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Enthralling Reads | 2015. Powered by Blogger.
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Abby Joy B.



Justice Buried
Hilary Thompson
Release Date: Jan 15, 2014
ADD TO GOODREADS
Buy: Amazon


Synopsis:
The people need Justice, but she’s not listening.

One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to return and save them from their Fates.

Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior – too bad for them she isn’t a believer.

Trea fights against her false destiny: she rebels against her family and friends, then refuses her arranged marriage to the charming but deceitful Lexan. Learning her life is in danger, Trea is forced to trust Lexan – until she discovers a power she never knew she had, and one he already knew he did.

As betrayal closes every door, Trea decides she must submit to her stars and accept her fate. Then a handsome stranger offers her an unexpected escape and the chance to create her own destiny.
This is a very engaging & entertaining read! And since my forte is dystopian books, this easily pave its way to "most likely I am going to like it" list. Yup, I have that. The fun thing about the story is there's variety of things that all thrown into one plot. We have mythology (which I am a sucker at), astrology (I am a firm believer of zodiac signs except that: 'Leo will get lucky today' thingy HA) and lastly, sci-fi/dystopian genre!!! So with these said, I can affirm that this is indeed an interesting and VERY UNIQUE book! At first I was confused with the terms and the leader thing going on since the very first chapter really overwhelmed me. Who...what? Who's watching her? Huh? Why is she praying? And what did she see on that wall climbing activity? (oooh that really piqued my interest). There's a lot to take in, but once you get through the basic facts of the world, then everything comes easy and totally enjoyable!

I have mix feelings with Astrea, she really struck me as a mediocre character at first, but there's character development in here folks! I thought that being hot-tempered and sometimes whiny will be carried out though the whole story, but as I continue to explore more, I found Astrea to be a likable character. Okay so now, let's go to this apsect of the book: Love triangle. Um. I generally don't like love triangles, but in this book I can say that I am not siding on Lexan or Stian right now, I just really feel that there's something obvious with the characters' relationships, but I am still looking forward to the romance on the next books!

All in all, the world building totally amazed me. It's really unique and there's this distinguished in the variation of myth, astrology and futursistic approach. I just wish that there's more closure to the three cities. And also a development on the romance since others might look at it as another cliche romance. Hee. There's always more than what the synopsis says, so I recommend you to stick with this book 'til the end! :D

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I am flailing in midair because I am so thrilled, happy and excited right now! EEEEEEEEEEEEEP Here it is! After 4 months of waiting we have now Book 3!!

The War of Gods

Author: Con Tempalate
Release Date: April 28 (todaaaay!)
Page: 406 pages
Genre: YA/NA, romance, action, thriller, war
ADD TO GOODREADS

PHYSICAL BOOK / NOOK / KINDLE

Synopsis (taken from goodreads and also Con's website):
Before the changing of tides, there is always silence.

A prolonged silence to warn people about what’s coming, an insufferable silence that promises pain, and an epic silence that guarantees an event that will carve itself into history.

For Choi Yoori, the changing of her tides has started. No matter how hard she tries to escape from her crime-ridden past, the shadows of her former self – the notorious Queen of the Underworld – continues to torment her existence.

Earthshattering secrets that An Soo Jin took to the grave has resurfaced, imminent danger from a once distant past has reemerged, and an end that Yoori will never see coming is approaching. As the finalities of her borrowed time approaches, Yoori continues to fight with everything she has to hang onto the one she loves most in this world – the King of Serpents.

It will be a battle of a lifetime that will carve itself into history, for if she loses, it will ignite the greatest war the Underworld has ever seen.
So according to those who are reading it now, there are additional scenes especially on the first chapters of the book! Eeeeep. You know why I am so excited about this book compare to the other 2? This is the change of tide. Like the famous idiom says, "All hell broke loose." I can feel it. I feel the vehemence of the scenes. The ruthlessness of "to the one who just came back" and the FEELS the feels are everywhere *SCREAMS*

I wish more people will read this, not just the old readers but also new readers. So here I am doing my best to promote the book. So if you kinda miss what the book is all about, here are the links of the first two books:

Book 1: Welcome to the Underworld
Book 2: The Fall of Gods

You can read everything there, but if you want some more motivation and a person who's so pushy in recommending this series (story). Here is my first appreciation post for WTTU. Seriously guys, I swear, like really swear that this series is worth reading!!

MY MOOD RIGHT NOW: 

So that's it! Last appreciation post next week! Aw. 

What are you guys currently reading? :D
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THIS IS A LIFE-ALTERING STORY I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE

I haven't been on my blog for tooo looong!! I am so sad and mad (oh that rhymed), I had a review slump and a "watch me as I shrug off my tbr list and reread my favorite books" thing going on. I'll have to explain this particular habit of mine soon in one my ANY THOUGHTS? discussion post! :D

I am here as you can see on the title to appreciate and feature AND SPOTLIGHT one of my favorite stories of all time. OF ALL HELLUVA TIME. It will take me two posts for this: 1.) The basics & review (more like I AM GOING TO FANGIRL HARD) of Welcome to the Underworld 2.) Book release of The War of Gods (April 28)

Okay before I go gaga and mad on the review part of the post here are the substantial information that anyone interested to read this MUST know:

1. Welcome to the Underworld was first published as a fanfiction in a korean site which is called, Soompi.
2. The author goes by the pen name Con. Template
3. Con started publishing chapters by chapters last May 2008 and officially ended the story around July 2010.
5. The language used in writing is English although the setting is in Korea particularly in Seoul. All the names of the character are Koreans (don't worry you won't be confuse!).
4. This story is an internet wonder ever since. It is one of the WELL-KNOWN stories online. It is also classified as the CLASSIC FANFICTION of its time.
5. Due to the high demand of the fans for this to be published in physical book, the author dropped the bomb last 2012 and said she'll produce physical copies of Welcome to the Underworld BUT it will be chopped into to 4 books since it is a lengthy story. I swear the pdf & doc version of this before was 1687 pages!!!!
6. The name of the books are: a.) Welcome to the Underworld (first book released 2012) b.) The Fall of God (second book released 2013) c.) The War of God (third book to be released on APRIL 28!!) and d.) -UNTITLED YET- (released date TBA and this is the last book)

What is the book all about?
-THIS IS NOT ABOUT MYTHOLOGY- 
When people ask me about this (since I've been raving about this for almost 4 years now), I always got tongue tied and at lost of a comprehensive summary. Why? Because the story is surreal twisted with ample of plot turns and twists. And believe me when I say it's a batshit crazy story. I don't want to give away spoilers in my summary so I am going to just post the goodreads synopsis of the first book:
There is a secret society that presides over every world. This society is so powerful that it can control a nation, strike fear into the bravest of men and bring turmoil onto the most unsuspecting of victims. 
. . .There is a dangerous society in Seoul that is plaguing Choi Yoori.
Her world is turned upside down when she is told that she bears a strong resemblance to the “Queen of the Underworld,” a notorious Underworld crime lord who died 3 years prior – the exact same time Yoori woke up with amnesia. The dangers of this new world is crashing in on her and Yoori's only grip on stability lies with the guidance from her crime lord boss and the secrets the Queen of the Underworld hid from her powerful society.
Welcome to a world where “Gods” walk amongst humans. Where the heartless and vengeful are revered like Kings and Queens – and the weak, the distracted are punished without mercy.
It is a cruel world and once you’re in, the only exit is death.
Ofcourse the book version was edited with some deleted and added scenes. I've read both the published first two books and compared it to the original one and I can totally say that there were changes but the gist of the story is still being exhibit on the published books. 

I rarely write reviews like this for I can foresee that I am just going to spazz and be incoherent in any twisted way. But my gut is telling me to push this review and also this spotlight posts for Welcome to the Underworld because it deserves the attention. It has been 4 years since I read this and I admit that every time I think about it, I get to mop for a whole 5 minutes. I am going to review the whole story in general, and please bear with my fangirl-ing and gifs abuse. So here it goes....

BREATHTAKING STORY. HEART-POUNDING ACTION. THRILLING JOURNEY TO DISCOVERY. MIND-BLOWING PLOT. A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ROMANCE. GRIPPING ANGST. A STORY THAT IS WORTH READING. EVERY WORD, PAGE, CHAPTER OF IT. WORTH IT. A BLISSFUL JOURNEY.

If I could just write all the adjectives that is on my mind right now, I will. But for now, I want you guys to know that this story is one of the closest to my heart. It didn't fail to amaze me even just for heartbeat. Every scene IS a clue to the enormous haunting puzzle that involves all the characters' past, present and future. Given that the story about a secret society in South Korea, we can expect that it is a dark novel with so much action, deaths, torture and gangs involvement. Basically the world of our characters revolves around powerful and ruthless people. The author created a VERY complicated story, but don't fret! Because while given that there are a lot to take in while reading this, the writing style is very intricate yet so cryptic. After a puzzle piece is solved, a bigger puzzle will arise leaving not only the characters dumbfounded, but also leaving the readers' minds reeling. 

GIVE ME A MOMENT FOR I AM ABOUT TO EXPLODE WITH SO MUCH FEELS CAUSE I AM GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. 

Just to keep everything short and SANE, Choi Yoori and Kwon Taehyun are NOTE-WORTHY characters. They are just one of a kind. I really don't want to elaborate much of Yoori's character but I will ensure you that she's resilient and brave. There's this BIG PLOT TWIST on her side, (it's very spoilery to talk about her I swear) so now let's talk about Kwon Taehyun. One word:
Well actually he isn't perfect, I mean who is? But his character is just so swoon-worthy that sometimes I forgot to breathe when he starts saying 'those lines' and also how he protects the ones he loves. For me, he is not cocky or arrogant, I take it as confidence. Why not flaunt it when you have it, right? And in a world of ruthless and well-trained people to be Gods of the secret society you have to be fearless and show no mercy. But Taehyun.....He found Paris. The Paris that turned his world in a hundred and eighty degrees. A fact about Taehyun: He is one of the so called Gods in the Underworld and he is also the greatest contender of being the first ever LORD of the Underworld. 

Love cease to exist in the Underworld.
But Choi Yoori and Kwon Taeyun found Paris.
And promised that it'll be worth it.
Every stubborn inch of it.

THE ROMANCE IS WHAT I CALL A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME romance. It's timeless, no words can even describe how beautiful the romance in this story. It's real. The only thing that is real in an inhumane world. The relationship of Kwon Taehyun and Choi Yoori took in a progress, there's no rush, but once it gets there, there will be a tsunami of emotions and vehement feels. FEELS FEELS EVERYWHERE.

“. . . Death will never part us.
I’ll love you until the last breath of forever; I’ll love you until Paris fades. . .”

 
I am actually crying right now. Believe me guys when I tell you that I am actually shedding tears right now. And I will always shed tears for this story..... "Until Paris Fades"


This story will always live up to its legend. A lot of people consider this as the classic fanfiction way way back and up to now the readers like me are still raving about this. It is one of the best out there. And believe me, I've read a lot to compare. It is a complete mixture of ROMANCE. ACTION. SUSPENSE. ANGST. FRIENDSHIP. BLOOD LUST. POLITICAL CONFLICT. And if I'll be ask if I want to read such lengthy story again... I'll answer yes right away because I know it's worth it.


The antagonists made my heart boiled to no end (and it probably will makes yours). It was just so hard to trust ANYONE in this story because of the perpetual betrayal and turncoat. Once you thought that this character has earned your trust he/she will make a mind-blowing revelation or action that will just screw you over and over. On the other hand, there are secondary characters which made a great impact to the stories. And they are very loving and loyal. These characters made scenes quirk up despite the tension and I really need them to do that every once in a while (because the tension was killing me).

WELCOME TO THE UNDERWORLD may literally mean the world the characters were confined in, but there's more to it. THERE'S MORE TO THAT TITLE. And everything will come in full circle in the end.

I want you all to read this story because it changed my view in things. Although it was sure fictional and a secret society or korean mafia might be impossible, the story about love, friendship, loyalty and journey of life is sure worth experiencing. And please don't give up on this. 

PS: I keep using worth it because it has something to do with the story. :D

I AM VIGOROUSLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMENDING THIS. And with that told here are the links + add them to your "wants to read" shelf :)

Goodreads links:
Welcome to the Underworld / The Fall of Gods / The War of Gods

Welcome to the Underworld (A Welcome to the Underworld novel)
Author: Con Template
Published Date: Dec 10, 2012

BUY / ORDER IT HERE:

AMAZON
CREATESPACE

The Fall of Gods (A Welcome to the Underworld novel)
Author: Con Template
Published Date: Aug 31, 2013

BUY / ORDER IT HERE:

AMAZON
CREATESPACE

The War of Gods
Author: Con Template
Published Date: April 28, 2014

AMAZON AND CREATESPACE LINKS TO BE UPDATED ON THE RELEASE DATE! (APRIL 28, 2014)

OFFICIAL FIRST CHAPTER OF THE BOOK



.....................I guess that's it?
Oh wait! There's more! More of Welcome to the Underworld on the next days: A.) Release Date of The War of gods and B.) Book Posters!! as well as quotes from the books that will makes you melt in a puddle of goo. :p 
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Today's topic: Top Ten Bookish things (that aren't books) I'd like to own.

I missed TTT. Didn't do it for almost 3 months already He-he.

1. New Bookshelf
- I. BADLY. NEED. A. NEW. ONE. My books are literally all over my room, they need a new shelter, but at the same time I love them seeing scattered in my room *conflicted* But a bigger bookshelf will do.

2. Bookmarks (Post-it, Washi tape..)
- So here's the thing I only use one bookmark which I just totally made in like 10 seconds. And I am dreading because sometimes when I read a book and then there's this line I want to mark I don't have a post-it bookmark for it. I know. I suck at that, I really need those fine piece of papers and kawaii washi taped bookmarks:

3. HABI Binder
- If I need to go out the whole day (even just for school) or get stuck on a family get together and it happens I am really bored (most of the time I do) I need a reading kit with me. And this reading kit is not just for books, but also for my other necessities. I saw Sab @ Sab the Book Eater (check her post out so you can see the capacity of the binder WEE) posted this and my interest really piqued. HOLY AMAZING I WANT THAT TOO *grabby hands* Too bad when I checked their site all kinds of binder are sold out!!! WHY? So here I am patiently waiting for it to restock. And this is 100%  Filipino made. OMG *proud* HABI means weave btw. 
4. More book related shirts
- Who doesn't want to wear a shirt that has a bookish related stuff printed on it! Cool dude always. I already had my CAMP HALFBLOOD shirt (here) and I always wear it except that it's really orange-y doesn't match the weather here in the Philippines lmao. I also want a book blogger shirt! Actually, it's really easy for that to happen since I can just create the design and hand it to a shop who print, but meh that never happens. (moneeyyy where are you?)

5. Clockwork Angel Necklace
- For once in my life I want to be Tessa Gray. LOL. I feel like once I have to wear the clockwork angel pendant I might magically turn into Tessa Gray and marry........Ooops. But that silly dream aside, the necklace is really appealing.
\

6. Ticket to go to Paris 
BOOKISH REASON: I love Welcome to the Underworld. 
NON-BOOKISH REASON: WHO DOESN'T WANT TO GO VISIT PARIS?

I only have 6 on my list. I know that deep inside me there's more, like reaaaally more but now I'll just leave it up to that list. 

It's your turn! What are your bookish things that you want to have? :-D I'm going to check it out!
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Lovely Vicious
Author: Sara Wolf
Published Date: Nov 5, 2013
Add to Goodreads / Amazon


Synopsis:
Fire meets ice. Love meets hate. 

Seventeen-year-old Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, nine weeks, and five days, and after what happened last time, she intends to keep it that way. Since then she’s lost eighty-five pounds, gotten four streaks of purple in her hair, and moved to the Buttcrack-of-Nowhere Ohio to help her mom escape a bad relationship. 

All the girls in her new school want one thing – Jack Hunter, the Ice Prince of East Summit High. Hot as an Armani ad, smart enough to get into Yale, and colder than the Arctic, Jack Hunter’s never gone out with anyone. Sure, people have seen him downtown with beautiful women, but he’s never given high school girls the time of day. Until Isis punches him in the face.

Jack’s met his match. Suddenly everything is a game.
The goal: Make the other beg for mercy. 
The game board: East Summit High.
The reward: Something neither of them expected.
This is the kind of story that will play with your emotions ruthlessly, make your stomach and cheeks hurt because of the laughs and will probably throw you into a frenzy of feels. A brilliant novel that tackles about the struggle of different characters but most of the time it is about Isis Blake, the main character also the voice of the book.

Let me start by saying: GO READ THIS NOW. There I said it, now, let's go to the actual thing. Reading the synopsis made me iffy for it sounds to cliche and cheesy. Really, Ice Prince? But I was shocked when I saw all the shining 4 & 5 stars review in goodreads (top reviews btw) and thought why not give a try?

I AM SO GLAD I DID. Read it in one sitting and absolutely regretted nothing. There's so many things to like about this book. First we have a very noteworthy, dimensional, sharp-witted, FUNNY protagonist who has an exceptional talent in comical blabbering. Even her one liners can make me laugh easily. But her life isn't perfect, despite the lost of weight and a chance to be away from this nameless guy who hurt her more that she could ever bare, she still feel insecure and scared and broken from her past experience. BUT SHE'S STRONG. So fucking strong, I almost cried when I was reading some scenes that I thought she'll crumble into a puddle of mess. On the other hand she talks too much and thinks too much aka blabbers too much. Sometimes I want to duck tape her mouth or thoughts because those were overwhelming, but as the story progressed I learned to go along with it - not minding it at all! She simply skyrocketed her way to my favorite YA heroine list. And this specific line here needs to be highlighted because that speaks it all.
“She was probably a trusting, naïve girl before him, like a daisy. And then he came, and pulled her petals off one by one, forcing her to surround herself with thorns to survive. But he missed one petal. And she guards it with a tiger's ferocity.” 
Now we meet Jack Hunter, Ice Prince of East Summit High. A total hottie - brooding handsome with lots of women fawning over him - but he's also the epitome of coldness and distant; ass and arrogant; but behind those facades lies a dark past. Really dark!! He's also a total nerd, and a Harvard passer! Beat that! He made me frustrated with his actions, but at the same time made me "Awwwwww" more than "Ughhh". I can't give much info about him for I might spoil some important bits about the story.

THE BANTER! This is also one of the things to look forward to in reading this book. Isis and Jack's battle of wits & insults, physical war and a whole lot crazy revenge they throw at each other totally made me guffaw. A piece of advice: DON'T DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING WHEN YOU'RE READING THEIR SCENES TOGETHER.  It's very evident that they exude a burning chemistry even if it's all hate and war. And what I love about their relationship is they never started off as INSTA-LOVE. It was slow & blossoming. I just want them to be together you know? Ughhh all the unsaid feelings!! All all all the heartaches and poignant little revelations broke my heart into a gazillion pieces.
“How did you find me? If you hacked into the Club’s computer to look up my appointments - "
“Whoa, I think you overestimate me, shitlord. Last time I checked all I did was be in the wrong place at the right time. I saw you and had to - ”
“Stalk me.”
“ - delicately approach you. In a sideways manner. From behind. Without being seen at all. For ten minutes.”
"You could do the fair maidens of the school a favor and inform them you're gay," I say.
"Didn't you read the sign?" He asks coolly without looking up, "No harpies in the library" 
"I see everyone's here!" I cheerily bounce into a seat next to him and unlace my shoes. I glance over, as if seeing him for the first time. "Alright, which one of you's been dabbling in demon summoning and hasn't told me about it?" 
There's this dark and suspenseful plot in the story. That makes everything exciting and a lot thrilling. Unraveling of secrets and putting together the pieces of a mysterious & haunting puzzle will prevent anyone to bring this book down. And let me just mention how friendship and family ties were greatly manifested by the characters.

Overall, it was really a memorable read for me. Let's just say that if you hate immature dialogues, then you might want to avoid this book, but other than that this book was well-written and enjoyable for such haunting plot.

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ALOHA! Remember me? No? :( AW. Just kidding.

As the title conveys, I am now Enthralling Reads and not Abbbz and Bookz, I've been dreading over this for months now. Of course I will miss Abbbz and Bookz, but I found myself mumbling Enthralling Reads all the time (why is that? Is that a sign?). I guess so. So I made the decision to change my blog address and blog name. I have to revamp my blog and fix links, it felt like I am starting over again (I was so scared, I swear!). I have to ask bloglovin to transfer followers, change twitter name, goodreads info and etc etc. Although I gotta say that I enjoy revamping my blog. New look:

I still have to do some stuffs about the design, but that's trivial anyway.

BOOKS I READ FOR APRIL (so far):
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutsoki - My Review :)
Lovingly Vicious by Sara Wolf - I SWEAR THIS BOOKS IS FANTUHHSTIC! A decent review to come but I already posted something on goodreads (and come to think of it I think I blabbered there)

PLANNING TO READ THIS MONTH:
1019415714061955
* Shadow and Bone & Siege and Storm by Leigh Burgado
- SQUEEE I joined the re-read along in preparation for the third book which is Ruin and Rising. New readers (like me) can join, and readers will be able to ask the author questions :) JOIN HERE.
.
18780731
* Savage Delight by Sara Wolf
- The sequel to Lovingly Vicious!!! SO EXCITED! After that cliff-freaking-hanger ending of the first book, I AM THIRSTY FOR THIS. (she looks like a fetus btw)

* Under the Never Sky Trilogy by Veronica Rossi
- So many mixed reviews about this so I am iffy? But let's see what the trilogy got!

I think that's it for now? My 4th term shall start in less than two weeks and I am back to my dungeon aka school. Errr. I am crossing my fingers so I can attend Veronica Rossi, Tahereh Mafi & Ransom Riggs 's book signing on the 27! SQUEEEALS. I haven't read A. SINGLE. BOOK. from these authors, but I have my copies sitting on my shelf - waiting to be read. *I am sorry guys :(*

I've been MIA around the blogging community, I want to comment more and visit other blogs while I sitll have time! And by the way, check other bloggers post :D

Sydney @ Utterly Bookish - Struts back into existence (welcome back, syd!)
Cait @ Notebook Sisters - Top Ten Unique Books
Aman @ Enticed by Books - What to do when you're in a book slump (I agree! Yes. I always do this!)
Rachel @ Rachel Turns Pages - Rapunzel retellings she missed
Jenny @ Supernatural Stark - Celebrating Dreams of Gods and Monsters: Karou Artwork + Giveaway (my jaw went slack when I saw your artwork, Jenny!)
Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs - Celebrates her birthday + get to know her + giveaway!
Hazel @ Stay Bookish - Novel Portraits: iPhoneography (really pretty pretty pictures omg)
Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity - I see you baby touching paper 

UPCOMING POSTS
* Fangirl Corner: TV shows
* Review: Lovingly Vicious

What are you planning to read this month? :D 
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The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Published Date: March 4, 2014
Add to goodreads


Synopsis:
Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
What a bloody surprise! Yes pun intended. At first I was hesitant reading this since recent overly hyped books tend to disappoint me, but once upon a time someone in twitter tweeted this photo and finally I bit the bait. Thank you, FierceReads! Aye, don't give me a stink eye. I know, I know. Haha.
“Happiness depends on being free, Kestrel's father often said, and freedom depends on being courageous.”
The Winner's Curse is an enticing fantasy book, with solid & distinct world-building, impressive characters, perplex political dispute and delicious slow-burn romance. Beautifully written! The prose is just so whimsical and enthralling. The author was so detailed and vivid in narrating, describing and illustrating the series of events and the internal monologue of the characters. I love love love...love novels that focus on wars!! Being an avid fan of movies like Troy, 300, Helen of Troy, Wrath of the Titans etc and books like Prince Caspian, Percy Jackson series, Legend trilogy, etc, I was so thrilled that as I read, read, read I learned that this book is about colonization and war among empires.
“Cold without, color within. This was how it had been.” 
Kestrel is a striking character; not on the physical means, but she is exceptional with her logical thinking, canny strategies and keen senses. She's not a Valorian warrior, she's a strategist, but that doesn't hinder her physical capability to fight. She's different from her own kind of high power. She's kind-hearten, responsible, strong-willed, but just like any other human, she has her own weaknesses. Arin on the other hand is a jaundiced character all through out the book. He is mysterious & sharp-witted, a Herran who seeks revenge on the Valorians for conquering their land and killing his people. At first, his character was closed book, it's hard to really like him when he keep everything so minimal; the way he talks; and even his slightest introspection. But I found myself loving him at the end. Guess why? He reminds me of Day of Legend. He both posses physical and strategic advantage. Not to mention how genuine he is.

The romance was a painful reminder that everything has a price. Although Arin and Kestrel started as mistress-slave relationship,underneath those stares and gazes is the burning attraction and unsaid feelings. I ache for them. They've been through a lot of betrayal and heartbreak that it's so hard to keep stomaching each agonizing moment where they treat each other as enemies. BUT WE GOT TO HAVE A COUPLE OF "RIGHT-IN-THE-FEELS" MOMENT and I am very much grateful for that!!!
He lifted her up onto the table so that her face was level with his, and as they kissed it seemed that words were hiding in the air around them, that they were invisible creatures that feathered against her and Arin, then nudged, and buzzed, and tugged.
Speak, they said.
Speak, the kiss answered.
The explanation of "The Winner's Curse" totally swept me off my feet - I AM SOLD! It's a win-lose scenario. HA. I loved how it was incorporated on the ROMANCE (yes the author did), and on the aspect of keeping claim of power, and imperium. I also loved how the author gave attention to the society, music, Bite and Sting (where can I play this?!) and friendship.

All in all, The Winner's Curse is a well-written fantasy book that will surely make the readers hold their breathe, hold onto their chairs, their beds. Prepare to be angry, sad, ache, touched, happy, anxious, eager all at the same freaking time!!!! I really enjoyed this although I have one problem: I was so mad at the ending!!1 CLIFFHANGER? *winks* *fail to wink ends up looking like someone having a stroke*
“You don't, Kestrel, even though the god of lies loves you. ”
Recommendations: To anyone who loves YA fantasy, a painful romance (HAHA), blood & gore, contemptible antagonists, well-plotted war! And to everyone reading this. (you see that coming, right?)

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Meet Abby!


I'm an engineering student who loves skincare, books, dramas and pastel pink (i just had to write that.) This where I translate my shenanigans and whatnots in life into written posts. I'll probably rave about stuff here so you've been warned! jk! (not really)

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PS: I Like You by Kasie West
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Thought: Does Kasie West ever go wrong? I'm escalated that my first read for 2017 was a squee-filled one. This was utterly adorable. The main character, Lily, is a very witty person. It wasn't hard to love her and her family.
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