Friday, January 30, 2015

The Mistborn Series 04 - The Alloy Of Law by Brandon Sanderson

http://www.bookdepository.com/Alloy-Law-Brandon-Sanderson/9780765368546/?a_aid=jbblkh

A great continuation of the Mistborn Trilogy. We are being introduced with New World! New Characters! New Magic System! I just can't get enough... 

Plot wise, I would say it's a good premise to start off with tons of loop holes in this and by anticipating the next trilogy by Dec 2015 and Jan 2016. Gosh... I am still in love with the new magic system that co-inside with steam punk element which made it even more interesting than before. 

The chemistry between Wax and Wayne. So funny & witty all at the same time. Seriously, you just want to go on reading about 2 of them insulting each other with never ending funny sarcasms. There is no keeping them apart when they know they needed each other.

Epilogue has brought forth a new suspicious character which I suspect it might be the legendary "Spook".  I might be wrong. I can't wait til December now.

Ratings: 4.8 stars out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Freaking out moments #17 - Carol Rifka Brunt

You know what gets me? When a book I love so much, rave about it, shout out via twitter about and reviewed it. And... the author of the book favorited my tweet! Yes... Yes... It's none other than Carol Rifka Brunt!

Guys, please just read "Tell The Wolves I'm Home", it's really good.

She's on Goodreads too!

 

Friday, January 16, 2015

Saga Series 07 - Chapter Seven by Brian K. Vaughan

http://www.bookdepository.com/Saga-2-Brian-Vaughan/9781607066927/?a_aid=jbblkh

Ooo... I think I'm enjoying this chapter even more. The background story of how Marko was brought up with his parents was really good. Hidden agenda for their surprise visits were told. Many unforgivable grudges were pronounced based on their past history through their conversations. 

Their body language of hate is just right out to your face...


A great start to a Volume 02 in the series.

Ratings: 4.75 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

http://www.bookdepository.com/Tell-Wolves-Im-Home-Carol-Rifka-Brunt/9781447202141/?a_aid=jbblkh

This book is just too beautiful. Set in the 80s where the idea of AIDS was still a paranoia to many. (due to the lack of awareness) We are being placed into June's world by bringing us back to  a 14 year old's mind. One might call it the year of social awkwardness whilst discovering adulthood and sexuality all at the same time.

This book narrates beautifully how each individual were struggling through their mourning period. It's crushes your soul so much to the point where sorrow and bitterness needed so much time and healing. Ugly truths were unfold on a gradual basis which breaks the readers heart so much however you would still want to know more.

This is how I really felt half-way through the book.

Communication is truly the ultimate core values between families, siblings, and friendship... etc. My questions to ourselves is going to be:
1) Were any of our choices needed a lot sacrifice? 
2) When the price is paid, is it really worth it for the rest of your life with no regrets?

Reconciliation with love, restoration with heartfelt warmth is the author's strongest point. I shed my manly tears after reading the ending of this book with so much joy and hope for Elbus. 

What a splendid read!

Favourite quotes from the book:

"Watching people is a good hobby, but you  have to be careful about it. You can't let people catch you staring at them. If people catch you, they treat you like a first-class criminal."
(I do have this hobby!)

"I was relieved that the party was canceled. It wasn't only the shy thing, the total social retardation."
(I'm a social retard... haha!)

"Somehow the thought of it being my mother's (anyone) fault seemed worse than taking it on myself."
(The guilt is breaking me apart!!!)

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Saturday, January 10, 2015

A Series of Unfortunate Events 02 - The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket


A wonderful follow up of the series. As you were being brought into a new place, you will be thinking is this a new villain. Heck no! There were mysteries revolves in the 2nd book which makes it more interesting. 

Author never fails to interact with his audience still, which is a good thing to stray your mind aways from some "tense" moment. Haha! As I was reading, I am aware that that the Baudelair children are more mature now. Sunny is one character that caught me by surprise in this book.

Let's see what the 3rd book has to give. #WLGYLemony 

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

A Series of Unfortunate Events 01 - The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket


It's a start of a great series. Great relationship between the siblings. Violet, Klaus & Sunny are brilliant with their own special abilities. Although the antagonist is Count Olaf, I would like to read more of who Count Olaf is. More of his background. More of his plan to get hold of the Baudelaire's inheritance.

In regards with the author's writing, I like how the author interacts with his readers while one is reading this book. Moreover, I too like how the author define some difficult words for his readers. He is literally encouraging Middle Grade to read and learn at the same time! It is really a good way of imparting vocabulary 101 session for his readers. (Including me!... Shhh!!!)

Overall, it is a wonderful read. I will definitely go on with the series! #WLGYLemony

Ratings: 4.75 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Monday, January 5, 2015

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

http://www.bookdepository.com/Hiding-Place-Corrie-Ten-Boom/9780800794057/?a_aid=jbblkh

I have never read such a beautiful & powerful non-fiction autobiographical book by Corrie (Cornelia) Ten Boom. This book has a lot to treasure from what they have learn before and after being held at the concentration camp during the holocaust period. I have to admit, I shed manly tears while reading this, it's so raw and genuine at the same time. 

I think I'm gonna take excerpts out from the book of what has spoken to me while I was reading. So much feelings that I can't fathom myself to put it down into my own words.

“But,” she said, “this is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future that only He can see.”

I can't give her enough credit to what has been said. This is what my mom always tells me whenever I faced challenges in life (especially I think that person is difficult). However, in this context, Corrie has brought on a whole different level to it while it was a tough experience in the concentration camp to say something to sharp.

“They’re putting their lives on the line for what they believe,” she would say. “Why shouldn’t I?”

It was her journey to share what Christ has done and in certain countries/places, this means risking her life in prison or deportation. However, such encouragement was being spelled out when she didn't put herself as the ONLY evangelist.

And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need—just in time.”


“Corrie,” he began instead, “do you know what hurts so very much? It’s love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. “There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or, Corrie, we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel. “God loves Karel—even more than you do—and if you ask Him, He will give you His love for this man, a love nothing can prevent, nothing destroy. Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way.”

Such encouraging words from Casper Ten Boom (Father of Corrie).

“I shall use this place—wherever they’re taking us,” he said. “It will be my witness stand for Jesus.”

This was spoken by a Jew, whom has accepted Christ, was captured to deport. Wherever they are bringing him, he will never ceased to spread the love of Jesus during such difficult times.

At the very end, Corrie was so torn when she met a guard during her concentration camp at the end of her sharing session in Germany, whether to stretch out her hands as an act of forgiveness. And the most amazing this happen. Read it!

 A picture of where the Hiding Place was held during the Holocaust. The Ten Boom's Beje has became a famous Museum in Netherlands.

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars.

Goodreads Review Link