| 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; 

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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."

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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.

| Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake |

TITLE: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

PAGES: 285 (Ebook)
SERIES: Three Dark Crowns #1

SYNOPSIS: Three sisters have to kill each other to determine which one will become the next queen.

Three dark sistersall fair to be seen,two to devourand one to be Queen.

RATING: 4/5

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: When I heard about this book, I was immediately intrigued. I didn't even notice it was written by Kendare Blake until after I started reading it. I really like the gruesome plot of this book even though it's terrible because they're sisters. It was interesting to read about. I liked the fact that each of the queen candidate had their own point of view and we get to know each of them. There are some boring parts in this book and the pacing wasn't really that fast but I found it quite enjoyable to read especially the second half. The first half was for building up the story and introducing characters and the second half was the real drama. I was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of characters in this book but it was alright after I got used to them. Each queen candidate had their own set of characters who raised them. I really liked Arsinoe among the three candidates. She's the most down to earth and fun character. Her interactions and bond with Jules and Joseph were fun. I'm also happy that she got to know Billy. The second candidate I liked was Katharine. Her training is the most harsh because of the poisons. I liked her interactions with Natalia and Pietyr. I liked how fierce the Aaron family were (even though they're quite harsh at times especially Genevieve). Mirabella was the least candidate I liked. There's something about her that really annoyed me especially at the end. Among the three type of powers: naturalist, elemental, poisoner - I liked naturalist most because nature is wonderful and omg food. I was really surprised by the twist in this book and I'm excited to read more about this world in the next book.

• I really felt bad for Katharine. She was the one who led the most harsh life. Her only happiness was Natalia before Pietyr came. I really felt bad for what happened to her. Why did Pietyr push her off the Brecca domain? I think it was only to prevent her from suffering at the hands of the priestesses but it's sad that he didn't know that it didn't happen at all. And how did Katharine survive? What is her true power? Maybe she's the naturalist so she had help from nature and that's how she survived.
• I'm curious to see if the war and sight power will be used in the next book. They have been introduced so it won't make sense if they didn't have a role in the next book.
• Jules is an interesting character to read about. I'm amazed at her power. I'm curious to see why she's so powerful. Maybe there's a reasoning behind that. Maybe Jules is a fourth sister? Anyone? She's too powerful.
• Joseph and Mira's relationship annoyed me so much. I mean Mira wtf? You only met the guy and you decided to have sex with him? Really? And Joseph, you had Jules. Why the hell would you do it with Mira? Damn they are really annoying. I was also mad at Joseph for still pursuing Jules after what he had done. I mean yeah he admitted the truth but he still chose Mira at the end and I feel bad for Jules for that. 
• The temple is really desperate and are full of psychos. Rho omg what the hell is with that brutal thinking? Maybe she had a war power before she became a priestess that's why she likes torturing others?
• I really liked Billy. He was a good friend to Arsinoe. He even showed his loyalty during the disembarking and he tried to help her escape because he didn't want her to die.
• Is Queen Camille stupid or did she switch her children's power on purpose? Why did Arsinoe - the poisoner - end up at the hands of the naturalist? How will that affect the next story?
• How did the tradition of killing siblings even begin? Why that way? Couldn't they live in harmony and accept whichever was crowned?
• What happens to the Queen after she gives birth? What if she gives birth again after her retirement? What happens to the other children?
• Elizabeth is a great character and I hate what the priestesses did to her. I hope the corrupt and greedy priestesses will get punished in the next book for the terrible things they've done.
• I was devastated for Arsinoe when she dreamt of the bear and the bear tried to kill her. It would've made a great familiar.
• It was great to see how much Natalia cared for Katharine. She even did her best to create an unpoisoned gave noir for Katharine so that she would survive.
• I guess I don't like Mira because she's controlled by the priestesses. She's so naive and thought that just because she's powerful she would get her way. She didn't realize that the priestesses were controlling her.
• I wonder what's up with Low magic and how come Madrigal uses it everytime? What will happen to them because they've used it a lot.
• I really liked the ending even though it was a cliffhanger. Damnnnnnn who the hell sent the poisoned candies? It was surprising to find out that Arsinoe is really the poisoner.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

Katharine looks around at the tall stacks of leather-bound books. "Queen Camille liked them," she says. "She liked to read about mainland queens. Did you know that is where Arsinoe got her name?" "I did not.""There was a queen on the mainland who was murdered by her sister. She was called Arsinoe too. So when Arsinoe was born weak, that is what she named her. Arsinoe the naturalist."

"It mattered," he says against her. "But God, I wish it hadn't."  

Billy stands below the cliffs and looks up at her. He bows, deep and slow, and the crowd murmurs. Arsinoe holds her breath. He bows only to her.  

“I want revenge." She whispers, and her fingers trail bloody streaks down Natalia's arms."And then I want my crown.”   

"I'm a poisoner." 

| MOST AWAITED BOOKS OF 2017 |

1. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (February 7, 2017)
2. Like A Memory by Abbi Glines (February 14, 2017)
3. A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab (February 21, 2017)
4. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (March 28, 2017)
5. The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan (May 2, 2017)
6. Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh (May 16, 2017)
7. Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (May 23, 2017)
8. Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy (June 11, 2017)
9. Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab (June 13, 2017)
10. Without Merit by Colleen Hoover (August 1, 2017)
11. One Dark Crown by Kendare Blake (September 19, 2017)
12. The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan (October 3, 2017)
13. The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare (November 2017)

A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab :D

Title: A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab
Pages: 416 (Ebook)
Series: Shades of Magic #2

Summary: Follow Kell and Lila in their lives apart from each other after the events in A Darker Shade of Magic. It also shows the events in the Essen Tasch - The Element Games which is a tournament involving powerful magicians from the different regions of Red London.

Rating: 4.5/5

"People could only hurt you if you cared enough to let them."

A Darker Shade of Magic was one of my favorite books in 2015. I have been waiting a while for the sequel to come out. When I first read it, I stopped after a couple of pages because I had some academic stuffs to do. I decided to read it later on and what do you know, I read it in just a couple of days. It was worth the time spent procrastinating my academic stuffs. This review is very late about 6 months I think?

Writing, World, Story: VE Schwab's writing is one of the most beautiful writings I have ever read. I loved reading this book. The world she created using the parallel Londons was really interesting to read and even though the story of this book isn't really that much eventful and only served as kind of the stepping stone to the next one, I loved it. I liked A Darker Shade of Magic more though. The Essen Tasch was an amazing tournament to read about. The fights between characters were really entertaining especially reading about characters who can use multiple elements. There are many fun scenes which I enjoyed. Backstories about different characters were told and the adventures of Lila and Kell apart was shown. It was interesting and fun to meet Alucard and see his connections and interactions with the main characters. I can't wait for the next book because this one ended in a really cliffhanger-y twist.

BEWARE: The following will kind of include spoilers.

• I felt devastated by King George III's death. You can feel that Kell felt devastated about his death especially since his heir is such an ass.
• It was hard to see Rhy and Kell suffer because what Kell did. I love that they're both alive however it's a half life and they are having trouble enjoying life because they are dependent on one another.
• It was interesting to read about Lila's adventure at sea and how she became the Sarow. I'm really curious as to why she was able to develop magic even though she came from Grey London and she's a strong one at that. She really likes being endangered seeing as she joined the tournament. I love that she was able to keep up although I feel bad for Kell because he didn't want to see her get beaten up.
• I really liked Lila and Alucard together. They were a fierce team. It's kind of sad that Alucard is kind of a jerk. He's terrible for seducing her for information. However, their friendship is one that I like. 
• I didn't notice Lila had a weak eye? Or I just forgot.
• I hate how Kell was treated by the King and Queen. Sure he was mainly at fault for what happened in the first book but it wasn't all his fault. The Danes were the ones who ruined things and it's terrible that they can't forgive Kell even after all that he has sacrificed for the kingdom. 
• I love that Kell and Lila finally kissed. I really liked them together. I love their interactions and their subtle flirting. I love watching Calla ship them and wait patiently for them to come together.
• I'm surprised to see why Kell hated Alucard. For leaving and breaking Rhy's heart. I'm confused whether Alucard really likes Rhy because he flirted with him again after he came back.
• I feel bad for Holland. He only wants to rule and save White London but the Shadow took over. He controlled Holland and may end up destroying Red London which is a terrible thing.
• Poor Master Tieran. He had to keep many secrets especially for Kell and Lila. It's funny how he keeps denying that he knows who their identities really are.
• I'm really surprised at how it ended. I'm excited to see what powers will Lila open up in the next and finale book. I can't wait!

FAVORITE LINES:

"You bastard," hissed Kell."Lover?" wondered the girl.Rhy sank back onto his heels, and then twisted with a languid grace, reclining on the moss. "Brother," he explained."Go," Kell ordered the girl. She looked disconcerted, but she gathered her dress around her and left all the same, while Rhy got unsteadily to his feet and cast about for his shirt. "I thought you were being attacked!""Well..." Rhy slipped the tunic gingerly over his head. "In a way, I was." 

"You are an incomparable ass"Rhy only chuckled. "How was I to know she would be so rough with me?""I'm going to kill you.""You can't," said Rhy simply, spreading his arms. "You made sure of it." 

"Call me Holland." 

They held each other's gazes. Kell resisted the urge to stab a fork into his own leg just to watch his brother wince. 

The only other person who'd ever managed to find what they want in its pockets was Lila. He'd never found out how she'd done that. Traitorous coat. 

And if you want the honest truth unless you find some release - Rhy stopped pacing - "I'll end up strangling you myself." 

"Yes, well, most competitors don't truly need to maintain their anonymity, but your features are... unique.""Are you calling me ugly? 

"I know where you sleep, Bard."She smirked. "Then you know I sleep with knives." 

"I was just wishing I'd killed you months ago," she said with easy cheer, relishing the way Alucard nearly choked on his wine."Oh, Bard," he teased, "does that mean you've since developed a fondness for me?""Fondness is a weakness," she said automatically.At that, Alucard stopped smiling, and set his glass aside. He leaned forward and considered her for a long moment, and then he said, "I'm sorry." He sounded so ... earnest, which made Lila instantly suspicious. Alucard was many things, but genuine wasn't usually one of them"For growing on me?" she asked.He shook his head. "For whatever happened to you. For whoever hurt you so deeply that you see things like friends and fondness as weapons instead of shields." Lila felt the heat rising to her cheeks."It's kept me alive, hasn't it?" 

Maybe, but in that moment all she knew was that Alucard was kissing her, and then she was kissing him back.  

"I'd love to press the point," he said, "but first ..." He cleared his throat, and looked down at the knife she had resting against the inside of his leg."Reflex," she said with a smirk, returning the weapon to its sheath. 

"It would be an interesting match...."Kell kept his smile fixed. "I will stab you with this pin.""You would suffer.""It would be worth-" 

"You tried to seduce me, for information.""You can't hold that against me forever.""It was last night." 

"I don't like that look," Alucard said, twisting chest and cat away."What look?" asked Lila innocently."The look that says Esa might conveniently go missing if I tell you what she's worth." Lila snorted. "But if you must know, she's only priceless because I keep my heart inside her, so no one can steal it." He smiled when he said it, but Esa didn't even blink."Is that so?" 

Her room had four bodies, but only two beds."This'll  be cozy," said Tav."No." said Lila in decisive, if broken, Arnesian. "I don't share beds-""Tac?" teased Vasry, dropping his chest on the floor. "Surely we can work something ou-""- because I have the habit of stabbing people in my sleep," she finished coolly. Vasry had the decency to pale a little. 

"Don't you see?" said Calla. "He wasn't coming to pay your debt. He was coming to see if you'd returned to pay it yourself." Lila felt her face go hot. "I do not know why you two are circling each other like stars. It is not my cosmic dance. But I do know that you come asking after one another, when only a few strides and a handful of stairs divide you." 

Kell had a half a mind to sink the ship, but that would only cause trouble, and if Rhy found out, he'd probably throw a tantrum or stab himself out of spite.So he had settled for glaring at the Spire, and letting his imagination do the rest. 

"I said," snarled Kell through clenched teeth, "that if you break my brother's heart a second time, I will cut yours out. I stand by that promise, Alucard." 

"What are you supposed to be?" she asked in Arnesian. "A fish?"Alucard made a noise of mock affront. "Obviously," he said, brandishing the helmet, "I'm a dragon.""Wouldn't it make more sense for you to be a fish?" challenged Lila. "After all, you do live on the sea, and you are rather slippery, and -""I'm a dragon," he interjected. "You're just not being very imaginative.""Besides, I am not competing for House Emery. I am competing for myself. And if you would see the rest of my outfit, you wouldn't-""Do you have wings? Or a tail?""Well, no, those would get in the way. But I do have more scales.""So does a fish.""Go away," he snapped, but there was humor in his voice, and soon they fell into an easy laugh, and then remembered where they were. Who they were. 

"You're right," continued Rhy, "I should have just drawn a frowning face. But then everyone would know it's you. I thought this was rather fitting."Kell muttered something unkind as he shoved the banner into his pocket. 

"Stop," said Kell. "Please. I don't want to heart about your romantic interludes with the man currently posing as me." 

"Saints, you're seeing her in everyone and everything now, Kell? There's a word for that.""Hallucnation?""Infatuation." 

"Oh, trust me, child, that's the last thing I'll do. When you get caught, I plan on feigning ignorance about all of this." He lowered his voice, and added, mostly to himself, "This tournament will be the death of me." 

"I'm not your father, Bard.""I should hope not. Fathers shouldn't try to seduce their daughters to learn their secrets."He shook his head ruefully. "It was one time." 

"Please tell me this is easier to take off than it was to put on."Calla raised a brow. "You do not think Master Kell knows how?" 

He looked as though he were looking for someone.And Lila had a feeling that someone was her. 

"Why did you ask me to dance?"He almost smiled. A ghost. A trick of the light. "So you couldn't run away again before I said hello.""Hello," said Lila."Hello," said Kell. "Where have you been?"Lila smirked. "Why, did you miss me?"Kell opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again before finally managing to answer, "Yes." 

"You look..." he started, then trailed off."Ridiculous?""Incredible." 

"You could just ..." he whispered, "stay.""Or you could go," she countered, "with me." 

"You look like hell."Alucard's words rang through her head, the only thing he'd said that morning when she wished him luck."You say the sweetest things," she'd grumbled before escaping into her own tent. 

"What did that vase ever do to you?" she asked, tipping her shoulder against the wall.Rhy looked up, his amber eyes rimmed with red."An innocent bystander, I'm afraid," he said. The words came out hollow, humorless.He ducked his head and let out a shuddering sigh. Lila hesitated. She knew she should probably bow, kiss his hand, or swoon-at the very lease explain what she was doing there, in the private palace halls, as close to the prison as anyone would let her-but instead she flicked her fingers, producing a small blade. "Who do I need to kill?" 

Whatever I am, she thought, pressing her hand to the wall, let it be enough.