eBook Review: Dream Dark (Caster Chronicles 2.5) by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

As a new acclaimed fan to this series, it was obligatory to get and read this e-book. before I go on to the next book. Here, we get to know about Link (or should we call him Linkabus now *tongue in cheek*), after his um.. incident, and his transition turning into an incubus. It’s funny when his mother thought he was on steroids and demand a urine test. Made me actually wonder how the result come out as. I love the Link & Ridley scenes in this. What annoyed me was, when things just get going, only to turn and read the author’s biography on the next page.  Yes That was annoying! 

It’s pretty much a short read, but if I have had read the next book without reading this one, I probably be lost in plot. Yup, it was that essential. Get this ebook!    
 
Dream Dark (Caster Chronicles #2.5)
by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

When Link joined his best friend, Ethan Wate, on a quest through a mysterious network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, he knew the journey would be dangerous. But returning home to Gatlin, South Carolina was just the beginning...

Wounded during a climactic battle, Link discovers that tending his injuries won't be as simple as visiting a doctor and that healing his arm should be the least of his worries. For being bitten by a Supernatural does more than break the skin -- it changes a person, inside and out, turning Link into someone more and more like the dark creature who injured him.

In this never-before-seen short story by New York Times bestselling authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, listeners witness Link's heart-racing transformation. Dream Dark is set before the much-anticipated third Beautiful Creatures novel, Beautiful Chaos, and as a special bonus includes an exclusive sneak peek at the first five chapters.

Finished Reading: 28rd December 2012
Acquire: 27th December 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Supernatural | Urban Fantasy
Release Day }  02nd August 2011
Publisher } Little, Brown and Company
Format } ebook
ISBN } 9780316077057
Pages } 75 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: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Well, typical me. Hears a movie adaption of a novel is coming out soon, then rush to read it before the movie came out. I can’t say it enough, how long this has been in my “To Be Read” pile, and I just picked it up due to a movie! 2009. Wow, that was a big bump up!

It’s a typical boy dreamt of girl, boy meets girl, boy fall hard for girl kind of book… with the cliche paranormal romance in the air. *sighs dreamingly*

*refrains from bashing the  other novel*

I avoided reading this book because of those mixed reviews my fellow book bloggers has been giving through out the years. When I finally pick it up, it really did live up its hype. It’s true. It is quite slow pace at the first 100’s pages. Hence why I gave it  four spades rating. As slow as it was, it kept me grip on. It sunk its teeth into me and I just can’t put it down. The characters are strong and the settings are extremely memorable.

People are afraid of what’s different. That’s my take into how they have treated Lena Duchannes. the new kid in town, just because her uncle doesn’t really care much into mixing with the crowd of stereotype towners. Especially teens. Teens can be cruel. That popped out clearly as a concept in this book, and it be fine when you have people you love by your side along the way.

Let me forewarn you, this book is 99% entirely in the first person view of Ethan (who for some unknown reason I picture and sounded like Drake Bell in my head), the main character of this novel. You won’t be reading through the eyes of another character for quite a while until… um.. much much later. I must say, this part is much too annoying at times while reading through cause I be asking alot of what’s going on with the other characters? What are they thinking? What are they plotting? What they think about this and that?

If you are like me and still haven’t pick up this book and read yet, why? Pick it up dammit! You’re missing alot! Well not alot, but you know what I mean. That is how much you’re missing out. If you’re into Harry Potter (nah… not quite the  example…). If you love reading Twilight, this book will blow your mind.



****SPOILERS! (Kind of) ****

Holy crap. I can’t believe Larkin is… *argh!* I mean I suspected with his powers he was, but I think I was I in denial or something. I must say when Ridley “help” Lena during the dance was some sort of sweet. Personally, those girls deserved it after what they did to Lena. Hell yeah on “Stephen King’s Carrie” prom scene! I do think Ridley still care about Lena at that point. All together now… Aww…..

First Words. There were only two kinds of people in our town.

Quotes.
“The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.”

”Even lost in the darkness, my heart will find you.”

”In one moment I was feeling everything and I was feeling nothing.”

”What is the opposite of two? A lonely me and a lonely you.”

”I never loved you any more than I do, right this second. And I’ll never love you any less than I do, right this second.”

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1)
By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Finished Reading: 23rd December 2012
Acquire: 01st December 2009
Rate } ♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Supernatural | Urban Fantasy
Release Day }  1st December 2009
Publisher } Little, Brown and Company
Format } Hardcover
ISBN } 9780316042673
Pages } 563 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 15 yo +
Interests } Paranormal   
Awards } ALA Teens Top Ten (2010) | Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction (2009)
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Book Review: After by Amy Efaw

It has been awhile since I’ve actually posted a book review (or anything really). I apologize. I had a very hectic end of year, with work and life… (and not really reliable internet connection). Even reading took its toll, but I assure you, I will try not to stop reading. Anyway… I’ve seen this book around the book blogsphere for a while now, and I haven’t quite have the time to pick it up until now. I have alot in my “to be read” pile and it will take a while before I actually able to finish reading them all. (how scary).

If you have been living under a coconut shell or a rock, you wouldn’t have heard the news about how almost to frequent news of trash babies and door babies.. let’s keep it simple, babies left by people in the trash, in the wild, in places, in bags etc in the news. Most of us heard about it, yet there’s hardly any news of “After”. What happened to the parents? f course, there’s alot of horror movies about babies haunting their parents, but face it, there’s no after news.

Until now…

Somebody offered to read this books years ago. I wasn’t really into the genre  back then, but I’ve revisited the reference after we had this Teens Awareness week at work. It was an eye opener.

Let’s talk about this book. The main character, Devon, had a baby, threw the baby into the trash like a piece of nothing. Heartless, people say (the normal reaction we have after listening to the same kind of news in the medias). Here’s the twist… she didn’t know she was pregnant, she didn’t realize it was her baby until a few months later. Wow… yup bullshit. That was my reaction. Then, the author brings us walking into the characters state of mind. her memories, her feelings, her thoughts, her fears, her aspirations. I actually feel sorry for her, regardless what she did.

Amy Efaw did an excellent job in writing Devon’s story. I actually learn a lot, and somewhat empathize with the character.

Cover. If you hadn’t notice, the model on the cover has the reflection of a pregnant woman on the back of the leaning model



****SPOILER****



The only reason why I gave it a 4 spades, was the ending. It was a major twist, but I was hoping for more. I wanted to know about the boy. The baby’s father. How about the baby? I do hope Amy Efaw would do a “follow up” sort of books regarding this one. It would be awesome. I hate being left hanging like that.     

Quote: She can paint a pretty picture but this story has a twist. The paintbrush is a razor and the canvas is her wrist

After
By Amy Efaw

An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . .
Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made. Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there's only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.
And yet gifted author Amy Efaw does the impossible. She turns Devon into an empathetic character, a girl who was in such deep denial that she refused to believe she was pregnant. Through airtight writing and fast-paced, gripping storytelling, Ms. Efaw takes the reader on Devon's unforgettable journey toward clarity, acceptance, and redemption.

Finished Reading: 13th December 2012
Acquire: 24th November 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Realistic Fiction | Young Adult
Release Day }  11 August 2009
Publisher } Viking Juvenile
Format } Paperback
ISBN } 9780670011834
Pages } 350 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 15 yo +
Interests } Realistic Fiction    
Awards } Borders Original Voices Award for Kids & Teens (2009)
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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 Maze of Bones (The 39th Clues 1); By Rick Riordan

I had my eye on this book for a long while now. I heard about the contest but that really didn’t tempt me (since it’s not applicable for me to join either). I broke down one day, when a friend offered me the book to read as he told me, it would be popular amongst my middle grade students. As method goes, I usually take a dash of spice and read some books before actually agreeing on adding them in the school library collection.

My verdict… it somewhat reminded me of Lemony Snicket’s A Series Unfortunate Events. Orphans in an adventure off to win their inheritance. Dan and Amy Cahill are two strong characters, facing their greedy relatives, who seemed to want to get rid of them so they be out of the way of money! A total page turner. I guess some of the middle grader I cater might like reading this sort. Personally, I thought it had a good plot.

Not in my usual sort of read, but yeah I’m looking forward to read the next book in this series.

Quote: “She led the way. Eyeless sockets of the dead seemed to stare at them as they passed.

The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues #1)
By Rick Riordan

Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her decendants an impossible decision: You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue.

Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

Finished Reading: 04th November 2012
Acquire: 02th November 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Mystery | Realistic Fiction | Middle Grade
Release Day }  1 October 2008
Publisher } Scholastic Press
Format } Hardcover 
ISBN } 9780545060394
Pages } 220 pages
Source } Swapped
Age Group } 10 yo +
Interests } Adventure and mystery lovers    
Awards } -
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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 } -
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Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades 01) By E. L. James

What can I say, except that, this is one of those, every book blogger… well almost all book blogger… must have in their reading list. Why? It’s the “in” thing, non-reader wouldn’t understand that. It’s like you must have an iPhone 5 because it’s an in thing. Ok.. not a really good example, but you know what I mean. right?

I must admit, as you can see I’ve bought it months before I’ve read it. It took me a while to pick it up. I didn’t really know what the hype was all about. It just sat there on my ‘TBR Pile’ for ages. What tip the scale was, a friend of mine, who have NEVER read this sort of genre, told me she has the interest to read it (because everybody else was reading it). So, I finally pick it up…

Ok, I agree, Christian Grey is hot. Extremely hot. Except the fact that he stalk… alot! But I would consider hat as “caring”. Anastasia however, is umm..  well she is quite the submissive, if I dare to say.

So, let’s keep in mind before hand that I read ebooks from Ellora’s Cave.

Considering the hype of book burning, let me say this book is quite tame. It’s like a thickened plot of a Harlequin book. Hotter than Harlequin, but still, BDSM erotica but yeah tame. That particular part is kind of frustrating to read. But in the same time, I just can’t stop reading it. What in heavens?! So yeah, if you like tame stuff (no quite vanilla), pick it up.

Cover. It doesn’t really show what genre it is offering. It actually shocked me to see it placed in the midst of teens section of bookstores (because Stephanie Meyer “likes"' it).

First Words. I scowl with frustration at myself in the mirror.

Quote. “Why don’t you like to be touched?” “Because I’m fifty shades of fucked-up, Anastasia”

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)
By E. L. James
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.
Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.
This book is intended for mature audiences.

Finished Reading: 05th October 2012
Acquire: 30th June 2011
Rate } ♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Adult | Erotica| Book Club | Chick Lit
Release Day }  May 2011
Publisher } Vintage
Format } ebook 
ISBN } 9781612130293
Pages } 385 pages
Source } bought
Age Group } 18+ SX
Interests } adult   
Awards } -
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Book Review: Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess 01); By Jessica Day George

Wow… I took a year or so after buying this book, to actually reading it. What was I thinking? I usually jump, dive and read books like this as soon as I get it. I was wrong. I should have read it one as soon as I get my hands on it. I’m glad I’m trying to finish my fairy-tales retellings challenge, or I wouldn’t have pick it up.

Cover-wise. So pretty! I suspect that’s Rose on the cover, so beautiful as it has been stated between the pages. I don’t know why I didn’t stack it on top of my TBR pile.

Reading this book is like love in first sight. It got me at the first sentence. The 12 Dancing Princesses has always been one of my favorite tales growing up, and reading this retelling is really wonderful. Honestly said, what I remembered much about the tale was the princesses beautiful dresses and their worn out shoes. Galen is a wonderful “Prince Charming”. He’s different. An ex military turn gardener, fancying one of the princesses, who are trapped in a curse set by the King Under the Stone. The curse is a great spin to an age old tale.

Frankly of what’s lacking, I did expect the princesses to be more active in the novel itself, since it is about them, but we are left mostly of Galen’s experiences. While I was reading, all I could thought of was where’s the princesses? They pop here and there, but I was expecting their “experiences” their thoughts, their tales… I can’t say about emotions, since their emotions are there. Totally present with their anger, and crying here and there. I do wish they pop around saying if one of them fancy this suitor or that, or present their wishes, thoughts.

But other wise, it’s all good.

Would I recommend this? EXTREMELY! If you love reading retellings, this book is for you.

First Words. Because he had once been human, King Under Stone sometimes found himself plagued by human emotions.

Quote. “No need, no, need. Life is already too short to find it.”

Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess #1)
By Jessica Day George
As the crown princess, Rose is never without a dance partner. She and her eleven sisters are treated to beautiful gowns, slippers, and dances at party after party in their father's palace. But their evenings do not end when the guests return home. Instead, Rose and her sisters must travel deep into the earth to the wicked King Under Stone's palace. There, the girls are cursed to dance each night, even when they grow exhausted or ill.
Many princes have tried-and failed-to break the spell. But then Rose meets Galen, a young soldier-turned-gardener with an eye for adventure. Together they begin to unravel the mystery. To banish the curse, they'll need an invisibility cloak, enchanted silver knitting needles, and, of course, true love.

Finished Reading: 29th September 2012
Acquire: 16th September 2011
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } fiction | young adult | teens | fairy tales retellings | fantasy | romance |
Release Day }  April 2010
Publisher } Bloomsbury USA Children
Format } Paperback 
ISBN } 9781599904559
Pages } 304 pages
Source } bought
Age Group } 12+
Interests } reluctant readers | middle graders | fairy tales retelling  
Awards } ALA Best Books For Young Adults (2010)
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Book Review: Once Upon A Crime (The Sisters Grimm 4) By Michael Buckley

Puck is wounded. NO!!! Thank the stars,  Granny has a plan. He needs healing and they have to go to Faerie. And we are off to New York! What? New York. Yes New York.

This is what I call a nostalgic moment of the series. We get to learn Puck’s family life, while he’s recovering by going through this cocoon stage which smells like… well.. . yuck.. really bad. I actually made a face every time it was portray how Puck’s cocoon smells like. I mean geez… I was snacking while reading that time. *makes a face*. Anyway, Sabrina is having “enough is enough” attitude, and Daphne is adjusting nicely in this book to her big sister’s decision. In the same time, Sabrina is also being a “brat” or some sort. I don’t really like it. The absence of Mirror was also frustrating! I miss Mirror and Puck’s antics. Another nostalgic side of this book, the sisters discovered a side of their mother that they didn’t know, which left Sabrina second guessing herself. Ahh.. now that was a few emotional, heart tugging moments.

And then there is Moth. A very, very  jealous Moth. Now that’s an expected surprise. I wanted to smack that little piece of… *censored*

Otherwise, it is another great book in the series. It is just WOW. This time it features Wizard of Oz meets A Midsummer Night’s dream. Yes, I actually sang when Daphne said, “We’re off to see the wizard.” The author did a great job merging the characters from the two classics and guest staring them in this book. I could not say it enough! Pick this series up! Read it! If you are into fairytales, you should really pick this one up. It’s such an addictive series.

First Words. The explosion shook Sabrina Grimm so hard she swore she felt her brain do a somersault inside her skull.

Quote. “When did you suddenly become Mister Maturity?”

Once Upon A Crime (The Sisters Grimm #4)
By Michael Buckley
The Grimms take Manhattan in the fourth book in the "New York Times" bestselling series.
When fairy-tale detectives Sabrina and Daphne Grimm venture back to the big city to help a friend, they land in the middle of a big mystery. Puck's father, King Oberon, has been murdered, and the Grimms suspect one of the many famous (and infamous) fairy-tale folk who call the city home. Can they find the culprit while coming to terms with their mother's secret life? And will Sabrina ever accept her family's destiny?
Funny and fast-paced, this series puts a fresh spin on girl-detective stories and has won an ever expanding number of fans.

Finished Reading: 10th September 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } fiction | children | fairy tales retellings | fantasy | juvenile | adventure
Release Day }  April 2008
Publisher } Amulet
Format } Paperback 
ISBN } 9780810995499
Pages } 304 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 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 Frog Princess By E. D. Baker

finished reading : 10 June 2012
rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | fairy tales | fantasy | teens 
release day }  October 2004
acquired } 16th December 2011
publisher } Bloomsbury USA Children 
format } paperback
isbn } 9781582349237
pages } 224 pages
source } bought
age group } 12+
interests } fairy tales retellings  
awards } -
Get Your Copy } Kindle | Amazon.com

The Frog Princess
By E. D. Baker

Via Goodreads
Princess Emeralda a.ka. Emma isn't exactly an ideal princess. Her laugh is more like a donkey's bray than tinkling bells, she trips over her own feet and she does not like Prince Jorge, whom her mother hopes she will marry. But if Emma ever thought to escape her troubles, she never expected it to happen by turning into a frog! When convinced to kiss a frog so he might return to being a prince, somehow the spell is reversed and Emma turns into a frog herself! Thus begins their adventure--a quest to return to human form.

Fascinating and hilarious characters ranging from a self-conscious but friendly bat to a surprisingly loyal snake and a wise green witch confirm that readers won't soon forget this madcap story. A fantastic debut from the talented E.D. Baker.

My 2 Cents
I must admit, nobody told me about this series.As far as I know, none (maybe a couple or so) book bloggers knew about this series at all. True to my addictive genre, (fairy tales retellings, if you haven’t by now), I take a plunge. I was expecting, the usual snotty princess playing golden ball, ball fall into pond, frog rescue ball, frog wants kiss, frog eats and sleeps with princess, frog turn prince.

Boy, I was wrong. It caught me at the beginning! (well not really. It was slow for me to catch up cause I was in the middle of a busy week when I was reading this one)

First Sentence: Even as a little girl, I had thought that the swamp was a magical place where new lives began and the old ones ended, where enemies and heroes weren’t always what one expected, and where anything could happen, even to a clumsy princess. Although I’d believed this for most of my life, I had no proof until Prince Jorge came to visit and I met the frog of my dreams.

Quote: “I’ve been told that kissing a frog is good for the complexion,” he said, sidling toward me.

This book is funny and enjoyable to read offering a nice spin to the well famous fairy tale. In fact, it adds that particular spice to the story. It does reminded me a bit of that Frog princess movie where the princess turned into a frog after she kissed the frog. Princess Emeralda is a normal girl, unlike her typical snotty character suppose to be. The frog prince is hilarious enough that I actually blurt out laughing in public while reading this book. Ended up with people giving me that look.

This would be an awesome addition for a school library, particularly middle school libraries. Check it out! .

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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: Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories

finished reading : 3 June 2012
rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } non-fiction | biography | abuse 
release day }  April 2009
acquired } 04th August 2008
publisher } Harper Element 
format } paperback
isbn } 9780007280971
pages } 310 pages
source } bought
age group } 15+
interests } If you like reading The child call IT, (well not enjoy, you know what I mean)  
awards } -

Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
By Megan Kelly Hall, Carrie Jones, Claudia Gabel, Courtney Sheinmel, Crissa-Jean Chappell, Cyn Balog, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Daniel Waters, Dawn Metcalf, Debbie Rigaud, Deborah Kerbel, Diana Rodriguez Wallach, A.S. King, Eric Luper, Erin Dionne, Alyson Noel, Amy Goldman Koss, Amy Reed, Aprilynne Pike, Carolyn Mackler, Carrie Ryan, Cecil Castellucci, Heather Brewer, Holly Cupala, Janni Lee Simner, Jeannine Garsee, Jessica Brody, Jo Knowles, Jocelyn Maeve Kelley, Jon Scieszka, Kieran Scott, Kiersten White, Kristin Harmel, Kurtis Scaletta, Lara Zeises, Laura Kasischke, Lauren Kate, Lauren Oliver, Linda Gerber, Lisa McMann, Lisa Schroeder, Lisa Yee, Lucienne Diver, Marina Cohen, Marlene Perez, Maryrose Wood, Megan McCafferty, R.L. Stine, Melissa Schorr, Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Faria Stolarz

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Discover how Lauren Kate transformed he feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the "funny guy" into the best defense against the bullies in his class.
Today's top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.

My 2 Cents
The first time I heard about this book, I was quite reluctant to get it. A few weeks later, a good friend recommended this book , and I was still reluctant to read it. But after a bit while, I gave in cause it was beckoning me to read it.

One huge message this book has would be, “You are not alone” to all bullying victims out there. Another side of this book, would be the stories from bullying “by-standers”. The party who are the audiences of the ordeal. Then, there are stories from ex bullies, sharing their experiences, their regret, their…”after taste” of their personal experience

This book really hit home for me. I think that was why I was avoiding to read this book in the first place. Once upon a time I was a bully victim, with “friends” as bystanders, and “friends” as the bullies, hence this was quite a personal matter of interest to actually read myself. Honestly said, this book practically humanize  our favorite authors into people we could relate to and not that someone who are so farfetched individuals as we would assume.

Page by page, this book is hard to put down. Is it that bad if I actually have a “in your face” feelings at the “Ex- Bullies” section of the book.

In serious part of the job, I am so tempted to get a copy of this book for the school library. What’s stopping me is the few vulgar language portray within some of the stories, which is a no-no for the students within a school. After all, we are trying to brainwash these kids into better behavior. It is quite a shame though, cause this book “clicked”.

Quote
”The situation quickly degenerated to an aggressive rumor campaign and, finally, to my daughter having her name written on the girls’ bathroom wall in conjunction with something truly humiliating by someone who had once been her best friend.”

One the last note: Why haven’t YOU pick this book up yet?

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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: Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go; by Dale E. Basye

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠♥
genre } fiction | fantasy | middle grade | supernatural
release day }  April 2009
acquired } 20th March 2012
publisher } Yearling
format } paperback
isbn } 9780375840760
pages } 304 pages
source } bought
age group } 12+
interest } Anybody who has read The Series of the Unfortunate Events (Lemony Snicket)
awards } -

Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go
(The Nine Circles of Heck #1)
by Dale E. Basye

When Milton and Marlo Fauster die in a marshmallow-bear explosion, they get sent straight to Heck, an otherworldly reform school. Milton can understand why his kleptomaniac sister is here, but Milton is—or was—a model citizen. Has a mistake been made? Not according to Bea “Elsa” Bubb, the Principal of Darkness. She doesn’t make mistakes. She personally sees to it that Heck—whether it be home ec class with Lizzie Borden, ethics with Richard Nixon, or gym with Blackbeard the pirate—is especially, well, heckish for the Fausters. Will Milton and Marlo find a way to escape? Or are they stuck here for all eternity, or until they turn eighteen, whichever comes first?

My 2 Cents
I found this book in the list of “If you’ve enjoyed Lemony Snicket…” list and the blurb kind of perk my interest.

The book turned out to be cute, and it does have the hint of Lemony Snicket sort of storyline, just as good. I really feel sorry for Milton to end up in Heck, being stuck to his sister… in the weirdest way to die ever. But something has to give to lead through a good story. The characters are truly believable and if you’re the kind to sink into a good book, you be lost in it cause it just has a good plot.

I am in love with this book and intend of getting on the next book on the list. I suspect the students at work would really enjoy this series as well. With all the monsters and icky stuff it has within.

P/S My confession. I finished reading this weeks ago. I just don’t have the time lately to post up reviews because of a sudden surge of busy season at work. Internet has been a PITA as well. So I guess Bear with me please…

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