Tuesday 17 July 2018

| Meet Cute: Some People are Destined to Meet |

PAGES: 216 (Ebook)

SYNOPSISA collection of meet cute stories. Meet cute is the part of a story where two people meet for the first time before they fall in love.

OVERALL RATING: 3.75/5


REVIEW: It was an interesting collection. There were two stories I didn't like but since there were 14 stories it's safe to say that most of the stories were okay, likable or adorable. There were two stories that stood out for me but I had fun with most of the other stories. They just weren't as impactful as the two ones I really liked. I liked that there was a diverse set of characters - not all of the couples are male and female. It made the stories much more interesting and amazing. Take note that most of the stories end after the two lead characters meet so it doesn't really have much closure. If you don't like stories like that, don't read this. You'd probably get annoyed. 


1.  SIEGE ETIQUETTE BY KATIE COTUGNO
You're the most popular girl in your grade- or at least, you were before everything happened. Now you kind of don't know what you are. A curiosity, maybe.
RATING: 1.5/5
REVIEWMaleFemale. This is the story that I really did not like. The writing was alright. The scenario was fine but I really did not like the lead female character. The male character was alright but not really interesting. I really disliked this story because even though I feel bad for Hailey, I really hated that she cheated on her boyfriend with Wolf.
2.  PRINT SHOP BY NINA LACOUR
When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. 
RATING: 4.75/5
REVIEW: FemaleFemale. Nina's writing was really beautiful. You could visualize the printshop that Evie worked in. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed reading this. The circumstance where Evie met Lauren was cute even if it was a bit weird. It's too modern. But hey, since online dating works, then I guess I had no qualms about this one.
3.  HOURGLASS BY IBI ZOBOI

RATING
: 3/5

REVIEWMaleFemale. It was an alright story. The writing, story, and the characters were alright. I did not enjoy it more because it focused more on Cherish's issues with her bestfriend, Stacey. I did not like that they broke their friendship over a useless guy. I wish Mamadou and Cherish had more interactions in the story rather than having met near the ending. Plus, I wish we got to see Cherish wearing the dress on prom.
4.  CLICK BY KATHARINE MCGEE
 "We did click. We don't need permission from an algorithm for that."
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWMaleFemale. I really liked this story. The app was very interesting to me because I could imagine how it was created. I was fascinated by it. I really like how Alexa and Raden met. I like the twist it had in the end. It broke my heart though to find out about Alexa's sister.
5.  THE INTERN BY SARA SHEPARD
Someday, you'll be yourself again. But you know what? That doesn't have to be today.
RATING: 3/5
REVIEWMaleFemale. This was another alright story. I liked Phineas. He comforted Clara and pushed her out of her comfort zone. I just felt something a little off about how fast everything happened given Clara's situation.
6.  SOMEWHERE THAT'S GREEN BY MEREDITH RUSSO
Lexie let out a single, surprised squeak, but after that all she heard was applause.
RATING: 4/5
REVIEWTransGay. It was a cute story. It was interesting to see what the author did to the LGBT characters. She made them stand together and be proud of who they are. Still, I did like Lucian and Nia together in the beginning. It was adorable how much Lucian cared for her.
7. THE WAY WE LOVE HERE BY DHONIELLE CLAYTON
None of us know when our time is up. The gods gave us one gift- to know when our loves would come. The best part of life. It would be greedy.
RATING: 5/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. I really loved this story. This is the story that annoyed me the most because I really want the full version. It had an interesting premise and the events that were shown will really affect you. I really want them to get together in the future even if it will just end up in disaster. At least they had time together.
8.  OOMPH BY EMERY LORD
I put my music on shuffle when I sat down and this is the first song that came up.
A screenshot of a song called "Pretty Girl at the Airport".
RATING: 3.8/5
REVIEW: FemaleFemale. It was a simple airport romance but it was very cute. It was adorable that they used Natasha and Peggy as code names.
9.  THE DICTIONARY OF YOU AND ME BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT
RATING: 4.3/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. I really liked this story. Moss and the guy were really cute together. I love that it was through a book that they met and they had their first meet up in the library.
10.  THE UNLIKELY LIKELIHOOD OF FALLING IN LOVE BY JOCELYN DAVIES
But like I said before, you can't plan for everything.
RATING: 4/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. It was a very cute story. I liked that she incorporated Math and fate together. It was fun but you could predict that she'll be able to meet the guy.
11. 259 MILLION MILES BY KASS MORGAN
RATING: 3.8/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. This was a cute but sad story. How are things supposed to work between them if they are on different planets! I'm glad that Blythe was able to encourage Phillip though. Their scene in the isolation chamber was cute.
12.  SOMETHING REAL BY JULIE MURPHY
She pulls back, lingering for a moment, her lips hovering above mine. "Something real," she says.
RATING: 4.25/5
REVIEW: FemaleFemale. It was a really short but really cute story. Martha and June's connection felt real and adorable. I loved it. I loved the circumstance where they met.
13. SAY EVERYTHING BY HUNTLEY FITZPATRICK
What you get to keep is the friendship- and someday more- of that boy whose life unexpected collided with yours, who made it a resolution to right a wrong, whatever way he could.
RATING: 2.7/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. It was an alright story but not really that amazing. There were times that I felt cringy about the situation but I liked what Sean was doing. He was a good guy.
14. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEAD LOVE BY NICOLA YOON
 "All love ends," she says.
 "Maybe," I say. "But it has to start somewhere."
RATING: 3.5/5
REVIEW: MaleFemale. I liked the concept that there is a department for helping heartbroken people. I even liked Thomas and Gabby together and I predicted it would be them together in the end but I can't help but think about how Sam would feel? He disrupted her life and gave her a way to restore their relationship which she also wanted but just stopped.

| BOOK HAUL - JULY 2018! |




Sunday 15 July 2018

| BOOK - The Oracle Queen by Kendare Blake |

35098022THE ORACLE QUEEN


SYNOPSIS:
A story about the last Oracle Queen.

RATING: 4.3/5
REVIEW: This was such a greatly written short story. It made me feel all sorts of emotion such as happiness, sadness, and anger. I'm glad that I got to find out the story about why the last Oracle Queen had a very bad reputation. There was a lot of betrayal in this short story and it was written amazingly (because it made me really angry). 

SHOULD YOU READ IT: Yes! Especially if you're curious about the last Oracle Queen.


FAVORITE QUOTES:
"You should not have told me about my house, Sonia."
"Why not?"
"Because now there is no one for me to protect by surrendering."


| BOOK - Learn About Loss by Cassandra Clare

37955376LEARN ABOUT LOSS


'But perhaps the illusion of a thing that we can't have is better than nothing at all.'

SYNOPSIS: A story about Brother Zachariah and Sister Emilia retrieving adamas.

RATING: 4.25/5
REVIEW: Nothing much happens in this story. They found out about one maybe important point but it's not really discussed much. The thing that redeemed this short story is Sister Emilia. She was such a fun character and I hope we get to see her again. Also, we get to see a touching moment between Jem and Will! It was so beautiful.

SHOULD YOU READ IT: Yes, it was a quick read.


FAVORITE QUOTES:
Human beings did terrible things to each other, and the traces of those terrible things were everywhere if you looked.

The world was its own sort of crucible, and in it all dreams were tempered and tested. Many crumbled away entirely, and then you went on without them.

You build and you struggle and you fight but the darkness and the abyss will come one day in a great tide and sweep away everything that you love.

"And duck! You really ought to try pressed duck! It's a great delicacy."
Jem looked at Will, suppressing a smile. His friend glared back, but at last neither of them could hold back their laughter. Will said, "There is nothing so sweet as feasting upon the bones of my enemies. Especially with you at my side."

The face of the one you love is the best mirror of all. It shows you your own happiness and your own pain and it helps you to bear both, because to bear either alone is to be overwhelmed by the flood.

| MOVIES I'VE WATCHED SO FAR |

ANIMATION
  1. Coco (10/10)
  2. Megamind (8.8/10)
  3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (8.8/10)
  4. The Emoji Movie (6.3/10)
  5. Persona 5 The Day Breakers (7.8/10)
  6. The Book of Life (7.8/10)
  7. Hotarubi no Morie e (7.3/10)
ASIAN
WESTERN
  1. Taking Lives (10/10)
  2. Ever After (10/10)
  3. A Quiet Place (9.5/10)
  4. Rocketman (9.5/10)
  5. The Greatest Showman (9/10)
  6. Deadpool 2 (9/10)
  7. Avengers: Infinity War (9/10)
  8. Happy Death Day (8.3/10)
  9. Mr. Right (8.25/10)
  10. A Bad Moms Christmas (8/10)
  11. When We First Met (8/10)
  12. Shape of Water (8/10)
  13. Rampage (7.9/10)
  14. This is Where I Leave You (7.8/10)
  15. Goodbye Christopher Robin (7.8/10)
  16. The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (7.6/10)
  17. The Limehouse Golem (7.5/10)
  18. Home Again (7.5/10)
  19. The Wildling (7/10)
  20. Blockers (7/10)
  21. The Edge of Seventeen (6.8/10)
  22. American Pie (6.8/10)
  23. Girls Trip (6.8/10)
  24. The Foreigner (6/10)
  25. Almost Friends (5.8/10)
  26. I Kill Giants (5/10)
  27. November Criminals (3/10)
  28. Just Getting Started (3/10)
  29. Annihilation (3/10)
I've already made 23/41 reviews for the movies part. That's great progress for me!

Friday 13 July 2018

| BOOK - Every Exquisite Thing by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson |

37955375EVERY EXQUISITE THING


'Women should value other women, even if society often did not.'

SYNOPSIS: A story about Anna Lightwood, Cecily and Gabriel's daughter.
RATING: 5/5

REVIEW: Anna Lightwood's introduction story was really lovely to read. I love her. She is amazing. I felt bad for her because of what happened with her love life but I love the fact that her family is awesome. Cecily and Gabriel are awesome parents and I hope other parents are like that. Also, Cassandra Clare was able to include an important point in Jem's part in this story. I really liked knowing that but I want more. I need a name!

SHOULD YOU READ IT: Absolutely. Anna Lightwood is an amazing character.


FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Have you cause any explosions?" she asked Anna.
"Not yet," Anna replied. "But the evening is young."

"I understand your family has a very interesting history," Ariadne said.
"My grandfather was a worm, if that's what you mean," Anna said.
Ariadne laughed aloud. "You didn't like him?"
"I didn't know him," Anna said. "He was, quite literally, a worm."

"I have always known you, my love," Cecily said. "Youare the gem of my heart. My firstborn. My Anna."


| BOOK - Son of the Dawn by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

36408043SON OF THE DAWN


'Consider that by trying to cut yourself off from the possibility of being hurt, you shut the door on love and live in darkness.'

SYNOPSIS: A story about Jace's first arrival to the Lightwood family.
RATING: 4.25/5


REVIEW: This was an interesting start to a new anthology by Cassandra Clare. It's nice to see Jem/Brother Zachariah, Raphael, Lily, and the Lightwoods again. The story wasn't really that relevant to the current events in the ongoing series by Cassandra Clare but it was interesting to see Jace when he first arrived in the New York Institute.


SHOULD YOU READ IT: Sure. It was a quick read.


FAVORITE QUOTES:
"The Whitelaws died defending Downworlders from the people who now occupy their institute."

Zachariah felt he had become acquainted with another reason, besides Magnus's evil vampire ex, why Magnus always seemed to develop a migraine when people mentioned the vampire clan of New York in his presence.


'I'm glad to have met you both, Zachariah added."

"I can't imagine why," said Raphael. "Those names Lily came up with were very bad."

"If you pretend to feel nothing, the pretense may become true, said Jem. That would be a pity."

All these people were struggling not to feel, trying to freeze their hearts inside their chests until the cold fractured and broke them. While Jem would have given every cold tomorrow he had for one more day with a warm heart, to love them as he once had.

If life is a wheel, it will bring you back to me. All I must do is keep faith.

Thursday 12 July 2018

| MOVIE - Coco |


COCO


SYNO
PSISA boy tries to pursue his passion for music even if it's against his family's wishes.
RATING: 10/10
REVIEWI loved this movie. The animation was so beautiful. The story was fun and heartbreaking. I really loved the way everything unfolded. There was justice for the characters that suffered a lot and karma to the one who caused their suffering. I loved that Miguel pursued his passion even if there are many people against it. I loved the family aspect of this. Also, I loved the songs - the fun ones and the heartbreaking ones. 

SHOULD YOU WATCH ITAbsolutely! Especially if you want to watch something very beautiful.
WOULD I WATCH IT AGAINYes (Already watched this 3x).


| #T5W - Best Books You've Read So Far in 2018 |

Top 5 Wednesday is group that was created by Lainey and is currently hosted by Samantha. A topic is posted every month wherein if you want to, you can post about your top 5 picks for said topics.

The topic for July 4th is "Best Books You've Read So Far in 2018". I've only read 15 books so far so this will be an easy decision. 

Click here to see the list of books I've read so far in 2018.



  1. The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan (5/5)
    I really enjoyed reading this installment from the Trials of Apollo series. So many amazing things happened - fun and heartbreaking ones. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between characters develop more. I can't wait for the next one!

  2. Every Exquisite Things by Cassandra Clare (5/5)
    I'm really liking the short stories included in The Ghost of the Shadow Market anthology. Each one has its own focus and heartbreaking moments and they're really interesting to read. However, this is my favorite one. I really like the way Cassandra Clare introduced Anna Lightwood. She's an amazing character and I can't wait to see more of her in The Last Hours series.

  3. Circe by Madeline Miller (4.5/5)
    I don't really know much about Circe so this story really introduced me to her. She's such a powerful character and it's amazing that Madeline Miller was able to create such an interesting take on her life.

  4. The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken (4.25/5)
    This was an interesting read. For a middle grade story, I had fun even though I'm already in my 20s. I really liked the relationship between the characters. It was interesting to see what happened between Alastor and the Redding family.

  5. The Oracle Queen by Kendare Blake (4.25/5)
    For quite some time now I've been curious as to why Oracle Queen's are banned in the present time of the Three Dark Crowns series. Even though this was only a short story, it broke my heart to find out the truth. I'm still angry about what happened and I hope we get to see some revenge.

Wednesday 11 July 2018

| SHOWS I'VE WATCHED SO FAR |

Since we're on the second half of the year, here is a summary of the shows I watched during the months of January - June:



TV SERIES
  1. Medium (7.8/10)
    • I really enjoyed watching this. There were fun moments and heartbreaking moments but I really disliked the ending.
  2. Forever (8.6/10)
    • I like this. It was a very interesting series and I hate that it was canceled.
  3. Brooklyn Nine Nine (12/10)
    • This is such an amazing series. It was funny but there was still a lot of serious scenes. The cast and their relationship with each other was perfect. 
KDRAMA
  1. Because This is My Life (7.6/10)
    • It was a very interesting kdrama. It talked a lot about an adult life. However, I was not in the mood when I watched it so I didn't connect with it much.
  2. A Korean Odyssey (3.5/10)
    • I really hate this one. The effects were amazing but the story was messed up. I did not like any of relationship. 
  3. I'm Not a Robot (9.3/10)
    • This was a beautiful kdrama. I really enjoyed it. I liked the relationship of the cast.
  4. Go Back Couple (9.7/10)
    • I absolutely loved this kdrama. The relationship between the characters was adorable. It was funny at first but it got serious as the story progressed. It was able to deliver an amazing kdrama even though it only had 12 episodes.


ANIME
  1. ReLife (10/10)
    • I loved this. It was so fun and relatable to watch. I wish that there was more episodes.
  2. Angel Beats (7.8/10)
    • It was a very interesting anime. Lots of action. It was enjoyable but I didn't really feel much for the characters.
  3. Daily Lives of High School Boys (6.8/10)
    • It was fun anime. Not much thinking needed. If you want something very light, watch this.
  4. Violet Evergarden (8.8/10)
    • I loved this but it made me cry a lot. Also, the animation was very beautiful.
  5. Overlord II (8/10)
    • I liked this anime but nothing much really happened in this season. Also, it ended in a weak note.
  6. Log Horizon Season 1 (8.5/10)
    • I enjoyed watching this. It was fun but there were still serious parts. 
  7. Shingeki no Kyoujin (9.5/10)
    • I regret not watching this before. It was such an amazing anime even though I don't like gruesome scenes. 
  8. Clean Freak! Aoyama kun (7.3/10)
    • Another light anime. It was such an easy watch but nothing much happened. Nothing to connect to there.
  9. Shokugeki no Soma S3E13 - S3E24 (9/10)
    • I really like the fights in this part of the anime but I wished there was more. Also, I hated that it ended in the middle of the contest/tournament.
I haven't been able to make a review yet for any of the shows I've watched this 2018 but I will make it. Wish me goodluck!

| BOOKS I'VE READ SO FAR |



Since we're on the second half of the year, here is a summary of the books I read during the months of January - June:
  1. The Young Queens by Kendare Blake (4/5)
    • I really liked seeing the girls as they were growing up - with each other and apart.
  2. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (4/5)
    • I liked that we get to see some of the other worlds. Interesting adventure but the writing wasn't as beautiful as in the other books.
  3. The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken (4.25/5)
    • I really liked the interactions between Prosper and Alastor. It was an enjoyable read.
  4. The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (3.5/5)
    • I really liked seeing Dash and Lily again but I really did not like many of the things that happened.
  5. Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet (3.8/5)
    • Interesting compilations of short stories. Some were interesting and some were not.
  6. Mirrored by Alex Flinn (3.7/5)
    • I really liked Alex Flinn's twist on Snow White. It was an interesting read even though there were lagging parts.
  7. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (3.6/5)
    • I really liked the premise of the story. I enjoyed the first half but things got confusing and annoying by the second half.
  8. Son of the Dawn by Cassandra Clare (4.25/5)
    • It was interesting seeing a young Jace and Jem's interactions with Raphael and the other vampires.
  9. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (4/5)
    • It was an interesting take on the Indian Mythology. I liked what happened and the characters but it did remind me a lot of the first book of Percy Jackson.
  10. The Oracle Queen by Kendare Blake (4.3/5)
    • It was very interesting to know what happened to the last Oracle Queen. I'm still mad at what happened.
  11. Circe by Madeline Miller (4.5/5)
    • I enjoyed seeing Madeline Miller's take on the life of Circe. It was an interesting read especially if you like Greek Mythology.
  12. The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan (5/5)
    • I love this book. So many amazing things happened (as well as heartbreaking) and I can't wait for the next one!
  13. Cast Long Shadows by Cassandra Clare (4.75/5)
    • I felt so bad for Matthew in this book. It was interesting to see what might be a conflict in the upcoming The Last Hours series.
  14. Every Exquisite Thing by Cassandra Clare (5/5)
    • I really like Anna Lightwood. She's amazing and her whole family is amazing too. I can't wait to see them in TLH series.
  15. Learn about Loss by Cassandra Clare (4.5/5)
    • Nothing much happens in this book but I enjoyed meeting Sister Emilia. I also felt happy seeing Will and Jem together.
I only have reviews for ten of the books I've read so far but i'm planning on making reviews for the other ones in the following days.

FAVORITE BOOK SO FAR: The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

| BOOKS I READ IN 2020 |

I managed to finish my Goodreads reading challenge this year. Hooray! I re-read 15 books, but still, I managed to read 30 (8 are manga). Als...