Cruel Beauty Review

Hey Guise,
I'm sorry for not writing for a while. I've been to busy and preoccupied with life to write a review. Unfortunately, I have not read any books within the past two weeks. So....

I'm sooo uber sorry for not responding at all.

    Luckily for you guise, I have a review today. As far as you guise know, before Ash Wednesday, I bought three books. One of them was Cruel Beauty by Rosemund Hodge. I was interested in this book because many people in the Booktube community were getting the book and I was also drawn into the story line since it mentioned the key words assassin and Beauty and Beast. I was interested on how it was a twist on the fairy tale story of Beauty and the Beast. Though I have never read any other adaptations of Beauty and the Beast, I have read vast adaptations of fairy tales. (Mainly Cinderella because its my biased fairy tale out of fluffiness.) Since I like fairy tales, I was willing to give this a try. Walking into this book, I had high expectations.

Gorgeous cover. Pretty as a red rose.

      Before I review the book, here's the basic summary: Nyx Triskellion is a princess who's destiny is to save her country. After a her father's foolish deal with the Demon Lord before Nyx's birth, she was destined to marry him and kill him for her dead mother and her country. As she turns seventeen, she must leave all familiarity behind to marry the Demon Lord. Nyx resents her family for leaving her alone and hate herself for not escaping her faith. But her husband Ignifex is not what she expected. While attempting to defeat him, Nyx feels herself drawn closer to him. Even if she falls in love with her sworn enemy, she must choose between saving her kingdom or being with the man she loves.

   Alrighty, when looking at this book at first glance, it felt like reading Beauty and the Beast, Bluebeard and other fantasy novels into a blender. Honestly, I'm not sure how optimistic I could be with this book. I usually try to find the positives in a book before negatives, but I really don't know what to say. First of all, Nyx is an aggravating, frustrating character. Her so-called "assassin" training for all her life was merely her sister giving her an untouched blade and the times her and her sister were playing with knives. She also failed to seduce her husband. (Correction, her seduction training seemed to be given in a mere day before her wedding.)

   Secondly, I did not understand the full situation with The Gentle Lord Ignifex and Shade, his shadow. I understand that they are two parts of a whole and serve a purpose, but I was not pleased with Nyx suddenly fall in love in one day and be in love with somebody else another day. Shade apparently loves Nyx, but brings her to a chamber that nearly kills her. Ignifex is the typical manipulative love interest, but suddenly becomes more sympathetic in the end. Since Ignifex had eight wives before Nyx, did the same thing happen as it did with Nyx or were they killed for some other particular reason.

  Third, besides her father's unwise decision and treating her as a mere pawn over a daughter annoyed me, the rest of the family is not so great. I feel like Nyx's aunt was giving advice that does not even work at all. I didn't understand Nyx's sister. Of course Nyx hates her due to the her staying and her constant happiness. It seemed as if she became another person from Nyx insulting her on the wedding day. I did not understand it at all. Then she's happy again after Nyx returns. Where is this story going?

I give up!

     Honestly, I wanted to like this book but I could not like it. I struggled with the first few chapters and rushed on the last few chapters. I felt like this concept could have been executed better but it was what it was. I hope this review does not influence your decision. If I didn't like this book, perhaps another person would like this book. I'm human anyways. 

Later guise,

Neko

Divergent Book Review

Hey guise,

Today's post is about Divergent by Veronica Ross. Yeah, I am aware that this is coming soon as a film. There was a whole entire explanation of how I am jumping on the bandwagon on the March TBRs. So...yeah.

 In Beatrice Prior's world, Chicago is a society is divided into five factions, Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). Every year, 16 year olds must take an exam to figure out which faction will the devote the rest of their lives to. For Beatrice, the decision between staying with her family and being who she really is, she can't have both.

  As Beatrice takes the exam, it is concluded that her results are inconclusive. Beatrice attributes qualities for Erudite, Dauntless and Abnegation. When the day of the faction ceremony arrives, Beatrice makes a shocking decision that would change her life forever.

    Yeah, I know this is a short summary. Due to the events of the film coming out March 21, I will not be revealing anything else. I really liked this book. Honestly. As a person who's starting to delve into dystopian novels, I felt like it was great. It was very well explained and put into detail. I also was surprised with some of the twists that happen in the novel and the context of how some factions do not like each other. I liked how Tris was strong willed but was somewhat vulnerable. She would be the type of person I would like to have as a friend. I felt like I could connect to her compared to other female dystopian protagonists. I will probably jump into Insurgent as soon as my book ban ends.

   Til' later,
   Neko

Percy Jackson Overview and Other Stuff

Hi guise,

Today's blog is about the Percy Jackson series. I decided to take a swing at the series during my winter break from school after looking at the books curiously at Target and a suggestion from a friend. Before I read the series, I watched the first film Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief on Cartoon Network. At the time, I thought the movie was awesome and I kinda forgot about it. After reading the book the film was based on and watching comparison videos, I realize that the film and the book are separate entities with a similar background.


    This is my was supposed to be my last post of February. But it's March now so....  I can't post much reviews because I do not have enough time to read the books I want. So yeah.....

Too stressed from school!

         Starting of with the series, I read The Lightning Thief.

First book in the series!

       This is the book that started it all. Where Percy finds out his origins and his destiny. 

Percy Jackson is a 12 year old with dyslexia, ADHD and a reputation of getting kicked out of every school he's attended. His life changes after he was attacked by his substitute math teacher in a field trip. He is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finds out his destiny as a demigod and the son of Poseidon. When Zeus' lightning bolt goes missing, Percy is blames as the lightning thief. With his friends Annabet

h and Grover, he goes on a journey to find the lightning bolt and clear his name.

     

  Next in the adventures of Percy Jackson

    

      Continuing the series, we now find Percy with a cyclops half-brother named Tyson. Grover is held captive by a cyclops in Florida and is trying to stall his "marriage" to the cyclops. Along with that, Thalia's tree on Half-Blood Hill is poisoned and Chiron is stripped from his position after being suspected. Clarisse from Ares Cabin is then sent to find the golden fleece to heal the tree. Percy, Annabeth and Tyson go on their own journey to save Grover and find the fleece to save Thalia's tree.

     

More Half-Bloods introduced. Yeah!

     Percy, Annabeth and the recovered Thalia go on a mission to lead half-blood siblings Bianca and Nico to Camp Half-Blood. While being attacked by a manticore, the goddess Artemis and her hunters come to save them. Things change as the hunters stay in Camp-Half Blood and Bianca joining them. Artemis suddenly goes missing, leading for Percy and his friends to find her since she is a crucial vote in the war against the titans. Along with that, Percy will have to solve a mystery of a rare monster Artemis was hunting that could possibly destroy Olympus.

    After the last events of the book, Percy is trying to have a normal high school life. As soon as he enters the school, he ends up in a fight with monster disguised cheerleaders in the band room. Having to flee, Percy takes refuge in Camp Half-Blood. Since the last events, Grover's searchers license is put into question after his meeting with Pan. He must find Pan within seven days to keep his license. Along with that, Annabeth has a desire to find Percy receives startling visions of Nico summoning spirits with McDonald's Happy Meals. 

The group must enter a labyrinth to stop Luke and Kronos. 

An epic finale to and epic series.

     A year after Percy's last battle with Kronos, he is enjoying his summer with his friend, Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Percy is suddenly whisked back into Calf-Half Blood to face the battle and the prophecy surrounding him. Faced with Kronos taking over New York City and Olympus, Percy and his friends must find a way stop Kronos once and for all.


     Let me be clear, this review will be short. I somewhat forgot the ideals of why I like Percy Jackson since I have been busy with other things and life. I read the first four books within each other in January and waited a month to buy the final book. This books series reminded me of books from childhood. (Actually this should have been my childhood since I was in 5th grade when the first book came out.)

   The first book, The Lightning Thief was alright. Since I watched only the first film before reading that book, I couldn't connect to it well as I should have but, I still like this book. The second and third books, The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse, I generally liked better than the first book and felt even more of an urge to go into the series. The fourth book, The Battle of the Labyrinth was alright but I wasn't 100% fully into the book and the final book, The Last Olympian is my particular favorite out of the whole series. I could not put it down and everything that was building up in the whole entire series was answered at the end. I overall would give the overall book series a four out of five stars and perhaps relive the whole entire series again during summer vacation.

Til later,
Neko

March TBRS

Hi guise,
Today's post is a list of TBRS I will try to attempt in March. As of March 6, I will be on a book buying ban until Easter Sunday. (Rough 40 days and 40 nights without buying new books.) Since a couple of YA books are all being adapted into films, my TBR list will include Divergent by Veronica Roth and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

Finally jumping the bandwagon because of the film.

          I honestly could have read this series in high school. My high school library had every book in the whole entire series. Seriously, the world of YA was seriously a different place a few years ago. Because of the buzz on Twilight and Gossip Girl, most of the books I looked at in a bookstore were mainly between popularity and vampires such as: Blue Bloods, Vampire Kisses, The A-List, The Clique, Vampire Diaries and etc. Because of the buzz around vampires, I really refused to read anything with vampires with the exception of Vampire Kisses because I was drawn to it by it's manga.

     Now in today's world, I am trying Vampire Academy because I like the story. Lissa is a special vampire princess called Moroi with special powers. Rose is her best friend, protector and a Damphir. Two years ago, the both of them escaped their school, St. Vladimir's  Academy. Rose's job as Lissa's protector is to protect her from the Strigoi, a group of vampires who will do anything to get Lissa to be one of them. But inside the gates of St. Vladimir's danger lurks as the Strigoi are close and near.

Bandwagon again.

     This is the second book on my TBR list. Around March 14, it will be released. I bought it because I was intrigued by the story as well. I knew this kinda existed around the time in high school, but around that time, dystopian novels were starting to come out. My public library didn't have dystopian back then as they have now. 

   In Tris' world, Chicago is a society is divided into five factions, Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). Every year, 16 year olds must take an exam to figure out which faction will the devote the rest of their lives to. For Tris, the decision between staying with her family and being who she really is, she can't have both. 

   I'm not going to put up the full summary for Divergent, due to the movie coming out and most people will be reading the book. Plus, I'm tired right now. I've been trying to finish this list as quick as possible, but was either tired or unmotivated. 

   Additionally, I bought The False Prince and The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen in Barnes and Noble and hauled Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Visions in White by Nora Roberts in a local thrift shop. 

   Later,

   Neko

    

Last Post of February!

Hi guise,

     This an abruptly written post. I was going to write about the Percy Jackson series, but I ended up putting that post on hold due to laziness yesterday and an overwhelming migraine today. After the migraine stopped, I ventured out of my house and went shopping at Target. I know that I write about shopping at Target a lot since a Target opened near my house around October. There is another Target in the town where I live, but I can only take one bus there and it is a 20-30 minute ride. Plus, I have to shell out $5.00 going there and back compared to spending $2.50 on ride and a transfer on going there and going home. (#AsianFirstWorldProblems.) 

Ah sigh, the problems of a bargain hunter.

    Anyways, I shop at Target due to their lower prices on books compared retailers such as Barnes and Noble. (Cough, cough-Cress) Today I stopped by to buy books for the last time until Easter comes. Yeah, I'm Catholic and I still believe in giving up things for 40 days and 40 nights. If the snowy weather will not kill me by Tuesday, I will buy Cruel Beauty by Rosemund Podge with either Control by Lydia Kang or Tsarina by J Nelle Patrick. After Ash Wednesday hits, I will be forced to read books from my bookshelf that are unread, the new books I bought today and books I received for my birthday. My only way to buy new books is to buy from a thrift store because it will cost less than $5 and the money will go back to charity. Plus, I'm curious about how much money will be in my wallet by the 3rd week of April.

Goodbye going to Target to buy more books!

     On the other hand, my school work is piling up. So I only have time to read two books a month rather than four. I wish I could pause my life and have hours to read, but life does not work that way. So, I will try my best to maintain this blog with my busy life. Moving on to what I bought today, I picked up three books from Target. Divergent by Veronica Roth, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. After going to Target, I went in to the nearest Stop and Shop and browsed their book section. Surprisingly, some books there are 25% off compared to Target's 15-20% off. I went into the bargain book bin and picked up My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher. I will write more on the full summaries of these books after I review them. (And yes, I am aware that Vampire Academy and Divergent are now in film form.) 

Until next time, 

Neko

The Fault in Our Stars Review???

Okay, guise!
    Finally I will review The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. The Fault in Our Stars is a realistic love story between Hazel, a stage IV cancer survivor and Augustus, another cancer survivor. They meet at a weekly support group and develop a sweet, melancholic relationship. Hazel is obsessed with a novel about cancer called An Imperial Affliction. She longs to know what happens in the ending after the author ended it openly. So August arranges for them to travel to Amsterdam to meet the author. The journey between the two lovers sets ground for a blossoming love and bitter disappointments.

    Okay, I really did like this book but I had a lack of concentration when reading this book. The past few days I was reading this book, snow hit my area and there was no school for a few days. Plus, I was easily distracted with everything surrounding me. Back to the story. I really found this book refreshing compared to the other books I have been reading in the past few months. (I know this is realistic YA, but I read mass amounts of fantasy YA for the last two months.) The love story between Hazel and Augustus was weird, quirky and eccentric, but it left a sweet, bittersweet taste that you wished that ended sweet. While reading the book, it left me a great thought. I really wish I could meet a guy like Augustus who could like me for the way I am and would do anything for me. (Minus the cancer part on Augustus and Hazel's parts.) 

What an adorable love story! But it ended bittersweet. :(

   While the book did not leave me in tears like other readers, this book left an impression on me. (The main emotions I express when reading a book are excitement, anger or indifference. I'm not much of a crier.) Why can't a love be perfect like that without a bitter conclusion. Why can't I find the perfect person to be in love with? Would the person I love do anything to make me happy? All these questions make me think, "Will I find an Augustus to my Hazel in real life without bitter circumstances?" Honestly, I don't know. But I will wait one day for the answer to that question.

    I hope that this review did not go completely off topic. (Or completely vague.)

See you guise in the next blog,

Neko

Mind Games Review

Hi guise,
    Today's blog is a review of Mind Games by Kiersten White. I read this for free from Epic Reads. This offer is available between February 14-17. (BTW, this post is not sponsored. I'm just putting this out there. Today is February 16, so it kinda expires tomorrow.)  Mind Games is about two sisters Sofia and Annabelle--Fia and Annie for short-- who are both trapped in a school as tools for corporate espionage. Fia is born with flawless instincts with her first gut feelings being correct. Annie is blind to everyone, except when seeing strange visions of the future. Annie and Fia are forced to use their abilities in twisted ways while trying to protect each other.

      While the book has a beautiful cover, the book itself was a quick read. I wanted to like the book, but many things irked me. Though I like the idea of two sisters having powers that can be used as weapons, I didn't feel like the book was executed well. I felt like the whole entire plot of the book was scattered.

   First of all, when we get to one of the first point of views, we see that Fia is sent to kill a research doctor named Adam. I thought that he would be a possible love interest and there would be a journey between both of them to figure out why they want Adam. But after she goes back to the school, he is rarely mentioned except when Fia thinks about not killing him or Annie seeing him in visions.

   Second, the relations between characters felt forced and unbelievable. If I was reading the relations of characters, I would like to have felt it as well. If Annie and Fia were sisters who really cared about each other, I would have like to see flashbacks during happier times when they were younger or scenes where Annie is severely worried about Fia.

   Along with the sister's relationship, I would like to know more of James Kane's role with Fia and the school. All we know is that he cares about Fia and can make her happy compared to her sister. He comes to talk to the sisters, but I don't feel the interactions so much between him and the sisters except for the times when he gives her alcoholic drinks or taking her dancing.

    Lastly, I felt the rest of the book was rushed. I did not understand the exact purpose of the school and if Fia and Annie were the most prized possessions of the school. At the end, Fia gets kidnapped by people saying the school they're in is misusing them and Adam suddenly appears out of nowhere. He has feelings for Fia despite that they haven't contacted each other in a while. Annie ends up being the reason why Adam needs to be killed and has a prediction of her death. This does not make sense.

Guh! Why is this book so frustrating and confusing?

    I am aware that there is a read-a-thon  for this book at this moment and I would have thought about doing the instagram progress, like I did with Scarlet. But honestly, I don't think I'll read the sequel, Perfect Lies. After reading this book in one day, I believe I understand majority of what is going on. This book does not fully explain why some things are the way they are. (Which is a major literary pet peeve of mine.) 

    Until I write another random review out of the TBR schedule, The Fault in Our Stars is most likely to be reviewed out of all the books.

Thanks for reading,

Neko

Love Themed TBRs

Hi guise,

It's Neko.

   Sorry for going kinda odd on the last post. I'm going to admit that it was kinda selfish, but I have my reasons for posting that. For the last few weeks, I was debating of buying Cress from Target or Barnes and Noble. I would have chosen Target in a heartbeat over B&N and save myself some money, but I ended up going to B&N. I misread the Target website since it said not sold in stores. A week later after I walked into the book section and found Cress there with Scarlet and Cinder for a much lower price with a Target exclusive bonus story.

Yeah, I should have waited longer for the better deal.

      But the price of the book did not affect my view on the book, but being that I'm Filipino, the lower the price, the better. (Seriously, me buying anything requires playing the lower price game.) So that's why my title of my last blog was #AsianFirstWorldProblems.

  Anyways, today is Valentine's Day. Ahhh! The scenes of red with roses, chocolates and diamond necklaces and having dinner with my boyfriend. Who am I kidding, I never had a love life?

     Starting off with the love themed TBRs, I will be reading The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. This book is about Hazel, a stage IV cancer survivor who meets a guy named August, another cancer survivor in  a support group. The two befriend and eventually fall in love. Yes, I did buy this book because of the hype but I wanted to see how I would like the book.

     Next in the list of TBRs is Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park. This book is about two misfit teenagers in 1986, who fall in love despite knowing that first loves never last. Again, just like the book above,  I bought it because of the hype and how other book reviewers like reading Rainbow Rowell. So, I'm also giving her a try. 

      Lastly in this list of Love Themed TBRs is Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl. Like the other books above, I bought it because of the hype and the fact that it is about a fangirl. Cath is a major fangirl of a book series called Simon Snow with her twin sister Wren. They wrote fanfictions, hanged out in Simon Snow forums and cosplayed  at every movie premiere. Now that they are in college, Wren is not as much a fan of Simon Snow compared to her sister. She would not room with her sister in college. Cath is now on her own, trying to survive the world outside of her comfort zone.

This book reminded me of myself in ways. I was a fangirl of many multiple things that most of my teenage years were ranging. When I was 12-14 years old, I loved watching Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon Drama). When I was 14-16, I had an embarrassing stage when I discovered anime. (And possibly made myself an outcast by worshiping it.) I will be happy to step into reading the books, experiencing  the days of being a fangirl again.

Later guise, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, Neko

Finally! I Will Review Cress, #AsianFirstWorldProblems

 

       Hi guise, today's blog post is a review of Marissa Meyer's Cress. (Defining review, more likely my random ramblings as a fan girl. Don't worry guise, I'll try to keep this as non-biased as possible.) I picked up my copy of Cress on Thursday before I hit school in Barnes and Noble and started my hours of reading this baby. (And possibly losing sleep to read this book. *Note to self: Do not read an exciting book before falling asleep.) Honestly, I should have read the book when I was not tired. I would have wrote horrible things about the book since I felt tired and tried to rush reading the book. (Not the best decision ever.) I honestly would have given the book two different ratings based on the halves I read. But as a reader and a novice reviewer, I would be giving bad publicity to a book series I really love.

     After I finished Cress, I decided to re-read it again with a much clearer mind and less exhaustion. Reading up to the parts where I was confused, I understood a better feeling of how good the book is. When we first open Cress, we see the Rampion crew preparing to stop Levana and Kai's upcoming nuptials and Cress yearning to escape from the satellite she is imprisoned in. Without trying to reveal much or anything, I like how Cress mirrors the original fairytale of Rapunzel. Remembering how Rapunzel meets her prince charming and being sent to the desert by a witch was cool as I see Cress and Thorne  in those roles. The development of Cress and Thorne's relationship is perhaps a much rougher patch compared to the developments between Cinder and Kai, and Scarlet and Cress. But, the rough patch I like to think of as a test for how Thorne and Cress will work as a couple and I think it has shown me how Thorne will have compassion for Cress. 

    Besides the scenes of Cress and Thorne, I was fangirling every time Kai appeared on pages. To be clear, while Kai is attractive, I am a fan of him out of connecting to him as a person. He is a boy who was forced to grow up in a dire situation and is struggling to make the best decisions for himself and his people. I was glad to see more of his sarcastic side and compassion as we saw in Cinder. 

    I generally liked this book and will be happily buying the fourth one as time comes.On a side note, I went to Target today and browsed the book section, seeing copies of Cinder, Scarlet and Cress. I deeply regret going to Target first over Barnes and Noble since I would have had $3 left in my pocket rather than $1 left. (Tagert Price: $15.10, Barnes and Noble: 17.99) Plus there was a bonus story about Thorne in the Target Edition. (#AsianFirstWorldProblems) Anyways despite my ramblings, I will be keeping my book and next time will go to Target to buy Winter. Believe me, price does not matter when paying for a good book but, it's nice to have a little cash on the side. 

Thanks for reading guise,
Neko

Cress Marathon-Possibly?

     Hi guise, today's post is not a review. It's more of an update of what exactly I am doing at this moment.
As a college student with much mandatory reading, I cannot focus on this blog as much as I used to. So, sadly the maximum of book reviews I will put up will between 1-2 books for a month. (Ugh, so much for trying to become big.)

Wahhh!!!! So long for days when I could read what I want endlessly!!!!

      Back to seriousness. Today, I finally bought Cress in Barnes and Noble. I am aware that buying from B&N is expensive. (Believe me, I wrote a whole entire post about the massive price I've spent on books in that place.) But seriously, it was the quickest way for me to acquire the book. If I was going to be practical, I should be using Amazon for my purchases. Unfortunately, I don't have a credit card to make purchases and I really don't feel like buying an Amazon gift card every month. Plus, I like to view a book in its glory in a bookstore. The smell, the touch, the feel of a book make my sensors feel intrigued as I view a book. 

    For the next few days, I will try to read the book as quickly as I can. But I will be interrupted from the process due to my art class on Saturday and my 20th birthday which is also on Saturday. (Yes, I'm that old.) I feel happy as a fan of this book series. I have been with the Lunar Chronicles fandom since 2012, when I read the first 5 chapters of Cinder from a sample. 

So hyped to read this!

   Since I was in high school, I rarely bought books. It was months before the library from my high school had the book. I guess I was lucky to borrow it since I was able to devour it quickly compared to other books I have borrowed in the past. Anyways, its only recently where I'm acting like a total maniac for these books. I do write fanfiction, I have made fan art. (Neither is up on the internet.) But, I can't make myself go completely bonkers for the whole thing. (Seriously besides school work, I am also writing me original stories and trying to piece a collaborative Sailor Moon doujinshi project together.) As much as possible, I will TRY to keep the review as non biased as possible and I will also try to post a review on Good Reads. (Not that I will reveal my account.) 

Later,

Neko

Tired, Two Week Book Buying Ban

      Hi guys, I'm sorry for not writing sooner. (Argh! I always say this in every blog.) Unlike the last circumstances of the last blogs, I just simply run out of steam.

How I Was After Writing the Last Blog

     My back was sore from writing my blog and my eyes were flickering from looking at a computer screen. (I had Computer Vision Syndrome from watching anime and Korean dramas nonstop without rest. So I unplugged myself for two days before looking at a screen.) During the past few days, I have been reading books I bought this month. I was getting cabin fever from not leaving my house for a certain period of time, so I ventured to Target on a snowy day. That was not really enjoyable, but I really needed to get the last three Percy Jackson books. Unfortunately, I was not able to get The Last Olympian. (Bummer!) I wanted to venture to the older and further Target today to see if the book was there, but I didn't feel like going on a 20-30 minute bus ride on a really cold day and with icy conditions. So for some reason, I ended up in the closer and newer Target doing absolutely nothing. (Sorry guise, I did not buy books today.) I did not buy books there because I've bought about $80.00 of my own money for books. (BLEAGHHH!!!) Yeah. But these purchases were not in vain. I've read every book I have bought this month. So until Cress comes out, I will be on a book buying ban for two weeks. (My wallet and my bookshelves will be happy!)

     Ugh, for the past week I've binged read four books : The Titan's Curse and The Battle of the Labyrinth, both by Rick Riordan, along with The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken and Legend by Marie Lu. Because I'm really tired and school for me is starting on Monday, my next review will definitely be in a week or so with Cress.

   

   I like the Percy Jackson series so far, but I personally like The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse of the most. I really like how the books can expand more with the gods and newer characters and the connections with old myths.

   With The Darkest Minds, I struggled reading with it and I did not know how to describe my feelings for the book until the very end. 

 I was annoyed with Ruby because she kept complaining and thinking that she's worthless. I also was very annoyed with the ending of the book. I felt like as the runaways tried to find a utopia and peace, it seemed that there was no such thing and the obsession with a letter. Why did it matter to give the letter if most parents sent their children away to the camp? Also, I was confused about the premises of the colors, the camps and the other associations. 

   When I started reading Legend, I still felt a little emotionless. (Dystopian is not really my favorable type of genre when choosing a book.) 

    But, I really liked the book. While I have read other reviews that Day and June seemingly have the same voice, I don't see it in that way. June is acting as a she was taught to be and Day is the way he is because of the events that happened to him. I liked how the book had an in-depth explanation of what was going on in the book. (Seriously, almost every question was explained throughout the whole book in a well-written way.) I think I will be buying the second book Prodigy in the future.

    That's all I will be posting for now folks. Definitely Cress will be the next book I review. Though I'm debating whether I should get it in Barnes and Noble for $18.99 or wait if Target will have for a lower price.

See you until later,

Neko

The Type of Reader I Am

      Hi readers, today's topic is about how I read books. Right at this moment, I am attempting to participate in a Scarlet Read-a-thon with Marissa Meyer's Scarlet on Instagram.

     For those who have never read the book, Scarlet is a continuation of Cinder, which is loosely based on the fairy tale Cinderella and takes place in the future. Like Cinder, Scarlet is based on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. The story is about a young Frenchwoman named Scarlet Benoit who tries to look for her missing grandmother while uncovering secrets of the past. I really suggest this book because its uniqueness from other YAs and it's so good! (Plus I'm biased with this series, constantly reading fanfiction.) Btw, this little section is not sponsored. I'm not sponsored with anyone and this is my personal opinions on the series itself.

    Going back to subject, when I am bored, sometimes I watch book reviewers on YouTube. Normally as I watch booktubers on YouTube, I watch videos such as book hauls and book reviews. I would see the passion in their eyes as the booktubers joyfully review books and somewhat envy their huge bookshelves. (Or turning another eye at the massive amount of books they own.) Honestly, I consider myself a casual reader or a beginner in reading. I don't have gazillion of dollars to have many books, nor do I have the space to have that much and plus I am picky about the series I read.  Plus, I don't have a exact time to sit down to read books directly after school due to my tough major. I only have time to do mass readings on vacation. (I have certain exceptions to that rule such as The Finishing School Series by Gail Carriger and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.)

   While I do love books, it takes me about 2-4 days to finish average if I like the book. So don't expect me to post a picture of myself hugging a stack of books. (Though that would be a funny pic btw.)

Nope, I don't go for the mass reading approach every time I  read a book.

     Sometimes readers, there are books that other people and reviewers will like and rave about that I do not like. Though I can review a book on my blog that I don't like, I really don't want to give a terrible on a private blog unless I find that other people have a similar reaction to mine. Otherwise, I don't review books I do not like. As usual, I get off topic so....

The Type of Reader I Am

by Neko

Part 1: The Reader That Rushes in Excitement

                                                How I Am Every Time I Rush Though A Book

     This my friends, is the number one thing I do when I read a book in excitement. While I try to rush on reading the book fast, I will pick up 75% of the details of the book rather than 100%. Though I do that, I pretty much will get the main gist of the book. (Yes, I know it's a sin to do this, but I am excited to ram through the book that I can't stop moving at the pace I am.) After finishing the book, I excitedly start the next book in the series or wait for months before I reread. (See Part 5)

Part 2: The Bored Reader (or Actually, the Book Takes Years to Finish)

   
     There are times in my life when I really lose interest in a book rapidly. It could be the plot or the flow of the book as I read. Normally if I'm in this state, I will read the book for a period of time and drop it when I lose interest. Rarely if I'm in this state, I will finish the book eventually. Otherwise, I will give the book away if I know if I'm not going to touch it ever again. At least the next owner will appreciate it better than me.

Part 3: The Reader Who Counts Chapters and Days

Yes, I Know This Picture Doesn't Match the Title. Anyway's it's cute!

     Normally when I get a book, before I start reading I will check the amount of chapters they have. Yes, I am very impatient when I read a book just as I stated in Part 1. I will search to the back of the book and look for the last chapter. (No, I do not read the ending. I always squint until I see a number. Why would I want to see the ending and spoil the fun of reading.) Gradually, this will wear off as I enjoy the book in a faster pace. (If not, then see Part 2 and Part 4.)

Part 4: The Angry Reader

How I React Every Time A Book Pisses Me Off

       As I've mentioned, there are a couple of critically acclaimed books that I cannot tolerate. (Sometimes, it is also a book other reviews equally cannot tolerate.) When I first encounter these books, I like them AT FIRST. After that as the world and characters develop, I grow an annoyance and hatred for the personality of the character. Either:

A): They are so stubborn to the point where I want to say get over it

B): The character seems likable, but is really despicably terrible

C): The character is weak

D): The character is assumed to be strong, but is weak

E): The character does something that does not make sense or really something stupid

F): The character refuses their true potential until the very end

     All these points can "grind my gears" when reading a book. The character who is supposed to be enjoyable is in fact worse than the pretty description on the binding of the book. (Honestly, I try to be an optimist. I'm really an optimistic person but sometimes these things can drive me really critical. Hence, why I read other people's reviews to know I am in the same boat as them.) Nevertheless, I will try to give the book away if I hated it. (Even if I hate a book, I have to re-read them if I paid some amount on it. Grrr!)

Part 5: The Reader Who Reabsorbs

Yes, That is How I Feel Reading a Book Again

     As I read a book again, it is like taking a trip to a familiar place and gaining new memories. In Part 1, I mentioned I rush when reading. In this part, I recount the things I missed and gain a better appreciation of the book. Originally as I read Scarlet, I wasn't too keen on Scarlet's hot-headed attitude. (Especially after reading the Tiger's Curse books, her attitude was understandable and as I re-read the book, I grow a liking to her.) I also noticed details I did not completely remember as I read the first time. Same thing as I read Cinder for the second time. Readers, it is good to reread a book on your shelf. They feel lonely as they sit there in the dust, waiting to be read. Plus, you must have spent some amount on them. It is good to get your money's worth in re-reading a book. Who knows, you might love a book after reading it a second time.

     It is now time for me to go, I have to continue reading Scarlet and my back hurts from writing this post. Sorry for not posting much. I would rather post a really good post in a long time compared  to writing an uninspired post with a summary of a book. (Guise, I write my reviews in a diary sense compared to writing in a normal review format.) 

XOXO,

Neko

Opinions on Tiger's Curse

     Sorry guise for not posting for a while. I am in the midst of having writers, reader's and artist's block at the same time mixed with boredom and confusion. I don't really think I will writing or reading much at this moment. I seriously don't want to give you a very unenthusiastic post with most of the review ending up like a summary. That is not my style. I originally was going to write  a long post about my opinions of the Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck but, I felt uninspired and was writing something not in the way I usually approach things.

     I was going to read the first two Percy Jackson books: The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters and review them eventually but, I really feel empty when reading anything now. It really should not be hard for me to get into the book. I know I would like the book series as is but, I am kinda at a down point now. So I will be taking a short break from blogging for the next few days.

     Next week, I will be rereading Marissa Meyer's Scarlet with the read-a-thon. I was going to read it to get more information to use when writing fanfiction, but I ended up buying the Tiger's Curse series and devouring them instead. Down below, I will be putting short, but simple opinionated reviews on the books.
(Keep in mind, when book 5 comes out, I will put out a more serious review compared to the short posts.)

Book 1: Tiger's Curse

Kelsey: I like how she's strong and not afraid of the challenges ahead. I like how she's not afraid of challenges. I don't like how stubborn she is.

Ren: Tiger becomes hot guy. Perfect with a chiseled bronze chest, beautiful long hair and blue eyes. (Drools and fangirls  every time man-Ren appears in book.)

Kishan: Ooohh! Hot tiger guy has a brother. Even more buffer and brawny. (Please make this an otome game!)

Book 2: Tiger's Quest

Kelsey: Understandably sad and mopey. Still pines for Ren. Has 3 awkward dates. Becomes a hopeless romantic when Ren show's up. Only to lose him again as he lost his memory.

Ren: Shows up out of nowhere. (Still drools every time he comes on page.) His romantic gestures become borderline Harlequin novel. (Blushes and squees!) Sadly gives up his memories of Kelsey in captivity.

Kishan: Appears as the awkward comic foil. Starts falling for Kelsey.

Book 3: Tiger's Voyage

(Book needs less romance and more quest!!!)

Kelsey: I feel sad for the first 5 chapters. She really is getting annoying. She constantly argues with Ren and gets hurt over and over again. Chooses Kishan over Ren despite her true feelings. Will you please stop the classic t.v. references. It appears no one is getting it. She becomes a damsel in distress and eventually gets kidnapped by Lokesh. (Great !)

Ren: Lost memory. Argues with Kelsey. Gets domineering with Kells. Starts dating a bimbo named Randi. (Great choice.) Finally gets his memory back near the end of the book. (Took too freaking long!)

Kishan: I feel bad for him. The girl he loves is in love with another guy. Yet she still chooses him for security.

Book 4: Tiger's Destiny

(Yes! No more stupid petty arguments between Kells and Ren. More quest! Ending too rushed!)

Kelsey: Finally gets a backbone and starts using her brain. Chooses Kishan when he proposes to her. (Why!!!) Realizes Ren is the one in the end and marries him. (Are you freaking serious?)

Ren: Finally respect Kelsey and Kishan's relationship. (About time. SMH.)

Kishan: Proposes to Kelsey. Becomes Durga's tiger in the end. (Okay, seriously! I knew there was some spark with Kishan and Durga during the whole series. But couldn't you at least give Kishan and Durga a few flirting scenes before the last battle?)

Overall: This series is a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars for me. I felt like the books were stronger in the first two books and things that were blatant obvious like Kelsey and Ren, should have not taken a long,
 emotional road trip as it did.

I'm sorry if this is longer than what it seemed. So I'll be bidding you adieu until next time.
Neko

Went Shopping Today, Continuing the Tiger's Curse Series, How I Buy My Book's

     Dear Reader, today's blog is a very long blog. As you all know, I am on vacation from school. I normally spend my time at home watching Youtube videos and reading books. Okay, I REALLY need to do something other than sit in my house and lazily read Lunar Chronicles fan fictions. My elbows feel sore from leaning on my bed reading for an extended period of time. I need to get a life outside of my house. I feel like a hikikomori from an anime.

           Ugh! Cold weather and low temperatures has kept me cooped up in my room reading Tiger's Voyage and now Tiger's Destiny. I just finished reading Tiger's Voyage and started reading Tiger's Destiny. While I thought Tiger's Voyage was alright, I was annoyed with Kelsey and Ren's relationship problems and the constant pop culture references. It annoyed me that Kelsey kept using those references to make allusions despite the other characters not understanding the puns. Also, I questioned the moody relationship between Kelsey and Ren. It seemed like Kelsey was immature during many disputes and had uncontrollable outbursts when she argued with Ren. I'm aware that Ren had temporary memory loss but it was annoying me that half the book was their relationship. Additionally, I couldn't not tolerate Ren not respecting Kelsey's decision to date Kishan despite her internal feelings. But I enjoyed the book more closer to the quest of getting the third item, Durga's Pearl Necklace. Continuing to the fourth book, I will expect the result of Kelsey being kidnapped by Lokesh and the journey to find the fourth item.

  While my last blog was about reading the Tiger's Curse series this blog is about how exactly I buy my books. As a person who receives a monthly allowance and doesn't work, I cannot spend a lot of money on books. If I were to show my book shelf, yes I do have a lot of books but, I used primarily money I received on 18th birthday buying most of them. But seriously, I should not be spending so much on books. I probably spent hundreds of dollars on books already. ': ( (Imaginary sweat drop falls from head). So pretty much when college starts for me again, I won't be reviewing every 2-3 days as I do at this moment. I will only buy 2 new books a month to limit myself from excessive spending and book hoarding.

      With that said, my next book reviews will probably range from books I buy from a thrift store to books I already have on my shelves. The next new book I plan on buying is Marissa Meyer's Cress. I have been following the series since I was a senior in high school and waiting for month's to borrow the first book Cinder. I won't be going into full detail about how the series affected my life until that review comes out. For now, I could say I'm writing fan fictions  and fan comics about the series but, my writing kinda sucks at this moment. I have the first chapter up on deviantart and will be putting down the link for peering eyes to view.
Link: http://nekofox94.deviantart.com/art/December-Story-Chapter-1-421805564

     If anyone catches those weird Naruto fan fiction on my page, the ones that were posted in 2009 were written when I was 14 years old. I feel embarrassed at how dreadful the writing style was for at that time, I was a delusional teenager delving into anything involving anime and Japanese culture. Going back on the subject regarding how I buy books, this is how I do it.

     These are the options I use when buying books, though some of them require searching a needle in a haystack. Before you read, I am not being paid or sponsored to mention these stores. I am just a beginning blogger pointing out how I buy stuff.

Option Number 1: Thrift Stores, Library Sales, Used Bookstore, Yard Sales, any used sale in general

    When looking at any way of acquiring books through used means, I really do not suggest having a severely open mind. Even though it is a great way to buy books for $1 or lower (or depending on who sells the books), you WON'T always find something you exactly like. In the thrift store I usually go to, I have scored on books such as The Lovely Bones, City of Glass, The Kite Runner, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. In the past, I was able to pay 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcovers, hence why I was happy when I scored the last two books of the Millennium Trilogy for $1.50. But lately as I buy from the that store, I constantly have to ask for prices for books and only buy if it'd $1.00 a piece. Not the amount I always want to pay, but it's lower than mass retail price. 

   Also when buying a book used, I also can suggest bargaining. I have bargained for books before, often paying for lower than the price but, I do not suggest doing this every time you shop in a store every time you visit. The people running the shop might think you are rude with your offer.I think the bargaining method would work best if you approached it in a yard sale. The owner wants to get rid of it for profit and you want a lovely addition to your bookshelf. Just be nice when bargaining with the owner instead of being rude. This could help you more likely to obtain the book rather than being standoffish. 

Option 2: Dollar Stores, Discount Stores

     Like the used book store, this option is like a needle in a haystack. Except instead of random used books, there are piles of random books. I don't usually find books in this method but genre's the store can carry can range from fantasy to YA. Though, the books in dollar stores most of the time as I check are formerly popular YA series, random fantasy novels or random politics. I'm not saying that you can't find a good find, but you would have to be lucky to find a great book from a dollar store.

     In my first blog, I mentioned that I bought Richard Harland's Worldshaker for $0.50 in Christmas Tree Shops. While there were other books in clearance that can go lower than $0.50, other's were a few dollars off regular price such as Fifty Shades of Grey. (Not that I review or read that book ever).  Like I said, with the thrift store, you have to come with an open mind when searching for books at dollar stores and discount stores.

Option 3: Marshall's, T.J. Maxx

         Yes, I am aware that these are clothing stores owned by the same company. But, I have bought books from both these stores such as The Great Gatsby and Beautiful Creatures. I like to buy books in these stores because the sell them a few dollars of mass retail price. But the real beauty of buying books here is when they are on clearance. You can get a hardcover around $10-$12 while it is $18-$30 retail price. (Okay, I know it's seriously not that lower but, if you can't find the book anywhere, it's not a bad option while trying to save a few bucks.) But for YA and young reader paperbacks, when they are slightly damaged and on clearance you can pay $3, $5 on books that would normally cost $10. (Rarely, if you look hard, you could find a book cost $0.70 than normally would cost $10.)

Option 4: Target

    If you've ever ventured into a Target, you'll know they sell almost anything. From clothing to food, there would be no doubt that they sell books. Target usually has a selection of books that are new and popular for lower prices. Today in Target, I bought The Darkest Minds and the first two Percy Jackson books for under $25. (Not the cheapest, but it's more for my buck compared to Barnes and Noble.) I personally like to purchase books in Target because they sell them 20% off retail price. 

Option 5: Barnes and Noble

    You're probably wondering why this is number 6 on this list.I am guilty for spending hundred of dollars at Barnes and Noble. As the main bookstore (only bookstore) in the town where I live since the closure of Borders, this place sells majority of books from every genre. For me, going here is like going into a candy store. If I had endless dollars, I would buy all the books I could and devour them as much as I can. (Hence this is the reason why I have a book buying limit.) For me, book buying from Barnes and Noble is like indulging in an expensive sin. Anyways this store for me is my go to spot for buying steampunk novels and other books I can't find anywhere else.

     After talking about these options, my next blogs will be centered on the Percy Jackson novels and the Grisha trilogy.

Thanks for reading,
Neko

Bought Two Books Today, Fangirling Later

 
        Today's post is not a book review, it is more of a progress report of how I am reading a series.  As I've  mentioned in my previous blog, I have been reading Colleen Houck's Tiger's Curse series.
I never heard of the series until I bought the second book, Tiger's Quest in T.J. Maxx for $5.  
 
 (Yes, bargain price did play its way for me to buy it.) Price was not the reason I picked the book. I was merely intrigued by the story line. Girl falls in love with 300 year old Indian Prince with a curse, how much more interesting can this book series get. Honestly, I get very picky when choosing a book series to start. My particular taste, according to my personal bookshelf is between fairy tale like novels and books set in steampunk situations. (Hence why one of my shelves is full of Gail Carriger books.) I'm not that fond of dystopian  yet nor have I read much of  that  genre. ( I will try to read more btw.) I'm also not fond of reading paranormal romances. Too many books of guy meets girl who need to be saved in the end by guy situations.




    For me, finding a book series is like finding a Korean drama. (Yes, I occasionally watch a Korean drama when I don't read books.) I don't like reading books that feel formulaic  or when I know I won't connect with them easily. But I do end up reading books like those sometimes when I can't help it. As a reader, I personally like buying books when they really interest me. When I buy a book, I feel like I can be personal with it since it's mine to hold and keep.

   Okay getting back to topic, I later bought the first book in the series, Tiger's Curse.  I started to read happily as Kelsey started to bond with the tiger, Ren. Generally, I liked the vivid descriptions from Kelsey's perspective as she describes her journey from her job at the circus to India. I felt like I was there with her
her encounter with the human Ren. The descriptions of Ren literally wanted to make me fan girl every time he came into picture. But the journey of Ren and Kelsey to find the a way to break the curse drew me in to know the progress of how Ren and his brother Kishan will become human.

  As I started book 2, I started to fangirl more. As Ren stepped into Kelsey's life in Oregon, I started giggling like a school girl every time Ren romantically pursued or flirted with Kelsey. At times I thought there would be a naughty little scene that will make me blush. There were a couple of those intimate moments. (Cough, cough.)

     Today, I bought Tiger's Voyage and Tiger's Destiny, which I will be reading (fangirling) for the next four days. As I begin book 3, I will be picking up on the next journey as Kelsey, Ren and Kishan go on their next quest to continue the path to break the 300 year old curse. Though it is sad of what happens of what has happened to Kelsey and Ren's relationship at the end of Tiger's Quest. (Come on, why does each book end with a relationship problem?) I hope I will enjoy it like the other ones.
Thanks for reading, Neko.

First Blog Post

     Hi, this is my first blog post.
Honestly, I don't know how to exactly start this.
My name is Dennise, but I will be using the name Neko as an alias when posting on this blog.
My goal with blogging is to try to test myself as a reader and a writer. Also, to share part of my life to the world. Basically in simple terms, I am attempting to become a book blogger or something like that.

   Since I am off from college, (Yes, I am a college student.) I have been binge reading on some unread books on  my bookshelf. I started by reading Colleen Houck's Tiger Curse and Tiger's Quest. At this moment, I will not be reviewing those two books until I read the other two books in the series. Instead, I will be reviewing Richard Harland's young adult novels, Worldshaker.

    While I was reading the Tiger's Curse series, I alternated by also reading Worldshaker and Liberator. The setting of both books takes place in a steampunk period on a civilized airship called Worldshaker. There are social hierarchies on the ship as the upper class rule the ship on the upper decks while the lower class called Filthies, are stationed on the lowest part of the ship called Below. Filthies are often disregarded by the upper class and are transformed into emotionless servants called Menials with a lobotomy-like surgery.

     In Worldshaker, we meet our main character Col Polpentine. Col's story starts out as he is announced to be the successor of his grandfather announces that Col will be taking over as his place a supreme commander of Worldshaker, a flying airship. As Col was born and raised as a child of privilege, he was taught to believe that the Filthies of Below are not human and unintelligent compared to those of the Upper Decks and are destined to become mindless servants called Menials. Col's perspective of Filthies changes as he meets Riff, a Filthy who seeks refuge in his room. As the two people from different worlds bond, Col starts questioning the truth and the things he was taught by his world.

    Okay, for starters I honestly bought this book for $0.50 in Christmas Tree Shops. I didn't mind paying the clearance $1 price, but I was shocked on my receipt that the books was priced  $0.50. Disregarding the matter on how much I paid on the book, price is not the full reason of why I bought the book. I was intrigued by the story line because I have a fondness for the steampunk genre. I found it refreshing as for most of the steampunk genre I own centers on a female protagonist in London whereas this series takes place on a juggernaut airship called Worldshaker centering on a male protagonist. Even though the book does not take place in England, there a still elements of it such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert being residents on the Worldshaker.

     When I started reading the book, I felt as the first few chapters were slow. I won't be dwelling on that as those chapters are the starting point of the book. As I delved further in the book, I started noticing the character buildup and the setting. Honestly as a book, it was a quick read for me.  (Defining quick read, 2-3 days.) I liked how Col's perspective changes as he bonds with his unusual friendship with Riff and his the truth of his world is revealed to him. I like how Riff was a strong girl who is not afraid to speak her mind but having a soft spot for Col despite their difference in classes. Finishing the review, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I thought it was a nice starter book to read for those who want to start the steampunk genre. I know this book review is quite late from the publication date but this is my first blog post. Thanks for  reading, Neko.