Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS. TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK YET, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.





May also contain cuss words due to extreme anger and feels.


Because there are words that are so beautiful you can't keep yourself from marking them... (what my copy looks like after reading)

I'm sorry if it took me two months before I managed to write a review. I was just too busy swimming in my own tears and thinking about that freaking torturous yet wonderful epilogue after finishing Clockwork Princess. And to add to that, I had a book hangover a few days after. I know it may sound too cliché, but this is one of the few books that really touched (pierced seems to be more precise) my heart that's why I couldn't bear not to express my feels for this book. So today I'm writing a short review. I've already forgotten most of the details but I'll try to remember the most important ones.

BEST. EPILOGUE. EVER.

INITIAL REACTION AFTER READING: OHMY. MY HEART. MY HEART. MY HEART!!!!

Clockwork Princess, the breathtaking, heart-shattering, agonizing, nerve-racking (any more words?) conclusion to the epic trilogy The Infernal Devices, made me laugh, cry, scream, and left me speechless, not knowing what to do with my life anymore. I absolutely love how the story ended where Tessa ended up with both Will and Jem in a very wonderful way! I think the epilogue couldn't have been any more perfect!

And of course the characters:

MY HEART BREAKS FOR WILL AND JEM.

Initially, I was adamantly rooting for Jem, but I unexpectedly grew to also love Will in this book. I now realize that, how couldn't anyone like him? Although he is stubborn and pushes away everyone who cares for him, if you didn't like him that much at first, you'll begin to change your thinking once you learn his past and understand the reasons why he has become who he is. Besides, his witty and sarcastic comebacks would make you like him more.

Tessa, on the other hand, annoyed me a lot in this book. I really get irritated every time she's in the I'm-on-the-horns-of-a-dilemma-I-don't-really-know-but-I-love-them-both crying state. She had to choose only one, and she chose Jem, so why did she kiss Will in the balcony? Sometimes I just don't get her. On top of that, I got really angry with Tessa when she agreed to make love with Will when (just because) they thought Jem was already dead. I mean c'mon! That is the point! YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO SLEEP WITH SOMEONE MOST ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR FIANCE JUST DIED! UGH! THE NERVE OF THIS WOMAN!! But at the end of the book, she's become okay. My hatred has already subsided.

And Jem, oh Jem. JEM MY LOVE! I loved him moooooore after I finished this book. I'm really glad that he continued to live! His and Will's conversation at the end of the book made me sob the hardest! I don't know but every time he's in the scene, I couldn't help but feel crying. I already knew that he was Bro. Zechariah even before I finished Clockwork Prince because fuck people who like to spoil other people!! I think if I wasn't spoiled the scene of the discovery would've had a greater impact on me. But it's alright, I still enjoyed the book. (But still, fuck that person who spoiled me!)

No matter how much I try, I cannot explain how much I love and adore this. It's a kind of book that will stay with you forever. So if you haven't read this yet, I suggest you do now because you're missing a lot! But if you're one of those who already have, why don't you sob and fangirl with me!

So much love for this trilogy and the author! Hands down to Cassandra Clare!

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Last year, when Fangirl came out, it was very popular among young adult readers. The fact that the book has a four-point-something rating on goodreads and a lot of good reviews made me rush to the bookstore and buy a copy even though it meant burning a hole in my pocket.

I was really excited to start this work of Rainbow Rowell, but because I promised myself that I won't unwrap new books until I read my old ones in my tbr, it was only this year that I managed to devour myself in a book by Rowell. But it breaks my heart to tell you that I'm not sure if my first experience was good.

I had very very high expectations for Fangirl, and it's sad that they were not met. I think this book was too light and too contemporary for me, because I didn't appreciate much of it. The story was too simple and there weren't a lot of things happening: it's always Cath inside her dorm, writing fanfiction about Simon and Baz (I know it really was the main point of the plot: Cath doesn't socialize much with people and prefers most of the time to be alone with the fictional characters inside her head). Even Cath and Levi's love story was so fast. Levi just said he liked her and that's that. They're officially on. There wasn't even much conflict except for the time when Wren was rushed to the hospital and when Cath and Levi fought because she didn't want to do her Fiction Writing project. And that was just a small fight.

And the ending. Ugh. I finished reading Fangirl as an e-book, and I had to check my physical copy just to be sure it doesn't have missing pages. Rainbow probably rushed the last parts, because the ending didn't turn out that good. It was like what she wrote somewhere in the book: Cath didn't want to rush writing because she wants to the characters to get the ending they deserved--the ending that would satisfy the readers. I just think it's kinda ironic that the author herself did the opposite.

Fangirl is okay and though I didn't like it that much I would recommend it to those who read and write fanfiction. I think you'll appreciate the book more and you'll be able relate to the main character.

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is my first time to read a Colleen Hoover book. And after reading this novel, I can say that all the hype over this one is doubtlessly worth it. The plot having a deaf person for a main character is unique, and I love it how all the characters in the story felt so real.

The start of the book captivated me. I loved the part when they were still in the balcony, Ridge playing his guitar and Sydney watching and listening to him. It was like watching the music video of Taylor Swift's You Belong with Me, only that this balcony part of Ridge and Sydney seems more likely to make you feel giddy (Did I use the right word? I was supposed to say nakakakilig, but it seems that there is no exact Engish translation for that.) I also like the times when they are writing music.

Also, Hoover writes like a boss; her words are as perfect and powerful as they were beautifully written that I can't stop myself from highlighting almost the whole page. They aren't those that were written just to fill up a paper; they are the kind of words that can pierce through your heart and leave a mark there.

The book was great all through out, though I'll admit that my feelings toward it started to lessen as I came closer to the end. I don't know, maybe it's just because the conflict was close to being resolved, and with that I felt the excitement decreasing. But I still like the book and I love the author's writing so much-- and I'm definitely going to read her other books.





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City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Actual rating: 3.5

After I finished this book, it was then I realized that reading The Mortal Instruments is like riding a roller coaster ride. At first it goes up, higher and higher, then it suddenly goes down and makes you feel that your heart might jump out of your chest at any moment.

Sadly, City of Fallen Angels was the 'down' part of that roller coaster, except for that shocked part--there wasn't any plot twist in this book that blew me away, which is a disappointment in my part. For me, it was not that bad but I had to admit that I didn't enjoy reading it as much as I did the first three books. The previous installments of the series were a crescendo so it was no doubt that I had high expectations when I started this one. But I kinda felt disappointed.

What I didn't like:
1. The slow pacing of the book
2. The story seemed to focus more on Simon and most of the time the readers are reading from his point of view. (I like Simon a lot, but don't you think it's a bit tiring when most parts of the book are centered on just one person?)
3. Jace and Clary's scenes. Ugh. I used to love it when I read about them but it was very much different in this book. I found their romantic scenes too forced and boring that I wanted to skip the pages and read Malec's or Sizzy's moments instead.
4. Not so many things happened.

What I liked:
MAGNUS AND ALEC
SIMON AND ISABELLE
MAGNUS AND ALEC
SIMON AND ISABELLE
MAGNUS AND ALEC
SIMON AND ISABELLE
MAGNUS AND ALEC
SIMON AND ISABELLE
MAGNUS AND ALEC
SIMON AND ISABELLE

AHHHHH I SHIP THEM A LOT!! I REALLY LOVE THE SIZZY SCENE ON THE LAST PART OF THE BOOK. AND OF COURSE, MALEC. I FIND IT REALLY CUTE WHEN ALEC GETS JEALOUS OF CAMILLE OR WILL!!

PS I just wish City of Lost Souls would be better and make up for what City of Fallen Angels lacked.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Rating: 5 of 5

Bridge to Terabithia is a story about Jess Aarons, a boy whose ambition was to be the fastest runner in fifth grade. But things changed when he met Leslie Burke, the girl who had beaten him in a race and had taken the title he badly wanted.

Jesse had never thought that he would be friends with Leslie. Eventually, they became the best of friends and together they built Terabithia, a kingdom where the two of them reign as king and queen. Terabithia had been 'a place just for them (us)', as Leslie calls it, where they can do whatever and be whoever they want.

This book, though pretty short, has a really great and heart warming story. I was touched by how strong Jess and Leslie's friendship was--how they always had something to learn from the other, and how they were always by each other's side, no matter what. While reading it, I was reminded of my own childhood--how things were much simpler and happier when I was younger--and made me realize how important it is for one to enjoy his early years in life and make the most out of it. As a saying goes, "Life is too short to be anything but happy."

The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Like everyone else, the reason I read this book was because of its cover. It's gorgeous and eye-catching and I loooove it! Who doesn't anyway?

While reading this book, I couldn't help but think of The Hunger Games (I haven't seen The Bachelor yet). They may be in some ways similar, but I should say this doesn't involve killing the people you compete with.

The story revolves around America Singer, a seventeen-year-old girl who, by the pressure of her family and her secret lover Aspen(view spoiler)[who in the beginning of the story broke up with her (hide spoiler)], reluctantly joins the Selection, a competition for the crown and for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon of Illea. Even though she is against it, America obeyed so as to give her family a chance to experience a life Fives weren't meant to have.

She then stays at the palace develops a close friendship with the Prince. Because of their closeness, America had a chance to get to know Prince Maxon even more, learning that he was a lot different from the person at first she thought him to be--boring, stiff, and a pervert. She then starts to like the Prince (slightly), but still she couldn't forget about her love for Aspen.

The characters were okay, some were likable and some were not. The heroine, America Singer--I like her. Besides her being a redhead, her strong-willed personality made me admire her. And then there's Prince Maxon--smart, attractive, and a true gentleman (IDK but while I was playing the book scenes in my head I imagined him to be Logan Lerman, only he's not a blonde like what the book describes). Who wouldn't like him? And of course Aspen. I can't blame him for feeling insecure but I really don't like him. Obviously I'm Team Maxon!

The book was great though quite predictable. It was a fast, enjoyable read, but for me it lacked something. Maybe I was looking for more conflict or action. The rebels occasionally invading the palace seems not enough. I know this book is more of a love story but I think there should be something more exciting besides those kisses, hugs, and cheesy lines.

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Finished: Oct. 30, 2012, 2:09 am

Okay... I'm going to make this review as short as possible. I'm getting sleepy. *yawns*

First, I would like to thank the author, Veronica Roth, for making such an amazing trilogy for me to be in love with-- I still haven't finished it (the third book hasn't come out yet)--but the first two books captured my heart.

Before reading it, I thought I wouldn't like it much because of the reviews I've read about Insurgent not being as good as Divergent. (I even thought of not buying it, partly because of the price, haha.) But I'm completely wrong. Not only did I liked this book, I loved it.

However, Mr. Cliffhanger's still right there at the end of the book, waving and smirking, where every series reader expects him to be. Not that I hate cliffhangers (of course I know the author needs them), but nothing would be more disappointing than reading a book with a cliffhanger in it and the next book in the series isn't released yet. You understand my feelings, right? :|

What I like: the characters, the concept of the story, the conflicts, unexpected betrayals, and most of all, the surprises in every chapter's ending.


All I have left to say is, Expect the unexpected. You won't regret buying this book.

Oh my, it's already 3:00 am--exact. o_O I should sleep now. Good night. *shudders*

Wait, is that what you call short? Hahaha. :D

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

  My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from October 13-26, 2012


*Spoilers ahead*

The book was great though it seems to be lacking something. I enjoyed reading City of Bones especially the last part: it was full of action. There's just something that I can't get over with-- Jace and Clary being siblings! I never even thought that Jace was the short form of J.C., which stands for Jonathan Christopher--Valentine and Jocelyn's son. But seriously, Ms. Cassandra Clare, is this some kind of joke? They're supposed to be a couple right? I'm really wondering what will happen next..

Movie release date: August 23, 2013

*I'll edit this review and make it longer when I have time

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finished: July 16, 2012, 8 pm

This book deserves a review.

What I liked about Harry Potter is, as you progress, the books get better and better.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is amazing! For me, it's absolutely better than the first two books! Packed with action and surprises, PoA kept me reading for a few hours, unable (and not wanting) to put the book down.

Also, I like the author's writing style. JK Rowling really knows how to describe characters well and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. And the plot is, without a shadow of doubt, perfect.

HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban is certainly a great read; I assure you that.



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Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from August 6-18, 2012

A little bit disappointing. You see, nothing much really happened. The book's mostly composed of Katniss's depressive thoughts and self-pitying. I hate Katniss in this book, she's just too self-centered, gets furious with everyone, and I don't understand why she kissed Gale if it's Peeta who she really likes. Also, the book got me confused. Like, I was reading a certain page and I find myself asking, "Who's this?" or turning the page back and reading the thing all over again, just to understand what happened. I know a lot of people love Mockingjay, and reading this review will make them somewhat annoyed, or even angry (I hope not). Remember, we all have different opinons! I'm not saying Mockingjay is bad; for me it's just a not-too-good-not-too-bad-either book. Despite everything, I would still give this a generous 3 stars because Suzanne really did well in Catching Fire. Also, the song The Hanging Tree did give me the creeps! :]

Bloody Bookaholic: The Highly Anticipated YA Fall 2012 Giveaway!!

Bloody Bookaholic: The Highly Anticipated YA Fall 2012 Giveaway!!

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




This is most possibly the WORST (or best depending what you go on) cliffhanger I have encountered in all my reading days. <--- She's right. Despite the cliffhanger, I would say that I like love this book better than the first one. Catching Fire is very suspenseful and exciting, and there's a time it made me really nervous while reading it that I literally felt my heart beating really fast. However, unlike reading Harry Potter, I had the difficulty picturing the book scenes in my head. Nonetheless, overall the author did a fantastic job of writing this book.

In addition, I would like to include in this review some of the lines that I wouldn't forget ***MINOR SPOILERS***:

“Then I get it, what it means. At least, for me. District 12 only has three existing victors to chose from. Two male. One female... I am going back into the arena.”

“We had to save you because you're the mockingjay, Katniss," says Plutarch. "While you live, the revolution lives.”

And finally, the last line, which made me jump (the cliffhanger I'm talking about):

“Katniss, there is no District Twelve.”

CAN'T WAIT TO READ MOCKINGJAY!!! :D

A Visit to the MV Logos Hope

Last February 21 was a holiday (San Pedro day) so our school decided to visit the MV Logos Hope, the largest floating book fair in the world. It has over 5,000 different titles and 400,000 books onboard. The ship has five areas: Welcome, the Book Fair, Journey of Life, the Theatre, and the International Cafe.


On the Welcome area, we were greeted by Ina (if that's how you spell it), one of the friendly crew of the Logos Hope. We were made to watch a 2-minute video presentation, which gives visitors an overview of the whole ship. After that, we get to see the crew cabin and an illustrated history of GBA Ships.

Then we proceeded to the much-awaited area: the Book Fair!!! It contains a wide range of books shelved in different genres. Also, all books are priced in what they call "units". Shelves have conversion charts so you can know the price of the books in your country's own currency. Good thing 100 units is equal to 100 pesos, so I didn't have to look at conversion charts every minute! The books are cheap compared to the price of local bookstores. The lowest price is 25 units, while the highest is 1,000 units. I bought a copy of Nancy Drew mystery: The Secret of the Old Clock for 250 units (250 pesos).

The Book Fair

More books

The Book fair has an area where you can get a good deal of textbooks, because the BAG is what you're going to buy, then you can get free textbooks, anything you want. The blue bag costs P500 pesos with free 3 textbooks, while the white one costs P250, and you get one free textbook.


Next to the book fair is the Journey of Life, where you will listen to the story of the prodigal son in his journey through life, while looking at the pictures on walls as you walk through the area. The story teaches an important moral lesson about life.

If you're hungry after an hour of browsing books, there is the Interenational Cafe selling different delicious snacks! The Cafe sells popcorn, ice cream cone, coffee, tea, chips, and many more. The only thing is, they are a bit expensive.

Photo courtesy of Synz Memoir

Before leaving, we get to take home free books (YAY!). The visit was really memorable, and I had fun!  I'm hoping to visit the ship again. Maybe next year.

For those who want to go to the book fair, the MV Logos Hope is still in Manila until March 13. Children ages 12 and below doesn't require any entry pass, but for adults 13 and up the entrance fee costs P20.

Empower Me

I. Nobody knows how weak I am, better than you;


Nobody sees all of my needs, better than you. 


And nobody has the power to change me 


From what I was born to be 


Jesus be strong in my weakness, empower me.




Chorus:


Empower me like a rushing river flowing through the sea 


Lord send your Holy Spirit flowing now through me 


Till I'm living as your child victorious and free 


Send the power of your love empower me.




II. Nobody's eyes see through my soul better than yours; 


Nobody sees all of my needs better than yours.


And nobody has the power to lift me 


To reach through eternity


Jesus break through all my defences empower me.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Diary of a Young Girl contains the diary entries of Anne Frank while hiding during the World war II.

Anne Frank's family lives in Germany and were forced to move to Amsterdam for safety. They hid with the Van Daans and Mr. Dussel in the "Secret Annexe", a top of an office building where Otto Frank's (Anne's father) workers work.

To pass time, Anne reads different books and writes in her diary (named Kitty). She records various happenings in the Secret Annexe, from quarrels with the Van Daans to her times with Peter in the attic.

They hid for more than two years (1942-1944) until their hiding place was discovered and they were arrested. They were transported to different concentration camps until each had to face death. Otto Frank, the only survivor, went back to Amsterdam after the war, found Anne's diary and decided to publish it.

I enjoyed reading the book because I can relate to Anne Frank as a young person who is often misunderstood by everyone. I also admire Anne's courage and firmness of character, and learned many things from her. Anne Frank is a truly remarkable person from whom even older people can learn.



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Insomnia by Kristine Ong Muslim


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Insomnia is a collection of poems written in blank verse form. I like the way how the author, Kristine Ong Muslim, uses a unique writing style that slowly paints a picture in the reader's mind. I personally liked the poems "G is for Gillian", "Twenty years of searching for little teddy", "No Possibility of Waking Up", and "The Missing Girl". After reading this book, I became more interested in poetry. I can say that this is a book of poems worth reading.

My special thanks to the author for giving me a copy of her book.




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Keep on the Firing Line

1. 
   
2. If you’re in the battle for the Lord and right,
   Keep on the firing line;
   If you win, my brother, surely you must fight,
   Keep on the firing line;
   There are many dangers that we all must face,
   If we die still fighting it is no disgrace;
   Cowards in the service will not find a place,
   So keep on the firing line.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,
     Never run, nor even lag behind;
     If you would win for God and the right,
     Just keep on the firing line.
3. God will only use the soldier He can trust,
   Keep on the firing line;
   If you’ll wear a crown then bear the cross you must,
   Keep on the firing line.
   Life is but to labor for the Master dear,
   Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;
   Great you’ll be rewarded for your service here,
   So keep on the firing line.
4. (Not included in the video):
5. When we get to heaven, brother, we’ll be glad,
   Keep on the firing line;
   How we’ll praise the Savior for the call we had,
   Keep on the firing line;
   When we see the souls that we have helped to win,
   Leading them to Jesus, from the paths of sin,
   With a shout of welcome, we will all march in,
   So keep on the firing line.

32nd Missions Conference--December 1, 2011 (Last day)

I'm going to write what happened on the last day of the missions conference.


Morning Service
I could say this is the best day of the missions conference. 
We went to church at 7:30 am, and started playing the prelude. We played several Christmas songs. Then at 8:30, the program started. We had divided sessions again--the ladies' session, men's, and pastors'. In our session, we were led by Ma'am Beata Agustin. She had the topic, "Godly Living for Godly Leading". After the divided session, we had the members session, and Bro. Jonah Raña taught us the importance of  "follow up"--that is to have fruits (people you bring for Christ). This preaching became a blessing to me.
 After the members session followed the challenge concerning missions given by Pastor Ed Laurena, entitled "Who will go? Will you go? I Want to Go". This also has been a blessing to me.


Evening Service

The BHBC College Choir

 This was the best service ever in the whole missions conference. At 6:00, we started playing the prelude. Then the service started at 6:30 with congreagational singing. After that, a Missionary Cantata was given by the students of Baptist Heritage Bible College (BHBC), which became a blessing to many. After that, we had the main challenge given by Pastor Gil Laurena about knowing God, and many lives were surrendered to the Lord.

People who surrendered their lives to the Lord

I'm looking forward to the next missions conference next year.