tien

From the title and the blurb, it’s pretty obvious what we’re dealing with here: werewolves. Whilst I sometimes appreciate knowing what type of supernatural creatures the book will be about, I think I’d prefer not to know for this book. The beginning of the book could hold the promise of the mystery but as we’re already told what it’s going to be… well, it kind of ruined the mystery.The most enjoyable parts of the book were the descriptions of running (Romy jogs) and the hunts. I, myself, aren’t a jogger but reading these descriptions made jogging / running to be such a pleasure that I’m almost (almost) tempted to go for a run. The battle scene was also pretty awesome though the ending was slightly lacklustre.Romy himself was okay but not the brightest character (I’m not referring to his intelligence, just that he’s pretty average). I much prefer Dimitri and Nat – Romy’s friends, with interesting backgrounds and they definitely helped the mood in the book. The plot may not be unpredictable but I did enjoy this world and it was a very easy read. There appears to be signs (from the ending of the book & the ending of the battle) of a sequel of sorts but I don’t even know if it’s supposed to be a series. I would be very interested in the sequel *keeping my fingers crossed*.Thank you to HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley for the privilege to read this eGalley

Each time I come across a young Asian girl with an older Caucasian male couple (which is not a rare occurrence these days), I wonder what their story is. In fact, one of my childhood bestie married an older Caucasian male. I don’t particularly understand her choice but when she was living in Bali, she was dating (attracted to?) mostly older Caucasian males. This is, indeed, her choice and her personal taste.Laila, however, felt trapped in a world she has come to despise. She longs to move on in the world; to not be poor, to be appreciated as the woman she is, as a person. When a new life in Australia presented itself to her, she will leave all she knows behind for what she hopes is a better future. When she arrives in Australia though, she found things were not what she expected it to be. And life doesn’t appear to be much better at all… And Jim is not who he presented himself to be in his letters…Jim longs for that someone to cleave to. It’s no wonder really as to why he hasn’t much luck with women. He is a slob – full of good intention but without the will to follow through. Unfortunately, this seems to be due to his upbringing. He is, however, the typical Aussie bloke – easy going, loves his beer & footy and loves a laugh. He does not lie outright but instead wove a net of white lies and omissions of truth from which he cannot escape gracefully.The novel was very easy to read. I found the language to be quite simple and yet, you could feel the heat of the summer, each breeze as it licked the skin, and of course, Laila’s angst and frustration. I was frustrated quite a lot with this novel: with Laila’s naivety (who am I to judge when I was pretty naïve myself!?), Jim’s failures, and the turn of the story.Truthfully, I do believe this story is realistic and while it’s not the best type of story / outcome for a young Asian girl throwing herself into the big bad Western world, it’s also not the worst. There were a number of eye-rolling moments, wince worthy instances, and one harrowing incident but I can still imagine worst things that could have happened to someone like Laila. Overall, it was a pretty average read for me.

I’ve loved (or at least, really liked) all of Snyder’s previous works and this one, definitely, did not disappoint. This is one of those books which kept you riveted because there is always something happening within a few pages’ of ‘rest’. A book that you don’t want to put down because you want to know what’s going to happen next, what will she choose to do next, what will happen to her because of her courage to choose the right thing to do, etc etc etc.The opening of the book was excellent as you feel the suspense straight away as Avry put herself at risk in doing what she thinks is the right thing to do. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that it was followed by some pretty explosive action and pretty shortly afterwards, we are being introduced to Kerrick. I have to confess that, at first, I wasn’t keen on Kerrick at all! Especially not at the way he treated Avry but as Avry (and therefore, I) got to know him better, I grew to like him more and more.I loved the magic in this story and I think this is only a scratch on the surface as there seems to be a lot more going on and I CAN’T wait to find out (as it happened [b:Scent of Magic|285175|Scent of Magic|Andre Norton|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1173411269s/285175.jpg|276673] arrived yesterday –thank you, Harlequin Teen Australia!). This particular genre being my comfort zone, it is no surprise that I loved it but please, do not ask me to choose which is my fave Snyder’s book! *I can’t!*

Not my usual cup of tea but I just couldn’t resist this time. It’s just not what I would normally read as its intended audience is a lot younger (10-13 yo) than I am and I don’t usually read books for this age groups. However, this book sounded like so much fun that my curiosity is aroused.I loved the variety of characters from the popular gorgeous older sister, the tough evil bully and his cohorts, the overweight insecure BFF, to the mysterious good looking boy. Even the mother and her partner have such unique characteristics that I’m a little bit jealous since my family is relatively normal ;)Whilst I myself am not into martial arts, hubby is, but I do love watching martial arts movies. There is something mystical about ninjas though and that is what really intriguing. Even though the fighting scenes confused me a little with all the roundhouse kickings and axe kicks and flying kicks and so on, I still found the whole book to be very entertaining.I would fully recommend this book to the truly adventurous and also to the adventurous at heart (like me). I’m planning to gift this as a Christmas present for a niece of mine –can’t wait to hear her thoughts!Thank you Harper Collins Australia and NetGalley for the privilege to view & read galley

Goodman has brought alive the 19th century world through his descriptions of how it would have looked like, how it would have smelt, and also the feelings our 2 heroines would have felt as seeing / smelling such sights. It is wonderful to have some perspectives as to what these 2 amazing women would have seen and lived through. I was most appreciative with the fact that due to the differences in background, Bly and Bisland had different views of the world and therefore, their own individual unique ways of approaching lives.This book reads like a narrative switching between the 2 women and their respective travels interspersed with some interesting tidbits and historical insights to things and / or people these women seen and / or involved with. For example, the backgrounds of the paper and magazine which Bly and Bisland respectively worked for, descriptions of Bisland’s experience in Japan and Hong Kong and the comparative rickshaw and sedan rides, Bly’s adventurous into investigative journalism, and so on.At the beginning, I loved Bly and her sense of adventure however at about midpoint of travel, some of the things revealed about her deflated my excitement about reading of her trip. Nevertheless, I still admired her for her accomplishment but I may not think her as a friend. That is, I don’t think the combination of our personalities will find us as close friends. Elizabeth Bisland, on the other hand, I found quite discouraging at the beginning of her travel. However, I found her to be someone closer to my own heart.Non Fiction is not usually my cup of tea however I found this historical travelogue to be entertaining and I was, of course, cheering for Bly & Bisland to show the world what women can do should they put their minds and wills to it. A highly recommended read to all!Thank you Ballantine Books and Edelweiss for the privilege to read & review galley

M. (aka David Martin, for this trip at least) is being sent on a hunt of a nearly extinct, borderline mythical, creature, the thylacine (a Tasmanian tiger). He is, above all things, a hunter. M is solitary, efficient, and ruthless; lacking the social skills to interact with his kind with ease. This is the man of whose mind we inhabit in reading this book.As the book is being told from the perspective of M, in fact, we are privy to his thoughts whether it runs to his awkwardness is social situation, his delight in setting up good traps, his pain, his secret wish…She is happy to see him. At of the sound of his car she has come out of the house to wait on the lawn, with one hand deep in her pocket and the other waving – feebly, it seems – in greeting. She’s smiling that big smile. He manages to twinkle the fingers of one hand in response, thinking: What’s this? A Welcoming committee?This was an interesting take to the story which opened the flaws of the character directly with the reader however because of this, we are missing other things that are outside of his mind and I felt this keenly. As with many other readers, M. is not a character you’d come to love so whilst I can definitely appreciate this bend of creativity, I can’t fully enjoy it. It became just so very sad…On the other hand, the setting of the book was not picturesque. Rather, it was wild unforgiving relentless yet daunting in its beauty (or maybe, it’s the beauty of the words that I’ve been called to).This is no god’s country, this is god-forsaken: it is perfect and precise. Perfect thousand-year-old trees, their lowest feathered branches almost tip-tipping; an open, soft and fragrant floor; the hard petals of each pine cone divisible by the golden mean. It is cold in here and dark, too, freckled with the faintest light.A short novel with utterly flawed protagonists and powerful language.

I gave up reading this when I first attempted it years ago and I can’t quite remember why anymore so I gave it another go. Within the first few chapters, I remembered that I just didn’t fancy Fanny as a heroine. My preferred heroine would be someone like Lizzie Bennett or Margaret Hale – healthy and a bit feisty ;)When Fanny was having a near-fainting-spell, I nearly gave up! If I was reading a print edition, I would’ve chucked it across the table in disgust but I couldn’t do that to my PC. As it was the only Austen novel I’ve not read, I was determined to finish it and so persevered. And I’m actually (surprisingly) glad that I did.Whilst Fanny hasn’t the constitution of Lizzie Bennett or Margaret Hale, she is not quite sickly. Whilst she is also ‘seen’ as a timid mouse or that quiet obedient pleasant nobody, she actually knows her own mind and will stick to it. Even though, I don’t quite agree to her sitting back whilst the love of her life is slowly being wooed away from her (she seemed quite placid on the outside and resigned to accept his choice in this matter rather than fighting for him in any way), I came to understand that with her position, it may just be inappropriate. In the end, though, with all that transpired, she became not only acceptable but is propriety herself.I’m so very happy to have finished this novel. Fanny Price may not be my favourite character but I do admire her strength and courage in sticking up for what she knows to be right for her even when it was presented as her only option for a comfortable future.

It feels as though it’s such an accomplishment to have read Les Misérables. It is a very big book which I have had for about 14 years but never read. I tried once but only got as far as 20 pages or so, embarrassingly, and I have to admit, even this time, the reading was not free of struggles. With the 5 volumes, I enjoyed the first and last volumes whilst the middle 3 not as much.The first volume opens with the introduction of a most sincere godly man, Monsieur Myriel. His background was a bit scratchy but the fact is that he is a man of God who continuously strives to obey God’s will in every aspects of life even when it makes his life uncomfortable. Whilst he is made out to be such a saint, we do get to see some inner struggles though not as many as others would have.Jean Valjean’s encounter with Monsieur Myriel is the key to Valjean’s salvation. Valjean was released on parole and was unwelcome to wherever he went. To him, was not given the treatment of equal. M. Myriel, however, welcomes him as he would anybody else. A further act of kindness from M. Myriel made him that bright shining light on an ever darkening life to Valjean. It became a standard which he clung onto for the rest of his life, striving to always be deserving of that burning brightness by responding in kind to those who in need.Javert, on the other hand, whilst sharing as similar poor background with Valjean, had carved himself a career as a police inspector. He is very rigid in his views of the Law, everything is black or white and nothing else in between. He became obsessed with the capture of Valjean and like a dog that has caught a whiff of his prey, he will not give up. Hence, is Valjean’s arch nemesis and a perfect foil. By the end of the book and after we have witnessed Javert and Valjean’s final encounter, Javert’s thought and actions made me wonder if Javert has ever experienced kindness in his life?Les Misérables is not about the love story between Marius and Cosette at all. In fact, I was slightly deflated to find that I did not like either characters and therefore, could not appreciate their ‘love’. If anything, they and their love painfully highlighted Valjean’s love and sacrifice. His salvation was ensured by his last act of sacrifice.As I said above, this is a very big book (1,463 pages) but the above pretty much summarised the Big Main Point of the book for me. There are, of course, many other little points but the above is THE most important bit as it was shown through Valjean just how one merciful act, one kindness to those whom we do not think deserves it is the most worthiest recipient as they will spend their whole lives paying it forward even sacrificing themselves for other’s happiness.

My background, though of the Asian variety, is not Korean. In fact, I remember not liking kimchi in my teen years. We had some Korean guests who stayed with us for a few months and when they made kimchi, *phew* the smell was just overpowering. I don’t quite know when it is that I began to appreciate the taste of kimchi (yes, despite the aroma) however my obsession started sometime earlier this year, due to this book: [b:The Ancient Garden: A Love Story|13557042|The Ancient Garden A Love Story|Hwang Sok-yong|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332453991s/13557042.jpg|2532623].Each time I read (it was a pretty chunky book so it took me some time to read), they were always eating kimchi and most of the time, accompanied by beer. So I found myself, drooling & craving over kimchi at 7am (on my commute to work, before I had breakfast). Since then, I would have kimchi at least once a fortnight if not a week. If I wasn’t eating out to eat kimchi, I would probably have eaten it more often ;p Hence, my curiosity over this book.I found out that kimchi is basically just means pickles but there is whole variety of them. Originally, I thought it refers only to the cabbage ones but there are numerous types of kimchi for different seasons to be served with different types of dishes. Of course, I was drooling pretty much through this book.It was beautifully put together; a clean neat layout with photos of fresh ingredients and yummy dishes. There is a bit of background on the author, a background on kimchi and some basic explanation to what they are, the methods, and how to store. Then follows many kimchi recipes which really tempted me but which I will never attempt as they are all very time consuming.The last chapter was dedicated to cooking with kimchi. At first I thought, ooh, this might be interesting but then proceeded to grimace through the recipes like Egg Benedict with Kimchi Hollandaise, Kimchi Risotto, Grilled MILKimcheeze Sandwich, Kimchi Grapefruit Margarita, etc (with the exception of the fried rice, yum!). After a few nights contemplating Kimchi Risotto though, I’m kind of sold on that idea and broached the subject with hubby. Unfortunately, he wasn’t impressed. Nonetheless, it’s something I’m going to try when hubby is not dining at home ;)Overall, a book I’m happy to have for my coffee table but may attempt only one or two recipes (due to time constraints). It was great fun to read for a noob kimchi fanatic.With thanks to Ten Speed Press and Edelweiss for the privilege to read & review this book

This is more of a comfort read to me. A fantasy romance novella I could devour in a single sitting with a cuppa and a bikkie. *sighs* just lovely!Unfortunately, Princess Kimri sounded like a brat right off the beginning. Understandably, she has just been sold to be a bride of a king of a mountain kingdom (a far and isolated kingdom) for a bunch of weapon. I supposed she has a right to be angry but silent treatment? That’s just a bit childish! So, it was a rough beginning.Thankfully, it wasn’t long before her true goodness shines through and I loved her for her caring loving nature, acceptance of cultural differences, willingness to change, her strength and courage. Her relationship with the king is one that develops slowly but sweetly. And it sufficed to say that he is just lovely.It was an easy relaxing sweet read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I fully recommend it for those looking for fantasy romance (as opposed to anything epic).Thank you Carina Press and NetGalley for the privilege to read & review eGalley

I’ve definitely come to the party late! Didn’t realise that it was the fourth book of series either however it’s a series of the “world” as main characters are different in each book. I’ve not read the first 3 books but I don’t think that was a detriment at all. If you’ve read the other books, you may have a different opinion.Nevertheless, it was a really fun read. I love this steampunk London where it’s not just foggy anymore; it’s so very smoggy that you’d need a mask with filters if you’d want to keep your health. Of course, if you’re a supernatural (for example, a werewolf), that’s not totally necessary. There is a definite demarcation line between the poor and the wealthy with no better future in view. Survival is not only threatened by health or poverty but there many of the poor are disappearing with rumours of ‘mechanical’ men as abductors.I loved Wink –she is brainy, spunky, and all-round-capable. She’s a fun MC to follow. She’s really smart (she makes these pet toys which all carry hidden weapons) and also kicks some serious ass (not always literally). She has loved Liam (love this name too!) since she was 14 and hoped that he’d wait for her to grow up. Liam, on the other hand, had committed himself to a life of bachelorhood. Wink wants marriage and children, lots of children – will she be able to knock down Liam’s protective walls?“Damn it, Winifred, that was a mistake.” He stepped closer, his voice more raw than she’d ever heard it. Liam was the only one who ever used the long version of her name, and she decided that from him, she rather liked it.However, she didn’t care for his attitude. She sat up straighter, crossing her arms over her chest. “I find I take exception to being considered a mistake.”“That’s not what I meant.” He paced restlessly in front of her. “You’re too good for me.”“Not only is that the most clichéd line ever, it presupposes that I don’t know my own mind. It appears I don’t get any say in the matter of my so-called best interests.” She was making a fool of herself.A terrific set of world with lovable characters make for enjoyable read. The mystery itself was also set up really well with a typical crazy evil bad guy. However, I found the romance slightly lacking; not enough struggles / sufferings and it was resolved pretty quickly & too easily. Noting that it’s a short-ish sort of book though, this would have to be it. There is also a love triangle (ugh!) but this time, I actually find it ticklish funny. The whole setup was destined to fail but not without hope and not that painful.Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for the privilege to read & review eGalley

I read over 200+ books in a year and I’m in my early thirties so really by now, I should know that when someone told me that it’s a heart-warming novel that it will be a gut-wrenching, tear-ducts-squeezing, and heart-lightening sort of tale. I wasn’t feeling the best this week and mid-reading, I was questioning myself why I’m reading a book that tightened the feelings in my heart but of course, in the end, it works wonders as a balm to my blue week. An old letter, forgotten and shoved away, fell out of a photo album and tore open the past. Valerie thought she had put the past behind and closed all the doors but this discovery of a letter addressed to her daughter, Briony, has brought all the memories back vividly and is a threat to their relationship as a family. A decision of the past, made in anger, with long reaching consequences has haunted her and now she may lose the most precious thing in her life. To save her family, and herself, Valerie needed to confront the past and resolve this enmity between herself and Briony's grandmother, Tessa. Valerie and Tessa never truly got on. Tessa loved her youngest son, Jeff, and wished him all the best things in the world but she just wasn’t sure if Valerie was the best thing for him. Valerie loved Jeff like no other before or after and she felt keenly of Tessa’s dislike of her. She also thought that Tessa was interfering in their lives a little too much. Whilst a truce was called after the birth of Briony, Jeff’s death brought both women to say unforgivable things to each other. A rift, larger than before, was formed with neither party willing to negotiate. The story was mostly told from the perspective of Valerie with tonnes of flashbacks as to what had happened to bring her to her current predicament. There are two sides to every story though and we, as readers, are also given bits and pieces of Tessa’s perspective to allow understanding. Whilst her perspective told me enough to understand her side of the story, I did wish for more, for a flashback to Tessa’s younger self and what she went through. A novel which tells the strength of women in all kinds of trials and the power of forgiveness with stories that will resonate with all women in all stages of life. Whether you are young and in love, a young mother, a single mother, a mother with grown children, a grandmother, etc, this novel will speak to each part of your life. I am a young mother myself and yet I found myself nodding, chuckling & tutting, sympathising with all the women (3 generations worth) in this novel. This is not a novel you’d read for the surprising or shocking revelations, but to enjoy every aspects of womanhood with all that entails.Thank you, Simon and Schuster and The Reading Room for providing copy of book in exchange of honest review

I was approached by the author for a review. As the blurb interests me, I agreed. It was definitely a fun read; fast-paced and action-packed.What I really loved was the world of Habitat. This is a paranormal dystopian novel. It is an interesting combo. The supernaturals along with some unwanted humans are forced to live in caged cities, branded to show their species. Just like any other cities, there are the rich in overflowing abundance of everything and there are the poor struggling to make ends meet. When there are imbalances, there will be forces that seek to address that imbalance. But this is just the beginning…Lanore Vesta tries to keep to herself –this is her mode of survival but a scream for help was one she was compelled to check out. This was not the wisest course of action, it appears, because now, she’s being hunted down. With her ex-boyfriend but best friend since forever, MeShack, and a super-hot mysterious friend, Zulu, Lanore is so not going down.Despite being a pretty fun read, I found that I couldn’t really truly like the characters. There was just something missing for me to click with these characters. More importantly, I found certain things they did / their reactions to certain things rather annoying, hence, my not-clicking not-quite-liking these characters. I loved their supernatural powers though. The murder mystery and romance were pretty intriguing as well. And I am pretty curious (at the way this book ended) to check out the next book in the series.With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book for an honest review.

I’ve heard of [b:Still Alice|2153405|Still Alice|Lisa Genova|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1236089972s/2153405.jpg|2158906] of course but I’ve not yet read it so this is my first foray into Genova and I totally loved it! On the back of the book is a quote from Jodi Picoult, “Remember how you couldn’t put down Still Alice? Well, clear your schedule – because you’re going to feel the same way”. It was definitely hard to put this book down between reads (had to work in between as I was reading on commute to / from work), so I can support Jodi Picoult’s recommendation in clearing out a few hours in order to enjoy this novel. It’s really something you just do not want to put down.My encounter with autism is really limited. Except for one boy at church of whom I rarely interact with, I do not know much at all of this condition. I do know how hard it must be for families with autistic children. I have a healthy 3 year old boy and even I find it hard at times so I can only imagine just how much harder & heart breaking it must’ve been to mothers of autistic children. Reading this book (which has been spoken about by mothers with autistic children as so very close to the real situation in their lives) was an eye-opener. It’s crazy hard! My absolute admiration to those mothers for their strength, courage, and endurance!On another note, this book speaks to me more of our identities – of just how we can let things like children and chores take over and so forget our unique selves. Understandably, Olivia was drowning in her busy-ness in caring for Anthony and much heartache whilst Beth kind of set things aside to care for her 3 children, husband, and home. The point is you can be ‘busy’ in many ways and be carried away so that your ‘uniqueness’ is swept away in the torrent of other things.She tries for a moment to take her own advice. Be yourself. But who is she? She’s Jimmy’s wife, and she’s a mother. And if she gets divorced, if she’s no longer Mrs James Ellis, and she’s only a mother, then is there less of her? She fears this and feels it already, physically, as if a surgeon has taken a scalpel to her abdomen and removed a whole and necessary part of her. Without Jimmy, she doesn’t recognize herself. How can that be? Who has she become?Assuredly, this is one of my best reads this year. I was just past the halfway mark when I thought of re-reading this book again. But before I do, I want to make sure the schedule is clear – no husband / child to care for, phones off, etc because I really want to enjoy this book in full (in peace). Highly recommended!With thanks to Simon & Schuster and The Reading Room for providing with a copy of this lovely book

Glimmer knows where her destiny lays. She knows what she must do and yet… something is holding her back. Whilst she is struggling though the Maelstrom is wreaking havoc in the worlds with casualties abound. These casualties, however, did not compare when the Evil itself was hatched, escaped his bounds to further weakened her hold on the worlds and her destiny. Assistance, however, came from unexpected corner.The format of this book is very similar to book 2 but it feels a lot more decisive. Multiple perspectives alternating chapters with each chapter clearly defined and concisely cut. Each chapter is pretty much wrapped up well and therefore do not necessarily have to segue the next chapter. The existence 4 worlds and numerous characters in many different locations also mean that there are scores of threads being woven to one ultimate ending. I could literally saw it being woven together into one seamless end.I barked in laughter when I read the ending, mostly because of shock at the irony of it all. I can’t tell you much more as it will spoil the ending but to tease you all, the end is the beginning ;)Destiny, it appeared, was not always about prophecy and religion. It was clear to Mooraz that friendship, gratitude and the desire to be loved before you die were important also.

A Small Town where no one should have wanted to move to.A New Kid in Town.Oh, a totally gorgeous YUM-o-licious one!The first time their eyes met, BAM! A connection that transcended time! Wow, that’s one infinitely romantic idea where from the first meeting, 2 strangers felt a connection of their souls which once again brought them together across time.I adored the cover. I love the main idea of the book (above). And I love the parallel drawn to P&P throughout the book (although sometime it’s a little too much). The first half of the book just flew for me but no so much the second half. I just didn’t like the way the characters were being brought together – too many ‘others’ (ie. a triangle which then became kind of a quartet etc) which therefore meant too many hurts & betrayals for my liking. Although that wasn’t quite resolved at the end so it wasn’t too bad overall.The story is being told from the girl’s perspective (Liz) and whilst, I liked Liz, I would’ve loved for alternate POV with the guy’s perspective (Drew). With the way the storyline is, I reckon this alternate POV will hold my interest much better. Thank goodness, it wasn’t a cliffhanger ending. An average romantic read, if you’re after something simple & clean.A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange of an honest review