Dystopia and Derelict Dreams (A Poetry Collection) - ARC Review

"I wonder how you could feel stuffed up and hollow at the same time"

I was given this ARC for an honest review, and truly, it is an honor to be given the chance to do so. I am no expert or a professional blogger and book reviewer so I'm kind of anxious but nonetheless thrilled. It wasn't hard to say 'yes' considering I would be doing this for a dear friend, I was just worried that I wouldn't do justice for his fruit of labor. But, I am one poetry-collection-read richer so here it goes...

The title alone is catchy (at least for me. Dystopia, people!). It already implies depth and character. I've already expected emotional lines and angsty proclamations, but I was impressed at how well-defined the entries are after reading the whole thing. It started out simple, evolving into sophisticated and better-crafted poetry. I could feel frustration and desperation and loneliness clamoring to be noticed, but I love how boldness and honesty overpowered the fear of being cast aside and fear of being lost, leading to admission and confrontation of one's hellish experiences. At least that's how all it got to me. Death, loss, misery, heartache, they're all part of life and I'm awed how someone as young as the author is could write and express such poignant truths. I was sad, and a tugging at my heartstrings is so constant from start to finish of reading this book. I hated to think that the author may have had to go through most of the things told. This is not for the faint-hearted. It could leave you all messed up--emotionally. (Not kidding. At all.) That's how good it was written. 

A read-worthy and impressive debut.

Some of my favorites are: ODE TO MOVING ON, STONE COLD, CATCHING FEELINGS, PIECES OF ADVICE, TRAPPED, and IT BROKE ME. 

I've known for awhile that the author is way too good with words and yes, my expectation was high after learning that he will be self-publishing his poetry collection. He didn't disappoint. I am so proud right now I wish I could hug him and personally congratulate him for a job well done. I'm beyond glad that the world could now know how brilliant and promising this budding author is.I would let you all know that a thing or two of the stuff written in this collection were things we've talked about and it's kind of a relief to know that they've become an inspiration for this work to come into fruition. The author is selfless and brave for sharing his take on the ugly realities of life he may have observed and experienced. Arvyn Cerezo may not be loquacious but his written words pack a mean punch. 

Relatable. Genuine. Intense. Deep. It would not be a derelict dream at all. 

Kudos!

"Get out there and experience life or wait until it slaps you back for hating it"

Dee Review: Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1)

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Let me begin this entry by saying that it feels so fulfilling to finally have found the courage to write and publish my thoughts regarding a book, again. Well, I kind of stepped off the spotlight of blogging my book reviews for quite a long while as may be evident in the sequence of my blog entry dates. I wouldn't bore anyone with the details of my blogging hiatus, but just let me tell you that I never stopped reading in that span of off-time. 

Now, as I was going through my "Reads" from previous months, I couldn't exactly put my finger on one specific book to write a review about. Thanks to Goodreads that I was guided through this little dilemma. I chose Truthwitch to rave on tonight because I still can recall much of the feelings it gave me, regardless that it is not my most recent read. Back when this book came out, I was totally caught in the frenzy of the social media hype going all over it. I've seen fellow readers raving about it, mostly has real good things to say about it, and even famous authors too! The cover is gorgeous. So I got a hardback copy and I literally hugged it and caress the cover. Divine!

The content is even gorgeous than the cover of course. It is a debut novel for Miss Susan Dennard right? is it or is it not? I think so. So yeah, it is a high fantasy tale of the Witchlands focused into the story of two badass young women of great fighting skills and fascinating qualities. Safiya and Iseult are an unlikely pair of girls to become best of friends -- and in this case are what we call Threadsisters, but against all the unorthodox details, they are one badass pair of amazing warriors. I was instantly sucked into the rich tale and incredible world that Susan Dennard has introduced me to. It's really new to me. The concept and the vastness of everything was awesome. I feel like I am one of the main characters, most of the time. Hah. And the girls have this Bloodwitch on their tail who is so eager to get his hands on Safiya - who by the way is the only living Truthwitch after a long while.

The idea of having these different type of witches and what powers they wield is amazing. So brilliant and interesting. And spinning the tales of two different witches who absolutely love each other like sisters is incredibly gripping - at least for me, plus the romance and the intrigue is wow. The book has balance of all the elements in it. And as much as I want to do a thorough review of the book, I don't want to spoil things for people who haven't read it yet. and frankly because I'm afraid I might end up telling the whole story here, and that would be tragic.

So yeah, I can't imagine how long I have to wait for the next book. This is one of those books that you don't ever regret buying and keeping. Fascinating and incredible plot and characters, this book simply caught me. Rich tales, amazing adventures and badass ladies in the lead. I love the Witchlands!

Talon by Julie Kagawa - Book Review

Upped my fascination with dragons to a whole new level! 

What can I say? Talon is definitely worth the wait. I've been waiting for this baby to finally hatch ever since the day Julie Kagawa announced this whole new series. Only she, could spun a story of mythical creatures and fuse it in modern times in her unique way that will grip readers for sure.
Dragons hunted to extinction by an ancient enemy, a militarian force in the Order of St. George. A hatchling by dragon standards struggling for freedom from an organization who has plans for them, from the moment they were hatched and seemed to control their purpose in existence. When you start to question the things instilled in you from the beginning, you wouldn't know whom to trust and who would betray you. Relying on instincts and the swirl of human emotions is an entirely new concept. Decades of warring among dragons and humans; two different species separated by deep-rooted fear, rage and misunderstanding; can dragon rogues and a human traitor patch a long-time rift?

 Wow, from fey, to vampires to dragons. Freaking awesome! Ember Hill is yet another infamous heroine. I've sinked into this book as I've already expected,coz... really, it's a Julie Kagawa book,for crying outloud! and a book from her is definitely a winner. The characters are insanely strong and interesting. The plot, the intrigue is definitely there. Brewing of intense, defy-the-odds romance too! I can only foresee how Ember will turn into a kickass heroine! And boy, the two males, will definitely make it hard for her to choose. One representing the primal pull of her dragon kind, and the other one signifying a whole new unchartered territory of human emotions. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel, and I'm gonna clutch the hope that it will be as good or better than the primer in this series. Totally 5 stars for Talon!

Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott - Cover Reveal

SALT & STONE (FIRE & FLOOD, #2)

 

 

 

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO SURVIVE?

We'll soon find out. In the second installment of Victoria Scott's FIRE & FLOOD series,

the cover for SALT & STONE is finally here!!! *squeals*

*gasp* the cover is definitely gorgeous like Guy! ;)

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What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the rice.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of line, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

Mark it as To-Read: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20657437-salt-stone?from_search=true


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 And... *drum rolls* the new paperback cover of FIRE & FLOOD is also here!!! Yay!

Isn't it so beautiful?! I wanna caress them books and hold them close! Also, I can hardly wait to read on Tella and Guy's adventures in the Brimstone Bleed, and the badass pandoras I so missed. *sigh* I am so grateful to be part of the V mafia. The perks are a real joy for a bookie like me. Soooo, let us all try to sit still (if we can) and wait for the books to come out. It's definitely worth the wait!

VIVA #Vmafia

Mark it as To-Read: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069167-fire-flood?from_search=true

FIRE & FLOOD

Blog-lump (not a bookslump) and Saturday musings

Oh my my my! I can't freaking believe that I am just NOW only writing a blog entry after what seems like to be ages. Well, a bookworm is always busy! Yes people, I am busy with the goings-on in my daily life - working, reading, watching and others. "Others" being activities not falling into the "working, "Reading, and "watching" category. But, mind you guys, I have read my books to my delight (but not really to my contentment, because my TBR list is still a growing one! *gasp*) ... and despite my busy days, I have started sharing my books! haha... I am quite the entrepreneur now, thanks to my piles of books. Enterprising huh? Well, I honestly don't have enough space at home to store my books so, yeah... I am selling some of them. Well... enough of that though.

Let me share some of the books (recent releases) that I have been itching to read, but unfortunately has no time to read them yet (in no particular order):


1.)

Title: The Jewel (The Lone City, #1)

Author: Amy Ewing

Goodreads rating: 3.7 stars

2.)

Title: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1)

Author: Sara Raasch

Goodreads rating: 4 stars

3.)

Title: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1)

Author: Claudia Gray

Goodreads rating: 4.1 stars

4.)

Title: The Revenge of Seven (Lorien Legacies, #5)

Author: Pittacus Lore

Goodreads rating: 4.3 stars

5.)

Title: The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus, #5)

Author: Rick Riordan 

Goodreads rating: 4.59 stars

6.)

Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Goodreads rating: 4.03

7.)

Title: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion Book)

Author: Rick Riordan

Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars

8.)

Title: The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare & Holly Black

Goodreads rating: 3.86 stars

9.)

Title: Black Ice

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Goodreads rating: 3.90

10.)

Title: Trial by Fire (Worldwalker, #1)

Author: Josephine Angelini

Goodreads rating: 3.97

11.)

Title: Ugly Love 

Author: Colleen Hoover

Goodreads rating: 4.35

12.)

Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss, #3)

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads rating: 4.24

13.)

Title: The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave, #2)

Author: Rick Yancey

Goodreads rating: 4.14

14.)

Title: The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny, #1)

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Goodreads rating: 3.61

15.)

Title: Mortal Danger (Immortal Game, #1)

Author: Ann Aguirre

Goodreads rating: 3.64

Well, there you have my 15 titles, for the moment. There are still. actually lots of books I want to read and squeeze in my never-ending TBR list. They all have pretty amazing covers right?!

Man, how I love to have actual copies of them. Unfortunately, most of those titles are not yet available in my country. *sigh* I'm willing to wait though!

Plus, the books whose release I've been waiting this amazing month of October! This month is still away from ending and believe me when I say, THERE ARE STILL MANY AWESOME BOOKS TO BE RELEASED. Trust me, I've been keeping tabs. Well, let's keep our eyes open and read away!

How about you? Do you have the list? *winks*

Monday Midnight Book Crisis Solution: OF NEPTUNE by Anna Banks

Well, yeah... where I am on earth is midnight. Past midnight to be accurate, and 12:42 AM to be more specific. The thing is, I've been having this book-slump for weeks now. My reading pace slower that I could ever want to. With my day being occupied with work, the only times I can read on weekdays is: when I wake up (I have this habit of not getting out of bed even if I've been awake for some time), and when I get home from work (basically the times in between dinner and going to sleep). The weekends are a feast! Yes, weekends mean more time to read and relax. But then, I too, gets distracted from reading full-time on weekends. (Yeah, it sucks) So, as much as it frustrates me I really have to make do with the reading times that I get every single day.

Soooooo, right now, I am feeling better because I have finished reading Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill and I know that it's a good start (or should I say, restart?... umm whatever, really) because the next book I will be reading, I should have read weeks and weeks ago.
Familiar with the Syrena Legacy novels by the amazing Anna Banks?

Book number 3 has been waiting for me! My bad, really, I am ashamed that it took me this long. I missed Galen and Emma! and Toraf and Reyna, and basically everything in the Syrena world.
Now, why am I confident that "Of Neptune (Syrena Legacy #3)" will get me through my bookslump and get me pumping into reading action like the way I used to? Well, apart from the first two books being so awesome and amazing and incredible? Galen's hot. Like literally efFIN' hot. hehe... nah, don't even let me get started on that. Seriously, I am dying to read the finale. *rubbing-my-hands-excited-kind-of-way*
and I should be starting reading this baby right now....

instead of typing my thoughts in here, but I just can't help but type away. I'm just flippin' glad that apart from getting out of my bookslump crisis, I am blogging again. It's been ages since my last post. Yes, I know it's lame and all, but a fangirl/bookworm is also a slave, (I think that's exaggerate, haha) and I need to work and juggle things so I can finance my book addiction. So yeah, there it goes... my midnight book crisis getting solved. HUMANS, You really need to read the SYRENA LEGACY novels, in case you haven't yet. It's really wonderful, like Poseidon-freaking-wonderful! Ta ta... *winks* *swims away*

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green : Just my 'Okay' thoughts.

"You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you."

The Fault In Our Stars is life changing. Universally inspiring and soul warming. What more can I say? John Green just had the chance to hurt me and made me cry through Gus and Hazel and everyone and everything in between. Hands up. This work of art and love and life is AMAZING. But no, I'm not really okay, okay? And yes, I liked my choice, my choice to have read this book.

"Life doesn't have to be perfect for love to be extraordinary."

Thanks for the little infinity! Some infinities are larger than other infinities, yes that I know now is true.

Thanks to this book. I've read quite a handful of books/stories/novels but this one is definitely set apart from everything that I have already read. Books make me cry and to be honest I tear up easily for the characters and their predicaments. But TFIOS just simply made me ache and cry and wish that life could be longer for Gus. I was helpless and I realized that there really are things that's larger than us, than life even. I don't know, I'm a mess after this but that doesn't make me love this book any less. I love it.

10 STARS if I could rate it that way. 

I'm not gonna say much anymore because I just might spew random ramblings and people won't like it.

PS: I am so keen to watch the movie (as of the time that I am writing this entry). The full movie trailer just went out a couple of days ago and it made it all the more exciting and excruciating to wait. Okay.