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

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell Review

Harry Potter was the one that makes me love thick books since my adolescence period. A ten years old girl who loves to read but never read books more than a hundred pages, suddenly thought she couldn't get enough of three hundred pages of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The more the pages are, the more she will enjoy it. 

I grew up with Harry year by year until the seventh book came out. I still remember I cried a lot when I finished, it was like I had to say goodbye forever with my fictional bestfriend. Just like Cath cried over Simon Snow at the ending of Fangirl.

Then Rainbow Rowell announced she would publish a Simon Snow book. I was all over the moon back then. I had to read this piece because I know Simon Snow is a fictional character based on Harry Potter. I would read any books that could bring me back like when I did read Harry Potter at the first time. That feeling....

Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow aka Harry and Draco's fanfic :P

At the beginning, I couldn't ignore the feeling everything is like Harry Potter. Simon is Harry, Penny is Hermione, Baz is Draco Malfoy, Agatha is Cho Chang, Ebb is Hagrid or not, Hagrid is not clever enough like Ebb, sorry Hagrid ;), Penny's long distance boyfriend is Victor Krum (?), Watford is Hogwarts, the Mage is Dumbledore okay, he's so not Dumbledore after all!, there is thing like sorting hat and so on.

But after I'm over with those similarities, I could enjoy the story. It has its own charms. My favorite characters are Penny and Baz >.< I always love Hermione so it doesn't surprise me I love Penny as well. And Baz! He's such a cutie pie. I enjoy Simon and Baz relationship. Enemy but not like enemy. 

Simon is on his final year at Watford. His roommate and his number one enemy, Baz, didn't come back to school for weeks. Simon is worried that Baz might set plan to kills him. According to Simon, he did that several times before, tried to killed him. On the Halloween day, the ghost of Baz's mother appeared in their window told Simon that her killer still alive and Baz should looking for him in order to bring her mother peace.

When Baz finally appears at school, Simon decided to help him find her mom's killer and called temporary truce with Baz.

The plot went more interesting when Simon, Baz, and Penny team up looking for clues. There are times I couldn't agree with Simon. He's pretty much reckless for being a mighty Chosen One. Thanks he has Penny as his backup. 

But I think the story went downside at its peak.

If you are in the mood to read something like Harry Potter-ies world, Carry On is one option. Yes, it has similarities with Harry Potter but on the other side, it has its own unique taste. 

Rating 3/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page October 26, 2015

Orange Volume 1 by Ichigo Takano Review

This is review for book 1-5 of this series.

So the manga started at the first day of school when Naho received a mysterious letter from 26th years old future herself. 

Future Naho describing what would happened with her first school day that her class will have a new student named Kakeru and how she will spend with Kakeru and her other friends from now on. 

At first, she thought it was just a prank from someone but the letter described the events perfectly the same as the actual day. And it said that ten years later from now Kakeru will no longer with them and they have so many regrets for that. 

So Naho began to follow the instruction from the letter to make sure that she won't have the same regrets with her future self.

But the question remains, can she change the future? Can she twist the fate away?

What I love from this book?

1. The main issue about this series is centrally about regret. It's all about regret, when you feel sad and disappointed over something that has happened or been done. Can we go back, re-do and change it all over again? 

2. All of the Naho's friends are adorable. There is no an evil characters on this series. Sure, there is one stupid character, but let's forget about her. 

What I mean is they have solid friendship and each of them really care for each others and won't let the other down, it's really touching to read their friendship journey. 

3. Suwa, Suwa, Suwa. 

Oh my God, I can go all over him over and over again. Seriously, Suwa.

Not that I don't like Kakeru, I did! I liked Kakeru a lot. But for me Suwa has stolen the show even if he was only a secondary male character and I couldn't stop crying when I read about him. 

I hope the author would write something else for him. TT.TT

4. Love Triangle

Again, seriously. I have a love-hate relationship with love triangle story. Before I read Orange, my solid number one favorite love triangle is Will-Tessa-Jem from Clockwork Princess. The love triangle on Orange reminds me a lot about Will-Tessa-Jem story. It's kinda similar and now I have two favorite love triangle. <3

Anyway, I really recommend to read Orange while listening LEE HI - 한숨 (BREATHE) because the vibe between Orange and this song is similar, at least for me. 

"Regret"This is the weakness and pitifulness of you in the past.What you did and what you didn't do.You will regret.

One of the best manga I've read.

Rating 5/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, June 25, 2016

Halton Cray by N.B. Roberts (Shadows of the World #1) Review

Whoa! I like how N.B. Roberts mixed her stories into more than one genre. It has mystery and romance and paranormal and horror and made Halton Cray has its own unique from another series.

Our main heroine, Alex, just got her second job in a famous haunted mansion named Halton Cray. Then she begin a push-and-pull friendship with Thom, a curator who lives in there. The romance is slow moving but I enjoyed their so-called-friendship progress. 

Thom has a mysterious vibe that he often being described as "the ghost" but Alex (what I really love about her) is a strong headed girl, she refuse to believe it and begin to wonder about him. 

I can't say much about Halton Cray because of that twist. What I could said is that N.B. Roberts is genius for creating it! I did tried to guess what was exactly he is but I really really didn't expect that. Guys, you need to give Halton Cray a chance and read the twist by yourself!

Halton Cray is derivative story from Jane Eyre and everyone is curious because of this. I often heard so many Jane Eyre's quote out there but I never had interest to read Jane Eyre before. After reading this, I think I need to read Jane Eyre. :)

Remarkable quote:

You’re confusing friend with acquaintance," he replied, taking a different book from one of his healthily stocked shelves, and carrying it to his chair to examine it. "She is no more your friend than Mrs Evans is mine. You know her, are civil towards her, and happy to keep her as a contact, which would all amount to no more than an acquaintance. That is the difference! Because you trust friends, Alex, and confide in friends.

Rating 4/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page July 22, 2015 

Learning to Live by Kira Adams (Infinite Love #1) Review

Learning to Live is about a girl who tries to spend her final months to the fullest. 

Wow! I just finished this and let me control my emotion first and grab tissue.
This book is good. It intrigue me since first chapter.
We introduced to Topher, an asshole football player in high school who just learned his father's secret. Topher was shocked, angry, and frustration about his father lifestyle. Which makes him begin to wonder what does all that popularity means if his life is a mess. I hated him at the beginning. Then he turned, slowly but sure to be a better person. And we meet Ciara, Topher's bullying victim. She's sweet, an introvert girl, down to earth, but unfortunately ill:(

One day you are going to realize that there are good people out there in the world. I just so happen to be one of them.

One thing I love from this book is the friendship between Ciara and Maddy. Unfortunately, I missed her from the middle of the book. Where is she??

“You’re Ciera Nelson. We’ve gone to school together for basically our entire lives. You’re the strange girl who doesn’t wear name brand clothes, doesn’t look anyone in the eyes, and excels at school. You work at Regal Cinemas. I’ve seen you there a couple of times. You seem happy when at work, more like yourself. You have one friend I am aware of, Mack Turner, who cares about you more than you care to admit to yourself. You recently began a new friendship with Madalynne Johnson. should I continue?”
I love the relationship between Topher and Ciara. How they call a truce and built friendship and passion. It was beautiful and sad. I really felt their pain and I hoped some miracle will happen. But then again, this is life.

Disclosure: I recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 4/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, April 3, 2015

The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares Review

I'm wondering if everyone else ever had this exciting feeling towards a book that you didn't know entirely before and immediately just after you watching a booktuber talking about the summary of this book you really want to read it?

Yap, I purely knew this book just because I watched their book haul video talking about this book. I know, they didn't do the wrong move. They were just talking few words about the summary of some books they got sent by the publisher. They also disclose it at their video. But imagine how the power of marketing they have in their hands. It was quite scary to think about. And when the publisher marketed that book into one specific genre whereas it's not really true?

So, they are marketing The Whole Thing Together as a YA novel and has a great summary. But when I read it, I realize this is not really a YA thing actually. It's more like a woman fiction that at the same time they just happen to have two teenagers. The main problem in this book is actually more about 'adult' relationship rather than the teenager's problems. 

It's shame really because they were some potential that could make this book lit up in the young adult genre. Sadly the author chose to bring the plot twist and the ending like that. 

Rating 2.5/5 stars.

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, May 30, 2017

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson Review

This is my first experience of graphic novel. I read a lot of Japanese Manga when I was in school but never had an interest on western comic. 

So I don't know what to expect from Nimona. 

I jumped into Nimona because I heard so many wonderful reviews about this. 

Nimona basically told us about a young shapeshifter girl who hired by the greatest villain ever, Lord Ballister Blackheart. 

Turns out Ballister has a good side of his heart as well. He is a villain who fighting against the Institution in order to save commoner villagers. He wanted them to open their eyes that the Institution is not their hero. 

Then, there is Sir Goldenloin, Ballister's former best friend who is also the famous Instituion's hero. I adore Ballister and Goldenloin love-and-hate relationship around the story, both of them are cute! 

Nimona has a good story, it has a LoL, heartfelt, and a sad moment and I absolutely love the ending. 

Weakness point: Maybe it was just me because I used to read Japanese manga, but I couldn't adore Nimona's art like everyone else. 

No, she's not Goldenloin, because she is....

Rating 3/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, August 8, 2015

Hai, Miiko! 29 by Ono Eriko Review

Setelah 28 volume dan drama delay rilis 2 minggu, akhirnya Miiko naik kelas juga! 

Di volume 29 ini ada beberapa tokoh baru yang muncul seperti adiknya Miho yang juteknya persis seperti kakaknya >.< , adiknya Kenta, dan cewek di kelas Mamoru yang tukang bully.

Di volume ini, hubungan Tappei dan Miiko yang makin manis dan gemesin. 

Yoshida hanya muncul di satu panel dan gak ada drama SD cinta segi-berapa itu. Lol. 

Ada satu cerita khusus untuk Mari Chan dimana dia naksir dengan senior penjaga library. 

Sayang tidak ada cerita khusus untuk Yukko dan Kenta disini, hanya pemanis di background aja. 

Untuk cerita yang paling bersejarah di volume ini adalah Miiko dkk akhirnya naik ke kelas 6!! T_____T 

Cerita terfavorite di volume ini adalah bagian Momo sudah mulai menirukan omongan orang-orang di sekitarnya. "Benci" dan "kuda nil". 

Miiko merasa bersalah karena kata-kata itu berasal dari pertengkaran Miiko dan Mamoru, mengajari Momo untuk bilang "suka". Tapi Momo tetap bilang "benci" dan "kuda nil". =))

Sampai akhirnya Momo bilang "suka" waktu sama Tappei dan Tappeinya keburu GR sama Miiko. Arrrrrrr.. I feel you, Tappei.

Seperti volume-volume sebelumnya, Ono Eriko sensei tetap memasukkan cerita ringan tapi penuh haru dan moral sejarah. 

Sampai jumpa Miiko! 30 satu tahun lagi :( *baper lagi*

Rating 4/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, March 1, 2017

Persuasion by Jane Austen Review

It is amazing how Jane Austen portrayed persuasion works very clear. When someone succeeds to persuade the others, it could lead a different result. 

Like in this book Anne and Lady Russell for an example. If Lady Russell hadn't persuaded Anne to broke up with Frederick Wentworth, Anne would have eight years more a happy marriage life.

This is my second Jane Austen and by far this one is my favorite compared to pride and prejudice. The only downside from this book is how little Anne and Captain Wentworth's lovely dovey scene. If only Anne and Captain Wentworth have a bigger explanation portion, that would be perfect. 

I read it in Bahasa Indonesia edition because, look at the cover, the translated version cover is so stunning, I couldn't resist to buy it. As expected, I have a few disappointment on the choice of words. I believe we can only fully understand a book if we read it in the original language, whether it is in English or Bahasa. I wouldn't try to read The Rainbow Troops because I prefer to read Laskar Pelangi in Bahasa, the original language.

This applies to persuasion as well. After I finish reading, I had to read two final chapters in English. The feels are right and better in the original one. Language holds an amazing power, there are some words that can't be translated and still have the same feels. 

Regardless of my opinion about the translated language, I know I'm still going to buy the classic translated version in the future because of the beautiful cover. ❤

Rating 5/5 stars

Originally posted on my Goodreads page, January 17, 2016