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund… or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating “them.” And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

My Thoughts:

“That’s not how it ends, Kendrick. First he has to apologize. Then he tells her how wrong and stupid he was. He tells her that he doesn’t care if she decides to start wearing a velvet cape to dinner at his parents’ house. He doesn’t care that her boots belong in a Civil War museum. He doesn’t care if she wants to wear sweats to the opera or black to a wedding, or if she wants to draw black permanent marker around her eyes. And he tells her how wrong he was for saying that she lacked guts, because the truth is he wasn’t willing to meet her halfway.”

My heart flipped at that quote. Actually, my heart flipped so many times while reading this book. This is another one of those stories that I wouldn’t mind rereading from time to time.

Funny, sweet and the two main characters are smart and got this interesting banter. This book is one of those refreshing ones in the New Adult category. Ethan’s unlike the guys I’ve read in NA where they usually have this ‘bad boy’ vibe, who sleeps around with girls and has tattoos here and there. Although, he’s got his own vibe that seems to charm the ladies, not to mention his pearly white teeth. Stephanie’s the ‘goth’ (or dresses up like one), which is one of the things that really captured my interest because I hardly read books with the main female acting/dressing up like this one. Her sarcasm, when used in the right moment, never failed to make me grin. I’m into those characters who knows when to strike their sarcasm. Both are so flawed, and things between them weren’t all fluffy clouds and happy unicorns but so rough and like any other human, they messed up big time.

The other characters in the book were surprisingly likable. I didn’t expect to like the ex-girlfriend because I got this picture of her in my head that she’d go all clingy and jealous when she has no right to be. Even Ethan’s mom but then, she has to speak up for her actions. Something I won’t be spoiling. But the other characters like Ethan’s socialite friends, his dad, Chris (Stephanie’s stepbrother), and the rest were all good. Though for Chris, I did wish there was more about him and his relationship with Stephanie because I feel like he’s a nice brother.

Great story, I enjoyed it and when you’re in love and you’re not confident that the person who you’re about to give your love can’t accept you for who you are, especially when you dress, it’s really an eye opener because you definitely can’t waste your time and effort for someone who can’t understand that you’re being you. Or you’re acting/dressing up this way because this is who you are and this makes you happy and all you wanted is for this person to accept and/or love you back as you. Not someone you’re pretending to be, but you. There’s so much in this story and I really dig the friends-to-lovers situation.

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Book Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Title: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Publication Date: May 04, 2010
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Travel
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Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy’s senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she’s always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy’s mother’s old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she’s surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl’s journey to find herself.

My Thoughts:

Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour is indeed epic. I’m fond of road trips and reading their journey on the road has been fun and bittersweet at the same time. Amy, who’s still trying to cope after her father’s death, takes on a ride to Connecticut, for a fresh start, with someone whom she can’t even remember from her past: Roger. He just happens to be a stranger to her but along the way, she opens up to whatever she has been feeling ever since her dad died.

Their road trip has been kind of awkward which also had me feeling the second-hand awkwardness because they would open up a small talk then the silence after that stretches out. I’m thankful for the flashbacks in the story. It served some details on why Amy would act or react strangely and cautiously on things and people. I love her relationship with her dad. You can tell from the flashbacks on how close they were and what happened to her father was just tragic. She and her twin brother, Charlie, weren’t exactly close while growing up but during a detour to where her brother was, they managed to patch things between them. And I got kinda teary-eyed when they hugged as what Amy said that they really don’t hug so when the action was done, there was such emotion between the siblings even if the hug didn’t last for quite a long period of time. Her mom confuse me but I find her nice..I think.

I love the story, the road trip was really fun, the people they met while trying to find a place to stay were interesting, the 20 Questions game (kinda), Roger and Amy’s relationship and how it went from strangers to where they are now was just adorable to read and I like how Amy isn’t the jealous-type of girl (don’t want to spoil so I’ll just leave it there). Great read!

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Book Review: World After by Susan Ee

Title: World After
Series: Penryn & the End of Days, #2
Author: Susan Ee
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
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When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

My Thoughts

Another great read! World After was packed with action and tension between angels and humans, and a certain bat-winged angel who's in the hunt to get his angel wings back.

The start was a bit slow but the dreams Penryn had were enough to keep me going because they interest me and they involved Raffe. Raffe didn't appear much later in the book which had me wondering why since I was hoping to hear from his story about his well-being ever since he got bat-like wings. And the last line blurb, was another addition to my reasons on hearing from Raffe's state. Although, the story was still pulled-off through and I'm not gonna rant about the absence of Raffe in the beginning of the book until half-way like the others because Penryn's story is also important. I love how Penryn is learning to fight, not that she was incapable of doing but in the first book she wasn't that experienced, with the sword that she now has a connection with. Paige, Penryn's little sister, made me want to wrap my arms around her and protect her. I cherish this character, aside from Penryn and Raffe, and I just can't take the picture of what they (angels) did to her away from my mind.

The only thing, and still, that bothered me a little bit was the very detailed mentions of some unusual creatures and the fight that results to bloody scenes. Like in Angelfall, some things are just gruesome which is why I don't recommend this, as much as I love this series, to the readers who are uncomfortable reading vivid details of bloody fights or just the mere mention of blood.

World After had me feeling laughing, sad and angry aside from feeling rather unpalatable due to some of its disturbing scenes. Penryn and Raffe's exchange apt of humor is one of things that had me grinning and laughing. The relationship between Penryn and Paige was enough to break my heart, especially when Paige is sad every time but seeing them together in their last scene in the book seemed to be like the light that's enough to make me cry. And I'm still very angry at what the angels did to Paige and to other kids and people. Let's just say that this book gave me mixed emotions but I loved it and it's not heavy on the romance like other YA books which is also refreshing.

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Book Review: Wonder

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary
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August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

My Thoughts:

Having a different facial appearance since birth and been through surgery, August Pullman never had friends aside from his family and was home-schooled. When it was time for him to enter middle-school, his parents decided to send him to a real school, thinking it might be a good thing for Auggie to experience the outside world and meet new people. But to Auggie, it was either a nightmare or a great experience.

Wonder was one of the books that made me cry. Technically, it was the ending that made me cry. It showed how Auggie journeyed the world outside after being so afraid to make contact with people knowing he'll be judged by their eyes. This book was remarkable and even if at times he was a bit negative about going to school and his day to his parents (especially his mom), I had it understood. It's not easy to connect with people and you're very aware that you look different and you're not aware of how they would treat you after seeing you. It was nice to have different POVs. His sister's, sister's friend's and boyfriend's point of views, even his friends' had their share of POVs so it was really nice to know what they were thinking and how they connect to Auggie.

This book is a bit realistic and reading from different characters' point of views makes me you think that some of these things happen in real life. It's a light read but heartfelt characters and a wonderful family.

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Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone
Series: Grisha Trilogy, #1
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publication Date: June 05, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

My Thoughts:

Shadow and Bone was very fun to read. The world-building, the characters and the magic caught my interest and made me want to know more about it. The beginning of the book was already in for action, sad but very good. All the more reason to keep on reading.

The world's places/cities confuse me. One, because of the names and two, because of the distance since the characters seem to travel from one place to another. Thankful that there's a map in the book. But the world of Shadow and Bone is really interesting. Although it's not the kind of world I would like to live in since there are eerie places, it's still something I really want to know more with vivid details that could live in my imagination. The characters, on the other hand, are great though not all of them. The Darkling was pretty surprising and Alina was easy to love in my case. Mal is my favorite character. Him and Alina but the Darkling is also a favorite of mine in other sense. I'd like to see more character development but it's still the first book so I'm quite hoping to see it in the next installment.

Aside from the fact that this book held a ton of magic, it's also mysterious and surprising that every chapter had me hooked and filled with curiosity and wonder. Loved it!

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Book Review: Prodigy

Title: Prodigy
Series: Legend Trilogy, #2
Author: Marie Lu
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
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Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?

My Thoughts:

June and Day's escape continues in the second installment of the Legend Trilogy, Prodigy. As June and Day flee and hide their identities, they're met with difficult choices, meeting new people and being cautious on who to trust.

I have loved the first book, Legend, and now Prodigy is also making me fall for it. I think the second book is even better and it showed more sides to the characters. As much as I love June and Day fighting side by side, it's quite refreshing to find them fighting without each other's aid. Still fast-paced like the first book but action-packed and it had moments that had me in surprise. Although Day made me want to slap him at times especially when he can't make up his mind about his relationship with June when Tess gets in the picture, and how she got annoying in this book and I want to slap her too, and when he accused June of something she did that wasn't even intentional and he didn't even believe in her (but then he ended up being all sorry and sweet to her which was all right after anyway).

Great read and very much recommended!

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Book Review: The Sky Is Everywhere

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publication Date: March 09, 2010
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
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Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

My Thoughts:

When Lennie's older sister, Bailey, died she felt like things are impossible to continue and the world is also impossible with the thought of Bailey gone forever. Lennie shared a very close bond with her sister and she's gotten her feelings confused between Toby, Bailey's boyfriend, and Joe, a new guy in school and town. She's also trying to patch things up with her grandma and uncle because all the while, she felt selfish at times and forgets that she's not the only one who has lost someone special. And with their mother gone in God-knows-where, she starts to think as to why their mom left them for sixteen years.

Funny, heartbreaking and romantic. I fought between giving this 4.5 stars or 5 stars but then I settled for the 5 because the last chapter gave off a proper closure of Lennie's pain of her sister's death and everyone seemed happy. Even the epilogue which didn't really needed words, added a wonderful thought to the story. I'm in love with this book and with Joe and their (his and Lennie's) love for music and Paris. I love Paris. Their verbal exchange was something I find amusing and kind of gives you the tension (due to some events) and sometimes it hurts. I felt like this story's realistic. Every character has their flaws and worked their ways to be a better person. One of the aspects I loved about this book. The little poems give me thug in the heart every time. I felt Lennie's pain and all I wanna do is hug this character and everyone, really. But I'm so happy with how the story ended.

I tell myself to stop reading these kind of books, the painful ones, but I can't. They seem to have this hold on me. Totally recommending this if you haven't read it yet!

My Rating:

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