[REVIEW] The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

This is a book I did not expect to like or rate it high. To be honest, I was interested in reading this book because of its high ratings on Goodreads and rave by book tubers. Of course, the beautiful cover partly contributes. I'd gotten on reading it without knowing what is it about and the result was pretty shocking.

Goodreads synopsis: Winning what you want may cost you everything you love. 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. 

Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Firstly, I love the story. I believe it's because it's hard to guess what would happen next and you've no choice but to keep reading it. (I finish it in one evening.) I find it hard to explain the mixed feelings I had reading this. The starting was a blur, when the author starts introducing the two communities, Herrani and Valorian. It took me a few chapters to fully understand what's going on, I'm slow I know. So basically, the Valorian conquers the Herrani land years ago and the Herrani(s) are slaves to them. The main character, Kestrel is a Valorian and she stumbled upon an auction and bought a young slave Herrani. Of course, the rest would be the forbidden love between them.

However, there's a twist which I hadn't see it coming. (read the book) The whole plot twist really got me into the story and wanting more. From reading this, I felt the pain, the sorrow and the emotions are pretty strong. Kestrel was torn between being with her love one or loyal to her people. It might seem cliché but it's a whole new feeling while reading it.

Kestrel and Arin are one superb pair. They might be from the different communities but in fact they share the same passion and character. This leads them to each other and they can't help but to fall in love with each other.

Need I say more because the rest is for you to find out when you read it. I believe this is a dystopian, historical (kinda), young-adult fiction. It's the 1st book of The Winner's Trilogy. I highly recommend this because not many books surprise me as this does.

Summer

you can get this book from book depository: The Winner's Curse

[REVIEW] The Ghost Bride by YangSze Choo

Funfact: This is my first book written by a Malaysian author. *round of applauses*

The Ghost Bride is a paranormal (& romance) asian fiction which sets place in one of the states of Malaysia, namely Malacca. This book contains many hearsay customs and traditions of Chinese (of Malaysia) and supernatural believes. Personally, being a Malaysian chinese, I do still heard or lectured on various superstitions make known on this book.

Goodreads synopsis: "One evening, my father asked me if I would like to become a ghost bride..." 

Though ruled by British overlords, the Chinese of colonial Malaya still cling to ancient customs. And in the sleepy port town of Malacca, ghosts and superstitions abound. 

Li Lan, the daughter of a genteel but bankrupt family, has few prospects. But fate intervenes when she receives an unusual proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. They want her to become a ghost bride for the family's only son, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. Rarely practiced, a traditional ghost marriage is used to placate a restless spirit. Such a union would guarantee Li Lan a home for the rest of her days, but at a terrible price. 

After an ominous visit to the opulent Lim mansion, Li Lan finds herself haunted not only by her ghostly would-be suitor, but also by her desire for the Lim's handsome new heir, Tian Bai. Night after night, she is drawn into the shadowy parallel world of the Chinese afterlife, with its ghost cities, paper funeral offerings, vengeful spirits and monstrous bureaucracy—including the mysterious Er Lang, a charming but unpredictable guardian spirit. Li Lan must uncover the Lim family's darkest secrets—and the truth about her own family—before she is trapped in this ghostly world forever.

First of all, I want to congratulate Ms Choo for writing such an epic story about the Malaysian customs (mainly focusing on the Chinese community), especially the afterworld of the dead. It was unbelievably mind-blowing and certainly convincing, as those are the beliefs that I have learnt of and practised since childhood. Believe it or not, acts of superstitious can sound really absurd but some may hold a few hands of truth. Enough scaring, what I'm trying to say it's that whatever written in this book is certainly what the older generations truly believe in and some were still practiced in the later generation.

Everything written in this book was so relatable that I couldn't help but to be convinced by the story. Many things which were written in this book seem to be the answers to those customs I've been asked to follow. Of course, there's no proof to what will actually happen after death but through our customs and beliefs, we believe in having an afterworld for the dead to wander around before their reincarnations.

I love every aspects of this book, from the story to the characters. However, I find the ending was quite abrupt. Another thing about this book which slightly annoys me is the usage of vocabularies. This was pointed out by my friend and I do agree with her. Some words are unsuitable. It's not that I'm afraid of bombastic words, but some actions need not be described with such "hard" words.

Apart from that mild problem of words usage, I'm quite satisfied with this book. I like that Li Lan has picked the right guy in the end. :D

Summer

I recommend this book to everyone - The Ghost Bride (other editions available)

[REVIEW] All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

When I first heard about this book, I knew it will be amazing, instantly. Historical fiction is not a genre I like venturing into because I tend to get bored easily. Strangely, I'm rather interested in the history regarding WW2. The summary of this book gives the vibe of romance but to my surprise, it's not. 

Goodreads summary: From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, a stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. 

Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks (there are thousands of locks in the museum). When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure's agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. 

In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure.
Doerr's gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, All the Light We Cannot See is his most ambitious and dazzling work.

All I can say is that ATLWCS is the most stunningly written fiction I ever read this year. The author, Doerr's writings was beautiful, almost enchanting. He could describe every vivid details as if he was presently in the book, alive with the characters. Everything felt so surreal and unbelievable. Of course, the story is amazing. The multiple characters' views regarding their current situations and feelings are coherently matched. 

This story is unbelievably lengthy. It's the only thing which distracted my love for this book. However, because the chapters are short, the reading process didn't seem unbearable. I took quite some time (not my usual speed) finishing this book. Even so, I couldn't help be amazed by the story. It's heart-warming to read, especially about Marie-Laure and her father's relationship. I love the miniature model building of the place they lived in built by her father. I love how her father trained Marie to memorise the streets and surroundings and not give up on her. 

It's crazy all the while I was reading this book, waiting for the moment for Marie and Werner to meet and later realised that it's not even the main thing of this piece of fiction. There seems to be something miraculous about the story which pulled me into reading it. The settings, the characters, the writings, the language, everything were so perfectly plotted and there's nothing much to complain about, even though I find Werner's ending surprisingly heart-breaking. 

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a beautiful, epic and miraculous read. 

Summer

PLEASE ORDER THIS BOOK: All the Light We Cannot See

[REVIEW] The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I received this book from a Tumblr giveaway.

First impression - the cover is one of my favourite book covers. The photography is so stunningly beautiful. I believe this trilogy has the most beautiful and relatable book covers ever. However, they say 'do not judge a book by its cover and I find that idiom very suitable in reviewing this book.

Goodreads synopsis: Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.  

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. 

There is. 

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love. 

She’s wrong.

As I implied above, yes, this book is not in my favourite list. It's enjoyable but the characters are annoyingly perfect. If this were my first young adult paranormal romance, I might hug this book and rave about Noah. The truth is that Twilight is my first YA paranormal romance so this book didn't struck me as appealing as it should be.

First off, Noah is the problem and the sadly protruded problem is him being too perfect. If you have not guess it already, yes, he is another hot-i-dont-have-to-study-but-i'm-smart-becoz-i've-photographicmemory-skipclasses-pickfights-becoz-dont-touch-my-girl-hotbody-changedgirlfriendslikecloths-but-i-see-you-are-the-one guy. Everything else is self-explanatory. On the other hand, our main heroine, Mara Dyer is the damsel in distress for Noah to be attracted to and saved. Actually, Mara does not get on my nerves that much because of her paranormal-ness but Noah does. His character struck me as too perfect and no character should be perfect for the story to go on.

"You have to be an artist and a madman, a creature of infinite melancholy, in order to discern, at once, the little deadly demon among the wholesome children," he said, his British accent melting around the words, his voice smooth and low. "She stands unrecognised by them and unconscious herself of her fanatic power."

Who the hell will say something like that?

Secondly, I like the creepy and eerie feelings during the first 1/3 of the book but how did it suddenly projected to some flowery high school romance drama. I wanted to know what's going on with Mara and all that was told is Noah is hitting on Mara. The relationship was widely mentioned because this is in fact, a paranormal romance novel.

Look on the bright side, I did enjoy this book as it was a fast read. The chapters are left off as mini cliffhanger and you would be eager to read the next chapter to find out what's going on. I also really impressed with the idea of Mara's ability. It's not vampire or werewolf or magic or fallen angel but something unexplainable. That idea of supernatural power is not something you would easily come across in fictions, even paranormal fiction.

Seeing that I sped through this book but unwilling to continue (maybe next time) the series, I gave it a 3-stars. If you like paranormal romance and Noah is your type of guy, maybe you'll love this book.

Summer

pretty cover book: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Bout of Books 11 + TBR

Finally I'm participating in a read-a-thon and it's the Bout of Books 11. I'm pretty excited as this is my first time. So, the rules are pretty simple: just read as much as you can in a week's time (18/8-24/8) and post about your progress on any social networking site (Twitter, Tumblr, blog, Youtube or others) with hashtag #boutofbooks.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.  - From the Bout of Books team

My finishallthesesoicanbuymorebooks TBR pile:

1. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

2. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Path

3. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

5. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

6. The Ghost Bride by YangSze Choo

They are not in a particular reading order. 

:: Actually I will be travelling for a fews days during the week so I'm not that sure I can finish this pile of mostly classics. (I'm not a good classics reader.) Also, if I could not finish The Mortal Instruments series this week, I might continue it during the Bout of Books week.

Happy Reading!
Summer

[REVIEW] How To Fall In Love by Cecelia Ahern

First off, this is my first Cecelia Ahern book. I admit I have not yet read PS, I Love You (her best selling book). A friend highly recommended How To Fall In Love to me while we were book-shopping. The story was captivating and I trusted my friend to give it a go.

Goodreads synopsis: She has just two weeks. Two weeks to teach him how to fall in love – with his own life. Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Halfpenny Bridge in Dublin. Adam is there, poised, threatening to jump. Adam is desperate – but Christine makes a crazy deal with him. His 35th birthday is looming and she bets him she can show him that life is worth living before then. Despite her determination, Christine knows what a dangerous promise she’s made. Against the ticking of the clock, the two of them embark on wild escapades, grand romantic gestures and some unlikely late-night outings. Slowly, Christine thinks Adam is starting to fall back in love with his life. But has she done enough to change his mind for good? And is that all that’s starting to happen?

I'm a huge contemporary-romance reader and this book is the book for readers of my kind. It's romantic (obviously), adorable and heart-wrenching (not severe). It always touches me when the main character is acting as the third-wheel and helping the person he/she loves to get back to her/his lover. It's always heart-breaking and brings me to tear when the main character could no longer endure the pain and broke down. (I think this is kinda spoiler-y)

This story was written from the first person's view, Christine Rose. It's about how her life intertwined with the attempted suicide man she saved, Adam. Christine was broken (in a way) but that did not stop her from always reaching out to help others. Her father said she is always thinking while he and Chrstine's other two sisters do. I think that's what really touches me. I don't think it's her guilt towards  Simon Conway, it's her genuine kind heart which made her helped Adam all the way.

The other really interesting part was (what I called) 'the outburst'. I wouldn't want to spoil anyone reading this but I couldn't help to not talk about it also. If you're afraid of being spoilt or anything, just skip this paragraph. It was about the discovery of Christine's mother's suicide attempt. I was shocked to read about this part, when Christine was near to break down. The author played well at this explosive part. I felt that Chrsitine's trying to help because she had gone through it. She didn't want anyone to turn out to be like her mother. Also, Adam's sudden change of behaviour. That was really unbelievable, almost too fake.

This book was, to me, incredibly heartfelt. The references to self-help books are such a metaphor to tell us to follow our hearts and not everything can be formulated. A very satisfied 5-stars romance.

Summer

I hope you'll read this book: How to Fall in Love

[REVIEW] A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

I would never pick up an animal book/movie unless I'm practically stuck with it. Because I always cry reading an animal book or watch an animal movie. If you won't believe me, try watching Hachi. So, I was still traveling and I really need a book to read while waiting for flight and train. I saw this book in my brother's luggage and I thought "why not?".

Goodreads synopsis: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

I never expect myself to love with this book and gave it a 5-stars rate because I thought it would be one of those normal reads. I was wrong, clearly. This book is written from a dog's perspective, yes, a dog's. It was so brilliantly written that I almost thought the author himself is a dog, ahem. This is a book where all my favourite aspects are in it. It's witty, touching and so surreal. 

I knew I would cry in the end and I did. I was so surprised with the plot twist and it made me cried a bucket. The story was so well craved and so well written. I did not believe the plot twist and I was tearing in joy. On the other hand, this book is adorable. The dog's innocence would make me laughed and smiled. The little comments about the cats and wagging its tail when its name is mentioned by its owner. I couldn't put the book down, the story just drew me in. Even though it was quite a small book but it felt so long. 

The reason I really adore this book is that it really does touched my heart. I once had a dog and it passed away a few years back. While I was reading this book, all the memories just flew back and they were all good memories. I don't know how the author did it but he did it. I'm convinced that he was a dog incarnation. 

Whether you're an animal lover or not, just go read this book. 

Summer

PLEASE READ IT: A Dog's Purpose  

[REVIEW] Sophie Kinsella European Weeks

I've read 4 books by Sophie Kinsella and so far, I've not rate any of them below 4-stars (not Wedding Night). I dare say that she's an amazing writer who knows how to grip my sense of humour. Additionally, I've been in the contemporary-chicklit mood and Sophie Kinsella just made all my days. There ain't no any particular reason for this double reviews mashed-up. Both books are from the same genre and author, thus, it'll be easier. 

1. Can You Keep A Secret? 

Goodreads synopsis: Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: 
Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. 
Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. 
Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. 
Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

I'M SO INSANELY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. The feeling was so attached that I had a book hungover again. I never expect it to be that hilarious and cheesy and embarrassing at the same time. And yes, I agree that it is indeed very cliché and predictable. However, this book is capable of making me laughing out loud in public in every turn pages. It was so freaking hilarious, how can you not-

Sophie Kinsella's writings has the power to make you feel embarrass for her main girl character. I don't know how she does it but all the time you'll feel like telling the character 'oh god no', I swear. Plus, it's no secret all Sophie's books are freaking fun to read. But, this book actually made me laughed out loud. Those little thoughts of Emma were just so funny. 

The relationship between Emma and Jack is the reason I could not put this book down. I practically flew through this book, during my brother's graduation ceremony (yes, I was reading while all the choir and speeches were on-going). I love how the story unfolds and how Emma deal with all the problems. 

I'm surprised I didn't have much to say for a book I rated 5-stars. Overall, it was fun and enjoyable read. The only complaint I've got is that "it's not real", and that's not really a complaint. 

2. The Undomestic Goddess

I bought this book from an Italian bookstore because I needed something to read after CYKAS? hungover. 

Goodreads synopsis: Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership. Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer-and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope-and finds love-is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does...will she want it back?

This is not as fun as CYKAS? but it still have all the fun elements. This book still makes me laughed but not as much? However, Samantha's life is very much relatable to me (even though I ain't IQ 158 but I'm a pathetic law student). I would be almost a Melissa, still struggling in law school. 

No matter how I convince myself that this is just a fiction, I still wouldn't believe that a high-pay lawyer would choose to be a domestic worker. It's insane. I would prefer an ending of Sam being with  Nathaniel and helping him with his job or something, not being a domestic worker. But, that's the whole point of the insane plot of the book. 

Usually all law-themed fiction or movies made me uneasy, as if people trying to make fun of the subject, like the movie Legally Blonde. I do believe lawyers do get a life. However, in the Acknowledgements page, Sophie did mentioned that she'd consulted the real lawyer and such, so I guess the story ain't that fiction after all. 

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend both books (in fact all Sophie's books). I've always loved a happy book. 

Summer

Nothing goes wrong with a Sophie Kinsella: Can You Keep A Secret? / The Undomestic Goddess

[REVIEW] Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

First off, I want to share that I love retellings, any retellings. I don't remember how I stumbled upon this book but I knew it is a Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling and the cover is gorgeous. I knew I had to read it. As if someone heard my wish, I won this book in a Tumblr bookblog giveaway. YAY.

Goodreads synopsis: Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny. Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him. With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people. But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her. As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love. 

The starting of the book was quite messy and some parts were confusing. Many infos were shoved in and I had a hard time trying to figure out what's going on. I wish the author could slow down with her writings and just let the readers digest the informations. Until now I still didn't grasp what's the point of the four Hearts. I felt t 

However I do enjoy the relationship between Nyx and Ignifex. I like how their relationship slowly buds and Nyx was torn in between the forbidden love and her mission. It was both heart breaking and sweet at the same time. (Something about forbidden love which attracts my attention...) 

It was an enjoyable read but somehow it doesn't pull me into speed-reading it which I thought I would. The mysterious and dark effects of the book really stand out with the author's writings. Somehow I don't feel like it's a retelling but more to a standalone paranormal fiction, maybe because I'm just familiar with the Disney's version of Beauty and the Beast. 

I absolutely adore the ending plot twist. (It's hard to not share that part because this has to be spoiler-free but it's amazing.) At the end, I didn't know what's going on and suddenly I was pulled back to the story. The feeling is amazing. I love it when a book does that effect on me. Not to mention, the beautiful quotes and poems which the author wrote, they were stunning. 

Overall it was enjoyable but many parts confused me thus I gave it a 3-stars. I still recommend this book because the plot was very well thought out and the plot twist was effective (is that the correct description?).

Summer

a beauty and the beast fan?: Cruel Beauty / paperback version to pre-order 

[REVIEW] Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

So much for galaxy porn. I freaking adore this book. I'm officially a Perkins fangirl. If you think Anna and the French Kiss was good, this is 10 times better. I can't even imagine Isla now.

Goodreads synopsis: Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I'm currently so contemporary-deprived that every book I picked up in my TBR list is a contemporary. 

This book... AWWWW... (with caps and !!!!) Lola and Cricket's interactions were just SO ADORABLE. Most of the time I was just squealing and rolling on my bed. Stephanie did that to me again. The feeling was so heart-warming and happy. 

Yes, the story is still very cliché but contemporary is all about the feeling. I was grinning all the while reading this book and that matters. It feels like a RomCom which could be watched again and again and you'll still laugh at the same joke. It's a wonder Cricket being all geeky, he could snuck up some cheesy pickup line. 

One thing - I really like Lola's parents. Yes, they're gay and they're so cute. It reminds me of the Modern Family. Gosh, everything's so cute and fussy, even the parents. I ran out of words. 

"So you believe in second chances?" I bite my lip.
"Second, third, fourth. Whatever it takes. However long it takes. If the person is right," he adds.
"If the person is... Lola?"
This time, he holds my gaze. "Only if the other person is Cricket."

GOD. I CAN'T TAKE IT. EVEN IT'S THE SECOND READ. I SHOULD REALLY CALM MYSELF NOW.

At this rate, everyone will stop reading my reviews. 

The other thing about self-discovery. As the story goes, Lola grows to learn more about herself. How she should be honest to her feelings and how to just being herself - how to be Lola. It's beautiful when Cricket is there to assist her, asking her to be herself. Cricket is so sweet in his geeky way.

A self-discovery journey. An adorable budding romance. What do you need more in a book?

Summer

Read this and you'll love it: Lola and the Boy Next Door

[REVIEW] Fangril by Rainbow Rowell

My first Rainbow Rowell's book was Eleanor & Park and I absolutely adore it. I like Rainbow's writings, her humour and those cutesy scenes in the book. They made me feel so good. However, I was quite disappointed with this book. Almost all book tubers love this book. It was so hyped-out that it made me wanna read it. So I did but I didn't enjoy it as many other readers did.

Goodreads synopsis: A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

To be honest, I was let down by all those high reviews out there. I'm pretty sure every comments about this book were a straight 5-stars. I had my hopes up before reading it. It was a huge let down. I really didn't expect to be let down but it happened.

Firstly, the plot was a huge mess. Most of the time I did not know where is the focus point? Is it the fan fiction writing? Or the twins relationship? Or their dad? Or their mother? Or even the relationship between Cath and Levi? They were all jumbled up. I felt that some parts were too draggy while some other parts were too rush. When I reached the end, I was feeling like "huh? What?", and it just ended like that. 

However, the story is unique. Fanfiction is hardly a topic to write about in a fiction. It was impressive that Rainbow did a story within a story. To me, it's practically hard to even write a story and she mashed up two stories. 

Overall it was a leisure read. I was just not attached to it as many other contemporary or even Rainbow's e&p. Maybe I am not fangirl-ing enough. But since many readers do enjoy the book, maybe they do find something they really like about it. I would still recommend this book because of Rainbow Rowell. Her writings are light and fun read. 

Summer 

I will still have a link to purchase the book even if I did not enjoy that book as much because I believe in challenging someone's opinion. Everyone should listen and accept people's opinion but form your own. 

FANGIRL (my version is not available)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This book killed me. In every way possible. Ms Jenny Han, you've done a great job on that. *round of applauses*

I was introduced to this book by Regan (the booktuber: peruseproject). The title might sound cheesy but it's definitely not a cheesy book. It has its cute moments.

Goodreads synopsis: What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once? Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

This is not your typical contemporary reads. First off, the story is cute and "troublesome". I read the synopsis and it was immediately added to my TBR list. It was that intriguing. Not to mention, the cover was gorgeous to the maximum level.

This book technically has no flaws until the last page which literally made me so angry with Jenny Han. Please, why did you do this to me? OMG. I almost saw it coming and the last page slapped me into reality. If this isn't a duo-logy/series, I'm officially writing a letter to Ms Jenny Han insisting for an epilogue. I really don't mind an entirely new book just for an epilogue, just please give me an ending because there was none. The problems in the book aren't solve and I'm pretty annoyed and I couldn't sleep peacefully tonight without an answer.

Despite that pissful ending, I love this book. It was a fast read. The chapters spacing (whatever you call that) was so perfectly structured. It stops at the right time and begins with a good start.

DID I EVER MENTION THE GASTRONOMY? Jenny Han, despite everything I've written above, you're an amazing food-writer. I always have a thing for books which write about food, in details. I didn't see it coming from a YA contemporary fiction. It was a great surprise. The korean foods, the cookies baking and all those dinners. If Jenny Han writes like that in all her books, I'll eat all of them.

I stay quiet for all of ten seconds and then say, "Wait, were you wanting me to be quiet too?"
"No, I just didn't want music. You can talk as much as you want."

That was my favourite LaraJean-Peter scene. It was hilarious with cute-ness overloads. I love their cutesy moments. (on the repeat mode) I just love everything about this book except for the delirious ending. I love so many things I can't describe them in words.

I hope Jenny writes more about Chris. She's very interesting.

It would be a 5-stars if not for that ending. However, I highly recommend this book for anyone, especially contemporary readers. YOU'LL LOVE IT.

Summer

I bought it: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (new cover paperback) (hardback)
p.s My edition was out of order.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Almost everyone in the book world has been raving about this book and I cannot NOT check it out. There must be a reason for the whole hype, right? 

Goodreads synopsis: Can Anna find love in the City of Light? Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she's less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he's taken —and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's waiting for?

Yes, it is an adorable-makes-you-feel-so-cuddly-and-good book. A book for remedy situations, for after break-ups (maybe?), for book-hangover, for RomCom desperate moments, for dateless measure and for Paree-lovers. If you are any of the above, you'd to pick this book up. 

First off, I love that Stephanie Perkins describes about the settings. Many RomCom books do not care for anything other than the two main characters. But when I was reading this book, I did feel like I'm actually with Anna in Paris and speaking français all these while. You can't help it. It's written everywhere. I could even smell the croissants.

Next, the storyline. Despite everything being perfectly structured in this book, the storyline was very cliché. It's another a-new-girl-in-school-meets-perfect-guy-but-with-family-problems kind of book, the "perfect-ending" book. If it's the book alone, the story is perfect but if you compare with the other RomCom around, the storyline will not standout. 

But I don't think the storyline is the aim of the book. This book is supposed to make you feel good and feel real. There's no save-the-world-apocalypse and no unsolvable-Will-Tessa-Jem, it was just simple romance and friends-family drama. 

In fact, the middle part of book was pretty heart-wrenching. (page 259) God, I cried a bucket for Anna. Maybe it's because I understand her feelings. It was awful, her narration sounded like she's going insane (metaphorically). I was almost shouting at the book, 'no Anna, you can't do that! You can't you can't!'. That's how deep the book affects me. 

However, one part really did annoyed me. I didn't know what the hell was St. Clair doing. The book explains the reason but me myself don't really comprehend it. Why? Why won't he break up with Ellie? I was as confused as Anna. 

Overall, it's a RECOMMENDED 5-stars YA contemporary read. I will definitely get Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After (coming out on 14th August 2014). I'm pretty excited for Isla and the Happily Ever After because Josh (from AaTFK side character) will be the main character of the book.   

READ THIS BOOK,

Summer

i'm getting it: Anne and the French Kiss 

How To Love by Katie Cotugno

A bit of cheesy contemporary YA is good for health. 

Goodreads synopsis: Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he's never seemed to notice that Reena even exists until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated-and pregnant-Reena behind. 
After: Almost three years have passed, and there's a new love in Reena's life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena's gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she's finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn't want anything to do with him, though she'd be lying if she said Sawyer's being back wasn't stirring something in her. After everything that's happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

The most unique thing about this book is that it was written in a "before" and "after" in-alternative way. It's almost like switching POVs chapters but this was going back and forth with the timeline chapters. "Before" is the part before Sawyer (the main male lead) left; while "after" is the story happening after Sawyer unexpectedly reappeared again. The abrupt ending of chapters were catchy and readers will definitely be hooked to the story.

Serena (aka Reena) was the main female lead and this book was written in her POV. Reena was a smart, pretty, nerdy and typical girl-next-door. She has plans for her future and she knows what she's doing all the time. The only flaw she has, was falling in love with Sawyer, the in-a-mess, dysfunctional and wasted but hot (not appealing to me) childhood friend. Maybe I was a little bias but think of all the mess Reena had gotten into after hanging out with Sawyer. Even though I would say that it's a very typical characters' built-up plot.

What I like about this book? The feels. When I was reading it, I was pulled into Reena's mind immediately and feeling what she feels the whole time. The middle part (which I couldn't include as spoiler) made me cry. Okay, maybe I shed tears. I'm getting the same feeling when I read Death Angel by Linda Howard. (great book by the way) I didn't have that kind of experience as Reena but I cried with her as if I've gone through it also. Plus, usually if I cry for a book, I will give a very high rate for it.

The cutting of one star explanation. Why on earth did Sawyer date Ailee (the best friend) when he love Reena all these while? I don't seem to fathom the thought. I thought Sawyer was taking Reena as Ailee's substitute all along but then BAM. (wait, is this a spoiler?) Also, I didn't like when Sawyer dragged Reena down to his lowly pit of nothingness and Reena basically threw away all her studies being affected by him.

I guess this book was pretty close-to-heart and surreal it doesn't even show a sign of story-telling. It earns its star-rates. When I read this book, I like how real it feels. It reminds me of my favourite Chinese author, Sharon Rao (Rao Xue Man) and her books are written in a very touching and real (again) way. (Yes, that's the word. REAL.) There are flaws in characters, arguments about life, awkward situations and most importantly, no exaggeration. It feels insanely as if the same thing is happening to your neighbour or cousins or even friends.

The new cover is to be released next year 2015, heard from epicreads's Tea Time session.

A touching, heart-warming read,
Summer

Getting hold of the book: How To Love

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements Trilogy) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Picture adapted from Jennifer L. Armentrout's official website.

It'd been forever since I've met another favourite paranormal YA book. (The Infernal Devices excluded, the series is beyond classification.) I heard nothing but good things about the author, Jennifer L. Armentrout and of course I have to go check out her books. Much dismay, I am currently still stuck at Onyx, the 2nd book of the Lux series. To be honest, I did enjoy Obsidian but the second book just bores me in the middle part. However, I will try to read through it, maybe I would change my mind after I finish it.

Back to White Hot Kiss. When I first heard of this book from Sasha (Youtube channel: abookutopia), I've been wanting to get my hands on it. I just didn't have time. (even now, classic excuse but it's an excuse) Then, one fine day, in the midst of my finals, I just had to make myself even busier with finals and I start this book. Here goes the classic tragic of me getting so hooked to this book I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I mean, demons and gargoyles? I'm so interested.

Goodreads synopsis: One kiss could be the last. Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

The writings was the usual-typical YA style, if you know what I mean. However, usually I would pay more attention to the storyline first, later the writings. But I still have to address this issue. Only when the writings is so tremendously bombastic that I couldn't ignore it but to make notes for it.

The story. It was amazingly fresh. I've never came across with a paranormal book about gargoyles. More to that, the gargoyles are hunting demons to send them back to hell. Additionally, our heroine, Layla is a half Warden and half demon. Warden is a much better name for Gargoyles, I see. Adding to the mess, she's having a not-yet-DTR relationship with this spicy-hot demon, Roth. God, gargoyles are cool enough, the author has to add another swoon-worthy hot demon. How can anyone resist? The story. (back to the point)

I was thinking through this and I cut off one star from Goodreads. 

To be honest, I was speeding through the book I did not make any notes.

I'm torturing my mind and my readers.

There was one part in the middle of the story you will be spoilt. YES, that part ________. I wasn't really thinking through when I read it because I thought it's a series, maybe it'll happen in the later books but NO. It kills that all the flashbacks keep coming back. It's really crucial for me to start writing a review after I read a book. Memory starts to deteriorate. & needless to say, this book gives a cliffhanger, a mild one. When you read the second book's synopsis on Goodreads, you'll know what's going on. (My advice: don't read it)

Roth. Roth is like Patch from Hush Hush, Daniel from Fallen (Daniel is too good to be in this category), Will from TDI (no, the series cannot be classified under anything, it has its own genre of awesomeness), Adrian from Bloodlines and Stefan from Vampire Diaries. I think I know why I really enjoyed this book. It's Roth. Definitely. His tattoo. His smirks. Oh God.

I notice that this is the most un-proper review I've ever written. Roth- The books is too good. Just. Go. Read. It.

I'm a huge fan of paranormal series, actually.
Summer

I've convinced you: White Hot Kiss

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I picked up this book during my last Big Bad Wolf box-sale. (I will address more on Big Bad Wolf sale in my incoming post.) The sale with ridiculously cheap bargains and this book was just for filling up the space in my box. *It says RM8 (around USD2) on the cover.

I've never read a book by Lauren Oliver but I've been meaning to because I heard great things about the Delirium series and Panic. So when I saw this book in the midst of bargain books pile, I just grabbed it, even though the back jacket was torn.

& I did not regret getting this book because it was so SO GOOD.

Goodreads synopsis: For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

I learnt that this is actually Lauren Oliver's debut novel in 2010. The writings are simple, straightforward yet not degraded, a typical YA style. Before I Fall is sort of a YA contemporary with a bit of paranormal (? I'm bad with genres) and psychological effect. It will make you reflect on yourself, a lot. (not a bad thing)

So, I REALLY LOVE THE STORY. Maybe most people will say it's predictable or sort but to me (who never ever predict a story), the story is quite captivating. When I first read the synopsis, I've been intrigued and busy schedule dragged my reading time until I've finally dived into the book. The idea of reviving from dead is not new but the plots are always different.

*I'm kind stuck writing this review. I think I should go for lunch first.*

Sam is one of the mean girls at school and she, of course, did what mean girls did in school. She bullied, dated hot guys, skipped classes, flirted and all with her friends (Lindsey, Elody and Ally) until she woke up from dead the next morning. Sam had to go through the same day (12th Feb Cupid's Day) again. She had known what will happen next, as the memories of yesterday (same day) is still fresh in her memory. This goes on for seven days and through the 7 days, she reflected on herself, on her friends and every events going on around her.

In my view, the reflective parts were so captivating. Sam is a mean girl but most of the things she did without thinking or she did it because her friends were doing so. Through all the same days she woke up from she found out pieces of new information and she realised she had to do something, to turn over a new leaf. Sometimes, an apology won't make much effect to the hurt caused.

Her relationship with Kent made me go fluttery all over.

He gives a half laugh. "I thought if I had a party, you would come."

Ah, Kent is so adorable and nice. (no fangirl-ing, okay) I was so happy Sam finally built up her relationship with him, like FINALLY. I was squealing all the time when they have this funny electric thing zapping on.

How do I convince you to read this book? It was a fun heart-warming contemporary and will leave you to your thoughts after you've finished the book.

Lovely 5-stars on Goodreads,
Summer

For an easy, reflective read: Before I fall - hardback (mine is) / paperback (on discount)

Being Me (2nd of Inside Out trilogy) by Lisa Renee Jones

THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS OF THE FIRST BOOK AND YEAH.

This second book actually did answer all my questions and now I can't figure out what will be written in the final book. Oh, by the way, I just found out that there will be a 4th book, yet, they said it's a trilogy. This series is opted for Starz cable TV so maybe the author decided to write more for the drama. Apart from that, I know there's another spin-off series regarding to Rebecca's diary and her submissive life. Just check out on the author's website. Apparently, there're many side-stories to this series, such as Chris POV, Mark's etc. 

Back to the review. 

I did have an important message to convey regarding this book. "If you want to know what happen to Rebecca, read this book." It's that simple. I wouldn't say I will recommend (or not) this book but if you've read the first book and need to know what happen to Rebecca, read this book. Period. The only message I want to convey to the readers. Unless you're a big fan of Chris and Sara, you will just love this book the same as the first. 

This book can actually be shorten to less than 200 pages if 2/3 of Chris/Sara's arguments were cut short. I'm complaining it's too unnecessary and it drags the story for no particular reason. It's not bringing out any issue regarding to the main story of Rebecca gone missing. Maybe I've missed out the point that Rebecca is not the main focus here but HEY Y'ALL, that's the only thing which intrigued me to read this series. So, it's definitely important to me. 

Most of time I don't really understand what the hell was C/S arguing about. They just go forth and back about pushing each other away and coming back together because "I love you; you love me". Sara kept complaining that Chris keeps thing to himself and not opened up for her. Okay. I get her but she didn't need to say it over and over again. OMG, it's agonizing. More than half of the book they were arguing-then-make-out then beat about the bush. I don't know if these are things which suppose to be happening in a real relationship (much of doubts and contradictions). I just don't think it's that crucial to repeat them over and over again throughout the book.

However, one of the things I do like about this book is that more Mark is shown. Like Mark is finally gotten his side-character script and acting out. He is suddenly EVERYWHERE. I don't really know why but I was quite fond of Mark, maybe he's just mysterious and I need to know more about him and his other side (the not-dominant side). But one of the part where he and his friend Ryan were trying to make (rape?) Sara forgets about Chris really disappoints me, regards to Mark's character. 

Anyway, coming to the most exciting last part of the book. (How long I took to drag through the book to reach here? God, you'll never know.) The author dragged 2/3 of the book and rushed through the last part. But the last part - I didn't see it coming. WOAH. Ava. WOAH. I'm not good at predicting books' endings so WOAH. Definitely a score to that. 

The last part gained back a star for the book, so 3 stars will do.

Summer

Review of the first book - If I Were You

To get on to this steaming-sexy yet thrilling series: 

If I Were You / Being Me / Revealing Us / No In Between 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I saw it from songofstyle's instagram post. Yes, I am always introduced with new books like that.

Synopsis (from Goodreads): On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?  

This is an adult fiction thriller written in two different points of view, Nick's and Amy's diary entry. The writings was absolutely fluent and the style was just amazing. I did read books with double POVs and it would go wrong if the writings were bad. The most important thing for double POVs is that the views should not overlap because it will bore the reader, in my opinion. But, Gillian Flynn did an amazing job with double POVs. The characters' view did not clash with one another and both perspectives brought out the flow of the plot.

When I first read the synopsis, I'm intrigued. I was so excited to dive into this book. However, first one-third of the book really bored me with the marital life and all which I can't really relate to. So, that part dragged my reading process. Not to mention, this was my 3rd book for Regan's shitihavetoomanybooks read-a-thon and I failed it with this book because I was stucked in that part.

However (again), after I got through the (to-me-it's-boring) part, the rest was brilliant. The rest basically returned this book to my 5-stars list. The plot twist was really brilliant (ran out of description) and wicked (quoted from a review on the front cover).

The character development. WOAH. Nick was a classic bastard husband and you will feel like pulling him out of the book and slap him upside-down for being Nick Dunne. (can't really say much for a spoiler-free review) But, he changed, from a bastard to a seemingly psychopath (my view). I like the physiological aspect of the novel. The first page of the book, Nick described his wife's head/skull. It seems really eerie. The feeling.

Overall, this book is amazing. You will agree with me if you read this book. TRUST ME, YOU WILL. For fans (ME) of thriller-detective-mystery type of books, this is definitely your choice of read. But, even if you're not a fan of these types of genres, you will also enjoy this book. It was mind-blowing.

5 GLOWING STARS on Goodreads,
Summer

Venture into this book: Gone Girl (I can't find my version but this has the same cover)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION, this book is coming out as a movie the coming October 3rd (according to the trailer). Read this before the movie is out and you won't regret it.

adapted from Youtube

SPOILER SECTION:

Food For Thought: Book Shopping Online in Malaysia (Tips and Ways)

So, since I order books online so often, I thought I might just share some of my knowledge. This is especially applicable for Malaysians. As you all know, books are sold for quite a high price in Malaysia and not to mention, those latest releases aren't really that "punctual". Hey, we're almost half-a-globe away from US and more than 12-hours flight aways from UK. That makes us late for new releases. But fret not, I will share some thoughts on pre-orders, sales, best-bargain and what not.

A tip for book-shopping online. Always double-checked the ISBN code, if you're that kind of person whose the book edition matters to you much. (like me) Check with Bookdepository or google search. Don't just trust the cover posted. 

My list would go ascendingly according to price.
(1) Book Depository
Let me advertise a little! I'm a book depository affiliate!! Click the link above or at my blog's side column to access to the BD's site. Order through my affiliate account! You won't be charged extra but I may be able to collect a little commission through your order. Thank you!!

Pros
- Wide selections of books. Almost everything and pre-orders countdown is available. (If that particular book is not available, BD provides a link to Abe-books site to check out the availability throughout the world or something.)
- FREE worldwide delivery. It's also VAT-tax free for delivery to Malaysia. (You just have to pay for the price of the book.)
- Great bargain books. (It is not payable by Malaysian Ringgit. I usually check the conversion of US dollars, British Pounds and Singapore Dollars. I recommend you pay with Singapore Dollars, it seems a lot more cheaper.) (Most books have certain percentage discount.)
- Excellent customer service.
- Package is nicely wrapped.

Cons
- It takes a long time to be delivered to your doorsteps. They said 7-14 days but it took them 22 days (or more) to deliver my order to my place. (If you can wait, this is not really a significant problem.)
- Not able to track your order, even though they said so. (Sure, key-in the track number and then it would just show you "it's despatched". That's all.)

(2) MPHonline
I presume every Malaysian had been to MPH bookstore, if not heard before. MPH is one of those big bookstores we have in Malaysia, something like US's Barnes & Noble. Fortunately, MPH provides online services. It's sort of like shopping from their warehouse, namely MPHonline.

Pros
- VERY reasonable price (among all the other online book sites)
- FREE shipping with purchase of RM50 & above in a single transaction. (Very good deal, as purchasing 2 books with give you save you the shipping fees.)
- Shipping is just RM7 for less than RM50 spent. (applicable for West Malaysia only)
- Plenty of sales throughout the year. Check the column or subscribe to newsletter for latest bargains. Not to mention, pre-order books have 30% off.
- Aside from credit card payment, you can choose to order online and pay at their selected outlets. You can even collect your orders at their selected outlets, providing you send them an e-mail informing them so. They'll call you again for confirmation.
- Fast delivery (within a week, mostly)
- Good customer service.

Cons
- limited selection of books (if not, mostly unavailable and available for order, which have to wait for 2 weeks or more)
- search box needs precise words (key-in the exact title, author's name or ISBN)

(3) Kinokuniya's BookWeb
To be honest, I like Kinokuniya as much as MPH. They kind of fix each other's weaknesses. Kinokuniya is a Japanese franchise bookstore. There is only one physical bookstore in Malaysia, which is located at the top floor of Suria KLCC shopping mall. In my opinion, it is the largest bookstore in Malaysia.

Pros
- Wide selection of books. VERY. INCREDIBLE. (Almost all version of books can be found, unless limited edition)
- Books are up-to-date. (City of Heavenly Fire is available at their warehouse and it was just released a few days ago.)
- Good customer service.
- Fast delivery. (especially when you ordered as a gift)
- Member's discount for 10%. (not helping much, I'm not a member.)
- Able to track your order.
- Very convenient unless you live near the KL area and able to visit the physical store.

Cons
- Overpriced, most of the time. (the price might vary with the price sold in their physical store)
- RM8 per transaction shipment. FREE shipping only available when purchase RM300 & more. (rarely exits the amount and nobody would purposely exceed the amount to get excuse that RM8 shipment fees)

THE LIST CONTINUES WITH SITES WHICH I'VE NOT TRIED BEFORE.
(4) Amazon
This is a site which seems like eBay. They've, of course, a wide range of books. New or second-hand. Books can be bought as second-hand, with cheaper price (duh).

I personally have not ordered a book from Amazon because I heard the delivery price overkills. However, I heard great things regarding Amazon. Maybe because in Malaysia, it seems to be too far away. If you're living in UK or US, it might just be your perfect choice to choose from.

(5) Borders
Borders' online store has very limited books, or non at all. Everytime I visit the site, it's just outdated & limited pre-ordered books available. Plus, there is no search box on site. However, their physical bookstore is a bomb. You can get a 10% off with their membership card.

Yep, that would be all. Just to make myself clear, this is purely my opinion from personal experience and this only applies to Malaysia.

I will do another FFT for "how to shop for bargain books - physical bookstores edition".
Summer