Book Review: The Haunted Library; by Dori Hillestad Butler

   I was looking for a new series to indulge for the kids at work, and I’ve bumped up onto this. Cute, it’s about a library and it happens to be haunted. Sorry, can’t get the job pun off my system in this one. It’s like reading Casper meets Ghost Whisperer, except Kaz (the ghost) is wee afraid to learn most of the ghostly abilities, like going through a wall, which is kind of ridiculous. See? If I am emotional about that part, the kids might actually enjoy this book.
   Plot is easy to follow and pretty much attached to any reader who picked it up. Characters are real enough that it pulled you into the story. The illustrations. What can I say about them. I love it! It’s a wonderful start for this series, and I would love to follow through this series. Can’t wait for the next one!
The Haunted Library
(Haunted Library #1)
By Dori Hillestad Butler

When ghost boy Kaz’s haunt is torn down and he is separated from his ghost family, he meets a real girl named Claire, who lives above the town library with her parents and her grandmother. Claire has a special ability to see ghosts when other humans cannot and she and Kaz quickly form a friendship. The two join forces to solve the mystery of the ghost that’s haunting the library. Could it be one of Kaz’s lost family members?

Finished Reading: 23rd December 2014
Acquire: 16th August 2014
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Children | Mystery | Supernatural
Release Day }  14th August 2014
Publisher } Grosset & Dunlap
Format } Paperback
ISBN } 9780448462424
Pages } 128 pages
Source } Bought for BND $8.00
Age Group } Middle Schooler
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Book Review: The School Is Alive; by Jack Chabert

I was intrigue. Come on, it sounded like RL Stine all over. If you grow up reading these you would understand why. I just got to pick this one up! It’s a worth fit read. Hey, I just spent 3 months reading the same book, I needed a quick read, to rush the last one down.

Plot is fast and the characters are.. how do I say.. cute? Even the location is a character on it’s own. the storyline ran fast and kept the short attention span kids to actually read it to the end. I can only say, it’s like Hogwarts.. a homicidal Hogwarts, minus the magic ingredient. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I refer you back to Harry Potter.

To top this one off, I am so.. looking forward to the next book; (and trying to get a copy for my school library).

The School Is Alive!
By Jack Chabert

Eerie Elementary is one scary school!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
In this first book in the series, Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He'll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it's too late!

Finished Reading: 22nd December 2014
Acquire: 21st December 2014
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Children | Mystery | Supernatural
Release Day }  24th June 2014
Publisher } Scholastic
Format } Paperback
ISBN } 9780545623926
Pages } 96 pages
Source } Bought for BND $8.00
Age Group } Middle Schooler
Get your own copy } Paperback Kindle

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Book Review: No Way Back; By Chloe Adams

Wow. Just WOW. I am quite overwhelmed now. I am not sure how to go around this one, plus I don’t really know where to start. 

Oh! before I start, I guess I should warn you, this book is highly descriptive and might trigger anybody who are on the survivor list.

Now on to my thoughts.

The cover caught me from first sight. The model did right job in posing for it. It’s just pure perfect. Then, the blurb is just heart tugging. I honestly feel sorry for the main character. The author did an awesome job in humanizing Mia Abbott-Renou throughout this book.

Everybody said, don’t drink from the glass a stranger bought you. Nor drink from your own glass which you has left for a while. Why? Your drink might get spike with drugs by strangers. This book is all about that.

I must say, for some, it’s pretty much graphic, the event, and her post-trauma. It’s a hard book to read. It’s really heart wrenching on what Mia have gone through. I’m afraid to put the book down because I didn’t want to leave Mia alone in her troubles.

How people who are supposed to protect her, support her ended up making her feel alone. It sad how she blamed herself for what happened, especially when another victim died. I do wish her father showed her much support instead of just running around doing "”damage control” and running his election campaign. Her uncle Chris however, regardless how “profession front he has been showing, I’m glad he actually showed a bit of compassion to Mia of what she went through.

Ari has been an awesome, wonderful good friend for Mia. That was an upside of things. And then there's Dom. He was her personal rock who reminded her of her grandfather. He just made you go.. aww…. (I’m not kidding)

Personally, Jenna deserved it. *hehe*

What pissed me off, the way it left me hanging at the end. Grr cliffhangers! I seriously need to stop reading cliffhangers books!  Otherwise It has been a good emotional read. God, this book is amazing!

No Way Back (Mia’s Way #1)
By Chloe Adams

Sometimes bad things happen to beautiful people.
The wealthy daughter of a high-ranking politician, seventeen year old Mia Abbott-Renou has everything: designer clothes, wealth, spring breaks in Monte Carlo. She lives blissfully unaware of her family’s secrets, until the night she is raped by the son of her father’s greatest political ally.
Her father forbids her from going to the police and threatens to throw her out if she does. It’s a critical election year, one that his party might lose, if the public sours on his doting father image when they realize his daughter is an underage lush and party girl. He can’t risk splintering the party in a nasty court battle that’s certain to draw way too much press, even if that means sacrificing his daughter.
Mia’s world is shattered twice, once by the men who hurt her, and once by the betrayal of her family. She does what her father says. But the rapists strike again and beat their next victim near death.
With the help of her best friend and a couple of unlikely allies, Mia must decide: does she risk losing everything to do what’s right? Or does she turn her back on the truth and preserve the family name?
What’s privileged girl to do, when her perfect little world isn't so perfect anymore?

Finished Reading: 14th April 2013
Acquire: 23th March 2013
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Abuse | Young Adult | Teens
Release Day }  27th October 2012
Publisher }
Format } e-book
ISBN } B009Y8D9R0
Pages } 179 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } pg 15 yo +
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Eulogy for Cora {Once Upon A Time}

Before I continue, let be say if you haven’t really caught up with Once Upon A Time series and at the moment following it up, hates spoilers, stop reading now.

The reason why I do this post is to pay my respect to Cora, Regina’s mother. As a reader, Cora has been part of my life, and even more, it was wonderful to have her included in the TV series Once Upon A Time. She was a wonderful character, strong and evil. Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis had beautifully integrate her into OUAT’s storyline. This is her eulogy from me.





Cora was the Miller’s daughter.
  She spins straws into gold.
    Became one of Rumple’s love interests.
  Mother of the Evil Queen Regina.
Snow White’s step-grandmother.
   Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts (off with their heads!)
Turned Mad Hatter’s mad…

Compare to the Evil Queen Regina, Cora was Heartless, Truly Heartless.

Yes… it did make sense… Too bad she died.. minutes after getting her heart back, then realized this huge love she had for Regina. Oh, how much she love her and how she missed all that. She, who turned her daughter as dark as her…

Cora, the one who tainted the purest heart of Snow White with the speck darkness.

Cora will be missed.

Rest In Peace.
♥ Cora ♥

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Book Review: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Heroes in Training 1); By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

Zeus. The King of the Olympians.. Well... not yet. But he’s the start of this series. Meet the Olympian in their teens! It’s not enough to read about the second generation Olympians in their teens, I have to get my paws on the original Olympians teens.

Let me state forth that Zeus isn’t in my “like” list of characters, but he *again in a Holub & Williams state of mind* has turned him.. oh.. adorable. Especially when he is in a quest of looking for a guy name Goose to return the Thunderbolt. Hera is always classy bossy, Hades as always moody, and of course, Poseidon is so cute when he’s afraid of water! Oh I would melt!

I wish I have a thunderbolt of a pet now.

I must say, if you love the Goddess Girls, you would love this series. I’m so sorry I had this book as one of my “Filler Reads”, I ended up hooked on this series. That is such good news for me, to find a new series to enjoy and to look forward to, *sighs* The agony of waiting for the next book. Oh boy!

Look, here’s the deal. Why aren’t you picking this up?! Read it! =3

The secret is, I actually got both versions of e-book and paperback for this one.

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Heroes in Training #1)
By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans—merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans—have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....      Ten-year-old Zeus is mystified (and super-annoyed) by the fact that he keeps getting hit by lightening. Every. Single. Year. He also longs for adventure, as he has never been far from the cave where he grew up.      Zeus gets his wish—and a lot more than he bargained for—when he is kidnapped by dangerous, giant Titans! In self-defense, Zeus grabs the first thing he sees—an actual thunderbolt he pulls from a stone that is covered in mysterious markings. Zeus is the only one who can decipher the markings, and sets off on a quest to rescue his fellow Olympians from the evil Cronus. Armed with his trusty thunderbolt (named Bolt, of course), Zeus is on an adventure of a lifetime—and a journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Gods.

Finished Reading: 12th March 2013
Acquire: 25th February 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Mythology | Young Adult | Teens | Middle Grade
Release Day }  04th December 2012
Publisher } Aladdin
Format } Paperbook
ISBN } 9781442452633
Pages } 112 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 12 yo +
Interests } Mythological junkies like me. 
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Book Review; Pandora the Curious, by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

Yes! Another excellent Greek Mythology retelling read. I will NEVER, EVER get enough of these… hopefully this will be a lengthy series! I must confess, the first book I’d picked out from this series was a “filler read”, but I ended up gobbling these like hot cakes. This was also my “comfort read” when I was sick and bedbound that whole week, hence the reason for the late review. 

Here’s the thing, I used to hate Pandora. She annoyed me the most amongst the all of the mythological characters, and I mean all!

I said, used to. This book made her lovable. Pandora is so adorable that I’m willing to get past her busybodyness and absolute total unnecessary curiosity. I love the way they represent the “evils” from the box as “Bubbles”, popping and whispered what evil it unleashed… of course, only Pandora could hear it. After a bit while of popping, I feel for her when alot of her friends had been bubble-bumped, and she’s left alone to save everybody. Oh dear.

My verdict? So, so, so, so, so, so, so reading another one! Brilliant! Just Brilliant! Oh yeah, I actually bought the e-book and paperback for this one, because I couldn’t stand to wait for the paperback to arrive. Yes, I’m geeky that way.

Pandora the Curious (Goddess Girls #9)
By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

Is Pandora about to open up a box of trouble?
One of the few mortals at Mount Olympus Academy, Pandora is famous for her mega quizzical nature—not that she thinks there’s anything wrong with being curious, of course!
Her curiosity kicks into high gear when a godboy named Epimetheus brings a mysterious box to school. Epimetheus is the nephew of an MOA teacher in whose class Pandora once opened another box that sent a few weather disasters to earth. Still, Pandora can’t help but take a peek inside this new box when it unexpectedly lands in her lap. What could be the harm in that, right? Little does she know that opening the box will open up far more trouble than she ever expected!
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

Finished Reading: 10th March 2013
Acquire: 06th February 2013
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Mythology | Young Adult | Teens | Middle Grade
Release Day }  04th December 2012
Publisher } Aladdin
Format } Paperbook
ISBN } 9781442449350
Pages } 256 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 12 yo +
Interests } Mythological junkies like me. 
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Book Review: Mick Harte Was Here; by Barbara Park

I never thought I be sad for a book character.

And yes.. the narrator lied when she said, “this isn’t the kind of book where you meet the main character and you get to like him real well.” She made sure she fall in love with this character… only to tell us he died. No spoilers there.

This is a story about remembering Mick Harte. And this is the story how the people who left cope post-event.

It’s an emotional read, it shows how different people deals and cope with the death of a person they know. 

P/S Get tissues ready before you start reading this one.

Quote. “The upside to grief is it takes away your appetite. When people say you look good they really mean it. Nature's thoughtful that way.”

Mick Harte Was Here
By Barbara Park

How could someone like Mick die? He was the kid who freaked out his mom by putting a ceramic eye in a defrosted chicken, the kid who did a wild dance in front of the whole school--and the kid who, if only he had worn his bicycle helmet, would still be alive today. But now Phoebe Harte's twelve-year-old brother is gone, and Phoebe's world has turned upside down. With her trademark candor and compassion, beloved middle-grade writer Barbara Park tells how Phoebe copes with her painful loss in this story filled with sadness, humor--and hope. Chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of their Best Books of 1996. "A full-fledged and fully convincing drama

Finished Reading: 01st March 2013
Acquire: 06th February 2013
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Realistic Fiction | Young Adult | Teens | Middle Grade
Release Day }  26th January 2011
Publisher } Yearling
Format } eBook
ISBN } 9780307786821
Pages } 96 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 15 yo +
Interests } Realistic Fiction Readers 
Awards }
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Book Review: The Wide-Awake Princess; By E. D. Baker

So it turned out, Sleeping Beauty has a little sister and she has been bestowed the gift of “Anti-Magic”. Now that a killer plot. We know they love baby sister Annie that’s why they let the fairy bestow her that magical gift, but in the same time, everybody is treating her like she’s unwanted, because when she’s near them, their magical gifts weakened and show them their real self.

Pst.. in this version Sleeping Beauty not really that beautiful at all when Annie comes close.

I am so happy Liam is there for her. (ohh spoilers tsk tsk)

And to my friends and fellow bloggers who has read this, don’t you just wish there’s a Disney tv series/movie about this? Cause man this would be so darn cute to past!

I must admit, it took me  a while to finish reading this book. It’s not that it’s boring or anything, that I could only blame my hectic work schedule. (Yes, you heard that right, a librarian has a hectic schedule.) 

Forewarn, the characters in this book includes characters we all know and not that quite familiar with, so I suggest, you have a back up knowledge on your fairy tales before you pick this book up. or maybe this is the reason why you want to know the background stories of the characters involved.

By the way… “Princess and the Pea” reference is such a cute fit in that particular scene!

Quote. More than anything, Annie wanted to feel as if she belonged. But instead she felt as if she were a remote and not-too-fondly regarded cousin who was allowed to live in the castle.

The Wide-Awake Princess (Wide-Awake Princess #1)
by E. D. Baker

In this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie, blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic, can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake.
But who is her true love? The irritating Digby? The happy-go-lucky Prince Andreas, who is holding a contest to find his bride? The conniving Clarence, whose sinister motives couldn't possibly spell true love? Joined by one of her father's guards, Liam, who happened to be out of the castle when the sleeping spell struck, Annie travels through a fairy tale land populated with characters both familiar and new as she tries to fix her sister and her family . . . and perhaps even find a true love of her own.

Finished Reading: 28th February 2013
Acquire: 07th February 2013
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Fairy Tales | Children | Teens | Fantasy
Release Day }  15th March 2011
Publisher } Bloomsbury USA Children
Format } eBook
ISBN } B004PGMHUQ
Pages } 270 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 12 yo +
Interests } Fairy Tale Retellings 
Awards }
Support my reading by getting your copy }

 

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Book Review: Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles 03); by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

I didn’t expect that ending. Maybe I did. But that ending came down hard. The authors did sort of put hints, and yet I fall for the red herring.

I am still trying to sink this in after reading it for the whole night till morning. That was my mistake. Reading this at night. This book has the tendency, where when you’ve reached a point where you are supposed to put it down, you can’t. It was horrible (good kind of horrible). It happened all suddenly the realization… the sacrifice.

Though James Breed hiding in Ravenwood was kind off expected, though I didn’t expect that little twist with Ridley. I feel so much sadness for Amma and Aunt Prud. I cried when Ethan cried in his mother’s ghostly arms. That’s just so sad. I found myself feeling sorry for Sarafine. My heart poured out to that dark hearted woman. And then there’s Aunt Mirian. *sigh*

It is crazy how good this series is. Still sinking in… Come back later maybe …

Quote. I’ll love you until the day after forever.

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3)
By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What — or who — will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself — forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Finished Reading: 1st January 2013
Acquire: 02nd November 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Supernatural | Urban Fantasy
Release Day }  18th October 2011
Publisher } Little, Brown and Company
Format } Hardcover
ISBN } 9780316123525
Pages } 518 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 15 yo +
Interests } Paranormal
Awards }
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Book Review: Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles 02) by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Wow… that was an unexpected turn of events to this book. I actually was up till morning reading this book. It’s that sort of a page turner. The book itself, is beautiful in writing, setting, characters and plot. So much drama that I was stuck reading it. It bound me at page one. That’s something different from the first book. Well, that actually explained why they chose the dark lit stairs on the cover. That was brilliant. though it was quite a turn off for me from reading this book for quite a while, but it was brilliant.

This time, the authors didn’t just focus the first person narration with Ethan, but through the visions he has, we finally get the glimpse of what’s going on on the other side of the story. You know, the side where the story is about what’s going on with Lena, and other characters like Abraham Ravenwood (oh yes, he has appeared) and Macon Ravenwood.

This book finally shed a bit of light on Ravenwood’s history, relationships and on both Lena and Ethan’s side of family and friends. The sisters are not as ignorant as they were first depicted in the beginning of the series.

And then there’s Lucille Bell… The cat. The cat!


They finally tell us what exactly Ethan’s role in to the Casters lives. He is a Wayward! I can’t believe Lena actually….






****Spoilers!****

…ran away with Ridley and that hunky James guy and left Ethan on his own. I think she gave up!. Yup it was an emotional read for me. I was pissed at Lena Duchannes, especially after the stunt she pulled at the fair. Poor Ethan, m heart just poured out for him.. especially when he finally knew why. Oh dear. Not just that, Macon… oh my God… with Ethan’s mom?! That wasn’t something I was expecting. I was entirely emotional when Lila was summoned as a ghost to meet up with Ethan. How sad was that?  

I absolutely love this book! Why are you picking up this series yet?

First Quote. I used to think our town, buried in the South Carolina backwood, stuck in the muddy bottom of the muddy bottom of the Santee River Valley, was the middle of nowhere

Quote. Liv. I couldn’t look at her. I’d been jealous and hurt, and I had dragged Liv into the middle of my own broken mess of a life. All because I thought Lena didn’t love me anymore.

Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #02)
By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.
Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Finished Reading: 28rd December 2012
Acquire: 17st October 2010
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Supernatural | Urban Fantasy
Release Day }  12th October 2010
Publisher } Little, Brown and Company
Format } Hardcover
ISBN } 9780316077057
Pages } 503 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 15 yo +
Interests } Paranormal  
Awards } Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction (2010)
Support my reading by getting your copy } Amazon | Kindle

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Book Review: Suicide Notes; By Michael Thomas Ford

What can I say about this book. It was daunting. The depth the main character brought you under his skin, his thoughts. to sum it up. it was triggering, if you have a cutting problem, do NOT read this book.

But it is also kind of hilarious.....yet in the same time heartbreaking to read.

It isn't as depressing as it sounds. this book consisted of 45 days presenting every single day and thoughts of Jeff while he's in the hospital. He cope with his smartass remarks and just "blah" personality.

Personally, it was a good read. I actually went through it with all the emotions and actually relate, laugh and feel what the characters and his mates are feeling, not to mention going through.

I wouldn't really expect to see this in any school libraries due to the "harsh" content (but heck) it would be nice read outside school and during their own personal time.

"Seven little crazy kids chopping up sticks;
one burnt her daddy up and then there were six.
Six little crazy kids playing with a hive;
One tattooed himself to death and then there were five.
Five little crazy kids going out to sea;
One wouldn't say a word and then there were three.
Three little crazy kids playing in the zoo;
One jerked himself too much and then there were two.
Two little crazy kids playing in the sun;
One took a bunch of pills and then there was one.
One little crazy kid left all alone;
He went and slit his wrists and then there were none."

Quote. "That's what people do. Kill the things they're afraid off."

Suicide Note
By Michael Thomas Ford

Fifteen-year-old Jeff wakes up on New Year's Day to find himself in the hospital. Make that the psychiatric ward. With the nutjobs. Never mind the bandages on his wrists, clearly this is all a huge mistake. Jeff is perfectly fine, perfectly normal--not like the other kids in the hospital with him. They've got problems. But a funny thing happens as Jeff's forty-five-day sentence drags on: the crazies start to seem less crazy. . . .
Compelling, witty, and refreshingly real, "Suicide Notes" is a darkly comic novel that examines that fuzzy line between "normal" and the rest of us.

Finished Reading: 15th November 2012
Acquire: 31th March 2011
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Realistic Fiction | Young Adult
Release Day }  7 September 2010
Publisher } HarperTeen
Format } Paperback 
ISBN } 9780060737573
Pages } 304 pages
Source } Borrowed
Age Group } 18 yo +
Interests } Survivor Books    
Awards } Ala Rainbow List (Young Adult Fiction, 2009)
Support my reading by getting your copy } Amazon.com

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Book Review: The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus 3) By Rick Riordan

Oh the Agony!!! The agony!! AGONY! Oh come on! Cliffhanger?! Why cliffhanger?? I have to wait another whole year to read what’s happening next? AHHHHH!!!

I have had lingered my way through this book so I reach to the end slowly. But my urge to read through it overcame all that. I have finished reading this book for a while not but I have been busy with work and life, but in the same time I was trying to sink in the ending of this book. Oh agony!  This book is all what I’ve expected, I miss Ares though. Be warn, Athena is a bit loco here. The adventure, the chase, the suspense, strong testosterone between Percy and Jason, the quirk…. and of course the kiss *wink* is the package.

The cliffhanger agony! Percy.. Annabeth! Why?!!

Okay, I have come down to a point where I say, if anybody… ANYBODY… wants to turn this series into a movie. Let me be the first to say I hate you! Don’t EVER turn this series into movies.

However!

Please turn this into a series, or anime sort of a series. That would be PERFECT! Don’t get me wrong, but seriously, The Lightning Thief movie came out terrible. I like it… (yes back to that argument) but as a fan to Rick Riordan’s series, I don’t love it. Yes, it’s a movie, they have cut some things, let’s be honest, the movie cut alot of of the good parts. Oh dear, that’s just too much. I remember growing up watching BBC TV series version of the Narnia chronicles and Alice in Wonderland, that are far more alike of the books themselves, and had minimal scene cuts that are far more better than the ones they remake as movies nowadays.

So yeah, if you need to, turn this into a anime, or TV series. It would be awesome.

Regressing!

I absolutely love this book. Can’t wait for the next book. Now.. I go and sink the agony of a cliffhanger in my corner.



Quote. “We are staying together,” he promised. “You’re not getting away from me. Never again.”

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)
By Rick Riordan
In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

Finished Reading: 31th October 2012
Acquire: 04th October 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Fantasy | Mythology | Young Adult
Release Day }  2 October 2012
Publisher } Puffin
Format } Hardcover 
ISBN } 9780141335742
Pages } 572 pages
Source } bought
Age Group } 15+
Interests } Mythology lovers    
Awards } -
Support my reading by getting your copy } Amazon.com | Kindle

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Book Review: The Problem Child (The Sisters Grimm #3) By Michael Buckley

Third book revealed a new Grimm. Sabrina and Daphne has an estrangedfamily member who happens to be their father’s never heard of brother. This uncle just reminded me of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. He got style, he got magic, ok, scratched that. He reminded me of younger trouble Harry Dresden. Ohh.. fandom is such a curse! *chuckles*

Regressing…. We have a crazy, lunatic, coo coo Red Riding Hood who is terrorizing the Grimms with a Jabberwocky. With the history of Jabberwocky from Alice in Wonderland, I’m actually amazed she’s able to control that monster. Mr Canis… Oh Mr Canis. He is still awesome. Sabrina is too snappish. Daphne is as cool as ever. Have you meet Mirror Yet? I wish I have Mirror. ♥

Truth to be told, the series is really growing into me. The progress gets better and better. Emotionally, it tugged the right responses. ever play a video game where you actually jumped when press the jump button and you lean right and left when you press the buttons, etc. Well, that’s exactly how you be when you’re read this series. That is rare right? It’s like reading Harry Potter series, but with fairy tales. I yelled, I gasp, I cried, and more.

Man, I LOVE this series

Puck and Sabrina…. ♥

First Words. Sabrina opened her eyes and saw a monster hunched over her.

Quote. The only bad ideas are the ones never tried.

The Problem Child
(The Sisters Grimm #3)
By Michael Buckley

The sisters Grimm, intrepid detectives of fairy-tale crime, come face-to-face with their parents' kidnappers, the mysterious organization of Everafters who call themselves The Scarlet Hand. Will the sisters Grimm save the day?




Finished Reading: 26th August 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } fiction | children | fairy tales retellings | fantasy | juvenile | adventure
Release Day }  September 2007
Publisher } Amulet
Format } Paperback 
ISBN } 9780810993594
Pages } 320 pages
Source } bought
Age Group } 10+
Interests } reluctant readers | middle graders | fairy tales retelling  
Awards } -
Support my reading by getting your copy } Amazon.com | Kindle

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Book Review: The Unusual Suspects By Michael Buckley

This second installment of of the series is absolutely fab. It has launch my reading marathon of this series. I just can’t stop picking this book up as soon as I have time for it. I actually have both Kindle and paperback version of it, so I actually able to bring it around (the best thing about having a smartphone).

Honestly said, I like to smack the sense out of Sabrina. She is becoming a brat. I don’t really like that, but I guess that actually add the spice in the plots. I mean, who wouldn’t. Her parents has been kidnapped and she’s desperately in need to find them. I also find it’s cute to read Daphne getting all fan crazy because she meeting her favorite fairy tales characters all around her. Mr Canis. Oh dear, My favorite character of this book is having the trouble of keeping his Wolf in.  

Now let me say here, Rumpelstiltskin made his appearance. Here his character isn't like Mr. Gold (Once Upon a Time), but.. oh well you read it. Nevertheless, I had a “Oh My God SHUT UP!” moments. again and again and again. I didn’t see that coming. Really, I didn’t! Michael Buckley really did surprise me in that plot. I love it! What I don’t like was that cliffhanger.  I like to scream when I finished reading it.

Why? how? WHAT?!!!  Cliffhanger! *dies!*

Before I forget. The cover. It’s Puck carrying the girls flying away from a swarm of rabbit.s I must say. That is a brilliant plot. *grins* You really think I’m goign to tell you what’s that all about? No way! Go read this!

First Words: Let's get this party started, already!" Sabrina complained under her breath as she rubbed the charley horse in her leg.

Quote: Please, don't hate me because I am beautiful.

The Unusual Suspects
(The Sisters Grimm #2)
By Michael Buckley
The Sisters Grimm start school at Ferryport Landing Elementary. Daphne's lucky enough to get Snow White for a teacher, but poor Sabrina is stuck with Mr. Grumpner and a class of mildly psychotic sixth graders. When Mr. Grumpner is found hanging in a spider's web, it is up to the Grimms to find the Everafter who did it.



finished reading : 22th August 2012
rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | children | fairy tales retellings | fantasy | juvenile | adventure
release day }  April 2007
publisher } Amulet
format } Paperback
isbn } 9780810993235
pages } 290 pages
source } bought
age group } 10+
interests } reluctant readers | middle graders | fairy tales retelling  
awards } -
Get Your Copy } Amazon.com | Kindle

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Book Review The Serpent’s Shadow (Kane Chronicles #3) By Rick Riordan

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠ ♥
genre } young adult | fantasy | mythology | supernatural
release day }  1st May 2012
acquired } 1st March 2012
publisher } Hyperion Books for Children
format } hardcover
isbn } 9781423140573
pages } 416 pages
source } bought @ Fenix Indie Online Bookstore, Brunei
age group } 12+
interest } Folks who love mythology
awards } -

The Serpent’s Shadow
(Kane Chronicles #3)
By Rick Riordan

He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sade Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos.
To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent’s shadow... or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld...

My 2 cents
It’s over… IT’s OVER?!!!! Trilogy?? THAT’S IT?! WHYYY?!!!

That was my reaction when I finished reading this book.  I can’t accept it just ended like that. I can’t believe it but I actually be missing the annoying sudden popping of sibling squabbling (the parts where they keep saying they are taping the whole ordeal). I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since I’d finished reading the 2nd book to the series. Yes! It’s that long! and when it’s over it’s just so sad it’s over… *hopes for a new set of this series like Riordan did with Percy Jackson.”

There.. Now I got that out of the way….

I have a confession. It’s not enough. The ending left me feeling like, “Oh my that’s all??? i need more!” But I was disappointed. Do you want to know how good this book is?

It was riveting. Even the cover looks amazing. The shadow of the serpent’s soul and the all mighty obelisk. Oh please read it so you know exactly what that was about. That part of my favorite. Carter and Sadie really grew up in this one. It tugged my heart when Sadie had that emotional conflict about Walt being dying and she also loves Anubis. That awkward thing where Ra and Carter.. well… *ahem* kiss. 

God! It’s hard to actually do a review on this book without telling the whole story!!! If I say anything else, it be the spoilers for the whole trilogy! *grunts!* GAH! Read it!

Oh by the way.. I think the Kanes will be  meeting Percy in their next series. Sadie did said she knows people from Aphrodite's cabin and Carter saw the flying horse over Manhattan *Hint: read Percy Jackson!* If that’s true. I am so looking forward to the series! ♥♥♥

Oh well, that means now I will have to find another book to satisfy my reading needs until The Mark of Athena popped out. The AGONYYYY!!

Oh! Before I leave you off, I think this would be a fitting soundtrack to this book.

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Book Review: Medusa the Mean; By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

I have been keeping an avid fan of this series ever since I was offered to read an ARC of it. Since I am a big fan of the Greek mythologies, I say why not? I have never been a big fan of Medusa, but after reading this series, I found a soft spot for her in my life. I watch (read) her grow through out this book, and being humanized by the author. She’s portray as having a personality like our normal teens, having the usual self-esteem and boy troubles teens usually face.

By the way. Perseus and Andromeda did an appearance in this book as a kindergarteners giving it an extra spice of humor in the mix.

Honestly said I didn’t regret picking this book up as soon as it is available to get. So you better get yours as well.

First Words. We are standing in the courtyard of Mount Olympus Academy,” a goddess girl named Artemis announced to tour group gathered around her.

Quote. The chariot wobbled horribly as hands reached back and grabbed her around the shoulders, pulling her out of the scrolls until she found herself face-to-face with a god wearing a winged cap.

Medusa the Mean (Goddess Girls #8)
By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
Medusa is the ultimate mean girl in this series that blends modern drama with ancient myths.Well researched and true to the original myths, each volume in the Goddess Girls series addresses contemporary issues, like friendships and relationships, from a classically accurate—and entertaining—perspective.

In Medusa the Mean, Medusa is sick and tired of being the only mortal at Mount Olympus Academy. Not only is she surrounded by beautiful, powerful, immortal classmates, but she also has snakes for hair and a reputation for being mean. Immortality, she thinks, will solve everything. So when she finds out about a necklace that promises just that, she’s sure it will help her get the two things she covets most: to be as popular as the four Goddess Girls and to have her supercrush, Poseidon, finally notice her. But when the necklace brings about popularity in the totally wrong way, things go from bad to worse. Can Medusa overcome her “meanie” status and prove that there’s more to her that meets the eye?

finished reading : 31th May 2012
rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | children | mythology | fantasy | juvenile | adventure
release day }  April 2012
publisher } Aladdin
format } Paperback
isbn } 9781442433793
pages } 256 pages
source } bought
age group } 10+
interests } reluctant readers | middle graders | fairy tales retelling  
awards } -
Get Your Copy } Amazon.com | Kindle

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Book Review: The Fairy-Tale Detectives; By Michael Buckley

I really need to stop giving great books several doubtful glances before I actually read it. That’s what happened here. I almost missed the chance to read this one. Geez, you think I wouldn’t waste a minute over a giant hand reaching out to two running girls through a forest scene on the cover. Would you? I should be curious!

Anyhoo! I am actually glad I give it a chance. Pick it up and never look back! Two normal girls thrown into a fairy tale town (does it reminds you of that series Grimm and Once Upon a Time?). Grimms family as detectives. Sudden disappearance of the girls parents. Oh gee… But! What tickles me is how Michael Buckley described Prince Charming, he’s the mayor here mind you. He is a player. Turned out, the Prince who rescued all the Disney princess turned out to be the same guy. That gave me the What the… Shut up! moment. But it was awesome take. That moment, I was hooked. Maybe I was daft at first, but Prince Charming was the only one who I actually recognized at first amongst the characters in this book. The author is smart is making us guess who is who in this book.

Nevertheless, this book is an brilliant retelling of our famous fairy tales. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Let’s see if we have another Rick Riordan in our hands here. I must admit though, I barely see this series appearing around the blogosphere nor mention by any of my reading friends… as far as I know that is.

Back to the this book, it puts the reader on edge, it page after page after page of adventure, drama, suspense, mystery and full pack of familiar characters that would take you back to that familiar fairy tales of your childhood. Mr Canis is my favorite character… My heart just pour out to him. He has his own demons to fight. Boy… you see why when you read it.

So what are you waiting for, pick up a copy and READ!

First Words. I'm going to die of boredom here, Sabrina Grimm thought as she looked out the train window at Ferryport Landing, New York.

Quote. You can't judge the many by the actions of the few.

The Fairy-Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm #1)
By Michael Buckley
In book one of this bestselling series, sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their mysterious grandmother, Relda Grimm. The sisters learn they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, whose famous book of fairy tales is actually a collection of case files. The girls are the latest in a long line of fairy-tale detectives, and their new hometown is filled with Everafters (as magical folks like to be called) - some good and some very, very bad. When a mysterious Everafter sets a giant loose on the town, it’s up to the Sisters Grimm to save the day. (Amazon.com)

finished reading : 21th May 2012
rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | children | mythology | fantasy | juvenile | adventure
release day }  April 2007
publisher } Amulet
format } Paperback
isbn } 9780810993228
pages } 284 pages
source } bought
age group } 10+
interests } reluctant readers | middle graders | fairy tales retelling  
awards } -
Get Your Copy } Amazon.com | Kindle

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Book Review: 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life By David Grotto

rate } ♠♠♠♠
genre } Food & Drink | Health | Nutrition
release day } 26th December 2007
acquired } 11th February 2009
publisher } Bantam
format } paperback
isbn } 9780553384321
pages } 464 pages
source } bought
age group } G
interest } G
awards } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

 

101 Foods That Could Save Your Life
By David Grotto

Via Goodreads
When it comes to food, nature provides a wealth of delicious choices. But each one also supplies unique health benefits. Leading nutritionist David Grotto reveals a wealth of power foods, from apples to yogurt, and explains why

• A handful of cherries before bed can help you sleep better
• Hot peppers may fight skin cancer
• Potatoes may reduce the risk of stroke
• Grape juice may be as heart-healthy as red wine
• Honey can help wounds heal faster

Each entry features a history of a food’s origin, a list of therapeutic benefits, information on scientific research, tips for use and preparation, and an appetizing recipe from a leading chef or nutritionist. Prepare to awaken your taste buds, lose weight, and let the healing begin!

My 2 Cents
I can’t say I have read this in one sitting. I pretty much find this more of a repetitive reference book. It provides you with the origins, where, why home remedies and tells you what it helps improving in your health. Much so, it also provides us with a recipe for easy serving tips.

If you’re expecting pictures, forget about it. It is a full bound text. Yup.. You have to refer to the internet if you want to recognize the food with it’s name. Otherwise it’s a good book.

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Book Review: Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test 2); By Aimee Carter

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠ ♥
genre } fiction | mythology | young adult | romance
release day } 27th March 2012
acquired } 22th January 2012
publisher } HarlequinTeen
format } paperback
isbn } 9780373210459
pages } 307 pages
source } ARC
age group } 18+
interest } 18+
awards } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

 

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test 2)
By Aimee Carter

Via Goodreads
Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

My 2 Cents
I actually finished reading this last week, but I have yet find the time to write a review. Why? I need time to sink in. Cliffhanger hurts so bad. *limp ears*

Most of my friends I have been waiting with anticipation to read this book since I’ve finished reading The Goddess Test last year. It was a wonderful book back then and I wanted to read the sequel. Aimee Carter didn’t disappoint me, but still cliffhanger hurts so bad…

Cover. It is beautiful! enticing and scream want to know my secret? Love it!

Extremely a page turner. Brooding Henry. Hot James. Lovable Kate. Adorable Ava. Intimidating Calliope. Lovable characters. The plot just won’t slow down. When I put it down for chore or work I can’t wait to pick it up as soon as I could. Some scenes are tearjerkers. The ones who have read it would know which and why. I feel sorry for both Kate and Henry…

Overall… wow.. It was just as I have expected and more (the cliffhanger though.. No I won’t let that one go Aimee.. you have hooked me for the next one!)

P/S ADONIS IS HOT!

I can’t wait for the next book! (yeah I know Harlequin and I don’t mix, but this series is just awesome!

Library? Since I’m a high school librarians, as much as I wanted to put this on the shelves, I can’t. :( There are just some scenes (yup those scenes) are the reason why. But yeah, it is a Harlequin.. so I’m not really that surprise either.

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