Hey guys,
Sorry for the lack of updates. A lot of things have been happening to me over the past two weeks. Unfortunately most of it I'd like to keep it private. I have a special memorial post coming up but I will only post it up after Feb 16th. As of now, things have calmed down and I'm just spending my last few days in Malaysia with family and friends. I'm leaving for New Zealand on Feb 19th so expect my future posts to be verrry NZ-related. And hopefully I get to bring you guys with me on a couple of trips I have planned out. So excited!
Till then,
Enjoy my book reviews and take care!
On
Synopsis:
Thomas remembers nothing but his name. He joins a group of boys who live at the Glade, a small settlement located in a mysterious maze. For 2 years, the Gladers have been trying to escape the dangerous maze. Infested with the dangerous Grievers, a lot of lives were lost. Ever since Thomas joined the Glade, mysterious things start happening which caused unrest among the boys. It is getting more crucial for them to escape the maze. They need to escape...before death catches them.
Dashner's The Maze Runner could be one of the most over-hyped YA novel of 2011. I guess because it was advertised for fans of the Hunger Games and expectation was running high. The disappointment was apparent when I read the comments on Goodreads so when I first picked it up, I had low expectations. I tried reading the book for what it is, without expecting it to be as awesome as the HG trilogy. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.
I like the Maze Runner.
Looking at the general opinion on this novel, it seems that many people have problems with the mysterious element of the book. Most people felt that nothing actually happens in the Maze Runner. I don't wholly agree with this view because I think Dashner carries the suspense and mystery quite well. He unravels the mystery piece by piece and I am really on the boat with it. The information gaps are placed nicely and the plot is well structured.
Although I can sympathize with people who are frustrated with the mystery. Questions to why the boys are in the maze in the first place or what are their real identities are questions often asked when reading The Maze Runner. To finish the book and still not know the reason can be annoying when you have to wait for the next book to come out. I have the luck of getting the whole trilogy and read straight till the end. So I can understand why some people can be put off because of this. The wait can be a total buzz kill.
When I first read The Maze Runner, it sort of reminded me of Golding's Lord of the Flies. But then when I finish the book, it really doesn not. I just have this thing where every time I see a book/movie that has a lot of boys in it instantly takes me back to LOTF.
Now you must be thinking, what about to the Hunger Games? Is The Maze Runner comparable to the trilogy?
My answer to that is...no. Dashner's book is completely different from the HG series. I wouldn't even compare it because it is totally different. Yes they do somewhat belong to the same genre but that's about it. I guess that's why so many people are disappointed with the book because it just doesn't live up to their expectations. I blame the marketing really. It really didn't do Dashner's book any justice.
My recommendation when reading this book is to completely see the book for what it is, without comparing to other books.
There are two aspects that I love about Maze Runner:
a) Dashner created an interesting set of vocabulary for the Gladers. It can be somewhat confusing at first, to figure out what these words actually mean. But after awhile you will find yourself surfing through the pages confidently and feeling like every inch of a Glader.
b) My favourite boys: Minho and Newt. I don't feel much for Thomas because he seems like your typical protagonist. Special, brave, blah blah blah. Minho and Newt on the other hand are mighty foine. Haha! They have traits that I love most in my men. Strong, smart and a bit snarky. ;)
My only problem for the MR could be a personal issue or maybe Dashner fails to keep my attention consistently. I admit, the MR is a very slow read for me. It took me about 2 weeks to finish. Often if I really really enjoy the book, I can just finish it in one sitting but not for MR. The book's interesting and the plot is definitely fascinating but I can't seem to take it all in in one sitting. However the good news is, the ending gave me goosebumps and I immediately reached for its sequel, The Scorch Trials.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Like my reviews? Check out my Goodreads account and be my friend!
On Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Chapter 2: Forest
of Luna
The surrounding
seemed to loom over her. She felt as if she was trapped in a black vortex and
everything seemed to be spinning. A few eternities later, she realized that she
was actually on solid ground. She must have hit her head pretty bad when she
fell from her father’s horse. As expected, the horse was long gone. The girl
inwardly cursed when her rucksack cushioned the wrong part of her body rather
than her head.
Slowly standing up
and regaining her composure, she made her way through the dark forest. She knew
of this forest as it was forbidden for the villagers to enter unless one is trained
to survive through it. The total of people who made it out alive is
around five. But that was centuries ago. Nowadays the villagers tend to avoid
the Forest of Luna.
The forest is so
dense that sunlight barely made it through to its floor. This helped little
with the temperature since she felt it continuously dropped every passing
second. She knew venturing into the forest was risky but she needed to start
moving or she will freeze to death. The forest was eerily quiet, the only
sounds was the gust of cold wind that passed through the trees.
The girl started
walking towards what she assumed was north, although she didn’t know where this
direction will lead her. She used to hear travel stories that travelers tend to
head north, she was unsure why. But this was her best shot.
After walking for
what seemed like hours, the surroundings of the forest changed little. The girl
was tired and she did not pack any food. She did not imagine freedom would be
this…difficult. She looked around for any indication of food but the plants around
her were foreign. None of them were anything like she was used to. She found a nearby bush bearing fruits, they
looked like apples but something was different about them. There were sparkling
like crystals, their bright color contrasted with the dull background of the
forest.
“Pretty.” The girl
smiled and was about to pick one when a voice stopped her.
“Touch them and
you’ll die.” She turned to the direction of the voice. Standing in front of her
was a child.
“Humans aren’t
supposed to be here. Are you lost, human?”
The child asked, slowly walking towards the girl. As the child got
closer, the girl could finally see the true features of the child. First off,
the child appeared not to be human. Not full human that is. Her skin is green
with scales that lightly glimmer from the reflection of the crystal fruits. Red
wavy hair was slicked back to reveal no ears, only narrow holes that stretched
backwards. Aside from her skin and earless feature, the girl has all the human
features.
“Are you done
analyzing me?” The child raised an eyebrow, her tone snarky. “You’re definitely
lost since you obviously have not seen my kind before.”
“Your…kind?”
“The great serpent
race of course! We are the strongest clan in this forest! Our Raja has power
over this land…and beyond!” The girl boasted. She put both hands on her hips
and gave an obnoxious laugh.
Upon realizing
that she received the unexpected response from the human, who just make a
silent O with her lips and a careful nod, the serpent child ended her laugh
with a cough.
“Human, you are in
the presence of Seraphina and—
“Nice to meet you.
My name is Marie.” Marie did not actually mean to cut Seraphina off but she was
excited to meet another person after all those years trapped under her father’s
control. Not one person dared to befriend her, let alone to tell her their
name, because of the curse.
She offered a hand
to Seraphina as a sign of friendship but was slapped away by the child.
Seraphina was not amused with being cut off.
“How dare you cut
me off human! You are in the presence of a superior race. And I don’t need to
know your name, Marie. It is not of
importance for me to know your name for you will be my prince’s food.” The
surprised look on Marie’s face widened Seraphina’s smirk.
“I’m sure…I’m not
that tasty. I barely have any flesh on my body.”
The child
dismissed Marie’s statement by grabbing her wrist and pulled her down. Until
Marie’s eyes were leveled with hers.
Seraphina’s yellow eyes scanned her face before disappointment dawned.
She brushed back the blonde hair that covered Marie’s left eye and cheek for
further confirmation.
“You won’t do.
Man, this is a waste.” Seraphina sighed.
“Why?”
“Because you’re
ugly. The prince doesn’t eat ugly
girls.” Her matter-of-fact tone did not
offend Marie a bit. She was used to that description. All her life she was
called ugly. The left side of her face carries an old scar from her childhood.
Her once beautiful face was submitted to hot coals as part of her father’s
temperaments. It was the reason why the skin looked as if it melted from her
face.
Marie went back to
cover her exposed face with her hair. This does not mean she was ashamed with
her scar. She had wholly accepted this as part of herself. She knew the scar
would make people uncomfortable and that is why she covered it.
I mean really, why would I be ashamed of it when
people avoid me since I was born?
She once reasoned
with herself when she first got the scar all those years ago.
The only thing
that bothered Marie was that no one tried to get to know her in the first place.
And that is why she is happy regardless the obvious insults that seemed to roll
off from Seraphina. All those years of loneliness made her desperate for social
interaction.
“Well thank
goodness for that! I don’t want to be snake food!” Marie laughed out loud.
Clearly her laughter was not amusing since Seraphina only glared.
Several seconds
passed and Marie was getting uncomfortable. What
should I say next? Should I apologize?
Seraphina sighed
again and started to walk back wherever she came from. Marie wasted her time.
The prince needed his hundredth sacrifice soon. Her Raja is growing impatient.
She could not fail him.
“W-wait! Where are
you going?”
“I’m going to look
for another beautiful girl. Goodbye.”
“Wait Seraphina!
You have to help me! I need food and a place to stay.” Marie begged her new
friend. “We’re friends aren’t we?”
“Haaah?!”
Seraphina was shocked by the notion. Clearly this girl is crazy.
“You… stay away
from me. I’ve got work to do.” She took a step back, motioning for the human
girl to stay put. But as she took a step back, the girl took a step forward.
This was definitely not going to work.
“Pleaaase don’t
leave me. I’m hungry and I need a place to rest.”
“You should’ve
thought about that before entering this forest! There is nothing for you here!
You can’t eat anything from this forest because it will only kill you.
Goodbye.” Seraphina ran.
“Seraphina wait!
Aren’t there any humans in this forest?!” Marie chased the serpent girl. She
was unexpectedly fast…especially for a hungry girl. Seraphina knew she needed
to deal with Marie before she could continue with her search. She could not
possibly bring Marie to the Serpent lair unless she’s food.
After what seemed
like hours of running, Seraphina finally faced Marie head on.
“Alright, I’ll
help you.”
Marie tried to
calm her beating heart and gasped out a thank you.
“I’ll take you to
Leo’s place. After that I’m done and don’t look for me again. Got it?” Marie
nodded obligingly.
“Who’s Leo?”
“The only human in
this goddamned forest.” Seraphina sighed.
On Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Synopsis taken from Goodreads.com:
The undead can really screw up your senior year ...
Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.
I don't know why I read this book in the first place. I must have run out on things to read lately. I was surprised that I actually made it to the end really. Anyway I enjoyed the book purely because of the chemistry between Jessica and Lucian. I was at a point addicted to their exchanged banters about each other. Obviously Lucian has this mysterious charm that makes any girl weak at the knees (typical but nevertheless enjoyable). So that's the major reason why I stuck to the end.
I can't really say much about the book because it has no extraordinary factor that is worth discussing. I would say this though, I would say Fantaskey has a knack for creating pretty interesting characters. There are a lot of problems with this book but her ability to create a some what interesting set of characters (I'm talking the main characters, not the secondary ones) gives her work a redeeming quality.
My main problem with this novel is Fantaskey's writing. It's obvious that JGDDS is her first novel because the writing is quite...amateur-ish (CHECK OUT THE TITLE FOR GOD SAKE!). The story is better published on Fictionpress.com rather than becoming a paperback novel. She obviously has a lot of room for improvement and I'm sure with her knack for creating mysterious heroes and amusing heroines, her works will be celebrated on the commercial market.
She reminds me a bit like Meg Cabot but she seriously needs to work on her problem spots in order to come up with a well-rounded novel.
Now would I read the rest of the series?
No.
But I would like to give Jekel Loves Hyde a shot. Apparently it's a much darker read so I would love to see how she has grown.
Rating: 3 out of 5
On Sunday, January 15, 2012
I'm finally living it up to the blog's name! I'm finally writing! For those who don't know this, the blog is originally for me to put up my writings. But as you can tell, that effort was quite unproductive for quite some time. And so here I am to introduce the first chapter of Against the Malice, a side project I've been working on all summer!
Chapter 1: Torture
I’ve had enough.
He threw her across the room and grinned at
the sight of her small form shaking as she tried to stand up. His breath was
heavy and his body reeked of alcohol. He made his way across the room to where
she was and with one beefy arm, pulled a handful of long blonde hair, forcing
her bowed head to look up to him. She winced and her blue eyes tried to avoid
his wild ones.
He opened his
mouth only to utter one word,
“Die.”
Then he slammed
her head against the wall which knocked her unconscious. The last thing she
remembered was her father’s satisfied grin.
It must have been
hours since she passed out since it was almost dawn. The cottage was dark and
she could hear her father’s snores bounced off from the walls. It seemed to be
coming from the kitchen. No doubt that he passed out while rummaging the
cupboard for more rum. She tried to pull herself up but she can barely stand
and used the wall as her support.
Author's Note: The picture poses no relevance to the exact description in the story. Rather it is used as representation of an idea in the specific chapter.
I must go. I have to leave this place before he wakes
up. She told herself. But
before she leaves, she remembered her mother’s necklace underneath her pillow
where she would kiss the locket every night before she goes to sleep. Dragging
her injured self as quietly as possible, she peered through the entrance of the
small kitchen and just as she thought; there was her father passed out on the
floor. The whole kitchen was a mess with broken plates and cups strewn on the
floor. She took a deep breath and slowly entered the kitchen. She had to cross
the kitchen in order to get to her room.
Avoiding the bits of glass on the floor, she
finally made to her room and slowly opened the door. Her room was small, like
any other parts of the cottage, with only one old bed and a small cupboard
where she keeps her clothes. Not that she has that many clothes since she only
owns a turquoise colored cloak which its color had faded through time and two
old dresses that used to be her mother’s. Grabbing the only memory she had of
her mother underneath her pillow and stuff all her clothes into an old
rucksack, she quietly closed her bedroom door. Her eyes glistened with tears as
she looked at her bedroom for the last time. After all these years, her room
was her sanctuary where she would hide from her father and the rest of the world.
It was hard enough that her father would abuse her but the thought of the
villagers hating her was enough to kill her. When her mother was alive, these
people loved her and treated her kindly. They often talked about her beauty,
how she surpassed her mother’s beauty who before this was the most beautiful
woman in the whole region. Everything changed when her mother died and left her
with her father. He is the cause of how she looked now.
With her mother’s necklace safe around her
neck and her rucksack in hand, she took a deep breath and quietly crossed the
kitchen again. Her father was still unconscious, his snores had labored a
little but he did not show any indication of waking up soon. Again she avoided
from making any sounds and carefully avoided the broken plates and cups on the
floor.
She safely made back into the living room
where her father abused her earlier and was about to open the front door when
one beefy hand wrapped around her right arm and an angry but drunk voice
growled, “Where do you think you’re going wench?!”
“Let go!” She
pushed him away, causing him to stagger a bit. She opened the door and made her
way to the small stable behind the cottage. She didn’t hear the door slam, that
must mean her father was hot on her trail. She opened the stable doors and
quickly mounted her father’s horse. The horse was never fond of her from the
beginning and it started to fight off her from its back. She pulled on the reins
trying to calm the horse.
“You fucking
wench! You’re going to leave just like your mother did!” Her father’s drunken
face was red with anger. The horse was getting harder to control and what
happened next was too quick to comprehend. The horse practically leaped out of
the stable and jet out away from the cottage. She managed to catch a glimpse of
what happened to her father. She saw his beefy body lay on the ground,
motionless.
She tried
controlling the animal by pulling hard on the reins but it seemed to make it go
faster. “STOP! STOP!!”
Judging from the
way it headed, the dark forest loomed over them but it was better from the
cottage. “Anything away from him.” She muttered to herself.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2012
This 2012 started off pretty chill for me. I'm down to my last month in Malaysia before I have to go back to NZ for my final year at Otago. I'm starting to get the jitters now, as of how my life would be like after graduation. Haha, I barely started my third year I'm already thinking about what would happen afterwards. Arghh....take time Yang....take your time. Ok. Right. Favourites.
These are the things I'm currently obsessed about.
I'm a big fan of Epik High. I got their [e] album a few weeks back and I have to say I love it! No surprise there since I practically collect their albums. Epik High is a Korean hip hop group that produces unique sounds and meaningful lyrics. They are one of those artists that I actually listen to their whole album and LOVE it. So [e] comes in 2 parts and I especially enjoyed Part 1. So if you're interested in some intellectual rap in a foreign language, give Epik High a shot.
One of my favourite tracks on it are Shopaholic and Oceans.Sands.Trees.
Now let me set something straight before I ramble about Assassin's Creed. I don't play ANY of the AC series (except AC: Bloodlines on PSP) because I don't own an Xbox 360. But I'm still obsessed with the game especially the latest installation, Revelations. I'm in love with the characters, the history, the gameplay and most importantly, the story! My God I just burst into goosebumps just talking about the plot!
So how do I satisfy my needs seeing I don't own an Xbox? I watch walkthroughs on Youtube instead. Sad I know but it helps. :)
Now I just can't wait for the LAST INSTALLATION!
Ezio Auditore Da Firenze is so foine!! Haha! I can't stop fangirling about the assassins with Shira. She's the one who introduced me to the game!
I put up their Revelations trailer just to give you guys a heads up on the coolness.
I've been collecting lipsticks lately. I don't know why but I feel I'm at the right age to start wearing them. Don't ask me why I feel 21 is a perfect age to start wearing lipsticks...
Revlon is the particular brand of lipsticks that I adore. I think it sort of happened because most of my lipsticks are from them. However I always find it difficult for Revlon to carry the perfect shade of nude for my lips. They always make me look too pale so at the end, I gave up.
Now my search is over when I tried Sara's lipstick for this wedding we're going to. It is the perfect shade for my lips and I knew...I have found it. So to make matters short, I went and got it la.
These are the things I'm currently obsessed about.
Favourite Album
I'm a big fan of Epik High. I got their [e] album a few weeks back and I have to say I love it! No surprise there since I practically collect their albums. Epik High is a Korean hip hop group that produces unique sounds and meaningful lyrics. They are one of those artists that I actually listen to their whole album and LOVE it. So [e] comes in 2 parts and I especially enjoyed Part 1. So if you're interested in some intellectual rap in a foreign language, give Epik High a shot.
One of my favourite tracks on it are Shopaholic and Oceans.Sands.Trees.
Favourite Game
Now let me set something straight before I ramble about Assassin's Creed. I don't play ANY of the AC series (except AC: Bloodlines on PSP) because I don't own an Xbox 360. But I'm still obsessed with the game especially the latest installation, Revelations. I'm in love with the characters, the history, the gameplay and most importantly, the story! My God I just burst into goosebumps just talking about the plot!
So how do I satisfy my needs seeing I don't own an Xbox? I watch walkthroughs on Youtube instead. Sad I know but it helps. :)
Now I just can't wait for the LAST INSTALLATION!
Ezio Auditore Da Firenze is so foine!! Haha! I can't stop fangirling about the assassins with Shira. She's the one who introduced me to the game!
I put up their Revelations trailer just to give you guys a heads up on the coolness.
v
v
v
Favourite Finds
I am probably the girliest girl you'll ever meet. Aside from my nerd-like tendencies, I'm still into the vainest of all pursuits...shopping. I'm into two things as of late. Shoes and lipsticks.
I'm so excited to have find oxfords that actually carry my size! I've been wearing them back in NZ to the point there are holes in them so I'm in a dire need of getting some new ones. I'm a big FAN of Vincci (watches, hangbags, shoes...you name it) but it sucks when they don't really carry size 10. So most of the time, I can't find my size. Luckily the Vincci at Fahrenheit 88 carries size 10 and whaddaya know...
DEEP RED OXFORDS~!
I got these cute patent flats when I was out with mum. Simple and shiny! I love them!
I've been collecting lipsticks lately. I don't know why but I feel I'm at the right age to start wearing them. Don't ask me why I feel 21 is a perfect age to start wearing lipsticks...
Revlon is the particular brand of lipsticks that I adore. I think it sort of happened because most of my lipsticks are from them. However I always find it difficult for Revlon to carry the perfect shade of nude for my lips. They always make me look too pale so at the end, I gave up.
Now my search is over when I tried Sara's lipstick for this wedding we're going to. It is the perfect shade for my lips and I knew...I have found it. So to make matters short, I went and got it la.
Silkygirl in Pure 24
Alright guys, short update! I've been...chilling and busy at the same time. I'm currently busy renewing my student's visa at the moment so I've been rushing getting some errands done for it. I have also been spending a lot of time with family and friends...so financially, I'm a bit broke to go anywhere. No road trips this time around...gotta save for the BIG ONES! FIJI AND KOREA!!! Woohoo!
Till then. :)
On Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I'm a bit late (as usual) but Happy New Year everyone! May this new beginning give you prosperous ends. :)
2011 was an amazing year for me. I made NZ a home, I directed a full fledge theatre production, I met some amazing people, I got my first job, I led a (somewhat) healthy lifestyle by exercising (although there's no significant weight loss) and eating healthily, I got my first A for English, I gained some lifelong friends (Secret Club wohoo!) and basically...I grew as a person.
I'm very happy of where I am at this point of my life.
So I'd like to keep my new year's resolutions simple.
a) I want to take my time and experience. I always feel like I rush through my life and never look back. Although this is good in certain aspects, I really should savour my life more. You only live once after all. (And my undergraduate days are about to end!)
b) Travel. I want to see the world more before I settle down with whatever I have in Malaysia. I already have two confirmed destinations to go to and I.AM.EXCITED! Fiji and Korea...LEGGO! :D
And so I start 2012 with... BISMILLAHIRRAHMANIRAHIM.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
