Abby Joy B.: 2013

I actually got the idea from booktubers. Since 2013 is coming to its final bow, I decided that this week's TTT should have a connection with 2 0 1 3. And top 20 is hell too many though I really don't mind, but let's focus on 13 books instead of 10. It will still be top ten, but with 3 runner-ups so we can stay on the line. And I don't know why I am making a hell out of it lol

Champion by Marie Lu. Okay I've been talking about this everywhere and up to now I can still feel the longing I have for the characters. I hope more people will read this series for it is one of the best dystopian series out there!

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I don't know how many times I reread the epilogue but I know close 55623262 times. I was deeply inloved with the writing and the characters. JEM CARSTAIRS. And I loved this trilogy more than The Mortal Instruments.

Pivot Point by Kasie West. Oh well, look, it's PP again! And it's me talking about it again! HA. I really likedhow the parallel universe worked for this one. I also loved the characters. TREVOR. And that ending......Oh cows I can't.

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan. Uncle Rick always slays it what more can I say? Oh well, if you haven't read the PJO and HOH series go read it because you are missing bloody brilliant and amazeballs novels!

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. I loved Liam Stewart. HA. I like the road trip adventure of the four characters. I like the world although it was really dark and twisted!

The Distance Between Us by kasie West. Kasie again? Yes. I lvoed this one. It is a contemporary standalone and it was very fluffy, fun & light read for me. The main character alone can earn the book a 5 shining stars.

Pure by Jennifer Armentrout. This is the second book in the Covenant series. Ican't help but to admire Jennifer's ability to enticed her readers in all her novels. This one was my favorite of all 5 books in the series because of a bounty of reasons. SETH. yes because of him.

The Vision by Jessica Sorensen. The third book in the The Fallen Star series and my favorite of all the 5 books. I wish that more people will read this series because it was just awesome with all the mind-racking twists and turns AND CLIFFHANGERS.

Bully by Penelope Douglas. I totally loved this NA book. With a couple of the steamy scenes, I can say that it surpassed my expectation. I was moved and affected by the characters and what they went through. JARED. I just love Jared & Tate when they are together.

Angelfall by Susan Ee. With the massive birth of angel books I was really iffy with this one, but upon reading it I was surprised how astoundingly creepy and scary it was. I also fell for another book character which was Raffe. I liked Penryn too!

And now for the runner ups!

Opal by Jennifer Armentrout

Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

16 comments

2013 saying goodbye? 2014 beaming at us with hello? Oh man! It's almost 2014 already, where did the time go? It feels like everything happened in a blur and I can't help but to be both amazed and scared. Everything's happening too fast.

Anyway, enough with my realizations, this post is about my 2013 book blogging experience or simply a 2013 wrap-up and my 2014 goals and resolutions! Expect a long ass post :D

The start (how lame)

I created this blog September this year. Geez. Three months already passed, I can't believe I haven't abandoned this one or been in a long MIA. I've been blogging since 2009 through my personal blogs and earlier this year that I start to realize that I should create a personal book blog to talk about books! You see, I am more of a twitter-biased since I am a talkative person in real life and over the internet that is why twitter is really handy SNS for me. Going back, I admit that I was really anxious and iffy to start a book blog since I really have no clue on how things works for this kind of stuff, but later then I realized how fun it can be. Thank you to my very first followers & followings for making my excitement and interest escalate. A shoutout to Chel of Procrastinator's Corner!

Read. Read. Read.

A total of 90 books! Oh wow! Last year I only read almost 40-50 books and now I almost doubled it! I am a sucker for YA fantasy and dystopian books. This year I've discovered a lot of good series and standalone books. I also discovered new authors and also read books from popular authors. I believe my most memorable/favorite reads for this year have to go with the "made me bawl like a baby and ripped my heart into gazillion pieces" kind of books. An honorable mention for Champion by Marie Lu, Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare, Pivot Point by Kasie West & The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. To all the NA books that I liked and loathed, hey guys you all been part of my 2013 reading journey! Give it up for Tangled by Emma Chase & Bully by Penelope Douglas. OMG. Looking back to the books I've read, I can't help but to be so damn happy and nostalgic. Books really made this year (every year) a very rapturous one!

On my blog

Hey guys! Yes you! To anyone who's reading this, thank you for making up the time to visit my blog or comment on any post I made. You guys are all awesome! In the 3 months span of my book blogging I've discovered and met a lot of awesome people already. To mention some, Jackie @ Bookcharmed, Cait & Mime @ The Notebook Sisters, Kelly @ Effortlessly Reading, Aman @ Enticed by Books, Chel @ hello-chelly, Samantha @ Adventures of a bookworm, Steph @ Hopeless Romantics, Elyssa&Anne @ Two Ends of a Bookshelf, Nina @ Sea of Pages, Marie @ The Moody Reader, Pamela @ Reading is Fun, Ashley @ Nose Graze, Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner, Hazel @ Stay Bookish and a lot lot lot more! To all the lovely GFC & bloglovin' followers, thank you all! (oh cow I think I am making a blogversary post HAHA) And also I joined bookblogging which is a very cool and convenient site for book bloggers. I posted my mini/random post and my very first discussion and I was more than delighted to see a handful of people who responded. It made my heart swell in joy, I swear! I completed and surpass my goodreads goal of 50 books! Yipee. And lastly, I posted 46 reviews for this blog and I got responses on them which really made me happy.

(And I also changed my template for like 10 times and my header for 40 times; not exaggerating and sorts)

Movies & Draaaamas.

HA. City of Bones really made an impact on this aspect. I both liked it and didn't like it but who cares I still like it. With the perfect cast who won't like it? Catching Fire! Oh thank goodness for this movie. Seriously it was damn good and man, Sam Clalfin, how dare you ruined my life in a span of 2 hours *raises brows* BELIEVE 2D of Justin Bieber! I am actually a bieber fan since 2009 (dont judge pls :D). I really liked this compared to Never Say Never and I admit that I shed tears while watching the movie. MAN I WAS MOVED!I also watched The Host although I haven't read the book yet. I liked it mainly because of Jake Abel (I'm a goner when it comes to him). Reply 1997 is a k-drama this 2013 and oh my god I CAN TOTALLY RELATE with this drama. It goes straight to my veins! Shoot me now. Rooftop Prince also was a bloody brilliant k-drama this year. I was hooked with the story line & characters! But if you're fond of k-dramas or looking for an entertainment then I recommend Reply 1997 & Rooftop Prince.

Personal matter

I went on a hiatus for almost a month and came back with rainbows and unicorns; me riding on a unicorn down the rainbow ha. My grade for second sem was good! My GWA increased as well as my grades in all subject. Uh-huh, I am still a regular student! And oh, I won an oral defense! Jeez, I can't still believe I actually made it! I have to admit that it was a distressing term gahh with all the sleepless nights and no-time-for-books months. But it all paid well! I lost 15 kgs this year. Holy freak. I am still aiming to lost 10 kgs for 2014 to meet my dream weight. Goodluck to me! :'D

Lastly, my 2014 Goals and Resoultion

This was Ashley's idea and I am not the kind of person who sets goals in my life. LOL I pretty much live my life the way I wanted it and the way events naturally happens. But since it's book blogging we're talking about, I would like to name a few goals & resolutions for the upcoming year.

2014 Goals

Read the Harry Potter series
Before you throw your wands at me, let me explain HAHA (ok this would be lame). When I was a child, my very own Harry Potter were the Pevensies of The Chronicles of Narnia, Ariel of the Little Mermaid & Alice of Alice in Wonderland. I've been a reader of these since 6 or 7 years old. I haven't had the time to ask my parents to read/buy me the HP series. I watched the first and second movie which I barely remember what is it all about. Now, I am planning to finally get my nose on its pages and start digging the world of Harry (I am not a fan of witches and sorts but I hope this series will work for me.)

Read 75+ books
My goodreads 2014 challenge will be about achieving or surpassing 75 books.

Write/publish atleast 7 discussion posts all through out the year
I really enjoy discussions, it's like bloggers are sharing a piece of themselves whenever they engange and comment on the discussion. I already have ideas regarding the topic and if I am lucky enough, I'll post one discussion per month.

Hold a giveaway for my birthday this March
I've been mulling over this. I told my sister about it and she said she'll help with the giveaway. Weeee.

Read 10 contemporary novels
I rarely read contemporary novels and this year I plan to read books which are out of my league. I checked goodreads and some of my friends' recommendations on this goal.

Reach *an idk number* of GFC/bloglovin' friends
I don't want to call you guys followers, instead I shal call you all my friends <3 I don't really mind the numbers, what's more important is I would be able to reach out to other book bloggers and talk to them more often.

2014 Resolutions

Less tweaking of my template
I really love tweaking codes and layouts, experiment there, experiment here. I want to lessen it because I lose time for books. And it really hurts my eyes and it frustrates me to no end. I hope I'll find a template that I'll tweak then I'll be contented with it foooooor a long time.

Comment on more bloggers' posts
Subscribe/follow more bloggers

THAT'S IT FOR THIS POST! I hope you guys have a happy happy and fabulous 2014!

6 comments

Wait for You
Author: Jennifer Armentrout / JLYNN
Published Date: Feb 26, 2013
Genre: NA, romance

Synopsis:
Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

I would keep this review simple with not much elaboration. I will use a lot of gifs to express my thoughts LOL. NOTE: All the gifs were taken from tumblr. I don't own them neither created them. All rights go to the respectful owners.

“As long as the sun’s shining, shit can’t be that bad.”

Meet Cameron Hamilton. The oh-so-swoon-worthy guy. He likes baking, frying eggs and petting Raphael (his turquoise). Isn't he just adorable? And yummy.

I really liked his character; he is open, bold, sweet, caring and really patient. Although I was a little cynic about his "perfect" physical description, his attitude totally made way for a developed character. He can be very cocky, but not to the point that it gets on anyone's nerve. His cockiness brought out the humor to the story. And not to mention......he got this. Yup. DIMPLES.

Meet Avery. A catastrophic past hunts her until the present. It made her scared to alot of things; she goes very jumpy and anxious when it comes to socializing and "touching". At some point her character can really irk me especially if she's too stubborn and too wimpy, but Jennifer Armentrout handled her "condition" in a way that it won't be a dole-out and just be realistic.

Cam and Avery 's relationship.

But then because of Avery's wariness and being a closed book about her past, they go...

It took them a couple of "space" for them to be together again and to fix the shits. It amazed me how Cam handled everything although it hurt him so bad. With the help of Jacob (fabulous character) & Brit (sassy chick) they were able to realize a lot of stuff.

“We are your friends. It is the law of friendship that you tell us things you don’t want to tell us.”

But ofcourse with trust and all the shits that go with commitment. I felt the emotions and that unwavering connection between them.. And then they go back to this...

This book has to be a good NA with a couple of steamy scenes. The characters are likable especially when they engage in a battle of wit and flirty banters. I really liked the chemistry of Cam & Avery, they are just so cute, yet sensual when they are together. A combination of dark past, angst, humorous dialogues, romance, and steamy scenes, JLA has done it again!

4 comments

This survey was created by Jamie of The Perpetual Page Turner. She's a very wonderful blogger, I've been following her blog for months now. Check her blog out!

1. Best Book You Read In 2013? (If you have to cheat — you can break it down by genre if you want or 2013 release vs. backlist

I've read 88 books this year and the following books totally outshone the others. I've recently read Champion by Marie Lu and it officially climbed to my favorite read for 2013. (keeping it short for I am afraid I'll put a long ass description about it). Pivot Point by Kasie which really is a briliant fantasy/sci-fi-ish book; I've been obsessed with it for looooong. Any Rick Riordan can fall to my best book any year that's why there's no surprise for The House of Hades to be on this list. Clockwork Princess by Cassie Clare undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful and astonishing series enders that I've ever read. I have no words except it was beautifully written with so much emotion.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

I loved the series and it really hurt when I found myself disappointed on Sentinel. JLA lost the "wow" && "epic" factor in here. It's just........ why

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013?

Angelfall totally surprised me for I am not really into post-apocalyptic novels. I was also scared about the angel and nephilim thing becaue coughs I've been disappointed for many times when it comes to that genre. BUT hell, this was surprisingly good! I really have no idea what is The Darkest Minds all about except for the fact that my friends in goodreads kept talking about it. Why not give it a try? At first it was agonizingly slow and I almost put it on hold, but as Chapter 8 approached BAM! I found myself enjoying it bit by bit.

4. Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?

I've been recommending Kasie West's novels like crazy over the months now. These two are really amazing novels from a debut author!

5. Best series you discovered in 2013?

Legend series by Marie Lu was definitely a surprise! I read it out of shear curiosity and hell- I can't put it down. My favorite has to be Champion, but the predecessor books are equally bloody brilliant - Legend & Prodigy.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2013?

Hmm.. I think I'll give my top 5. They are Kasie West, Marie Lu, Jessica Sorensen, Alexandra Bracken & Emma Chase! Awesome authors!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I am really not a fan of New Adult books, but these two books really were damn awesome. Tangled by Emma Chase has to be one of the most hilarious books I've ever read while Bully by Penelope Douglas is a very gripping novel.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2013?

The two utmost books that didn't let me sleep 'til 4am! Champion & The Distance Between Us.

9. Book You Read In 2013 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Hands down. Hats off. I like torturing myself that is why I need to reread and reread this 'til I grew tired of it (which is unlikely to happen).

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2013?

11. Most memorable character in 2013?

No doubt. No question. Yep. Day from the Legend Series. Someday I'll write a long ass post raving over him and telling the world how much his character hit me like a tsunami.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2013?

Clockwork Princess. I was left speechless just by the writing. It brought out a combination of classical and ya style.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013?

All the books on my favorite list battered me emotionally (in a positive way). Well, If I can put one book that didn't make me cry, but made me nostalgic and totally relate it has to be Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to finally read?

Obsidian is one of the popular books in the YA community. I really liked it and I can't believe I put it off for long! I know I know WHY READ DIVERGENT NOW? Because I didn't read it last year or the last two years or three... But seriously better late than never. Born At Midnight is a very good fantasy-romance book. It was released last 2011 and I've been meaning to read it when I discovered it last year.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2013?

The first pic isn;t mine. The daniel quote is my edit.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Epilogue or the last part of Champion (where I bawled like a baby), Epilogue of Clockwork Princess (where there were happy tears all over my face) & Chapter 27 of The Darkest Minds (where I can never forget what Liam Stewart said LOL)

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Love triangle: Jem - Tessa - Will or in any way you arrange them cause it was a never ending cycle of love among these 3 characters.

Bestfriend/friend: Jamie & Mara from Mara Dyer series. Skye & Caymen from The Distance Between Us.

Sibling: Day with John & Eden; June & Metias (both from legend series). Also Layken and her sibling I forgot the name (from Slammed trilogy)

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2013 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

20. Best Book You Read In 2013 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

21. Genre You Read The Most From in 2013?

Both YA fantasy & dystopia

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?

TREVOR from Pivot Point. I was literally obsessing over him when I finished Pivot Point. ALSO, Day from Legend (you probably all know that). Another one is Raffe from Angelfall & Chaol from Throne of Glass.

23. Best 2013 debut you read?

AND THEN AGAIN....

24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?

The authors of these series really know how to be vivid in writing the set up and world building of the novels. It feels like that the scenes just lay infront of my eyes in a play motion just like the movies.

25. Book That Was The Most Fun To Read in 2013?

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia. It is a suspense-paranormal book and I was literally having goosebumps while reading some of the scenes here. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed being scared and that is how I define "most fun to read" :D

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2013?

27. Book You Read in 2013 That You Think Got Overlooked This Year Or When It Came Out?

I've felt that this series was really underrated. C'mon guys you're missing awesome novels! The Fallen Star, The Underworld, The Vision (my favorite), & The Promise by Jessica Sorensen

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2013?

All the awesome book bloggers are on my following list but to name a few, Kelly of Effortlessly Reading, Jackie of Bookcharmed, Chel of Procrastinating Corner, Cait & Mime from The Notebook Sisters, Marie of The Moody Reader, Hazel of Stay Bookish and a lot lot more!!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2013?

My review for Champion where I put my heart on my sleeve. Also my review for The Darkest Minds & The House of Hades.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

I've only had one and it just happened yesterday. I called my discussion feature "Any thoughts?" The first discussion was about Book Hangover and how to deal with it.

4. Best moment of book blogging/your book life in 2013?

Every. single. thing. that I did in my blog is a moment for me. But above all, it was the birth of this book blog that I am really thankful for. Also meeting a couple of book bloggers! x

5. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Only completed /surpass my goal in goodreads! 90 of 50 books! Yeah!!

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2013 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2014?

All of Our Yesterdays by Christin Terill.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2014 (non-debut)?

Oooops. Look at the right side :)))

3. 2014 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

I don't know. Haven't figured this thing out. Most of the books I am planning to read on 2014 is from the authors that already published books.

4. Series Ending You Are Most Anticipating in 2014?

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

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2014

Just to relax and run this book blog the way I already started it. No pressure and all; meeting new awesome book bloggers and discovering more books.

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