giveaway: fairy book contest

Another exciting news! Faye @ Rambling of teenage Bookworm is holding a contest- book/ARC giveaway at her blog. Isn't it great? The winner will get 12 or more books and a few mystery swags to add. The deadline will be on April 25th, 2010. Just want to try my luck in the contest. =)

Anyone interested, can participate and click here. Of course, it's INTERNATIONAL!

sunset in st. tropez by danielle steel

Title: Sunset in St. Tropez
Author: Danielle Steel
Pages: 213
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

As Diana Morrison laid the table for six at her elegant Central Park apartment, there was no warning of what was to come. Spending New Year’s Eve together was a sacred tradition for Diana, her husband of thirty-two years, Eric, and their best friends, Pascale and John Donnally and Anne and Robert Smith. The future looked rosy as the long-time friends sipped champagne and talked of renting a villa together in the South of France the following summer. But life had other plans.

Just two weeks after New Year’s, tragedy strikes the heart of their close circle, as Robert Smith suffers a sudden, unexpected loss. Without hesitation, Diana and Eric, Pascale and John rally to his side, united in their support, love, and shared grief. Convinced that a change of scenery is just what Robert needs, they urge him to join them on the Riviera in August. But as they soon discover, the ramshackle old mansion they rented in St. Tropez--sight unseen--is far different from the exquisite villa and sun-drenched gardens touted in the brochure. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling. Beds collapse beneath them. All while a would-be housekeeper in a leopard-skin bikini and six-inch heels sashays through the house with a trio of yapping poodles at her heels.

But the biggest surprise of all is the woman Robert invites to the villa as his guest--a lovely, much-younger film actress with mile-long legs and a million-dollar smile. Diana and Pascale hate her on sight. But the men are dazzled. And amid the crumbling furniture and the glorious sunsets, the strained relationships and the acts of forgiveness, more surprises are in store for the villa’s occupants. With the last days of summer fast approaching, each couple finds themselves changing in unexpected ways, as old wounds are healed, new love discovered, and miracles unfold.

My Review:

Well, after quite sometime, I'm off to read a contemporary fiction. And I choose to re-read Danielle Steel. I always love her works, well, most of them. Honestly, I don't know why I picked this one instead of other book.

I must say that this was quick and easy read. However, there was not one character that I found myself really invested in. Generally when I read Danielle Steel I become emotionally wrapped up in the story's central character and again, most of the time. The thing is, there were too many main characters which I did not get the feeling of connection that I usually do. Sometime I'm forgetting who is actually who.

But of course, Steel simple elaboration on her storyline made me easy to understand and enjoyed. Although 3 couples (6 main character?) are a lot to cover. What really made me interested to read the book is actually the story itself (obviously?). It's a story of 3 married couples/ best friends like 30+ years and I've never read about senior citizens love story. I mean, have you ever read a book that has 50-60 years old main characters? Well, this is my first time or maybe I forgot if I actually had. They are condensed with exciting friendship relation to each of them. And what I like most, they are so believable and so true. I wish I would have best friends like them (like till I grow very old and they still there when I need them). Of course, there were ups and downs in their marriages. That's the story all about anyway in St. Tropez.

All in all, this is not her best books but still, I feel a loyalty and obliged to reading her books. I keep them to the side until a sudden urge comes over me to read one. I know it really sound corny but it's true. This was one of her books that I enjoyed. This book probably a good, quick and easy read to kill some time =)

p/s: Is it true that EVERYBODY reads Danielle Steel? It's like it's written on each of her books.

giveaway: win a sony PRS600 e-reader

I've never doing this. I mean, I don't really participate in giveaways. But this one really irresistible. This post is to let you know that the amazing book blogger Diane is celebrating her first blogoversary, over at her blog The Book Resort. In order to celebrate, she is giving away one amazing SONY PRS600 E-Reader! Can YOU IMAGINE THAT? I'm so PSYCHED about this giveaway =)

Come, let join this. The more, the merrier! You can enter the giveaway here.

tantalize by cynthia leitich smith

Title: Tantalize (Tantalize #1)
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.2/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?

My Review:

So finally this book wooed me. Tantalize is a very very interesting book. But when I say interesting, it doesn't mean that it was perfect. In fact, the characters are far, far, far from perfect but surprisingly, the whole story really hooked me up.

It's a story of 17-year-old Quincie (I love the name) has a lot of things to think of. She's in her senior year, trying so hard to catch-up with school, have a crush with her best friend, Kieren who apparently a half-werewolf and the re-opening of her family's restaurant after her parents' recent death. Unfortunately, just days before opening, Quincie's long-time family friend and head chef, Vaggio, is murdered in the restaurant kitchen, brutally. This violent event begins a series that change her life forever. And this occasions blames a were-people, or to be exact, a werewolf. Were-people (possum, cats, wolf, anything can be a were too in this world), vampires and humans mix and together in a community. Cool. I thought it would be even curiouser when they blamed a werewolf instead of vampires. And of course, Quincie cannot trust Kieren anymore. And I even thought, "why Kieren is the bad guy? I want him to be the hero!"

**Spoiler**

**Then come the best part. The werewolf is actually the hero here. And not vampires! Finally. But, the interesting part doesn't stop there. Because it's going to be a vampire who fall in love with a werewolf. Awww.. I love the parts of Quincie and Kieren in this book. I kind of like that. A werewolf and a vampire really remind me of the Underworld movie.**

However, I have to admit that it's not a page turner book for about the first 50 pages. The problems of re-opening the family restaurant with a vampire theme really quite off the hook. But, it kind of worked a little with the plot she created. When there's a major plot twist toward the end of the book that I somehow completely missed, too, so I found the book to be full of surprises.

I enjoyed the short chapters with titles of each as they really helped move along the pace of the book also added a lot of interest. However, I was very disappointed in the abrupt and unsatisfying ending. Another cliffhanger. It reminded me very much of the "resolution" to Rachel Caine "Glass Housess" I've read last week. To put it simply, there isn't much of one. As readers, I were left hanging to hope that Smith ties up some of the obvious loose ends in her subsequent books. Urghhh..I felt this first portion of the story could have been a little more developed. But, it's OK I guess.

Overall, Tantalize is a tantalizing read. And luckily it did leave me wanting a little more. I can't wait for the next two books of the trilogy. I know the #2 is Eternal but I don't know when is the #3 installment. I don't even know the title. *LOL*

Have you heard anything about the trilogy? Hoping we could share some. =)

strange angels by lili st. crow

Title: Strange Angels (Strange Angels #1)
Author: Lili St. Crow
Pages: 293
Rating: 3/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called “the touch.” (Comes in handy when you’re traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)

Then her dad turns up dead—but still walking—and Dru knows she’s next. Even worse, she’s got two guys hungry for her affections, and they’re not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever—or whoever— is hunting her?

My Review:

I think it would be better, because of how many other people seemed to like it even some also seemed not very much like it. I felt let down because it ended up this is the least book I liked ever since I've read a few of Young Adult genre these past few weeks.

The main character was inconsistent, to me, in her personality, and there was the repetitive use of the word "goddamit", and that got tiring. Even it was was mild use of bad language which although fits in with the characters is not really necessary for the storyline. It is just that sometimes I thought she kind of 'not-so-very-bright' a.k.a st***d.

Only once I got about a third of the way through, and got over Dru's hideous language quirks, then I really started getting into her story. Oh yes, there was a part I was amazed when Dru somehow ended up being much more endearing and vulnerable than I ever expected she could be, and Graves' honest, goodness and strength made him more than a little interesting.

Well, it's a good read if you like paranormal romance and lots of fast paced action and dramatic tension but be warned you will be left with a lot of unanswered questions and definitely have to read Betrayals to get more of the answers (yeah, GREAT marketing strategy). But, it is absolutely not for me. I don't think I will read Betrayal soon enough.

If you ever read Strange Angels, leave me your review link and I will be glad to hear what you think of it too. Thanks!

blog award #11: your blog is a treasure

CMash @ CMash Loves to Read awarded me the thursday treasure: your blog is a treasure past few weeks ago. Since today is thursday, i take this opportunity to post this exciting news =)

CRITERIA
**Go to one of your book blogs you visit (each week visit another blog)
**Click on their blog roll/blog lists.
**Find blogs that are new to you from that list.
**Visit those new blogs (optional but would be nice...award them with the "Thursday Treasure" icon and become a follower)
**Post on your site the name of the blog you initially visited and the new sites you found.
**Leave a comment here with a link to your site(if you don't have a blog, list your finds here) so others may see the blogs you have found.

This award is for everyone who read this post at this moment. Because I think, everyone deserve this and also because every blog I read is also a treasure for me as I learn a lot of information on books, ideas, memes and all the fun together. Thank you so much everyone that you are absolutely a treasure in my heart!

prince of twilight by maggie shayne

Title: Prince of Twilight (Wings in the Night, #12)
Author: Maggie Shayne
Pages: 492
Rating: 3/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Foretold centuries ago, it is a destiny they cannot escape. Far older than his legend, the immortal Vlad Dracul has wandered the earth for centuries in search of the reincarnation of his wife, Elisabeta. Now he believes he has found the woman possessed by his beloved's soul and is prepared to make her his for all eternity.

Tempest "Stormy" Jones is that mortal. She has long sensed the other, someone inside her fighting to take control, a feeling that becomes even stronger when the dark prince is near. But as Stormy denies the passion that burns between them, she also resists allowing Elisabeta to take over her mind and body to prevent her from claiming Vlad as her own.

But when Elisabeta discovers Vlad's feelings for Stormy, her wrath knows no bounds. She demands that her destiny be fulfilled, and seeks to destroy her rival, leaving Vlad in anguish, tormented by what was and what could be. Now only he can choose, who will live and who will die.

My Review:

Although this book is #12 of Wing of Nights series, I think it is also a good stand alone book. The story is quite engaging and a page turner. In fact, I never read a vampire plus with 3/4 part of the book is about romance.

Stormy (I don't know why Shayne picked up this name) is very bold and quite confident with herself in order to win Vlad over Beta. While Vlad, he's a Dracula which I can feel how he felt for Stormy and Beta. He was confused. To choose either Beta or Stormy. Yup, that's rather interesting storyline of a softhearted Dracula. At first, I didn't know it was a type of romance novel, I'm not really into those but I kind of love vampires. But as I read, this one pretty good.

Pretty good, yes. However, this book was a little confusing when they had a lot of "flashback" scenes. It would take me a paragraph or two to figure out whose memory flashback we were seeing and interpreting. Other than that, there's no interesting actions involved for a vampire story. And for that, it's quite boring. It's like the story was just about two mean girls fighting over a guy they love. Otherwise it was a pretty OK read. Enough to kill my two hours time at my lunch hour and continued before I went to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I never know about this series before. I would like to try her other books as well soon if I happen to get those. As for now, Happy Reading Everyone!

Biblomania Day + Meme

I've just stop by at Melody's Melody's Corner, and guess what? I found something rather amusing to brighten up my day! Do you know that there's actually a Bibliomania Day? And March 20th was in fact Bibliomania Day! There's a quote from Veen's Blog and quoted by Melody;

On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg of Ottumwa, Iowa, was arrested for stealing over 23,600 books worth $20 million and weighing 19 tons. So look out for a the "bookey-man"!

Like many book thieves, Blumberg was also a book lover. "It was his habit to read constantly through the night, cat-napping, waking, reading, dozing, waking, reading again, never fully sleeping.

(click here to read more of Stephen Blumberg, taken from 123people.com)

Melody also tagged me with this fun meme =)

1) Are there any books you would like to beg, borrow, or steal?

YES! Definitely! When I was a kid I was banned from my school library. I've been caught stealing a book (Enid Blyton, The Naughty Girl). Haha! (guess I'm a book stealer at heart). It was a bet and quite funny, really. Still, I would beg and borrow but not stealing. One silly mistake is enough. *wink*

2) Are you addicted to trips to Borders or the public library?

Public library, not yet or not really. I buy books online, frequently visit MPH Bookstore, POPULAR and Harris whenever I go out. I at least buy one or else, window stalking new books on shelf is fine. I buy LOADS of books as well as used books because they are a lot cheaper and I only buy with good conditions only. Yeah, I'm a student under a small amount of scholarship so I guess used books suites me well.

3) Do you have a way to remember what books you have read?

I just kind of remember I think. But having a blog is a way to keep my books listed. My fiancee help me out with listing all books I own and I also have a journal where I tick on books I've read. Books I read are in one side and TBR on one side of the bookshelf (and thanks to fiancee for that!)

4) When did your love of books begin?

When I was in primary school. I read most of Enid Blyton's and also a bit of Malay books. I wholly started love reading books because of my best friend, Inayah. She loves to suggest me a lot of her favorite books and we kind talked about books so much that I don't remember. Ha! And also she's the one who always lend me books, give books for my birthdays.

5) What is a favorite book?

Pheww..This is quite hard. Personally, I love all my books but to narrow down to a favorite book is difficult! But I love all my Harry Potter Series (hadcover) and Sydney Sheldon's books. They are my treasures!

6) Do you still have in your possession a book borrowed, but not returned to its rightful owner?

Emm..Let me think. I think nope!

7) What's the most in library fines you have owed?

Nothing. Only a few books of Taxonomy on Vascular Plants, Plants Systematic and Plant Ecology. The due was 3 days ago and I still need it for my Master Thesis references! But I'll pay for the fine. Hehe..

8) Do you loan books out to others?

Yes. I love to share books and I like to suggest my friends what I like. But currently no one around me a fiction-lover. Being away from home is a bit hard because there's no particularly friends to discuss /share/ loan any books I love or hate.

There's the following friends I would like to tag and join this fun meme;

Hannah
Steph
Amelia
Shy
Carrie
Juju
Melissa

Happy Reading EVERYBODY!

evermore by alyson noel

Title: Evermore (#1 Immortals Series)
Author: Alyson Noel
Pages: 301
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the book. Full stop. I read it in 4 hours and utterly it was a page turner. I kept reading because; (a) i wanted to know why they are not vampires but just 'immortals', (b) why does Damen is so freaking gorgeous but at the same time significantly weird, (c) why does Noel keep mentioning the the word 'pressing his lip on mine' like zillions time? <--okay, leave this one out of the list. I’m not surprised and expected much from the book since I've read a few paranormal/ vampire books these few weeks. My expectations are not much but honestly most of them were met. Ever has a solid character. Her loss, guilt, and loneliness made her struggle to stand on her own. And being psychic is a big thing when the whole world is a stranger to her. Two friends of her, Miles and Haven, have their unique personality which is a big applause to Noel because the characters are quite strong. In my point of view, at least. While Damen, he is hot, beautifull, gorgeous, yes... but what is exactly his story? It's just sometime you see him, sometime you don't. I know he is the mystery guy. I’m hoping to learn more about him in the rest of the series. He hasn’t really impressed me much yet, but that may change. However, overall, I liked the story itself, the plot was engaging, I really had no idea what was going on. That's why I keep reading till the last page. My curiosity which previously listed above, are revealed piece by piece which was a welcoming change of pace. The writing is OK. Because I don't like the repetitive word of 'pressing' when they kissed. (I'm sorry!). BUT, impressive imagery! I can see what she's trying to portray. What can I say? I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. In fact, I recommend this book to all young adults' fan. and whoever love teen's love story =) ** I read a review of Evermore by Melody @ Melody's Corner. She posted an interview with Alyson Noel and I know something interesting about why they are immortals instead of vampires. What can I say, Noel has an original idea on Evermore. =)

glass houses by rachel caine

Summary (Goodreads):

Book #1 of The Morganville Vampires. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. So meet Claire,Eve, Shane and Michael in The Glass House in Morganville.

My Thought:

The first time I heard about the series was from Hannah @ Changing My Definition of Life. She read the entire series of book #1-#7 in just 3 days! Yeah, I know, it is a wow. So last few weeks I got myself the first 2 series including Glass House and The Dead Girls' Dance. I only finished the 1st book in the series and decided to stop before continuing to the next installment, The Dead Girls' Dance. Let just say, I need a break =)

Meet Claire the brainiac, Eve the gothic girl, Shane the hottie, Michael the ghost and vampires of Morganville. My first impression? This is totally different from what I've read from other vampires' books. I thought of some vampire heroes and heroine and stuff we normally read in vampire series. But how about a group of human which is minority, live in a vampire territory? You are forbidden to go outside after twilight and free in daylight. And the vampires own you? That scares me enough.

The storyline alone is amazing. Glass House is where four of the teens live and the house itself is protected from the 'undead'. The story begins when Claire needs to find some place safe, being away from Monica, a queen b**ch who is totally mean. When I say 'mean' it's mean really mean enough to kill. And of course I hate her every time I read her whenever her parts, her actions or when she speaks.

I like every parts of the story and I'm impressed because this book started smoothly and I feel very curious on every page I read. You will keep reading it and find the story has a fast pace. By the way, I'm not saying the book is perfect because the ending is dreadful for me. I know the Morganville Vampires is a series. However, it doesn't mean that Caine can ended the #1 book hanging. I'm not satisfied only with that hanging ending. At least, she could make it in a better way. Otherwise she could just make a statement to the readers as if ''buy the sequel then you will know nothing about this at all".

Nevertheless, I will still going to read her next sequel on the series, as long as I manage to have the copies in the series. I also going to recommend this book to other vampire fans because the book is cool and it contains different perspectives of vampires and humans.

My Rating: 3.9/5

on my wishlist #9

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City, which will be posted every Saturday. It allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here.

I've been browsing Goodreads and I startled at the title. Soulless. Quite an interesting title and cover lay out for a paranormal genre kind of a book. I though this one categorized as chic-lit. Reading the reviewers thoughts really encouraged me to wish to have the book. And the series has interesting storyline, sounds funnily reckless too.. =)

Title: Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1)
Author: Gail Carriger
Genre: YA, Fiction, Paranormal.
Pages: 357 pages

The Summary (Goodreads):

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next series Changeless and Blameless will be released/ due out in paperback in March and September 2010. I think it will definitely a must to buy =)

the friday 56 #7

Tonya @ Story Time With Tonya and Friends hosted this fun weekly meme, which is you have to;
* Grab a book, closest.
* Turn to page 56, ind the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Story Time With Tonya and Friends.

A Bend in The Road by Nicholas Sparks

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Just thinking," he murmured.

"Good things, I hoped."

"Only the best." He pulled her close. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

blog awards #10: sugar doll blogger

Yeay! The Awesome ChelleyReads @ Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks is very very generous to gave me another awesome award/ tag me to enjoy it. Thank you zillions!

The rules of receiving the award is to list down all 10 things about myself. Well, I think I already listed a few about me on some of the awards like this before at here, here, and here. However, I love to let you know some more about me *wink2*. Here we go..

1) I am the eldest in my family, the spoiled one, and very sensitive person. Ha ha!

2) I love to travel. I went to a few interesting places in my country. The last time I went travelling to Brunei Darussalam and Sabah. I went to Beijing, China a in 2007 and that was the 1st time ever I went overseas (because it was sponsored by my university and other companies). Really enjoyed it.

3) I hate dentist! The idea of doing or going for an appointment with a dentist really makes my heart jumping. I don't mind of regular check or some dental thingy. It just the needle that I'm afraid of. I know, LAME!

4) Cats hate me. Vice versa.

5) I eat when I'm happy or when I'm sad. Obviously. *LOL*

6) I'm a coffee addict. Can't live my life a day without coffee. I might being jinxed!

7) I'm not a photogenic person. I look horrible in photos and I hate posing. They say I look like someone else in photos. So if you see me in photos, it might be someone else, and not me *wink*

8) As a book lover/ bookworm, I buy at least one whenever I go out. But I will treat myself something more than that if I've reached my goal in something. Like if I score A for Biology, I will buy myself a new shoes. Or anything I have in mind.

9) I have car license but not motocycle license. However, I have only a scooter not a car and ride it illegally everyday to the faculty. I always run away/ avoiding from a road block and from police. My life is sure an adventure! Ha!

10) I love netball, and love my evening jogging. I was my primary school, middle school, matriculation and university netball player/representative. And always a captain. This one is something I really proud of myself. Even sometime we ended up lost to the last place *LOL*

So, there they are, my 10 things about myself. Time to spread the love! I would like to share this awards with a few and hope they will love this.

Alice @ Hello My Name is Alice

Shy @ The Bibliphile's Journal

Jennifer G. @ The Introverted Reader

Jennifer @ Rudpine

Melissa @ I swim for Oceans

Alaine @ Queen Of Happy Endings

Amelia @ Imagination in Focus

Rachel @ Home Girl Book Blog

Juju @ The Tales of Whimsy

Carrie @ In the Hammock Blog

Steph @ StephTheBookworm

Morgan @ Smitten with books

Chrissie @ Chrissie's corner

Sheila @ One Person Journey trough A book

Aleksandra @ Aleksandra's Corner

Sarah @ Sarah's Book Reviews

Prophecygirl @ wondrous reads

Cathy Ikeda @ minding in the middle

Cmash @ Cmash loves to read

Christina T @ Reading Extensively

Lisa @ Book Blab

Tricia @ My Reading Addiction

Pheww..What a list! I think that's all. Check out their blogs because they also a few of cool blogs on the block. And I think every other blogs have their own fascinating things about them, which means your blogs also rock the "BookBlogSphere" *wink2*

teaser tuesdays: the morganville vampires

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

The Morganville Vampires that I currently read composed two first series which are Glass House and The Dead Girls Dance. I'm reading the first series and I enjoyed it for time being. Hope I still do till I finish it. =p

The Morganville Vampires is a hot series written by Rachel Caine.

Yeah, Claire, way to go. He treats you like the furniture. Maybe you need some hooker lipstick and Kleenex in your bra, too.

page 132.

What's your Teaser Tuesdays?

it's monday! what are you reading #8

What are you reading on Mondays? is a meme now hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books.

Last week I've managed to finish 2 books and reviewed them (linked to my reviews);

1. Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike
2. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Like last week, I stick with the theme. So this week, it will be a paranormal genre. Or maybe a Young Adult genre. Or whatever the same. So, this week, I plan to read;

1. The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine
2. Evermore by Alyson Noel
3. Strange Angles by Lili St. Crow
   

I'm happy with the books I select to read for this week since those books have so much excellent reviews about them. Hope I'll be in the same boat. How about your Monday?

vampire academy by richelle mead

Title: Vampire Academy #1
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's, but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever.

My Opinion:

I like this book. Not very much of it but still like it. Vampire Academy is a thrilling adventure that draws you along and makes you continue to turn the pages. As the danger to Lissa gets closer, it gets interesting and more difficult to put the book down.

The friendship relation between Rose and Lissa is very unique. They are bound and complete to each other. First few chapters I read about them, I feel very uneasy because I thought their bond is something 'dark'. But as I continue the reading, my curiosity is explained in a very simple twist. I thought of a Buffy clone when I imagine Rose. She is an amazing example of female power and a great role model for teenage girls. It's refreshing to see a teenager grows that much in one short book. While Lissa if the opposite one. She is very fragile, but not vulnerable. She is very graceful and soft. She is a Princess after all.

I enjoyed my time with Rose, Lissa, and Dimitri. Not to forget, rebellious Christian. The only flaw that I think affect me a little is Lissa actions is too bold and I don't know. Maybe too easy. She can/ nearly make out with anyone she wants to and I felt her character is too mixed up, unbalance. I think the way Mead creates her is like a teenager who has a personality complex. However, every other characters are better in the book. They have their own personality but they pretty much believable.

Even with that, overall, I still like the book. And also a fresh idea for book storyline as well. I'm anxious to read what else happens soon, if Rose will ever get her man, and if Lissa will ever be able to resolve her powers. Can't wait to read the next sequel.

Other Reviewers:

Sarah @ Sarah's Book Reviews
Sophie @ So Many Books, So Little Time

on my wishlist #8

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City, which will be posted every Saturday. It allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here.

So, I've been pondering about Lauren Kate's new Fallen sequel, Torment. It's gothic and I went look out with the Fallen, found the story interesting, and I think this book is the next book on my wish list. Yeay!!

Title: Fallen (#1)
Author: Lauren Kate
Genre: YA Fantasy, Fiction
Pages: 452
The Summary (Goodreads):

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

And now about the latest sequel, Torment, I love the book cover. And hope I will buy both in one go. Don't you love the cover and I just realize they keep covering the faces of the model for both book's cover. Honestly, I love it!

the friday 56 # 6

Tonya @ Story Time With Tonya and Friends hosted this fun weekly meme, which is you have to;
* Grab a book, closest.
* Turn to page 56, ind the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Story Time With Tonya and Friends.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow.

I don't know how I'm going to get my mind off zombies, kid. But it was something to do. I could't just sit here until the mall closed. I'd explode. Or start crying. Or something else guaranteed to draw attention to myself.

thirst no.2 by christopher pike

Summary (Goodreads):

Tears roll over my face. I touch them with my quivering tongue. They are clear and salty, not dark and bloody. Another sign that I am human.

What Alisa/Sita has desired for five thousand years has finally come true: She is once again human. But now she is defenseless, vulnerable, and, for the first time in centuries, emotional. As she attempts to reconcile her actions as a vampire with her new connection to humanity, she begins to understand the weight of lifeand-death decisions. Can Alisa resolve her past and build a new identity, or is she doomed to repeat her fatal mistakes?

My Thoughts (with spoiler):

Well, here we go. In the 4th series of the book, Phantom, Sita is finally a human again. But she is confused with what she already become. Ray, her previous lover (the one she thought dead) knocked on her door minutes after the transformation. Both start a life in a bliss and within weeks, Sita is pregnant. But her child isn't exactly human, which is quickly obvious when the child is born months before her due date. And when Kalika starts demanding blood, Sita knows she's birthed a monster. But her love for her child prevents her from killing Kalika. Pike start to create a new direction in his 4th series. The introduction of New Ages Kalika/ Kali Ma (her daughter) as her enemy and Sita are thrown on a journey of self-reflection that will carry into the next two books in the series.

The 5th series, Evil Thirst, Sita faces very difficult situation and she needs to make a hard decision. She either has to destroy her daughter, Kalika, or give up a precious child, John, who may be the savior of the human race. She ponders of Kalika's behavior, wonders if she can redeem her. Or is she wrong, and Kalika is right? It's a difficult situation for her, a vampire who believes in love and redemption. Can a mother's love overcome a child's evil? Pike experimented by creating rumor on Lord Krisna and Jesus, by a scripture written by the oracle Suzama in ancient Egypt against her modern conundrum. Okay, for me, this kind of totally way from logic, and may sound a bit 'out' there, but Pike weaves a skillful and fast paced tale with all these varied pieces falling neatly into place.

Finally, the last in series, Creatures of Forever, Pike's The Last Vampire series goes a little 'wonky' and a little bit sci-fi mood. More science fiction than vampire tale, Pike continues to mix New Age ideas with aliens and time travel. I know, sometime I think, is he mad? Vampire with spaceship? I don't know if you ever read a vampire and alien. Weird. However, as I read further, I have to accept that I kind of like it in that certain way. Haha..Here, she learns that in the 9th century actions of hers forever changed the future of humanity. Sita has to travel to the past and fix her wrong, so that humanity may be saved. This is the first time Pike focuses a novel on Sita's past. Instead of just flashbacks, the action takes place in the past and I wish that it's something he would have done more, elaborate and create more fascinating stories of her life interspaced with famous historical events, or even obscure ones.

After years, I finally managed to read the last three books of the series. I have a multiple and complex feeling as I finished the series now. A part of me satisfied of how I finally know what's the ending but there's part of me kind of disappointed with the ending. But at least Pike has his own good skill to end it excellently without leaving the readers hanging on it. I would recommend this book and hope that any of the readers will try to read the book soon. And I would be to hear your opinion.

My Rating: 4.7/5 (Is this accepted..? *LOL* )

back when we were grownups by anne tyler

Summary :

The woman is Rebecca Davitch, a fifty-three-year-old grandmother. Is she an impostor in her own life? she asks herself. Is it indeed her own life? Or is it someone else's?

The discovery of this realizes that she has done nothing with her life since a party at colllege when a charming young man came up to her and said 'I can see your'e having a wonderful time' (when she wasn't). She later married that man, and now, many years later, nothing has happened since.Not that she isn't happy with her stepdaughters Patch, No-No, and Biddy. And her own family Min Foo. But when Rebecca decides to change her life and the way people look at her, she finds out what she never knew was really there all along.

My Thoughts:

"Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person."

I have this book quite some time and decided to read it after I read her biography on the web that she won a Pulitzer prize years ago. But mind you, this is not the book she won the prize. So, I just gave it a try.

There's not much conflict only that Rebecca have just realized how wrong she turned out to be. At first, I think the 'what if' she thought really boring. How she tried to remember what she have done in the past and what about she is going to do when she was 19. As far as I read, then I realized that how she figured things of what she have done, she's doing and will do is another exciting step of reading this book. There's a part which she sets out to find out who she really is by looking up the fiancee she gave up for the life she made. She thought she is a woman who fears she has lost her true self, but only to discover that she has been living the life she deserved all along. This is just wonderful because I thought it is actually better not to look too far back.

This is a wonderful book. The story is very light read, and I finished it in one go. It was almost lyrical. It has it's funny moments, it's sad moments but at the end, I just like it as it is.

My Rating: 3.5/5

teaser tuesdays: thirst no.2

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

I'm reading Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike which is the second volume the series. I already finish Thirst No. 1 and reviewed here.

" Is it my destiny to die? Alanda?"

She shakes her head. "I cannot say".

"But you come from the future. You know. Tell me".

page 448

blog award #9: one lovely blog

Cathy Ikeda @ Minding in The Middle gave me an award last week and I am so thrilled to receive this. Thank you so much Cathy. Anyone should browse to her blog. It is so cool to have another bookish blogger in on this blogsphere.

The rules of having this award should;

1. Put this on your blog, whether as an entirely new post like I'm doing, or on your sidebar.

2. Choose 15 other newly discovered bloggers that you love, and award them with this.

3. Send them a message/comment to let them know.

I would like to pass this award to a long list of people which I recently discovered. They are maybe not 15. Maybe I just lost count *LOL*

• Bobbie @ Til We Read Again
• Missy B. @ Missy's book Nook
• Sweet Vernal Zephyr
• Tricia @ My Reading Addiction
• Nise' @ Under the Boardwalk
• Isalys and Vanessa @ Book <3>
• Aye.Me? @ Reversing Monotomy
• WilowRaven @ Red House Books
• Jess @ The Joys of Reading
• Stacie @ The Novel Source
• Jessica @ Jessica's Vision
• Lori @ Escape Between the Pages
• Taufik @ Behind the real World
• Sarah @ My World of Books
• Liyanaland
  
• Angel @ Reading Angel
• Jan Von Harz @ Eating YA Books

I made a research before passing this award and decided to pass it to a few people which not have this one yet. I hope I did my best. And if I miss someone or you already have this one, I'm sorry. I still love you, everyone!

it's monday! what are you reading? #7

What are you reading on Mondays? is a meme now hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books.

Last week I've managed to finish 3 books and reviewed 2 of it (linked to my reviews);

1. The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford
2. The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
3. Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler

This week, I plan to have a theme read. Well, I have a few first series of Vampires Series and I thought a theme would be fun. So, this week, I plan to read;

1. Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike
2. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
3. The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

Hope this week will be better. How about yours?

the smoke jumper by nicholas evans

I actually took the book from my mom's bookshelf. Technically it's mine, but I don't really remember I had it. First time to read Nicholas Evans too. I've been wanting to read The Horse Whisperer, but I guess The Smoke Jumper will do.

The Summary :

Connor and Ed are smoke jumpers, elite fire-fighters who parachute into blazing forests to cut fire breaks. They are also best friends, which causes problems when Connor meets Ed's girlfriend, Julia, and is powerfully attracted to her. So, he kind of ran away from them.

In the wake of the fire, Connor embarks on a harrowing journey to the edge of human experience, traveling the world’s worst wars and disasters to take photographs that find him fame but never happiness. Reckless of a life he no longer wants, again and again he dares death to take him, until another fateful day on another continent, he must walk through fire once more.

My Thought:

I think the story has an original idea. Smoke jumper, I can't reckoned which one he meant, which one is the hero of the story. But I think that this book was truly moving. While I was at first turned off at what appeared to be a 'love triangle' the Evans managed not to cross that line and remained very tasteful by staying away from infidelity. You know how I hate to read a sex scandalous between best friends or married couple. I found it so irritating and annoyed. However, yes, not every books really rely on that particular storyline.

What would you think when Ed married to Julia, but Connor fathered their child, as biological dad? Julia and Connor know they have 'something' together. But they never confront to each other. Ed knew, but three of them made it like nothing was happening. Julia and Connor thought if they cannot have each other, at least they shared something together. When they have the baby, Connor was in estranged, like running away from them.

It's not really an exciting read, but I found the book has a fast pace adventure, mind you about simple elaboration, yet very informative about each character. Through marriage, birth, estrangement and death, Evans clear and precise writing makes 'The Smoke Jumper' worth turning every page. This book was more than a love story, it's the battle of good and evil, finding hope and living life.

I was also astonished at the amount of research the author had to have done to write a convincing novel that covered everything from smoke jumping in Missoula, the war in Bosnia and African religious wars. It is little exciting to read or learn something from a fiction novel. I never thought of smoke jumper really exist! *LOL* (and never know what they are)

This one maybe not his best, but I enjoyed reading it and definitely will read his other books later.

My Rating: 4/5

on my wishlist #7

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City, which will be posted every Saturday. It allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here.

I love James Patterson's novel. Mostly when he writes some kind of thrill and action genre. Yet, I found about this book at one of the bookstores, the end of last year. But I didn't buy it because they only have hardcover's copy. I've read the synopsis from his website and psyched. I've read Daniel X a few years back and like it. The book I'm talking about is a witchcraft and wizardry series from him, entitled Witch and Wizard. It's been so like yesterday since Harry Potter's series end. I bet this one kind of cool, too. Have you read/own this one yet?

Title: Witch and Wizard (#1)
Author: James Patterson
Genre: YA Fantasy, Fiction
Pages: 416
The Summary:

The world is changing--the government has seized control of almost everything and kids are disappearing. For 15 year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside-down when they are hauled out of bed one night, separated from their parents, and thrown into a secret compound for no reason they can comprehend, except that the new government is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Imprisoned together in a decrepit cell, Wisty and Whit cling to the only things they have left--a blank book, a drum stick, and each other. While searching for ways to escape, both begin exhibiting strange abilities. Maybe there is a reason they were singled out!

Can Wisty and Whit, a witch and a wizard, master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

What's on wish-list this week?

the friday 56 #5

Tonya @ Story Time With Tonya and Friends hosted this fun weekly meme, which is you have to;
* Grab a book, closest.
* Turn to page 56, ind the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Story Time With Tonya and Friends.


David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

"Yes, and again, as we walk home, I note some neighbours looking at my mother and at me, and whispering.

Again, as the three go on arm-in-arm, and I linger behind alone, I follow some of those looks, and wonder if my mother's step be really not so light as I have seen it, and if the gaiety of her beauty be really almost worried away.

Again, I wonder whether any of the neighbours call to mind, as I do, how we used to walk home together, she and I; and I wonder stupidly about that, all the dreary dismal day."

recommend me #5

Kate at the The Neverending Shelf is hosting this fun weekly meme Recommend Me where you recommend a book, old or new, that you really enjoyed.

To play along, grab a favorite read and tell us about it. You can include your thoughts about the novel, its summary, your favorite memory related to the novel.

I've been thinking of what should I recommend for this week. so many books but I just don't know which one is good at least. But last night, I saw a trailer of Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland, which remind me he acted as Capt. Jack Sparrow in Pirate of Carribeans.

What I'm trying to say is that, there's a book which I really adored when I was a kid, and I like to read it thousands of time; The Treasure Island. It's a hardcover and have very beautiful pictures, graphics and it was the one I sneaked out from my aunt's house. Ooopss! But yeah, I made one horrible mistake. Only a few month later I told her that I took the book. I was so glad she don't even scold me! *LOL* Instead, she gave me the book and asked me to take care of it. I was 10 and of course I was super delighted and read it almost everyday! Actually, I just looking at the pictures, and read a few words I knew, because at that time I don't really know to read English. Only a few familiar words, dictionary at another hand, and always keep referring to it.

The Summary (Goodreads):

Title: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The story grew out of a map that led to imaginary treasure, devised during a holiday in Scotland by Stevenson and his nephew. The tale is told by an adventurous boy, Jim Hawkins, who gets hold of treasure map and sets off with an adult crew in search of the buried treasure. Among the crew, however, is the treacherous Long John Silver who is determined to keep the treasure for himself. Stevenson's first full-length work of fiction brought him immediate fame and continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Jim Hawkins is such an adorable and courageous. I think of him as a cute boy whenever I read the book. Have you ever read Treasure Island?