Freaking out moments #19 - Shadows of Self Book Cover by Chris McGrath

Alright guys, this is the moment. Tor.com just posted the new Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn book cover! It was done up by an artist named Chris McGrath. He's so talented. All his stuff are so beautiful. I wanted to know who are the models in it. They looked darn smart!!!

Seriously, I can't...  I just can't control myself. Just look at this beauty! Just look!

I have a weak heart... I can't take in such teaser. And it's only February now. The book will only be out by Oct 2015 for crying out loud! This is too much to handle... Too much!!!

There are so much feelings that I can't fathom myself to control it. It's like you want it but you can't have it. I'm having a mild disorder right now. why? Why? WHY???

Series Challenge 2015

I saw this challenge from a book blogger (The Book Rogue) who's hosting it this year. I thought it would be cool participate this challenge. So, without further ado, here are some of the rules of how to gain points:

• Re-read a book in a series: +1
• Buy/borrow a book to finish a series: +2
• Read a new (for you) book in a series: +4
• Finish a series: +6
• Buy/borrow a book from a new series: -8

 So, set a goal for yourself to achieve it, or you can just collect points along the way and see where it goes -- maybe you will surprise yourself at the end of the year. And yes, for the last book in a series you get 10 points!

Duration: 01 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2015

Saga Series 08 - Chapter Eight by Brian K. Vaughan

No way!!! No freaking way!!! I did not see that coming, seriously... When is this series gonna stop this shocking crap by making me numb every single time I read it. I would never give up this up! It's so good to the point that I can't handle my emotions!

I was surprise there were emotional elements in this. Literally caught by surprise to this. Nearly shed my manly tears. I can't... I just can't...

The end just makes me goes:

This is so good guys, please take this up and read it!

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

A Series of Unfortunate Events 05 - The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket

Now, the more I read this series, the more I like how smart these kids are. Though they are EXTREMELY unfortunate (obviously) but I think many readers are missing out the point that they are really smart. They can adapt to many of their misfortunes in order to get their way. I don't know what the end will be but I think there's something about this series that the author has to give.

This book has a turn of event, it kind of left me with a cliffhanger. Now, that is goooood writing... They've made some really good friends and they were left with a clue. And it literally makes me go "What the heck... What is this (v.d.f) thing"? I was left dumbfounded... and I looked like this towards the end.

(Yep, that's Mark from Mark's Read!)

Can't wait to read what the next book has to offer!

#WLGYLemony

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5  stars

Goodreads Review Link

'Readers Column' in our local newspaper.

I'm not too sure about your local news press on readers column but I always have an inclination that our local reader's column are usually underwhelmed by our very own local audiences. 

For once, I think the recommendations are really up-to-date with all sorts of diverse genres. Moreover, their recommendations does not confine to just a few genres. More often than not, award winning literary fiction books have been greatly introduced to us without hesitation. Our local reviewers did their researched fairly up-to-par with world standards book critics benchmarking status. (Now that's something to shout about.)

Well, at least, we should appreciate these people behind the scene all the more! I might have neglected the local press for quite sometime now due to the fact that all news covers are solely one-sided. Nevertheless, the lifestyle section still puts in a strong viable effort in their creativity juice. Especially on books! 

I personally think reading is a lifestyle! Many young ones are venturing into scenic photography, coffee cafés hoppers/reviewers, dinings experiences, travelling exposure... etc. Why not get into the lifestyle of reading books in general? Why aren't we reading enough? Why aren't we having enough public libraries to borrow from? 

Our neighbouring country has at least 27 public libraries in their residential community areas. (e.g. Shopping Complexes too!) I have not talk about the private ones. I think we should learn to cultivate this as a viral habit!

And a gist of what is being lay out in our local newspaper. It's really interesting! They've introduced my favourite author - Brandon Sanderson!

Courtesy of "The Star" - Star2 section by Sandra Low

I say, let's hype this up and make this column an active one, the reading community from where I'm at is way too small. No wonder Authors are not coming here to visit and to sign our books! There are no demands for them coming over at all.

Speaking of reading diversely, the readership here has a lot of local taste with our local culture. I do wish that most of our local authors would also hype this up by collaborating with these reviewers  by promoting their books furthermore. 

Let's spread the reading love Malaysians!

Freaking out moments #18 - Tan Wai Kit (aka Bolehlandnet)

What makes blogging fun is that the author directly responds to any of the social media links that has something to do with their works (hard works). In the matter of speaking, Tan Wai Kit (an illustrator from the Bolehland) has just re-tweeted my tweet via twitter. This is so freaking awesome! Should get his autograph one day... stoked!

A Series of Unfortunate Events 04 - The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket

Well, well, well... this is a pleasant surprise to the series. The repetition is still there but the setting on how the Baudelaire have been treated here is way more interesting. All I can say is that the series is progressively changing as both characters and plots are coming to a much more challenging phase!

As we all know all 3 kids are talented respectively. Inventor, Reader & Biter! Now, in this plot, one of the Baudelaire has been compromised and the remaining 2 are suppose to inter-adapt these impromptu talent in a short period of time. Foxy!

Towards the end, all 3 kids are able take on each others talent with a beautiful blast by saving the day and losing that idiot once more. Moreover, the villain now has a new accomplice (which is a 2nd prominent & smart villain)  in this book which made the task even tougher to solve. Dr. Georgina Orwell. Is this sometime kind of hint that the author's favourite author might be the famous "George Orwell"? Great stuff to know about your author while you're reading!

Mr.Poe has become smarter now. His character is starting to grow in me as the series goes on. Mr. Sir is irritating as hell. Charles & Phil are exceptionally nice. Too nice indeed. The optimism of Phil is driving me nuts actually. Haha!!! I can't wait for the 5th book now.

#WLGYLemony

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Harry Potter Series 01 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Finally! I have finished the first book from the ever so famous Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Back when I was a student, I wasn't even able to touch any of these books at all. I have my fair share of history of being restraint from reading these series. 

Sarcastically, I would love to thank the one who speaks against reading this series over at the pulpit of fear that the idea of witchcraft would seep into our daily lives. Verdict after reading the first book, I don't even have a hint of curiosity on witchcraft at all. Practically speaking, who would even want to venture into something so dark?

I love how we are being introduced with the world of Muggles (humans) and then to the world of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The transition from one world to another was fascinatingly amazing with so much awe and jaw-dropping scenery. The magnitude of how Hogwarts were being described is mesmerizing.

I, for one, would love to witness the majestic scale of The Great Hall especially during their Christmas season. It is really to die for. What makes it even greater is how all those wonderful delicacies were being displayed and described. 

Characters are fairly well written and I can never get enough with all the conversations between Ron, Hermione & Harry! British hilarious. Always love their come backs. It's always a lot of insults with posh and styles.

Plot wise was intriguing enough to grip you from the very start even for a middle-grade. Clues and suspense are well planted into their conversations. Suspicion on the main idea is even greater as the book progresses.

Hint: Dumbledore has given his opinion on death which would be greater and the definition of the truth will be ugly and painful to be borne for the rest of ones life.

As of now, I cannot wait to read about their upcoming adventures until the day comes with full explanations on how it all started.

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

A Series of Unfortunate Events 03 - The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket

Another great follow up with the series. This round, the setting is slightly different, though it is still repetitive from the previous 2 books in the series. I very much prefer the story in this with Aunt Josephine instead of the one with Uncle Monty.

Mind you, I like Uncle Monty very much, it's just the story that was being conveyed in The Reptile Room wasn't to my liking. This was more adventurous than the the previous 2.

And, the author makes me want to read up stuff on Alexander the Great in lieu with the Gordon knot story. Now, this is even encouraging and interesting to move on to the next book.

#WLGYLemony 

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars.

Goodreads Review Link

Epic Reads Book Tag

I have never done a tag before. This would be a my very first. Let's see how this goes.

Q1. If you could invite one author and one of their fictional characters to tea, who would you invite and what would you serve them? 

I would wanna invite...
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Fictional Character: Marco Alisdair (from "The Night Circus")


I have invited both Brandon and Marco for a reason by hoping Marco could bring us all into this magical place where he creates this crazy out-of-the-world fantasy work of art. Subsequently, he is to inspire Brandon to write something where both of them are able discuss on how mind-blowing fantasy world would be for Brandon's readers to enjoy for his upcoming future books. I will be serving them crazy Asian-cum-Western fusion tidbits with special beverage that burst into crazy flavours for all of our pleasure. 

Q2. What book do you wish the author would write a prequel for?

The Bible. I wish God could write a prequel on The Bible on everything that has happened before Genesis. (Whoa!!! I will be so flabbergasted.)

Q3. Which two characters (NOT from the same book) do you think would make a good couple?

Chiyo-San (from Memoirs of a Geisha) & Wayne (from The Alloy Of Law)

They both would definitely be a smashing couple! Chiyo is exotically beautiful and talented while Wayne would entertain her with his metal bendalloy magic & wittiness by slowing down time around them and speeding it up just for themselves in a bubble. Hence, Wayne will bring so much joy and laughter into Chiyo's life. Awwww...

Q4. If you ran into your favourite author on the subway and only could say one sentence to them who is it and what would it be?

The probability of meeting authors within my location would be Ernest Ng (our local comic book artist). I would ask "Could you draw a mock up version of me in a comic dimension?"

I am always curious to know how a comic artist sees me in the comic world. It would be so fun and interesting!

Q5. What book make you a reader and why?

I never have the habit of reading until the Hardy Boys series that was given to me during school breaks, which got me back on track with reading. I was at the age of 12 then. Thanks to my aunt who sends those wonderful books to me!

Q6. Incendio! Your bookshelf just caught on fire. Show us the one book you save.

The Bible. (nuff said) 

Q7. Which dystopian world would you want to live in if you had to choose one? Why?

All dystopian worlds are crap! Honestly! If I would really have to choose one, I would choose the world from "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, and I would then appreciate both lives with and without colours all at the same time.

Q8. What is your most epic read of all time?

The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Mind blowing-Ly EPIC!!!

Do a book shimmy??? Here goes!!!

Who do I tag? These are some of my favourite booktubers which I love to see them doing. I hope they don't hate me for doing this. LOL!!!


1) Erika (Snogging on Sunday Books) - She did it!!! She's so awesome with all her deep thoughts book discussion! Her book range are really diversely! She's funny too!

2) Wiebke (1book1review) - She did it too!!! You guys should check her out, her books choices are diversely interesting. I always love her subtle humour! She's amazing!

3) Mike (Bitten by a radioactive book)
4) Franzi (BookParty!)

Bolehland: The Epic Journey of Two Guys In Malaysia by Dan Khoo & Tan Wai Kit

Alright, here goes with my honest review about this book. It's fantastic! It's raw, it's honest, not to forget funny! Impressively crafted with originality! One might add, reading up about these guys are excruciatingly humbling! They don't tell you life is a bed of roses, they tell you what crap they've gone through to be where they are today. I like them already!

This is somehow a semi-autobiographical graphic novel of 2 guys crawling through their college years with great/humiliating moments. A dream that turns out to be a reality and how painfully they have to sacrifice in order to achieve it. As the title has proven, THE journey of 2 guys. No doubt, it is a painful journey but it's a colourful one.

There are reasons why this book is to my liking. First, they care to introduce themselves (thoroughly). Second, their comic strips are topical. I guess anyone who reads it is able to relate to them in many ways.

There are the few strips that I can really relate to:
"Food Stock Market" - I can so relate this! Especially now!
"That Bus Ride" - I had a few encounter myself... So true!
"Types of Toilet Behaviour" - I can't stop laughing!!!
"Alcohol Myth" - I don't understand either, beer sucks!
"Status Update" - Haha!!! Been there done that... no idea why?
"Telemarketer" - Was in that shoe before! LOL!!!

All the more, this is their journey in the college days and I am anticipating for BOOK TWO. Don't let their wittiness stop you from thinking that they are not serious, with this book, it's enough to prove that they are passionate with what they like to do. Bravo to a great start!

Dan Khoo - Our famous local Youtuber! Loving his controversial video topics! Maybe the next Yasmin Ahmad?
(YouTube Link)

Tan Wai Kit - A Financial Analyst by day, an artist by night? Heard that he's a golf fanatic. Who knows, he might be our very own Tiger Woods in the making.

They both produced a weekly comic strip website called Bolehland too. Check it out!

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link