Book Review:Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

This book will surely be in my list of the best books I have read this year. Believe it or not, I can confidently say that this is ten times better the SVTHSA by Becky Albertalli. This book reminds me of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, for it not just only talks about one of the serious dilemmas our society have today, it also speaks how beautiful life is, if you grow up with an epic and awesome family.

I do have a lot of things that I would like to stress out on why I love this book so much. But I tried to categorize to narrow them down, and I ended up with: characters, story and impact to the readers and society. Without further a do, let us begin.

“Love fails for a million reasons - distance, infidelity, pride, religion, money, illness. Why is this story any more worthy?
It felt like it was. It felt important. Living in this town is suffocating in so many ways.
But if a tree falls in the woods, maybe it makes no sound.
And if a boy falls for the bishop's closeted son, maybe it makes no story.”

First up are the characters. Ok, straight forward, the characters were awesome! They were flawed and they seem to connect to me instantly. I just found myself inside their heads and hearts without any efforts. I just admire how the authors, yes, authors. Christina Lauren is made up of two authors, Christina and Lauren. So going back, yes! The characters were amazing! They felt so real and they were so well made that I can just hang out with them anytime. I do feel that the characters knew them personally. Like these characters really exist in real life. You know what I mean? This book will be laying out characters full of emotions and personalities. Characters with flaws and talents that will make you sad, happy and feel romantic.

August 12, 2018 – Finished Reading

August 10, 2018 –

page 106

26.04% "Realistic"

August 6, 2018 – Started Reading

January 26, 2018 – Shelved as: to-read

January 26, 2018 – Shelved 

Talking about the romance, the story as a whole was great. It was romantic, light and fun at the beginning. You will get this vibrant and colorful feel at the first few chapters. It is like the world in the book never encountered rain, for it always feel sunny, windy and it just makes you feel relax. The story then rises up as you get down to almost half of the book. Things now gets really interesting but it still has this complete attachment to the mood it laid at the first part. The story will definitely make you question a lot of things around you and makes you really appreciate the people in your life. The story offers readers a chance to experience how parents should take care of their children at worst and most uncomfortable times. This book will also make you appreciate your friends and really define the value of companionship, support system and trust.

The book also delivers impactful message not just to the mind of readers but to the soul of the society they are living in. The book gave me the same impact of what The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas gave me back in January. If THUG tackles issued like racism and police violence, this book by Christina and Lauren tackles the complicated life of people in LGBTQ community especially when religion starts to play.

This book was not just emotionally heavy to the readers but it is though provoking. It will really make you think of things around you and questions things that could probably become if loving was not ruled by anything. It will really make you question what loving is without bounds set by religion. It will make you question what loving is without pressures from expectations of the society.

This book really is a must read. If you are really looking for a happy, light, romantic, queer, thought provoking read with full of awesome characters and great writing style, then this must be the book you have been looking for!

Overall Rating: 9.9/10
Story: 10/10
Characters: 9.8/10
Entertainment: 9.8/10
Feels: 10/10
Overall Impact: 9.9/10

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Book Review: And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) by Kiersten White

I do really have a lot of things to say about this book. I love this book as much as I hate it. It feels weird. I am not saying that this book is bad but I am not also saying that I enjoyed reading it. I am really confuse, probably because the book made me.

“Some victories are merely defeat wearing the wrong clothing”

I don't know where to start. So, okay. First up, the characters. They were average. I mean they were made with sophistication and was really molded consistently all through out the book. There were some that you get to love, hate or love and hate. But, I guess the author just failed to really build or let us just say strengthen the connections of these characters with each other. I just felt that they were amazing individually but their interactions and the way they converse to each other were (almost all but not all) forgettable. Some of you might disagree because of these peculiar love triangle and crazy relationships but I did not really buy it.

The plots were predictable. Sadly, I predicted al of them. Accurately. You know, I just hate it when I found out that I am right (talking about plot guessing). I want books that will really prove me wrong and will really blow my mind. Sadly, this one failed me.

August 6, 2018 – Finished Reading

August 6, 2018 –

page 378

73.83% "Getting better"

August 5, 2018 –

page 206

40.23% "So far, the world building is really slow."

August 5, 2018 – Shelved

August 5, 2018 – Started Reading

The entire book was okay. I don't hate it. I will still recommend it. It started really slow but we need to give it to the author for this massive world building bravado. I just feel that this book has a lot of potential. It could have been gone into something big. This really felt short. I feel bad that the potential was not utilized to the fullest. There is something that is lacking in this book. Like a flare or finesse. If this book is a dish, it lacks some spice to pop it up and give the diner that extra kick.

Overall, this book was worth the read. But I just want to warn you that you just have to lower your expectations on this one. This is a miss or hit. For me it hit me but it did not leave a good impression. I am still looking forward to read the next installment because I have been hearing a lot of good things about it. Hopefully, that one will not disappoint.

If you are looking for an epic Game or Thrones vibe read with schemes and back stabbing and a little bit of action and manipulation, this might entertain you. 

Overall Rating: 8.3/10
Story: 8.8/10
Characters: 7.9/10
Entertainment: 8.2/10
Feels: 8.1/10
Overall Impact: 8.3/10

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Win a Throne of Glass (Paperback) by Sara J. Maas

Win a Throne of Glass (Paperback) by Sara J. Maas

Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I was not prepared for this book. I did not expect that this book will crush my soul. It is so gripping

but in a slow way. This book is about to kill, no matter how strong it is, your heart very softly.

“Evelyn looks at me with purpose. "Do you understand what I'm telling you? When you're given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn't give things, you take things. If you learn one thing from me, it should probably be that.”

I was left with so much in my mind after reading the last page of this book. I was really destroyed. Not emotionally destroyed but destroyed in a way that I am speechless. I really ran out of words to express how captivating and moving this book is.

The characters were great! Probably one of the reasons why I am obsessed to this book. The characters were empowering and inspirational amidst of their very flawed life. 

The book was not all about these plots or shocking twists. This book was all about emotions. Reading this book is like living a life of the main character.

August 1, 2018 – Finished Reading (Paperback Edition)

July 29, 2018 –

page 186

47.57% "Bad ass Evelyn!" (Paperback Edition)

July 26, 2018 –

page 141

36.06% (Paperback Edition)

July 23, 2018 –

page 96

24.55% "Hugo is a bitch!" (Paperback Edition)

July 23, 2018 – Started Reading (Paperback Edition)

May 7, 2018 – Shelved as: to-read (Paperback Edition)

May 7, 2018 – Shelved (Paperback Edition)

This book will really immerse readers into the different stages of the characters life. The readers will be able to feel like they are really experiencing every heartaches, happiness and sadness of Evelyn Hugo.

I just don't know how to express how great this book is. I just really love it and I am really doing my best convincing you to pick this book and experience the wonders it prepared for you to enjoy.

Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Story: 9.6/10
Characters: 10/10
Entertainment: 9.5/10
Feels: 10/10
Overall Impact: 9.9/10

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Big Bad Wolf Cebu 2018 Book Haul!

Book Review: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

This book gripped me like I am like a hostage victim. I was at the edge of my sit the entire time. This book was indeed a good read and must be recommended to all beings that are capable of reading. This book demands your attention.

“Hell is the absence of the people you long for.”

The book was gripping and fast-paced. I don't know if it is because of the writing style but I sure did enjoy reading the book. I flew through it. I admire the world building by the author.  If the author will be credited by her works in this book, for me she should be praised more in the world building. She built the entire environment in the book flawlessly. It was almost perfect!

Synopsis:

One snowy night a famous Hollywood actor slumps over and dies onstage during a production of King Lear. Hours later, the world as we know it begins to dissolve. Moving back and forth in time—from the actor's early days as a film star to fifteen years in the future, when a theater troupe known as The Travelling Symphony roams the wasteland of what remains—this suspenseful, elegiac, spellbinding novel charts the strange twists of fate that connect five people: the actor, the man who tried to save him, the actor's first wife, his oldest friend, and a young actress with the Traveling Symphony, caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous self-proclaimed prophet. Sometimes terrifying, sometimes tender, Station Eleven tells a story about the relationships that sustain us, the ephemeral nature of fame, and the beauty of the world as we know it."

Aside from the captivating world building. The author surely did a great job with the characters. The characters were so diverse, flawed and full or personalities that they for sure will leave impressions to the readers. 

Book Review: Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1) by Kendare Blake

I heard mixed reactions about this book. I am aware that this book will be very slow at the start and will drag you page after page. I am also aware that the second installment of the series will blow you away (just an expectation). What I was not aware of is how this book ends. I was not ready for all the plots that came to me.

This book is dark and gripping. It has this mini GOT feels. That is why I dared to dive in to the story amidst mixed reactions. And I did not regret it.

The book introduced me into these intriguing characters that were so well made and thought of. They were oozing of personalities and will surely leave a mark in the readers mind. The characters were able to connect to me and the left a very positive impression in me after I read the book. I was hooked to the story because of them. I love how balanced the characters are and I also love how these characters were made with flaws.

“Three dark queens
Are born in a glen,
Sweet little triplets
Will never be friends

Three dark sisters
All fair to be seen,
Two to devour
And one to be Queen” 

The world building took mostly all the first pages of the book, but I get why the author did that. For me, it was really slow at the beginning but everything was worth it in the end. I really love how the author carefully rafted the plots with the world and characters.

July 21, 2018 – Finished Reading

July 19, 2018 –

page 161

40.45% "Dragging but interesting. I wish the plot will move faster from now."

July 19, 2018 – Started Reading

January 1, 2018 – Shelved as: to-read

January 1, 2018 – Shelved

The plot twists were epic. I was not prepared for all of those unpredictable plot twists. I was left shocked and speechless after reading the last page of the book. I cursed and screamed of what really happened. It was really brilliant. The author did a really great job.

Book Review: Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

This is probably the best middle grade book I have read this year. I admit, I am not really a fan of middle grade books but because of the hype, I decided to give this one a shot. And I did not regret it. I was engulfed in the world of Nevermoor and until now, the books impression still lingers in my veins.

“The point is—as far as the Society is concerned—if you are not honest, and determined, and brave, then it doesn’t matter how talented you are.”

The story was not that spectacular compared to Harry Potter (note that this book was tagged as the next Harry Potter). Honestly, it is not even near to the standards of HP, but it does not mean that this book is not good. Harry Potter for me, set the standards, and probably the golden standard for middle grade books. Nevermoor on the other hand might not be near those standards but it surely did put up a great effort.

 SYNOPSIS: A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world - but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

Books I Wish I Own Now #3: July 2018 (Midyear Craze)

                The last time I made a post themed like this, I was able to get almost 90% of the books part of the list weeks after.  I am currently in my reading slump timeline due to overloaded tasks in the office and other more important priorities, that the chances for me to stack my TBR list is slim. But, tomorrow is another day. We always got high hopes and so we continue wishing. These are the new book I wish I will own days, weeks or months from now.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

This is the second time this book made the list. I have heard that this is a phenomenal contemporary that I am looking forward having in my hands is this beautiful and heart-warming book by Celeste Ng. I have heard a lot of wonderful reviews and praises from the book community about this book. This has been on my anticipated reads for a long time now, but I cannot still grab a copy for it is very expensive.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

This book made the list after one of the blogger I followed made this as her best book that she has read so far this year (Midyear Book Tag). I got my eyes on this one lately, but I was a little bit hesitant picking this one up for the mix reviews I have heard. But my instinct tells me to give this one a shot. Hope it will not disappoint.

And I Darken by Kristine White

This is another young adult fantasy that I wish I have in my shelves. This is the first installment of the series and I already got the second book “Now I Rise”. Ironic that I was not yet able to purchase this one. I have heard a lot of good things about the series and the third is about to be released later this month. I need to start reading this series because I have a big feeling that I will surely enjoy it.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

This book interest me since January. A lot of my friends recommend this to me and I was curious why. Aside from the recommendations, I also saw one of my most favorite Survivor player reading this when she posted an update about the book in her Instagram account. Also, this book is one of the fast selling books earlier this year and I think all supports that this must be not just a hyped book but surely is a good one.

I Felt a Funeral in My Brain by Will Walton

I was recently looking for a good young adult contemporary fiction. I just want to add more contemporary on my collection so that fantasy and science fiction will no longer dominate my shelves. This book might be a good choice. I have heard a lot of good reviews about th is and I am very interested to confirm if these reviews are accurate.

The Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

I can confirm that this author is overrated. I am sorry, but she is not really for me. I have invested too much on her works, from the Monster of Verity Duology to the Darker Magic Series, I was so far all disappointed. Yet, since I got the first two books of the Darker Shade of Magic series already (which by the way were both very expensive), I think I must grab the final book and just seal the deal one last time.