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 } -
Support my reading by getting your copy } Amazon | Kindle

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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: 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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Young Adult Book Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games 1); By Suzanne Collins

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠ ♥
genre } fiction | young adult | fantasy | dystopia | science fiction | adventure
release day } 1st September 2009
publisher } Scholastic Paperbooks 
format } paperback
isbn } 9780439023528
pages } 374 pg.
source } bought
age group } 15 yo +
interest } pg 13 + ages
awards } Georgia Peach Book Award (2009), A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2008), Cybils Award for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2008), Amelia Bloomer List (2009), An ALA Notable Children's Book for Older Readers (2009), Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (2008), West Australian Young Readers' Book Award (WAYRBA) for Older Readers (2010), Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2011), Red House Children's Book Award for Older Readers & Overall (2010), New York Times Notable Children's Book (2008), Publishers Weekly's Best Books of The Year, South Carolina Book Award for Junior and Young Adult Book Awards (2011), Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award (2010), Teen Buckeye Book Award (2009), Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2010), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (2010), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2009), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2010), Sakura Medal for Middle School Book (2010), Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award (2009), Florida Teens Read (2009), Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (2010), Iowa High School Book Award (2011), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2009), The Inky Awards for Silver Inky (2009), Abraham Lincoln Award (2011)
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

The Hunger Games
(The Hunger Games #1)
By Suzanne Collins

Via Goodreads
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins, author of the New York Times bestselling The Underland Chronicles, delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

My 2 Cents
This was actually nesting in my TBR pile for a long while now. My fellow bloggers has finally broke me into reading this book. *purses lips* Yup…months after all the nagging of posts, emails, book talks, tweets, etc… I gave in.

The back synopses was wow.. that was hard to sink in for me, I mean, man… that’s terrible to have a game to do a “Survivor Series” a a twist of deaths included. I find the idea kind of *moves her hands in a gesture of waving it around* out there. Be the only surviving one, kill everybody kind of game to feed your whole district? Damn…

Cover. Not really have that “Grab Me” look. *ducks* Personally, it look dark and plain boring. *ducks again* Well it is… Unless you know what’s it’s all about, heard of it, or somebody recommend you this book over and over again. But I must admit after looking through the different other covers, I found these different looking good ones!



*** SPOILERS!!! ***


Story & Plot. I was hooked on the first page. Then it’s ongoing until 3 in the morning o.o That was how good it was. The characters and plots are just right that I actually wanted to yell at Katniss in some points of the book. Darn it. Peeta was so sweet and all. The romance plot Haymitch (their mentor) fixed up seems to become real. Then, it hit me. Poor Gale! What would Gale think! Then that thing with Rue happened. She died horribly! Oh My God. I was emotional when Katniss sang her to “sleep” in her last breath of life.Katniss kind off grew up in front of my eyes while reading through this book *a bit*.

Nevertheless, this is an extremely a page turner. I would definitely recommend this book to any readers out there high school up. I must forewarn you there are lot of violence and social problems in this book. (A lot of them)

Other wise this book has managed to get my ♥.

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Book Review: The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2): by Rick Riordan

rate } ♠♠♠♠
genre } young adult | greek mythology | roman mythology | fantasy | action & adventure
release day } 4th October 2011
publisher } Disney Hyperion
format } e-book & hardback
isbn } B0053TMP24
pages } 544 pg.
source } bought
age group } pg 13+
interest } young adult | teens
challenge }
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

The Son of Neptune
(Heroes of Olympus)
By; Rick Riordan

Via Goodreads
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.


My 2 Cents
Yes!! Percy is back baby! I couldn’t wait for my hardcopy to arrived that I actually bought the Kindle version just to satiate myself. Could you blame me?

This book has been a fresh of air for this whole Percy series. Percy lost his memory, Percy confused, Percy back to square one.. but I have to admit.. I love the fact Percy is not the the main protagonist in this book. Yes, some of you might not agree with me. But I actually enjoy the fact that we’re weren’t going going to reread his past adventures via his memories here.

Frank and Hazel from the Roman camp was actually refreshing. The fresh eyes, fresh history, fresh adventures. But I hate to say it, there were parts that dragged. It’s like the author was trying to explain the background or fun facts of things regarding some of things within the chapters. Hence there’s only 4 ♠s

I can’t help for that special love I have for Ares.. err I mean Mars, has been reaffirmed. He is more attentive, if I may say, to his children here. Maybe it’s due to being in a Roman-ic environment is more of his thing, rather than he was back in Camp Half-Blood. Yup, he was always one of my favorites. *swoon*

So overall? Mythology knowledge should be in that level where you know who is who, and who is what. Knowledge and background of the prequels from this book, is essential, or you be lost. So that means, Pick up Percy Jackson’s series before you read this series! Grab “The Lost Hero” as well. Otherwise, all is good and I’m definitely in ♥ with this book.

So looking forward to The Mark of Athena next year.

Fun Fact: I read this for the 2011’s 24 hr Dewey Read-a-thon

"When She Reads" is a blog mostly dedicated to the almost lost art reading. The Reader, namely Lisa, reads a long range of genre that includes children, young adults, teens, adult fiction, horror, fantasy, steam punk, science fiction, graphic novels, mystery, thrillers, a bit of non-fiction here and there. Lisa is also a librarian, webmiss, book reviewer and a writer all roll in one. Thanks for dropping by and please do leave a comment.

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Comic Review: Catwoman #1; Judd Winick

genre } fiction | comic | action
rating } 18+ sx
date released } September 21, 2011
edition } DC Universe, 32 pg

acquisition } bought

Catwoman #1
By; Judd Winick, Guillem March (Art & Cover)

Description
Meet Catwoman. She's addicted to the night. Addicted to shiny objects. Addicted to Batman. Most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can't help herself, and the truth is – she doesn't want to. She's good at being bad, and very bad at being good.



My 2 Cents
More trouble, yummy trouble from our favorite little kitty cat. So far, this is the beginning of a good new title series. Batman is a guest in this one.. always so ..um.. concern over our favorite kitty cat. *winks* so yeah.. yess! I am sointo this one already =^_^=

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Comic: Red Hood and the Outlaws #1; By Scott Lobdell

genre } fiction | comic | action
rating } 18+ sx
date released } September 21, 2011
edition } DC Universe, 32 pg

acquisition } bought

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1
By; Scott Lobdell; Kenneth Rocafort (Art & Cover)

Description

No sooner has Batman's former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow's rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won't be chained again.

As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what's he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader?

My 2 Cents
New comic series and it’s looking very promising. But it’s just the first issue. So far it is pretty much read worthy and subscribe worthy. Great colors, and illustrations are colorful and drool worthy. In a nutshell, check it out!

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Comic: Suicide Girls Vol. 1; by Steve Niles

genre } fiction | comic | action
rating } 18+ sx
date released } October 11th 2011
edition } IDW Publishing, 120 pg
ISBN }

  1613770189

| 9781613770184
acquisition } Given
available @ Book Depository

Suicide Girls, Vol. 1
by Steve Niles, Missy Suicide, Brea Grant, Zane Grant, Cameron Stewart

Summary Via Goodreads
Sexy, subversive, and seriously bad ass, the SuicideGirls bring their unique brand to comics! Caught in a near-future defined by its rigid conformity and persecution of women, the SuicideGirls are the last hope for freedom. Can they take down the techno-religious cult, Way*of*Life, or will they die trying?

My 2 Cents
Wow. Girls Power! Girls Rules! Sexy! Honestly. I can’t go past that, and that’s all you have from me now. =^_^=

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New Cat; By Yangsook Choi

genre } fiction | adventure | animal stories
rating } children
date released } March 8th 1999
edition } Farrar Straus Giroux, 32 pg
ISBN }

  0374355126

| 9780374355128
acquisition } borrowed
available @ Book Depository

New Cat
By Yangsook Choi

Summary via GoodReads
New Cat loves living in Mr. Kim's tofu factory, but she is frustrated because she has seen a mouse in the production room, where Mr. Kim doesn't allow her to go. One night, a door is left open and New Cat disobeys Mr. Kim's rule. As she chases the mouse, she is surprised to discover that a fire has broken out! Soon the fire department comes and the fire is brought under control. But where is New Cat? Then a bucket of tofu begins to meow, and a wet New Cat emerges, safe and heroic. In this sweet story about a feisty feline, Yangsook Choi uses a rich palette and straightforward text to illustrate the enduring bond between a pet and her person.

My 2 Cents
This is so wonderfully cute book! I'm a cat lover and this actually tickle my fancy. I read it as soon as I've pick it up and I was smiling at every word. The name "New Cat" is indeed original to me as well. Hey.. I used to have a rabbit that I named “Rabbit” so I can relate. It's a good short read and the illustration is absolutely beautiful. I recommend it to any cat lovers as well as the kids.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter 03); By J.K Rowling

genre } fiction | teens | fantasy | adventure | series
release date } 1st April 2000
publisher } Bloomsbury Publishing 
format } paperback
pages } 317 p
source } bought
age group } teens
interest } teens to adults
challenge } -
Buy @ Amazon.com

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter 03
By J.K Rowling

Via GoodReads
For most children, summer vacation is something to look forward to. But not for our 13-year-old hero, who's forced to spend his summers with an aunt, uncle, and cousin who detest him. The third book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series catapults into action when the young wizard "accidentally" causes the Dursleys' dreadful visitor Aunt Marge to inflate like a monstrous balloon and drift up to the ceiling. Fearing punishment from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon (and from officials at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who strictly forbid students to cast spells in the nonmagic world of Muggles), Harry lunges out into the darkness with his heavy trunk and his owl Hedwig.

As it turns out, Harry isn't punished at all for his errant wizardry. Instead he is mysteriously rescued from his Muggle neighborhood and whisked off in a triple-decker, violently purple bus to spend the remaining weeks of summer in a friendly inn called the Leaky Cauldron. What Harry has to face as he begins his third year at Hogwarts explains why the officials let him off easily. It seems that Sirius Black--an escaped convict from the prison of Azkaban--is on the loose. Not only that, but he's after Harry Potter. But why? And why do the Dementors, the guards hired to protect him, chill Harry's very heart when others are unaffected? Once again, Rowling has created a mystery that will have children and adults cheering, not to mention standing in line for her next book. Fortunately, there are four more in the works.

My 2 Cents
Mmm… the book is getting thicker and thicker, isn’t it? I actually love the Dementors. The purple bus was kind of funny since we actually have purple buses in Brunei. Never see them in that way again. The only thing I can say is… the pace didn’t slow down. and I am ♥LOVING♥ it. I’m just glad I actually bought 4 books in one go here.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter 02); by J.K Rowling

genre } fiction | teens | fantasy | adventure | series
release date } 1st September 2000
publisher } Scholastic Paperbacks
format } paperback
pages } 341 p
source } bought
age group } teens
interest } teens to adults
challenge } -
Buy @ Amazon.com

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
(Harry Potter 02)
by J.K Rowling

Via GoodReads
The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart; a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom; and the unwanted attention of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone—or something—starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects . . . Harry Potter himself?

My 2 Cents
I’d picked up this book as soon the last one finished. I’ve slept and ate, no worries. The book picked up as fast as it did with the first one. That was also as page turner as it was the last too. I was actually glad I’d pick it up as fast as I did, cause damn that book was really engaging! It’s officially one of my favorite series. 

I can’t help it.. but Gilderoy Lockhart is a very annoying professor. What with one foot in Harry’s spotlight, he make sure everybody knew he knew him personally. I feel like hitting him with a baseball bat… –_-“

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter 01); by JK Rowling

genre } fiction | teens | fantasy | adventure | series
release date } 1st November 2003
publisher } Scholastic Press
format } paperback
pages } 310 p
source } bought
age group } teens
interest } teens to adults
challenge } -
Buy @ Amazon.com

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
(Harry Potter 01)
by; JK Rowling

Via GoodReads
Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley—a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry—and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable. For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

My 2 Cents
It took me a while to actually get into the Harry Potter series. He kept popping up in my Amazon.com searches, so I after a bit of bugging me like that, I ended up giving in and bought it. (I’ve have bought 4 of this series in one go. – yes I’m weird like that.)

The book didn’t start all slow and time pace with background stories some books like be. It was fast, and such a page turner, I refused to do anything else other than read and if it had to, I slipped in a bit of reading the book here and there.

My first impression was “WOW”. It had been a long time since I found an engaging book to read. It has witches, wizards, unfortunate orphan, humanly evil family members, magic school, magic train, and more! That was fun and sad…

My second impression was, real life kids could relate with this one. Harry Potter may be younger than me, but heck, I could empathize with him. Yet, It was awesome to see he survive through his hard life….

Now let’s see how the story develop through out the series. So far.. I’m addicted.

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The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events 02); By Lemony Snicket

rate } ♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | young adult | fantasy | dark mystery | adventure | juvenile
release day } 30th September 1999
publisher } HarperCollins
format } hardcover
isbn } B0044UHV9U
pages } 190 pgs
source } bought
age group } pg 13+
interest } reluctant readers | children | teens
challenge } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

The Reptile Room
(A Series of Unfortunate Events 02)
By Lemony Snicket

Via Goodread
Do snakes make you nervous? How about salamanders? Does the mention of a brass reading lamp give you conniptions? Is a long knife something you wish to avoid? A car accident? An odor? Cake? Clues to a bloodthirsty crime?

It is likely that your answers will reveal A Series of Unfortunate Events to be ill-suited for your personal use. A librarian, bookseller, or acquaintance should be able to suggest books more appropriate for your fragile temperament. But to the rarest of readers we say, “‘Beware’ doesn’t begin to cover it.”

My 2 Cents
Oh woe… I hate to say it but I am not liking the fact the story slowed down here. I spent longer days in reading this than my previous one. Maybe, it’s due to the snakes…

I can help thinking how true Count Olaf character is in the real world. Not as Count Olaf, but a person who would do anything to do what Count Olaf did to orphan.

Nevertheless, the author managed to make me glued to the series. I was totally drawn into the series. The deeper introductions of the orphans’ background open up a little so we learn some more of their background. I can picture this series would be a big favorite among the teenagers.

*edit entry* (3/12/2011)
Boy I was right about that favorite among student thing. *Gloat* hahhaa

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