Sunday, February 24, 2013

IMM/Stacking The Shelves/Showcase Sunday: Massive Book Haul!! (Over 50 books)

I kept procrastinating over the last few months on book hauls even though I had more than enough to show you guys. After work today, I was randomly motivated and recorded this in less than 30 minutes. I would have uploaded it earlier but I was having trouble with video size, quality and other boring techie stuff. This is my very first video for the booktubing community and I hope to make more!

Yes, I'm still a noob and you will probably feel more awkward watching this than I felt when recording but oh welps. Watch me ramble!


Please like, comment, rate & subscribe. I would really appreciate it. I was thinking of jumping ships from old-school blogging to vlogging for a while now and so far, I'm still in the middle of both. I'll probably still be doing in-depth written reviews but I'll have monthly wrap-ups in videos.

Click the title to re-directed to the book's goodreads page!

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead
Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead
Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead
Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

*to be updated with more pictures later
my camera died on me!


Friday, February 22, 2013

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Series: Sweet #1
Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback, 453 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 05/01/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Embrace the Forbidden. What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels. Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?
If books could kill.... then this is a cheeseburger. Yup. I'm feeling a little poetic right now. My heart is overdosed in feels that I can't even....

After I finished the book, the first coherent thought that popped into my head was that I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW. Good gosh, what was I supposed to do with my life until April 31st? Scratch that, they freaking moved the release date a day back. So now the publication date is MAY 1ST. What is life, guys? what is life.

Anyways, Sweet Evil was one of those books whom I judged by the cover. I didn't really like it and I thought the title was super cheesy. Needless to say, the solid fanbase that's continually expanding over the series and the countless posts of swoon over the infamous Kaidan, I picked it up against my better judgement. Now, I'm eating up my words because I appreciate both the cover and especially, the title. It was perfect. This book was perfection.

This was such a refreshing take on fallen angels. Wendy Higgins definitely made sure that she made a mark of originality over her work and she incorporated the beliefs of their origin which was commendable. And I loved how she wove those to Anna's story.

Anna is your typical goody-two-shoes. Awkward and warmhearted in general. Except that she can hear from 50 miles away and she can sense people's auras. Obviously, she's not your average human girl. I thought i'd be put off with the weak personality she was given but instead, I gave her more respect. She's definitely one to grow on you. She's not one of those hard-ass heroines who springs into action but she puts the pull in emotions! Then you have Kaidan. Sin on a stick, literally. I don't know guys... there's just something about bad boys that gets to me. Sometimes I wanted to punch him but most of the time, I just wanted to hug him.

So what happens when the bad boy and the good girl gets thrown together on the same path? Heartbreak and lots of swoon. Sigh, my heart.... I want nothing more than for these two to be together. I FREAKING SHIP THEM.

Even though, I'm focusing more on the love aspect of this book, the plot's more complex than I can ever make it sound like. Trust me, just read this book. It's thought provoking in some ways. Perfect mixture of urban fantasy, romance and a little mystery that will definitely suit the palettes of those who love The Mortal Instruments (like me) and more!


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Book Stats:
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: 06/05/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.
In all honesty, I thought this was some kind of ripoff off of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor mainly because of the name. But the thing that stroke the most resemblance was in fact, the writing style. The overly rich detail and exquisite view of a new world. The difference was that I was very overwhelmed with Daughter of Smoke and Bone while with Shadow and Bone, I was just completely mesmerized. Shadow and Bone was just brilliant. I loved being transported into the unknown: with the foreign fashion, the language and etc. The author made it so that the book had it's own feel, it's certain originality that will definitely draw in High Fantasy and Dystopian fans a-like.

The feel of the book is very dark and if you're looking for books that keep will you guessing, then this is the book for you. The only bad thing is..... the author will make you love each and every character which pretty much zeroes in your chances on finding a solid character to trust.. or should I say, doubt.

Alina was as every bit heartbreaking as she was awesome. Her traits and overall innocence leaves so much more improvement to happen in the next two books! I felt for her, her tug-of-war with her power and her feelings. Especially for the two boys. Not a fan of triangles but this has one I can't wait to unfold.

I really liked Mal. He's the boy-next-door type and even though, he was gone for the first half, when he came back in, his words and actions to and for Alina made such an impression to me... but not as much as the Darkling. I seriously can't wait to see more of him and learn about his history. There's just something about this one... He's a very complex character and I hope Bardugo sees it to that he stays that way. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't bring in the twists in the next installment... or if he's barely there at all. He added spice to this already sizzling story and I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm saying it.... I have fallen in love with the "villain" of the story. I wonder what my mama's going to say to that.

Bardugo had my heartstrings tugged at every corner and I can't wait for Siege and Storm.



Connect with the author:
Book links:
Amazon | B&N

Sunday, February 24, 2013

IMM/Stacking The Shelves/Showcase Sunday: Massive Book Haul!! (Over 50 books)

I kept procrastinating over the last few months on book hauls even though I had more than enough to show you guys. After work today, I was randomly motivated and recorded this in less than 30 minutes. I would have uploaded it earlier but I was having trouble with video size, quality and other boring techie stuff. This is my very first video for the booktubing community and I hope to make more!

Yes, I'm still a noob and you will probably feel more awkward watching this than I felt when recording but oh welps. Watch me ramble!


Please like, comment, rate & subscribe. I would really appreciate it. I was thinking of jumping ships from old-school blogging to vlogging for a while now and so far, I'm still in the middle of both. I'll probably still be doing in-depth written reviews but I'll have monthly wrap-ups in videos.

Click the title to re-directed to the book's goodreads page!

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead
Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead
Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead
Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

*to be updated with more pictures later
my camera died on me!


Friday, February 22, 2013

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Series: Sweet #1
Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback, 453 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 05/01/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Embrace the Forbidden. What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels. Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?
If books could kill.... then this is a cheeseburger. Yup. I'm feeling a little poetic right now. My heart is overdosed in feels that I can't even....

After I finished the book, the first coherent thought that popped into my head was that I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW. Good gosh, what was I supposed to do with my life until April 31st? Scratch that, they freaking moved the release date a day back. So now the publication date is MAY 1ST. What is life, guys? what is life.

Anyways, Sweet Evil was one of those books whom I judged by the cover. I didn't really like it and I thought the title was super cheesy. Needless to say, the solid fanbase that's continually expanding over the series and the countless posts of swoon over the infamous Kaidan, I picked it up against my better judgement. Now, I'm eating up my words because I appreciate both the cover and especially, the title. It was perfect. This book was perfection.

This was such a refreshing take on fallen angels. Wendy Higgins definitely made sure that she made a mark of originality over her work and she incorporated the beliefs of their origin which was commendable. And I loved how she wove those to Anna's story.

Anna is your typical goody-two-shoes. Awkward and warmhearted in general. Except that she can hear from 50 miles away and she can sense people's auras. Obviously, she's not your average human girl. I thought i'd be put off with the weak personality she was given but instead, I gave her more respect. She's definitely one to grow on you. She's not one of those hard-ass heroines who springs into action but she puts the pull in emotions! Then you have Kaidan. Sin on a stick, literally. I don't know guys... there's just something about bad boys that gets to me. Sometimes I wanted to punch him but most of the time, I just wanted to hug him.

So what happens when the bad boy and the good girl gets thrown together on the same path? Heartbreak and lots of swoon. Sigh, my heart.... I want nothing more than for these two to be together. I FREAKING SHIP THEM.

Even though, I'm focusing more on the love aspect of this book, the plot's more complex than I can ever make it sound like. Trust me, just read this book. It's thought provoking in some ways. Perfect mixture of urban fantasy, romance and a little mystery that will definitely suit the palettes of those who love The Mortal Instruments (like me) and more!


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Book Stats:
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: 06/05/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.
In all honesty, I thought this was some kind of ripoff off of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor mainly because of the name. But the thing that stroke the most resemblance was in fact, the writing style. The overly rich detail and exquisite view of a new world. The difference was that I was very overwhelmed with Daughter of Smoke and Bone while with Shadow and Bone, I was just completely mesmerized. Shadow and Bone was just brilliant. I loved being transported into the unknown: with the foreign fashion, the language and etc. The author made it so that the book had it's own feel, it's certain originality that will definitely draw in High Fantasy and Dystopian fans a-like.

The feel of the book is very dark and if you're looking for books that keep will you guessing, then this is the book for you. The only bad thing is..... the author will make you love each and every character which pretty much zeroes in your chances on finding a solid character to trust.. or should I say, doubt.

Alina was as every bit heartbreaking as she was awesome. Her traits and overall innocence leaves so much more improvement to happen in the next two books! I felt for her, her tug-of-war with her power and her feelings. Especially for the two boys. Not a fan of triangles but this has one I can't wait to unfold.

I really liked Mal. He's the boy-next-door type and even though, he was gone for the first half, when he came back in, his words and actions to and for Alina made such an impression to me... but not as much as the Darkling. I seriously can't wait to see more of him and learn about his history. There's just something about this one... He's a very complex character and I hope Bardugo sees it to that he stays that way. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't bring in the twists in the next installment... or if he's barely there at all. He added spice to this already sizzling story and I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm saying it.... I have fallen in love with the "villain" of the story. I wonder what my mama's going to say to that.

Bardugo had my heartstrings tugged at every corner and I can't wait for Siege and Storm.



Connect with the author:
Book links:
Amazon | B&N