Little Librocubicularist

Rating: 2.5 Stars

It was okay. Skimmed through some parts, just looking for the dialogues and their conversation. If you want a steamy romance of two people battling their issues, this story is for you. :)

Rating: 4 Stars

I never thought Jackson Pearce's Sisters Red would be this good. I was expecting something a little less dark, with a minimal amount of action and some light fight scenes. But I was not given that at all. The March sisters are more than just some pretty-faced heroines. They're kick-a** chicks who are out to take on every Fenris (werewolf) out there. Plus, their hot childhood friend, Silas, joins them as they hunt down those monstrous Fenris.

All in all, Jackson Pearce has created a dark action-packed retelling of one our most memorable childhood bedtime stories. Adding in the growing relationship complications, Sisters Red has brought a wonderful new twist to Little Red's story.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Travelling all around Europe? Yes, please! Travelling all around Europe for an unknown reason and no assurance whatsoever of what will unfold in a foreign country? Uhmmm... I'm not sure.

This is a story about a girl who has received 13 little blue envelopes from her missing aunt, instructing her to do some out of this world things like got on a trip to Europe all by herself. The envelopes are numbered and there are different tasks contained in each one. She needs to accomplish one before opening the next envelope. And that marks the start of Ginny's marvelous misadventures in Europe!

Honestly, 13 Little Blue Envelopes has given me a good reading experience. I have always liked books that bring you to a lot of places, making you feel like a traveler yourself. And Ginny was able to bring me successfully to every place she has visited. Aside from that, everything else has been in between "okay" and "hmmmm".

What do I say now? Hmmmm... Keith, Ginny's supposed love interest was okay. Their love story wasn't given much of a spotlight, so I haven't really felt their connection that much. But Aunt Peg's mysterious life has been fun to uncover. Her revelations had been much more interesting than Ginny.

I guess that's all. Hahahahaha! I did like this book. And I really think it could have been better. I mean, the blurb up there says a lot of things and sort of promises one incredible joy ride around Europe. But ehhhh... I still liked some parts, though. :)

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Rating: 4 Stars

Rating: 4 Stars

Of Poseidon was unexpectedly good. Well, not completely unexpected because I've read great reviews of this book. But still, I didn't know I would enjoy it this much.

This is my first mermaid (ssssh! Don't mention that I called them that.) book, so I don't really have anything to compare to. But story-wise, it was good. Though I'm a bit unsure of the sort of 'insta-love' in the book, I still liked it (some parts of it). The background story and history was good. The characters were not bad. The pacing was okay.

I just think that the story felt short due to the sudden ending. I felt that it did not give readers any exciting/thrilling/blood-pounding moment to enjoy. It lacks that climactic or a defining moment, like a fight scene maybe, or a very intense encounter among all those intriguing characters.

But overall, it was good. I'll definitely read Of Triton (Gaaaah! The ending of the first book is just so asdhjkl! I can't believe it ended there.).

*more organized thoughts when I have time to write :)

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I coincidentally finished this on father's day. Ooooh!

The story had its ups and downs, but it was good. It will make you really think about things to be valued, and about second chances. It had a great father-daughter element, and I can sort of relate to what Taylor is going through (sort of, some of it). All in all, great read!

*will elaborate when I have time ;)

I was having doubts if I should really read this book or just leave it unread. Why? First of all, when you read the synopsis, the first thing that comes to your mind is sex. A lot of steamy moments and everything that minors should take caution reading; A story all about sex and losing one’s virginity, and who would want that? Second, it’s another student-teacher relationship story and I have read a few already. Do I really need to read another one?

But I have read people swooning over this book, especially the hot guy, Garrick. And I have read from one of the readers that this was really good because it wasn’t one of those stories where the characters experience insta-love. So because of that, I read it.

One of the great things about Cora Carmack’s Losing It is that it diverted from the “typical” definition of New Adult nowadays. Usually when we hear New Adult, we think of a broken girl meeting a messed up boy, they both have secrets that they are afraid to share, and eventually they fix each other, and there are some really passionate kissing and all that stuff. It is somewhat depressing and dramatic. But with Losing It, no one’s really messed up. It’s not depressing or sad or very dramatic. It is a light and fun read, actually. It will make you laugh sometimes, it will get you feeling annoyed with the situations they’re in. It might make your squirm (in a good way or a bad way, whatever you choose) because of the sweetness and romance. And yes, there were quite a number of sizzling and steamy moments. If you’re worried that there is going to be a lot of sex or that it would be too graphic, well… you shouldn’t. :) Just read the book to find out.

While I do like how the story went, maybe some readers will find it too “romancey” because it really is. For me, it was mostly a love story between Bliss and Garrick, with a few insertions of Bliss’ future career and her friend conflicts. The story revolved around the tension of passion and romance between the hot professor with a British accent and his graduating student who loves Shakespeare. But no insta-love, promise! Just pure physical attraction. And the student-teacher relationship didn't really bother me because Bliss is graduating college and Garrick just graduated. The age difference isn't that far and they're both adults already. It wasn’t really that complex, the story, but it was really fun and entertaining to read.

I won’t even start gushing about Garrick. A lot of people already did. I’ll just keep it to myself. :)

With all that said, I give losing it four bloody stars! :D

Rating: 4 Stars

I have been waiting for this book for months now. Why? Read the synopsis above. :) The moment I read that, I knew I had to read it as soon as it comes out. Basically, it’s about Jude and her older sisters making an oath to never get involved with another Vargas ever again due to the previous heart breaks her older sisters have suffered. Call it coincidence or fate, but it looks like Jude is being challenged, because she direly needs a mechanic that summer and she’s left with no other choice but to hire Emilio Vargas. Whoooopie! Sounds awesome doesn’t it? Yeah, it does. The perfect recipe for a cute summer romance. And that’s what really drew me to the story. I’m dying to know how Jude will handle this situation. Will Jude choose Emilio Vargas over her three older sisters? Is she willing to break their oath, their blood pact, just so she could be with a notorious Vargas boy?

Now, if you’re looking for a fun, light, and carefree book filled with sweet summer romance, The Book of Broken Hearts is probably not the best choice. Because while it’s fun and has this cute teenage romance, it’s not carefree or light at all. It covers something that will touch some readers’ hearts deeply. In fact, Book of Broken Hearts is more than just the teenage love story, or the typical boy heart break. It's about family relationships as well, about making your own choices, letting go of what has been and moving on to what will be.

Jude and Emilio’s love story was a pleasure to read. They had their ups and downs. They had their fair share of good times and bad times, while constantly being watched by the sisters’ oath. But honestly, I was more interested in reading about Jude and her father’s relationship. What their future will become, how Jude will be able to cope, and all that. It was fun at times, often a little depressing and pitiful, but most of the time touching. The father-daughter moments are the ones I’m waiting for (not that I’m not waiting for Emilio and Jude’s lovey dovey moments). Also, it was pleasant to see how Jude grew in the story, how she was able to stand up for her choices and not become the girl overshadowed by her older sisters.

To sum up, a great read. :)

Rating: 4 Stars

Game. Set. Match is a book about three girls, each with their own drama, but all striving to become the best tennis player in the world. It revolves around the lives of Indy, the newcomer; Penny, the one already making her mark on the international scene; and Jasmine, the daughter of two of the best tennis players before. Told in alternating POVs of the three girls, Game Set Match shows us how three teenagers persevere to make their dreams come true, how they break under all the pressure, and how they get sidetracked by three gorgeous guys.

One of the things I like about this book is that there is a balance between the romance and the sports element. One does not overshadow the other. And both elements of the story is something to watch out for. You'll find yourself going through the pages wondering who will win, or will they finally kiss, or what will happen now that she lost (something like that).

Another thing I like is that there was nobody that felt superior or inferior among the three girls. They all played differently, all have different personalities, all had different family and boy problems etc... And just like the romance-sport thing, nobody overshadowed the other. Though, I do feel that Jasmine was a little deprived of a good ending (Teddy and Jasmine? What happened?) Is that what she deserves for being a little b*tchier than Indy and Penny? :D

To cut all of this short, Game. Set. Match. is a good and quick read. Even non-sports people like me will appreciate this book. Well, the sizzling romance helped. So, 4 stars :)

It was okay... but not really something too important.

Rating: 4 Stars

I was both excited and worried to read the third and final installment of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium Trilogy due to the mixed reviews I have been reading. Many have expressed their negative feelings toward the book. And though there are also a number of people who really liked Requiem, it cannot be denied that of the three books in the series, it has the lowest average rating on Goodreads.

What makes Requiem different from the first two books is that it was told in both Lena and Hana’s point of view. Lauren Oliver lets readers hear the voice of two very different people who are worlds apart: Lena, struggling and trying to survive in the Wilds; and Hana, trying to figure out life after being cured. Just like in Pandemonium, she wonderfully made both ends meet.

I’m going to start with Hana… It was interesting to read how her life has been after being cured; how she managed to have courage despite her doubts and confusions. Though she had her weak moments, and I really mean weak moments where she should have fought back and stood up for herself, I still think her decisions (especially her last one) made her a stronger person. What bothers me with Hana’s story is how it was ended. She is one of the important characters in the book, but it felt like she isn’t. Her final chapter did not make it clear what really happened to her or what might happen to her in the future.

Lena’s story is annoying, frustrating and just uuuugggh!!! Why? Because of Alex and Julian. Well, it’s not really them, but Lena’s behavior because of these two guys. Some readers almost died at the end of Pandemonium, and everyone would be asking “What would happen now that Alex is back in the picture?” I’ll tell you what. Lena is confusing and sometimes annoying. But it’s quite obvious who she has really chosen. Aside from that, Lena’s chapters are mostly about survival and the impending fight of the resistance/invalids. So we really get to see the new Lena here, that is if she is not acting a little too aggravating.

Requiem, in general, has been a constant anticipation of how all the fighting and resistance would end. I have not really been paying much attention to whom Lena will choose because as I have said, it’s obvious who she really loves, and that’s enough for me, regardless of who she really ends up with. Given that case, I guess I got what I wanted because Requiem is really devoid of the sweet and stomach-clenching romance we experienced in Delirium. What I was waiting for was the big explosion of events, like everybody getting stirred up, all cureds, DFAs and the government against the resistance and the invalids; maybe a big fight that would wake up the whole nation. Yes, we did have a lot of fighting in Requiem, and it’s as brutal as this book can get… bombing, shooting and burning. It was good. But it may not really be good enough for other readers.

I am of the same opinion that Requiem is not as good or as strong as the first two books. But I still really liked it. I still think it was great. I liked how Lauren Oliver wrapped the whole thing up. Something has finally been done; people have taken a great risk and acted upon what they wanted. Though with a touch of uncertainty, they took down the walls and tried to see what’s ahead of them. Plus, I think Lauren Oliver made sure Lena was still seen as teenage girl despite how she evolved throughout the trilogy. She is not the exaggerated heroine who plays a really big part in changing the world. She is sometimes weak and vulnerable and selfish; someone big enough to make difference, but someone who knows she can’t save everything.

And with that my fellow readers, I conclude that this is a great end for the story. For Lena’s story.

Rating: 4 Stars

Short thoughts…

I did it! I gave it another chance and I have been patient. I have been bored and distracted a few times, but for my nth try, I have finished Shatter Me. And I actually liked it. I enjoyed most of it. It was pretty good, and I’m glad I did not give up on this one. The characters were great and the plot was good too, even though the dystopian society wasn't completely given a concrete cause as to why such came to be. It did remind me of X-Men… I don’t know if that’s good or bad. But I enjoyed that part. The writing, though a little melodramatic as others would describe, is just fine. I find it fitting with Juliette’s situation. So in total, it was good. I’m sure I’ll still read Unravel Me. I just don’t know when.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the very moment I read the synopsis of This Is What Happy Looks Like, I knew that I should have the book once it comes out. Who wouldn't want to read about a movie star exchanging e-mails with an ordinary girl? I fell in love with its plot in an instant and it went immediately to the upper part of my “To Be Read” list. Plus, I love the look of the bright sunny yellow cover with the silhouette of a couple in a small boat. And I also have a thing for long titles. Everything about this book screams “READ ME!” and luckily, I was able to snag a copy when it came out. So on to my thoughts…

Though I am not really disappointed with This Is What Happy Looks Like, I am not that thrilled and captivated by the book either. I guess the reviews I have scanned prepared me for what I was up for. But I like it, I really do. It was good in most of the aspects I have hoped for, like the cute e-mail conversation of Ellie and Graham at the beginning of the book (which, by the way, was the only long e-mail conversation they had that was detailed in the book.) It had a good start… the first few chapters always makes you think and anticipate the moment Ellie and Graham will meet; how they will react when they see each other; how they will talk now that they can see each other face to face. Very nice start! But it came a little short after that.

It seems to me that Ms. Smith has a thing for what others believe is impossible romance – first, love at first sight, and now relationship developed over internet/virtual communication. Not that I’m against it, but it doesn't help the romance part of the book. Truthfully, I didn't feel the sweetness or the warmth of Ellie and Graham’s relationship sinking within me. It wasn't bad, but I just didn't get to feel it through and through. Because of that, Ellie and Graham weren't so alive for me either. But I like how truthful they acted before and during those three weeks.

The other parts of the book are very interesting. Come to think of it, I really did like most of the book, with the relationship of E and G as an exception. Ellie’s family background, though a bit scandalous, is a great addition to the details of the story. And Graham coming to town to ruin all those years of simple life really is a disaster. I also love how family plays a big part in the story. Ms. Smith did a fine job of creating characters that give great importance to family. I like the simplicity of everything despite having a famous celebrity as the main character. I like how both of their characters voiced out how they actually feel and their struggles. It was realistic in some way, showing the difficult life of a movie star and a simple girl who just wants to go to a summer program.

I had a hard time deciding the number of stars I would give This Is What Happy Looks Like. But despite my lack of high energy while reading this, I must admit that I still enjoyed reading it. It was not funny but it wasn't that dramatic either, something that falls right in between. Though not really moving, it was heart-warming and light. I loved a lot of things (Sprinkles, e-mails, Wilbur, whoopie pies, framed poems, sunrise, lobsters, etc…) and disliked only a tiny (significant) part, sooooo 3.5 stars.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Contrary to my pathetic excuse that I've had enough of vampire books already, I still read A Shade of Vampire with hopes that it will be at least good and different. And to my surprise, I liked A Shade of Vampire more than I thought I would.

Bella Forrest's interpretation of the vampire race is fresh and quite different from the others I've read or seen. And her words provided a vivid picture of what her vampire world would look like. The Shade, for instance, is one of the unique elements of the story that makes A Shade of Vampire stand out a little from the rest. Instead of living and blending in with humans, vampires here (or at least vampires under the Novaks) are closed off and separated from the real world, though they may occasionally come out of their sanctuary. Plus, I have not noticed that they have the ability to compel humans to do their bidding, which is a common thing for vampire stories nowadays. But the "drink my blood so your wounds would heal" is there, which kind of reminds me of The Vampire Diaries.

In terms of the flow of the story, it is fast paced, thus making it a bit short for some peoples' liking. It wasted no time with extremely lengthy descriptions or those filler scenes. The good thing about this is that readers will always be interested and they are less likely to be bored, which it successfully accomplished. The negative side, though, is that it did not delve into great details about each character's life. It went straight to Sofia's abduction, with very little to no family background. Ben wasn't even put into the spotlight properly, which he should have because he's a significant part of Sofia's life before The Shade. Readers would have developed a greater attachment with both of them if more life story was told. Even the vampire's stories were vague - no origin of how they came to be, or how you turn a human into a vampire.

The characters are diverse, but they have not been given much of a chance to get noticed a lot due to the fact that the focus is mostly on Sofia and Derek. Derek, in particular, has been introduced greatly. He is a prince known by many as dark and compulsive, which was also supported by the synopsis of the book. I must say that that synopsis was deceiving. Derek Novak is... (just read it to find out). Sofia, on the other hand, is just okay. She is not really one of the greatest female characters out there, but she's nice.

Now to the more intriguing part of the story... Sofia and Derek's relationship. I was actually a bit confused about both of their intentions/emotions at first. But eventually, I got it and the development of their friendship became clearer. As the story goes on, Derek Novak became more admirable, despite his flaws, because of the things he would do for Sofia, and their relationship became better.

In totality, the book was great, but another concern of mine would be the length of the book. Not just the shortness of the story, but the abrupt ending without even having fully resolved the conflict. Even knowing that there is a second book, I still feel like I stopped reading in the middle of a good book. It's not the typical cliff hanger feeling.

But all in all, I did enjoy A Shade of Vampire. Though, I'm still not sure if a little less than a complete four out of five stars would represent how I feel towards the book, I'd give it anyway.

Rating: 3 Stars

For those who are really fond of Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices, this might be a little disappointing. It succeeded with its easy humor and we got a glimpse of how deep Magnus can be when family or mortal love is mentioned. But the fact that it did not bring much satisfaction after reading the ebook really sucked.

Reaction upon finishing the book: "That was it!?", "What really happened in Peru? Nothing of great importance.", "Aaaaah! I hope this gets better."

A bit disappointing, but I still love Magnus. It was not his fault that the reason was not disclosed by the High Council of Peruvian Warlocks.