Book Review: No Way Back; By Chloe Adams

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

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

Now on to my thoughts.

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

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

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

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

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

Personally, Jenna deserved it. *hehe*

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

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

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

Finished Reading: 14th April 2013
Acquire: 23th March 2013
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Abuse | Young Adult | Teens
Release Day }  27th October 2012
Publisher }
Format } e-book
ISBN } B009Y8D9R0
Pages } 179 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } pg 15 yo +
Support my reading by getting your copy }

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

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

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

I wish I have a thunderbolt of a pet now.

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

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

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

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

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

Finished Reading: 12th March 2013
Acquire: 25th February 2012
Rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
Genre } Fiction | Mythology | Young Adult | Teens | Middle Grade
Release Day }  04th December 2012
Publisher } Aladdin
Format } Paperbook
ISBN } 9781442452633
Pages } 112 pages
Source } Bought
Age Group } PG 12 yo +
Interests } Mythological junkies like me. 
Support my reading by getting your copy }

  

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Book Review: The Wide-Awake Princess; By E. D. Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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2013 Reading Challenge #7: Book Bingo Reading Challenge

 

Hosted by Reading In Winter.
January 1 – December 31,  2013

Of course, a challenge isn’t really a challenge unless there are some rules and guidelines:

1. Be awesome. If you’re not, this isn’t going to work.
2. The challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.
3. If you want to participate, you can join in any time of the year! Feel free to write up a blog post with the rules linking back to my and Anne’s blog in your sign-up post.
4. If you read one book for the “1 book” in any category, you can’t change it later on when you read another book to “2 books.” Once a square is crossed off, it’s crossed off for good! (Feel free to print off the scoreboard to keep track!)
5. Books read for one square are for that square ONLY and cannot be counted towards another category. This is all about reading ALL THE BOOKS.
6. The FREE SQUARE isn’t really a free square. In order to cross it off, you must read a book by either:
   1. Reading a book picked by another participant, or
   2. Reading a book in a genre picked by another participant.
7. You can start your board over again, but ONLY if you receive the stamp of awesome by completing a blackout. The “winners” of the challenge will be the ones who achieve the most winning combinations by the end of 2013.
8. You can feel free to post your reading list for each category, though it’s not a requirement.
9. Having a blog or writing reviews for books read is not required. So long as you want to have fun, you can participate!
10. This isn’t a race, but don’t be afraid to rub your reads in the other player’s face. This will be seen as encouragement. Feel free to use the hashtag #2013BookBingo on Twitter!

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2013 Reading Challenge #4: Books-in-a-Series Reading Challenge 2013

Hosted by Bookstacks On Deck.
January 1- December 31, 2013

Challenge Levels:
The Sampler: Choose 1-5 books
The Collector: Choose 6-10 books
The Completionist: Choose 11-15 books
The Obsessive: Choose 16-20 books

Will list out books as I go along the year.

1. Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

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

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

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Series: Maggie Stiefvater

The Wolves of Mercy Falls


Books of Faerie


Raven Cycle

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Series: Louise Rennison

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison
      
1. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging
2. On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God
3. Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas
4. Dancing in My Nuddy-Pants
5. Away Laughing on a Fast Camel
6. Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers
7. Startled by His Furry Shorts
8. Love Is a Many Trousered Thing
9. Stop in the Name of Pants!

Misadventures of Tallulah Casey
 
1. Withering Tights
2. A Midsummer Tights Dream

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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: 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life By David Grotto

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

 

101 Foods That Could Save Your Life
By David Grotto

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

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

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

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

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

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Book Review: The Imam’s Daughter by Hannah Shah

rate } ♠♠♠♠
genre } non-fiction | biography | young adult | abuse
release day } 11th May 2010
acquired } 1st February 2012
publisher } Zondervan
format } hardcover
isbn } 9780310325758
pages } 281 pages
source } bought
age group } pg 18+
interest } G | pg 18+
awards } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

The Imam’s Daughter
by Hannah Shah

Via Goodreads
Hannah Shah is an Imam's daughter. She lived the life of a devout Muslim in a family of Pakistani Muslims in England, but behind the front door, she was a caged butterfly. For many years, her father abused her in the cellar of their home.

At sixteen, she discovered a plan to send her to Pakistan for an arranged marriage, and she gathered the courage to run away. Relentlessly hunted by her angry father and brothers, who were intent on executing an 'honor' killing, she moved from house to house in perpetual fear to escape them.

Over time, she converted to Christianity and was able to live and marry as she wished.
Hannah found the courage to live her life free from shame, free from religious intolerance, and free from the abuse that haunted her childhood.
This is a remarkable true story of how a young girl escaped a life of torture ... a story you won't forget.

My 2 Cents
Covers. There are a few different covers for this title and all of them intrigues me. This is however the most what I could say “nice”. She looked happy in this cover. This book has two other covers.

This other cover has a child on it, looking all lonely and intimidated. Enough by itself in making you want to pick it up and read what is wrong.

The other cover looked  more grown up and has that look in her eyes, the hidden determination but lost.

Both has the power to entice the reader to pick it up and read.

Now let’s talk about this book. I admit, I have befallen by the title itself. Imam. The head of a small Islamic community. What can go wrong with that right? Wrong! I read the back summary and that was just so heart wrenching.

It’s actually hard to read. Not because it’s a bad book, the people in it are bad. I feel sorry for Hannan (Hannah’s Muslim name) for growing up in such a household and community.

I hope nobody would read this book and say that’s how Muslims are in real life.

Her father tarnished the good name of the Islamic religion. He’s a hypocrite. An arrogant fool! A rapist! An abuser! An ignorant! He doesn’t represent the Islamic world. It saddens me how so brainwashed everybody is in Hannah’s life, that nobody in her own community is willing to help her (except for her best friends) Her brothers refused to helped her when their father raped her nor beat their mother. it appalled me to read her mother seemed to be relieved Hannah got beaten and rape by her husband, so he won’t attack her.

I feel sorry Hannan felt she no choice but leave her own religion just because she’s escaping from her own life, terrified by her own family and her own community just to save herself. It left me angry, that even her social worker (the Muslim guy) didn’t help her at all. He’s probably the defining period for her.  

This book left me with that awful after taste at the back of my tongue.

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

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

 

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test 2)
By Aimee Carter

Via Goodreads
Kate Winters has won immortality.

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

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

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

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

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

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

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

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

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

P/S ADONIS IS HOT!

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

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

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Children Book Review: Garbage! Monster! Burp! By Tom Watson

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠
genre } fiction | picture book | children
release day } 9th March 2011
acquired } 15th January 2012
publisher } Tom Watson
format } e-book
isbn } B004RCNVWG
pages } e-book
source } bought
age group } children
interest } all ages
awards } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

Garbage! Monster! Burp!
By Tom Watson

Via Goodreads
A monster at the bottom of a hill eats all of the garbage generated by the town on top of the hill. This provides two important benefits: The monster is happy with plenty to eat and the town stays nice and clean. Unfortunately, as the town grows, so does the amount of garbage the monster must consume. He gets bigger - and he starts burping. This is, as you can probably guess, a bit unsightly and stinky. In the end, the kids figure out how to solve the problem - despite the nasty mayor's doubts and objections.

My 2 Cents
I was surfing through the Kindle collections via Amazon.com when I found this odd (free too) ever so curious little title.

Cover. it does makes me curious when there’s not a peek of said monster on it. So I thought sure.. give it a try. Love the “blue” cover.

Overall verdict, if you like Dr Seuss, you would like this. I do feel sorry for the monster. Such an evil mayor. :( But I do like the way this story goes where it showed kids can make a different.

This would be a good quick read. To bad it’s not available in print, or I would have get it for my school library, cause I know they would actually enjoy reading it

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YA Book Review: The Lipstick Laws; By Amy Holder

rate } ♠♠♠♠♠ ♥
genre } fiction | young adult | chick lit | bully | high school
release day } 4th April 2011
acquired } 02th January 2012
publisher } Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
format } paperback
isbn } 9780547363066
pages } 240 pg.
source } bought
age group } PG 13+
interest } pg 13 + all ages
awards } -
Buy @ Amazon.com | Nolly Book | D BookHaus

The Lipstick Laws
By; Amy Holder

Via Goodreads
At Penford High School, Brittany Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone’s life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Brittany is the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don’t know she exists. One lunch spent at Brittany’s table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Brittany’s friendship comes with a high price tag, and April decides it’s not worth the cost. Inspiring and empowering, this is the story of one girl who decides to push back.

My 2 Cents
Honestly said.. I’m late in catching up with the fuss when this book came out last year. Little do I know, this turned out to be a very good read. Should have read it earlier. I am surprised this book didn’t made it to any Award list though.

Don’t give me that look. It should have!

If you are looking for a book that has any subject of bullies and high school, I would suggest this book for you.

Cover-wise. Honestly, this is the exact reason why I didn’t pick it up. I was too distracted by the candy bite and that plain no catchy look for me. It turned me off completely from reading it. Yup.. that was sad wasn’t it. But I think that’s one reason this book doesn’t popped out much. Come on… if just judge it by the book cover, you would expect this is a romance book instead of YA. The only reason I remembered having this book around was I was looking for books on bullies.

Characters. I don’t like… make that.. I despise Brittany Taylor. Most of us would have had encountered with our own “Brittany Taylor” at least once in our life time. The backstabbing thorn in our life. But only some of us survive like April Bowers. Brittany’s toy that bit her back. She fought back and yes I like… love it!

Otherwise… I love the way I drowned into this book and enjoy this book. I think I could relate that way, but nevertheless of the I love it. It’s realistic in a way to say, every one of us have our flaw, and we shouldn’t be picking on other’s flaws so you could hide yours.

I’m in a dilemma on to weather get this for my library or not. Why? Because there’s a bit of cursing going on in there hence my reluctant. As good as it is, I’m stuck not knowing to get or not to get. I like to add this book in the school library due to the subjects of bullies but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate with the cursing.

What you guys think?

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2012 The Doctor Reading Challenge

Rules
*challenge runs 1 January to 31 December 2012 - any books must be read in the 2012 calendar year to count
*any format is allowed
*cross-overs between challenges allowed
*link your post/reviews from your blog, goodreads, shelfari, librarything or the comments section (no blog necessary!)
*no list is needed beforehand - you can choose as you go (or change your choices!)

First Doctor - read 2 Doctor Who books
Second Doctor - read 5 Doctor Who books
Third Doctor - read 10 Doctor Who books
Fourth Doctor - read 15 Doctor Who books
Fifth Doctor - read 20 Doctor Who books
Sixth Doctor - read 25 Doctor Who books
Seventh Doctor - read 30 Doctor Who books
Eighth Doctor - read 40 Doctor Who books
Ninth Doctor - read 50 Doctor Who books
Tenth Doctor - read 75 Doctor Who books
Eleventh Doctor - read 100+ Doctor Who books

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2012 Read Dystopia Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012
Hosted by Book Journey

List of books.

1-3 Dytstopia Books read in 2012:  beginner
4-6 Dystopia Books read in 2012:  Intermediate Post World Trainee
7-10 Dystopia Books read in 2012:  Leader of Your District
11+ Dystopia Books read in 2012:  SURVIVOR!

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2012 Ebook Challenge

The 2011 E-book Challenge was hosted by The Ladybug Reads. She has decided not to host it for 2012, and I was the lucky lottery winner who gets to host it. That's right, there was so much interest from people wanting to host it that she had to hold a lottery.
Challenge Guidelines:

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
2. Anyone can join, you don't need to be a blogger. If you don't have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
3. Any genre or length of book counts, as long as it is in ebook format.
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the E-Book Reading Challenge.
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

Levels:

1. Floppy disk - 5 ebooks
2. CD - 10 ebooks
3. DVD - 25 ebooks
4. Memory stick - 50 ebooks
5. Hard drive - 75 ebooks
6. Server - 100 ebooks
7. Human brain - 150 ebooks

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