| KDRAMA - Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo |

"You are my only queen."

SYNOPSIS: A woman is transported back to the Goryeo period. She learns to live in that time and gets caught up with the princes who are fighting for the throne.

RATING: 8.8/10
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 20
STATUS: COMPLETED

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: This is the first traditional setting kdrama I finished in my life and it was worth it. I kept seeing commercials of it on tv that's why I decided to watch it and it did not fail me. It was very entertaining to watch. Each episode had their twist and turns. The characters were fun and adorable (except of course for the villains). There are many heartbreaking scenes that made me cry. I think I cried 5 times which is a big thing for me since I do not really cry that much because of a show. Plus, all of the prince are good looking! So many familiar faces here like Kang Ha Neul, Nam Joo Hyuk, IU, and Ji Soo. The story was very interesting and I'm glad that I chose to watch it. Also, their costumes are quite pretty. Although the main time travel concept was quite weird and some events were confusing, it was still time well spent. I had no regrets after watching this. That ending though! Oh my god.

• Queen Yoo is quite a terrible mother and quite insane. I don't understand why she kept turning So away. It's also terrible to find out that So's scar came from his own mother. 
• Madam Hae is a very wonderful character and it broke my heart to see her die especially since she died in Wook's arms. I love that she cared for Soo so much that she sacrificed her own happiness. It also broke my heart that Wook never got to tell her his true feelings for her and she died without ever hearing that he loved her. I was curious as to why she's so close to Baek-ah. 
• So and Soo's interactions at first were full of arguments. I love seeing their relationship develop and I was really happy when they got together even though it was quite sad for Wook. It broke my heart that they didn't end up together especially since Soo thought that So didn't love her anymore. I wanted to see them end up together in the future time but the ending was a bitch!
• Yeon-hwa was quite a bitch character. I really didn't like her and I hate that she became queen. Even though she's Wook's sister, she's nothing like him. She's manipulative and evil. I know she had a backstory (the one related to Queen Yoo) but I really hated her. I hated how she treated Soo. 
• I love Wang Eun and Soo's relationship. I love how they met. I love how Eun thought she liked him at first. I love how they treated each other, comforted each other, and made each other happy. Although I did not ship them, I liked their friendship. I felt bad for Eun when he proposed to her but she did not accept. 
• I really shipped Soo and Wook at first. I really love their relationship together but I felt bad for Madam Hae. She could tell that they liked each other but she loved Wook and wanted him to be happy. Her own selflessness enabled the two to get together but they didn't last. I hated that Wook broke Soo's trust and her heart. I know it's for his family at first but later on, it was because of his greed for the crown. He didn't fight for Soo and let her go.
• I liked Jung and Soo together too. I did not ship them as much as I shipped Soo with Wook and So but I liked them together. I feel terrible for Jung in the end because even though he was in love with Soo, he knew that Soo really loved So. He cared for and married her and even took care of Soo and So's child. He's a very selfless character that should be admired. Even though he's the brother of the main villain and the son of the psycho Queen - he's nothing like them.
• I thought that this show aired in tvN at first because Kim Sung Kyun and Sung Dong II are there.
• I love that Soo's reply to Wook's poem was an emoji. It was a very cute scene and I like that some of the prince tried to do the same pose and that it was So who realized what that symbol meant.
• It's very weird to see that Soo almost married the king. It was fun seeing the princes try to save her although she saved herself even if it resulted to her being punished because of what she did. 
• I liked Soo and Baek-ah bond too. I love that even though Baek-ah did not like Soo at first, they developed their friendship later on. I wanted more of the backstory of how they became close but it's sad that they became close because of Madam Hae's death.
• Wang Eun's birthday is one of my favorite scenes. He's really adorable and I love that they prepared a celebration just for his birthday and even Soo got to attend.
• I love the episode where Soo hid So's scar using make up just to make the people like him. It's was such a bitch slap to the face of all the people who used to look down on So. It was quite terrible though that with the scar they kept judging him and throwing things at him but without the scar, they bowed to him.
• I hated that after helping him, visions of So murdering his own brothers kept appearing to Soo causing her to be afraid of him. I felt bad for So and for Soo.
• I hated that Queen Yoo and Yeon-hwa tried to use So as a scapegoat yet again. I felt bad for So because holding out on the poison didn't work in protecting Soo. Yeon-hwa was such a bitch for drinking the poison just to frame Soo.
• I hated Wook after he abandoned Soo. I know that it was because of his family but he promised. I felt bad for Soo especially since Lady Oh just shared with her how she was abandoned by her own love. I hate that Wook wasn't brave enough to push their love. He prioritized the crown.
• Lady Oh sacrificing for Soo was such a heartbreaking scene especially when Lady Oh told the king herself what she plans to do. You could see that the king really did not want to execute Lady Oh but it was her dying request. I felt terrible that even though they were the ones who really loved each other, Lady Oh is not the queen. It's also heartbreaking to find out why Lady Oh was sick. Damn, Queen Yoo for sabotaging the king's true happiness with Lady Oh by killing her child.
• I felt really bad for Soo all throughout the series. She endured many things but survived because she really wanted to live. She endured humiliation, torture, and many heartbreaking things. Even though she left So, you can't blame her because she's already experienced so many bad things and did not want that to happen to So too.
• Omg. The scene where Baek-ah takes the sword meant for the king. You could tell that he didn't want Woo Hee to get in trouble even if it meant injuring himself.
• The king's death was also heartbreaking. He kept Soo near because she reminded him of her Lady Oh. It was a very bittersweet ending when the king died but his last words was Lady Oh's name which angered Queen Yoo (GOOD DAMN IT).
• I was fine with how things ended by episode 13 (where Yo died) but I was like, daaaaamn since it's just the 13th episode - I know more things are going to come down and things aren't finished yet. I just wanted them to be happy.
• I was glad that during Wang Mu's reign So and Soo had some happy moments. Soo became the head of the Damiwon which made me happy since she became Lady Oh's sort off heir.
• The next events happened really fast since not even one episode had lasted and there goes Yo again. I was shocked to see him alive but then again, who would become the villain? I feel really bad for Wang Mu since he was a great and nice character and would have probably been a good king if the people near him weren't trying to kill him all the time and finally, in this episode they succeeded. It was a heartbreaking scene because no one was able to do anything to save him.
• The way Yu framed Soo again and used her against So was really unfair. I felt really bad for her because their love was corrupted and abused. 
• Wang Won was the prince I hated the most. I hated how he betrayed his family and his goals weren't really that clear. I hated that he could smile towards his other brothers while in truth, he was betraying them. At least Yo was outright evil. I hated how he manipulated Chae Ryung to do his bidding just because she loved him. 
• It really broke my heart when Wang Eun and Park Soon-Duk were killed. I hate Yo for ordering their death just because he wanted a scapegoat. I hate him for making So kill Eun even if it was his wish especially since Wang Eun and Park Soon-Duk just became closer in the previous scene. Park Soon-Duk could have been spared but huhuhu. I cry. They were an adorable pair and I loved them together.
• I hate that So and Soo had to pretend not to be together because of Yo but I love the scene where they stayed together for one night and they were really happy then.
• I love that they were finally able to overthrow Yo. However, I knew that being the king would not be able to support their love since lately being the king results to bad things. I'm glad though that at first, So was able to keep Baek-ah and Soo with him. He was happy even if it was just for a time being. 
• Damn you Wook for ruining So and Soo's happiness just because you can't be king and you don't have Soo.
• I love that even though it was unreasonable, So tried to fight for Soo. He rose to the throne in order to live with Soo rather than what Wook did. Wook told Soo that he wanted the crown for Soo and his family but he never did anything for Soo after he abandoned her. Meanwhile, So tried to fight for Soo.
• Their date outside the palace - one of the cutest scenes yet heartbreaking since she rejected So's proposal. 
• Ugh Yeon Hwa became queen but haha because So walked out after the wedding.
• Queen Yoo's death was very heartbreaking for So. Even at her deathbed she didn't want him. She only wanted Jung. I feel bad for Jung because he wasn't able to stay with his mother.
• I felt bad for Chae-ryung. She didn't deserve to die because she was manipulated by Won but she deserved to be punished because she really was one of the main reasons why So and Soo cannot be together. She did many villainous acts. 
• I feel bad because So and Soo could've been together if Soo wasn't so stubborn. She could stayed with him when he proposed that she becomes an official concubine and would have been queen if she bore a child.
• I'm still really confused as to why Woo Hee died. It broke my heart to see Baek-ah because he loved her too much and he saw her just before she committed suicide and he wasn't able to save her. *The night before things went downhill was really cute. 
• I felt bad when Wook was framed for the dead hawk but he kind of deserved it. He was a pretty mean character on the second half of the show but I'm glad Soo begged So not to execute Wook.
• Yeon Hwa is still an asshole for blaming things to Soo. I mean, yeah sure some of the things were Soo's fault but it was Yeon Hwa who pushed Wook too far. It wasn't because of Soo.
• I really love Jung for being so selfless and marrying Soo just to get her out of the palace. I love that he didn't demand anything for payment. He just wanted Soo to be free. I felt bad for him after Soo died because you can really see that he loved her even if it was just one-sided.
• I'm really confused as to why So thought that Soo betrayed him. He knew Soo loved someone before he tried to pursue her. He just couldn't accept that it was Wook (well, yeah, I can see why since Wook did so many horrible things to separate them) but it's not like she'll ever return to Wook.
• I hate that So broke off connections with them after he received news that they were kind of lovey-dovey. However, it broke my heart when I saw how devastated So was because of Soo's death. He's an idiot though for not even bothering to open Jung's letters - Why the hell would Jung send so many letters to him if it weren't for Soo? They don't even like each other that much.
• OMG a baby. At least something came out of their relationship but I got sad that Soo wasn't able to be with her baby for a longer time. They weren't able to get a reunion with So even for a short while. It could've been a better ending.
• Hae Soo's death broke my heart. After all that thing about wanting to live, she still died at the end. Sure, she had many years of pain and heartache but still she wasn't able to get her happy ending. It could've been expanded in the present time but why did it have to end in a cliffhanger after she remembered So???? 
• So meeting her daughter and figuring out that she's his daughter made me happy! I'm glad that he removed Jung's exile even if it was only for the sake of seeing his daughter.
• The ending broke me. It was a cliffhanger but at least some hope were given. Soo remembered So and So could have been reincarnated and they could be together. I hope there will be some short extra just to give a better ending.
• I really like all the cast of this show. I liked their acting and it made me appreciate the drama more. It's my first time watching Lee Joon Gi and IU and I was impressed by their acting. I hope to see more of their kdrama in the future.
• REASONS WHY I CRIED:
  1. Madam Hae's death.
  2. Court Lady Oh's death.
  3. Wang Eun and Park Soon-Duk's death.
  4. Woo Hee's death.
  5. Hae Soo's death and the brother's argument.

| A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab |

PAGES: 563 (Ebook)

SYNOPSIS: The story continues where it left off. Red London is being overtaken by Osaron - a godlike creature who wants to rule. Meanwhile, Kell and the other magicians try to do their best to defeat him.

RATING: 4.75/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: So many things happened in this book. Terrible things and amazing things. Some parts made me happy and some parts made me really sad. Every character was entertaining to read about. They were given backstories that made you really appreciate them. Every scene was interesting and VE Schwab's writing is really amazing. The way it was written was beautiful and it is easy and fast to read. Overall, this series is worth the read. Waiting for each book seemed really worth it after reading the final one.

• I was really having a hard time reading the scene where Rhy died. It made me almost cry and seeing Alucard there along with Emira made things so much worse. It was a very heartbreaking scene.
• Calla's death was something I knew would hurt me so much. When the people were being overtaken, I was worried for Calla. I love that woman. I love how she shipped Kell and Lila together and even though she didn't witness it, I'm glad she got what she wanted. I felt terrible for Lila when she found out that Calla had turn into ash. It was very heartbreaking because you could see that Lila cared for her and it broke her heart to find out that Calla is dead. 
• Anisa's death was another heartbreaking thing to read. You could see how much it broke Alucard's heart especially since Anisa fought Osaron. She tried to overcome his darkness but she wasn't strong enough. Also, Jinnar! Jinnar died a meaningless death. I felt bad for Alucard because Anisa was his sister and Jinnar was his friend.
• I love the scene where Kell and Lila were kissing and then Alucard interrupted them. It was really funny xD.
• The travel to Maris' was a fun adventure. That market is very interesting since it contains a lot of things that could potentially be so powerful. Maris is also an interesting character that knows a lot. It's amazing to know that she's a woman. Also, the favor she asked from Lila! When is that going to be claimed? So many possibilities.
• The Antari ring is another cool thing. I am amazed that Holland, Lila, and Kell were able to trust each other enough to use it. It's amazing when they used it to defeat Osaron. Their teamwork and efforts were amazing.
• I hated the scene where Kell burned the piece of paper containing the spell to remove the lock from his memories! We want to know what really happened, why he was given away and who his parents were.
• Drunk Lila is funny.
• Lenos and Hastra death broke me. Especially since Lenos died without a proper reason. At least Hastra died protecting Kell. Those were really heartbreaking scenes even though they were minor characters, they made the story really entertaining and they crept up to your heart.
• I really thought that Emira wasn't going to die. I thought that Rhy blocking Col was enough. I never thought that she would die. It was really heartbreaking especially since Rhy tried his best so that no harm will come to her. You could also see that Maxim was really heartbroken by her death. He was his match and it hurt him to see her go.
• It's great that Rhy became King but the reason why he became King was really terrible. It broke my heart that he lost his parents at the same time and neither Kell nor Alucard was there to comfort him. You could see that he's a great king because he prioritized his kingdom over his grief. You could see how much he cared for his people during the times that he went out to save the silvers.
• The king's death was really noble. It was heartbreaking especially knowing how it would affect Rhy, but you could see that the king really tried to defend his kingdom and faced Osaron bravely. Even though it was in vain.
• I really thought the Faro were the traitors. It shocked me to find out that the princess and prince of Vesk were the real traitor. Especially since Cora spent time with Rhy. But there's still something fishy about the Faroans since according to Jasta, she was ordered by Lord Sol to kill Kell. What's up with that?
• Jasta was really a bitch. She even killed her own shipmates because of her own greed. I'm glad that she's dead but she killed Hastra!!! That bitch.
• What's up with Grey London? I feel like something's gonna go down there since they were included in the book. The King there acted weird after he encountered the shadow that Ned tried to get rid off. Also, since the inheritor is in Grey London would someone find it and release Osaron?
• Who is Nasi and why was her character introduced? I am curious if she's someone significant in the future.
• I really liked the ending. Rhy and Alucard were able to stay together. Kell and Lila were able to travel the world. It was a perfect ending. However, I wasn't satisfied. I could feel that there were still many unanswered questions that could be dealt with in a spin-off series. I am excited to know if there is going to be one! I hope so.
• I really like Alucard and Rhy together. They were beautiful together. Reading about their romance is one of the main reason I love this series. I love that they were able to resolve their issues. I felt really bad when I found out why Rhy left. Damn, his father and his brother. I am really happy that they were together in the end but it got me thinking about what would happen in the future since Rhy obviously needed an heir since he's the king? Oh well, who cares - he's the king!
• Rhy and Kell's brotherhood was really amazing. Even though they weren't related by blood, you could see and feel how much they cared for one another. Kell's over protectiveness of Rhy with Alucard was really something big for him because when Alucard left, Rhy got really heartbroken. I love seeing their interactions together. I wanted them to be together during the journey but seeing as Rhy is the king, he can't really come with Kell. 
• Emira and Kell's relationship was something that was complicated and broke my heart. I am annoyed at Emira for how he treated Kell but you could see that it was for Rhy. I was glad when they reconciled before Kell left but it was heartbreaking that Kell never got to be welcomed by her again.
• Kell and Lila were adorable together. I am glad that in the end they got to be together. It's adorable to see how their relationship developed and how Lila even though she was reluctant at first, she let Kell in. Their random kisses and flirting were fun and entertaining to read.
• I really love all of the characters in this series. I love seeing their character being explored more and reading about them was really nice.
• I really really find Lila amazing. She's an amazing and fierce character that you would totally cheer on all throughout the book. I love how her relationship with Kell developed and how in the end, she became the captain of the Night Spire. It's amazing to find out that she's an Antari and the scene where she got a new Antari eye was so cool! However, there's still the unsolved issue of where she came from. Her past is still mystery and I would really like to get to know her more if ever a spin-off series is created.
• I really really feel bad for Holland. Sure I hated him for almost killing Rhy with what he did and letting Osaron in Red London but deep inside he just wanted his London to get better. He wanted to become the proper king that place needs. It was very heartbreaking to read about his past. How each and everyone he loved and cared for either betrayed him or was murdered. I hate the scene where Vor died because you could see that it broke Holland. The Dane twins were really evil characters that deserved what they got. He redeemed himself in the end and even though he died, I think he got what he wanted. He finally had his rest which was heartbreaking but I am happy for him.
• I like the fact that Alucard could see threads of magic. It's amazing. I also love his character. His backstory is quite sad especially since he did love Rhy and his family was the reason they got separated. I love his interactions with Kell and Lila. His fight with Kell because of Rhy was fun to read. His care for Lila is really genuine and you could see that they really bonded. I love how brave he is during the scene where he would have fought with the Vesk just to protect the kingdom.
• I really really love Rhy. He's an amazing character that did not deserve the hard things that happened to him. I found it cool that he can't die (although it's the reason for that is very terrible). I find him brave and admirable for what he did throughout the series. I am happy that he got his happy ending with Alucard in the end.
• I love Kell even though he's quite moody. I love how much he cares for others even though at times he thought that they didn't care the same way. I love that he got his happy ending and freedom at the end. He's an amazing character and it's quite sad to know that his powers sort of lessened in the end because it was almost got sucked in the inheritor. 

FAVORITE QUOTES: 

"Names are important," she said, twirling the cord. "Mine is Ojka, and I have orders to keep you out. "Beyond the doors, Kell let out a scream of frustration, a sob of pain."My name is Lila Bard," she answered, drawing her favorite knife," and I don't give a damn.

 "My will is magic. And magic is my will."

"Kell isn't the only one you fail to understand. My bond with him didn't start with this curse. You wanted him to kill for me, die for me, protect me at all costs. Well, Mother, you got your wish. You simply failed to realize that that kind of love, that bond, it goes both ways. I would kill for him, and I would die for him, and I will protect him however I am able, from Faro and Vesk, from White London, and Black London, and from you.

Sometimes you had to pretend, everyone knew that. Pretend to be happy. Pretend to be brave. Pretend to be strong. If you pretended long enough, it eventually came true.   

Because caring was a thing with claws. It sank them in, and didn't let go. Caring hurts more than a knife to the leg, more than a few broken ribs, more than anything that bled or broke and healed again. Caring didn't break you clean. It was a bone that didn't set, a cut that wouldn't close. 

"Love and loss," he said, "are like a ship and the sea. They rise together. The more we love, the more we have to lose. But the only way to avoid loss is to avoid love. And what a sad world that would be. 

I am Rhy Maresh, he told himself as blood slicked the floor. I am the king of Arnes. And I am unbreakable. 

Magic made everything feel so impermanent, it was easy to forget that some things, once changed, could never be undone. That not everything was either changeable or infinite. Some roads kept going, and others had an end.

| Like a Memory by Abbi Glines |

PAGES: 171 (Ebook)

SYNOPSIS: Bliss York and Nate Finlay fell in love with each other when they were young. However, due to circumstances, they fell apart. Seven years later, they meet again.

RATING: 2.5/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: 
I expected much from this book because it's a combination of the characters from Sea Breeze and Rosemary Beach and I love both of those series. I love Abbi Glines and most of her previous books so I was really saddened by the fact that this book felt so wrong. I was really disappointed. There were parts I liked in the beginning especially since there were mentions of other characters from the Sea Breeze and Rosemary Beach series but there were no meaningful thing that happened to them. They were just mentioned. Nothing on what happened since the previous books. I hated how the lead characters' romance were developed. Sure, they had a past but it wasn't really described much so you can't exactly ship them so much because of that. With everything that happened in the current time, it's annoying that they got together. I mean, Octavia existed for heaven's sake. I really disliked the twist. I wanted to throw my phone away (since I was reading in my phone) after reading the book because of that. Plus, there are so many characters mentioned that I had trouble keeping track of who's who. The legit ending was all right but god I'm really disappointed. I hope that if there are more books for this series in the future, it won't be like this one. 

• I hated the fact that there was a fiancee that was introduced here (Octavia) but it's not like she had any importance to the story since she was just ignored anyway. She was just there to get hurt and to be an obstacle. It was useless to just kill her in the end. She had to become pregnant in order for her to be something worthwhile.
• There were some points where I was really annoyed at both the lead characters. Bliss was too goody-goody but there were some parts where she was really confusing (the part where she tested Nate etc). Nate seemed wrong. His backstory was not tragic at all. It didn't make sense since his parents are Rush and Blaire. How did he become like that? Plus, the way he acted when he first encountered Bliss. That was an asshole move.
• Poor Eli, stuck at best friend zone. I love him though. You can see that he really cares for Bliss and was there during the time she needed him most.
• Octavia's backstory was really tragic. It was terrible what happened to her and she didn't deserve what happened to her.
• The way Nate broke up with Octavia sucked. Sure she wasn't great but she deserved more than a text message. Nate was such a dick for just texting her and then not even responding to her calls.
• I felt bad for Bliss when I found out that she can't have children. 
• I felt sad for Nate when he found out that Octavia was pregnant. He lost a son.
• It was cute seeing Nate's family care for him after Octavia died.
• It was cute seeing Nate with Bliss' family. It was a fun part.
• So many other characters introduced that may have their potential story. I mean I'd want that but please make it better @AbbiGlines.

FAVORITE QUOTES: 

Life was special. No matter how hard it got it could get better. You had to trust that. 

Life wasn't easy. Love wasn't easy. Not the real thing anyway. The real thing hurt like hell and gave you the best moments of your life. 

I wanted all this with her. The works. Every complicated beautiful moment of it. 

| JANUARY 2017 ANIME RECAP |

1. FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD

"A lesson without pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A fullmetal heart."

Rating: 8.5/10
Number of Episodes: 64
Status: Completed
Synopsis: Edward and Alphonse Elric goes on a quest in order to find a way to bring Alphonse's body back and Edward's body parts which they lost when tried to bring their dead mother back to life.
Non-Spoilery Review: Many people had been bugging me to watch this for a while now. I kept procrastinating because it had 64 episodes. However, let me tell you it's worth it. FMA is an amazing anime. The bonds between the different characters are entertaining and heartwarming to watch. There are fun scenes and heartbreaking scenes all throughout the anime which will break your heart and make you smile. The story is amazing and the twists and turns introduced is great. Many of the characters are interesting to watch even the enemies. Some enemies will give you conflicting feelings because they have their inner issues. It's fun to see some of the powers of the different alchemist though I would've liked it more if it were explored more. Plus, the fighting scenes are amazing. It gave a satisfying ending that will make the hours you spend on it worth it.

• The bond between Edward and Alphonse is really touching and inspiring. You can see how much they care for one another. I found the ending great because they got Alphonse's body back. Edward is really admirable because he had to sacrifice his alchemy in order to get Alphonse's body back and he didn't hesitate.
• The relationship development between Edward and Winry is really cute. They are adorable together even though they used to fight a lot in the beginning. I really liked them together and was happy when Ed proposed even though it was kind of a weird proposal and Winry's reaction was just perfect. It's cute to see that they had children in the end. 
• Izumi and Sig's relationship is really adorable. They went through a lot especially since we find out that they lost a child long ago which Izumi tried to revive. Izumi is really powerful and it's a good thing they're part of the good team.
• Van Hohenheim is an amazing character. Even though he sucked as a father in the beginning, there's a reason why he left. He didn't just abandon them. I find it quite sad that he wasn't able to spend more time with his sons. However, it's a good thing that he died happy. I wish that he's together with Trisha in the afterlife.
• Van and Trisha's story was heartbreaking. It seems that Van really loved Trisha. I was saddened when Trisha's last words were revealed which was to tell Van that she's sorry that she couldn't wait for him. It was heartbreaking to watch Van cry.
• Roy Mustang is an amazing character. I love that he's the head of team good. I wanted him to be the next Fuhrer but he was still young so he'll have his time. He's very powerful and he cares a lot for his friends. It's scary to see him so mad. 
• Roy and Riza were a couple that I shipped. I love them together. I love how they cared about each other deeply and how they strengthen each other. I wish they could have been ended up together.
• Roy and his team were really adorable to watch. They're so close and the bond they have is so strong. They would sacrifice themselves for each other without hesitation. 
• I really wanted Sheska skill. To remember everything she has ever read. I mean it would probably make things easier. I really want to remember all the books I've read in my life but I forget easy.
• The Armstrongs. I love Alex and how caring he is about his friends. He's so funny especially when you see him cry because of some touching thing or try to show off his muscles. I love how strong he is and the ridiculous things he does. I also love his sister - Olivier. She's so strong and fierce. I love how she cares for her team and how strong she is despite not being an alchemist.
• 2 reasons why I cried in this anime: 1) Damn Shou Tucker. It was heartbreaking to see how his madness caused him to ruin his daughter's life. Nina you poor child. Now I know the reference but God I wish I didn't; 2) Maes Hughes death. I loved him and his adorableness towards the other characters especially his daughter. I love how proud he is of his wife and child towards Roy. It was a very heartbreaking event especially during the funeral when his daughter was beginning not to bury him.
• I thought at first that Scar was going to go to team bad. I'm glad that he became part of team good because I liked his character. I mean he assassinated alchemists but it was because of his hatred for the wrongness that the military did to the Ishbalans. I liked Scar and his team (May, Marcoh and Yoki). It was good that he became part of the team that would help resurrect the Ishbalan traditions.
• Envy is a homunculi that broke my heart. I really hated that he killed Hughes but he was entertaining to watch. It broke my heart to see him commit suicide after accepting that he was envious of human relationships and how they are able to have friends and create bonds.
• Greed is the homunculi that I didn't want to die. Sure he was mean at first but he changed through Lin Yao. I love how he tricked Lin Yao to let go and sacrificed himself to fight Father. 
• I liked Alphonse and May. I want them to end up together in the future. I liked how Alphonse protected May when she was in danger and he even took care of her small panda.
• I really loved Lin Yao. I thought at first he was a minor character and I'm glad that he's not. He was really fun to watch especially when he collapses due to extreme hunger. I love how he became the new emperor of Xing in the end. He deserves it. I also love the fact that his voice actor is Mamoru Miyano. I love that guy.
• Barry the Chopper was an entertaining character. Even though he was supposed to be a killer, he helped Roy and the others rescue Maria. It's sad that he had to die.
• I really love the scenes where they make fun of Edward's height. I can relate and it's funny how he reacts so violently. Also, the fact that others thinks it's Alphonse who's the fullmetal alchemist was funny too.
• I love that Roy's power becomes useless when he gets wet. It's funny haha. 
• I really love Pinako. She's the mother the three characters - Edward, Alphonse, Winry had. It's funny though to see how short she is even though in the flashbacks she's tall.
• The seals look pretty af.
• FAVORITE SCENES: Roy figuring out Havoc fell for Lust's trap - her boobs; Lin Yao and Edward trying to prove to each other that they're not Envy - Lin Yao asks if he would like him to recite the menu of the room service while Edward violently reacts to being called a pea-sized runt; Sig and Alex Armstrong showing off their muscles; 

---

2. SUPER GALS!

Rating: 7/10
Number of Episodes: 52
Status: Completed
Synopsis: Ran Kotobuki is the self-proclaimed "world's greatest gal." As a teenager in Shibuya, she is determined to live out the gal lifestyle for the rest of her life, and she has gained a reputation as the most respected gal in all of Shibuya. However, she comes from a family of police officers—her grandparents, her parents, and her older brother are all officers, and her younger sister is set on following in their footsteps. Ran has other dreams for her future, but as frequently shown, she has acquired the family's sense of justice and spirit. Her two friends, Miyu and Aya, also have their own problems and circumstances. (Wikipedia)
Non-Spoilery Review: I remember watching this when I was in elementary. Me and my bestfriends during that time loved pretending we were the three main characters from this anime. I decided to finally download it and watch it this year. There really isn't a plot to this anime - it just follows the three main character. It was just an easy and fun thing to watch. I would suggest you watch this if you just want something light to ease your mood. Ran is a great character even though she's quite lazy and doesn't study, she's the idol of most people in Shibuya. She gets their respect through the deeds she does - helping others and protecting the ones in trouble from bad people. Her bestfriends, Miyu and Aya are there to help her. Miyu used to be a rebel who stopped after she became friends with Ran and her brother. She lives a hard life due to the fact that her mother doesn't really care about her. Aya used to be focused on her academics and didn't really enjoy her life. Meeting Ran and becoming friends with her made Aya stronger and more confident about herself. Through the various episodes, other characters are introduced. They helped progress the anime and some gave the main characters a love life. Rei used to be one of the characters I really loved when I was young due to the fact that he was handsome. However when I watched the whole anime there were times that I was annoyed at him. Yuya is one of the most adorable characters in the anime because he was there to support the others. I'm happy that he got his happy ending in the end. I really didn't like who Ran ended up with even though he was a nice character. There are also other characters who I really didn't like. They were sort of annoying and I would like to kick them. I was let down by the fact that the anime didn't follow the manga. So in the future, I probably should read the manga. The ending wasn't enough for me because it wasn't really an ending? Like some animes it was just there to sort of end the run of the anime and not the whole story. In addition to that, I really like the theme songs of this anime. The opening is fun and cheerful to listen to while the ending is more serious and kind of heartbreaking if you translate it to English. Overall, Super GALS! is an interesting anime that gives you feels at some points and entertains you. It's a nice watch.

• I really liked Yuya and Mami together. Yuya deserved someone who treated him better. Ran usually just used him for food and she didn't deserve his attention at all. Yuya is a nice guy and I'm glad that Mami found him. They deserve each other. I'm glad that they worked things out after finding out that they really do love each other.
• Aya and Rei used to be my favorite couple from this anime. Mostly because of their looks. I didn't expect that Aya experienced many heartaches because Rei. I didn't expect that Rei liked Ran at first. It was so heartbreaking for Aya because Rei was really harsh. However, it worked out in the end and I was glad they got back together. They were able to resolve their issues and Rei developed real feelings for Aya.
• Yamato and Miyu are really adorable together. I like how they met and their support towards each other. I love that they got engaged at some point of the anime. Even though there was an age gap between them, it was alright.
• Ran and Tatsuki are cute together but they weren't my favorite couple. 
• Towa is a cute woman. I really wanted to know what Ran's secret was. It was amazing to find out that she used to be the best woman in Shibuya.
• Sayo, Masato, Naoki, Maki, Kasumi are the characters that annoyed me the most. Usually when they appear, I wanted to skip out the episode. There was only one episode that I liked that Sayo appeared, where she helped Detective Kudoh.
• I love how Nakanashi supported his students well even Ran. Even though he was really annoyed at Ran at some points he still helped her pass the grade which showed how a great teacher he is.
• The Ganguro Trio are fun extra characters. Even though they appear randomly, it's usually for fun. I liked how they allowed Aya to give her chocolates to Rei after they saw the wound in her finger which signified that she worked hard to make them.

"They call you Second Place and stuff, but you've totally got first place in my heart." 

"Somewhere along the way, it became natural for you to be by my side and I didn't even realize I'd fallen in love with you long ago. Just like how you called me "First Place", you're the most important person to me now, too."

---

3. DEATH PARADE

I'm sure it's not wrong for people to want to understand each other. And even if it is, I want us to understand each other.

I say... that people do not live just so that they can someday die. It is because they are alive that they someday die. There is no point to living. The same goes for judgment. Judgment must be performed hand in hand with both life and death. It is something that must be performed hand in hand with humans.

Life really is a mysterious thing. Each and every life spins its own, totally separate tale, yet they become intricately entwined in each other. And no one knows how they will end up.

Rating: 6/10
Number of Episodes: 12
Status: Completed
Synopsis: Two souls are sent to a bar where the bartender, an arbiter, acts as the judge whether the souls would go to reincarnation or to the void.
Non-Spoilery Review: I don't really know what to feel about this anime. The concept was really interesting however I wasn't really amazed. Maybe it was because there wasn't enough episodes. It was a fast watch so I wasn't really bothered. It's sad that there's no manga because I kind of wanted more. There wasn't enough closure to the anime and it could've been explored more (I don't know maybe there's a plan to add more episodes?). It's interesting enough to watch because of some of the cases of the souls. There are some that aren't really that easy to judge especially in a human perspective. Humans tend to the things based on their emotions even if it is not their true nature. Seeing as the arbiter isn't human he couldn't have possibly understood that. Decim and Chiyuki's interaction are cute and touching especially at the end. I like them both. I don't get Nona's deal at all though. The concept and where it could go is really intriguing so I want more episodes.

• It is interesting to see that Decim was able to feel sorrow by the end. I wonder how Chiyuki ended up arriving at the bar with the memory that she is dead. Was she sent on purpose to help Decim develop feelings? Their interactions were lovely and interesting to watch. They created a bond and you can see that Decim listened to her opinion and it also somewhat affected him. I was devastated when Chiyuki was judged because Decim won't have an assistant. He just technically lost a friend.
• I don't get what Oculus' deal is. I want to know more about him and why he kept playing galaxy pool with Nona.
• I guess it makes sense why arbiter shouldn't have emotions. Especially since Oculus let it slip that an arbiter with emotions may not last. With all the judging they do, learning how some humans are terrible may end up making the arbiter insane. There's only so much that a human can take. 
• I was happy to see that Harada's voice actor is Mamoru Miyano. I really do love him.
• The first episode was really hard to watch. Machiko may have really just lied to Takashi that it wasn't his child so that he won't feel as much guilt. Takashi is the terrible one. Not trusting even his wife. I feel bad that Machiko was the one who ended up in the void.
• I wonder what Chavvot really means and why it became kind of a recurring theme in the episodes.
• Shimada and Tatsumi are the most conflicting pair to arrive in the bar. Although they both murdered, one was revenge and vigilantism and one was just revenge. For me, Shimada should have been sent to be reincarnated while Tatsumi to the void. Shimada only did what he did because of what happened to his sister. He killed a terrible human being who may have hurt a lot more women in the future while Tatsumi did the same however he let others get hurt first before acting. He didn't do anything to help Shimada's sister even though he saw everything.
• I like how pretty the galaxy pool looks like.
• Chiyuki's life was really a devastating one. It's sad that all her life she wanted to be an ice skater and then she got her knees injured. It was terrible. No one understood her and she felt so depressed that she killed herself. She regretted it later when she saw her mother however she didn't prioritize her own life over another. She realized her mistake and regrets it however she doesn't want anyone else to suffer.
• It was a bittersweet scene where a dummy of Chiyuki was seen in the Quindecim. 

| It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover |

TITLE: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

PAGES: 275 (Ebook)

SYNOPSIS: Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most. (Goodreads)

RATING: 5/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: I had mixed feelings about this book before I read it. I have trouble reading Colleen Hoover's books because I have a love-hate relationship with them. I usually love the first half of her book then hate the second half however with this book, I loved all of it. This book was heartbreaking. The topic it discussed was really hard to read about. You'll know more about that topic and the point of view of those who experience it from this book. You'll see that it's not easy for those people who experience it. It's hard to read about because it'll make you cry. I think I cried about three or four times. There are still some good things about this book - the love story between the lead characters are cute and adorable. Their relationship with each other are fun and interesting to read. I couldn't stop thinking how things would go down because that usually happens in Colleen Hoover's books. Allysa - the main character's employee and bestfriend - is a very fun and supportive character to read about. She's very adorable and lovable and it's a good thing she's a major character. Her relationship with Marshall was another fun point of this book. I love reading about them. Lily is an amazing and strong character. Ryle had his issues but overall he was alright. Atlas is a wonderful character. Overall, it's a very amazing book. Knowing the reason behind the title will break your heart and probably make you cry (like I did). I have too many thoughts on this in the spoiler section.

• I liked the Naked-Truth thing between Ryle and Lily. It was sad though that it wasn't utilized properly during the time of their fights. It would've made it easier for them to work their relationship out - maybe it was because it was not the point of the book to make things work out.
• The backstory of the lead characters were really heartbreaking. Reading Lily's old diaries broke my heart. How much she cared for Atlas and how terrible her father was. I liked that she didn't say anything good about her father during his eulogy. I hate how much her father treated her mother. Especially the almost-rape scene. Ryle's backstory was another terrible one. Shooting your own brother even though it wasn't on purpose isn't something that you can remove from your mind. It ruined Ryle in a way and it ruined his relationship with Lily. Atlas, another character abandoned by his parents, grew up to be wonderful. He grew up to be a wonderful chef who was caring and loving. I love that things worked out in the end with all of them. 
• I liked Ryle and Lily together but I knew that it wouldn't last. They were too happy in the beginning and Colleen Hoover likes torturing her readers. It was just sad that she found out she was pregnant after he almost-raped her because he thought she was still seeing Atlas.
• I liked Atlas and Lily together. I liked them better. They knew each other's past and I am sure that he wouldn't hurt her - well not in the physical way maybe. I love seeing her together with his friends - they were really supportive towards her and it was fun to read about. It was quite sad to find out that Atlas really did came back for her but he didn't want to disturb her happiness so he never did showed himself up which was selfless of him. 
• Lily was at fault during some of  fights however it doesn't justify Ryle hurting her. Sure she was wrong but that doesn't allow Ryle to hurt her.
• Lily was a very wonderful character. She was strong. She didn't stay with Ryle even though there was a reason why he was hurting her - the aftermath of him shooting his brother. It was great that she forgave him the first two times but the third one was unforgivable. I really felt bad for her during the weeks she was pregnant and she couldn't tell anyone. I'm glad that she had her mom, Atlas, and Allysa to help her through. I was glad that they could work it out in the end - glad that they were able to raise their daughter even though they were divorced. 
• Allysa is a very wonderful sister to Ryle and a wonderful friend to Lily. Reading about her will make you happy especially since her relationship with Marshall is a very adorable one. Marshall is so loving towards her even though sometimes he acted aloof. 
• Even though I don't watch Ellen very much, I like it that they mentioned her. I love the gift Atlas gave her especially since it was autographed. I love that they kept using the "Just keep swimming" phrase from Finding Nemo and that Lily's daughter had a second name: 'Dory'.
• I find it weird that the child was named Emerson but I was glad they named her after Ryle's deceased older brother.
• I really love Atlas. He was very supportive and protective of Lily. After all that they went through, I was glad that he found happiness in the end. 
• It was a very tearjerking scene when she finally told her mom what happened with Ryle and she thanked for being the only person to fight for her. Her mother had a hard time and I wish her happiness with the guy she's currently with. She deserves it.
• The part where Lily asked Ryle what would he do if ever their daughter was the one who experienced abuse was another heartbreaking scene. He knows that he won't get Lily back and he understood why.
• Finding out why the titled is called, "In Ends With Us" will make you really cry. It refers to Lily divorcing Ryle so that the cycle of abuse won't be shown to their daughter. She wanted everything to end with them and not include their daughter in the fight that may have as she grows up.
• It's very heartbreaking to find out that some part of this was based from Colleen Hoover's own life. Her mother went through the same thing before she divorced her father. I cried when I found out about that.
• Knowing more about abuse in this book opened my mind that there's no clear black or white in the scenario of abuse. You can't blame the victim for staying because it's hard to leave especially if you don't have the means to survive (like Lily's mother). I was glad that Colleen Hoover's mother toughened up and left her father even though they had trouble surviving. It will make you think that the really one to blame is the abuser and not the victim. One line from the book will make you really think. The line where most people ask why doesn't the victim immediately leave the ones who abuse them when the right question to ask is why do abusers do what they do. 

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"So what's your middle name, Lily Bloom?"I groan, which makes him perk up."You mean it gets worse?"I drop my head in my hands and nod."Rose?"I shake my head. "Worse.""Violet?""I wish." I cringe and then mutter, "Blossom."There's a moment of silence. "Goddamn," he says softly."Yeah. Blossom is my mother's maiden name and my parents thought it was fate that their last names were synonyms. So of course when they had me, a flower was their first choice.""Your parents must be real assholes. 

"I feel like everyone fakes who they really are, when deep down we're all equal amounts of screwed up. Some of us are just better at hiding it than others." 

"There is no such thing as bad people. We're all just people who sometimes do bad things." 

All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses. 

Life is a funny thing. We only get so many years to live it, so we have to do everything we can to make sure those years are as full as they can be. We shouldn't waste time on things that might happen someday, or maybe even never. 

"Mother," Ryle says. "Meet Lily. My blasphemous whore."Oh dear God. 

For better, for worse? Fuck.That.Shit. 

"In the future... if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again... fall in love with me." 

"Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them. It's not a person's actions that hurt the most. It's the love. If there was no love attached to the action, the pain would be a little easier to bear."

"The day you gave your father's eulogy? I know you didn't freeze up, Lily. You stood at that podium and refused to say a single good thing about that man. It was the proudest I have ever been of you. You were the only one in my life who ever stood up for me. You were strong when I was scared." 

He brings his mouth to my ear, and in a whisper, he says, "You can stop swimming now, Lily. We finally reached the shore."

| Once She Dreamed Part Two by Abbi Glines |

TITLE: Once She Dreamed by Abbi Glines
PAGES: 98 (Ebook)
SERIES: Once She Dreamed #2

SUMMARY: The second and final addition to Sammy Jo Knox story... what began as one thing will end in another. A love she wasn't looking for becomes something she can't hold. And the hero may just be someone you knew all along... (Goodreads)

RATING: 4/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: I like this book better than the first one. It still doesn't compare to other Abbi Glines' series. However, it was good. I like the events that happened here - some were terrible however they had to happen in order to teach Sam how the world really works. It was able to make her more mature and to realize that not all things are given for free. It helped lessen her naivety. I like every interaction between Sam and Ezra. It's the reason why I liked this book better. The character twists omg. They were really interesting to find and shocking. Especially Ezra's. I did not see it coming but I really liked it. I hope that there will be a third book because the ending wasn't really an ending for me. It could've been longer. I want to see more of Ezra and Sam. 

• I liked how Ezra treated Sam all throughout the book (except at the end part because that was devastating). 
• I was really surprised when I realized that Ezra is Major. Oh my god. Everything made sense as to why he didn't stay with her. 
• Hale is an evil bastard who got what he deserved. I knew there was something more to him but I didn't think it would be that bad. I really liked the ending because I think he deserved what happened to him. I hated the fact that he kept controlling Sam even though he's her employer, it was still wrong. 
• The scene where Sam woke up to the sound of Hale having sex with another woman, damn that scene was infuriating af.
• I liked seeing Cope here. Even if it was just a minor scene. It's fun seeing characters from another series.
• I really love Sam's mother. She's a perfect woman who welcomed her daughter back with open arms. She deserves to have that bakery and I'm happy that they're all back together. I love the scene where Ezra sent her souvenirs and added some more for her siblings.
• I really want more. I hope there will be a next book where Ezra and Sam will reunite with each other.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

I'd never been around a man who needed a servant. My daddy would've been slapped, if he'd asked my momma to serve him. 

Dreams weren't a safe reality. Not when you wanted them so badly you didn't think them through. 

What if it would've been us? That, by itself, is a beautiful thing. A sad, though a beautiful thing. 

Sammy Jo, we all make mistakes. It's part of growing up and learning. What matters is that we remember those mistakes and don't make the same ones twice. 

Waiting on him is the most important part. Soul mates ain't ordered and registered.

"Shoot him?" I asked while smiling."Of course. No man hits a woman from the state of Alabama and lives without a bullet in his brain."  

"I hate a motherfucker that beats on a woman."Ezra replied "amen."

| Once She Dreamed Part One by Abbi Glines |

TITLE: Once She Dreamed by Abbi Glines
PAGES: 103 (Ebook)
SERIES: Once She Dreamed #1

SUMMARY: Sammy Jo longs to leave her hometown in Alabama and explore the world. She didn't have a way out until she meets Hale Christopher Jude who offers her a way.

RATING: 3/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: I love Abbi Glines however I really didn't love this book. It was alright, the story was simple and entertaining however it didn't have that thing that I usually like about Abbi Glines' book. Compared to her other books, this was 'meh' that's why I only gave it a 3. Nothing much really happened in this book, it was really short. It was more of a set-up for the next one and I keep thinking, 'Why wasn't it just released as a full novel?'. The 103 pages wasn't enough for the full story. Good thing that when I read this, the second part was already released. I liked the bond between the Knox family. Even though their mother was really strict, she had to be because she had many children and she was a single parent. Sammy Jo, Ben, and Jamie's friendship are quite nice to read. Hale Christopher is a character that I'm still not sure about.

• I really liked Marjaline Knox. She's an amazing who suffered so much but still fights for her children. Although she's strict, you can see that she really does love her children.
• I like Sammy Jo and Jamie's friendship. Their bond is like sisters. I love how comforting Sam is towards Jamie and she even helped her with Ben.
• Ben was kind of an ass at the start. He thought Sam was his and even assumed things. I liked it when Sam shouted at him because he didn't have the right to act that way. I liked that he acted like a man and proposed to Jamie after finding out that she's pregnant with his child.
• There's something about Sam that I don't really like. She's quite naive and even though everyone thinks she's really pretty, she doesn't. I'm kind of fed up with the female trope that's naive and pretty and innocent af. That's why I was kind of annoyed.
• Hale is someone that I think will not be that great in the next book. Even though he was kind and helpful in this book, I think there's something more than meets the eye.
• I'm happy for Sam that she got to escape Alabama. However, I didn't like that she was only able to because of the help of a man. I wanted my female characters to be much fierce and independent. However, from her background I guess it makes sense. It's hard for them already - all of them are working just to survive.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

Just remember Sammy Jo, not all fairy tales are real, true or wise. Firstly, they are tales. There's more to a man than his money and what he can gift you with his wallet. It's his heart that matters most. 

Daddy always said it wasn't the destination, but the journey, that's what mattered.