Book Review: A Monster Calls

Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Format: eBook
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Children's books are like good movies. You finish them in one sitting and then you either smile or weep when it ends. In this book, you weep. *wipes tears*

This book is about a thirteen year old kid name Conor whose been having a difficult time with his life now that his mother has cancer and might just fade any second. Then he started having dreams-or nightmares-of a monster pulling his mom from his grasp. It happens every night and always ends at that same scene. But what happens when the monsters starts to visit him in real life? Conor learns different things from the monster in forms of stories that might actually heal his mom-and himself.

I devoured this book in one sitting (my eyes still hurt from the computer light and so does my backside) but I don't care! Heck, it was worth it. The theme is about life and unconditional love but also about facing the truth even if it kills you.

Keep a box of tissue nearby. The ending will make you weep AND make you hug your mom. :')

Book Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Author: John Green and David Levithan

Format: eBook

Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

What happens when you’ve got two of the most brilliant authors of today’s generation and let them work together on a book? You’ve got Will Grayson, Will Grayson! Completely funny, moving and foul-mouthed, this book is a must for young adults out there.

The book is about two teenagers both named Will Grayson. The first Will Grayson, who narrates first, is a big city boy who has the biggest (and gayest) best friend in the world. Stuck with his only friend, he can’t help but help his friend in producing the most fabulous musical their school has ever had. The second Will, is a suburb emo who would rather die than to live in this depressing spherical object called Earth. Although their personalities may be entirely different and their lives are not the same, what happens if they cross each other’s paths in a cold and dark Chicago night?

While other might be ticked off of the second Will’s narration (seeing everything in lowercase can piss people off), I loved how vulgar and ruthless he is. Take that F***weasel! I like the impact both Wills did on each other’s lives and how they will have one BIG thing in common. *wink*

To conclude, I think this book is absolutely brilliant with a beautiful ending that can move hearts.

                                                 

Book Review: The Mark of Athena

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Format: Paperback (Int'l Edition)
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

Did I just finish reading this book? It only seemed like yesterday I was just reading The Son of Neptune and here I am now, waiting for the fourth installment.

Like the previous books, MoA had the combination of action, adventure, romance and humor. In my own opinion, this is the best book of the series, so far. We now have four different points of view from Annabeth, Percy, Piper and Leo, each of them going on a different adventure throughout the book. MoA started off exactly where SoN left and immediately kicked off the action and adventure until the very last page.

Although I was annoyed by some parts where there would be a dialogue and something interrupts it when it gets to the most important part. I just wish Mr. Riordan stops doing that now. Nevertheless, I still loved it.

I also loved how the ending was written. It was a cliffhanger, that doesn’t seem like a cliffhanger at all, but left me wanting the next book which makes it a cliffhanger, BAH! Go read it yourselves. Riordan doesn’t disappoint.

Book Review: Feedback

Title: Feedback
Author: Robison Wells
Format: Paperback (Int'l Edition)
Rating: 2.5 / 5.0

 (I'm gonna keep this review short and simple for some reasons.)

To be honest, I was so disappointed in this book. Variant was very promising and the cliffhanger left us screaming in agony. But after reading Feedback, I kinda wish that this series was a trilogy. Feedback lacked a lot of answers. Answers that we were promised would be answered. Sure it was thrilling and heart-stopping at times but I just wasn’t satisfied with it. The ending felt like it was cut midsentence, the love story felt awkward and it didn’t even tell us who Maxfield is. I’m still hoping that this isn’t the end and that book 3 is in the works. J

Book Review: Variant

Title: Variant

Author: Robison Wells

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

If you love books with the likes of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, then you’ll be very happy if you find this book in your hands. Aside from the shining, shimmery cover, what got my attention was the theme of this book. Putting a bunch of teens in an isolated place with no adults is my dish. Let’s see if they kill each other, or if they build a government. Oh, let’s try locking them from the outside. Love it!

The book starts off with Benson Fisher, a 17-year old orphan who applied a scholarship to Maxfield Academy in the hopes of finally being in a regular school. But the longer he stays, he realizes that Maxfield is no ordinary private school and that escape could mean death.

It’s the kind of book that makes your heart pound and palms sweat in anticipation of what happens next. It’s a must for all book lovers out there. 

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Title:  Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Format: eBook

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

Well, what can I say? I loved it! It was like Charlie Bone and X-Men combined. I totally loved the idea of this book and I am so glad I wasted the whole weekend finishing this. This book is about Jacob Portman who goes psycho after the death of his grandfather. He has been seeing and dreaming about monsters and has blamed his grandfather’s stories for it. Thinking that it’ll help him cure his trauma, he sets out to a tiny island in Wales where his grandfather grew up. But as Jacob is about to think that all of his grandfather’s stories were mere fiction, he begins to realize that they might be indeed true and that the peculiar children are still alive.

I loved the characters in this book. Sure, they’re not as cool and strong as the X-Men but their uniqueness of personalities made me love them. The peculiar children (plus Jacob) and equally lovable. At least, most of them.  

One more reason why I enjoyed this book is the usage of vintage photographs. Some were just laughable but some did send chills down my spine. It was also like looking through a photo album os bizarre people.

The book is written in a first person POV and the usage of words is simple (I prefer simple : -)). To conclude, I must recommend this book to Charlie Bone and X-Men fans out there, to those who love time travel and to those who simply love a story about how a group of teens can save the world. 

Book Review: Flipped

Title: Flipped

Author: Wendelin van Draanen

Format: eBook

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Ah, puppy love! It’s the reason why girls giggle, boys feel embarrassed when teased and why our hearts keep beating. Flipped is a story about two completely opposite middle-schoolers who share their story about experiencing love. If you think that this is another “girl-loves-boy-but-dumps-her-and-later-boy-loves-girl-but-dumps-him” story, then you are correct. The plot is totally predictable (as all romance books, are) but what kept me going was that I wanted to see the change of emotions the characters experience.

First, we have our girl, Juli Baker. She’s Earth’s own daughter, lover of all creatures that breathe, klutzy and sometimes clueless. Next is our lover boy, Bryce Loski. He’s the shy type, the handsome boy every girl is dying to be with. Sure, he maybe a coward and a bit in denial with his feelings but things become different late on. Their relationship was like Tom and Jerry’s. One desperately avoids the other while one chases the other. It’s like that until the end of the book. J

The book is written in an alternate point of view of Juli and Bryce. The author’s writing style was simple yet classy and romantic but funny. It’s funny alright. I could’ve easily given this book a perfect 5. I mean, it’s totally realistic and totally relatable but the ENDING, ugh, the ENDING. It totally didn’t work for me. When you’re writing a romance novel, you just have to satisfy the audience with the ending. It just didn’t work for me, I’m sorry.

So, overall, it’s a good book, with a dash of romance and a pinch of humor, this book is definitely a re-read.

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Format: eBook

Rating: 4 . 0 / 5 . 0

Have you ever read a book that's absolutely relatable and you end up saying "Been there, done that" or "S***! I've been through that feeling!" at almost every page? If not, then you should try reading this book by Mr. Chbosky. Okay, the only reason I picked up this book was that I heard there was going to be a movie and so I wanted to read it first just in case I planned on watching the movie. While it might have taken me a few days to read through this whole thing (hey, I hate reading ebooks), it was certainly worth it.

This book is about Charlie, who writes letters to his "friend", telling him about almost all the stuff he's been through: high school, family problems, socializing with people and his love life. One reason why I loved Charlie was that he's so straightforward with what he wants to say that it could sometimes be pretty funny.

The writing style is in the form of short letters so it’s a pretty quick read. Woosh! The characters are pretty memorable, each with their own different personality. `

Moving on, I definitely recommend this book to every fifteen year old boy out there. This book is just absolutely funny but at the same time, deeply moving as we all reminisce the ups and downs of being a higschooler.

Book Review: The Rise of Nine

Title: The Rise of Nine

Author: Pittacus Lore

Format: Paperback (International Edition)

Rating:  4.2 / 5.0

It’s finally here! Though I have to admit I was much bummed when I knew that this book isn’t as lengthy as the first two books. Nevertheless, I’m still stoked to continue reading the adventure of our favorite aliens. Pittacus Lore’s third book in the Lorien Legacies, THE RISE OF NINE, will not disappoint readers. It’s a perfect example of entertainment: action-packed, suspenseful, and thrilling. One of the reasons why I love this book is that it stars where THE POWER OF SIX left off, not wasting time explaining things that happened on the last book. I cannot say THE RISE OF NINE is perfect but there’s definitely development in the writing style.

First, Character Development. Why yes, there is. The weak Seven and innocent Ten are proving to be more of use than they were on the last book. Our main protagonist, Number Four a.k.a. John, is still head over heels for Sarah. Six and Nine just got more badass, and Eight is surely an entertainer.

Next is the dialogue. Hurrah! We say goodbye to the awkward and monotone dialogues we had in I AM NUMBER FOUR. The joy! There was however, not a lot of Plot Development. Yes, the book did have a happy conclusion but the Garde didn’t do much other than desperately find each other. Also, I didn’t get that “giddiness” I usually have after reading a good book. I felt it after reading I AM NUMBER FOUR and POWER OF SIX but after this book, negative.

So overall, I’m going to give this book 4 stars and hope that the next book is the best one yet and also hope we see Number Five.

Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Format: eBook

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

It’s been a while since I’ve read realistic fiction so reading THE FAULT IN OUR STARS was like reading a book of a new genre. I actually saw this book a couple of times at the local bookstore and until it eventually topped the bestseller for teens here. Curious (but mostly in search of a good book), I decided to read it.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS focuses on two different teenagers fated by the stars. The main protagonist, Hazel Grace, like any teenager out there just wants to do normal stuff: go out to parties, drink beer, smoke pot, etc. The thing is, she’s diagnosed with lung cancer. She thinks she has no reason to live in this world anymore…until she met Augustus Waters. Who is Augustus “Gus” Waters, you ask? Only one of the hottest basketball players in their school with washboard abs, manly biceps and a godly face that’ll make girls swoon. The book tells us the story of how the two teenagers fall in love and how they struggle to be with each other even if the stars have different plans for them.

While it did not make me cry it definitely made me sad and ask why cancer does nothing but be a bitch in a person’s life. The writing style wasn’t really fancy, although. Mr. Green might throw some Shakespearean verses here and there (which I am NOT familiar with). You begin to love the characters as you finish the book and wish you had the same humor as them.

To conclude, I definitely recommend this masterpiece to bookworms out there and also to those who are just in need of a good romance. 

Countdown to The Rise of Nine

Lorien legacies fans! The Rise of Nine is only a month away and I know you are stoked! (I am too!) That's why the publishers of the Lorien Legacies is giving us some exclusive stuff as the number of pre-orders go up. The biggest reveal is a never before seen story of Number Eight's origin, whom we are about to meet on the next book. So click those pre-order buttons and help spread the word!

You can pre order on the I Am Number Four website here

A Northern Light

Title:     A Northern Light
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0




What can I say? I loved it! Well, not "loved-loved" it but nonetheless, loved it. This is probably the first historical fiction novel I've read and I didn't realize books like these could be good. 


This book is about Mattie, a 16 year old student who struggles with the financial needs of her family. Mattie then works at a hotel in the other town where she meets Grace, a guest who wants her to burn all the letters she gave Mattie. The next thing we know, Grace died by drowning in the lake and Mattie discovers the reason of Grace's death through her letters. 

I don't know what to say except that this book seemed very realistic to me. The setting was awesome, the writing style was simple and the characters had different personalities. I also learned a lot of words as the chapters went on. You'll know what I mean when you read it.

Review: Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth
Rating: 3.5 / 5.0



Let's get this over with. To be honest, I did not get the "thrill" while reading this book. Forgive me, but that's just me. Anyway, the book started where Divergent exactly stopped, which is probably the best part because there were no repetitions at all. Heck, the book was fast paced and full of action (I couldn't keep up with the pace) and the cliffhanger will make you rip your hair off from your head.

The Characters

Character improvement! Yipee! Tris annoyed me all the way to the end, but her character made it seem like she was almost real. Also, you wouldn't see the betrayals, love lost and alliances coming. You'll end up liking the characters you used to hate and hating the ones you loved.

The Plot


Ahh, ze plot. I would give it two thumbs up (Ms. Roth is a natural). Her writing style made it seem like it everything was real. It was carefully crafted and it answered the questions you were thinking of like "Why were the factions created?" and "Why is Jeanine desperate to get rid of the Divergent?." There were "mini climaxes" throughout the book and the "real" climax at the near end will make your armpits sweat. Also, the book ended exactly where it should end where it it make readers anticipate for the final book.

To conclude, I think Insurgent was the best sequel Divergent could have ever had. Although, I would have a year to think about reading the final book of a trilogy I didn't even set my heart on.

Lorien Legacies: The Lost Files

Lorien Legacies fans, rejoice! While we are anxiously waiting for the third Lorien Legacies novel, The Rise of Nine, Pittacus Lore will be giving us the deets about Number One, Two and Three's life before
their ill-fated deaths. Hence, it will be called...

VOILA! It will be exclusively available in eBook format only, but wait! 'tis not the time to pout because I also come bearing good news to devotees of print editions. HarperTeen will be releasing a paperback version of The Lost Files novella containing the Six, Nine's and the Fallen Legacies!

Yipee! This is gonna be an awesome year for The Lorien Legacies fans!Both books hit July 24th so mark your calendars and spread the word!

The Graveyard Book

Title:     The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating:  5.0 /5.0


I actually read this book for about two years ago, and it gave me shivers, I tell you! Then, I came across it when I was cleaning my bookshelf-and voila! I immediately devoured it (again).

One thing I loved about this book is that Mr. Gaiman doesn't tell. He shows. He puts a lot of details that will keep your brain working and will make you ask questions like:

"What is Silas?" or "Is Scarlett Indian?" etc.

There are also times when I read the same sentences over and over again because it's just too heartbreaking or heart-thumping. If you've never felt sorry for a fictional character before, you will now. Nobody Owens (a.k.a. Bod) is one of those innocent children that you just want to protect for the rest of his life. You're heart'll probably go pitter-patter while reading the last two chapters of the book. It was INTENSE. You'll be also wishing your family were ghosts...well, not really.

Anyway, this book is a must-read-before-you-die. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

"...But between now and then, there was Life; and Bod walked into it with his eyes and his heart wide open." 

Nine's Legacy

Title:     I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Nine's Legacy
Author: Pittacus Lore
Format: Ebook
Rating:     3.5 / 5.0

I was actually unaware that another "Lost Files" book was coming out until I saw it weeks after its release. I was expecting a lot from this book especially since I enjoyed a lot from the first "Lost Files' spin off. However, I was slightly disappointed after reading this and here's why:

Nine's story was very similar to that of Four's: days of endless training, no social life and a stupid girl that distracted them. Reading this book was like reading I Am Number Four all over again except that it was shortened 99x. Another thing that ticked me off was the romance. Can you say, cheesy? I'm pretty sure this series is being read mostly by guys so I don't get why they have to put a whole chunk of romance when it only needed a dash of it. I also think Pittacus Lore strongly believes in love at first sight.

Now, enough of all the negative stuff and let's move over to the pros. Can you say, ACTION? Oh yes. THIS is what we're looking for! Nine also has developed more Legacies than Four so we get to see more of his butt-kicking moves. What I also love is that the ending perfectly fit the climax of The Power of Six. (I suggest you read PoS first before reading this). Lastly, it was simple. Which was good since there were no redundant parts in the book.

To conclude, I think Nine's Legacy is a perfect short read while waiting for the 3rd book of the Lorien Legacies to come out. It has a whole lot of action, the plot is simple and if you like cheesy romance (yuck) this book is for you.