Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick // BOOK REVIEW

Book: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis: A SACRED OATH. A FALLEN ANGEL. A FORBIDDEN LOVE.

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

What I think about it…

I put this on my TBR shelf not expecting anything. I remembered this because this was the series my college friend was looking for in the local bookstore and she didn’t find it. Reading it many years later after knowing the story was appalling. I kinda regretted picking this up.

This story bothered me in so many levels it actually is creepy. I hate the message it’s trying to convey – that it is somehow okay to fall in love with your evil stalker. The plot was okay, many readers said that it was a rip off of Twilight and I don’t have a say in that. I just hate the instant love here – it is absurd, annoying, unbelievable and horrible.

These people killed it for me especially our damsel in distress Nora Grey. Nora’s thinking and the way she acts is totally contradicting. She’s scared of Patch (because why not, she have every right to be scared of him, the man, after all, is not human) but also attracted to him. It’s annoying to see how the first minute she’s so scared and then suddenly is kissing Patch the same minute. Like she’s so sure that he wants to kill her and then thought that he cannot hurt her in that same sentence without punctuation. Whatever happened to “I secretly enjoyed the attraction between us, but the mystery and eeriness outweighed it. From now on, I was going to flush Patch out of my system – and this time, I meant it…” ? I hate that she can’t make up her mind. She’s that idiot in a horror movie who will enter a creepy and haunted room instead of running for her life.

Nora’s supposed best friend and sidekick Vee Sky doesn’t help at all. I thought she’s really not a friend of Nora. She doesn’t listen and doesn’t believe Nora at all. How can a best friend be like that when she should be the first person that Nora can confide with. Vee is the biggest joke in this book. I so hate her.

I have no issues with Patch though. He is the most consistent character in this story. What I just don’t like is how openly he threatened Nora. He’s hot? I don’t think so. I don’t think he is up to something good too but I will never know that because I don’t have plans to finish this series.

My Verdict

I usually don’t have a problem with the plot or the writing of the authors but what always get to me are the characters. So no matter how good the story may be if the characters are stupid and continuously choose to make bad decisions over and over again, it’s also over for me. I don’t recommend this at all. It’s exasperating and annoying and a complete waste of time.

MY RATING

★☆☆☆☆

Vanished by Danielle Steel // BOOK REVIEW

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Book: Vanished

Author: Danielle Steel

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery

Synopsis: Vanished tells the story of a man and woman faced with an almost unthinkable tragedy--the mysterious abduction of their son.

In the late 1930s, in the shadow of the Lindbergh kidnapping, and as war looms in Europe, Marielle Patterson shares and elegant Manhattan brownstone with her husband, Malcolm, and their little boy, Teddy. Though the couple's lives are filled with secrets, Marielle is a devoted wife and mother, and Malcolm is a man everyone admires.

On the eve of Teddy's disappearance, Marielle runs into her first love, American expatriate Charles Delauney. And when Teddy is kidnapped, Charles is first blamed, then arrested. But as the search for Teddy widens, even Marielle is scrutinized by the FBI and special agent John Taylor. Suspicions and accusations mingle with terror and heartbreak as every threat, every failure, every fear, is remembered, examined, explored.

During Charles Delauney's trial, a series of revalations begins to unravel the about Marielle, Charles, and Malcolm, uncovering the motives and passions controlling their lives.

Vanished is a tale of guilt, desire, suspense, and of people drawn inexorably together, seeking the child who... vanished. From the Paperback edition. 

What I think about it…

I love the story and the mystery behind it. I pity Marielle so so bad. A lot of people hated her and treated her like a weakling but obviously, with everything that’s happened in her past and what she’s been through, she’s one hell of a woman.

I love how brave she is and that she made a right choice with her relationships. I was never disappointed with her choices – except kissing John Taylor.

Also that ending is very satisfying. I love endings like that because it felt so realistic and it gives a sense of hope in the future – that there’s so much more to come. It’s neither an open ending nor a cliffhanger. It ended just the way it needed to be.

What I liked less…

Everything is going okay until Special Agent John Taylor and Marielle started to have an affair. I mean, Marielle, you know better than to get involved with a married FBI agent who’s handling the kidnapping case in the midst of the trial of your ex-husband while you yourself are also married with the father of your kid who was kidnapped. It is just absurd but knowing Danielle Steel, I know everything is going to turn around in the last few pages of this book. I. Knew. It. It’s not the first time that she did it. Just as you thought Marielle and John Taylor is the end game? Well, get ready for another OTT stuff that’s gonna happen. I would say though that that thing with the lawyer was extremely ridiculous. Marielle is that beautiful that a lot of men she’s meeting is falling in love with her in just a short amount of time, eh? I think that DS just put it there just so we can have another twist. Although I don’t really mind Marielle being with the lawyer than to be with the married John Taylor (I hate cheating!!!) and I want her and Charles to be happy and go on with their lives separately.

My Verdict

I knew that a Danielle Steel book will never disappoint. It’s been years since this was published, it’s in the works even before I was born but I’ve seen a TV soap with the same plot and I don’t know if they got it from DS and though this is quite predictable, I’m still hooked. I think it’s beautiful and very engaging. I like it!

MY RATING

★★★☆☆

A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet #1) (Kairos #1) by Madeleine L'Engle // BOOK REVIEW

“I don't understand it any more than you do, but one thing I've learned is that you don't have to understand things for them to be.”

Book: A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet #1, Kairos #1)

Author: Madeleine L’Engle

Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Children’s

Synopsis: It was a dark and stormy night.

Out of this wild night, a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe on a most dangerous and extraordinary adventure—one that will threaten their lives and our universe.

Winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal, A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L'Engle's classic Time Quintet.

What I think about it…

The Story

Lots of traveling – or tessering – and fun adventures, the story revolves around Meg, her youngest brother Charles Wallace and her schoolmate turned friend Calvin to find Meg’s and Charles Wallace’s physicist father who tessered / wrinkled somewhere and was imprisoned by IT. With the guidance of the Mrs. Ws, it is up to Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin to save their father and win the fight against the Black Thing that’s threatening not just earth but the entirety of the universe. 

The Life Lessons

There are lots of life lessons that I picked up in this book. One is to embrace our own uniqueness; then accepting the truth that we can’t know everything; third is that not all things can be expressed in words and that is okay; and lastly, that above everything else and at the end of the day, love will always win.

My Verdict

This is weirdly magical (if ever there is such a feeling) and I don’t know if it’s aimed for kids but I so felt the message of this book. I love how L’Engle inserted bible scriptures here and there. Though it was kinda difficult for me to imagine what kind of world was out there outside of earth, it was still enjoyable and again, pure magic.

MY RATING

★★★☆☆

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe #1) by Benjamin Alire Sáenz // BOOK REVIEW

“I bet you could sometimes find all the mysteries of the universe in someone's hand.”

Book: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe #1)

Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT

Synopsis: Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

My Initial Thoughts…

The synopsis didn’t give much. I thought it was too vague and when I read the book, it is in fact vague. What kind of story is this? A story of how Ari adore Dante so much?

I was a few pages away from chapter one when I realized I kinda, sorta don’t like Ari. He is overbearing and I can already tell that early that I’m not gonna like this book because of him. I’ve read countless YA books that deal with teen angst but this one is so annoying and cringey. There’s so much complaining, whining and hatred here that I kinda felt it was absurd. I know right off the bat that I’m not gonna like it as much as my friends and people who I follow on Goodreads do and I know this is an unpopular opinion. For me, Ari has so much hate for everything and I don’t like it that he’s putting Dante and Dante’s family in a pedestal. I hate it when a protagonist hates his family without a reason at all when his family is obviously trying. And his mom is right when she said that Ari doesn’t know how loved he is because he is busy hating everyone. He made up too many things in his head. For a guy who likes trouble and is not afraid to fight people, he is a coward.

The Story

Ari is an angry teen. He has a love-hate relationship with his parents and sisters. Ari’s father was a former soldier who fought in Vietnam and came back with internal battles no one can understand. The first few chapters pretty much narrated how Ari wants his father to communicate with him. They do talk but communicate? Not so. Ari’s hatred towards his family grew because they don’t want to talk about his brother, Bernardo, who is in prison. Not a single photograph of his brother can be seen around the house and no one ever talk about Bernardo as if he’s dead. Because Ari felt like his life is someone else’s idea, he decided to go to the local community pool to be alone and there he met Dante. Two young loners with characters that are polar opposites spent that summer together and discover the secrets of the universe.

Towards the Ending…

I didn’t know that I was halfway through the book until I’m there. It is a very slow book that I can say that there’s really nothing exciting happening. I was still annoyed with Ari because though it is his point of view, I don’t know why he was thinking the way he was thinking even with all those words he’s saying. The book being focused on his mind doesn’t help because he himself is confused so what more am I, right, I’m just a naïve reader.

Anyways, all the feelings in this book were right towards the end. When he started talking about his feelings and his dad and mom started to talk about their feelings. I thought then that if they only just communicated what they’re really feeling, there’s no story (like this book) to tell. As much as I was annoyed with Ari, I kinda tear-up during those intense conversation with his family. See, Ari, this is the life lesson in this story: you’re not the only person who’s struggling. Your father doesn’t talk about Vietnam War for a reason; your family didn’t talk about your brother for a reason. Ari, you’re just a fifteen year old boy who’s busy whining and complaining about life. Sometimes people don’t talk not just because they don’t want to but because there in the silence is comfort.

What didn’t work for me…

It was just so much hatred and confusion here. The first minute Ari is happy then the next he’s mad and I need to back read just to confirm why he suddenly became angry at certain situations. The emotions of the characters in this book is so confusing, absurd and all over the place. There was this one scene where Ari and Dante’s family went to play bowling. Their parents go first and then Ari and Dante met them there and I think they were okay then because Ari picked up Dante at their house and they were okay, they were even laughing. So they played bowling and everything was okay, again, they were laughing and talking. And then when they go home Dante was suddenly angry with no reason at all (or did I just missed it?). I don’t know, maybe Dante was not okay even before that bowling trip but being Dante, he wouldn’t act as if everything is okay when it’s not. I like him more than Ari but I think their roles here are super cringey and cheesy and scripted. This whole book is just so cringey and kinda unbelievable at all. Also, also, it never occurred to Ari that he was gay until his parents told him? I mean, with all that thinking and making up things in his head, he didn’t realized that? Okay, so maybe his life is really someone else’s idea then.

My Verdict

It was a decent read and I thought it was okay although I would say that there are events here that are just too illogical to be believable.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie // BOOK REVIEW

Book: And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: First, there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal—and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. A famous nursery rhyme is framed and hung in every room of the mansion:

"Ten little boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine. Nine little boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little boys traveling in Devon; One said he'd stay there then there were seven. Seven little boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in half and then there were six. Six little boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five. Five little boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four. Four little boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two. Two little boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one. One little boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and then there were none."

When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.

What I think about it…

It was just okay.

I was expecting more from this book because I’ve seen all those five stars and good reviews.

The Characters

I didn’t feel anything for them. I feel like I was not engaged in this book as I thought I would be. They are all detestable in their own ways.

The Story

At first I was trying to look for clues and trying to keep up with the story but then I thought that the author didn’t really drop any clues for the readers to know what’s really happening. The confession in the end - the supposedly surprise ending - didn’t surprise me at all because I was already expecting that that’s gonna happen – that someone, most probably the killer, will act as if he was murdered so as not to raise any suspicions from the other guests. What I didn’t guess is who the killer is. But when the killer’s identity was revealed, I didn’t even raise an eyebrow because I actually didn’t care at all.

My Verdict

Fast-paced and quick read and I kinda liked how it was written. I like quick reads but I think the downside is I was not focused and engaged with fast-paced books like this. I mean, okay, I hate slow books but this one is like mega super fast that I didn’t know it was the end until I’m in the About Agatha Christie part.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (Magic Cleaning #1) by Marie Kondō // BOOK REVIEW

Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (Magic Cleaning #1)

Author: Marie Kondō (Author), Cathy Hirano (Translator)

Genre: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development

Synopsis: Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house "spark joy" (and which don't), this international best seller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home - and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

What I think about it…

I’m not a filthy person (that sounds bad) but I’m actually not quite tidy as well. I’d like to consider myself in the middle. I clean my clutter every other day or if I’m not feeling lazy. The thing is, I chose to pick up this book because I’ve been seeing Marie Kondō in my YouTube recommendations and one of my favorite tarot readers on YouTube recommended that this is  good read and since I’m quite behind with my reading challenge and this is a quick read, I've decided to give it a try. But it’s quite boring and redundant.

My Verdict

I honestly don’t know if I have the right to give it a review because I just skimmed through the book. Again, because I thought Kondō kept repeating herself throughout the whole thing, I decided to just read the title and skip the discussion. But if you're in for a discussion about how you've been cleaning your home wrong your whole life, read it.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater // BOOK REVIEW + RANTS

“You're asking me to define an abstract concept that no one has managed to explain since time began. You sort of sprang it on me," Gansey said. "Why do we breathe air? Because we love air? Because we don't want to suffocate. Why do we eat? Because we don't want to starve. How do I know I love her? Because I can sleep after I talk to her. Why?”

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Book: The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal

Synopsis: All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

What I think about it…

Finally, the conclusion of The Raven Cycle series! I have so much to talk about but I don’t know how to talk about it without spoiling it so I decided this review will contains lots and lots of spoilers… and rants. But to sum up my feelings for the whole series, I will still stand with what I said in the review of the first book (The Raven Boys) that this is going to be a favorite although the book two and three is not much fun for me. I love all the characters here and everything else is solid.

What I liked less…

You see, even if it’s one of my favorites, there are some things here that, I would say, confused the hell outta me and there are questions that sprout on my mind with that ending.

• I personally think that Gansey and Blue’s love story was set aside to give way to Ronan and Adam’s. I mean, of course they’re not the only main characters in the story but given that synopsis in book one and all, I thought that their love story is gonna be the thing.
• I don’t know if I missed the part where Gansey knew that he’s going to die when he is kissed by Blue. I was surprised to read that he already knew that he’s going to die from Blue’s kiss but how did he know that he is Blue’s true love? I know Blue told him that her true love is going to die if she kisses that true love but did Blue told her that it is him (the true love)? Or Gansey just connected the dots?
• So it was mentioned countless of times that there are three sleepers – one being the demon and then Gwenllian and the last one who? When they found Glendower, he is dead. Dead. Dead for so centuries. They can’t wake him up and so I thought that made him not the third sleeper because he’s not sleeping. Again, he’s dead. And then there are events that seemed to tell us that Gansey is the Raven King like (1) In Blue Lily, Lily Blue when he fell in the first cave and then suddenly there are ravens that began to shout, “The Raven King, make way for the Raven King,” and Gansey said he’s coming out of the pit; (2) when the three women who looked like Blue appeared in Cabeswater and they’re walking towards Gansey saying, “Make way for the Raven King”; and (3) they woke him up in the ending and as the last tree from Cabeswater fell, there was something that said, “Make way for the Raven King,” and then Blue said, “Wake up.” So I thought, is he the Raven King? Do Blue, Ronan and Adam know about that? Coincidence? But I’m paying attention when I was reading book one to know that The Raven Boys do not believe in coincidence and so am I.
• That was it for Noah? What? No. Maggie Stiefvater didn’t give his character a justice. He’s one of the Raven Boys and his character was left like that? Also I’m confused with time being a circle or whatever or whatnot and it turned out that it is Noah who whispered something to Gansey and not Glendower but still it’s confusing. So why is Noah’s spirit still with them then? For what other purpose? To poke Blue’s eyes out?
• In my personal opinion, Persephone’s death is completely unnecessary. I mean, why did she die? What reasons? To teach Adam what? I don’t get it. I think Stiefvater killed her just to have some bang in Blue Lily, Lily Blue’s ending.
• Some characters are there for completely no reason at all first one being Malory, I mean, okay he helped Gansey during his search for the ley line abroad but I don’t think his character helped a lot to progress the story when he appeared in book three. Then there are the Laumonier triplets who I thought was really scary and a worthy opponent but then I also thought we’re already in the ending and Stiefvater is still trying to introduce us to problems. What is she up to? And then Jimi – heck I didn’t know about Jimi, Orla’s mother, until this book. We were introduced to Jimi only to know that she and Orla was sent away somewhere to keep them safe. No, I think Stiefvater only wants to get rid of as much characters as she can because it’s the end and there’s really nothing for them.
• Also I need more from Neeve. Her half chapter doesn’t even discuss why she’s that way. I mean, okay, she wants more but what’s up with waking up the demon? And she died just like that? She isn’t even needed in this whole series so why make her character.
• I need to know what happened to other characters like Artemus and Gwenllian, are they gonna stay in this world and not aged? Also, I thought there was something more about why Artemus is acting cowardly but there’s no explanation at all. Why was he so distant? And I don’t like how crazy Gwenllian is like why does Stiefvater made her that way? Just to make it appear like there’s some kind of a mystery and in the end not even addressing it? Heck. What happened to Mr. Gray and Maura’s love life? Declan and Matthew? What happened to the people in the gathering and the demon? When Gansey died, the demon just disappeared like that? No more details?

The Ending

Now let’s talk about that ending. I made my point that I think Gansey is The Raven King but his death was delivered like that. I want more, I was expecting more drama and more tears but there’s none. And I love Gansey. Blue, Ronan and Adam love Gansey and I know that for a fact but it felt like Henry Cheng is more hurt and in pain when Gansey died than those three. The three books build that up – Gansey’s death – and that was it? Again. I. Want. More.

The thing with Glendower is quite satisfying because I don’t know if I can handle it if he is, in fact alive. I didn’t understand that thing with Artemus and Gwenllian but with Glendower, its fine. But what’s sad is that they don’t get to make a wish for Noah to come back to life but I also think that it’s okay. But again, Noah deserves a good ending. Also, I’d like to know where the myth that Glendower is actually alive and that you can ask him for a favor comes from because damn Gansey was expecting so much from it and I was expecting so much more from it.

My Verdict

To sum up my The Raven Cycle experience, I love it. It’s just that I felt like the ending was rushed and I don’t know if I was the only one with so much confusion like that. I didn’t know if it was explained in the book and I just missed it. I love it. Still one of my favorite series. Crazy ride my Raven Boys.

MY RATING

★★★★☆

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater // BOOK REVIEW

“I'm glad you misdialed."
"Well. Easy mistake to make," she said. Might do it again." A very, very long pause. She opened her mouth to fill it, then changed her mind and didn't. She was shivering again, even though she wasn't cold with the pillow on her legs.
"Shouldn't," Gansey said finally. "But I hope you do.”

Book: Blue Lily, Lily (The Raven Cycle #3)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal

Synopsis: Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.

Mothers can disappear.

Visions can mislead.

Certainties can unravel.

What I think about it…

The Characters

I believe this book is more focused on Blue, her psychic family (including Calla and Persephone) and Adam.

There’s the introduction to new characters such as the man behind Mr. Grayman and then we get to meet Malory this time. Just a little spoiler, I honestly don’t see the sense of Malory coming to Henrietta. I don’t reckon he did something particularly remarkable while he was there. Also there are deaths here that I don’t think is necessary. It’s just sad and distasteful.

The Story

They are now looking for some caves that might be where Glendower was buried. But the dilemma is there are three sleepers. One who they should wake up, one who they should never wake up and the last is the one in between.

What I liked less…

I used to love history. It was one of my favorite subjects way back in high school and I even topped the history quiz bees for two consecutive years but here I am getting super bored and overwhelmed by how confusing the back story of this book is. I mean I love the idea, the plot of this book and at this point (come on I’m already on the third book) I should have understand everything that is going on and yet I’m so clueless, so lost. I cannot say anything bad about the author’s writing cos I find it quirky and funny at times so I would say that what I didn’t like about the story is that when the characters started to act dumb just like in horror movies when the protagonist is in a house and the lights went off and he should run for his life and yet what he did is to continue entering the said house to locate the light switch and that’s when the serial killer appears. It’s like that dumbness in this book. The characters here know how dangerous scrying is and yet, and yet…

My Verdict

I am confused as ever but and I don’t dwell on my irritation cos I love the characters in this book. There is so much going on and yet I feel like nothing is actually happening. I’m wondering how this story is even progressing and yet here I am in book three.

MY RATING

★★★☆☆

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater // BOOK REVIEW

“I wish you could be kissed, Jane,' he said. 'Because I would beg just one off you. Under all this.' He flailed an arm toward the stars.”

Book: The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal

Synopsis: Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after…

What I think about it…

The Characters

This book revolves more around Ronan Lynch, one of the Raven Boys and the dream thief, and his family. Ronan is, as usual, the snake and his badass self. Here I got to understand him more and got to know more about his family.

There are also some appearances of Matthew, the youngest of the Lynch siblings, and not much of Declan. 

Joseph Kavinsky, also, has some major parts here and his story is quite interesting but since I’m already reading the Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle Book #3), there’s still not much background of why he was what he was. If there was no explanation whatsoever regarding that then I will be left hanging.

The rest of the Raven Boys are still here (of course!) and still funny as ever. The ever scholarly Gansey, the mysterious Noah and then Adam. Adam, I think this is also his book as much as this is Ronan’s. Sometimes, what annoys me most about him is that he always thinks that people around him pity him but I don’t think that’s the case with Gansey. I think Gansey only want to help Adam and not to rub his wealth in Adam’s face. Adam and his pride is annoying.

Then there’s Blue and her psychic family. It was kinda blurry to me what kind of relationship Adam and she had. I don’t think its mutual understanding or whatever. There are lots of unsaid things between them and it’s scary that once it’s been said it’s gonna hurt one of them real bad – and I think it’s Adam. 

The Story 

In this book we got to see and learn more about Ronan’s family and their secrets and the secrets of some other characters too. Book one showed that the Raven Boys are not the only ones who are after the ley line – because there’s Whelk – and though he is dead there are still others who are after it. There’s this Gray man (the hit man who works for someone) who is after the Greywaren. But what exactly is that Greywaren and why are there so many people who are willing to kill just to get their hands on it?

My Verdict

This is not as fun or interesting as the first book. There are lots of vocabularies and I need to keep up with it and its confusing. Sometimes I have to go back a few paragraphs just to keep up. But I still love the Raven Boys! Them dissing each other, burning each other is so funny to me like they are #SquadGoals! This is still one of my favorite series though it's only three stars. Lol.

MY RATING

★★★☆☆

My Big, Fat, Fake Wedding by Lauren Landish // BOOK REVIEW

“She can be a badass bitch when she wants to be.”

Book: My Big, Fat, Fake Wedding

Author: Lauren Landish

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fiction

Synopsis: He needs a wife. I need a husband. It’s just temporary… what could go wrong?

I’ve always wanted the fairy tale wedding. Not for the princess perfect dress or big party, but for Papa.

My grandfather. The only father figure I’ve ever known.

It’s his dying wish to walk me down the aisle.

Gee, no pressure.

But I can grant that wish...

I just have to fake being head over heels in love with Ross Andrews, my best friend's big brother whom I embarrassingly crushed on all through high school.

Handsome. Knockout sexy. Arrogant jerk extraordinaire.

Our childish pranks and tit-for-tat battles were legendary. Then I grew up.

Not that he ever noticed.

I know it’s a terrible idea, and we’re both in over our heads.

It could be the wedding of a lifetime or a total disaster.

How do we make it to the altar without killing each other first?

Or without falling in love for real?

What I think about it…

The Characters

Violet Russo is the main female character. She didn’t have any striking or unique characteristics or whatever. For me, she seemed just like a normal background character if not for her dilemma.

Ross Andrews just like any stereotype male lead character – handsome billionaire and a playboy. I find his personality a little problematic. I seriously disliked the way he handled the situation when their (spoiler) fake marriage was exposed.

The Story

I find this one overboard, so over-the-top. It was kind of funny and entertaining at first but the second half of the book felt like the story was being dragged and cringey and just too much. For someone who’s working in a corporate world, I find Ross’ conference with the Board absurd and hilarious. I don’t know if there’s ever a company that’s going to hold a meeting over someone else’s personal life – even if it’s the Vice President of the company. 

What didn’t work for me…

I like romance but this was too cringey and unbelievable, again, over-the-top. I readied myself when I realized that Ross is the brother of Violet’s best friend, Abi. For me it’s a no-no to date your friend’s siblings – that’s just incest (this is my opinion). So it added to the cringy-ness I was feeling but not too much. Also Ross’ pointing fingers when the truth was revealed kinda turned me off. He said something along the lines that yes, the Board certainly didn’t push him to do what he did but they pressured him. Oh-kay boy, so that’s what you do when you’re pressured? You make irrational decisions? Oh-kay.

My Verdict

In all fairness the love scenes here are quite steamy and Violet’s family is kinda amusing. I also have a big and crazy family. Honestly, the book was quite fine but maybe I’m just not in the mood for something like this. I skipped a lot of pages towards the end. Not that enjoyable but the story is kinda bearable.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak // BOOK REVIEW

“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.”

Book: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Genre: Classic, Historical, Fiction

Synopsis: It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

What I think about it…

The Characters

Liesel Meminger, the book thief, her life – though fictional – made me think, ‘How can a little girl endured so much?’ She’s undeniably strong and courageous. I admire her bravery, of facing the world head on. She’s been through a lot of hell at a young age and yet she overcomes the world.

Rudy Steiner, oh boy Rudy is Liesel’s best friend. This boy with a lemon colored hair and a gangly blue eyes is athletic and brave. He was with Liesel everywhere. They’re literally partners in crime. From stealing apples, potatoes and books – a thief – he became the boy that hands breads to the Jews.

Max Vandenburg is the Jew that was kept in the Hubermann’s basement. He’s the only son of Papa’s former colleague – the guy that taught him how to play the accordion.

Papa is Hans Hubermann who taught Liesel how to read. I admire Papa so much. He embraced Liesel like she’s his own flesh and blood. He is tenderhearted. He has a gentle soul. He’s poor but that doesn’t stop him from helping people who needs it.

Mama is Rosa Hubermann who always, always curses everyone, like, she’s not gonna finish her sentences without a saumensch, saukerl or arschloch. She’s not Mama if she doesn’t curse but you know that’s her weird way of saying she cares and loves Papa and Liesel.

Ilsa Hermann is the Mayor’s wife. Ilsa became somewhat friends with Liesel. She lets her come inside their home, inside her library and she also lets Liesel read books there. She’s always in her robe and slippers with an unreadable expression. Honestly I don’t know what to make of Ilsa but there’s something in her that made me like her.

The Story

Liesel was 11 years old when she lost her younger brother. Her brother died in front of her and that’s what Liesel’s nightmares are made of in so many years to come. The day of her brother’s death, she got her first book – The Grave Digger’s Handbook. This book means so much to Liesel cos the book was there when she last saw her brother and the last time she saw her biological mother. But as ironic as it sounds, the book thief doesn’t know how to read. As the years went on and she started learning how to read, she also started stealing books.

What didn’t work for me…

I didn’t get the hype and for that I’m sorry. It was boring, for me, and the only time that I felt something about this book is that chapter. Maybe I’m just too dumb for this book because I didn’t understand a lot (and I mean a lot) of things here like, maybe, there are symbolisms or whatnot that I missed. I know Max’s sketch meant something but I was too bored to care. I don’t know what I missed but I think the reason why it was on my shelf for, like, forever was because it was in the historical genre.

My Verdict

This book has been in my shelf for years. Yes, years. It’s only this week that I had the urge to start reading it and boy it disappointed me. I felt bad that I didn’t love it like my friends loved it, like the people who I followed on Goodreads loved it. So yeah, one star for Rudy and one star for Papa.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater // BOOK REVIEW

“My words are unerring tools of destruction, and I’ve come unequipped with the ability to disarm them.”

Book: The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis: “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

What I think about it…

The Characters

Gansey, Ronan, Adam and Noah are the Raven Boys.

Gansey is President Cellphone. I super love Gansey. He's independent, smart and responsible. He's like the big brother to the three other boys. He's rich and yet he's so simple. There are times when he feels like he's nothing to his friends but what he didn't know is they love him and he's the glue that holds them all together.

Ronan is the bad boy that's barely holding it all together. He's been keeping a lot of secrets just like his father.

Adam is the clever one because he needs to. He's not rich just like every other students in Aglionby. Gansey took him under his wing and Adam doesn't like it. He wants things to work his way and not because he has rich friends. He's living with his abusive father and submissive mother.

Noah is Noah. He's always there although you can't see him.

Blue is the only girl in the circle. She's not part of the Raven Boys and she's not studying in Aglionby but she became friends with the Raven Boys because (1) Adam has a crush on her; (2) she doesn't have a psychic power just like everyone else in her family and; (3) her mother told her to stay away from the boys but she disobeyed her.

Barrington Whelk is the young Latin professor who was once a student in Aglionby. He came from a once very wealthy family. He also has a lot of secrets he's been keeping for years.

These characters are all so adorable. They have different personalities like for instance Ronan is arrogant and rough but Adam is the complete opposite and yet you know the love and care for each other is there. They roast each other like there's no tomorrow and yet you can feel their support towards one another. 'Tis squad I'm looking for.

The Story

The story is so intriguing and it might look like it's over the top but it's not. I was not expecting that the author will go for a love triangle here - Gansey, Blue and Adam - and upon finishing the first book, I still don't know who Blue will end up with or what will happen to Gansey. There's a lot of adventures and magic and paranormal in the story that makes it captivating.

My Verdict

I've been wanting to read this series for so long and now I'm beyond ecstatic that I get to have my hands on this first book already!

Paranormal genre is not my thing but the plot is too intriguing not to read. In the end, I don't regret a thing and my instinct is right that I'm gonna love this.

The story is cute and intriguing and not scary at all. Something tells me it's gonna be a favorite!

MY RATING

★★★★☆

Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3) by Patrick Ness // BOOK REVIEW

“To say you have no choice is to relieve yourself of responsibility.”

Book: Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3)

Author: Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Synopsis: As a world-ending war surges to life around them, Todd and Viola face monstrous decisions. The indigenous Spackle, thinking and acting as one, have mobilized to avenge their murdered people. Ruthless human leaders prepare to defend their factions at all costs, even as a convoy of new settlers approaches. And as the ceaseless Noise lays all thoughts bare, the projected will of the few threatens to overwhelm the desperate desire of the many. The consequences of each action, each word, are unspeakably vast: To follow a tyrant or a terrorist? To save the life of the one you love most or thousands of strangers? To believe in redemption or assume it is lost? Becoming adults amid the turmoil, Todd and Viola question all they have known, racing through horror and outrage toward a shocking finale.

What I think about it…

The Characters

I love the character developments! Looking back in the first two books, Todd has come a long, long way. He was just a boy back in the first book but he’s a full-grown man in this final book. Viola’s character, too, improved greatly. Wilf too has come a long way. I’m happy to see the return of a certain character too (it was overwhelming and a bit shocking). We’ve seen a lot of old characters here too like Mistress Coyle (who I still don’t understand. I don’t know her motives. Is she good or bad?) and the bloody genius President Prentiss (gosh, I love his character so much). We were also introduced to new characters like Bradley and Simone – Viola’s friends from the first scout ship that arrived. And then there’s the Spackles – The Sky, The Land, The Return.

The Story

It’s still boring like the first two. It’s all about war from page one til the last one and it was so boring. I felt like it was dragged on for too long. I didn’t learn something new, just the same old story about them like Mistress Coyle doesn’t want Prentiss to lead the people so there’s the never-ending bickering between them; Mayor/President Prentiss’ controlling the people; Viola always choosing Todd; Todd always choosing Viola; Spackles being Spackles and so on. Some characters were improved but the others stay the same way and its booooring. I've also read the last short story entitled Snowscape (Chaos Walking #3.5) so if you feel like the ending of Monsters is a cliffhanger (because it is), the answer to our question is the last paragraph of Snowscape.

What didn’t work for me…

The whole thing didn’t work for me. I love the main characters but others not so much. I hated Mistress Coyle, why is she acting the way she did? She’s so detestable. Lots of violence, killings and bombing happened here and there and yet I feel like it was just there to make one chapter or one whole book. I didn't like it in ways I can't explain.

My Verdict

All in all I don’t like this series. I love Patrick Ness, I always say that and that’s what kept me from finishing this series and I even read the short stories even though I don’t like it – that’s how much I like him. But putting my love for Ness aside, would I recommend it? Nah. No. There are much better series than this. This is a complete waste of my time and I feel bad about it.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn // BOOK REVIEW

“I was not a lovable child, and I'd grown into a deeply unlovable adult. Draw a picture of my soul, and it'd be a scribble with fangs.”

Book: Dark Places

Author: Gillian Flynn

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice" of Kinnakee, Kansas. She survived—and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, the Kill Club—a secret secret society obsessed with notorious crimes—locates Libby and pumps her for details. They hope to discover proof that may free Ben. Libby hopes to turn a profit off her tragic history: She’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club—for a fee. As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started—on the run from a killer.

What I think about it…

The Characters

I honestly don’t feel anything about these characters especially with Libby. I don’t know what to feel about her. I feel sorry that she lost her family at a young age but I kinda don’t care, too. They’re all so weird for me. Libby was a miserable, kleptomaniac woman in her 30’s and what I hate most about her is her self-entitlement. I feel sorry for her but she’s just horrible. On the other hand, I feel indifferent towards the old Ben. I pity the 15-year old Ben but I still question why he chose the decisions he did. Lyle kinda freak me out and Diondra is a bitch. This book actually is freaking me out. The Kill Club is cool though.

The Story

The story is very dark as it revolves around the murder of the three members of the Day family (Michelle, Debby and their mother Patty). Libby and Ben survived the night of the murders because (1) Libby ran out of the house and hide and (2) Ben was the suspected murderer. Patty is a single mother raising her four kids while her ex-husband, Runner, is busy doing his own thing (yes, they’re separated).

Again, this story is twisted and this is the kind of story I’m expecting from Gillian Flynn after reading Sharp Objects and  I don’t like the creeps her books is giving me.

What didn’t work for me…

I kinda felt like it was so slow at the beginning like nothing important was really happening at all. It was so slow and boring that it took me a month to finish this one (I usually finish one book in two days). How slow it was in the beginning is how fast everything happened in the end though I would say that I wouldn’t want it any other way. Again, the characters are either detestable or creepy and I don’t like that feeling. I mean I understand that Libby became that kind of person because she lost her family at a young age and she’s been jumping from one place to another but I still feel like she’s a ticking time bomb like she’s also gonna kill people (I mean, I’m getting that vibe from her). She’s just creepy.

The first few chapters bore me, like, I feel all so jumpy in one of the chapters only to be disappointed by the next one. It is alternately narrated in the present (Libby’s own investigation) and the past (what happens during the day of the murder). It was written nicely but I think the problem for me is that, as I’ve said, the momentum is there in the chapter I’m currently reading but the next chapter is going to be a killer and when I read the next chapter that is the continuation of the other chapter, the excitement isn’t there anymore.

My Verdict

The plot is so dark and twisted. I love mystery and thrillers but I don’t know what’s in this book that creeps me out. The story is good but I feel so much indifference towards Libby that it made almost impossible for me to finish this book. But my desire to know what happened to her family pushed me anyway. And I only have one question in my mind, why did Ben let all that shit happen?

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

One of Us Is Lying (One of Us Is Lying #1) by Karen M. McManus // BOOK REVIEW

“I don't know why it's so hard for people to admit that sometimes they're just assholes who screw up because they don't expect to get caught.”

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Book: One of Us Is Lying

Author: Karen M. McManus

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery

Synopsis: Pay close attention and you might solve this. On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose?

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

What I think about it...

The Characters

I like the characters especially Bronwyn and Nate, the pull is so strong that I didn’t miss a beat. I always look forward to their POVs. I also like Addy’s character development. I was once in her position, like losing yourself in the process of loving someone, a yes-girl, a people pleaser. But the ending for her? Atta girl!

Now Cooper, the hot, handsome athlete… his story is so intriguing that I didn’t expect that that is the secret he’s been keeping. Actually, his is the most surprising of all. The other three? Not much.

I don’t feel the indifferent feeling towards any of the characters here – even with the background characters like Jake. They’re just all okay with me.

The Story

The plot was so intriguing like when I first read the synopsis I started looking for the book and didn’t stop until I have my hands on it. It was intriguing in a way that I was curious as to how McManus will execute this kind of plot. I’ve read books with promising plots but failed miserably in the execution. This book, however, delivered it perfectly well but…

What went wrong…

The execution of the plot was good but I guess what I find absurd in the end was the fact that a group of young teens solved the mystery and the police - the experts - who have all the means (technology, skill and stuff) didn't crack the case. I mean, how lame was that. It's funny and unbelievable in so many levels. And if I live in the same town as them I would totally freak out because the police can’t do their jobs. Also another thing I hate about this book is the confusing change of point of views. I know it's necessary so we can all see what's right inside each of their minds and of course for the story to progress but dang, it's hella confusing like I need to backtrack every single time cos I forgot who's who already and it's irritating.

My Verdict

It was an okay read. Would recommend? Yes. Read the second book? Maybe no. I'm not curious about Maeve's story and the plot was quite sketchy and shallow. On second thought, if Addy and TJ (I’m rooting for them) has an appearance in that book I might read it. I really want Addy to be happy. But I guess I wont know til I started reading it. So yeah, might read it.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne // BOOK REVIEW

"It’s amazing how much one person can change the world, even if they don’t know they’re doing it."

Book: The Wrong Side of Right

Author: Jenn Marie Thorne

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Synopsis: Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President. Suddenly, Kate’s moving in with a family she never knew she had, joining a campaign in support of a man she hardly knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives. This is Kate’s new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign’s talking points, she must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn’t necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?

What I think about it...

The Characters

I adore each character in this book, even the bad ones – I mean; they’re so good at being bad. I love Kate Quinn, the twins, Meg, grandma, the inner circle and the staffers. Then there’s Senator Cooper, I feel hurt for Kate when her dad didn’t stand up for her but I know deep within his heart and soul that he loves Kate. It is sad but I guess we needed that for the story to progress. Up until the end I was slowly losing my hope on Cooper and I'm completely in awe at how wonderful Meg is. I can't imagine how painful it is for her to know that her husband fathered a child. But it turned out Meg was more accepting than Cooper. Then Andy, I loved his quirkiness and naughty attitude… but I don’t like him for Kate. I liked them individually.

The Story

I didn’t expect that I will love this book as much as I did. This is not the kind of young-adult genre that I read but I actually liked it, no scratch that, I loved it. The story seemed a little slow but I didn’t mind it at all. I rarely fall in love with books that aren’t romantic or cute but this one is, again, an exception. I don’t have anything in common with Kate but I do feel like I can relate with her. I used to feel awkward when the book is about a father-daughter relationship, I just find it overly emotional and cringey but, again again, this book is not like that. I actually crave for more Kate and Senator's interactions more than Kate and Andy's. It's their time!

My Verdict

I love it. I absolutely adore this book. I’m recommending it to everyone.

MY RATING

★★★★☆