Book Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Author: Morgan Matson

Published: May 8th, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 468

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis:

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

Deskynowsky's Review:

I cried at the end, coz the pain was too much..

There were three parts of story in this book, Romance, Friendship, and Family.. As for the Romance and Friendship, it was kinda typical for me, and predictable.. So am not going to write much about it.. it was okay.. it was cute..

But the family story in this book was really hit me close to the heart.. this book deals with issue of losing an important member of your family.. In this book, it was Taylor's dad.. In my life, it was my dad.. all the feels that were described in the book were pretty much the same painful feels that I had experienced in real life.. I was crying towards the end.. it was too spot on.. I can relate to Taylor and her family..big time...

And I just feel I can't write more, coz I am kinda emotionally drained.. Read the book, if it's Morgan Matson, it is a guarantee that it will be a perfect (summer) contemporary read...

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Published: April, 12th 2012

Publisher: Orion

Pages: 324

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-Shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor...never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.

Deskynowsky's Review:

OMG!

Possibly the best Rainbow Rowell's book I have read so far (the only book that I hvn't read from her is Landline, but I will read it soon)..

The story, the characters, the development were so hypnotizing.. There was something really classic, timeless, and super attractive about Eleanor and Park.. I can't say anything more, coz I personally found this book flawless! And the ending, tho it was kinda abrupt, but I couldn't help to smile and think what I think that would be.. It got to be it! *wink*

I WANT THIS BOOK TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE! I even made this super quick fanvid of who I think will picture Eleanor and Park.. Check it out! Haha and tell me what you think XD

Book Review: The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Author: Robyn Schneider

Published: August 27th, 2013 

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Int'l Paperback Edition)

Pages: 335

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

Ezra Faulkner was supposed to be homecoming king, but that was before—before his girlfriend cheated on him, before a car accident shattered his leg, and before he fell in love with new girl Cassidy Thorpe.

Deskynowsky's Review (Free Spoilers)

I was considering 3.5 stars, but I thought about it again, and decided to give it 3 stars.. It was Ok, definitely a coming of age story, about a boy who used to be The Golden Boy, The Popular Boy, but then he had a car accident that changed his life forever... And in the state of his changed life, he found another life that he had been overlooked... He started to find the true meaning of being a life etc etc etc... I like the premise of the story... The writing style was a bit slow and kinda long (in a way) and yeah..... it was really Ok, I didn't feel any particular feelings after finished reading this book..... The characters were Ok, well-developed, thou I could not say the same to a particular female character who helped the main male character in the book post-car accident.. But I thought she had served her purpose in the boy's life here.. So.. yeah... and on-to the next read!!! :)

Book Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Author: Morgan Matson

Published: May 6th, 2014 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (hardback)

Pages: 449

Rating: 5/5

Deskynowsky's Review (Free Spoilers):

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!

This is definitely my favorite summer read so far! A very very very perfect Summer-Read! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

This book somehow reminded me of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (in a way). These two are totally different story, but I think similar in how I feel about the female lead characters.. Although, I have to admit I love Emily Hughes more, the main female in Since You've Been Gone.. and Gosh.. can I have a Frank Porter!??? WE NEED TO CLONE THIS GUY!!!

This was a story about Emily who had a bestfriend named Sloane and then Sloane kinda disappeared at the beginning of Summer. Emily was a girl, a pretty much socially awkward and unconfident about herself and Sloane was exactly the opposite of Emily. Their friendship worked so well, and Emily was pretty dependent on Sloane in terms of social-interactions with a general-similar-age-group-of-people. The disappearance of Sloane had such impacts on Emily's life. She was like a ship without a captain. Then suddenly she received a list from Sloane sent by mail, a list of things that Emily would not normally do. But she really wanted to find Sloane, so she was hoping by doing the things in the list would put her closer to find Sloane. And this was the start of very many intersting, loving, heartwarming, funny, romantic adventures....

This book is so perfect and I really love it.. I love the writing style, the development of characters (yes, all characters in this book developed, not just the main one), the plot, the scenes, the drama, the romance, the adventures, the comedy.... oh man.. it's awesome....

If you like contemporary books, I am 100% sure that you will enjoy this book! So GO READ IT!!! <3

Book Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Published: February 28th, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (paperback)

Pages: 527

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Mara Dyer knows she isn't crazy. She knows that she can kill with her mind, and that Noah can heal with his. Mara also knows that somehow, Jude is not a hallucination. He is alive. Unfortunately, convincing her family and doctors that she's not unstable and doesn't need to be hospitalised isn't easy. The only person who actually believes her is Noah. But being with Noah is dangerous and Mara is in constant fear that she might hurt him. She needs to learn how to control her power, and fast! Together, Mara and Noah must try and figure out exactly how Jude survived when the asylum collapsed, and how he knows so much about her strange ability...before anyone else ends up dead!

Deskynowsky's Review (FREE SPOILERS):

HOLY HOLY HOLY BAT-SHIT!!!!!!!

I am just so soooo sooooo freaking glad that I decided to pick up this book, it's just definitely a 5 BRIGHT STARS READ! I have to thank-you, Ellen from AstridTheBookworm (a booktuber), her review on The Evolution of Mara Dyer convinced me to continue with the series... You might not know, but I didn't really impress with the first book, it was just too heavy on the romance-cheesiness! that I kinda felt a bit iffy about it... 

BUT THIS was/is definitely a winning sequel for me.. I fell in love with the story, the characters, the creeps, the romance, the mystery, and the everything! so PERFECT! Everything was just in right proportion! all the elements in the story were perrrrrrffffeeeccct! Enough creeps, enough romance (It's a Swoon Fest. and Noah was the STAR!), enough drama, enough thriller, enough mystery, it was just CLICKED!

What can I say more.. read this book, it's more intense, creepier, more mysterious, and more superior than the first!

OMG! I can not wait for the third book to come out! I WANT MOREEEEEEEE... the ending was craaazzzzyyy!!!! <3 <3 <3

Book Review: The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Published: June 2nd, 2009
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (hardback)
Pages: 336
Rating: 5/5

I can't tell you how many book reviews I have missed to write about on this blog... I am so sorry to neglect you for so long.. but I feel like to write one now.... This book, guys... THIS BOOK IS SUPER SUPER SUPER AWESOME!!!!!

I FOUND A GEM!!!!!!!! and thanks to my friend, Atri who relentlessly recommended me this book.. this is super awesome!.. THANK YOU!!! 

I LOVE THIS BOOOK SOOO MUCH!!!!I haven't read anything that kind of shocked and knocked me out of my chair as hard as this one!Great and Unexpected TWISTS! Amazing Characters! Superb Storyline! OH MY GOD!!!! I'm rolling on my bed wanting to have the second and the third book now! (already ordered them and their on their way now..... come now come nooowwwwww)

Okay, to put it simple, this was the story about two boys named Nick and Alan Ryves.. They were brothers (okay okay no spoilers, I feel like I want to scream now)... and these two couldn't be anymore different, they were like two sides of a coin, but they loved and cared to each other so much... Alan was the good one who people loved and trusted and Nick was the evil one who people were scared of.... until came these two unexpected people, siblings named Mae and Jamie. Mae had been told that they should come to these two brothers if something paranormal happened which involved her brother, Jamie and a demon mark. Jamie had been marked by a demon which meant that he would be possessed, there were three stages of a demon mark and he was already on the last stage which meant hopeless to get rid off the demon mark. Nick didn't care whatsoever about them, He and his bro also his weird and detached mom had their own problem and currently on the run from magicians who seemed want to kill them coz something that her mother took a long time ago. But Alan was being a good hearted person he was, determined to help them. Nick who cared about his brother would follow through with his brother's wish, no matter how pissed he was. But then something went wrong, and in a way to save Jamie, his brother got a demon mark as well.. oh you can bet how angry Nick was.. He didn't care about anyone, anything, and willing to let people die as long as he could save his brother.. this was where the adventure began!!!!

Dang I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! ONE OF THE ULTIMATE BEST BOOK IN MY ENTIRE READING LIFE! The first half of this book was great, with some actions and then the second half was GREATER (if that even a proper english word), the twist that happened toward the end of the book literally knock me out of breath! I was speechless and breathless. I needed time to stand and jumped to calm myself down..

The only thing that at first bothered me was this book is told the story from the Third Person POV... It took me a lil bit time to get used to it first, but as the story progresses, it didn't bother me that much anymore..

MANNNNNN.... I WANT THE SECOND AND THIRD BOOK NOW!!!! *waiting patiently for Mr. Mailman to come and deliver me the books... I WILL DEVOUR IT FOR SURE!!!*

2014 April Book Haul!

So guys, I decided to make a book haul video for April 2014. This is the first time I did it.. hope you guys enjoy! :)

WRAP UP!!!!: My own Book-A-Thon Challenge!

HI!!!!

SO I am really excited to share you results of my own Book-A-Thon Challenge!

It was actually pretty productive, out of 7 challenges I have managed successfully executed 6 of them!

Here are the books that I read (or still am currently reading):

Details as below:

* The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - Read a Claasic (221 pages)

* The Girl who Kicked The Hornet's Nest (Millenium #3) - Read a 500+ Page Book, Read a Book That Has Been On Your Shelf the Longest Time, AND Finish a Series! (820 pages)

* Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Re-read a Book AND Listen to an Audiobook (equal to 391 pages)

* The Gargoyles by Andrew Davidson - just finishing this book, I was already on page 366 of 499 so I finished this book off, so basically I read 133 pages)

* Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick - an eARC provided by NetGalley and the author (216 pages)

* Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - still currently reading it, but during the book-a-thon week, I read the first 108 pages.

the only challenge that I didn't successfully execute was read more than 300 pages a day. There were days where I didn't read 300 pages, but there were days where I read more than 300 pages, so it didn't really matter I guess.

In conclusion, during the book-a-thon week, grand total of pages I read is..

(221+820+391+216+133+108) = 1,889 pages!

Well, I am happy with the result, it has been pretty productive! :D

What's New #9: PERIPLUS BARGAIN BOOK HAUL!

ooohhh.. I looooovvveeee book haul! I am getting tired of typing and taking a picture of these books, maybe I should make a book haul vids and post them on YouTube (soooo entering BookTube Community?).. oh well I don't know, I'll rethink about it again..

Now, I would like to share you the amazing bargained book haul at Periplus Online! So for those who live in Indonesia, we are not really lucky enough like some of our friends who live in Canada or the US who can have access to BooksCloseout or other bookstores that can sell them great titles of YA or any other fiction books in such a great and cheap price! But Periplus is close enough, they have quite amazing selection of fiction books (YA or Adult) in a great bargained prices. I got all of these from their bargain section on their website, each under IDR 50,000 (under US$ 5). So I basically got 8 books for about IDR 250,000 (or around US$ 25). I could not pass this opportunity out..

All of them are new books! I am really excited for all of these titles!

- All books in the Fever's Mackayla Lane series (#1 Darkfever, #2 Bloodfever, #3 Faefever, #4 Dreamfever, and #5 Shadowfever) by Karen Marie Moning: at first I was afraid that Periplus only sells one or two books in the series in the bargained price, but turned out they have all the books in the bargain price, each for I think about US$ 2!

- Then I got Nemesis by Jo Nesbo, since Stieg Larsson, I haven't read any crime novels and I have heard many good things about Jo Nesbo, I am really curious, and thank God they have one of his novel on sell, so bought it!

- Blood Red Road by Moira Young! THIS book is I am most excited about!

- Pure by Julianna Baggott! Finally I got this book in such a cheap price! This book has been very expensive, I almost want to order it online, but I put it on hold coz I just have too many to read already, BUT! How can you pass this out when it is under US$ 5?!!!

Okay,  I think I will put myself on book buying ban for now (with some exception since I already ordered some books in July via Bookdepository but hasn't arrived yet.. Few are already arrived, maybe I will do a bookdepo haul later on when all of those books are arrived (I want my The Cuckoo's Calling!!!!).

Okay then, till the next post! :)

July Multiple Books Review: 10. Divine by Mistake (Partholon #1) by P.C. Cast

10. Divine by Mistake (Partholon #1)

Author: P.C. Cast

Published: January 15th 2010

Publisher: Mira

Pages: 571 pages

Rating: 4.25 of 5 Stars

Synopsis:

The most excitement teacher Shannon Parker expected on her summer vacation was a little shopping. But then her latest purchase--a vase with the Celtic goddess Epona on it--somehow switches her into the world of Partholon, where she's treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…

It seems that Shannon has stepped into another's role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while it has some very appealing moments--what woman doesn't like a little pampering now and then?--it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and the threat of war against the evil Fomorians. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she's her double.

Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind….

Deskynowsky's Review:

Despite of how thick this book is (571 pages), it is a really fast-paced story.

I really enjoyed and like this book a lot!

Things that are really standing out for me are the story line. I think it has a very great story plot, world-building, and setting. And the writing is flowing easily and successfully made me not wanting to put it down. And I don't know how much reliable the myth about Celtic God(or Goddess), but I found it is really a great story to take on. Makes me want to know a bit more about the myth.

Characters, this book evolves around human and centaurs (so far..) and evil-looking-mythical-vampiric-creature called Fomorian (very sick and bad bad bad creatures), which I think a really nice touch. I like the female main character, Shannon Parker, I think she is hilarious, loyal, funny, witty, and sarcastic, then there is ClanFintan, a leader-high-shaman centaur clan (I can not help myself but imagine him to look like Khal Drogo centaur version).. and surprisingly I really love almost all other characters in this book with an exception of The Queen Bitch Rhiannon (which I believe I will see more of her in the second book and Nuada, the leader of The sick Fomorians).

Okay, that'd be all I think, I just can say that I really like and enjoy this book. If you are looking for a fast-paced story in adult fantasy with awesome story line and great world building, I think this book is your answer ;)

July Multiple Books Review: Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

9. Prodigy (Legend #2)

Author: Marie Lu

Published: January 29th 2013

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 356 pages

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Synopsis:

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

Deskynowsky's Review:

*Sobbing in the middle of the night*

What have you done to me, Marie Lu...

I can't take this.... that ending is toooooo mucccch to bear.......

Overall, this sequel is amazing! I LOVE THE TWISTS! The unexpected turn out of events that actually changed everything about The Republic...

Day and June are just the most amazing characters ever! I love them emotionally and how they grow so much in this sequel.. Their relationship is just so believable, I just can feel that they are made for each other... I don't know what will happen in Champion, it literally gives me a nausea.. I even took a long break while reading this book coz I was just scared to know what will happen to them.. and *BAM!*, there's the surprise, *SOBBING harder here* (I don't even have the energy to put a gif to express my feeling - I don't even think a gif can express what I feel after that ending...*

July Multiple Books Reviews: 7. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #3) and 8. The Battle of The Labyrinth (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #4) by Rick Riordan

7. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Published: April 8th 2008

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books

Pages: 312 pages

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Synopsis:

When Percy Jackson receives an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he'll need his powerful demigod allies at his side; his trusty bronze sword, Riptide; and . . . a ride from his mom.

The demigods reace to the rescue to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods, whose parentage is unknown. But that's not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up a devious trap, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.

Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge yet—the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse.

8. The Battle of The Labyrinth (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #4)

Author: Rick Riordan

Published: April 7th 2009

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books

Pages: 375 pages

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to diabolical.
In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop them, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth-a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this fourth book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.

Deskynowsky's Review:

THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING!

AND THAT ENDING THAT FRIGGIN ENDING!!!!

IN THE NAME OF ZEUS WHAT IS THIS SORCERY!!!??

I FOUND MYSELF REALLY CONFLICTED!

I don't know how Rick Riordan managed to always and constantly make the ending more interesting, intriguing, and perfect every-time..

This series is spectacular, gripping, and amazing!

GIVE ME BOOK FIVE NOW!