my monthly books recap: december 10 + GOODBYE 2010!

It's New Year's Eve and I'm doing my last minute post to wrap up everything after being procrastinating doing it for quite a while. Nevertheless, I am quite amaze with myself actually to come this far and still standing administrating this very blog! This blog "Darlyn & Books" really my proud shrine, a little place that I really have for myself, separated from my chaotic, miserable and demanding life.

Without dragging and being mushy, this is my book list I've read for December. Quite an achievement and unbelievable that I managed to read 14 books this month (plus 1 for November). But not really feel good since I've been busy with school and stuff which limiting my time to write the reviews. I do wrote some though; with quite amount of short reviews.

1) A Winter Solstice Celebration by DiDi Lemay
2) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
3) The Lake House by James Patterson
4) Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
5) The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
6) The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
7) Witch and Cursed by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
8) Thinks and Things by Crystal Johnson
9) The Falling Away by T.L. Hines
10) The End of Marking Time by C.J. West
11) Scrawl by Mark Shulman
12) I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk
13) Out of the Blue by Belinda Jones

14) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

With the books listed, I managed to read 101 books in 2010!!! YEAY! I totally can't believe that and you can see all the books read in 2010 HERE. I'm grateful that my target to read 100 books (and plus 1) is achieved. I plan to read at least as much as this year or more for 2011. God willing.

I think of how many times to write the last post for this year. I've gained sweet memories, knowledge on books related and I am very grateful to have many fellow bloggers who have given words of enthusiasm, never ending supports and invaluable assistance no matter how big or small. You all really means so much for me and very much appreciated. Although I have to say without you guys, I'm not here where I'm standing now even though I'm standing nowhere (or maybe there's a little spot LOL) in this book blogosphere or at least in your heart.

I am very happy to say goodbye to the year of 2010. Love you guys!

There's no regrets, only sweet memories.

Goodbye 2010!

book release: my sould to steal by rachel vincent

Title: My Soul to Steal
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Series (Book #4)
Category: YA, Paranormal, Urban fantasy
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 0373210272 (ISBN13: 9780373210275)
Release Date: January 1, 2011

Soul Screamers is a young adult urban fantasy series narrated by teenage bean sidhe (banshee) Kaylee Cavanaugh. Join Kaylee as she tries to balance a normal high school experience with the threat of the Netherworld, a terrifying, hidden world full of reapers, hellions, and countless other mythical monsters out to possess her, body and soul.

Other Book in Series:
My Soul To Lose (Prequel)
#1 My Soul To Take
#2 My Soul To Save
#3 My Soul To Keep

Buy it now at: Borders | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Official Book Trailer

YOU WANT MY SOUL AND MY BOYFRIEND?

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

I DON'T THINK SO.

giveaway flash: books giveaway

1. Interview with Author J. Steve Miller

Book Give-Away December 27 – January 7: For those interested in Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It, leave a comment about this interview with your e-mail. U.S. and Canada. Click HERE to enter.



"Had I read this book in my 20’s, I’d be financially independent today. It’s a remarkable blend of fabulous research with clear and lively writing. You’d pay an expert quite a sum for this caliber of counsel. That’s why I say that the best investment you make this year just might be this book. Your second best investment will be the copies you buy for your children." -Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard




2. Interview with Historical Fiction Author Laurie C. Lewis

Book Give-Away December 30 – January 6: To win Free Men and Dreamers, leave a comment about this interview with your e-mail. Even though this is a series, Laurie’s books were written as a stand-alone read, as well. U.S. and Canada. Click HERE to enter.




This volume, Oh, Say Can You See, takes readers right in the middle of the incredible events that surrounded the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the battle Francis Scott Key witnessed, and on the flag itself.

Triller & Suspense Reading Challenge 2010 - FINISHED!

I signed up with another challenge since I've read a few thriller/suspense books. This challenge is hosted by Carolyn over at Book Chic City. We have to read at least 12 books in 2010 (1/1 - 12/31).

Nonetheless I finally finished the last challenge for 2010. I already signed up for next year. Yeay!




1) 24 Hours by Greg Iles
2) The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffrey Archer
3) Mary, Mary by James Patterson
4) A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
5) Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
6) Chill Factor by Sandra Brown
7) Memories of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon
8) The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon
9) First Impressions by Jude Deveraux
10) The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
11) The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
12) Damaged by Pamela Callow
13) French fried by Chris Dolley
14) The Red Church by Scott Nicholson

i heart new york by lindsey kelk

Title: I Heart New York
Author: Lindsey Kelk
Pages: 305
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Borrowed from Poo

Summary (Goodreads):

When Angela catches her boyfriend with another woman at her best friend's wedding, she's heartbroken and desperate to run away. With little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins, and her passport in hand, Angela decides to jump on a plane for - NYC! Settling into a cute hotel and quickly bonding with benevolent concierge Jenny—a chatterbox Oprah wannabe with room for a new best friend—Angela heads out for a New York makeover, some serious retail therapy, and a whirlwind tour of the city. Before she knows it, she's dating two sexy guys and blogging about her Big Apple escapades for a real fashion magazine. But while it's one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it's another working them out for yourself. Angela has fallen head over heels for the city that never sleeps, but does she heart New York more than home?

My Say:

I never read chic lit much, but sometimes, I do corner my direction of reading to something lighter and quick. Reading I Heart New York is a very great choice when you want something light, quick and funny. Let us meet Angela, a naive, sweet and indecisive woman. What happened to her could happen to anyone on earth nevertheless it sounds quite unreal when she started her journey to New York. Maybe I think it's illogical, but proves me wrong if; 1) I runaway as far as to another continent (not a country!), 2) I get a best friend who is very a stranger to you that would do anything to cheer you up in a whim in less than 24 hours, 3) I can date two hot guys at a time! For me, it sounds like that is NOT what a normal/wise people would do. But who knows, maybe there's actually someone did that when they've been cheated by their boyfriend.

All in all, I'm not saying that I dislike it, I do like it because it brings out the impossibilities that I've reasoned. I wish I can be like her; not to get dumped of course but to have all the fun she experienced. And all those shoes! It's actually a good book to enjoy and I think I will her other two books in the series as well, but not so soon.

the notebook by nicholas sparks

Title: The Notebook
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Pages: 224
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Borrowed

Summary (Shelfari):

Set amid the austere beauty of coastal North Carolina in 1946, The Notebook begins with the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner returned home from World War II. Noah, thirty-one, is restoring a plantation home to its former glory, and he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met fourteen years earlier, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, yet unwilling to forget the summer they spent together, Noah is content to live with only memories, until she unexpectedly returns to his town to see him once again. Allie Nelson, twenty-nine, is now engaged to another man, but realizes that the original passion she felt for Noah has not dimmed with the passage of time. Still, the obstacles that once ended their previous relationship remain, and the gulf between their worlds is too vast to ignore. With her impending marriage only weeks away, Allie is forced to confront her hopes and dreams for the future, a future that only she can shape.

My Thought:

I just can't ignore that I like the book even though it's quite predictable and yes, cheesy. It has a very simple plot line which we can easily find it in most romance novels. However, what I like most is character's passion of devoting his love to someone he loves dearly. Noah and Allie are great character, their relation holds the chemistry and I'm easily connected to them. I've read the book after I watched the movie, and normally, I always love books better than movies. However, this one doesn't work that way. The movie was absolutely growing on me and everything was portrayed better compared to the book. I was hoping the book would be that great like the movie. Although, there's some moments that are very thoughtful and quite sad which both of the book and movie share together. Whenever I think of Noah and Allie, I think of how tight their chemistry bonds, even it reached the worst part when Allie was diagnosed with Alzheimer. It's heart-torturing and feel so sad to know that Noah never give up to read her a story of them. I can't imagine how that feel. Overall, it was good story. But, just a little warning, it is better if you read the book first then watch the movie. Or maybe, only watch the movie. So far, I think everyone have watched the movie!

merry christmas and happy holiday everyone!

Merry Christmas!!! Ho ho ho! Hope each and everyone of you have a great time with your loved ones, family, friends, kids, and boyfriend-girlfriends! Eat a lot of delicious cookies, cakes, and anything on the table and have fun! I wish all the best to all of you. And may this Christmas brings you lots of happiness, love and anything that you wished for! Merry Christmas!

I see presents up there!

Oh, how I love Christmas tree!

p/s: Hope Santa Claus gives you a lot of presents too!

giveaway flash: storywings' blogoversary + Xmas giveaway!

Story Wings is hosting a great giveaway to all her followers! It's for her blogoversary and Christmas giveaway this time and a lot winners can choose book(s) of their choice!Yeay!

So head over to her blog now and enter. Don't forget to congratulate her guys!

Click HERE to enter. Open internationally!

giveaway flash: holiday giveaway!

Flippin' Fabulous A Reader's Record is hosting a Holiday Giveaway!
Open internationally and ends 12/23. Hurry up and enter!

The prizes???

Prize Pack One:
$25 of books from the book depository (if they deliver to your area) or gift certificate to B&N


Prize Pack Two:
$15 of books from the book depository (if they deliver to your area) or gift certificate to B&N

Click HERE to enter.

giveaway flash: 3rd blogoversary and Xmas giveaway!

Head over Larissa's Blog at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life to read all the giveaway details. She's having a massive giveaway with a lot of prizes to be won! Here's the prize's snippet;

1st Prize:
20$ Amazon Gift Card + 3 of the 9 books above!

2nd Prize:
15$ Amazon Gift Card + 3 of the 9 books above!

3rd Prize:
10$ Amazon Gift Card + 3 of the 9 books above!

4th Prize:
1 of The 9 Books above!

A New Winner will be added for each 50 New Followers she gets and each New Winner will get 1 of the 9 books above!

~~~

I can't believe she's having a 3rd year celebration! I don't even reach 1 yet. LOL.

Click HERE for more information.

hush, hush by becca fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Pages: 391
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Won

Summary (Goodreads):

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her, until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn 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 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 far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora 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 her life.

My Thought:

I think I have not read anything about the fallen for so many years or maybe in my entire life? That's one of the point, but maybe I was immensely absorbed with the epilogue which sounds really mystery to me. Any books that starts with anything mystery, I'm in it, hooked and digested. This kind of plot will easily attract my attention. That's what Hush, Hush did to me as well as wondering whether is Patch is someone I think he is, or is Elliot also one of the dark angel here, everything was very exciting for me to find out. Patch character is great, totally! He's strong, very cool, and calm, and I suppose he's very handsome too? (Look at the gorgeous cover there!). Nora did tremendously good as the heroin character. She's like any other normal girl, not that hot or perfect either (typical heroin character nowadays?) and her character is okay when some other heroins could be annoying, needy, and nonindependent. There's a time she thinks first before taking any actions. And, lets not forget about Vee. She is funny, open-minded and very annoying most of the time. But I think that's for the best since Nora is quite dull sometime. (like most of the heroins).

Although there is a complaint actually, I hate to read any possibilities of similarity with other novels; like there's a part of 'google'ing and reading stuff to know about legends, history or anything. I know it's good source there we have but a different approach doesn't hurt. However, I totally love the book. It has what a good book would be; a great plot, a few kisses that gives you sparks, a mystery of fallen angels and human relations and finally a good ending with a brilliant twist. Absolutely adores the book and Crescendo is on top of my list for next year's read!

the lake house by james patterson

Title: The Lake House
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 350
Rating: 4/5
Source: Owned

Summary (Goodreads):

Six extraordinary children are trying to lead normal lives in the Rocky Mountain countryside. They live in different homes, with different families, but there is something powerful that connects them. Something that puts them in terrible danger. The only time they've ever felt safe was when they were together in the waterfront cabin they call the Lake House. And the only people they've ever trusted are Frannie and Kit, the couple who rescued them from unimaginable evil once before. When that evil resurfaces, the kids reconnect with Frannie and Kit and set off on an astonishing adventure. They flee to the Lake House, but even that haven may no longer be safe. Dr. Ethan Kane is chief of surgery at Liberty General Hospital, one of the most esteemed hospitals in the nation. It is here that terrible secrets lie, secrets that will change the world for all of us.

My Say:

I never know the book was actually the sequel of When the Wind Blows and a prequel of Maximum Ride Series until I read about it somewhere early this year. I love the series so much and gave a little effort hunting this book in a used bookshop, hoping that I will know a little bit more on the series of how it started. It was a very quick read, plus it's a page turner with short chapters. Although with quite a lot of characters, I don't easily lost track because each character have their own individual character. I really adore these extraordinary kids especially Max. Her leadership brings them safety and she really did her best to protect others. Talking about how science can be that evil and makes human lost the humanity to manipulate others, especially kids! There's a lot of actions and I think it's very cool when it involved flying kids doing it. The story developed really fast from the start and sometimes it's kind of little confusing, but I can assured you that you might enjoy it once you finished reading it.

2011 Book Reading Challenges

A) 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules:To read Fantasy novels base on 4 level (I pick 'Obsessed').
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Darlyn & Books

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
   
2. Matched by Ally Condie
3. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
4. Any Witch Way by Annastaysia Savage
5. Save Magic City by Rocsanne Shield
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B) Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011

Rules: To read historical fictions base on 5 levels (I picked Level 4)

Host, challenge info and sign-up: Historical Tapestry

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
   
2. Once A Princess by Johanna Lindsey
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C) 2011 Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules:To read 12 Mystery and Suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum)
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Book Chick City

1. Crime Beat by Scott Nicholson
   
2. Dead Man's Eye by Shaun Jeffrey
3. The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
4. The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
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D) Speculative Fiction Challenge 2011


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules:To read 12 Speculative Fiction novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum)
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Floor to Ceiling Books

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
   
2. Matched by Ally Condie
3. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
4. Save Magic City by Rocsanne Shield
5. Any Witch Way by Annastaysia Savage
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E) YA Series Challenge


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules: To read MG or YA books series based on 6 levels ( I pick Level 2).
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Stalking The Bookshelves / I Eat Words

1. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
   
2. Matched by Ally Condie (Mathced #1)
3. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens (Heavenly #1)
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F) What's in A Name 4


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules:To read a book for each categories
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Beth Fish Read

1. A book with a number in the title:
2. A book with jewelry or a gem in the title:
3. A book with a size in the title:
4. A book with travel or movement in the title:
5. A book with evil in the title: Dead Man's Eye by Shaun Jeffrey
6. A book with a life stage in the title:

G) 2011 Non-Fiction Challenge

Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules: Read non-fiction books on different topic (Level 1)
Host, challenge info and sign-up: The Broke and The Bookish

1. Culture: Muslim Woman Reformers: Aspiring Voices Against Oppression by Ida Lichter
2. Memoir:
3. Science/Nature:

H) Manga Reading Challenge

Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules: Read at least 6 mangas throughout the year
Host, challenge info and sign-up: Rhinoa's Ramblings

1. Backstage Prince vol. 1 & 2 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
   
2. Beast Master vol. 1 & 2 by Motomi Kyousuke
3. Black Bird vol. 1,2 & 3 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
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I) 2011 100+ Reading Challenge


Time line: January 1st ~ December 31st, 2011
Rules: Read any types of at least 100 books
Host, challenge info and sign-up: My Overstuffed Bookshelf

1. Crime Beat by Scott Nicholson
2. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
3. Backstage Prince vol. 1 & 2 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
4. Beast Master by Motomi Kyousuke
5. Starless Sky by Paige Agnew
6. Dead Man's Eye by Shaun Jeffrey
7. Black Bird vol. 1,2 & 3 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
8. Matched by Ally Condie
9. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
10. The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
11. The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
12. The Lion's Deceit by Mpho Otukile
13. Any Witch Way by Annastaysia Savage
14. Contract Bride by Ayn Amorelli*
15. Once A Princess by Johanny Lindsey
16. The Healing by Oana
17. Save Magic City by Rocsanne Shield
18. Polyxena: A Story of Troy by H. Allenger
19. Gideon's Sword by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
20. Dead of Wynter by Spencer Seidel
21. The Survivor by Sean Slater
22. Muslim Woman Reformers: Aspiring Voices Against Oppression by Ida Lichter
23. You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin
24. Initiate by Tara Maya
25. The Summoner by Layton Green
26. The Imperfect Enjoyment by Dewan W. Gibson
27. Godonism by Theo Von Cezar
28. A Modern Witch by Debora Geary
29. Jessica Z. by Shawn Klomparens
30. The Pinnacle Seven by Jackie Richards
31. Here Be Dragons by June Harris
32. Hearts Blood by Carolyn McCray
33. Three Sisters by Helen Smith
34. The Eighth Scroll by Dr. Laurence B. Brown
35. Slate by Brian Rowe
36. Looking For Ward by Laurel Osterkamp
37. Too Near The Edge by Laurel Osterkamp
38. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
39. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
40. Anasazi Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke
41. Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke
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message in a bottle by nicholas sparks

Title: Message in A Bottle
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Pages: 368
Rating: 4/5
Source: Borrowed from Syiamala

Summary (Goodreads):

Message in a Bottle launches a remarkable woman on a mysterious voyage of self-discovery and renewal when she finds a deeply-felt love letter hidden in a bottle, a letter that reawakens her belief that star-crossed lovers will find each other across time and space. Thrown to the waves and to fate, the bottle could have ended up anywhere. But it found its way to Theresa Osborne, divorced and the mother of a twelve-year-old son. The letter inside is signed "Garrett", and is an expression of his love for a woman he has lost. Challenged by the mystery, Theresa searches for Garrett, and takes the reader along on a hunt about love.

My Say:

Another remarkable story from Nicholas Sparks. I wont drag too long to tell you how story goes because if you are familiar with his writing style the I guess you already now what to expect from him. Even though with the same style of writing and expectations, I love it as much as I hate the ending. Sigh. Although I really think that it is actually the best to the readers to know that every how hard the outcome ends, it means for a new great beginning. So that we learn how to overcome such a hard situation or experience in real life.

However, the plot line of the story is another gem. I felt very intrigued with the messages in bottles. It's a mystery and I wonder if I ever have the courage to solve the mystery as well as become a part of it. It's very sensational story, heart-gripping and of course a tearjerker. I wish it will end differently but it is almost impossible in any of Sparks' books. Nevertheless, I will never get tired of his books and I've read another book of his too in a week!

the dark divine by bree despain

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Pages: 372
Rating: 4/5
Source: Won

Summary (Goodreads):

A Prodigal Son. A Dangerous Love. A Deadly Secret.

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood. Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

My Say:

I always loved reading about vampire since I was a kid and werewolf is not an exception. The story was greatly told even though it started with a mystery. I was quite patient to read all details of the mystery before the truth finally came out, maybe because I really want to know the story after for so long reading other reviews. Not until in the middle of the story, the truth is finally discovered. The plot is good and I get the whole picture of the story right from the start and it amazed me of how well it is developed. Daniel character as well as Grace are great and I think they have a very good chemistry of how well their relation blends in every situation involving the two of them. It seems so real. Other character plays their very good even though sometimes I could detect some gradual changes in one or two characters like Grace's brother and her best friend. Just for the record, April is such not a very good best friend. She supposed to be more tolerable between Grace and her brother, and maybe be a little fair instead of leaving Grace facing her problem alone. However, the element of surprise when I found out who's the real culprit in the story, is really unbelievable yet very intelligent. I almost didn't see it coming! But there's a bit disappointment when Daniel finally get cured and Grace bears the cursed. Hope it will change in the sequel but if it's not, it still doesn't hurt because I will love it nonetheless.

I can't wait to read the sequel; The Lost Saint very very very soon!

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010 - FINISHED!

I managed to finish this! Yeay!

1) The Magician Nephew by C. S. Lewis
2) The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
3) The Host by Stephanie Meyer
4) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
5) Frostbite by Richelle Mead
6) Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
7) Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike
8) Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike
9) Evermore by Alyson Noel
10) Bluemoon by Alyson Noel
11) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
12) Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
13) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
14) Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
15) Boys That Bite by Mari Mancusi
16) Vampire Kisses: The Beginning by Ellen Schreiber
17) Stake That by Mari Mancusi
18) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
19) The Island by Sarah Singleton
20) The Dark Divine by Becca Fitzpatrick
21) Witch and Wizard by James Patterson
22) The Red Church by Scott Nicholson
23) The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan
24) Vampire A Go Go by Victor Gischler

Wish I'd Read That Challenge 2010 - FINISHED!

Glad to finish this one. I choose to read only 6 books, so it's not that hard. =)

1) The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
2) Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
3) Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
4) A Painted House by John Grisham
5) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
6) Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler

Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge - FINISHED!

The challenges is hosted by Ready When You Are, C.B.

I chose the 3rd level; Saturday Movie Marathon: four books/movies

1) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
2) Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
3) 24 Hours by Greg Iles
4) The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

I think I barely finished this one. But it's fun to choose and pick up books adapted to movies =)

What's in a name 3 challenge - FINISHED!

What's in a Name 3 Challenge hosted by Beth Fish Reads.

1. A food in the title: French Fried by Chris Dolley
2. A body of water in the title: The Lake House by James Patterson
   
3. A title in the title: Prince of Twilight by Maggie Shayne
4. A plant in the title: Marrow by Tiffanie Darke
   
5. A place name in the title: Sunset in St. Tropez by Danielle Steel
6. A music term in the title: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
   

Yeay! Finished this one too and I might sign up for 2011 =)

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

Hi! I know that I probably said that I won't be around much but I can't help myself to host this challenge! I think I can manage this one all year long. Plus, I want to make it more exciting with a little incentive!

I love reading fantasy and this is actually a big opportunity for me to make myself read all fantasy books I've collected from buying and won from some giveaways.The Fantasy Reading Challenge was actually hosted at Royal Reviews and then at Queen of Happy Endings. When Alaine offered up bloggers for a new host blog for 2011, I'm so happy to volunteer.

**This Is Totally An Update of The Challenge!**

Hi guys!

Due to some linky tools upgrading and new policies of subscribing, I decided to change the sign-up system of 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge. I still have all the links of all the participants and have already exported them to the new site. So, no worries! Please visit the site to sign-up, post your reviews and wrap-up post at;

http://fantasyreadingchallenge.blogspot.com

If you already leave the sign up link on this post before, I will enter it for you at the new site. For new participants, please visit the new site for this challenge for sing-up, guidelines and etc.

I'm terribly sorry for inconvenience technical problems and hope this will be a great solution.

Thanks and good luck!

Darlyn.

i'm back and hibernating...

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to get back around the blogsphere! I know it's been a lot while since I'm on holiday and I kind of miss it to be around. My sister's wedding went very well and we had a great time. Although it's kind of tiring and energy-draining and mentally-challenged to know my younger sister getting married first before me (LOL!), it was a beautiful holy matrimony and I only pray the best and a blessing marriage to the newly-wed.

Isn't she lovely? At least she is to me *wink*

Waiting for akad

Ziehan and hubby

Smile of happiness

Me, Ziehan, Khairul and my fiancee

So this is the not-very-cool part. I think I will be absent a lot from the blogosphere and feel very sad about it. But as much as I want to be around and read other friend's review, I have to sacrifice this for a while to finish all what I've started; my master degree. A lot of attention and focus has to put on the line and I really hope that I will pass my master degree's viva and succeed with flying colors. I will be around but the post will be once in a while maybe once or twice a week and weekend will be the only time for me to visit and read reviews. The activity (visiting, reading and commenting) mostly will be slow and I think I have to endure this for a long while. Wish me luck and hope everything goes well. Really thanks for all your supports and I really really really appreciate it.

But first, off to pay visits!