My Week in a Wrapped #12

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

The typhoon I was talking about last week, Thank God, didn’t bring as much destruction as expected so that’s a good thing. It only rained for a couple of days and it was gone like it was never there. I believe they’ve listed 19 casualties from the central part of the country and that’s by far less than what the previous typhoons have left. It’s because people were much ready and vigilant this time, I guess. Anyway, I haven’t gone Christmas shopping yet and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to do it at the last minute since my schedule is STILL quite crazy. Haven’t really thought of what to wrap for my family and friends yet. Argh. I don’t want anything for myself though since having them is enough. Aww. I’m such a cheeseball! 😀 Are you done with yours? Anything you want for yourself? 🙂 My reading progress this week is fairly good. I’ve finished three books and I’m happy about it. Though the other one is a short story. Still. A progress is a progress. Hihi! How’s your week? 😀

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #11
• Teaser Tuesday #22: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
• Book Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu
• Waiting on Wednesday #28: Ensnared (Splintered #3)
• Book Review: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning : A Thousand Pieces of You
  & Sample: A Darker Shade of Magic
• Book Blogger Hop: December 12th – 18th
• Book Review: The Witch Must Burn by Danielle Paige
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Twinkle

Book Review: The Witch Must Burn by Danielle Paige

Name: The Witch Must Burn
(Dorothy Must Die 0.2)
Author: Danielle Paige
Number of Pages: 100 pages in EBook
Published: November 11th 2014
by HarperCollins
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult,
Retellings, Short Stories

There’s a new Wicked Witch in Oz—and her name is Dorothy. This digital original novella is the second installment in the prequel arc to the edgy and exciting New York Times bestseller Dorothy Must Die. Dorothy Gale is back . . . and she’s not the sweet little heroine of Oz anymore. She’s power-hungry and vicious, and she leaves a trail of destruction beneath her spike-heeled, magical shoes. But behind the scenes, there’s someone else pulling the strings. Someone who doesn’t want fame or glory—just control. Glinda of the North brought Dorothy back to Oz for a reason. And in The Witch Must Burn, a young maid is about to discover that a witch who says she’s Good might be the most dangerous kind of Wicked.

I love this series so I can’t really wait for the second book which will be released March next  year. When I’ve learned that this book has come out, I decided to get this right away. I assumed that this will be from a different character’s perspective and I still can’t believe I’m right.

The POV is from Jellia. The head maid of Dorothy’s palace aka the Emerald City. I love her witty personality and how she protected others from Dorothy’s tantrums. This is just a hundred pages and it’s all about the backstory of how Jellia has joined the Order. Of course, she also shared a horrifying experience of how evil Glinda is, the supposedly good witch. How she discovered that Jellia is part fairy and she can use her for her evil plots or so she thought.

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : A Thousand Pieces of You & Sample: A Darker Shade of Magic

Currently Reading #35

Name: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1)
Author: Claudia Gray
Number of Pages: 368 pages in Hardcover
Published: November 4th 2014 by Harper Teen
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him. Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

Finally. Reading this. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, perhaps you would remember me posting a blog about Claudia visiting the Philippines for a book signing tour and unfortunately, I’ve missed it. Imagine the frustration I felt when Claudia is just a couple of blocks away signing books and I’m sitting in my office so unaware. I’ve read it in an article a day after only to learn that Claudia’s already in Cebu and that’s far from where I am. As in you need to take an airplane far. How in world could I missed it? Anyway, I moved on. I just want to share it for those who missed that blog I posted about it. Here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

One of the most interesting, unique stories I have had the privilege to read in quite some time. I can’t even begin to capture a picture of the basic story for you, all that would do is serve an injustice. Just trust me, you need to go pick this book up and me as captivated as I am now. I can def see this being made into a major motion picture. Why can’t all stories take you on a journey such as this one?!  Now, I’m going to need Claudia Gray to hurry up and finish the 2nd book in this series so I can finish it in a day. 🙂  MUST READ!
— Jessica of My Kaleidoscope Heart 

Book Review: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Name: Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1)
Author: Livia Blackburne
Number of Pages: 376 pages in Hardcover
Published: July 8th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

This is my December feature for the meme Random Reads. I’m getting great in keeping up with this meme. Hihi! So I got this book because the book cover is amazingly mysterious. Yeah. Call it judging the book by its cover. You got me there. I forgot all about this though. Given that I’ve acquired tons of books for the past weeks. This meme helped me a lot so far in reading books I’ve already forgotten. Though I’ve read awesome reviews, I’ve also stumbled upon not so good reviews about the book and I must admit I’ve got of issues myself which is sad since I want to like this at the very least.

This is an easy read. The writing is pretty much straightforward. Nothing out of the ordinary which is somehow, for me, not good. Though it’s an easy read, I can’t connect with the first couple of chapters or let’s say four to five chapters, that is. I kept on reading since the premise of the book has a lot of potential. In the middle of the book, I’ve come to realized that the ending could somehow be good or trash. The world building is no great shakes. It’s in an archaic town on a monarchy type of government with corruption and poverty as main issues. BTW, the King and Queen were never mentioned. Just the councilmen, knights and Red Shields aka soldiers. As you can see, everything is quite stereotyped so far. Nothing really remarkable. I have a lot of unanswered questions from how the plot goes. Not even a conclusion on why things were like this and that. So the main protagonist is a thief that cannot defend herself. Go figure.

Book Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Name: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Number of Pages: 355 pages in Hardcover
Published: October 7th 2014 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

“Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.”

I have longed to read this book for quite some time now and I’m very much excited about this. Read some awesome reviews and got recommendations from fellow book bloggers and friends. They’re surprised that I haven’t actually read some of Marie Lu’s books. I also wonder why. Lol. So when I finally posted a blog that I was about to read this, I’ve received a couple of comments that I’ll surely enjoy this and they’re absolutely right. I did. I so did. 😀

The writing is truly enthralling. From the very first page up to the last. I really thought that this is a dystopian book at first, but it’s a mystifying fantasy novel. I was hooked the moment I opened it. I must admit that there were books that bored me from the first couple of chapters, but this one was far from those. This book has so much FEELS on it. It was written for readers to take to heart every emotion the pages has to offer. Brilliantly written. Just brilliant (Slow clapping included). It made me really happy that I got to read this awesome book.

The world building is intriguingly dark and sinister. So many deaths. Blood being spilled here and there. Killing and being killed. Not what I expected and I loved it. Full of magical people and dark forces. I am fascinated how Marie has created a world where you can either make a stand for what you believe and fight to live or fade in the background and just die. You can’t be anywhere in between. Especially if you’re a malfetto.

My Week in a Wrapped #11

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

This week has been ordinary. Still struggling to have my Me Time aka Reading Time. The breeze has gone cold since Christmas is fast approaching. I’m in a tropical country which usually has a searing hot temperature so the last quarter is my favorite part of the year really. The sun shines beautifully, the sky’s so blue dotted with fluffy clouds, but the breeze is really cold especially in the morning so I’m loving it. Perfect for sitting on a bench at a park with a book in hand. I’m quite worried about the reported typhoon though. I heard from the news that it’s awfully strong and the central part of the country is currently being devastated. There are places that doesn’t have electricity and people are in need of food and safe shelter. The report also stated that the typhoon will be weaker by the time it reaches Manila where I’m from. As of this writing here in Manila, we only have cloudy gray sky and no rain yet. This is a photo I’ve seen from our local news:

So scary. I’m really hoping the typhoon won’t stay long enough to wreak our country to ruins like typhoon Yolanda did. Prayers are really needed in times like this so I’m praying for everybody’s safety.

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #10
• December Random Reads
• Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : The Young Elites by Marie Lu
• Waiting on Wednesday #27: HellHole by Gina Damico
• ARC Book Review: Under My Skin by Shawntelle Madison
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
• Book Blogger Hop: December 5th – 11th
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Gone, But Not Forgotten

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Currently Reading #34

Name: Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1)
Author: Livia Blackburne
Number of Pages: 376 pages in Hardcover
Published: July 8th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

This is my feature for my December Random Reads and I’m quite proud of myself for consistently keeping up with the meme. It’s hard to squeeze books when you had them scheduled, but I’m so keeping up with this. I can’t remember when I’ve received this book so I’m excited. Here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

There are several reasons why I am in such a tizzy over this book and why others should be too. I rarely encounter two strong main characters, a fleshed-out world, a true threat, and a surprising plot in one book. Yet Blackburne managed all of them, and from the semi-cliff-hanger ending, I predict at least two more books. Now that she’s put all that good foundation work in, the rest of her series is her playground. And if Amazon’s labeling of Midnight Thief as “Grades 7 and up” gives you doubts about its maturity, ignore it. Pierce’s books are also tagged as “Grades 7 and up,” and I just reread it last week.
— Andrea of The Jukebox Muse

ARC Book Review: Under My Skin by Shawntelle Madison

Name: Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1)
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Number of Pages: 240 pages in eBook
Published: December 9th 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Everyone wants to either be a member of the Guild or work for them. Little does the populace know that the Guild hides sinister secrets… For Tate Sullivan, life in her small, coastal town is far from glamorous. The affluent lives of the Guild members and their servants isn’t something she has ever wanted. But all sixteen year-olds must take a simple test, and Tate’s result thrusts her into the Guild’s world, one where they hide horrible plans for those they select. Tate must fight the relentless General Dagon for control of her mind, body, and soul to keep the one precious thing she has always taken for granted: herself. Her only ally is the same handsome boy she is pitted against in General Dagon’s deadly game. Quinn desires nothing more than to end the life of General Dagon who has taken over Tate’s mind. While romance blooms between Tate and Quinn, General Dagon plots to eventually take over Tate’s body, and love might end before it even begins.

I am so glad that CrushStar Multimedia LLC approved my request for an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Really kept my fingers crossed since I truly want to have this, though I don’t want to keep my hopes high. I fell in love with the book cover when I’ve stumbled upon it and the blurb really pulled me in. So I can’t contained my happiness when I received an email saying I was approved. That’s a first on NetGalley by the way ’cause I just recently created my account there. 🙂

I don’t usually find dystopia interesting since it’s depressing for me, but I’ve read a couple of dystopia books before that I really enjoyed. This book is actually quite striking. The writing is remarkable. Not difficult to grasp and really appealing. It will pull you in a world that’s so frightening, you would definitely want to wish it was a dream and you would eventually wake up. The feeling of being on the edge tickled my curiosity to continue reading. Like everything is unsure. So much to unravel. The whole plot is a riot of suspense. I can feel my heart thumping fast on my chest while I was reading it. Lol. The mere thought of having somebody else inside you that would sooner or later take over is both revolting and terrifying. Waking up without an idea of what had happened, ate steak while you’re a freaking vegetarian, why you’re wearing what you’re wearing and realizing a day has already passed without you being aware is so disturbing. Really disturbing is an understatement.

Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Currently Reading #33

Name: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Number of Pages: 355 pages in Hardcover
Published: October 7th 2014 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

“Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.”

I’m so excited to read this since a lot of my friends told me that this is so good. Of course, I can’t read it right away when I’ve received it. Maturity. It takes maturity. First in, read first. My own mature rule. Lol. Anyway, I’m so excited. Did I just say that? 🙂 Let’s move on to the reviews I’ve read from all over the blogosphere. Got a five star, three star and a star review respectively:

There are so many things I loved about The Young Elites. The writing is stunning. The characters are broken and dark. The plot is exciting and surprising and scary at times. This book is just all kinds of amazing. And I’m so glad that I finally got to read it. I need you all to read this book as well. Because it is different and just so good. I loved reading about Adelina. Though she is so dark inside. I just hope she’s able to change. Sigh. Yet I love her darkness as well. Though, maybe a little less of it, hih. ❤
—Carina of Carina’s Books

My Week in a Wrapped #10

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

This week has been frustrating. The bank had a system “upgrade” and I’m unable to withdraw money. Money that I’ve worked for. When I asked them when would the system be fixed, they provided an indefinite answer. How can you say that if people need to pay bills and eat? I was so broke, I nearly cried. I can’t believe they decided to “fix” their system in time for the payout and on a Friday knowing they’ll resume operation Monday. Do they expect us to know it via precognition since they didn’t provide a notice? What the fudging hell?? My co-worker even tried to withdraw from an ATM. Unfortunately her account was debited, but no money came out and according to them, they will process it for a reversal within seven business days. Seven business days for God’s sake! I so hate them! How could them? So incompetent and so inconsiderate! Good thing my friend let me borrowed some cash so I can live on up until their system is fixed. Sigh. Sorry. I rarely rant about things in life, but this is way too much and I just need to let this out. Anyway, we were able to get the money Saturday night so I moved on. I just hope this won’t happen again. Ever. Again.

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #9
• Event for Colleen Houck Book Club ♥
• Colleen Houck Book Club: 
  Live Chat With Veronica Rossi about the Under The Never Sky series
• Book Confession: City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
• Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
• Waiting on Wednesday #26: FrostFire by Amanda Hocking
• Book Review: Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning :
  Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1) by Shawntelle Madison
• Book Blogger Hop: November 28th – December 4th
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Converge