Friday, July 29, 2016

Book Review: The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan


BLURB

How do you punish an immortal?
By making him human.
After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favour.
But Apollo has many enemies – gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.



Review:
I’m gonna say that when it’s a work of Uncle Rick, it’s never a long read. Yes, though I admit that I didn’t finish the book immediately because there are a couple of authors who requested me to read their books in an exchange of an honest review. So I kind of paused in reading this book. But the story didn’t leave my mind.
In this book, I get to know the god Apollo more. When I read the series of Rick Riordan’s Greek and Roman myth, I always thought of Apollo as a funny god though somehow silent. Sure Apollo is not a minor god but he’s always been in the limelight. And when I heard that Rick is having a series about Apollo, I thought, what could be the story of it?
When I read the first page of the book, I somehow had the idea that Apollo is a bit arrogant. And as I go deeper into the book, I found out that Apollo is arrogant indeed. Though not in a way that you want to strangle him or punch him but in a funny way. He keeps saying in his narration that if he’s a god, he could crush these puny mortals easily. Or something like that. Though, all throughout the book, Apollo is really really funny.
And then there’s Meg McCaffrey, Apollo’s master. That girl is a mysterious kind of pumpkin. When Apollo and Meg first met, Meg already gave an impression that she’s strong and has power. Though from the beginning of Meg’s appearance, I already knew who her godly parent is –if you’ve been reading Rick Riordan’s books for so long, you don’t need a lot of clues to figure out a demigod’s godly parent.
As the book go on the adventure of Meg and Apollo, I find their tandem cute and funny. One arrogant used-to-be-god and one mysterious pumpkin (Yes. I call Meg a pumpkin because she seems like one). I was actually glad that Percy gave a cameo in the book. Ha! Kind of expecting that one though.
Most of the book happened in Camp Half-blood so there wasn’t really that much adventure compared to the other Greek myth series of Rick. Sure they somehow ended up in the cave where Python is but there wasn’t much that had happened there. They just eavesdropped. And then the rest of the book remained in the camp. And most of the time I was reading the book, I cringe. Not because there are parts that are really cringe-able but I cringe easily on weird things. Like, I didn’t even know that one of Apollo’s great lover was Hyacinthus and Hyacinthus is a man. I’ve read the book Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods to know that Apollo had a dryad lover named Daphne. And all throughout as Apollo keep saying his failed love with Hyacinthus, I really thought that he’s a she. And yes, that’s weird for me. Also, I didn’t expect that Rick would put something a little gore in the book. That wasn’t in his previous books. But I just thought that the book isn’t in the same age level with the PJO series and HOO series. Still it’s under Disney. (Whatever)
In the part where things got revealed, I didn’t expect the plot twist Rick had in store. Though it’s actually a bit common plot twist in the first books of some of his series, I didn’t expect that he’ll also apply it to Apollo’s first book. I guess, most authors just have their signature everything, writing patterns, sense of humor, and even plot twists. It was both shocking and heartbreaking.
When the battle begins, I was hoping that Percy Jackson would show up but I didn’t expect it. Because that would be like Percy is still in the spotlight and this is not his book. So even though I’m hoping he’ll show up, I’m also expecting he won’t. But he did. (That’s the only spoiler I’ll give). And I didn’t expected the ending either. Seriously, who would’ve thought he’d show up at the end of the book to help Apollo in his mission? Not to mention he brought someone with him. Dang!
The ending only gave me more urge to read the second book. I guess I just need to wait yet another year for the sequel. I’m so excited! For those who haven’t read the book yet, you should! I promise you won’t regret it!
P.S
This is a bonus. I put the book’s prophecy. Although it was said on the part where it’s about to end, I think it’s also good to know the prophecy before reading the book. That way you’re brain will explode thinking what it means. (I’m also an author so I know the pleasure of torturing readers! Haha!)

“There once was a god named ApolloWho plunged in a cave of blue and hollowUpon a three-seaterThe bronze fire-eaterWas forced death and madness to swallow”

Rate:
I'm giving it a 5/5 stars because of the ending!

About the Author...


Rick Riordan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels for young readers, including the Percy Jackson series, the Kane Chronicles, the Magnus Chase series and the Trials of Apollo. He is also the author of the multi-award-winning Tres Navarre mystery series for adults.
For fifteen years, Rick taught English and history at public and private middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Texas. While teaching in San Antonio, Saint Mary’s Hall honored him with the school’s first Master Teacher Award.
While teaching full time, Riordan began writing mystery novels for grownups. His Tres Navarre series went on to win the top three national awards in the mystery genre – the Edgar, the Anthony and the Shamus. Riordan turned to children’s fiction when he started The Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his oldest son.
Today over fifty million copies of his books are in print in the United States, and rights have been sold into more than 37 countries.
Rick Riordan now writes full-time. He lives in Boston with his wife and two sons.
Know more about rick Riordan in his site rickriordan.com.
~***~

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Book Review: The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill by Sean-Paul Thomas



BLURB

Liam, a young teenage boy who recently lost his father, is befriended by G, a weird and wonderful, yet very curious kind of fairy creature, after she breaks the strict rules of her troubled, fantastical world and intervenes when Liam is beaten up by a gang of school bullies outside her cave on top of Edinburgh's Calton Hill.

Immediately G and Liam form a deep bond of friendship that takes them on a whirlwind adventure inside her magical world, from the great cliffs of doom and the flesh eating forest to the great lake of Silence, and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit them, from fire wolves and rainbow dragons to the more sinister lurking Weasel bats.

But G's world is no longer the tranquil haven it once was, and is now a world ruled by a tyrant Fairy King, his mysterious evil wizard, Zorn, and their army of Wretchids - a half goblin, half werewolf mix breed creature, with one hell of a bite.

Things take a darker turn when Liam, looking to impress his new love interest Lucy - a pretty and feisty Irish teenage girl next door - secretly brings her into the new world, unaware of the tragic and twisted chaos that is about to be unleashed.


Review:


I was given a copy by the author of this book. This will not affect my review.
At first, I was curious about this book. I was wondering about the title. It’s intriguing. The story, on the other hand, is a different matter. At first it was smooth sailing. I could understand it quite fine but when the characters started talking and having conversations with each other, I honestly didn’t understand most of it.
The story is fine but it’s too predictable. A cliché. Although there are times that I tried my best to not predict the flow of the story, for some reason I know what’s gonna happen next.
And even though I’m not fond of a third person point of view in reading a book, I still give it a shot. I thought it will still be understandable even if it’s in a third person point of view. However, there’s no focus as to whose emotions or point of view are being described. Also, even though there’s already a glossary for the Scotch dialect, I still couldn’t understand what they’re talking about. And it’s a bit hassle to go back to the glossary page to look back for the meaning of the slang, although I have nothing against those Scotch dialects.
And the story is not as indulging as the other books I’ve read before. Maybe because it’s in different genre but still, I didn’t find it as interesting. Though I must admit that there are moments that the story could bring me somewhere in my childhood where I used to imagine fairies and other magical things.
The book is not bad. It just didn’t fit in my own description of interesting and indulging story. If you are the kind of person who loves fairies and appreciate exploring new culture, this book is perfect for you!
Don’t let my review ruin your curiosity towards this book. Read it for yourself and find out if it’s a good one or not!


Rate:

2/5 stars


About the Author...



Born in London to Scottish and Irish parents, Sean spent most of his childhood and teenage years growing up on the move in the likes of Cyprus, Germany, Wales and England as an army brat. With a keen interest in both reading and writing he was diagnosed with the travel and writing bugs very early on in life.
Now, writing, traveling and reading are his main passions in life, but he also loves outdoor sports too from Rugby and Hiking to Tennis and Boxing.
His main inspiration for writing today comes from living in such a beautiful, Gothic and hauntingly, awe inspiring city such as Edinburgh. This charming wee city has given Sean so much amazing inspiration to write the more time he spends there.
At this moment Sean is working on a couple of screenplays, a book about an alcoholic deadbeat and a single mother ex porn star who find love in Edinburgh's Morningside, and a sequel to 'The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill' - The Fairy Boy of the Seven seas. 

So far he has two published work of fiction -
The Universe Doesn't Do Second Chances and Cafe Independence.

And 5 self published novels.

Alone
Ugly/beautiful
Sarah Smiles
Lust4Life
The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill
~***~


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Book Review: The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton




BLURB

Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows the truth... that Cameron can read minds. For years Cameron has hidden behind a facade of normalcy, warned that there are those who would do her harm. When gorgeous and mysterious Lewis Douglas arrives he destroys everything Cameron has ever believed and tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a secret haven with Lewis; a place where she meets others like her, Mind Readers.



But as Cameron soon finds out some things are too good to be true. When the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs. Cameron suddenly finds herself involved in a war in which her idea of what is right and wrong is greatly tested. In the end she’ll be forced to make a choice that will not only threaten her relationship with Lewis, but her very life.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR...





As a child, thoughts of far-off places and adventure consistently kept Lori up late at night. After graduating high school, she came to the conclusion that there was no better way to seek adventure and nourish her love of history than to become an archaeologist. She went on to receive a degree in anthropology, but digging in the dirt during humid Midwestern summers wasn’t exactly as fun as she thought it would be.

Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.

Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart. Since Wild Heart's release, Lori has written Historical Romance, Contemporary Paranormal Romance and Young Adult.

Lori currently resides in the Southern U.S., where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat and the many, many people in her imagination.

Know more about Lori, visit her website www.LoriBrighton.com



Title: The Mind Readers |
Author: Lori Brighton |
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance




BOOK REVIEW


This review is not entirely spoiler free but it also doesn't have any major parts that was revealed during review. I have this book in my Kindle.



~***~



I don't know how to start my review about this book, in all honesty.



When I read the title, I thought this is just some book with predictable story and twists and plot twists. Because the title doesn't seem to be catchy or curious or anything. But, man, was I wrong!



The story got me hooked from the very first page. It's the reason why I managed to finish the book in 2-3 days’ time despite going to school to have myself enrolled in my classes. And yes, while waiting at the administration building of my school to pay for my tuition, I was reading this book. I just couldn't stop because every word seemed to stay inside my head. It has a very unique and interesting story.



At first, Cameron seemed to be normal to me considering her being the lead character. Like I don’t get excited or anything. She didn’t have a pull on me to love her character. Especially when she shows how Lewis influences her. But even though it’s already in the middle of the book, she still doesn’t have a pull on me. The tone of the book gave a feeling that she's a prodigy, the most powerful mind reader in the book, but it took her mostly 90% of the book before unleashing her power. And yes, I was waiting for her to unleash her power.



However, when she did finally unleash her power, her mind reading powers, she didn’t reach my expectations. She still seem weak to me but finally, she gave me that pull. Though it’s a little too late because the book was ending.



The part I hate the most here is when her memory was wiped out. Not her entire memory but some. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it in a way that it’s already ending but it’s like I’m reading the beginning again. But at some point, I know why Ms. Lori did it. It somehow made me eager to read the second book. And yes, I will definitely read the rest of the series.
 I also hate the parts where Cameron always seemed to easily soften towards Lewis whenever she feels like rebelling. It's like it's so blatant that Lewis is Cameron's weakness. 



The Mind Readers didn’t have me hooked because of its characters just like some other books I’ve read before. But The Mind Readers have me hooked because of its story. It’s not every day I stumble upon a book about mind reading. This is actually the first book I’ve read with this kind of theme. Books are indeed different from one another. And all books have different worlds.


I recommend this for you, peeps, to read! It's a good book. It has a lot of mysteries and you will definitely have a hard time choosing sides cause you just don't know who are the bad guys and who are the good guys!



RATE: 4/5


~***~

Saturday, July 16, 2016

#BookWishlist: The Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige




It’s time to talk about one of the books inside my #BookWishlist. This is the first post about this segment on my blog so I’ll start with the book I want to have as soon as possible.





It’s the third book of Danielle Paige’s Dorothy Must Die Series, The Yellow Brick War.




I read the Dorothy Must Die book was when I was still in high school. I actually forgot what year it was but I will never forget the story of the book and how it made me feel. I read the book in an app in my phone. I was curious about the title because the only Dorothy I know is the Dorothy inside the World of Oz. At first, I kept ignoring the book but every time I open the app in my phone and surf for new books to download, it keeps on popping and it says it’s trending. So I finally downloaded it out of curiosity of the story and as to why it was trending at the time.




And I’m glad I downloaded the book because it was a very good book. I didn’t have a specific view of the World of Oz but I know a little background about it due to some movies and children tales. I only know the basic information about the world of Oz. Like there was an impostor wizard and then Dorothy the real wizard came and overthrew the impostor wizard and restores peace and order to the world of Oz. That’s all. So when I saw the title of Ms. Paige’s book, I immediately wonder why Dorothy must die.




When I finished the first book, I immediately put the second book to my #BookWishlist. When I reach my first year in college, I started saving money for the book even though it was just a week after it’s release. And then finally! I manage to buy the second book! Yay!




The second book is just as good as the first but it has the most cliffhanger ending ever! It was so unexpected that I double and triple check if it’s already the ending. Unfortunately it is. It made me want to get the third book even more!





Now, the third book is finally out and I’ve been dying to get my hands on it since the day of its release. But I can’t because I don’t money to buy it. I’m hoping that when school starts, I’ll be able to save the money needed to buy this book. I can’t wait to have it! I will definitely get my hands on it. Mark my word!






~***~

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

The Fray Theory: Resonance by Nelou Keramati






Blurb:

Neve Knightly lives in an ordinary world. Where déjà vu is nothing more than a mind-trick. Where premonitions are dismissed as mere coincidence. Where no one thinks twice about the glitches in their reality.

Neve Knightly is living a lie.

But when her nightmare of a tragedy comes true the very next day, she can no longer seek solace in self-deception. The glossy enamel has been shattered, and she has caught a glimpse of what slithers just beneath the surface.

She now has the opportunity to decipher the enigma that’s been haunting her since childhood. But her quest soon becomes deeply entangled with the last two people she could have ever imagined: the love of her life, Dylan, who mysteriously vanished three years ago, and his estranged best friend, Romer, who seems to be guarding a secret of his own.

Romance, rancor, and redemption plummet as priorities, as their lives become riddled with peculiar happenings lying just outside the realm of science. And in search for salvation, they emerge at the brink of unveiling the best-kept secret in human history.




Thursday, July 7, 2016

Monday, July 4, 2016

Book Review: P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han




Synopsis:

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
They were just pretending. Until they weren’t. and now Lara Jean has to lean what it’s like to be in a real relationship and not just a make-believe one.
But when another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him suddenly return too.
Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
Lara Jean is about to find out that falling in love is the easy part.