Review: The Wolf Road

The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"We live in a world a' men and there ain't no good come out of telling' them they monsters. Makes 'em think they ain't done nothin' wrong, that it's their nature and they can't do nothin' to change that. Calling' 'em a monster makes 'em somethin' different from the rest of us, but they ain't. They just men, flesh and bone and blood. Bad'uns, truth, but men all the same."


This book is one hella ride on survival. It's red riding hood meets hannibal in the revenant. To be honest, it's not something up in my alley but I like the thrilling sensation of it. I find it a little difficult to read from a non-literate narration but that's what makes it so real. I can't say I enjoy reading it but I'm just feeling meh. I find that I refused to go back to the story every time I paused reading and I just wanted it to end. Thus, the 3-stars rating.

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Review: American Gods

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

American Gods tells a story about a man being hired as a chauffeur and eventually got stirred up in a war between the old gods and new gods. The premise of the story is crazily interesting and superficial in a good way. Add a sprinkle of magical realism and it exploded the whole dynamic of storytelling.

I love reading dialogues with deep, gripping double-meaning and Neil Gaiman did it so well in American Gods. Maybe most of the time I ain't very sure what's going on because there are too much going on but every line I read, I cherish so dearly. The story is without a doubt hard to digest, with many alienated glossaries and many unexplained myths of Gods.

"Fiction allows us to slide into these other heads, these other places, and look out through other eyes. And then in the tale we stop before we die, or we die vicariously and unharmed, and in the world beyond the tale we turn the page or close the book, and we resume our lives.

A life that is, like any other, unlike any other."


Reading this is a little difficult but I do every reading the conversations, especially between Shadow and Wednesday.


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Review: Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the many reviews I read pointed out that reading Dark Matter was like watching a thrilling science fiction movie. That description was so much on point. This book was so messy yet mind-blowing yet convincing yet out of the world. The journey was insane and I abso-fucking-lutely enjoy this book.

Fast-paced. I ain't sure about the finish copy but the ARC ebook copy was written in very short sentence. Story was told in many one-sentence-paragraphs instead of one long-winded paragraph. It sure was a lot easier to read. Informations are more likely to be read and understood. It also shows the pacing of the book. The shorter the sentence, the quicker the pace.

"That everything which has a probability of happening is happening. Everything that might have occurred in our past did occur, only in another universe."


I guess that one sentence is enough to explain the whole plot. Yes, crazy it is.

"Every moment, every breath, contains a choice. But life is imperfect. We make the wrong choices. So we end up living in a state of perpetual regret, and is there anything worse?"

"Life doesn't work the way. You live with your choices and learn. You don't cheat the systems."


I love the conversations revolving about making life choices and the hidden message about life the book trying to insinuate. Everyone make their choice on their life, and they should face the own consequences of that choice.

Insane story but great book!


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Review: It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"It's easy when we're on the outside to believe that we would walk away without a second thought if a person mistreated us. It's easy to say we couldn't continue to love someone who mistreats us when we aren't the ones feeling the love of that person. When you experience it firsthand, it isn't so easy to hate the person who mistreats you when most of the time they're your godsend. "


So much thoughts going on in my mind right now I fear I might not give an organised review to this book. First thing first, CoHo has certainly outdone herself. She wrote something so impactful I don't think I can get over it at least for a few days. Damn her when all I asked for was a happy-tearjerking romance novel and she gave me a domestic abuse handbook. Not until the last page of this book I felt the urge to hug CoHo and tell her I'm so proud of her of every words she's written and inspired.

This is an important book for all women especially. I feel the need to tell everyone to read it. No, I am not under any circumstances experience any kind of abuse but I felt into the trap. I was in truth madly in love with Ryle and hence, I'd fallen into the massive trap. The moment when my subconscious quietly whispering behind my mind, telling Lily that she should forgive Ryle was the point when I knew I'd fallen into this goddamn deception. I couldn't deny how wrong this idea could be. I knew somewhere in the back of my mind, Lily shouldn't EVER go back to Ryle. But love can do you wrong. Crazy as it seems, I should put a stop on Ryle in the first casserole incident but I chose to forgive as Lily did. At this point, I don't think I'm making any sense because I'm speaking as if I'm Lily. But, I guess at various different points, many women are in Lily's shoes - they're Lily or worst, Lily's mum.

That's why I think this is an important book. It sure as hell isn't like one of CoHo's usuals. For the first time ever, I didn't like her books for her romance but the message she's bringing.

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Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I found myself on Gatsby's side, and alone."


Reading The Great Gatsby was a lonely journey. Mr Gatsby was a lonely, very lonely man. I could help but feel incredibly heartache for him. Nobody's there for him when companionship is needed the most. His love for Daisy was nothing but a speckle of dust which was easily blown away by her. Daisy, the despicable whore, has eyes on money and anything with monetary value. "Her voice is full of money." Gatsby, for once, was on point.

If I'd say one thing I learnt from The Great Gatsby, it'd be 'people come to you when you're at your best hour but they aren't necessary your best companions'.

Something about classics which throw readers off with pretentious vocabularies and high-end wordings. Sometimes it's impossible to see why this piece of literature was labeled 'classics' when the story was as plain as my breakfast white toast. The Great Gatsby, as much as the powerful descriptions and narrative go, the story was too flat. As some point, I was put off by the out-of-topic narrations and strong double-shots-caffeine is needed to put me back into the story.

Asides, it was an eye-opening read. The powerful narration brought Gatsby to justice.

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Review: On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has become my writing bible the first instance I read it.

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot."


Stephen King is no stranger to the publishing world. I have not come across anyone who does not know Stephen King or any of his works so I rather not have his Wikipedia page summarised here. I shamefully admit that I've only read two of his books (among 30+ novels published) - Carrie and Misery. My excuse was that I was too afraid to read them. But since reading this memoir, my interest on his works grows.

This is an excellent book on guidance to write. I personally find it extremely helpful. Stephen King shared insights on his working process and anecdotes on his journey to become a successful writer. In this book, you would find some dos and don'ts - tips on writing. King's take on non-fiction writings was a joy to read, especially alongside his natural wits.

On Writing is incredibly insightful and a must-read for any writers.

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Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Handmaid's Tales is like a nightmare I'd gone through and glad that it doesn't happen in reality. Sometimes, I think dystopian should be sub-labeled under horror. The whole idea of a non-existing world can be intriguing to read about but it sure creeps you out if you were to place yourself in the characters' shoes.

"In your hands, she said, looking down at her own hands as if they had given her the idea. But there was nothing in them. They were empty. It was our hands that were supposed to be full, of the future; which could be held but not seen."


The Handmaid's Tale shows a world where women (the handmaids) are treated as nothing but "childbearing automates". The handmaids only have one duty - to bear child for the Commanders. They could go out to shop once per day, but under deep surveillance of the Eyes. They are, under no circumstances, to speak ill of the systems or disobey. The world of Gilead is sickening, demoralised and horrifying.

As intense as Orwell's 1984, Atwood's incredible world-building and words-building won my heart. As terrifying as the coup in Gilead goes, I could not help to be immersed in the powerful narratives by the main character, Offred. Offred's narratives help to bring readers in her shoes - walking the same paths, thinking the same thoughts. Plus, the intended word-play which proper terms can only be found in Mark Forsyth's The Elements of Eloquence all but blew my mind away.

"Myself, my obverse."


The scariest thing about this novel is not the plot which supposed to bring you to the different stages of fright but just the knowledge of being in that world - the world of Gilead. At this point, I'm awfully turning this statement fiction to a horror of Stephen King but fret not, it's not (at least not in the same way). The crazy revelations of this novel will make you realise what the world will become without the freedom of varies.

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Review: Killing Sarai

Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HOLY CRAP. Can I give this a 6-stars instead?

I do not know how to begin review about this book (or series). IT'S (in this occasion, FUCKING) AMAZING. I couldn't put this down, I clenched my fist the whole time reading every pages, every lines. The story was so incredibly fucked-up in a way, but you just can't help reading it.

Warning: It contains very serious social issues and adult contents.

I ran out of words describing how well written this is and I have yet to finish till the latest series. (I'm should be ashamed.) The plot is well crafted, every pages keeps you on the edge. The character's survivor instinct drags your soul out. You couldn't help to feel for her, worried endlessly for her, knowing in every turning page danger would fall on her.

It has been a while since I ever read something so incredible and satisfying. Definitely recommend to any readers who enjoy thriller, dark romance and assassination topics.

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Review: Still Here: A Novel

Still Here: A Novel by Lara Vapnyar
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"The rest is silence. But does it have to be?"


I want to read a novel but all I read was the characters bitching about other people's lives. It was hard to get through the novel, I'm being utterly honest. It was hard not to think this is a novel instead of a diary of Vica, Vadik, Sergey and Regina. The story was so plain, mostly because it's filled with flashbacks and monologues.

"Now I think it's kind of inevitable, like one of the expected phases in your life. You get born, you go to school you get a job, you go to school, you get a job, you get married, you get cancer, you die."


Well, great job in summarising your own novel within a line conversation in your novel. All I ever read was death, death, death and death. I couldn't bring myself to connect to the characters. Their personalities were annoying, their lives were boring and even their names were confusing.

The only plus point about this novel is that the writings are fairly well done. Lara Vapnyar certainly has a "Jane Austen" vibe. I couldn't help myself highlighting some of her lines.

"No matter how misguided, that was real love."


Honestly, there isn't much to talk about. Sorry for my rants but when I read I am all about the story and this disappoints me. There isn't a point which push me to continue reading it except my needs to write a review for it.

It was a plain read.

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Review: Curse of the Sphinx

Curse of the Sphinx by Raye Wagner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I signed up for Raye Wagner's email subscription in exchange for a ebook copy. :D

Let me put it out there that it was a disappointment. When I first heard of this book from peruseproject's channel, I was beyond excited and almost ordered a copy from Amazon. I couldn't contain my excitement but it was a huge let down. (My reading mood was not affected by my finals.)

Curse of the Sphinx is a Greek Mythology-ish romance YA novel. I really enjoy the mythology aspect of the novel but the whole plot was plain boring. The story could be replaced by any paranormal romance out there, add the essence of Greek Mythology and publish this book. It was unoriginal, the plot I mean.

It was a let down because the starting of the story was well-written. It kept me hook to the story, it was fast-paced. Not after Hope went to the new town, Goldendale, things start to go flat. The usual story of a new girl in a small town, a few bitches in her class, no friend wanna be alone and the hot guy who flirts with everyone but only want her. Really?

Not to mention, some of the writings are really childish. I understand it's YA but...

Apollo! She hated him! Hate wasn’t even a strong enough word. How dare he?

Who even talk like that?

The only thing which kept me reading it was the Greek mythology aspect. Well, considering this is my first time reading a Greek mythology fiction, I'm impressed with the world building and used of characters.

p.s I'm sorry I'm bashing on your book here, Raye Wagner. This is my honest review so please don't hunt me down.

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Review: The Children Act

The Children Act by Ian McEwan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I spent 6 months learning about Family Law to finish up with a 20-over pages of portfolio and it is so utterly impossible that Ian McEwan tackled the Law way better than I did (ok, I was't that good either). But truth be told, he did extremely well, not trying to pinpoint anything from an experienced, well-known, award-winning author from the other century. I guess it's sort of a habit to want to find if something was wrong whenever I read legal fiction. (thoughts)

"The music in her head had faded, but now came another old theme: self-blame."


The novel was written in a third-person perspective. Ian was a skilful and talented writer, I agree. It's his writings which made me so into the story. It feels like he was bringing us on a teleportation journey to Judge Fiona's life. Imagine Ian and the reader were "glamoured" invisible and stalking Judge Fiona. It was exactly how the story was told, very cinematic .

This piece of fiction was so well-written. The aspects of law were so clear and a part of me wish that if Ian were to write his version of all case judgments, I would be so pleased. His writings was a blessing. I couldn't stress more that I enjoy reading it. The writing style was a mixture of flashbacks and currents. It seems like a mess, yes but it's very interesting to read about the character's thoughts. It grabs your attention, as you try to figure out when's when. But that's how it goes in your head.

I would admit I like reading his way of case commentary, except it's from a judge's perspective. I like how he describe the process of summing up a judgment. The way he explained Gillick competent, child's welfare and how he summed up with a conclusion to overrule the child's wishes. It's so amazing! (I ran out of words.)

I could go on and on about how perfect this novel is but my review won't matter if you don't read it yourself. This is my first Ian McEwan's book and I have his Atonement on its way now. I'm so excited to explore all his works.

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Review: Memories

Memories by Lang Leav
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Before I fell
in love with words,
with setting skies
and singing birds-
it was you I fell
in love with first.


Lang Leav has a unique way of writing her poems. They need not rhymed or filled with figurative phrases. They're simple and realistic. They would see through your soul and break your heart, all over again. Read it with a cup of warm earl grey, by the window seat, preferably during the rainy days.

It was words that I fell for. In the end, it was words that broke my heart.


*Memories is a compilation of some of her new poems and some favourites from Love & Misadventure and Lullabies. My favourite poem so far is still "Patience".

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Review: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredible, powerful and impactful middle-grade novel by John Boyne.

I love stories which are simple yet filled with hidden meanings and sarcastic metaphors. "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is one of those stories. Bruno, a 9 years old boy, went home one day to find that his whole family was moving house. He didn't know where they were going but he knew that he was no longer in Berlin and he hated the condition of his new house. There isn't a summary fits for this novel as I encourage readers to dive into it without knowing what's going on. I'm sure you'll find your way.

You're reading from a mind of a 9 years old. I believe many things that he didn't understand, you would, unless you're a young boy as Bruno is. I like how the author use witty phrases like "the unforeseeable future", "Out of Bounds At All Time and No Exceptions" and describing her sister as "The Hopeless Case". It shows the author's sense of humour and also how a child portray something he doesn't fully understand in his mind. Bruno learned the way adults' talk, he mimicked the way adults talk.

"The thing about exploring is that you have to know whether the thing you've found is worth finding. Some things are just sitting there, minding their own business, waiting to be discovered. Like America. And other things are probably better off left alone. Like a dead mouse at the back of a cupboard." - simple, yet deep

The message the author trying to bring out regarding WW2 was impeccable. Bruno was an innocent bystander, who was caught up on the wrong side of the "fence". He couldn't and didn't understand "who decided which people wore the stripped pyjamas and which people wore the uniforms" . It was really hard to believe that some people were deemed wronged just because they were born as who they are.

The younger generation should be educated about the aftermath of the war, why it happened when it shouldn't. We shouldn't just blindly accepting knowledge (or whatever people tell you) and not further exploiting your thoughts. The conversation between Bruno and Gretel when Bruno asked about his sister about the fence stuck with me the most.

Gretel sighed and shook her head. 'With the other Jews, Bruno. Didn't you know that? That's why they have to be kept together. They can't mix with us.'
'Jews,' said Bruno, testing the word out. He quite like the way it sounded. 'Jews,' he repeated. 'All the people over that side of the fence are Jews.'
'Yes, that's right,' said Gretel.
...
'Well, why don't we like them?' he asked
'Because they're Jews,' said Gretel.

This novel was very intricate-ly crafted and packed with meaningful message about the Holocaust. The plot was well-written and the ending was 'a slap in the face'. I recommend it to anyone and certainly everyone.



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Review: Confess

Confess by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Contemplating between 4 and 5 stars.

Colleen Hoover almost never disappoints me until this book. I was slightly blown away for how bland is the ending. I believe she can do so much more for this book because I love the starting. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike this book but the ending has taken me aback. The complicates seem to be resolved pretty easily and not to mention, Owen seems too good to be true. Hey, nobody wants to read a real-life "fiction". :D

But but but. Man, I love the art aspect of this book. The confessions and art pieces totally blown me away. I love the flirtations between Owen and Auburn. They made me flutters and feels good all over again. Plus, the whole feels surrounding the book just blew me away even more. Don't you just like it when a book brings you to another world entirely and you don't wanna come back to reality? Okay, I may be exaggerating a little but the whole atmosphere about this book was almost indescribable. I love it so much. I feel that everything I said here doesn't do the book justice, so read it yourself.

I was so confident in giving it a 5 stars but half way through the book it blew off. But I still highly recommend this book.

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Review: The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After reading this, I know that science fiction ain't my thing. Most of the time, I couldn't imagine what the author was talking about. I was that bad in science, I even feel stupid saying out loud.

Well, this is for sure one hell of a ride book. I can't bring myself to read this book after putting it off so many times. The science terms and theories bored me, only Mark's wittiness kept me reading. I find myself drifting off whenever some theories are being explained (no matter how easy it seem).

I picked this book up hoping that I would shed some light on science fiction genre but I guess I would never go back there again. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read. The writings were supposingly easy to read but the science/space terms made it so complicating.

I would definitely pick this up again in the future when I'm more in mood to learn more.

For any space, astronomy geeks out there, this is a book for you.

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Review: Women Who Think Too Much: How To Break Free Of Overthinking And Reclaim Your Life

Women Who Think Too Much: How To Break Free Of Overthinking And Reclaim Your Life by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ignoring the overly sexist title, the tips provided by this book were pretty insightful. I hardly ever read any self-help books but I picked this up because of the problem I'm facing myself. It's embarrassing to admit but I think it's more important to find out the problem and face it than lying to yourself. Well, I could get a little over-sensitive sometimes and I prone to overthink (says in the title).

Coming back to the book, it wasn't an overly theory-fied book. The author provided stories along with her theories to make it more applicable and readable. I like that the author wrote would jot down her points in chart form at the end of the section, making refer-back more easier.

Well, since it's a self-help book, it wouldn't help if you didn't follow the guides or tips given. I would say some of the tips given were already tried by myself before I even found out this book. It's pretty legit. :)

Guess, this is not really a recommendation unless you're facing this problem or just wanting to expand your knowledge regarding "overthinking".

Summer

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Review: What Lies Within

What Lies Within by James Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I take a long time to finish this book. I kept putting it off and on because I couldn't get into the story in the beginning. I would like to apologise for taking this long to finish this book.

"What Lies Within" is a thriller-science-fiction-ish book. It was suspenseful and fast-paced. The suspenseful plot would keep you reading until you have finished the story. The plot was refreshing and new; many occasions where I find myself in awe with what happened.

However, I had some slight problems with the first quarter of the book as it was pretty plain and I felt the story was being dragged for no reason. That was partly the reason why I couldn't get into the book as well as I should have. After that, I practically flew through (with occasions of assignments and heavy workload) it.

I also had problem with Shelly (the protagonist) because I don't feel attached to her. I constantly find myself questioning why did she do what she's doing and why would she even think that way? Maybe that's the perks of (usually) a female protagonist.

Overall it was an interesting and compelling read. Recommend to any thriller or even crime&investigation readers out there.

I've been sent a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: City of Heavenly Fire

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful conclusion to the Mortal Instruments series. Despite the awfully thickness of this book, it was a swift read. The storyline flows much better than the four middle books in the series, perhaps I was in the mood to read it. (I take back my words, City of Fallen Angels is still my favourite of all.)

-below are spoilers to the series and The Infernal Devices series-

As usual, this book is written in multi-perspectives narrations and some bits in third person view. This book introduces new characters, such as Emma Castairs and her "institute family". I feel that her POV was not serving any purpose, whatsoever, other than Cassandra's effort to introduce readers to her incoming new series, "The Dark Artifices". The other most complained POV was Maia's. Despite all the dislikes, I find her stories do serve more purposes that Emma's.

After 6 books, I still do not feel any attachments to Clary & Jace and I think this is the main reason that this series isn't one of my favourite. However, I do enjoy reading them and my favourite is still Simon. Oh, Simon, my dearest. Yes and the special appearance of Tessa and Jem. *in tears of joy* I can't help myself to squeal in excitement whenever their names were mentioned and find myself sharing a inner joke with the character 'yep, I know what ya talking about'.

I do feel that Jem deserves a paragraph of me thanking him due to his contribution to me liking this book. So, thanks Jem.

Every series deserves a beautiful ending and I would say this book does its justice. However, I do think that it's a bit too long and I would do whatever for some of its length given to The Ruby Circle.

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Review: Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted so badly to rate this 5-stars but I couldn't deal with Abby's bitchy-ness. But I would've to agree that this is too addictive. I could pull up an all-nighter just to finish it, if I do not have work during the weekdays.

[spoilers]
Travis is a crazily possessive boyfriend. Omg. Boy, you need to chill. And Abby is extremely annoyingly bitchy and slutty. I got annoyed with her keep going on and off with Parker when she knew that she didn't like him. She's also doing the same to the other random guys. However, I do enjoy her badassery moments during the poker game.

Not only that, I love the other characters in the book too: Shep and America, Finch and the Maddox family. Can't wait to read about the Maddox brothers in the other series by Jamie McGuire.

I think Beautiful Disaster is one of the pioneer New Adult books out there and I enjoy reading about this kind of classic bitchy-college-romance of New Adult. Their age almost match mine and the narrators (the main characters) are often not having childish dialogue and thoughts. I appreciate that.

If you're looking for a light read (but this isn't really one) or wanting to try out New Adult (mature contents alert), definitely pick this up. Consider this as a New Adult Classics.

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Review: Searching for Someday

Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"...if he had a heart left to give, it would've broken right there."

I never thought I would love this book as much as now. Clearly, I didn't have a very high expectations due to the previous few romance I've read these past few weeks. This came too much as a surprise and it caught my heart, wrenching in an unspeakable way.

Jennifer Probst writes generously, giving away too much informations yet didn't fail to bore me in reading. This book speaks a lot for not only the main couple of the story but draws attention to the other side characters. I felt drawn to Kate's girl friends as much as I love Kate and Slade. It's not just a book about romance, but friendship and other qualities. I love how every aspects seem to be well balance.

The romance was, to me, very believable . Even those sex scenes didn't make me cringe in disgust. The relationship between Kate and Slade was built up slowly and Jennifer Probst has done a wonderful job in both hero and heroine's character development. The little magic "touch" effect was pretty dainty too.

I would say I'm pretty impressed with this book and definitely worth the read, if you're looking into romance genre. I've read my fair share of this genre so I'm confident in my recommendation.

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