The nostalgia is strong in this book that reading it makes me miss my childhood days and my childhood friends. In a stressful life I have right now, rThe nostalgia is strong in this book that reading it makes me miss my childhood days and my childhood friends. In a stressful life I have right now, remembering and reminiscing my days as a child is such a sweet thing; a fulfilling moment that spread a warm feeling in my heart. And I'm thanking Meet Me Here for that.
Bliss's second YA novel is a remarkably well-written and well - told book. A profound novel with good pacing and realistic characters. Even the story only happens in one night, it conveys a lot of desirable things that made this book a worthy read. It's absorbing and it's absolutely gut-wrenching.
First and foremost, I like how this is nostalgic in a way where Thomas and his long-estranged friend, Mallory remembers and relives their past. I like the subtlety of it all that I thought Meet Me Here is all about Thomas and Thomas alone. It wasn't. I like how the characters grow in each chapter of this novel, especially Thomas who comes up on his own term to face the inevitable. I like how the book shares knowledge about the trauma of war. And I like the open-ended ending the book has, justifying that Thomas has lot of choices with his life; his future.
Meet Me Here is all about choices and decision and the struggle with reality and expectation. And it's relatable.
In this novel, Thomas is to decide whether he will follow the path taken by his father and brother-- being an Army (which is expected to him by the people around him, especially by his father). Or to embark a new path for himself especially after his brother came back as a completely different person.
It's almost the same with everybody, right? That expectations and pressure from the people around you. That feeling of reluctance and confusion whether to follow the current or flow against it. That indecisiveness to push through a concrete plan you made for yourself after witnessing an unexpected turn of events. It's difficult and exhausting. Fulfilling their expectations, weighing things, deciding and all that....more
Nakaiintriga ang Ang Lihim sa Tore ng Sinagtala sa pamagat pa lang dahil may 'lihim' sa title e. Charot. Pero sa totoo lang, may kakaibang hatak talagNakaiintriga ang Ang Lihim sa Tore ng Sinagtala sa pamagat pa lang dahil may 'lihim' sa title e. Charot. Pero sa totoo lang, may kakaibang hatak talaga ang titulo ng nobelang ito.
Ang Lihim sa Tore ng Sinagtala ay tungkol kay Jhustin na may unnecessary letter 'H' sa pangalan at ang pagbabago sa kanyang buhay nang makilala niya ang isang tao na may naligaw na 'H' din sa pangalan, si Makho. And the rest is... need mong basahin ang libro kaya bumili ka na!
Mabilis lang basahin ang nobela. Bukod sa mabilis talaga ang pacing ng libro, maiikli lang din ang mga chapters. Ganito ang mga gusto ko talaga kaya plus points na agad sa akin. Hehe. May sinusundang linya ang kuwento kaya hinding-hindi ka maliligaw. May mga ilang back stories para sa character development. Para lubos natin silang makilala at maunawaan. At para na rin sa build up ng itinatagotagong lihim sa tore ng Sinagtala kung anuman 'yon. Naaliw ako sa mga light moments at banters ng dalawang main charcaters. Hindi boring. May kilig factor. Ang gaan at nakatutuwang basahin. Ang ganda rin ng paglalahad ng simpleng buhay sa probinsya. Naalala ko tuloy yung mga panahong nag-aaral pa ako sa kolehiyo sa Baliwag, Bulacan.
Ang smooth lang ng daloy ng kwento parang ilog tapos may talon pala sa dulo. Surprise, bitch! Dito na papasok yung lihim na ang ganda ng pagkakabuild up for me. Ang talino ng pagkakalatag ng mga hints. Ang natural. I-aanticipate mo talaga kung ano nga ba yung lihim na 'yan. At kahit may idea na ako kung ano 'yon, iba pa rin ang naging impact nito sa akin (emotionally).
Masakit mamatayan. Naranasan na siguro nating lahat 'yan o kung hindi lahat ay ng nakararami sa atin. Pero parang wala ng mas sasakit pa kapag namatayMasakit mamatayan. Naranasan na siguro nating lahat 'yan o kung hindi lahat ay ng nakararami sa atin. Pero parang wala ng mas sasakit pa kapag namatayan ka ng anak. Doble ang sakit kapag sa murang edad ay kinuha na siya ng Maykapal. Ni hindi mo man lang [sila] nakita at nakasamang lumaki.
The Angel Who Wanted To Be A Kid is a cute, little book about Satin, an angel who made a request to God. And that request is to be a kid to the couple she watches over as an angel. This is not allowed in the rules of Heaven but being a loving and understanding God, the request was granted, provided that Satin will return after 2 years.
Knowing these information ahead, I wasn't still prepared on what has happened along the way and in the end. It started happy and hopeful, knowing the request of Satin, our little angel, has been fulfilled. I was smiling, reading about her being a goofy and clever angel and a child with a knack for learning. I have witnessed joy seeing Sor & Seya's prayers were answered. It's a treat for the heart reading their journey as a family praying, eating, traveling, and most importantly loving together. Family love is really something talaga and I love reading about it.
But it gets sad, okay. It gets sadder along the way. I really felt the sorrow, pain, and struggles both the parents and the child experienced as the time limit for angel Satin has come. It hurts when I'm reading it and it hurts still when I think about it.
The Angel Who Wanted To Be A Kid is an inspiring story of coping and healing. It's a mixture of joy, sadness, grief, hope, love, and care. This is a good book to read if you're grieving and trying to stand again after a loss. It may not totally relieved you of the pain and hurt but it can definitely help to lessen it. You will find comfort within the sadness brought by the story.
P. S. I just also want to add that I really like and appreciate the photo of the paintings every chapter. Story-wise, it adds value and color to the story....more
Mother, Come Find Me tells a story of three young adults and how a mother looking for his son will affect their lives in one way I wish it was longer.
Mother, Come Find Me tells a story of three young adults and how a mother looking for his son will affect their lives in one way or another. It is a story of finding of what was once lost and uncovering something new to oneself.
I like how the characters were written. Their nuance over THE situation made a lot of realization within them. It's like they're just now facing the grief and other feelings they buried a long time ago.
I like the speculative part. It was a great and well-thought-out and makes the story more interesting. And it intertwines perfectly on our main characters.
Champion hurt me in ways I can't explain so this 'original' trilogy (fuck off Rebel) really means a lot to me.
However,It's all coming back to me now.
Champion hurt me in ways I can't explain so this 'original' trilogy (fuck off Rebel) really means a lot to me.
However, the issue of adapting a novel to a graphic novel is that oftentimes it gets lost in translation or a chunk of the novel really gets lost literally. Which is kinda understable since it is difficult to compressed a long novel to a shorter graphic novel.
So, it's obvious why I only gave this book a 3-star rating. I wasn't convinced. Though the nostalgia is there, it's not enough. I haven't experienced on this graphic novel the rollercoaster of emotions I felt on the novel.
The art is still cool though and I still I liked this overall....more
Nakulangan pa rin ako sa book 2 na 'to ng Sixty Six. Parang ang kaunti ng nangyari. May mga nasagot na mga tanong na galing sa Book 1. Pero hindi pa rNakulangan pa rin ako sa book 2 na 'to ng Sixty Six. Parang ang kaunti ng nangyari. May mga nasagot na mga tanong na galing sa Book 1. Pero hindi pa rin malinaw ang lahat.
At saka parang hindi ko na alam kung saan patutungo ang kwento. Cliffhanger na naman ang ending pero hindi na ganong ka-impactful? Ah basta.
Ang pinakanagustuhan ko ay yung revelation, yung twist about sa isang karakter. Unpredictable 'yon. Naisalba nito para sa akin ang buong book 2. Okay rin ang paglalim ng conflict tungkol sa pamilya. Medyo intriguing na. Sana lang may mas lalim sa book 3.
Sa huli, kahit nagpalit ng illustrator, maganda pa rin naman ang mga guhit at ekspresyon ng mga karakter. May nabago lang sa itsura pero kuha pa rin naman ang kabuuan nila....more
Interesanteng simula ang Sixty Six for a comic series. Meron agad mga tanong na naghahanap ng kasagutan. Kung ano nga ba ang nangyari sa pamilya ni MaInteresanteng simula ang Sixty Six for a comic series. Meron agad mga tanong na naghahanap ng kasagutan. Kung ano nga ba ang nangyari sa pamilya ni Mang Tino. Saan niya nakuha ang kakaiba n'yang lakas? At iba pa na paniguradong sa susunod na mga volumes masasagot. Ang gandang concept din ng matandang superhero.
Maganda ang pagkakadrawing ng mga karakter at yung mga expresyon nila sa librong ito. Kuhang-kuha ang galit, lungkot, saya, etc. sa bawat mukha ng mga karakter. Nakakamangha din yung mga background. Parang totoo kapag tinitingnan.
Kung stand-alone/one shot 'to, 2 stars lang ang ibibigay ko dahil nakulangan ako at nabitin pero dahil may mga kasunod naman, dinagdagan ko na ng 1 star para sa anticipation at excitement....more
Tablay is an imaginative and promising novel. The idea of mech wars in a futuristic Philippine setting is a great concept that TablaActual rating: 3.5
Tablay is an imaginative and promising novel. The idea of mech wars in a futuristic Philippine setting is a great concept that Tablay has delivered substantially, if not flawlessly. I remember the anime Gundam while reading this book. It is also good to see how Philippine mythology is infused in this book together with the Filipino culture, customs, traditions, and politics (the shade) making the reading experience somehow realistic and feels like home.
Tablay has a good world-building. The setting is clear and easy to understand and imagine. Though, some details are probably based on some reference (just assuming), I think it was unavoidable and a nice addition to establish the modern backdrop. The writing style is not confusing. It's straightforward and easy to read. And it helps maintain the good pacing of the book and my engagement with it.
Tablay has also a fantastic set of characters. The main character, Anya, (even she feels like a Mary Sue) is admirable. I don't have that personal attachment to her but it's okay. I just wish the novel is a little longer so we can explore more of her character. The romance between Anya and Chino is unnecessary, imo. It doesn't progress well along the story and it feels like insta-love even it isn't.
Some major characters also stand-out on their own way but some feels lacking in development even they are somehow highlighted in some scenes. I like the banters and interactions of the characters. They are adorable and fun. I also like that there's a good LGBTQ+ representation, diversity and feminism in this novel.
My main complaint about this book is how Tablay falls on some tropes that I'm tired of reading. I want to write about the plot that goes 180-degree but it's spoilery so I won't. But it became formulaic at that point. And it has cemented my theory when a certain foreshadowing comes. The Mary Sue trope is quite annoying also, especially, when the hero-complex became evident. Another one is the single-parent trope that is always there in a YA novel. Though, Tablay is an NA/adult novel, it is apparent what is the purpose of this trope.
Anyway, Tablay is still an engaging and interesting novel. It showcase a lot of good stuff about technology, mythology and the Filipino culture. And it's a great addition amongst existing Filipino sci-fi/mythology novels out there.
P. S. The artworks are so amazing, superb, wowza....more
Another vampire book that I actually like. The Radleys is not an action-packed vampire story. It's more of a tale of change, love, family and acceptanAnother vampire book that I actually like. The Radleys is not an action-packed vampire story. It's more of a tale of change, love, family and acceptance. It isn't what I had expected but I am good with what I got.
As a preview, The Radleys is about the abstaining vampires i.e. The Radleys obviously, whose one member of their family (Clara) has caught up in a murder.
The story evolves there: the siblings, (Clara and Rowan) learning the truth about themselves; Helen, their mother, doing her best as a parent to protect her child, as the story uncovers the rich past/history of the vampires, especially, between Helen, Will and Peter.
It's engaging to say the least as I waltzed with every bite-size chapter, eager to know more about the Radleys and being anxious of what happens next to the characters-- what will change after the incident, what won't, and every thing in between. The Radleys is satisfying, delivering what it needs to deliver to its reader.
I can say the book entertain me a lot. From character development and rich back story, it was really great and worth of my time....more
After 1 month of reading this book, I finally finished it. Oh my god! It was probably my reading slump that made me struggle to end this novel in one After 1 month of reading this book, I finally finished it. Oh my god! It was probably my reading slump that made me struggle to end this novel in one go or its slow story flow. Or maybe both.
Anyway, I'm happy I didn't give up. I still liked this book despite having a hard time finishing the novel.
Graveminder is about you know, minding the graves (ha!). Basically, it was about a town called Claysville, a Graveminder, an Undertaker and the dead. There's more to it if you read this book and it's one of the reason why I still liked this book in the first place.
I have mentioned before that this book is slow, right? Well yes, it's true. Though it was started with a murder, the flow of the story didn't get exciting (at least for me). It's more of a quite tedious setup for the inevitable, for the main event.
The main characters has been introduced, who, unsurprisingly were friends with benefits or lovebirds or whatsoever you want to think. Don't worry, there's a back story. The world building is shyly defined and conflict was realized. Then came the running around the circles scenarios to slowly develop the plot which either confused or annoyed me. It's fine though. At least, I'd appreciate the novel a little more.
Four weeks later, I stumbled upon on the interesting and engaging part of the book. The last quarter. Rough computation. This is where the resolution and the climax happened and the big reveal has been you know, revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed this part, I tell you. I've got to know more about this Graveminder-Undertaker tandem and how it originated. I've got to cherish the excitement I didn't get on the three-fourth of the book.
Overall, plotwise, it was good. Character-wise, not so much....more
It's my 25th book from Neal Shusterman. And surprisingly (haha), I loved it!
Scythe is undeniably a disturbing yet compelling utopian novel. Written inIt's my 25th book from Neal Shusterman. And surprisingly (haha), I loved it!
Scythe is undeniably a disturbing yet compelling utopian novel. Written in Shusterman's familiar and engaging style, this story of sanctioned killings (gleanings) becomes increasingly fascinating and thought-provoking to read and reflect upon.
Though I'm not saying I enjoyed the gleanings carried out by the so-called Scythes—because I definitely didn't. I still flinched and felt creeped out whenever the actual gleanings happened. Some may not be ruthless, as certain Scythes still practice compassion, but they are killings, nonetheless. I can't imagine a world where we resort to death as a means of population control simply because disease has been eradicated. But what do I know, right? If Earth survives long enough, it might actually happen in the distant future—and by then, I'd be long gone. Lucky me.
In this world of Scythes, the internet and AI see and control everything, diseases have been eradicated, natural death is a thing of the past, and population growth is the only remaining problem. Yet, even with all these advancements, the story made me reflect on possible futures and how life can feel meaningless in a near-perfect world where every problem has a solution. Through the characters, I could sense a hint of boredom and dissatisfaction with their lives. I really appreciate how Shusterman managed to convey that. His writing allows me to easily empathize with even the most minor characters—or feel angry at them, for that matter.
As for the major characters, the romance between Citra and Rowan feels off-putting. But alas, it's not the focus of the novel, and it doesn't overwhelm the plot like in some other YA stories. Individually, these two are flawed, distinct, and three-dimensional characters who think before they act. Their emotions resonate with me, too. Of course, there are other compelling characters in the novel—like Scythe Faraday, Scythe Curie, and even the evil, trigger-happy Scythe Goddard, to name a few.
To end this, Scythe can stand on its own. But seeing Arc of a Scythe, #1 on Goodreads, a sequel was clearly inevitable—and I'm not complaining, since it likely offers more insight into Scythedom. Besides, Neal Shusterman is my all-time favorite author. So, there's that.
P.S. There's a lot more to say. Sadly, I can't put it into words. P.P.S. This review is not biased. P.P.P.S. The Murder Complex is nothing compared to this book. Don't be delusional, (view spoiler)[ Sasha Alsberg (hide spoiler)]...more
I can say I am lucky in terms of middle grade novel these days since I liked every middle grade novel I've read lately. Or maybe, just maybe, these3.5
I can say I am lucky in terms of middle grade novel these days since I liked every middle grade novel I've read lately. Or maybe, just maybe, these books tug the child in me so a part of me liked the books eventually. Serafina and the Black Cloak is not an exemption.
This precious little book is a middle grade novel about Serafina (obviously) and her adventure together with her friend Braeden in unraveling the true identity of the Black Cloak Man. And also, her peculiarity and finding her self, her true self, literally.
It displayed a true sense of friendship, family love and the appreciation of individuality. It has an enough amount of action, drama, humor and dread. Even the middle part is quite boring, I really enjoyed it as a whole. Actually, I was flying through the pages after that 'slow part', since the book had gone edgy, exciting and thrilling. I was so compelled to find out what will happen next even part of me knows what I will get. The anticipation is real, I swear. And in no time, I finished this book, feeling contented with the ending. It's a bit cliché but it warms my heart, nonetheless.
I liked this book. And I will read its sequel. ...more
"Nothing is more tragic than loving someone to the depths of your soul and knowing they cannot and will not ever love you back."
Time and time agai
"Nothing is more tragic than loving someone to the depths of your soul and knowing they cannot and will not ever love you back."
Time and time again, it has been proven that whenever I'm reading a Rick Riordan book, I read so fast that the words blurred. I mean, I can't stop flipping the goddamn pages like there's no tomorrow. Maybe, it's the humor or probably, something else.
Anyway...
The Hidden Oracle is... wait for it... an entertaining read. I don't say, right? Hahaha! If you loved PJO and HoO, you will definitely love this one, too. It has the same elements, the same aura with those books by Uncle Rick. Yet, The Hidden Oracle is also different in many ways.
For the record, I like Apollo. I know he is selfish, a self-absorbed god and an asshole but his voice in this book made me like him. And his character development is superb. I liked how his character developed emotionally and intellectually. It fits and doesn't feel contrived at all. And don't forget his strong sarcasm and humor! *hands down*
The interesting new set of demigods involved in this novel is so diverse and all cute, I mean, likable and adorable. I like their distinct voices and personalities and the genuine feelings they are propagating in my direction, either it's happiness or the opposite of it.
We do have a great plot in this book. You know the drill, it involved prophecies and all but I still find it intriguing especially that it will scavenge other areas of Greek and Roman mythology.
Finally, we've got to see again some of the familiar demigods we loved in the previous series OMG YES and got the answer we're waiting for!
"And that might just be the root of the problem: we're all afraid of each other, wings or no wings."
The title of this book is a lie.
It should be
"And that might just be the root of the problem: we're all afraid of each other, wings or no wings."
The title of this book is a lie.
It should be The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, Viviane Lavender, Emilienne Lavender and the Rest of the Characters in this Book. There I said it.
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time I disliked so much character development and back stories.
It's just so frustrating reading about some characters I don't fucking care. I came here to know about Ava Lavender, her beautiful and strange sorrows (heh), not her fucking neighbors. I know the importance of characterization but it's too much for my taste. But maybe, this is just a case of "it's me, not you" instances. So, I'm sorry if I messed up.
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a story of love and how love makes us such fools. This is not what I've expected with this book but I thought it was fine since the magical realism is so good and made the love story bearable. By bearable, I mean it's quite enchanting. But, it's dark and tragic, too. And it also served as a reminder on how love is a complicated feeling. How love is the question and the answer. And again, how love make us such fools. This book is also a story of family and the lingering memories of the past, the longing, and the reality of the present.
Nonetheless, I still quite disliked this book because it made my head spin these past few days. I'm not putting all the blame to this book but I thought it was one of the reason why I dozed off at the bus as fast as I uttered Tutankhamen.
Yes, the lyrical prose is beautiful but it is also the reason why I can't absorb what am I reading. It's luring me somewhere dark and full of nothing but confusion. I surely did back-read a lot just to remember what is happening 3 pages before. It is seriously frustrating. Then after that, I just read it. Read it until I finish the goddamn book without worrying if I understand the story or not. Perhaps, I thought I did understand it. Beside that, I can't connect with the characters (main or not). So, I was there reading the book feeling nothing.
I bet a lot people will love this one (and they just did; see ratings) but The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is not really for me I'm afraid....more
Unang pagbasa: September 21, 2015 Ikalawang pagbasa: August 11, 2019
Masakit pa rin. Ang sakit-sakit!
-------------------------------- Ako after kong matUnang pagbasa: September 21, 2015 Ikalawang pagbasa: August 11, 2019
Masakit pa rin. Ang sakit-sakit!
-------------------------------- Ako after kong matapos basahin ang librong ito:
[image]
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Putek! Di ko kinaya at kinakaya ang mga nangyari sa librong ito. Nanginginig pa rin ako sa excitement, sa tuwa, lungkot, takot at kung anu-ano pang emosyong di ko maipaliwanag habang sinusulat ang rebyung ito. Pusang-gala naman!
*hingang malalim* Okay, heto na.
Sulit na sulit ang paghihintay sa ikalawang librong ito ng #TalaSerye este ng Janus Silang. Hindi ito dinapuan ng "second book syndrome" na pangkaraniwan sa mga YA na libro. Bagkus ay nilampasan pa ang kagitingan ng unang libro (at least para sa akin). Sulit na sulit ang pagpunta ko sa SMX Convention Center para bumili sa Adarna booth at magpapirma ka Sir Egay. Hehe.
Napaka-unexpected ng Janus Silang 2 beh, promise. Bigla-bigla na lang may mga sumusulpot na twists at revelations na di mo masasabing deus ex machinas kasi may basehan. Siguro merong iba pero yung majority, talagang may basehan at pinag-isipang mabuti. Namangha ako kasi napag-konek-konek ni Sir Egay ang mga nangyari sa librong ito sa unang libro. Yung tipong akala ko wala lang yun, pero meron pala. Haha. Ang bangis!
Napaka-astig ng plot, ng storyline! Grabe! Isa na yata ito sa serye na hooked na hooked ako sa nababasa ko. Super interesting kasi, hands down. Mas lalo tuloy akong naeengganyo pang magbasa tungkol sa Philippine myth at folklore. Tapos engaging pa ang pagkakasulat. Hindi nakakabanas at lalong hindi pilit.
Hindi pa riyan natatapos. The best yung mga bagong characters, lalo na si Miro, pero hindi rin naman papahuli ang mga datihan. Lahat may character development. Pati nga manananggal, meron. Oops spoiler! Pasensya na, naexcite ako. Nakakatuwa kasi dahil di napapabayaan yung ibang characters.
Ang daming ganap talaga! Maraming elemento ang umusbong na spoiler-ish kapag binanggit ko kaya di ko na babanggitin. Pero jusko talaga, nakakamangha. Kahit di ko na i-on ang suspension of disbelief ko, keri na. Haha. Lalong lumalim ang misteryo at hiwagang kapana-panabik. Medyo lumilinaw na ang ibang aspeto at lumalawak ang iba.
Wala na kong masabi. Medyo beast mode nga itong rebyu kasi sobrang ganda talaga at di ako mapakali. At wala akong mapagsabihang iba. Ang hirap kaya. Basta. Basta. Basta.
Ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan sa #TalaSerye na ito ay kailangan ko pa ulit maghintay ng isang taon para sa kasunod na libro. Hays....more
Witches of East End is a cliched witch story. It has the same formulation with other witch novels out there wherein the sexy witchesActual rating: 3.5
Witches of East End is a cliched witch story. It has the same formulation with other witch novels out there wherein the sexy witches are banned to use magic and forced to live with people as mundane as possible (yet didn't happen at all, as usual).
But, the thing is, it has a good storyline and well-written pace. It has the kind of enticing mystery and compelling vibe that will definitely urge you to turn the pages and read more. And those are enough to compromise to the cliche-ness of the book.
Actually, this is my first time I've read a Melissa de la Cruz's. I am not interested with her vampire novels but this one is what I am eyeing in bookstores for a long time. When I saw this book is on sale for only 30Php, almost $1, I didn't hesitate to grab the freaking book. And that moment didn't turn into dust since as you can see, I ended up liking the book. And I'm so happy about it....more
Revived is okay. It is less sci-fi and more of contemporary/realistic fiction, in my opinion. This is fine actually, I understand it. Revived just wanRevived is okay. It is less sci-fi and more of contemporary/realistic fiction, in my opinion. This is fine actually, I understand it. Revived just wants to tell a story where the main character is aiming for a normal life-- attend school, have friends, etc-- even it is somehow hopeless, especially if one is a part of secret experiment running by a secret organization. Then add the twist that this secret organization isn't really worth trusting for.
It's nothing new. I have read several novels with this kind of plot but I have no issues with it whatsoever, I just hope for the best that in the end I will like it or even love the book.
But the thing with Revived is that my hope has been shoved under the rug by the insta-love, I ended up overly unsatisfied in the end.
The main character (Daisy) is so head-over-heels with her love interest, it's irritating and eye-roll worthy. I mean whenever she sees the guy, a paragraph of description of his handsome appearance will follow. It is just too much for me to bear.
Daisy is also a naive character who can't keep her mouth shut. For being a part of a highly confidential experiment, she is so inclined to share, to her newly-found friends or should I say boyfriend, what her life has become just because of the 'right words' he says about her. And because she doesn't want to lie to them anymore.
Anyway, I did like the friendship between Daisy and Audrey. It's a happy friendship that makes me feel better as I've read about it. It brought some light to a quite dark, should-be-thrilling novel.
I also like the last few chapters who quite satisfy my craving for some real suspense and thrilling action. Though, I do think it has been set aside for so long thus, it didn't manage to redeem the enormity of the novel. I've been entertained (not really) by a lot of cliches and tropes in this book that when I reached the climax, I don't dig it anymore.
"A whole generation oblivious to the truth of the human condition is a recipe for the collapse of society."
This is not my first novel of Tara Alte
"A whole generation oblivious to the truth of the human condition is a recipe for the collapse of society."
This is not my first novel of Tara Alterbrando since I've already read her co-authored novel with Sara Zarr, entitled Roomies (which I loved). Roomies is a contemporary, realistic fiction novel. The Leaving is a mystery-thriller. So, I don't know what to expect, at first, with this book. And now, having read this book, I could say that Tara has the talent to write these kinds of novels. Even the novel has lacked of intensity, it was well-crafted and intelligently-written.
The Leaving is a mysterious tale of six children who went missing without a trace and came back as 16-year-old teens who don't exactly remember everything happens to them in the past few years of their disappearances.
And now everyone wants answers. Everyone wants to know the truth. And that everyone includes me, of course.
In my honest opinion, it is a slow journey, at first, but as I went along, it diverts to an engaging and intriguing read. Then, it comes back to being slow and backs again for being compelling, and so on. It's like the book is giving you a time to rest; which I don't know if it is a good thing or not. Probably not since as for a mystery-thriller novel, I like me a spontaneous heartstopping revelations and mind-blowing twists that will truly shock the hell out of me and will leave me gasping for breaths.
Anyway, as I've mentioned earlier even The Leaving does lack of intensity, I do think it was brilliantly thought of. It was well-plotted and well-developed. Intricate details are subtly and obviously told at the same time. And the twists after twists are sensible and reasonable. Besides, the main concept/ point of the story-- of why the children has gone missing, is absolutely fascinating and unpredictable.
It's not perfect but it is still worth a try. ...more
What an interesting, quite funny and weird title we've got here, right? I mean, that title alone made me
"We don't have to be blood to be family."
What an interesting, quite funny and weird title we've got here, right? I mean, that title alone made me read this heartfelt, coming-of-age novel which is set in Alaska during its early statehood. And add that breath-taking cover. I, absolutely, can't say no.
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Frankly speaking, I almost gave up reading this novel and save it for another day but I'm happy I didn't. The Smell of Other People's Houses might not work its magic immediately upon reading it but as you read, read and read, you will eventually smell (pun intended) the aroma of a good story.
A story of four teens and their personal struggles with life and the people around them.
A story that tackles teen pregnancy, abuse, reconciliation, running away, and the consequences of a decision, either a right or a wrong one.
A story that lingers and characters that clings to your heart and soul without your permission.
And a story of family and community with a writing that is truly connecting and giving the extra aroma to this kind of book.
If not for the tagline "Kneel or Bleed" in the cover of this book, I will just give Glass Sword two stars. But since, I've got an awesome username/disIf not for the tagline "Kneel or Bleed" in the cover of this book, I will just give Glass Sword two stars. But since, I've got an awesome username/display name, I added a star.
Just kidding. Hehe.
Honestly, I still liked Glass Sword so I gave it a 3-star rating but being disappointed is an understatement. For a sequel, it really reads like a sequel. A preparation. And it gets tiring along the way especially reading Mare Barrow's (the mc) inner monologues. But I didn't get annoyed, just felt neutral about it. Or you could say, I am not convinced (this time) with her being dramatic, reasonable, trying to be badass, and all that jazz.
Glass Sword is also confusing in a way. One minute, I'm reading a fight scene, an encounter or a chase, then the next, they are already safe and Mare is waking up from a sleep. What the hell, man?
Anyway, thanks to the cool powers (c/o the newbloods), it quite compensates with the long-ass monologues and gets me hyped up to look forward with the action. In which, in this sequel, we've got quite a number but less impressive compared to Red Queen but still.
The twists also did it for me. Wow, they are unexpected. I am ready to curse some characters to death but okay, anyone can betray anyone. Hahaha.
The main plot/storyline is getting more interesting also, even we already have a handful of these. Especially, with that kind of ending. The fuck, guys. Can Victoria Aveyard be a little less cruel?
I don't know if I'm being kind or anything but once again, I still liked this book despite everything that's a miss for me....more
Neil Franz
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Books:
reviewed
(84)
