Crocodile Man by Graham Wilson (Crocodile Spirit Dreaming #2) Review

Crocodile Man is the second book in the Crocodile Spirit Dreaming series. Although I don't read the first book, I still able to understand what happened in the first book, thanks to the one-page first book summary the author given in the beginning of the novel.

The setting of Crocodile Man took place mainly in Northern Australia with few chapters in the UK.

By the end of the first chapter, I was having goosebumps and this is a good sign for me to continuing it.

In this book, we follow several people throughout the discovery of unidentified head in a waterhole in Northern Australia. We follow Charlie, the first person who found the "head", Alan and Sandy as part of the police interrogation team, and Susan.

I enjoy reading about Alan's journey and how he went to discover who actually this dead man was.

My issue is at Susan's POV. I didn't really connect with her and sometimes I got confused when I read her part. I want to know her story better and feeling deeper than the author wrote. Or maybe it was just because I don't exactly know what is she afraid of from the first book and about what exactly happened at that night.

The author creates the setting very vivid and because of that, I can feel the atmosphere of Northern Australia clearly when I read Crocodile Man. If you want to feel someplace different, I will recommend this book.

All in all, reading Crocodile Man is like reading a fictional story mix with crocodile spirit folklore. It was a unique experience. 

I won this book through Goodreads giveaway. My opinions in this review are entirely my own.

My rating is 3 stars. 

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Wayward Children #1) Review

Hope hurts. That's what you need to learn, and fast, if you don't want it to cut you open from the inside out. Hope is bad. Hope means you keep on holding to things that won't ever be so again, and so you bleed an inch at a time until there's nothing left.

I always wonder what happened when all of those Narnia kids go back to our real world, how they continue their regular life, how they trying to re-adjust their relationship with other people after they discover and live in such a magical world. 

And the idea of this book offers the answer to my question.

She was a story, not an epilogue. And if she chose to narrate her own life one word at a time as she descended the stairs to meet her newest arrival, that wasn't hurting anyone. Narration was a hard habit to break, after all.

Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children is a school for those kids who went to that magical world and now has come back into the real world. The problem is, most of them didn't want to go back, they have changed and somehow their parents couldn't understand why and want their kids to be "normal" again.

At the beginning, everything went smooth and I have no issue with this book. I was intrigued how will Nancy, our main protagonist will survive in her new boarding school. 

And then, the issue came... Nancy's roommate got murdered on her second day of her arrival. Suddenly the story shifts to "what's going on in this peaceful school?" and everything just went down from this point.

Because hope is a knife that can cut through the foundations of the world

Every Heart a Doorway had so much potential to be loved by me. Sadly, it may work for some people but it just didn't work for me.

 You shouldn't close doors just because you don't like what's on the other side 

My rating is 2 stars. 

What I've been missed in my life?

I know this is blog related to my book reviews but excuse me for this personal one. :)

I've been thinking lately about what I've been missed in my life.
For several reasons, I always satisfied with my own life condition right now.
You can say I'm Hufflepuff, while I enjoy learning things, I'm not really a competitive person. I have super amazing parents, I have a decent job in a reputable multi-national company, I have super understandable managers, I have some good true friends who I can talk and joke around, I have a very great boyfriend who I love and a steady relationship. I love to manage my own shop, I always able to spare my time to read or to watch K-dramas or just binge-watch booktube in the night.
So... I can say, I have plenty enough things to be grateful.

Why this "what I've been missed in my life" thought has been bothering me lately?

I'm starting to questioning myself over: "Am I living my life to the fullest?"
Being twenty-seven years old, some of my friends already starting their married life and while the others continue to pursue their dream, take their chance to embrace the youth life by continuing their master degree abroad.
I don't say if you decided to marry then you would have to give up your dream, but to some extent, your personal dreams would slowly change to another direction, wouldn't they? You are not as free as when you are single.

I always say I don't need the master degree, especially now when I learn how to make money and I, 100% honest about that answer.
I don't really have the interest to get the master degree because what I saw in the industry, it isn't something that you must have. The experience is the more important than how higher your education. Right?

But...
What if I fearless?
What if I have better English skill? (My English is crap if you don't know me)
So many what ifs I could think about.
And maybe I could try to let myself dream about some things
That I forgot I have
Like continuing my study
Or trying to submit LPDP or at the other organization to see if I'm capable enough to get the scholarship
In the better Uni outside this country
Not to just get my degree done
But also to have invaluable experience
That I won't be sorry nor forget.

Some will say, it's not too late for me to try, I only twenty-seven.
For me, twenty-seven is the mature number for someone like me to realize.
To realize that excellent in math and accounting in school isn't everything.
When I wrote this, I just feel really foolish and an innocent person I was.
Maybe I will relive this dream.
But most likely I will forever live vicariously in the shadows of someone else.

One thing for sure
I will tell and encourage my future children
To fearlessly live their dream
Because you only live once


Sincerely,
Vie 

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon Review

Sandhya Menon was playing safe for this book, everything was going in a smooth way. 

Start from the beginning, Rishi was already interested with Dimple. We only need Dimple to falls in love with Rishi and that's why Rishi became a lovable character in my eyes. 

Another letdown point that I would like to state here was their personalities. 

I often think Dimple's behavior to Rishi was unfair so many times yet Rishi's crush to Dimple still going strong. As a guy, I really wanted to see Rishi could stand up for himself, to showing Dimple her mistakes not just let her be as she likes to be and covers her mistakes. Rishi was just too 'agreeable' with Dimple and I don't like it.

The 90% setting of this book took place in the coding summer program but we don't really get to see what's Dimple and Rishi's project throughout the book. 

Instead of whole pages of they are trying to create their app, all we got is a whole drama of how to win the talent show. 

I felt like the majority plot of this book was lost from the original direction.

Yes, this is a diverse book and I appreciate it. 

But I don't think we got to know much of Indian culture from this book, it was only from the parents' conversation. I got to know Indian culture better from that Indian drama series that my aunt used to watch every night.

What I expected to happen when Dimple met Rishi was...

... a huge explosion with some absurd scene where I could shock and laugh. 

What I actually got when Dimple met Rishi was...

Maybe my disappointment comes from a highly praise this book got from ARC reviews and I had a high expectation for this book.

Will I read her next book? Maybe. Honestly, I don't know.

My rating for this book is 2.5 stars.

Always and Forever by Lara Jean (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3) Review

Always and Forever, Lara Jean. Always and Forever.

The third and final (hopefully it really is, this time, Jenny Han?) book in this trilogy. 

This year is Lara Jean's final year and the main focus of this book is how Lara Jean decided about her future University life and figuring out her relationship with Peter as University couple.

Peter has got in the early acceptance at UVA because he plays lacrosse for their school team and Lara Jean still waiting the good news from UVA. She didn't apply early like Peter did because her guidance counselor advises her against applying early action.

Mind you, I don't understand about University acceptance process in the State but hey, why didn't you take every single chance you can if this University is your first choice? You can get the news early, whether it was good or bad. If they didn't accept you, yeah it's a bummer but you can move on early too, right? 

I feel slightly disappointed with Lara Jean on this one. 

Even after a whole year of being together, it can still feel so new. To love a boy, to have him love you back. It feels miraculous. 

Peter Kavinsky, still being likable, a perfect material boyfriend, as always. Their relationship is steadier than ever but still far from perfect. In this book, we got to know Peter's fear of losing Lara Jean. It's interesting because Lara Jean was usually the one who got that feeling. All of Peter and Lara Jean's fear was very natural and I like how Jenny Han presented them. 

Peter learns how to open up his feeling to Lara Jean not close them to himself. 

Peter being insecure was a humanly understandable and all of his struggle just made me love him more than before. 

Kitty is always my most favorite character from the beginning and she continues to awe me on this book. I'm going to miss her smart and sassy's side. Being a youngest Song girls, she's the most mature one compared from her two older sisters. 

We got to meet Margot here and there and I'm so sad she felt being left out of the family. But fortunately, Margot can be reasonable in front of her family, especially her father and Kitty. Like Peter said, it took time for Margot warms up to the new people and I hope she can fully accept that she's no longer need to be the 'mother figure' for Lara Jean and Kitty. 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean is my least favorite of the three (let's say I'm crying a lot when I read this book, not so when I read the previous two) but it's the most important one. Throughout Lara Jean, I can relish my own senior year experience. Like Lara Jean's, the glow feeling school's over, that stupid year book photos, excitement for University life, the nervous feeling waiting for the good news from our first choice of Uni, fear of 'it's really that time' leaving our childhood home, fear of what our future will hold, fear of ended losing our forever best friend and our high school crush. 

Jenny Han did a wonderful job to portray all of that senior's feeling and it's time to say good bye forever from this series but at the same time, I can't wait for what's next from Jenny Han. 

I still get that nervous dip in my stomach when I see Genevieve, but not as bad as it used to be. I know we'll never be friends again, and I've made my peace with it. 

Heed my advice, Lara Jean. Never say no when you really want to say yes. 

I don't want to forget any of this. The way he's looking at me at this very moment. How, when he kisses me, I still get shivers down my back, every time. I want to hold on to everything so tight.

4 adorable stars rating

Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy (Edited by Ameriie) Review

Reading period: 19 July - 19 August 2017

IT TOOK ME A MONTH TO FINISH THIS BOOK T_T 

Some of them are gems and the others are meh. I didn't want to skip over those 'meh' story, thus I went to reading slump in the middle of reading this book.

The Blood of Imuriv by Renee Ahdieh 2.5 stars

- boring

- slow pace

- The action only happened in the last 20%

- Christine's weird additional writing contribute nothing to the Renee Ahdieh's story. I was highly anticipated for tasting Xtine's writing for the first time because her channel was entertaining but this is total let down :(

Jack by Ameriie 2 stars

- flat, meh

- Where's the evil side? I didn't really see the princess as an evil character

- Good explanation from Tina Burke. Actually, I enjoy Tina's writing more than the actual Amerie's words

- After reading Tina's part, I finally understand the meaning behind Jack story. It was actually deeply wonderful thoughts but Amerie's execution was just weak

Gwen and Art and Lance by Soman Chainani 4 stars

- interesting opening, topic, and character

- Instead of long unnecessary explanation at the beginning, Soman Chainani gave us his story in the text messages format. I think his choice was just right, I like it. The format works for me.

- Good additional thoughts from Samantha Lane

Shirley & Jim by Susan Dennard 4.5 stars

- Oooh, Holmes and Moriarty? First impression: intrigued!

- After reading: I loved it! Can Susan Dennard continues to write this amazing piece into one whole novel, pretty please?

- Susan knew how to mess her reader's feeling in the only short pages

- Sasha's part? Hm.. just like Christine's, I was disappointed. Sorry, I had high expectations for them.

The Blessing of Little Wants by Sarah Enni 1 star

- Ummm? I didn't understand the whole plot and I even went to reading slump because of this short story :(

- Sophia Lee's explanation was basically just her dotted points about what she wanted to read

- I was glad when it was over 

The Sea Witch by Marissa Meyer 4.5 stars

- Finally! Of course, I had high expectation from Marissa Meyer. The way she told us about her story was beautiful

- I was craving for the Villain story like this. Nerit was truly has a villain's heart but deep down I quite intrigued with her background. How the others, like Lorindel and Samuel were having part of shaping her evil. 

- Zoe's writing was cute

- Great collab between these two, hands down!

Beautiful Venom by Cindy Pon 4 stars

- Never heard of Cindy Pon but immediately her story won my heart

- Not only one villain presented, she successfully portrayed the others' ugly side

- Wow, Ben, wow. Such a deep thoughts! No wonder he has built his own publishing company nowadays! He knows how to find a needle in the haystack.

Death Knell by Victoria Schwab 4.5 stars

- My most anticipated story from BYLTHM because it's collab project between VE Schwab & Jesse the reader! My two favorite persons in this book/booktuber industry.

- And yeah, once again, VE Schwab continues to awe me. 

- Jesse's letter was brutally honest, I fall for it.

Marigold by Samantha Shannon 3 stars

- It was entertaining setting but not so much action happened

- Regan's writing was okay

You, You, It's All About You by Adam Silvera 5 stars

- Yass, I always know what I would get from Adam's story. A modern futuristic life setting in the near future.
- It took me by surprise that Adam didn't write about LGBT in this one.

- Lover/enemy story? This is my weaknesses problem, thus this is 5 stars approved from me ;) 

Julian Breaks Every Rule by Andrew Smith 2 stars

- Where's the bad guy huh? I didn't see Julian as a villain. We all ever hated someone so much till we wished he/she would die. But it was just in our creative thinking right? What I get from this story, Julian never once did murder those people he hated. It was just on his mind, I assumed.

Indigo and Shade by April Genevieve Tucholke 4 stars

- more beauty and the beast reverse retelling? Oh yas, please

Sera by Nicola Yoon 5 stars

- Bang, bang, bang! What a great story to end this novel. 

- I feel for Sera, she feels different yet she holds her 'bad' light for her sister. When she understood that no one wanted her, she embraces her 'evil' side. I kinda like it and cheering her, go all the way you want, Sera. ^___^

My ultimate favorites are Sera and You, You, It's All About You, I just wish they were longer than a short story.

My average rating for this short stories compilation is 3.5 stars.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Review

When A Court of Thorns and Roses was the story I was hoping for, this sequel is far more enchanting than everything I thought it could be. Yes, this book! I can't... I can't even properly think about it.

So, I was a huge fan of Tamlin in the first book. He was handsome, sweet, brave, and a loyal High Lord in the first book. Unfortunately, the cost of being freed by Amarantha's curse made him being super paranoid for Feyre's safety. He couldn't let Feyre wander alone even in his palace. He didn't tell her anything about their current situation or truth about the war is likely coming. 

Feyre begged and begged at least to have her own freedom and the result of that is Tamlin locked her up in his palace. It was very raw and disappointed to saw him went down to that side. Where was Tamlin, Feyre and I knew before? And what he did later on the last couple of chapters? This ship is officially sinking down. He goes off too far to the other side. 

I'm sorry Tamlin, I'm leaving this ship.

I heard what you told him," he said. "That you thought it would be easy to fall in love with him. You meant it, too."

"So?" It was the only thing I could think of to say.

"I was jealous--of that. That I'm not... that sort of person. For anyone. The Summer Court has always been neutral; they only showed backbone during those years Under the Mountain. I spare Tarquin's life because I'd heard how he wanted to even out the playing field between High Fae and lesser faeries. I've been trying to do that for years. Unsuccessfully, but... I spared him for that alone. And Tarquin, with his neutral court... he will never have to worry about someone walking away because the threat against their life, their children's lives, will always be there. So, yes, I was jealous of him--because it will always be easy for him. And he will never know what it is to look up at the night sky and wish.

Rhys, on the other hand. Rhys, a former Amarantha's whore. He's the one who provides Feyre information about war, freedom, and choices she eager to have. He opens up his side that not many people knew it exists. He always there when Feyre needs someone to lean on, who understand her struggle. He patiently listens to Feyre and taught her about her new world, her new abilities, as well as sharing his dark nightmare fear. Together they begin their not-so-easy friendship only to discover they have a tangled feeling to each other.

This book, it's not only about romance itself. It's much bigger than a soap opera romance. It's about finding a true soul, learn about new things, trust and move on. It's all about how to grow up, to make a right choice, a better choice for everyone. It's okay to have some expectation and let down by it because sometimes there's better situation than our expectation.

I'm thinking that I must have been a fool in love to allow myself to be shown so little of the Spring Court. I'm thinking there's a great deal of that territory I was never allowed to see or hear about and maybe I would have lived in ignorance forever like some pet. I'm thinking..." "I'm thinking that I was a lonely, hopeless person, and I might have fallen in love with the first thing that showed me a hint of kindness and safety. And I'm thinking maybe he knew that--maybe not actively, but maybe he wanted to be that person to someone. And maybe that worked for who I was before. Maybe it doesn't work for who--what I am now.

A-Perfect-Five-Stars Rating.

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, May 15, 2016

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo Review

Coming from someone who binge-watch K-drama almost every night, I had very high expectations for this novel. My disappointed point might be because what I want to read is different from Maurene Goo offered. I'm hoping for some dreaming story just like usual K-drama oh-so-dreamy-moment-yet-impossible-to-happen-in-the-real-life instead of K-drama parody going on here. 

Regardless my complaining, it was a fun ride and hilarious with a lot of cringes part going on.

Desi, a Korean-American teenage girl who has everything she wants. A smart girl, has a loving father, 4.25 GPA, student body president, perfect SAT score. Only one small stupid yet important thing she never had, a freaking boyfriend!

So when a new cute guy showed up in the school, she decided to take a step forward, to get a boyfriend from what she learned about "how to get a guy" from K-drama formula.

I'm not a fan of Desi, she kind of manipulating her crush to date her. For someone who has everything lays perfectly in her life, why should she had a low self-esteem about this boyfriend zone? 

I'm enjoyed all of the K-drama tropes and references here and there, like:

Protect the Boss, Healer, Oh My Ghostess, It's Okay That's Love, Boys Before Flower *check* *check* *check* *check* *check*

My Girlfriend is Guminho and King 2 Hearts *check* --> she notify my ultimate hubby's series

And don't forget everyone's favorite Descendant of the Sun

Seeing all of the K-dramas tropes described it to me one by one, it made me question myself why am I so addicted over those dramas and I never ever regret it. lol. 

If you are too, a K-drama freak like me, I think you will enjoy the novel. 

And excuse me, I'm going to watch some K-drama now.

Rating 3/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, June 15, 2017

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Review

I found myself in Starr.

You can say something racist and not be a racist!

Angie Thomas success to throws a hard punch for those who are ignorant about the racism issue. 

This is about a sixteen-year-old Starr who have to deal with two different lives. One being a black girl who went to prep school (white people school).

The family dynamic in this book is so perfectly built. Angie delivers it with so much real situation. Like sometimes her parents argue a lot but still being in love with each other, have two annoying brothers but they care each other deeply when one got in trouble.

In the school, Starr has white best friends and a white cute boyfriend. 

How Angie telling us about Starr's struggles is so disturbingly honest, she has different sides she wants to show whether she's at home and at the school. 

When her two small worlds collided because her friend was murdered by a cop, unarmed, just because he was afraid of him, I was there feeling angry and frustrated with her. I can feel her loss, her pain, her confusion, and her fear. Angie describes it powerfully in her lines.

I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down. 

Now I am that person, and I'm too afraid to speak. 

I'm proud to saw Starr's metamorphosis stage. From being a coward girl, she let herself learn and walk and fly to be brave. Because quoted from Momma Starr brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you go on even though you're scared.

And don't forget about the cutest parts of Carter family member. 

Momma Starr:

What is Tumblr anyway? Is it like Facebook?"

"No, and you're forbidden to get one. No parents allowed. You guys already took over Facebook."

"You haven't responded to my friend request yet." 

"I know."

"I need Candy Crush lives."

"That's why I'll never respond.

Yeah, a clue to my mom who just opening her FB account yesterday. *eye roll*

Or this one about Sekani, Starr's little brother:

My parents told him about everything. As much as he gets on my nerves, it was sweet when he gave me a handmade card that said "Sorry."

Until I opened it.

There was drawing of me crying over Khalil, and I had devil horns. Sekani said he wanted it to be "real". Little asshole. 

The Hate U Give brought us to the real issue we are facing every day these days.

For someone who lives on the other side of the world and far away from the US where our skin tone has similar color with one and another, I would say this book still relatable a lot because racism is not always about black and white skin. Sometimes it's about what's your race or religion or just being different from the majority in your country and I'm glad this book exists.

It's a powerful one, unflinchingly honest and eye-opening theme. 

PS. I wish the translated version of this book is available in my country considering what currently happened here right now. :(

Rating 5/5 stars, I wish I could rate this book with all of those stars in the night sky.

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, March 21, 2017

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis Review

 It's easier to like animals than people, and there's a reason for that.

When animals make a stupid mistake, you laugh at them. A cat misjudges a leap. A dog looks overly quizzical about a simple object. These are funny things. But when a person doesn't understand something, if they miscalculate and hit the brakes too late, blame is assigned. They are stupid. They are wrong. 

Oh, wow. I don't even know how to begin with.
This book just succeeds to made me speechless.
I almost overlook this book because of the cover. THAT UGLY COVER, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! The cover is not really describing what's this book offers at all. If by any means this book did not get the proper recognition, I'll blame the cover.

People who are able to make friends easily because they don't first assume everyone is a threat. 

Alex, our female of the human species, is just an introvert teenage girl who still suffering from her sister's death. After her sister's murder, her world was shattered, there's no sister to protect her from herself anymore. By the first chapter, we saw what Alex could do to have some her own justice and peace. There's no cage, the wolf in her just released and there's no way go back being a sheep anymore. She knew she's a wolf, unstoppable and deadly wolf.

But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll.

Jack here, I think, represented all the boys out there. Boys who everyone adores. He's the most popular guy in the school who happens to curious about Alex. He's a prince charming sometimes, yes. But Jack is a guy by default. He really wants to be a better man, a better boyfriend for Alex but at the same time, he can't help that his mind still wonders about his ex, Branley. I come to have a slight disappointed on him about this. But, yeah, just like Mindy said, boys will be boys.

Another impactful POV from this book is Peekay, Preacher's Kid. Alex and Peekay meet at their volunteer's at the animal shelter. I really love how they started a friendship, Peekay is the one who opens Alex's heart to tell her what was missing from her life. Friend, care, and happiness. I love how Alex stood for Peekay the other night and how Peekay opens Jack's eyes about his feeling to Alex.

This is how I kill someone. And I don't feel bad about it. 

Reading The Female of the Species was hard for me because it's talking about a sensitive yet important subject. This book is talking about rape culture in a unflinchingly honest way, how the impact for the victims and everyone who surrounded by it and how to deals the anger aftermath. I think this book is very important to open your eyes to see and think more.

Once I asked my dad how you know when you're in love. He said you just know, and that if you have to ask the question then you haven't been in love yet.

Rating 5/5 important stars 

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, November 14, 2016

Lady Stuff: Secrets to Being a Woman by Loryn Brantz Review

Oooh, I think Loryn and I can be a best friend in the real life. Lady Stuff: Secrets to Being a Woman was super duper hilarious and true to my heart. I keep constantly laughing and nodding my head while I was devouring this wonderful pieces.
Loryn describes all of Lady Stuff perfectly. She's good at reminds me to all of the small stuffs that I keep ignored and forgotten, like how I was felt in the morning (attached to my lovely bed), how our working expectations was very far from our actual job, how I actually loved wearing sweatpants, how I wished I could working on my pyjamas every day, how I'm very bad at applying make-ups and so on.
I can see my small happiness and insecurities on this lovely book.
Good job, Loryn!
Lady Stuff is a great stuff.

Rating 4/5 stars

A copy was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Chaos of Longing by K.Y. Robinson Review

I couldn't make myself to connect with the poems inside because this was not what I expected. I thought like some other poetry books, it talked about romance, heartbroken, and self-healing. No, The Chaos of Longing was talking about some woman craving the happiness and pleasure throughout the touch of another male.
The author wrote as if every man in her world was only using her for skin to skin pleasure and she never experience how to be purely loved by the others, and maybe it was true in her case, I'm not judging. But yeah, I couldn't bring myself to agree with her writing.


you will realize 
that i'm more than 
sweltering heat.
i am a drought.
a wildfire.
an impending strom
you cannot control

you are a memory
that i fold
and tuck away
because it hurts
too much
to unravel
our history.

but still can't 
manage to throw
you away.
i keep hoping 
you'll fit someday.

they say that
patience is a virtue
but they never tell you
that the heat of 
waiting will burn you
if you linger too long.

once a heart learns 
how to break,
it does not know
how to forget,
it endures
sleepless nights,
memorizes
every morsel
of despair,
and relives
every moment
in the stillness
of tears.

A copy was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 2/5 not-my-cup-of-tea stars

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) Review

Before I read this, I was not sure if I want to continue reading the sequel of To The Boys I've Loved Before (TTBILB). I mean, yes I enjoyed reading TTBILB, but I felt like I still could live without reading this. There is no particular story in TTBILB that makes me excited but I love Jenny Han's style. It made me feel warm inside.

P.S. I Still Love you start with what we left off on its first book. Dear Peter....

He lets out a laugh. “Sure. You’re the one driving this bus. You have been from the start. I’m still catching up.

There is not much plot going on until halfway of this novel besides Lara Jean finally can have Peter back and how happy they are together. Only.. Peter still be friends with Genevieve, Peter's ex-girlfriend and Lara Jean's ex-best friend. 

He knows exactly what kind of person I am. And you know what? He still loves me more than he’ll ever like you. You’ll see.

Ummm, okay, this is my personal opinion, but I can relate Lara Jean's jealousy toward Genevieve. She had reason to feel insecure. even if Lara Jean didn't, I still could understand her jealous feeling looking her boyfriend still be around his ex. Blame me selfish, I know.

Don’t let it happen to you, Lara Jean. Don’t get too serious to where things can’t go back. Be in love with Peter if you want, but be careful with your heart. Things feel like they’ll be forever, but they aren’t. Love can go away, or people can, without even meaning to. Nothing is guaranteed. - Margot

Sighing heavily, she says, “If this is love, no thanks. I don’t want any part of it. When I’m older, I’m just going to do my own thing. - Kitty

What makes me adore P.S. I Still Love You is that we receive a whole real life story. It contains family and friendship issue as well. I love Margot (Gogo), Chris, Jamie (new pup), and especially their wise little sister, Kitty. 

Favorite quotes: 

Gen moved away, and we were still friends, and then, around the time of the eighth grade dance, she dropped me. I guess there was no place for me in her life anymore. I thought Genevieve was someone I would know forever. Those people in your life that you just always know, no matter what. But it’s not that way. Here we are, three years later, and we’re worse than strangers.

There’s a Korean word my grandma taught me. It’s called jung. It’s the connection between two people that can’t be severed, even when love turns to hate. You still have those old feelings for them; you can’t ever completely shake them loose of you; you will always have tenderness in your heart for them. I think this must be some part of what I feel for Genevieve. Jung is why I can’t hate her. We’re tied.

People come in and out of your life. For a time they are your world; they are everything. And then one day they’re not. There’s no telling how long you will have them near. 

All in all, like Lara Jean, I can't fully hate Genevieve knew that she was once Lara Jean's best friend and it hurts to see them like a stranger now. As Lara Jean said that best friendship can be tough. We are growing and changing and it's hard to grow and change at the same rate.

Rating 4.25/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, August 18, 2015

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) Review

I will live to see tomorrow’s sunset. Make no mistake. I swear I will live to see as many sunsets as it takes.And I will kill you.With my own hands. 

I never prepared I would love The Wrath and The Dawn this much. I read the blurb and slightly hesitant to read it. I know this is about 1000 nights retelling which I don't particularly interested much. I'm not comfortable to read about a cruel king who murder his wives on his wedding day each night. 

But I know this is one of the biggest release on this year and I had to give it a chance. So.. I try to read the first few chapters and it got me hooked! Hell, I finished this in one sitting. 

For some reason, The Wrath and The Dawn reminds me with The Selection series. Not, the female protagonist *thank God, I like Shazi, she is not like that annoying brat, America*. I mean the two male interests, Khalib and Tariq. 

This story started when Shazi prepared to be a wife of Khalid Ibn al-Rashid, King of Kings. Everyday he took a new girl to wed to him and he will killed his new wife by the dawn, tomorrow morning. Shazi volunteered herself because she was looking for a revenge for her best friend who had wed and killed by the king. She promised to herself that she will see another sunset tomorrow and tomorrow after that. So it began, in order to saving herself, she told the king an interesting story each night and stop when the dawn breaks. The king got intrigued with her story but Shazi only continue it again by another night. Until the king got really interest with her and decided not to end her life and made her a real queen of his kingdom. 

Where was that feeling of falling?It’s here. I know it’s here. I can get it back.I have to get it back.

This is not a fluffy love that you will adore and embrace. 

Shazi frustrated about her new feeling and about Khalib would never open his secret to her. She knew her feeling for Khalib grew each days as they lived together. She realized Khalib is not that bad king, like everyone guessed. But Shazi always denied it because she’s there to end his life. By falling to him, it means that she failed and betraying her family and Tariq, her first love.

Shahrzad is a difficult girl, and I am a monster. I suppose that makes for a good match.

When Shazi settle and accept her feeling, things got intense as Khalib invited every nobleman in the kingdom to meet their new queen, Shazi. Tariq got an invitation one too. Well, he stole it from his dad apparently. 

Tariq realize Shazi has changed but he won’t accept it anyway. He thought Khalib had taken Shazi away and drove her to forget all she held dear. Oh well, Tariq... Aspen much, hmmmm..

Jalal and Despina. Awwww, these two are my favorite characters. Jalal is a charming boy , I enjoy his companion so much. On the other hand, he is loyal to his family and Khalib. 

In beginning, I had a mixed feeling about Despina, but once I knew her secret, she became my favorite too. And Jalal and Despina together?? I ship both of them. ^^ I hope they will be more open to each other in the next book.

Things got crazy toward the end of the book and I can’t wait to the sequel! May 2016, please come soon...

What are you talking about?”“Cease with the displays of false modesty. The entire palace knows about it.”A feeling of warmth crept up Shahrzad’s neck. “Knows about what?”Despina grinned. “The Caliph of Khorasan going into the gardens at dawn alone. And returning with a single rose.” She gestured toward the flower on the stool behind Shahrzad. “I think it’s safe to assume why.

Rating 4.25/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, December 23, 2015 

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #3) Review

King's cage was started right after Glass Sword ended which was a mind-blowing cliffhanger. 

I know what to expect from this book. It's Maven! It's a monster named Maven. 

I'm more than happy to have an opportunity to see more about Maven and yes all of the stuff I loved from King's Cage are from him. 

People like us," he scoffs. "We lie to everyone. Especially ourselves.

DAMN TRUE, MAVEN. Poor you, my kitten.

  

Maven, he's the lunatic king, he's a mad dog who just lost his leash, and he's sick. And yes, I have no complaint about him. I love him throughout his craziness. In fact, he's my favorite on this book. All of my favorite scenes are from him or about him. 

Mare on the other hand. She continues to be a selfish little lightning girl who loses her thunder. 

And Cal? He did nothing. And when he started doing things later on this book, it only made me question my loyalty to his ship. Or should I jump into Maven's wreckage ship? It sounds way more interesting now although I very much know Maven+Mare would never happen.

Another empty threat he makes every day. We both know this is better than the alternative. At least now I can pretend I'm doing something of use, and he can pretend he isn't entirely alone in this cage he built for himself. For both of us.

My biggest issue with this book is the pace. It feels so much dragging, way worse than on Glass Sword to the point I felt there's no so much storm occurs. It should be a full of earthquake, storm, and tornado continuously throwing at us. Thus, I can only give this book 3 stars and those 3 stars are for my baby, Maven only.

Only from the last chapter of Evangeline's POV and the epilogue seal my desire to continue waiting for book 4. Victoria's capability to create another mind-blowing cliffhanger was on point. Although it was predictable, it still feels like Victoria succeeds to pour salt into my wounds. 

Those who know what it's like in the dark will do anything to stay in the light.""Don't act like we're the same.""The same? No." He shakes his head. "But perhaps... we're even.

You are the only person I care about, the only person who reminds me I am alive. Not empty. And not alone.

Rating 3/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, February 12, 2017 

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #2) Review

No one is born evil, just like no one is born alone. They become that way, through choice and circumstance. 

Before I read glass sword, I am a proud Team Cal member.

It's been one year since I read Red Queen but I decided to read book 1 once again yesterday as a reminder for me before I'm starting glass sword. 

Having to read Red Queen twice, I'm still on Cal's side. A crown prince who is handsome, excellent in combat and most important, he cares about Red people. He used to sneak out of palace to wander to Red bars because according to him, a king should know his people. That's one of the criteria for perfect king. That being said, HE'S PERFECT! I couldn't ask more.

I couldn't say I still a hundred percent team Cal after glass sword. I'm slipping... I'm slipping to Maven. I'm those people who usually agree with the author and easy to pleased. 

Sadly I don't see any interesting happens between Mare and Cal. I do hope this is wrong. I still want to cheer for Cal. Please tell me he still has another opportunity to turn the table back. On the other hand, Maven, he's not appears much here in book 2, but Mare's thought is never far from him.

Maven has gone crazy and crazier these days. He's not the little Mavey, the one Cal and Mare knew and cared before. Now he's alone, no longer like a pup hidden behind his wolf mother. And I can't wait what's waiting for Mare on book 3. That last scene!! That was an epic epilogue!! *Standing applause to Victoria Aveyard*

One thing I know for sure, after what Mare did to Maven, book 3 will bring more chaos than before. <3 And I already love Mare+Maven fights.

Memorable words:

I'm not blind. I watched you take the notes of the bodies. I thought you'd rip them up. But when you didn't-I suppose I wanted to see what you were going to do. Burn them, throw them away, send them back dipped in Silver blood-but not keep them. Not read them while I slept next to you." 

God, help me, this series ruins me completely!

Rating 5/5 stars. Like it could be less than 5 from me. :)

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, February 14, 2016

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee (The Thousandth Floor #1) Review

I heard so many reviews claimed that this is the futuristic GG and PLL, and you know what? Yes, it is what it is! 

Those both trash series? I'm highly addicted. 

WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, 2118, where all the people of NYC lived together in one skyscraper apartment. The poor people live in the down floors and those billionaire families in the up high. 

Meet Avery Fuller, our queen B who lived on the thousandth floor. She reminds me of Serena Van Der Woodsen. Her personality is just like Serena. Innocent, childish, always thinking that she's the center of everything but deep down, she has a good heart inside. 

Everything about her is perfect yet there is one big secret she's hiding from everyone. Her romantic and forbidden feeling toward her stepbrother, Atlas.

Atlas Fuller. I hate this guy. He had this hot and cold situation with Avery but one single night he decided to have fun with Avery's best friend, Leda only to went missing to the end of the world in the next day. 

Leda Cole. She's crazy for Atlas. When Atlas come back from the middle of nowhere, she knows she has to know everything about him, where was he went missing and why does he come back now. And she doesn't care what Avery thought of her as long as she got Atlas back with her even if it will destroy their relationship. Plus she's an addict. 

I honestly couldn't care less about her. Can we make a petition to Katharine McGee to remove this girl from the series onward, pretty please? 

Watt Bakradi, the hacker. The first time when I met him, I was fascinated enough. Finally, we have a boy who is not coming from the highest floor. But I'm disappointed when he instantly fell in love with Avery and starts to be her stalker. God, I'm so over with this Dean-Serena thing. 

Eris Dodd-Radson a Cinderella upper-class girl, who found her entire life was a lie in one night. Actually, she's a nice stupid girl. I really wanted shout to her, while money can buy you comfort, money isn't everything, dear, your dad's love is one of them.

When her life turning upside down, I'm glad that she found a new true friend from her new floor, Mariel. And from the way book one end, I think Mariel will play a big part in the second book. Hell yeah, she needs to.

Rylin Myers, the lower floor girl who works as a maid. She already has a relationship going on with his boyfriend but it doesn't stop her to develop feeling toward her boss, Cord. Especially when she's an orphan, his boyfriend is a dealer, she has a little sister at home and her boss interested with her.

CORD ANDERTON, my faves!!! OMG, this poor lonely boy. I think he's the only one who is "pure" in this series. He's such a prince charming to Rylin. I can't see him heartbroken, my heart broke for him. Rylin, you will die in my hand if you broke Cord's again.

All in all, this series was exactly what would be happened if GG took place in the future just with less graphic sex scenes. I'm satisfied with the plot, the characters, and the world-building. Bravo, I really hope book 2 will get better and have more intense story. 

Rating 4/5 drama queen stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, January 30, 2017

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch Review

Love & Gelato took place in Florence, Italy where all things were described very cute and lovely. 

Lina just lost her mom and promised her she will spend her whole summer days this year in Italy with her 'stranger' dad, Howard. 

I like how Jenna told us about Tuscany and Florence, she made me wants to go to Italy someday. Before, Vatican is already on my wishlist to go (money please come to me..), but after I read this book, I really felt in love with Italy. How she described the city, the landscape, the atmosphere, the language and the most importantly GELATO. 100% perfect. Yess! Take me there, please.

Lina spends her summer day with her mother past journal when she lived in Italy, devour it bit by bit. 

Also, on her first day in Italy, she met this cute guy named Ren. Turns out he supposed to be her classmate if she decided to continue her school here. Ren brings her to his friend party and Lina's future classmates and they are awesome! I like Marco especially. 

At the party, we learn that Ren has a pretty girlfriend already, Mimi. She's like the perfect Swedish model and Lina got distraction with Thomas, a beautiful British guy. Is this potential drama?

All in all, I really enjoy all of the lovely-dovey scenes at the first half. 

However, I don't like the direction this book going at the later half.

If you love Kasie West's style (and I'm a huge fan of her), maybe you can check this book out. It's not that great as Kasie's but it's entertaining in a similar way. 

A life without love is like a year without summer.

Rating 3/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, November 30, 2016

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) Review

Haha! This was a book I was hoping for. Romance, action, anxiety, family issue blended together perfectly in one story.

Well, this is Sarah J Maas book so it is no surprise that I liked it. 

Feyre is the youngest child of her family, her mother died before her family fortune broke. Then she was the in charge to fulfill her family's stomach. I hate Nesta at the beginning, but she became my favorite sister for Feyre when she told that she went to the wall in order to save Feyre. 

For someone with a heart of stone, yours is certainly soft these days.

There is no love triangle in this book but I get a feeling maybe Sarah will create it in the next book. I do love Tamlin but I'm intrigued with Rhys as well. Can't wait to see him more.

Rating 5/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, May 30, 2015

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover Review

When life gives you lemons, make sure you know whose eyes you need to squeeze them in.

I've known about the existence of this novel but I avoid to read this because I knew this novel would bring me to tears. And I'm such a crybaby type girl. Then a while ago, my friend recommend me Ugly Love. And I did read. And I'm crying. *sigh*

This is my first Colleen Hoover's novel and I wasn't disappointed. It's easy to love her writing, it's beautiful, magnificent, heartbreaking, and I can feel all the raw feeling. 

Tate just moved into her brother apartment when she met a drunken man lying right in front of her brother's apartment door, Miles. Apparently, he is her brother's friend and soon after that, they agreed to begin friend-with-benefit thing between them. 

Did you miss me, Miles?”And up comes the armor again, shielding him. He looks away and walks back into the kitchen. “We don’t say things like that, Tate,” he says. The hardness is back in his voice.Is he serious?“We don’t?” I take a few steps toward the kitchen. “Miles. It’s a common phrase. It doesn’t mean commitment. It doesn’t even mean love. Friends say it to friends.

Gee!

Despite I love Colleen's writing, I have to say that there's not much going on besides their sexual life. Sorry but Miles is an asshole for 99% of the book. I despise what he did to Tate and I pity Tate for accepting what Miles did to her - or in this case didn't.

That's why I'm struggling to rate this book. I want to give three stars for the overall story, but four stars for Colleen's style.

Overall rating is 3.5/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, July 25, 2015

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia Review

Sometimes I think people take reality for granted.I mean like how you can tell the difference between a dream and real life. When you're in the dream you may not know it, but as soon as you wake up, you know that your dream was a dream and whatever happened in it, good or bad, wasn't real. 

Made You Up is about Alex, a teenage girl who suffers from Schizophrenia. She constantly took photos to differentiate things whether they were real or just her imagination took places. 

Alex is quirky, she knows she has a mental health issue but it didn't let her feeling down. Instead, she is hilarious and just wants to be a normal high school girl so that there's no one at school knows her issue. 

Until she met Miles, a boy from her imaginary childhood event. An event which she thought only happened in her head. The exact event that trigger Schizophrenia comes alive. Was that event real? Was her imaginary boy back then really real? Or it's just another scheme her brain made up?

It was interesting to see things from Alex's head and wonder if they were real or not and it was beautiful and heartbreaking when you know what exactly happened. 

People say teenagers think they're immortal, and I agree with that. But I think there's a difference between thinking you're immortal dan knowing you can survive. Thinking you're immortal leads to arrogance, thinking you deserve the best. Surviving means having the worst thrown at you and being able to continue on despite that. It means striving for what you want most, even when it seems out of your reach, even when everything is working against you.

I seldom pick a mental illness book, not because I'm an ignorant but because most of the books with mental illness topic tend to have a darker and melancholy vibe and I'm an HEA person. 

But in this book, the author describes the darker topic with an interesting way. Despite her Schizophrenia, Alex still being a teenager we know. And together with Miles, she created a perfect harmony.

Are you real?" I asked."Yes, I am," he said resolutely. He pressed my hand harder to his chest. His heart beat like a drum."If nothing's real, then what does it matter?" he said. "You live here. Doesn't that make it real enough?

Rating 4/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, October 14, 2016

Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter (The Black Mage #2) Review

More action, more romance, more angst, more... Darren of course ;)

Apprentice is so good! And it's better than First Year.

One thing I stated on my First Year's review about how lack the description of world building. Well, we get it more in Apprentice. I love that.

Our heroine is now a combat apprentice. Ryiah may not the best apprentice among her friends, but I always admire her strong personality. She knew what she wanted and set foots to reach her goal.

But, she could be a foolish girl when it comes to Darren. Ry!!! How could you be so stupid?? Asking Darren's feeling in front of Blayne??? Geeezzzz.. Of course he would never admit that he loves you. Why couldn't you wait until you are both alone?? Fortunately, Darren has redeemed himself and I was literally screaming and grinning like an idiot on the last chapter.

You will never, ever be good enough. Not for Darren""When he betrays you - because he will - I hope you remember that

Aaah Ian. I always have a soft spot for him even though I'm always on Darren side. I hope he will find a better girl who loves him back. I'll be looking forward for Ry and Ian's future match.

"I told you not to trust a wolf," he continued. His words dripped like honeyed venom. "Because it would only ever want to break you." Darren let out a small harst laugh. "Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm the wolf, Ryiah."

There are several moments I really hate Darren and I wished Ryiah could moved on from him. Not completely, but enough to made him felt insecure, that he had lost her. I understood that he has wait until ceremony but couldn't he told her even slightly. Two years is not a short moment, Darren. You were so cruel to let Ryiah heart broken over two years! I wish Darren will get punishment from Ry on the next book. *cough*Rachel, please make this happen*cough* *evil smile* 

What could've been better from Apprentice? The cover.

Several times I picked a book because the cover. I believe many of us ever did.

Somehow I found covers of The Black Mage are lacking something. That was also my reason I doubt whether I must pick First Year or not, although the blurb sounded promising. I hope Candidate will be better :)

Rating 4.5/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, April 22, 2015

First Year by Rachel E. Carter (The Black Mage #1) Review

It was an amazing ride. Ryiah and her twin Alex decided to join the Academy to learn how to become a mage. There are three options of magic that you can master: Alchemy, Restoration, or the popular one, Combat. Of course, our heroine pick up Combat for her choice. 

It was never been too easy for Ryiah. What I love about her is that she just a normal, lowborn girl who had struggling to claim her place at the Academy. She never give up even when everyone seems doubt to her abilities.

"You should never trust a wolf in sheep'ʹs clothing,"ʺ Darren said faintly. His eyes burned, scalding my flesh as if he had torched me with flame. "ʺBecause the only thing the wolf will ever want to do is break you."

I always waiting for the scene Ryiah and Darren together, even if it's just to bickering each other. Their love is not an insta love. Let alone love. I even doubt both of them realize they had strong feeling toward each other until the end. That's my question now: did they have realize it? 

I get love and hate with Darren. One minute I want to hug him, another time I want to splash water on his face. 

I also love her friend, Ella. She always be there for Ryiah, cheer her up and never judge her. I enjoyed her jokes with Alex. I was there when she felt 'insecure' toward Alex's fans yet she still can't be honest with herself. Ella is a true lovely friend. I wish she will have a courage to face that jerk crown prince in the future. You are a Combat Apprentice now! Go Ella, Go!!

What could've been better: the world building. I still haven't catch what is happening in the outside of the Academy. Why all of them so eager to learn about defending them self. Is their country in danger? And so on.

I enjoy this book and can't wait to see what happen in the next book. 

The people that tell you what you want to hear are the most dangerous enemies you'ʹll ever meet.

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal Group on Goodreads).

Rating 4/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, March 15, 2015