November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Dusty Read #2



Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for the longest.

I have so many books left dusty at my piles, for this week I share this :

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Blurb from Goodreads :
Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

Characters from books literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans, but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life characters

I already read 2 chapters of Inkheart but then for some reason I stopped and put it back to my shelf. It's not because it's bad, I watched the movie first I liked the storyline. But heung...dunno. Maybe because I was more tempeted to read another book.
Definitely have to read this soon =p


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REVIEW : Blood Promise


Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)

Author     : Richelle Mead
Publisher  : Matahati
Pages       : 570

Blurb :
Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

Have i ever said I love Vampire Academy series?
I LOVE VAMPIRE ACADEMY. SO MUCH. /just erased too many "o","!", and "u"/
I don't care how many time I've said it, because they worth it =D
Richelle Mead makes a wonderful and rich vampire world with its awesome story, intrigue, passion and characters to be loved like Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian, Adrian, even some side characters are lovable too. Not exactly like 'I couldn't put it down' because I have go to work, but it did make me stayed up late in the night and woke up with heavy eyes.

This forth book is more focused to Rose's Journey to Siberia, Dimitri's hometown, to find and kill him, her mentor and also her lover who became a Strigoi after their attack on St. Vladimir Academy. This means Rose also drops out from school and leaves Lissa, her bestfriend and the last Dragomir she oaths to guards. But although she's apart from Lissa, Rose keeps checking Lissa's condition through her head, even at her "worse condition" she still remember Lissa. So thankful because the friendship between Rose and Lissa is awesome like that, and also the awesome writing skill of Richelle Mead that makes this book doesn't concern too much on Rose's adventure like I ever worried before.
We still meet Lissa, Christian, and Adrian/withtonsofheartshere/ with their own problems, although it's from Rose's head. I really like how Lissa grows and develop her character maturer than before, and also Adrian who is not only a drunkard playboy and begin to concern people around him, which makes me love him more /withtonsofheartshere/. Beside main characters, there's some new people Rose meets with surprising abilities and identities who I think they have important roles at the rest books, they makes me feels "Oh, there's a hope!" and they are lovable too. Sydney and Abe are already my favorite =)

I was afraid I would get full-of-heartbreaking story from the beginning til the end. The end of Shadow Kiss was like a beginning of sad ending for me. I was like : "OMG, will Rose kill Dimitri???" (which I know it's impossible, but I can't predict what would happen) and "Will Rose ends with Adrian??" (and my anger rose because I want to own Adrian for myself. LOL, ignore that). But I'm glad I was wrong.
Yes this book is more emotional stirring than other 3 books. At a time you might feel as frustated and sad as Rose does but after that you feel a slight of releaved and amused to see how real and kick-ass and strong she is. And surprisingly, Strigoi-Dimitri is not that bad, even as awesome as before (except the fact he preys on human for their blood, which stains his perfectness on me =_=, well, Strigoi after all).

This book, or this series, is definitely a must read. Twist, funny, heartbreaking, pack of action, lovable and strong characters, thrilling romance, you'll find all of these inside.
Just.... try to read it ;)

I looked him in the eye. "I will always love you."

Then I plunged the stake into his chest.
AAAARGH!!!
WHEN WILL I GET SPIRIT BOUND????
;A;

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

OFFICIAL CLOCKWORK PRINCE TEASER IS OUT!


OMG!
It's out and outrageously gorgeous!
I love the setting and the look of the trailer is really in 18th century. The casts are really good too especially for the boys, just Tessa looks too old. But it doesn't matter.
Really envious of those who lives at US and some people here who has been collecting the English version of this book. I have to painfully wait until next year to get this book T^T cuz I collect Indonesia version.

Check out this video if you an avid Infernal Devices series fan like i do =D


If you ask me which one is better, this or VLC version, I have to say i like this more. VLC just show the masquerade part and DSBS so it's not enough for my thirst of book teaser.LOL


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Sunday, November 27, 2011

In My Mailbox #7


In My Mailbox is a bookish blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.


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Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Bought because many good reviews about Hex Hall and of course, pretty cover. Yum!

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
Derek, I hope you still save... Can't wait to read this one!

The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer
I love Twilight saga (wow, I hear 'boooo' there. Don't hate please ;)) so I think I have to own this. Too bad It's so expensive, but it worth because of better paper, thickness, hardcover, and full color pages. Can't wait to read this =D

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Published long time ago and I saw the only copy of this at bookstore, I snagged it.
I dunno when will get the next books because I can't track the publisher, just wish they would release some new book to convince us they're still alive /rawr/

So what books you've got?
Share them so I can envy you ;p


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Dusty Read #1



Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for the longest.

For this week my dusty reads is this :
THE HOST by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love

About almost 2 years ago I instantly without a doubt bought this because at that time Twilight was mesmerizing to me. But until now I hesitate to read that, even my friend who said it was good didn't convince me. The page amount are too scary, the thickest book i own, with the smallest fonts inside. Lol
But sure one day if I have more free time, I HAVE to read it

So what is your Dusty Reads? =)

Monday, November 21, 2011

REVIEW : Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater


Ballad, A Gathering of Faeries

Author     : Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher  : UFUK
Pages      :
Source    : Bought

Blurb :
In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.

Book that introduced me to Maggie Stiefvater is Shiver, and instantly I added her as my favorite author because her flowing, beautiful, and poetic writing style. So when I found Lament which has unattractive cover without second thought I bought it and I awed with her deep knowledge about Faery world and terms, and of course with the characters she built.

Ballad, like Lament, is beautiful, poetic and wicked. Don't ever imagine faeries here are like cute Tinker Bell with her sparkle dust. They're mostly bloody vicious and some have awful appearance. They attract human to be their prey, and kill them with no hesitation. But still... Stiefvater draws their wicked world beautifully.

This story is told alternately from James and Nuala POV. We know more about James, a prodigy bag pipe player and Deirdre's best friend who has been falling in love with her for his entire life. Sarcastic male character always win my heart, so I really enjoy his chapters, his witty voices and never-ending sarcasm cracks me alot. But behind all of James's follish acts, he hurts too much. I don't really like Deirdre here because of her selfishness. She seems using James to covered up her own heartache without concerns his feeling.
And then there's Nuala, a fierce faery girl who her first intention is making James as her prey. The relationship between James and Nuala grows in unique way, at one time they hate each other, and slowly but sure they realized that they need each other.
Another unique feature is there are Deirdre's unsent message to James inserted between chapters. I think it's the way to explain how's Deirdre conditions since Ballad concentrates more to James and Nuala. The messages are also heartbreaking... well I forgave Deirdre because of that. A bit.

Overall, I think Ballad is better and more enjoyable than Lament for me. The characters are deeper and stonger (James and Nuala), the story is unpredictable till the end with beautiful and heartbreaking story.
Seriously, how many I said 'beautiful' and 'heartbreaking'???

And the cover comparisson :
I love both version. The english version is simple but describe the story well, related to Nuala. With black background, the burn maple leave looks stand out more. Indonesia version is pretty, but the girl on the cover doesn't match with Nuala appearance (well I roughly assumed the girl at the cover is Nuala =p) which is platina blonde and un-human face. And it doesn't go together with old Lament cover I owned =x But well, it's not a big deal though.

Stiefvater fans have to read this. The same beautiful as Shiver, with different emotion. And for those haven't read any of her novels... hm... maybe you have to read Lament first before this one =). 4 stars for this novel

Movie : Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Twilight Saga #4)


Whoohoo! I watched this at premiere here in Indonesia (on Nov 18, 2011)! 8D
Very lucky because Twilight Saga is the one of most anticipated movie here and people took their time to queued from the morning to got the tickets.
So when I watched it at the theater, I was really really surprised with everybody's hype over this movie (mostly were teenagers who watched this). They SCREAMED loudly (which i heard, some boys did that, OMFG) yeah at inside theater =_=) when Edward showed up, also at Ed and Bells wedding kiss, also at Ed and Bell's first night. Geez... teens sure can't get a grip these days /shaking head/

Okay... Breaking Dawn.
To be honest I was dissatisfied with the novel although I could still enjoy it. My love for Twilight Saga didn't make me blindly judge anything was good. No. I did considered something wrong strange with many parts of the ending, Jacob's imprint to Renesmee is a bit ridiculous (but it makes Jake keep staying with Bella Cullen right?) and after all, no actual action or confront with Volturies which makes all special ability shows of vampires from entire place useless /=. I just loved Jake's POV part and when bunch of Carlisle's special vampire friends showed up.

My reaction toward this.
This was /just/ like a romantic movie between a human girl and an old mesmerizing vampire.
Romantic at the first, and horror at the end.
I dunno... but without a shame....
I . LIKE . IT
LOL.
No, not the story. Just because it pictured the novel perfectly.=D

Scenes were exactly like the novel. Even better than it. Because of that, for me this is the best sequel, despite the not-really-good story. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart improve their acting skill here, finally Kristen got her expression right as Bella. Rob also really good at showed more emotions. Just too bad, we don't see Seth to much /selfbiasednlol/

Hawt Jacob and Seth BooBoo, oh yeah. Romance overload, yes. Chessy lines, bunch. Hot first night scenes, absolutely and no censor (that's dangerous for teens at my country xD) and expected scary birth scene? oh gosh it was like a horror movie, gross and full of blood.
Wedding and honeymoon took an hour and it might boring but not for me. I shivered many times, especially at wedding scene. With right songs and instruments, made the atmosphere more beautiful.
The best part. Bell's pregnant and gave birth scenes were.... terrified. Bella (Kristen) was like a real corpse when she temporary 'died' and the transformation scenes was also awesome too!
I know a lot of people might hate this movie, even Twihard might find this movie not satisfying. But I fully enjoyed it =)

So can't wait for the next part, it's NEXT YEAR!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

In My Mailbox #6


In My Mailbox is a bookish blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.

I just bought 2 books :

Just The Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James
I was bored with any fantasy and paranormal novels so I looked for contemporary romance to read, and I found this. I finished JTSMA in a night and TOTALLY LOVE THIS BOOK! I can't wait for next Julie James's books =D

13 Reason Why - Jay Asher
Okay, the cover is a bit creepy and makes it more like horror novel, but I think this is best cover version and fit the story. Just curious how good it is since so many people highly recommended it.

I didn't post any review for over the week because I was too busy with my job and Internet connection at my place is very suck. I prepared some drafts and hope could post them soon enough.

So...what you got over this week? =)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Cover Reveal #2


Looks like I posted a LOT pictures at new posts, and this is also featuring a LOT cover pictures. LOL
Okay so pretty cover I found when I wandered at Goodreads and some blogs :

Timepiece (Hourglass #2) by Myra McEntire
Expected publication: June 12th 2012

Still no blurb revealed.
Like the first book, the cover is AWESOME! Very unique concept, like she's in anti-gravity room. I wish I'll get "Hourglass" someday, moreover It will be adapted to movie! YAY!



As Dead As It Gets (Bad Girls Don't Die #3) by Katie Alender
Expected publication: May 15th 2012

Blurb :
It's been three months since Alexis helplessly witnessed Lydia Small's violent death, and all she wants is for her life to return to normal. But normal people don’t see decaying bodies haunting photographs. Normal people don’t have to deal with regular intrusions from Lydia’s angry ghost, sometimes escalating to terrifying attacks.
At first, it seems that Lydia wants revenge on Alexis alone. But a girl from school disappears one night, and Alexis spots one of Lydia’s signature yellow roses lying on the girl’s dresser the next day. Soon, it becomes clear that several of Alexis’s friends are in danger, and that she's the only person who can save them. But as she tries to intervene, Alexis realizes that her enemy is a much more powerful ghost than she's ever faced before... and that its fate is tied to hers in ways she couldn't possibly imagine.
Not even in her worst nightmares
Pretty cover, but also makes me shivered. Creepy girl there,hoah!
I heard this series is very good. Just hoping maybe one of local publisher here gonna pick and release this series.



Rapture (Fallen #4) by Lauren Kate
Expected publication: June 12th 2012

Blurb :
The sky is dark with wings. . . .

In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?
AAAARGH!!! I WANT THIS!!! I.WANT.THISSSSS!!!
Love the cover, with the same gloomy atmosphere but the girl wear white dress, not black like the other three. Maybe because this is the last book? Hm...so special!
This release next year, but maybe I'll get this next-NEXT year T^T


Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Expected publication: April 24th 2012

Blurb :
Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

Blurb caught me 0_0 so does the cover. It's like paranormal-criminal story, and I love it, yum!
Can't wait to read some review for this =)



The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
Expected publication: June 19th 2012 

Blurb :
The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff series.

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.
DEFINITELY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK AT NEXT YEAR!
The cover is sooooooo pretty! This revealed long time ago but just because xD


Something Strange & Deadly by Susan Denard
Expected publication: July 24th 2012

Blurb :
There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
Debut novel and it's about zombie and spirit hunter.
Hm...zombie thingy never works on me. But this one looks interesting.
The cover has the same concept with Fallen but this one more colorful =p

In My Mailbox #5


I do IMM at Monday, cuz internet connection at my room is sucks =_=
So this is what i got last week :




Cinderella Ninja Warrior (Twisted Tale Series) - Maureen McGowan
I interested for this long time ago, and finally I got this! There's another book, Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer, I'll buy it next time.

Dreamcatcher Trilogy (Wake-Fade-Gone) - Lisa McMann
Finally!
I bought these with half price at book sale, Wake and Fade are Indonesia version, and accidentally I found the english version of Gone because I can't find Indonesia version one, so yeah I bought it although it's unequal /=

Aerie (Fallen Series #3) - Thomas E. Sniegoski
Another book of Fallen series. Each book published very fast, like every month =p

Dark Flame (Evermore series #4) - Alyson Noel
I almost finish Evermore and I love the story! =D So I'm so excited to read this

Bloodlines - Richelle Mead
YAY I GOT THIS!!!!
I decided to collected the English version since I LOOOOOOOOVE Vampire Academy series and surely I'll LOOOOOOOOOVE this one too *coughADRIANcough*.
But I still have to wait until Vampire Academy finished, still 2 books more to published,haung~

So that's what i got last week.
What did you get? =)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

REVIEW : Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead


Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid Series #1)

Author     : Richelle Mead
Publisher  : Dastan (Indonesia)
Pages      :
Source    : Bought

Blurb :
Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.
When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants. The wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid’s life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven’t stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess get-up complete with whip and wings. And she can’t have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy’s life. At least there’s her day job at a local bookstore—free books, all the white chocolate mochas she can drink, and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can’t.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle’s demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won’t help because Georgina’s about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny…

I bought this book because I'm Richelle Mead's fans. I love Vampire Academy so much, and heard many good reviews about this series too so I give it a try. And yeah, quite good, although not as good as vampire academy =p.

Georgina Kincaid once was a mortal, until someday she made a big mistake and to fixed all damages she has done, she sold her soul to hell and she became a succubus, a demon who allures men and suck their soul.
But Georgina is different from other succubus. She still holds her humanity and can't forget her past. She doesn't seduce any men, just those who have low life like drug users, cheaters, or even helpless single geeks (lol). She doesn't date good guys because she cannot let their soul sucked and destroyed. She enjoys her 'normal' attractive appearance and more over she's a nerd, loves books and works normally like other woman on a bookstore. She also loves her friends, so when someone or something seems hunting downloaders around her, she strives to finds out who or what it is. This is made Georgina likeable and the most kind succubus in this world =p.

When finally she meets Seth Mortensen, a geeky-cute-but-sexy writer she admires for a long time, who also seems interest at her, she also meets another mesmerizing guy named Roman. She is torn apart between Seth and Roman because although she like Seth, Roman shows more attention and admiration to her and she herself feels she's unworthy for someone like Seth. And yeah... for a moment she dates Roman even sleep with him.
This do disturb a bit. Despite of her profession as a succubus, she seems easily fall for any guy who adores her, which makes her a bit...cheap (oh wow so harsh xD). Even her past showed it too.
I don't really enjoy her 'side love story', I even don't feel sympathy for her pitiful love life because it's her own fault. Somehow I feel Seth is too good for her, and he is so awesome to still love her no matter what she is and her doing.

Sooooooo.... 3 stars. Overall this book is enjoyable, a well mixture of paranormal-adult-love-action, although Georgina still isn't my favorite but Seth and Jerome absolutely my favorite. Can't wait to see him more at next books.

Warning : This book contains some religion issues. You may find some things are not appropriate with what you believe. But if you could put it aside and take it just as a fiction, you may enjoy this like I do =) And of course because it's adult novel, you may find a lot steamy scenes =). Me? Oh, I already reach ages to read this kind of things. LOL

Monday, November 7, 2011

Give Thanks For Good Books - Beth Revis Giveaway


I am trying my luck to get something from Beth Revis, the author of 'Across The Universe'. She's so generous and awesome enough to make this giveaway so I think you might join this too ;)



The book I most thankful is.....

Yap, "The Three Investigators" by Robert Arthur.
Very very very old and very memorable for me and I still love it until now (and I got several books of this series with extremely cheap price,yay! I'm so lucky because It's antique and rare, people out there sell it with very shocking high price 0_0). It's the best detective story for children, ever.

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Indonesia Version
that I read =)
I was at the middle school when I first read this (like... 13 years ago??? Oh gosh...). I borrowed from my cousin who loved books at that time (I dunno nowadays, he's already married and busy with his family and his work as a doctor in remote area. But all books of this series is missing from his library =_=;) and after I read one, I snagged all of (about) 40 books and could not stop read it! I even thought to kidnapped them or kept them for some times, the first crime scene I've ever planned *wicked*
I think that was the first time I enjoyed reading so much, dreamt to be one of the characters, thought that I had to be smart as Jupe, or hoped maybe one day I would accidentally face a mysterious case like them and ended to be a famous detective at my country (and still dream until now,haha!). I also can say that this book was the first book that introduced me to reading and fiction world. So I thanked to Jupe, Pete, and Bob, for their smart and awesome adventures, more than Harry Potter and Twilight =D

Sunday, November 6, 2011

REVIEW : Gone by Lisa McMann


Gone (Dream Catcher Series #3)

Author     : Lisa McMann
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Pages       : 216
Source     : Borrow

Blurb :
Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves--she has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life--and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...

*sigh*
This is the last book of Dream Catcher series and I'm eerr... not really satisfied. It doesn't mean "Gone" is bad. On the contrary, I think it's the perfect sad-but-happy ending. I mean the series just.... too short! Ugh. And somehow this book more like a spin off, because of more focusing on Janie problems, after at 'Wake' and 'Fade' we saw her did her job as undercover agent, fought sexual predators and drug dealers. I was hoping we can see Janie as professional undercover agent and facing more tense cases, or she can deal and control her ability. And it just happen in my imagination.
But well, I still enjoyed and liked it. VERY enjoy and like it.

This book is more psychologically tense than the other, more emotional, heartbreaking but also hopeful. I think I already said this but again, I usually can't stand stories with depressing storyline so it needs to has a really really make sense or very-mesmerizing-sad-storyline to make me stay gripping it. This series is definitely the rare-one of it, at least for me. Even my eyes were teary at the last part of book, gah!

We introduce to Janie's alcoholic mother, who keeps ignoring Janie and locking herself inside her room. She's so helpless and Janie was already tired of her, but someday because of her mom, Janie meets unexpected person, her father. Janie keeps sucked into his dream everytime she visited him, very chaotic and disturbing dreams and Janie almost can't get out of it. From her father too, she revealed that no matter what future she chooses, there's no happy end for her life. She only can choose one with less worst end.
Although both of her destinies are very bad, but I'm glad she finally choose the best, and she has Cabel who determine to stay by her side whatever will happen to her. I love Cabel more here. Janie and Cabel are definitely my favorite characters. Their relationship is not lovey dovey and flowery, but very real and I feel strong and beautiful emotion between them. Love them so much!

For the International cover :
Lonely and vague, this cover gives eerie feeling, portrays what Janie saw inside her father's chaotic dream. Also, maybe it's a symbolization of one of the future Janie has. Just an amateur judgement =p.
I like this version so much, but for Indonesian cover, it's the best among all =)

Sorry for being cheesy, but oh Cabel if only you're exist in this real world...
Anyway, don't you think Jeremy Sumpter fits Cabel much?
Well Cabel's hair isn't wavy his and should be more blonde, and should look more... hippie? Well, but I saw he likely has Cabel's outer qualities /daydreaming/.

I already read many negative review about this book, so many unsatisfaction. But for me (who is sensitive, easily pleased and has high understanding, lol, slap me), this book is unique, bring up different theme and issue, and very awesome. So yeap, 5 stars for this book =) and recommended to those who love to see another story beside fantasy and paranormal genres, and easily pleased like me, kkk~
Just hope will read another book of Lisa McMann next time.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Book Wishlist (November 2011)


Here are some books that will be published at November 2011 that I might buy (NOT an international release, and gonna add some later) :

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I dunno I'll buy The Replacement or not, and still unsure too whether it will publish this month or next month. But the synopsis looks good and different from any other, hm.... *think*

And some I saw at the bookstore that caught my attention:
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Wow...damn a lot.
/faints/