VAMPIRE ACADEMY. RICHELLE MEAD.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



SUMMARY:

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

WHAT I THINK: I don't know why I didn't continue reading this book when I read its FIRST page months ago. instead I abandoned it! WHY? this is actually a GREAT read!
I enjoyed the characters, especially Rose, she's so funny and confident. I love the story: just enough action, enough romance, enough friendship, leadership, etc. The way the story progressed was also good, everything happened at the right place and time. Its like it was all planned, every little scene had its purpose. Beautifully crafted. I also got "kilig" so many times with Rose and Dimitri. Too bad they didn't end up together in this first book. Maybe in the next one.
Truly enjoyed reading this! couldn't put it down! (:



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HAVEN. KRISTI COOK.

Haven by Kristi Cook

SUMMARY: One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future.

But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven.

Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm gonna make this quick.

t'was a fun read.



what I like: boarding school! (i'm a fan, really!), + cool school! (movie house inside? crazy! plus cafe, bookstores,etc. was it a mall or something? haha)



what made me think/confused: I have to say the book's story was like TWILIGHT+VAMPIRE DIARIES+FIRESPELL+IMMORTALS+HARRY POTTER (mix it all together) = (and VOILA! you have) HAVEN!

EXPLANATION: (to be fair)

twilight- similarities: vampire thing, reading thoughts, the repulsion/drawn thing going on, somehow Violet is unique for Aidan-the FIRST look+ going to the CLINIC!+SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD! (I mean, what's up with that age anyway?)+ vampire agility and abilities- coldness,etc.

vampire diaries= how to kill a vampire (stake through the heart)+girl looks alike w/the EX+ other abilities (manipulating,etc)

firespell= gifted children on boarding schools

immortals= the elixirs, cure, etc

harry potter= okay, it's only because the ENDING reminded me of HP. how the climax entered, injured people, then talking with HEADMASTER+GOING TO THE INFIRMARY. JUST weird,lol



btw, hated the parts when some conversation repeatedly used the same expression such as "oh my God!" (i forgot the other ones, it irritated me that's why maybe i forgot them,heeh) some scenes were useless like vision of Patsy (i don't get the significance of that one)+ the love the have for each other didn't seem strong. cuz Violet can stand not being with Aidan, I mean even if she was angry,still. and Aidan, he didn't really pursue her when they "broke up". hmm, i just thought..but it's not bad that they CAN still have their pride and independence on.



TO BE FAIR, again. some quite unique stuff

1. he's a vampire. she's a vampire slayer (at least the girl&boy reason why they're OPPOSITES is knda diff)

2. there's Violet's relationship with stepmom Patsy, kinda appreciated that she still is a parent to her despite you know, she's not her real daughter...

3. she has visions

4. if you notice, Violet's appearance was not described in detail,lol

5. i love it when guys call their girls "love", it's the sweetest most serious term of endearment for me. (:

6. THE vamps have heartbeats.



a fun read, indeed.



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IRON FEY SERIES NOVELLA 3.5. SUMMER'S CROSSING. JULIE KAGAWA.

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa




*squeals!!! in delight!!* I was just randomly going through the books I read because I'm writing it on my journal of books (i dunno what to call this journal). so anyway, I was surprised, lo and behold! Summer's crossing! can't wait. literally! (:



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FORBIDDEN. TABITHA SUZUMA.

  

SUMMARY:

Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan have never had the chance to be 'normal' teenagers. Having pulled together for years to take care of their younger siblings while their wayward, drunken mother leaves them to fend alone, they have become much more than brother and sister. And now, they have fallen in love. But this is a love that can never be allowed, a love that will have devastating consequences ...

How can something so wrong feel so right?

WHAT I THINK:

I'm not even sure what rating to give. So KNOW that I'm writing my review before giving it a rating.

The book is a beautifully crafted tragic story. Tabitha Suzuma does great in telling a story that is full of remorse, sadness, love, and all kinds of things that are unimaginable. Her way of describing scenes and emotions are so intricate, you can feel them happening right before your eyes, almost touch the characters, and feel like you're in the scene..just like when you're in your dreams..

When I first encountered this book I thought the story was sick! Really really Forbidden. Then I can almost hear the challenge in some reviews I've read, that this is not for the faint-hearted or something like that, and I wanted to take the challenge and said to myself, I can finish this. And now I have, and I don't know if I regret reading it or glad to have finished it.

First of all, it was consensual incest. Still, many times in the book, even before they knew what feeling they had of each other, I already felt revolted and disgusted with what was to come. NO amount of preparation prepared me with reading the sentences that revealed the truth about their feelings for each other. Every time they kiss, I do this grimace and ruin my face by sticking my tongue out reenacting like I was going to puke *ech*. gosh. I probably did it more than 10 times! lol.

IN the middle of their romance, I finally kinda tolerate them and even suggest they go to another country and start anew (even before Lochan thought of this). I sometimes forget their siblings, I intentionally made myself think they're not siblings so as not to revolt myself. However, my stupid conscious mind keeps on reminding me they're brothers and sisters and I do the puking action thing again.

When it comes to their relationship with their other siblings, I salute them for having the courage to tolerate everyday and acting as surrogate parents. They love their family so much they sacrifice everything to keep it together. There were moments in the book where Lochan's ability to lead the family is questioned when he hurt Kit, and the accident with Willa. ( i have to say, i thought he was going mad). The uniqueness of the story was brought more forward when Lochan is a socially inept ( i personally can't imagine his struggle, because I'm a very talkative person..)emotionally drained, intellectually gifted teenager. His situation was just brutal, I couldn't take it at times that I resume to watch Vampire diaries and My Princess (korean drama) to help me cope,lol. Nevertheless, he's such a good brother, nobody could defy that.

Their parents. gosh! I sincerely hope there are no parents such as them in the world however, I know there are a lot. I thought its kind of unfair that irresponsible people get to have children while there are loads of people who deserve to be parents yet fate is so bitter, they can't bear any children. Well, anyway, I hate their mother, their father. I hated their mother more to the highest level when she called the police and everything, and after everything, she abandoned her children totally! She's such a disgusting person! What kind of a mother would do that? she says she's just giving time for herself, but she's selfish! I mean for me, what she did to her family was worse than what the couple did.

And now that I think about it, I think Lochan and Maya doesn't think of themselves as siblings. Though the notion that what they're doing is socially unacceptable, but if its just the two of them, and knowing the deepest recesses of their hearts, their love is pure. Except that I wish didn't have sex. I really couldn't stand that point.

The ending. gosh, the ending. The end of everything is found at the end of the book., well of course (duh! it's clearly not in the middle). Anyway, suffice to say I HATE THE ENDING. Who does? When Kit said sorry and all, I started crying (but I cried in a way I didn't expect- i just cried, but no wailing! ha!) Anyway, it would have been justifiable if one of them just got imprisoned. Why did one have to commit suicide? I really hate the idea of suicide. I'd rather have he died in an accident than that. I'm so so against suicide! WAaah. I really hate it. I thought he was going to escape outside the prison, I didn't know, it was another kind of escape. The reason for his actions might be "brave" but his choice of acting upon it was not.at.all. brave. He could have fought for them. He could still retract his statement and just let the authorities see them as whatever, and be imprisoned for 2 years or so, then they could take back their siblings. I know from my own opinion and am sure that his siblings will support him and their sentence will be lessened and they can get through that trial. gosh! He really was such thinking of the worst scenario. He didn't have much faith on that matter.

And so I learned that never ever think of the worst case scenario. WHILE it may be good to prepare, but never give up hope. HOPE is such a positive thing. I mean my dad has cancer advanced stage: though we cried, but we have a positive hope about it. I know that "FORBIDDEN" is just a story, but I hope nobody took the tragic ending so much from their hearts, AND I HOPE the READERS learned that in desperate times, DO NOT COMMIT SUICIDE! (haha), I mean seriously, you escape , but think of the people you left behind. Look at Maya, she even thought of killing herself, good thing she changed her mind. It's one thing to sacrifice everything, but PLEASE I'm begging, no more suicides please!

Though an appalling story, the book was great, I have to say.

4 stars out of 5!!! i can actually give it a 5 but i don't like the ending,haha.

HAPPY EASTER!

Let us not forget that JESUS CHRIST is RISEN! And that's why our faith is not in vain.

WAITING FOR FOREVER.

STARRING: TOM STURRIDGE and RACHEL BILSON

I've been literally waiting for forever for this movie! First off, I like Tom Sturridge, and when I learned that he got this part in this movie, I started waiting,..and that was like back in 2008. Flash forward, this film hit festivals on 2010, and was shown in theaters FEBRUARY 2011. To add up to my frustration, it wasn't shown in our theaters! So, I downloaded it. And NOW, I just finished it! and it was GREAT! worth the wait? you may ask. It definitely was!

SYNOPSIS: 

Who decides what is normal? A unique love story about friendship and a view of the world from different perspectives, WAITING FOR FOREVER explores the connections people make in the face of life’s changes. Best friends while they were growing up, Emma (Rachel Bilson) and Will (Tom Sturridge) lost touch a long time ago—as far as she knows. To Will, Emma never stopped being the most important person in his life. Believing them to be forever linked, he goes wherever she goes. Will doesn’t have a home, a car, or a “real” job. He survives on his talent as a juggler and entertainer—talents honed through years of showing off for Emma. When her father gets sick, Emma returns to their hometown, trying to leave behind her complicated love life and failing career as a TV actress. As its characters face love, death and their own preconceptions, WAITING FOR FOREVER questions the realities of life.

WHAT I THINK:

I smiled, I cringed, I cried, I was surprised, cried more, horrified! (yes, there was a point), suspense on what'll happen next killed me! The movie was not what I thought it was. I thought the "different perspective" was just a normal different kind of different perspective,lol, boy, was I wrong? I was super surprised (and horrified) of what Will's brother Jim thought of Will, said he was crazy. Much more shocked to know he's kinda stalking Emma. So, anyway, Will's a great guy, actually. He just doesn't see the world as what most people have. It's like his perspective wasn't influenced by people around him-he was so innocent, it was adorable! However, it also freaks me out that he doesn't have any idea with some important things in life,.well, because he revolves around Emma. Emma, on the other side is a normal girl, you can say, who's a TV actress (failing) and what I love about her is that she is thoughtful when it comes to her family...she just went wrong when she cheated on her BF. But if you ask me, it turned out helpful, because Aaron's real attitude came out due to this circumstance..

I cried...okay, I cried a LOT! Especially when they talked on the park, and Emma knew Will was stalking her, and realized how different he was. I was super hurt! Tom Sturridge really did a great job on this! He was so emotional and he really brought out his character (innocent though serious). Plus, when he was so lost and was suspected of murder. And here it goes, I cried a LOT when his brother got him! And on the car...gosh! I really got emotional there cuz it was just so touching...

Well, at that point in time, I thought he was going to a mental hospital already, or better (because I know he realized how fool he became) he became rich and had a job, lol. Well, since Emma broke up w/Aaron because she chose to stay and take care of her dad..So after her dad died and after so many months ( I guess), she received a letter from Will, and this made her look for him. Now this is where it gets thrilling, I personally didn't know if Will was dead, or gone rich ( I just debated between the two), but I didn't expect that he was still him! but of course, with a changed perspective in life..and so they met again. 

The ending was nice. cliche but spontaneous. The audience gets to decide if they're going to be together, but the ending suggest the latter. I like Will's last line "Are you stalking me?". brilliant!

I hope Tom gets a lot of projects after this because he really was good! I mean, really good!(: Rachel was okay too.

I was wrong about the story. You may think its the usual childhood sweethearts, meet again, fall in love,etc. BUT NO, it's actually different! YOu'll know what I'm talking about if you go watch it!

5 STARS!

BEASTLY movie

what can I say? I'm substance over style?

Synopsis:
A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love.

What I think:

Well, I just watched BEASTLY this morning, 1st SHOWING here in our cinema. Poor Philippines, the movie's distributor released it here in the Philippines after 1 MoNTH and 20 days. WELL, after a long loooong wait, I guess it was worth it. Seeing Alex made my heart do some weird trapeze jumps and sounds such as flop flop flop, instead of thud thud thud. Well, anyway, THE movie. okay, so there were a lot of things that were deviated from the book of Alex Flinn. And I must say I love the book better, because,.well I just like it better. NOT THAT I don't like the movie. The movie was still awesome. Unique way of making the beast, a beast. That's one. The ending was different as well. The situation that made Lindy come under Kyle's house was different. If I can remember it better, Lindy's dad stole from Kyle, but in the movie, Lindy's dad killed someone, and Lindy was in danger, but same thing was Kyle blackmailed the dad. Also, the helper wasn't really the witch..Well, despite these MAJOR differences, I love the movie, I love the songs, I love Alex! oh, Alex! (: super 5 STARS MY DEAR!

WHERE SHE WENT. GAYLE FORMAN.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



SUMMARY:

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

WHAT I THOUGHT:

OKAY, first up, I have so much to say.
When I read reviews, they liked this much better than "if I stay". If you ask me, I think I know why.
In "Where she went", the setting is three years after the accident. We all would've thought that after that 1st squeeze Mia gave, everything went fine..--but, no it didn't. Well obviously it didn't, THUS, the second book. I admit that I was confused at the first few sentences I've read then I realized it was from Adam's point of view already (hooray for me!lol), and honestly, that was a nice change. As Adam slowly narrates his current shity life, I mean come on, anyone who read this book would have to admit he lived such a trashy rock star life. He had it all but not everything, you get what I mean? So.. as all his drama unfolds as he flashbacks (which, if you realize, is becoming of a THEME in these TWO books, which is OKAY, because it kinda connects them both), I empathize so much with him. I slowly hated Mia, and what she did (you have to admit) is the most cowardly elusive thing she ever did in her life- I mean, WTF? breaking up was one thing, but without an explanation. i mean i was like "curse you!".. (as you can see on my updates,lol). I almost went ballistic when she called him to her backstage, and I felt all these words go out of me, but unfortunately, Adam didn't say the words I said. They went their separate ways but Mia approached him outside again,and they eat,go visit the Statue of L, Brooklyn Bridge, hide hide, bfast,..at the start it was soo AWKWARD. It was so obvious they avoided the TOPIC that should have been the first thing they talked about. If it was me, it would be probably be the FIRST thing I asked, because I'm a pretty straightforward girl,.but you know, that's just me. OKay. so when Adam asked the MAIN question, it all went out.. when the CLOSURE topic came on, I slowly came to conclude that it was for the best (because even after listening to Mia's explanation, I still thought she was unfair, and it is best for them to go on their separate ways). Closure, as Adam said was not magical, you-can-see-the-changes-immediately kinda thing, but it was it. You have the melancholy feeling of peace,whatever. And I guess that's true. And as the near-ending comes, Mia had this unsure snap decision to give something back to Adam (take note, just as he reaches for the phone,and call a cabbie,. what a cliche right?) nyway, when she climbed up her stairs, I thought she was going to make out with him (because I thought since everything's coming to the cliche part, i thought they were going there too! i know, overrated of me!)..so i was wrong and she did the most unexpected of all things, gave him back his guitar, i mean as in his "the guitar" (you get it, the one special to him, all those years,etc, you know the drill). And as it clicked to Adam, (slowly for him, immediately to me). Just as I read that part (she gave the guitar), I knew! I knew she wasn't over with him yet. Yes, she hated him for making her STAY (btw, that part, REVELATION part? made me cry a lot because all the 3 years wasted? was now clear,and maybe justified, a bit. I guess, for both of them, since even if I love Adam's character, but for Mia's credit, he DID promise to let go). so anyway, I knew it. and when she didn't use the past tense "loved", but "love",(yes, I very carefully observed tenses, hellO?? it makes clear distinction!). Everything could have ended there, FOR me. BUT it didn't occur to me that they're real problem was SCHEDULE/TIME for ea other. The author took care of that when I didn't care much about that. They talked about it..and voila! A HAPPY ENDING.

AS YOU Can SEE, I went flying on this one. Up, down, rolling around. Cried, laughed, reminisced, as if I'm part of the story. I was very much emotional (angry,if you know what i mean) when the heartbreaking few starting chapters were read, but by the middle, you get to catch on, and just as you thought they will not end up together, but that would not be happy, and at the least time you expected it, the metamorphosis happened.
So, the ending still made me smile. NO more next book on this please. LET ADAM&MIA find happiness(:



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IF I STAY. GAYLE FORMAN.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


SUMMARY!:

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

WHAT I THOUGHT:

Definitely a breath of fresh air from all the YA paranormal fantasy books i've been reading.
If I Stay is a story of a girl who just had an accident with her family, and is faced with the decision to stay or not while recounting stories from her life. What I liked about the story is how her current situation corresponded to the specific situation she flash backed. It all fits together. The way she described her relationship with her mom,dad,brother, best friend, boyfriend, family, friends, Gran, Gramps,etc. The book holds a message, and the message is this: we really don't know when we go or not, accidents are an open invitation everyday, like every minute of every day. I just love how the story was orchestrated. And the ending was superb! Because Mia chose to STAY, maybe unconsciously, but this makes her BRAVE. very very courageous.
thumbs up for Gayle Forman.
Now, time to read the next one!

did i mention it all happened in 24 hours? LIKE!



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HEXBOUND. CHLOE NEILL.

Hexbound by Chloe Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


SUMMARY FIRST: Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia’s School for Girls, but she’s already learned that magic can be your best friend…or your worst enemy.

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers.

Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear…

WHAT I THINK: It was a fun read. Not exactly one series that makes you an addict and a fan of it, but it's fun enough to make you want to finish it, and enjoy your reading. IN the sequel of Firespell, Lily continues her adventure as an Adept and student of St. Sophia in Chicago, with her new BFF Scout. In this book, it was just like the previous one. There's an equal amount of mystery, solving, being "detective", cool whatever gifts, gadgets and stuff, and action too. However, I think I know what made it none that so special--the problem in the story was solved so easily, I mean it was long before they put an end to the problem, but in the end, it was just too easy. okay, there were a couple of hindrances and problems here and there, but it was solved easily, no heart-stopping moments even for 5 seconds, where the readers are supposed to wonder how the main char are going to step out of that situation..Anyway! it was still a good read. I just hate the parts where Scout and Lily exchanged a lot of words with each other knowing the limited time,and not yet starting the thing Scout was about to do to end the whatever. Also, at the last chapter, just when you thought the author was about to end the paragraph,and the words seemed conclusive enough, surprise, surprise! another paragraph. I don't know if I wanna laugh or be frustrated. Anyway, in the end of it all, I was right, Sebastian was there! lol. something's brewing!!!
Lastly, my thought about this series was there was no, I don't know, real interaction with the main villain to bring him down slowly. I'm quite afraid this will turn out to be a lot of books in a series. I just hope not! Last, last! I still think her parents are Adepts or something. and with the last book, or next books, they'll show up,! hah. predictions. predictions. lol.



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VINCE'S LIFE: THE WEDDING. VINCE O. TEVES.

Vince's Life: The Wedding by Vince O. Teves

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Summary: Vince thinks his life is over when he loses Cat - the girl who turned his life around after Andrea broke his heart. Then his friend Connie drops the bomb on him telling him she's pregnant and that she wants him to come to her wedding in America - where Andrea is. His first love. Does this mean Vince and Andrea finally get another chance? Or does Vince land an ending that he never expected?.

What I think: Following Vince's life was a real roller coaster. It's like I'm his guardian angel who witnessed every effin' part of his miserable, happy, up-and-down, love life, with cherry on top! lol. This book ( i hope the last one) is a good bye2x ending to his love story. His love life mostly is made up of kisses+break ups+depression+alcohol+work work work+fun fun fun+makeups=happy ending!
Again, I enjoyed Vince Teves' writing! it was so wittingly fun and serious at the same time. loved how he wrote. simple but you know, a lot of truths in his words. lots of funny moments, heart-whelming and breaking moments, he said the right words at the right lines! the story was like reality. (i don't know if he just named the main character after him/if this is his real story,lol)
The book brought me to places I've been before (blessed, take note, to be able to travel those places), and as they had their adventure in SF, LA, LV, I was brought back in time. Anyhoo, love the ending! just as I thought Andrea and Vince'll get back together, but there's a surprise! (even if the back cover made you think it was Andrea), but Cat somehow is still the one. They're one. I like the 'rewind and play' in Vince's mind. The scissors analogy! lots of sayings that are so quotable.

just two thumbs up!(:



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AWAKENED. PC&KRISTIN CAST. IM NOT EVEN SURE IF IT'S RIGHT TO POST THIS. (BECAUSE I HATED THE BOOK)

Awakened by P.C. Cast

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


YES, IT was JUST O..K..
Finally! after eons of laboriously reading this book, I'm done! I'm not even sure I'll read the next one. Anyway, the story kinda grow out of me, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. lol. No offense to the authors.
There are many reasons why I don't like this:
1. Zoey is kinda selfish, having chosen to stay in the island than face reality..she just faced her fears halfway on the book
2. Stevie rae- can't even begin to imagine the relationship she had with Rephaim. *shudders*. I know, i know, i'm supposed to learn the outside is not the basis of blah2x..STILL.
3. I grew tired of the corny way it was written..the childish lines..the story was narrated in a way that they wanted you to know everything. NO secrets for the readers. while I appreciate this, but I also want that sense of mystery. not one is left. I can't even specifically explain why it was corny, it was just.
4. I don't understand the whole point of everythng. and anyway, the story's beliefs is against mine, so I won't read it anymore. I just finished reading this because an online buddy loved some parts of it. And I have to admit, it's because of Stark. just love him! anyway, also! i dn't know about the authors (in general, the whole populace), why guys need to be tormented and their soul be controlled by other whatever( spoiler: Stark sharing his whatever with Kalona..I just remembered Jace from TMI, him sharing whatever with Sebastian, and Lilith having controlled him at one point). I can no longer take it! grr.




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TABLE FOR TWO. MARLA MINIANO.

Table for Two by Marla Miniano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The book was kinda a compilation of short stories where everybody somewhat ends up in the not-so-famous cafe, and all their paths intersect. The book is a mix of stories about breaking up, taking your time, letting go, judging others not realizing your own relationship has problems, closures, and waiting for the right person. The ending was cute when the heartbroken people ended up with each other. What made me like this book more was the fact that it showed all sides of love stories--deciding to break up, waiting for the right person, getting tired of not getting over someone, being lax in a relationship and not noticing its not working..- and not just your usual happy ending, Romeo-Juliet (or maybe not that because both R&J ended up dying), happily ever after fairytale story. I, for one can relate to some of the characters..hehe..



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VAMPIRE CRUSH. A.M. ROBINSON

Vampire Crush by A. M. Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


great book! Funny, hilarious, and all the synonyms included! lol. It was a breath of fresh air from all the vampire novels out there. It was like the whole story is not at all serious (a joke, in other words), if you compare it to Twilight, Vampire Academy, House of night,etc. Sure, all of them involved High school + teenage issues + vampirish activities. But this oNe, is just a unique version of vampire story. The main character, Sophie, is such a funny, sarcastic, overachiever, no-fashion, loner, kinda girl.But, you know what? she likes it that way, and that's what's special about her. Everything in the story was so normal (except for the vampire parts). This is the best vampire book ever! just light, nothing so much serious!



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ABDUCTION trailer. starring Taylor Lautner & Lily Collins (:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

WITHER. LAUREN DESTEFANO.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It was a nice read. Made my mind busy enough not to think of Jace always. lol. But it did little to it. Anyway, the book has a unique story, who would've thought that human race's lifespan be decreased to twenty for girls and twenty-five for boys? It sure did not cross my mind. The story started without any extra whatever, it was directly to the point. The writer made me delve into that future world where brides are bought, and viruses kill of the human race at such an early age. It made me thought of things that we should do to make our life worth it, and all this before I turn 20. and I'm twenty now!
However, the characters were made to feel more like prisoners as they just stay at home and have no freedom. I mean, having a lifespan of 20/25 years will already make you feel like a prisoner, and their situation was just worsened, and I feel for them.

Likes:
I like how Rhine was such a strong independent woman who despite having an impossible situation did not give up hope, and worked hard and schemed her way into freedom. Although softened by her emotions, and she almost really fell in love for her husband, still, she was able to remind herself of her main goal in life.
I like how she remembered things from her past.

Dislike:
What I really hate when I read stories such as this is when a very hateful character in the beginning slowly makes me like him, and then in the end I want him to be the one for the girl but it's not gonna happen. Or when there's a guy in the beginning, and they're a couple,and there's a newbie, and of course I entertain the idea of that newbie, but I still want the original guy for the girl and it doesn't happen anymore..anyway, i'm just blabbering.

I think this one is a series, and though the ending was a happy one, but the entire conflict wasn't solved. I like the story but it has no factor wher I want to read the next one immediately.



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CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS by CASSANDRA CLARE REVIEW! * contains SPOILERS!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


THERE ARE NO WORDS. SIMPLY NO WORDS.

I NEED A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR A WHILE...(please don't mind my overreactive emotions, it's the hormones,lol)



OKAY. I HAVE so many things to say and so many stuff in my BRAIN right now about this book BUT right now I WANNA CRY. LITERALLY. I'M having a WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME right now. I'm in DENIAL stage. I just have this one question though "WHY?"-about the ending.



anyway I'll just have to start from the start.



When I ordered my copy of COFA and finally was able to retrieve it at exactly 11 am of its release date April 5, 2011, I was SO EXCITED to read and finish it, BUT at the same time I wanna savor each word,sentence,chapter, because it won't be for another year that I can read the next one (which is the City of Lost Souls). *deep breathing* Since I have already read the first chapter from the sneak peak, and have read the second chapter (though I didn't know it was the second chapter) from the bonus from City of Glass, I kinda skimmed through the FIRST TWO CHAPTERs.



In my ebook copy, you can bookmark and comment on anything you wanna quote on, and I have tons, here are some of the best ones:



"Even if you haven't had the exclusivity conversation, they're still going to be mad if they find out you're dating someone they know and you haven't mentioned it. It's a dating rule."

"Well, how am I supposed to know that rule?"

"Everyone knows that rule."

"I thought you were supposed to be on my side."

"I am on your side!"

--simon and Clary's conversation

LOL. just LOL.



here's another one



"they think they're better than everyone else."(this is Kyle speaking)

"No," said Jace. "I think I'm better than everyone else. An opinion that has been backed up with ample evidence."

Kyle looked at Simon. "Does he always talk like this?"

"Yes"

-hahah. YES he does. welcome to our world! haha



"Well, I guess I'll see you around. You're the first Shadowhunter I've ever met."

"That's too bad,"said Jace, "since all the ones you meet from now on will be a terrible letdown."

-in my own dialect I'll say "ikaw na jud na Jace" (*translation* that's so you, only you can say that)



"Dudes do not follow other dudes in the bathroom"-Jordan

-really true, right? haha



"You and your name-dropping,"he said. "'I knew Michael.' 'I knew Sammael.' 'The angel Gabriel did my hair.' It's like "I'm with the Band" with biblical figures."



"And I would do it again. I love you, Jace Wayland-Herondale-Lightwood-whatever you want to call yourself. I don't care. I love you and I will always love you, and pretending it could be any other ways is just a waste of time."

I thought this was such a great line, not expecting it from Clary,ahaha, but wait till you hear this!



"It's a bit of the very last verse from Paradiso- Dante's Paradise. 'My will and my desire were turned by love, the love that moves the sun and the other stars.' Dante was trying to explain faith, I thnk, as an overpowering love, and maybe it's blasphemous, but that's how I think of the way that I love you. You came into my life and suddenly I had one truth to hold on to- that I loved you, and you loved me."



Jace, I really love ur lines. you say it perfectly!



"The kind of love that can burn down the world or raise it up in glory."

you kinda wish you had that. I have.



OKAY. THAT HAS TO END BEFORE I SAY TOO MUCH. HAHA.



Now, what do I think, WHAT DO I THINK about the book? I have..a LOT of thoughts.



I absolutely love it!-even if the ending was frustrating BUT the whole book was AMAZING..went HIGH!!! It was so beautifully written and carefully crafted. Cassandra Clare did it again! The storyline was planned well, and everything fell into place at the right times...The action scenes were unlike any other-books,I meant. It was like I was the one fighting, and I was there.. The love stories and parts were so hyped! Lots of making out happening, I can't breathe! Lots of love stories unfold. So many NEW stories, and facts about the Shadowhunter world learned..The past was touched every now and then. It's like I was lost and was now found, and back in the arms of my Shadowhunter friends, that's what I feel.



Have I mentioned that what I like about Clare's writing is that she takes you back to the past scenes countless of times, to make YOU remember of WHAT happened and WHEN it happened. It's always "Remember when I told you" "Remember this, that"--I was like "lagi! naremember ko nah!"(*alright already! i remembered it!), then I realized it was actually nice she did it so you have some back up and the conversation at the moment is truly sensible.



I also have to comment about Jace's line "I don't even know how to try to deserve that" (regarding Clary's love). I was like sooo angry with Jace, like this conversation is so neverending, I'm running out of patience with him. If I were Clary, if I just didn't love him so much I would've left him out of frustration. This is my view about deserving issues: that's the difficult thing about some people, why do you have to weigh in things whether you deserve them or not, because, frankly, no one deserves anything, but it's given to us. tama si clary, faith jud.-Clary's right, it's all about having faith.



I also have to say that I have a VERY weird paradoxical ironic untoward feeling toward JACE. All throughout the book I've started saying "Oh not this again", then"Yes! he's back", "I love his sarcasm!", "I love you Jace", "Jace is so very gorgeous!", "Jace, I hate you", "You're so stupid!", most important of all "Why JACE?".



Why does it have to be always JACE? I mean, Can't you see he is already a very REMORSEFUL character? If you add up problems again, I swear, "by the angel" he'll be admitted to the nearest mental institution. SERIOUSLY. If I were him, I probably would have.



Anyway, back to the book. The characters, all past and NEW characters were so developed ( I feel so close to all of them:)), I am so PROUD OF ALL of them, especially CLARY. She's grown so much! (: And Jace, gosh, I don't wanna talk about him right now, I've said too much about him already, LOL. SIMON! omg! they said this next trilogy was mainly on SIMON and I thought it was really ALL about him, but we still get to hear from other characters..AND, i'm so proud of Simon! I love him!



I just have to say this. I remember that throughout reading it, I always stopped because I want to savor everything, then I do other stuff because I'm not ready to move on yet, then I read again, slowly, and slowly... Many guesses came to my mind about where the story was going. I was in denial all of the time, going back and forth to the ideas conjuring in my brain,.In the end, no matter HOW I try, WHY DO I HAVE TO BE RIGHT IN ALMOST EVERY ending? i hate it.



so, in this very long review, I'm sorry it was TOO long, I have a lot of pent up emotions stucked and clogged on me, so I just have to release them. SO, anyway, in SUMMARY. The books is GREAT! really GREAT! LOVED IT! THE ENDING GOT TO ME SO HARD, AND I KEPT READING ONE PART OVER AND OVER AGAIN JUST TO VERIFY IT'S THERE. I CRIED OUT OF FRUSTRATION, DENIAL, DISSATISFACTION about the last sentence of the book. Especially when I turned the next page and I was so terrified with what I saw, because I saw "ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS" and no other. I scanned the next pages just to see if there are no MISPLACED pages.-that's how IN DENIAL I was.



I REALLY CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CITY OF LOST SOULS.



I have to go WEEP now. !(:













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My Name is Memory: my 1st fanvid!

FIRESPELL. CHLOE NEILL.

FIRESPELL. 

the STORY:

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

WHAT I THINK:

        Private schools=Gossip Girl? Well, not for this one. I actually think Chloe Neill did an excellent job. Quite original characters, unique blending of various and diverse supernatural characters. Fast paced, lots of action, and lots of heart-stopping moments...well maybe not that lot. Still. I love stories involving boarding schools and such, even had their own centennial keys!. The only problem I had with reading this was imagining the too complicated school they had! I can't really imagine how many hallways and passages we've gone through (as if I'm actually there). However, I love the characters: Scouts' truthfulness and Lily's sarcasm. The setting was just too short that it makes it impossible to believe all of it happened in less than two weeks! But, that's fiction! (: The brat packs. you might actually think they have some depth in their characters, but for the first book they were just some distractions. The real action is underground..the basement. the tunnels. Isn't it where all the action is? Made me feel like I'm in HP again..yes, the chamber of secrets. plus you can add up the uniform thing complete with the tie,button up shirts,sweaters,etc. The book also acquainted me to Chicago, since Lily's new to the place like I am. 

         I like how the first installment built a great foundation on the story. I can guess this series will gain popularity too and has set itself to the hearts of its readers, it got to me!

Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels SAMPLE audiobook!

go to link: Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels SAMPLE audiobook!

                                                               

TEEN ANGELS. JUST REMINISCIN

                                


SYNOPSIS: Cisco, Nicole and Melody are a trio of teenage girls who have all died before their time. As it turns out, their final reward is not ready for them, and they are informed that in order to enter heaven they all must earn their wings by doing good deeds. In their first story, Cisco returns to earth to help a rock star on the road to ruin.


WHAT I SAY: 

WELL, it's not that I read it again,SO BEWARE THIS IS NOT A REVIEW.. BUT I just remembered it..oh so okay, I accidentally..somehow, stumbled upon it while surfin' the net, and I remembered the days when I borrowed it from our school library..I remember the series to have a nice story...so here I am now, wishin' I can grip a copy of it. OR maybe go back to my alma mater? hmmm.. lol.

About Me.

About me:

    My name is Jenna, I'm a Christian, and a nurse by profession. I love reading  books, and because of this I gave book blogging a try. And since I'm still blogging now, I deem myself successful in this hobby,haha.

Okay, so books. As far as I can remember, I started reading fiction when I was in 3rd grade. But my desire to read books started when I was in grade 2. I remember that I envied my sister at that time (as a 3rd grader, she's allowed to enter the library and borrow books). but when I reached 3rd grade, I had my chance and I spent every recess time in the library. My friends and I used to do the librarian’s work like stamping borrower's card,etc. 

     I usually read Nancy Drew novels, Hardy boys, Sweet Valley high and let's not to forget the HP series. I even collected Babysitter's club books and used my allowance money to buy them from the Thrifty bookshop. (I still have them!) 
     In high school, I went a bit serious in my academics, but I still read a couple of books every now and then. 
     As I began college, I was so preoccupied with schooling and only read about 5-10 books a year. However, sometime the first semester in my second year in college, some of my classmates were talking about a certain book series, and they passed the book to each other after reading it. One time, before our Biology class started, I was bored and grew curious about this book. so, I borrowed the first book from my friend. The class reporting commenced and I was already unstoppable, I his the book underneath my desk just so I can continue reading. I finished the book that night. Yes, it was Twilight. :) Only then did I rekindled my love for reading, and this led me to other books such as The Mortal Instruments, etc. When I reached 3rd year, I began reading chick lits as my past time ritual before my hospital duties. I read more books in my senior year. 
     After I graduated college, that’s when I had lots of free time before review season (to take a license exam) began. And so I decided to start this blog, and I actually finished 130+ books in 2011! And 157 in 2012. So yeah, that’s my reading history. 
     I’m not really good in book reviewing and sometimes I have a hard time expressing my review in words, and I definitely commit lots of grammatical and typo errors (#1 reason: I don't edit or reread what I'm typing,lol). Most importantly, I'm not a computer genius and so the technicality of blogging took some research and lots of hard work on my part. 

     Now, I'm mostly contented in my reading and blogging hobby. The past two years of blogging has been quite taxing but also satisfying. Free books, good relationships with publishers and all the perks of book blogging? What more could I ask for, right?