Oh gosh, this is so boring & I barely made a dent. Maybe some other time, I¡¯m not up for it right now. Nope, I really can't. Oh gosh, this is so boring & I barely made a dent. Maybe some other time, I¡¯m not up for it right now. Nope, I really can't. ...more
I read a short story just recently (like just two to three weeks ago?) called (a story for sleepless king at night). It is, like The Wrath aI read a short story just recently (like just two to three weeks ago?) called (a story for sleepless king at night). It is, like The Wrath and the Dawn, a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights. If it weren¡¯t for the length (which I think was intentionally short hence was rushed) I would¡¯ve loved it even more because I liked how it used the stories she tells, a very important part of the plot (and and to refrain from spoiling too much, those stories are connected to the couple) and not only to prolong the heroine¡¯s life.
If you have literature class in school, you must have tackled this piece of gem. I was a non-reader before but when I stumbled across this great story (or collection of stories), I was quite mesmerized. I loved this story and the stories within. So anything that says it¡¯s retelling of Arabian Nights piques my interest instantaneously. But what made me more excited prior to reading were all these raves reviews. Expectations multiplied ten folds y¡¯all~! But now that I have, I guess, I¡¯m little embarrass to say that I¡¯m part of minority¡ªagain. While I think it was quite enjoyable, it wasn¡¯t all too breathtaking as I thought it¡¯d be (compare to the original; but then again nothing beats the original).
I must admit that Shahrzad has spunk; though at certain times this attitude of her can be mistaken as willfulness. She offered herself to wed the king even though she knew what has happened to all the girls before her and she could also have the same fate. But she has an agenda. Courageous enough to banter to the king of telling him stories only to leave the ending for the next day. In that way her life was spared, albeit momentarily. But unbeknownst (to me), she fell in love with him and so was him with her. Because the king and that incidents regarding the girls weren¡¯t exactly as it looked on the front. And she, becasue of the truth, might eventually give up her real purpose.
So there you have it, if anything, the essence of the plot on which it was adapted from remained intact; I¡¯m really grateful for that. But for some reasons I wasn¡¯t invested with the characters (which is always been an important part of my reading). As I said mentioned the heroine can be too stubborn and arrogant. The king was restless (that was understandable though) but not quite intimidating as how they pictured him to be. Individually, I did like them. Romantically speaking? Now that¡¯s where I was lost.
The romance did lead the story. I even want to mention that there was love triangle but it was quite dismaying so I won¡¯t expand it any longer. I do love romance but I wasn¡¯t rooting for them or anything quite surprisingly. In fact I was little confused because while there was tension between them, I didn¡¯t feel it was romantically linked. I can tell she was really, sincerely mad at him and I can also feel that the king was suspicious of her, yet it happened. I was one big question mark when it did. *sighs*
The story was rich; the writing was splendid (although sometimes it felt rigid. I don¡¯t know I¡¯m being nit-picky again, so sorry). Overall, it was an OK read. I might check the sequel because the ending left something worth checking out, as well as that brief sample of the sequel that led me all too curious.
I¡¯ll start by putting this little tidbit out in the open: I don¡¯t like Tarzan. Yes, yes, I can hear the collective gasp from miles away, but its¡¯ trueI¡¯ll start by putting this little tidbit out in the open: I don¡¯t like Tarzan. Yes, yes, I can hear the collective gasp from miles away, but its¡¯ true, I don¡¯t like it. Not even the Disney version convinced me. The reason why I read Wild by Alex Mallory was simply because it was available to me. I know very shallow reason but please accept it. But that aside, it was¡decent. This is one of those not unusual occasions where I usually state how I don¡¯t exactly hate it but neither did I like it. And maybe I find most of my time reading the book quite¡boring? But not really that extremely boring because I did finish the book!
So this kid, Cade was raised in the wild. When he was a child his parents forbid him to mingle with people, telling the young Cade that they will hurt him and might infect him. They said they were dying and they were the only ones who were safe from harm. But until he saw people, lively, very different to what he was told. He realized that his mother lied to him.
So how should I put this, well, the story was expanded in a way that impaired the story. I think there were quite events there that felt redundant or evasive because I know there something behind what Cade was brought up to and I knew what could it be but instead it was kind of sidetracking me, still trying to go all murky on me. It did feel that way to me. I don¡¯t know maybe because I¡¯m that type of reader that if I know what the jig really is and the story still try to elaborate it even further, it lessens the fun to me. That, and I wasn¡¯t really that invested to anyone in the story. Ok, not entirely true, I¡¯m maybe a bit interested on the honchos behind Cade¡¯s upbringing.
For most parts, the romance was ok-ish. Dara is Jane to Cade¡¯s Tarzan¡did I get the analogy right? Whatever, and anyway, I don¡¯t wanna dwell with them anymore, and to be blunt, it was the weakest aspect of the story. Oh yeah, there was a love triangle. But was it really a love triangle? Oh right, I¡¯m not going to elaborate. So all in all it wasn¡¯t really that great and two, among few reasons that drove me further was why his parent lied to him (as well as his parent's identity) and even though I guessed the whys (and perhaps the who¡¯s), it still left a decent amount of impact to me¡ªlike tiny but cute sparkles. So here are my two stars rating. That¡¯s pretty much I can give, from what I think its worth.
Sometimes, I think, I'm not cut out for this. I sort of didn't like it because it didn¡¯t suit my taste. I¡¯m not going to be overly analytical because Sometimes, I think, I'm not cut out for this. I sort of didn't like it because it didn¡¯t suit my taste. I¡¯m not going to be overly analytical because I don't think I can it's a matter of personal taste. To be honest, I really don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t keep up with this book. I tried so hard to have an emotional connection with the characters but I ultimately failed to do that. But I do see great qualities this book has, especially the writing: it was luscious, really pretty. But for some reasons I still occasionally snubbed it like a mean girl.
The title already gave me a hint that this book is retelling of Beauty & the Beast, and once again, I¡¯m telling you good people that my knowledge only involves talking candle holders and dancing teacups. Yes, the Disney version. And I gotta say I enjoyed that animated movie. I also read the with the same theme and I did enjoy it. Somehow, that didn¡¯t entirely happen here. Maybe I¡¯m more cut out for the humorous retelling. That being said, Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay has a complete different view on the story. I understand why other people loved it because I saw that, too. I know what they were talking about and I agree. But I wasn¡¯t really interested to it that I embarrassingly zoned out a couple of times, until I got to a point that it was least interesting enough for me to continue. In fact, halfway through I almost thought of stopping it all together. But I remained patient; I want to continue because I having this galling feeling that I might miss out on something. On what, I wasn¡¯t sure then.
I might be hoping for something similar like the one I know but I got it something fully different. But it wasn¡¯t something I entirely disliked. We have Beauty and the Beast here, but Isra and Gem are not the characters I expected them to be or what they¡¯re popularly known for. I¡¯m talking about both of the exterior and interior aspects of their characters. I knew why Beast was cursed but while I wasn¡¯t sympathetic to Gem¡¯s character, I understand him and his feelings. I thought at some point I might have reversed Isra and Gem¡¯s roles. It¡¯s not just the physical, people¡¯s response towards things also made up their personalities. Every so often their decision validated them as a person and their appearance sometimes don¡¯t factor in.
But if I pulled out the embellishment the heart of the fairytale was still there. But the characters were neither black nor white. And that¡¯s what I liked about it. I think the greatest asset of this book is how it transcends that theme. I may not be emotionally satisfied with the story but I read a book and got something out of it. Although I was tad bit turned off on how magically things happened in the end but I still accepted it. I did want that for them well; it was about time. I want them to have that kind of ending and eventually liked how it made it possible for them.
Preview Quote: ¡°I will show her that loving her is my greatest truth, and the most beautiful thing I have ever known. ¡± ¡ª Gem
I¡¯m always been intrigued with all these Romeo and Juliet retellings. I haven¡¯t read the original and I¡¯m bit intimidated to start tbqh; so to compensI¡¯m always been intrigued with all these Romeo and Juliet retellings. I haven¡¯t read the original and I¡¯m bit intimidated to start tbqh; so to compensate with that I decided to try retellings. Such Sweet Sorrow by Jenny Trout sounded really intriguing. The concept of meshing two popular novels is a very grand idea. And we all know how tragic the ending for couple of Shakespeare¡¯s famous work. With all these things in mind I decided to try.
Well, the thing is, it¡¯s just good. It wasn¡¯t mind blowing and I might have expected more intense since the ideas were truly interesting. The pacing was little slow and the delivery of the idea is not really intact to me. I might have wanted something from Romeo. He done this magnitude of an effort to reclaim the woman he loved but I was felt detached the whole time. And I liked that I have connection to character so I can understand his behavior and motives more¡ªon why he did what he did. Anyway, it definitely wasn¡¯t bad read. It was just all fine to me. I feel like there¡¯s more to ending and if ever there¡¯s a sequel, I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll give a try. But if you want some paranormal twist to one of Shakespeare¡¯s most popular albeit tragic plays then I would suggest giving this one a try.
I can¡¯t accurately pinpoint the things that had me fascinated. Like I¡¯m also uncertain on which ones that left me confused. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund HI can¡¯t accurately pinpoint the things that had me fascinated. Like I¡¯m also uncertain on which ones that left me confused. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge is different, that I¡¯m pretty sure of it. Different in a way that that will spellbind you with the ideas that were incorporated in the story. But at the same these ideas also will leave you a bit muddled inside because they were sort of overwhelming. I like novelty especially if we¡¯re talking about retellings, but there are times that too much, is well, too much.
This is not an ordinary retelling, many ideas are cramped in the story. And with those concepts alone one will be taken instantly. I¡¯m one of those. In fact, I found the first few chapters totally fascinating. I mean with the book greeting me with this line: ¡°I was raised to marry a monster.¡± will sure tickle my or anyone else¡¯s reading fancy. Am I right? Or am I right? It was the reason why I sort of upped my expectations because of those rare moments. But I guess it was too soon to tell. Things started to boggle my mind as the story progressed.
Nyx was trained to assassinate the person she was betrothed. She was about to marry the Gentle Lord due to some family history. She had prepared all her life for that moment; anticipating the moment she can avenge her mother. But of course not everything will work according to her plan, because like the famous fairytale, the guy all known to be cruel and evil was someone more than meets the eye. When she was with him he showed emotions and behavior that caught her off guard. It was different from what she anticipated of the person who she expected to be...evil. And I liked those little details that were added to him.
The romance is you can say is a semi-complicated one. Does it qualify as a love triangle? Maybe and maybe not. I did like the romance even though the predictability was given, that's my debbie downer right there. But the important thing is that it managed, clumsily though, to deliver the very essence of their relationship. I mean all her life she expected the terribleness of being married to the guy she loathed but the opposite had happened. It needed to show why she fell for him, truly fell for him for who he is. I think it did show that.
Overall, I liked it; though the writing did complicate it a bit. I¡¯m a stripped down, direct to the point kind of girl. I do sometimes like beautiful prose, it is a treat to read from time to time. But sadly, it didn¡¯t exactly work for me this time around. But I really liked the creativity and the entire idea, I can even bravely say it¡¯s one of the better ones out there. It wasn¡¯t completely a flat read but there were some things that sadly just didn¡¯t register. And by the time I finished it I felt completely unattached, stared at the ceiling and asked myself, ¡°that¡¯s it?¡± Yes, that was it.
3.5/5
I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I almost give up. Almost. It¡¯s like Fury by Elizabeth Miles all over again. I hate that book with ¡®fury¡¯ passion. Review to come.I almost give up. Almost. It¡¯s like Fury by Elizabeth Miles all over again. I hate that book with ¡®fury¡¯ passion. Review to come....more
Gruesome experiments. A mysterious island. Murderer on the loose. And *drum roll please* a love triangle. That¡¯s The Madman's Daughter by Megan ShepheGruesome experiments. A mysterious island. Murderer on the loose. And *drum roll please* a love triangle. That¡¯s The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd in a nutshell. So if you like some mystery, as well as this gothic-suspense feel on your reading you will definitely like this book. This one has that and a few more stuff to offer.
Juliet Moreau is a daughter of well-know scientist. Her father was a notable person back in the days. They held parties; well-known people attend those gatherings and they shared laughter with her parents. But later when he was branded as a monster everyone turned their back on them. As in everyone. Everyone closed their doors for her, their wealth is gone. Everything is gone. She was left alone in such a young age. But despite all of that when she heard that there¡¯s a possibility that her father is still alive somewhere, she took the chance. She went on a journey along with his father assistant, Montgomery and they traveled to an island where she heard where he was. They also stumbled across Edward Prince a castaway and brought him along to the island. Little did she know everyone is connected to each other. And someone from their group is responsible to the deaths that happened in the island.
We and the book didn¡¯t hit off immediately. I can describe the first half of the book painfully slow and lack the thrill I was hoping from a book consist of horror elements to it. A madman experimenting on humans and animals, and creature on a killing spree¡ªthat already gave me goose bumps. I¡¯m not much of a horror fan myself but this unknowingly got me interested. But what I expected to be this stirring plot line didn¡¯t happen in the first half. When I reached the second half that is when things are falling into place. And my allegorical light bulb lit and guessed how the characters are connected to each other.
There¡¯s this dreaded love triangle. But do not fear my dear readers; it wasn¡¯t a dreadful one (that statement is solely based on my standard. So believe me on your own risk). While I actually prefer the gentle (who¡¯s not really a complete gentleman) Edward, I don¡¯t mind Montgomery if ever she end up with him. Like I said, it was an acceptable love dynamic because of the way they were connected seemed logical to me. Of course expected the confused between two lovers drama of the heroine, since Juliet is not so strangely and contritely drawn to them. But we know the tried and tested formula for this one: first guy gets the girl¡most of the time (unless the guy has a huge fanbase, things will flip three sixty. Ah, the power of fandom).
Do not stop reading even if you hit the reader¡¯s block for the first half. This part was a preparation for something big although I would really appreciate if the events are really engaging because for me it was a complete lackluster and if I didn¡¯t know about the huge twist that will happen in the end I would¡¯ve give it up. But I¡¯m glad I hold on tight, did not remove my imaginary seat-belt so I buckled in and ready for the huge reveal in the end. And when I said huge, it was freaking O-M-G moment. Saving it from my earlier distaste and expecting for a more solid plot in the next book.
3.5/5 I received an eARC from Balzer + Bray via Edelweiss. Thank you....more
Ah, . I first fell in love with his story way back when the local TV station here was airing the . Then came other adaptations, IAh, . I first fell in love with his story way back when the local TV station here was airing the . Then came other adaptations, I fell in love even more. Because who doesn¡¯t love Peter and the lost boys' adventures. It¡¯s full of good nature mischiefs. Pirates, fairies and even the crocodile? Yes, I loved those bits.
¡°Let me tell you something straight off. This is a love story, but not like any you¡¯ve heard. The boy and the girl are far from innocent. Dear lives are lost. And good doesn¡¯t win. In some places, there is something ultimately good about endings. In Neverland, that is not the case.¡±
But this book is not about Peter Pan¡¯s mischiefs. It¡¯s about Tiger Lily. And she loved Peter Pan. And this got me so interested. ¡®It¡¯d be really nice to see the story in her perspective.¡¯ ¡®This is going to be interesting.¡¯ Those were what came into my mind when I finally got my copy. But as I read the book all my expectations came crashing down. It wasn't what I expected. For once, the book wasn¡¯t told in Tiger Lily¡¯s perspective but rather on the tiny fairy, Tinker Bell. But for most parts I was surprised and not necessarily in a good way.
Maybe because I didn¡¯t like Tiger Lily to begin with. Or maybe Ms. Anderson take on her story was¡really different. I loved Peter Pan because of his fun loving nature. But all the fun was sort of missing. Admittedly there were few instances that made me smile because I remember them in the story but most were quite hefty. This book was serious. It is the same story. But the atmosphere of this book was heavy and it sort of didn't sit well with me. But one thing I find really interesting and strangely grateful is that I see the characters in a very different way now.
But I feel for Tiger Lily. I¡¯m sad about what happened. I really liked the message of this book, if I got the message right. Life doesn¡¯t guarantee your happy ending. It could be different but that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not happy. Not everything is sunshine and rainbow. In some strange way, and even though she and Peter Pan obviously didn¡¯t end up together. She got an ending that¡¯s more fitting. For me, it¡¯s a better ending¡for both of them. I kinda like how it concluded.
There were a lot of lines particularly at the ending that I really liked. Here are some of them:
¡°Sometimes I think that maybe we are just stories. Like we may as well just be words on a page, because we¡¯re only what we¡¯ve done and what we are going to do.¡±
¡°Sometimes love means not being able to bear seeing the one you love the way they are, when they¡¯re not what you hoped for them.¡±
This one¡¯s my favorite: (it¡¯s from Peter)
¡°I like to think that nothing¡¯s final, and that everyone gets to be together even when it looks like they don¡¯t, that it all works out even when all the evidence seems to say something else, that you and I are always young in the woods, and that I¡¯ll see you sometime again, even if it¡¯s not with any kind of eyes I know of or understand. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if that is the way things go after all¡ªthat all things end happy.¡±
Even though I didn¡¯t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. As much as other people did. I¡¯m quite glad that I got the chance to read it. ;) Want to see the different side of the story, I suggest you read this....more
Yet another classic novel I haven¡¯t read and I shamelessly called myself a bookworm. Le sigh. Yes, good folks I haven¡¯t read Lewis Carroll¡¯s masterpieYet another classic novel I haven¡¯t read and I shamelessly called myself a bookworm. Le sigh. Yes, good folks I haven¡¯t read Lewis Carroll¡¯s masterpiece that is so I don¡¯t have anything to say if this one¡¯s a good retelling or not. But I heard that this book has little to no connection to the original and I¡¯m taking their word for it. But here¡¯s a disclosure worth mentioning (I think), this isn¡¯t my first Gena Sholwalter¡¯s book. I read her other YA series, Intertwined and I kinda liked the book. So I¡¯m greatly confused why I ended up not liking this book. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s my book slump that caused it. I¡¯m quite sure I¡¯ve moved past that stage already.
I¡¯m uncertain whether to take my lack of familiarity with original story a positive thing. All I got from this book is average. Average plot. Average characters. Average romance. Yes, for most parts, this book screamed clich¨¦ and it is not a good time for this tiring thing, as me old self is seeking something really new. Is that asking too much? Or if it really is something unattainable nowadays, I just want something¡interesting. Even just a little bit. Sad to say I don¡¯t have any praises for this book but that doesn¡¯t mean it was horrible. But I really think I have read this story over and over again. Redefined some aspects but still came out unoriginal. What completely saddened me is that up until the end I didn¡¯t get anything from it. The little twist with the zombies is a nice touch but not enough to save my little impression of the entire story.
So what¡¯s left to discuss? The characters? Well, Ali is just an ¡®ok¡¯ protagonist and if you¡¯re tired with another ya-herione prototype then you wouldn¡¯t be a fan of Ali. That saying, she had some nice parts that I liked¡admired but she did succeed flipping me out occasionally. And that certain occasions had all to do with her love interest. Cole Holland, that is his name.
Some authors crafted this bad boy type triumphantly. I think Mafi¡¯s Warner of Shatter Me top my list (and no, it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with me reading Destroy Me recently). What works for me is that Mafi added a new flavor, a really unique aspect that is totally his own. Cole, on the other hand shares the same qualities¡formulaic qualities that left me unimpressed. It also added to his not endearing abilities is his jackass personality. There is bad and there¡¯s douchebaggery
The moment our eyes met, the moisture in my mouth dried up and I lost focus of my surroundings. He was all that I could see, all that I wanted to see. And in the span of a single second we were no longer across the hall from each other¡ª
¡ªwe were pressed together, his arms wrapped around me, my arms wrapped around him, and we were kissing.
They¡¯ve just met, and that (above) is her fantasy. Of him. So you probably have guessed that I AM NOT FAN OF THE ROMANCE OF THIS BOOK! I don¡¯t want to prolong this review, so let¡¯s leave it that way.
I¡¯m not even adding the AiW aspect to the wound but I¡¯m hurting all over. I¡¯m so disappointed because even though I haven¡¯t read the original I¡¯m expecting a bit from it. But all I got is a frown on my face and lots of questions I rather not know the answers....more
** Got it from Simon & Schuster Galley Grab. Thanks!**
I have yet to read Romeo and Juliet. I know, I know, it¡¯s inexcusable that I still haven't read ** Got it from Simon & Schuster Galley Grab. Thanks!**
I have yet to read Romeo and Juliet. I know, I know, it¡¯s inexcusable that I still haven't read the book yet. But I saw other¡ªseveral adaptations, maybe that count for something. I remember every time our English teacher asks us to choose a classic book; I always end up picking anything from Mark Twain and Frances Hodgson Burnett or any classic children book. The tragic love story doesn¡¯t appeal to me.
So why the heck am I here reading (read) this book? One, I miss . No seriously, I do. Saw the link floating around and I just downloaded it. No qualms whatsoever. Two, in 13 to Life, I recall Pietr told Jessie that he hates Romeo and Juliet, one of the characters there told Jessie this¡ª¡°Hardly a romantic hero (Romeo). He was head over heels for Rosaline, and then¡ªpoof! She¡¯s out-of-sight-out-of-mind as soon as Juliet comes into view.¡± And she added that only reason Romeo wanted Juliet because she¡¯s unattainable and they were blinded by hormones. So obviously that argument was an eyebrow-raising moment. Interesting how she put it that way. Anyway, there¡¯s a copy of Romeo and Juliet in our house, maybe one of these days (not soon though) I might read it.
I have yet to encounter books¡ªretelling on Rosaline¡¯s account. So I decided to go ahead and read it. It was a typical Romeo and Juliet. Modern twist and whatnots. But I enjoyed it. Most of it. Rob and Rosie are friends, then they decided to risk their friendship by dating. But when her cousin Juliet showed up, things changed. Plus, the complicated matters between their parents made this simple, completely mundane teen relationship into a messy family, romantically inclined problem.
I did not like Rob¡ªRomeo or whatever. Maybe because I have some bias against his character and I know how their relationship will end up. Though I¡¯m sad of what had happened to him (and Juliet). Len, the real main guy was ok. I knew he is the guy for Rosaline. Even if they described him as an ass, bad guy, sarcastic or whatever, I know he¡¯s not all that. Though he didn¡¯t totally catch my interest, he¡¯s definitely a better character than Rob. And Rosaline? Yeah, she¡¯s ok too.
It¡¯s was another ok read. Maybe since¡you know, I haven¡¯t read the original that I find the story refreshing. It¡¯s rare for a retelling of this book that focuses on Juliet¡¯s cousin. And at least in this one, (except for Rob and Juliet) the story did not end up in catastrophe. Rosaline¡¯s ending was a nice one. Things happen for a reason. She¡¯s now with a better guy....more
It¡¯s not the movie that convinced me to read Beastly (and no, I haven¡¯t seen it yet). It¡¯s not also because it was a retelling of It¡¯s not the movie that convinced me to read Beastly (and no, I haven¡¯t seen it yet). It¡¯s not also because it was a retelling of , which I do like (though to some extent it was). Judge me, but I love the new cover. Saw it in the bookstore and I was just mesmerized. I was ¡®I need to read it.¡¯ So read I did.
I was planning to read The Girl in the Clockwork Collar first (and once again put it on hold, I¡¯m currently reading Illuminate). As I was saying, something pulling me, telling me to read Beastly first. So I followed my gut instinct and yes, I loved it. I loved the retelling (a round of applause for Ms. Flinn). Although it¡¯s a retelling and the element of surprise wasn¡¯t there (except for Kendra¡¯s side of the story, it still surprised me). ¡®Cause if you know the fairytale (even if it¡¯s the Disney¡¯s version) then you already know the story. The refreshing twist I saw with this book was it was narrated by Beast (Kyle Kingsbusry). I admit, the only adaptation I know is the movie (the Disney one). But I find it nice to read the story in Beast¡¯s perspective.
So Beauty and the Beast. You know the drill, he was cursed and it only be broken by a kiss¡ªtrue love¡¯s kiss as they say. It¡¯s just the same, though the setting is in New York, and the main leads are teenagers. But unlike the movie, where we only got the glimpse of his former life. In this book we got the chance to see Kyle Kingsbury and why he deserved to be punished. Kyle cruises through high school with his looks, popularity and money. And he uses these to bully people (kung makapanglait wagas na wagas). One day, he plays a joke on a girl. Little did he know that girl is a witch; and he cursed him. Just like the fairytale he needs to find someone who will love him despite his looks (within two years), and he must love that person back. And of course, the kiss.
The book follows the story closely. So it wasn¡¯t hard to follow. Among the retellings I read (or watch which definitely not that vast) this one is my favorite. It was cool. I really think, at first, that Kyle deserved his punishment. This pompous guy was really bad. But as he reflected on his action during the time he was curse, and almost about to give up, I kinda feel sorry for him. But this is a fairytale, so I can see HEA from the get-go. Though it was predictable, it didn¡¯t discourage me. I even wonder why I didn¡¯t read this one before, (and it took a cover make over (wow, it rhymes) for me to read it. But that¡¯s a thing of the past, I have now read it and glad to say I really enjoyed it....more
What we have here is a retelling of popular Jane Austen book. And for the sake of full disclosure, I have to confess that I have yet read any books ofWhat we have here is a retelling of popular Jane Austen book. And for the sake of full disclosure, I have to confess that I have yet read any books of Ms. Austen. I have Emma on our bookshelf but I just don¡¯t have the enthusiasm to pick it up. And I don¡¯t know where I can get that enthusiasm. I¡¯m not burning bridges or closing doors. Perhaps, someday. And to be totally honest, I¡¯m not much into classics. But I read this book with the same approach I did with Masque of the Read Death. And I loved that book.
I thought, even though I haven¡¯t read Persuasion I might like it. I mean it¡¯s not a requirement (that I need to read it first) and besides, as someone smartly pointed out this eliminate comparison. And as I said, my previous experience (with Masque of the Read Death) turned out to be positive. I loved it. I might have not read the original but the story stood out for me. The romance was subtly done. The characters are interesting. So I dive in with all these things in my mind that somehow that me liking that MotRD is not a fluke.
When I read the summary I was so intrigued. By changing the setting and adding some dystopian element to it, it sounds so promising. But after reading the book with a heavy heart and saw all those glowing reviews/ratings made me question myself. What the hell happened? What¡¯s wrong with me? Is it because I didn¡¯t read Persuasion? Is that it? Because for the life of me I did not enjoy this book.
But in my defense, I thought this book was a romance book, it¡¯s a huge, huge plus for me that it was a dystopia retelling. I¡¯m a massive fan of this genre. And I liked this romance stories that guy returns as a new person. Like those in chick-lit books I read where the guy makes the girl regret her decision. Especially if the guy return as a new improved version of himself. That¡¯s what I thought of Kai. After four years he returned as Captain of a group of shipbuilders, he¡¯s not just an ordinary, a simple mechanic and errand boy before. Even though he showed Elliot (yeah, I know she has a guy name. According to the book, her parent wanted a boy.) that he had moved on, now better without her. But how he treated her was callous, harsh, and for me confusing. So I was really, really surprised that in the ending they patched things up and now in each other¡¯s arms. I was like: how did that happened? Nothing of his action struck to me as hidden affection. *ponders* Yup, I couldn¡¯t think of any¡
What greeted me was a series of letters, from Elliot and Kai. They were exchanging letters. From those I learned more about them. So I saw that as a good thing. But I was really bored and wanted to end this book as quickly as I can. When I was three-fourths done, I hurriedly turned the page not minding if I understood the events unfolding right before my eyes. I lost the interest and keenness I have when I started. (Probably the reason why I was surprised with Elliot and Kai¡¯s relationship.) But a lot of people like it¡maybe I just don¡¯t get it. Maybe it¡¯s not for me. It¡¯s probably more of see-for-yourself kind of book. So, yeah, try reading it for yourself....more
**Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the galley!**
I¡¯m so fortunate to read this book in advance. And let me say this, it w**Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the galley!**
I¡¯m so fortunate to read this book in advance. And let me say this, it was an absolute delight!
Cyberpunk Cinderella¡ªthat is what came to my mind when I saw this book. I¡¯m a bit apprehensive at first since I¡¯m both not a huge fan of retellings (because sometimes they tend to be too literal with the adaptation) and science fiction (the terms, the info-dumping and the whatnots). I¡¯m very picky. But Marissa Meyer is smart. What I thought was an impossible combination was actually possible. Proof? Read this book, and you¡¯ll see. Not only did she craft a very interesting world, but the integration of cyborgs, in the well known fairytale was truly clever. I never imagined Cinderella the way this book did. It was really refreshing.
And if you¡¯re worried that this is another sad attempt to revamped Cinderella and losing its fairytale essence. Fret no more, because I still find the Cinderella in there, cybernized and totally cool. Yes, there is Cinder (who is none other than our Cinderella¡ªthat ain¡¯t no brainer), of course the prince, the step sisters and the wicked step mother. There¡¯s even a ball. Yep, the whole shebang! But no, there¡¯s no Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo. But who¡¯s complaining? Definitely not me. ;)
The downside for me was the characters. I felt she worked too much on the plot and forgot the characters. They¡¯re not completely bland. But they are, for me, lack personalities. Like lack of zest or something that would make the book more fun. That said the characters were still nice. Despite the limited description, I came to like them. I kinda like Cinder. She reminded me of from . With the whole mechanic thing going on (plus little surprises along the way). Didn¡¯t you know that she¡¯s one hell of a mechanic? My interest on her is growing. Though, I still haven¡¯t figured her out completely because of some overlooked details. But as my initial impression? She¡¯s ok, but could be better.
I¡¯m not a big fan of Prince Kai (he wasn¡¯t really that¡impressive for me) but he¡¯s interesting at some point. And have big room to mature as a character. He was too much of a prince for me. And that made him a bit archetypal¡and weak.
I think this book is very ambitious. It¡¯s a make or break idea. It¡¯s either people will love it or hate it completely. And I¡¯m glad to say, I am more of the former. It¡¯s very hard to put two unlikely concept and made them effective as one. I gave that author that. I was impressed that she managed to complement these two ideas into one without losing it all. Nice.
It was the execution was the one that blew me away. I was so caught up with Cinder¡¯s story. There¡¯s a lot surprises in store for readers. It¡¯ll glue you the story, you¡¯ll crave for more and you¡¯ll be surprised that the book ended and you wanted the next book already!...more
**spoiler alert** I have a confession, I don¡¯t know ¡°Tristan and Iseult¡± story. If it is as popular or as tragic as Romeo and Juliet, that I don¡¯t kno**spoiler alert** I have a confession, I don¡¯t know ¡°Tristan and Iseult¡± story. If it is as popular or as tragic as Romeo and Juliet, that I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t bother to check it out either. I decided to take as it is. And hey, they said ignorance is bliss, right? Well, I think it worked for me.
I saw plenty of¡ª let say, ¡°not so good¡± reviews here. Although reviews influence me on how I¡¯ll take the book, I still decided to be optimistic about it. Sometimes I have different views on books. And you know what; I think I did, particularly in this book. I don¡¯t know if it was because I saw the low ratings and I kind of set the expectations a little lower than usual but all things considered it wasn¡¯t all that bad. I was surprised too. After I finish it, I really think hard on what to say. Was it remarkable? Hardly. But you know what, it was decent. It was ok. I wasn¡¯t bored, while I did flinch a little (ok, a lot) on things that I find¡ well, ridiculous (*insert angsty out of the blue situation here* in the middle of a crucial moment. That kind.) But that said it wasn¡¯t exactly horrible. So if you just want a nice mediocre fantasy story then I guess this one is ok.
Thanks Netgalley and Egmont USA for the ARC!...more
I¡¯m trying to sort my thoughts and obviously I failed. I¡¯m kind of blank right now. The book fell in ¡®meh¡¯ category. And it¡¯s hard to tell something tI¡¯m trying to sort my thoughts and obviously I failed. I¡¯m kind of blank right now. The book fell in ¡®meh¡¯ category. And it¡¯s hard to tell something that falls in the middle. It¡¯s not horrible but it¡¯s not good enough to merit higher rating than 2.5 (yeah, sorry I didn¡¯t like it). I fell again with the interesting book cover, and the neat and enticing summary. How come sometimes the summary sounds better than the actual story? Beats me. But right now, that¡¯s how it felt for me. I feel cheated after finish it. Is that all? Yeah it was very disappointing.
Who doesn¡¯t like Cinderella¡¯s story? It¡¯s the like the most popular fairytale ever. It¡¯s every girl¡¯s fantasy (not all girls but you get my point). YoWho doesn¡¯t like Cinderella¡¯s story? It¡¯s the like the most popular fairytale ever. It¡¯s every girl¡¯s fantasy (not all girls but you get my point). You meet your prince charming and get a fabulous makeover courtesy of your fairy godmother then *pop* instant princess. So when I read the title I know it¡¯s one of those Cinderella story with a modern twist. With that, I decided to pick it up and read.
Lucy, the main lead is ok. I actually not the type of person who dwells too much on the female lead as I am more intrigue with the male lead (not really a surprise there). Lucy thought her life is like Cinderella. She even has a checklist to compare if her life is really similar to Cinderella. Guess what, they have a lot in common. She has (wicked) stepmother, two annoying step sisters, she lives in the basement (without furniture so she doesn¡¯t have a place to put her clothes) and well¡she isn¡¯t treated as harshly as Cinderella but her stepmother knows how to make her feel out of place. And since she just transfers she doesn¡¯t have any friends. She¡¯s a big basketball fan and a good artist (her mother was an artist too). But out of the blue when she heard the guys talking about basketball, she gives a sarcastic comment that led her to instant popularity.
Making her popular because of the sarcastic comment about basketball that¡¯s really¡ strange. Well, the other dude was really pissed at her but the other guy (the hottest guy in the campus) find it amusing. Long story short, she bagged the hottest guy in school, managed to have not only one but two best friends and date nights. But the only connection she and Connor have is basketball. And then, there this other guy, Sam Wolff, the quiet guy who also an artist just like her. At first Sam ignores Lucy (even though she was praising his artwork). By the end of the book she finds out that he was the one for her.
Well, the story is ok. Some people may find it predictable and utterly simple (modern Cinderella story is not the most original idea). I do find the character likable and I didn¡¯t see forcing myself to finish reading this book which is a good sign; but the only let down for me is the relationship of Lucy and Sam. It¡¯s kinda hinted that they were the ones who¡¯ll end up together (after the art exhibit). But just a few pages before the book ended, he decided to tell her his feelings and his confession made her realize that Sam was the guy she really likes. It is a good way to end the story only if they have good connection throughout the book. But believe me, it¡¯s very limited. Most of the time Sam didn¡¯t even talk to her. I guess I feel the book was kinda rushed. But I enjoy it nonetheless....more
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