// secret identity: i'm actually a super villain + giveaway

I was tagged by my good friend Brittany from Brittany's Book Rambles to turn myself into a super villain to promote Marie Lu's upcoming sequel to Young Elites: The Rose Society. This is going to be fun, so thank you so much for tagging me Britt! :)

My Super Villain name: Efterligne

My Superpowers: I have the ability to take on the attributes of someone else's powers and use it against them. Fun, right? My power is endless. I don't need to worry about being locked into one power.  I could copy your power by just touching you or just by even simply observing you. 

Side note: The reason why my name is "Efterligne" is because I can mimic people's powers and that's what the translation in Dutch. Pronounced as "Ehf-tah-lina". I'm not Dutch, by the way!

My Fictional Villain Squad:

Adelina Amouteru

* photo credit *

I gotta have her on my team. Her abilities doesn't end in making people see illusions. She could also trick what they hear, see and taste. 

The Darkling 

* photo credit *

If you didn't know, I loved the Darkling in the Grisha trilogy. He was dark, evil and mysterious that leaves me wanting more. Did I mention he can create Volcras?

Maven Calore 

* photo credit *

Maven Calore is a prince from Red Queen. He has the ability to control fire. 

Queen Levana 

* photo credit *

Levana is the ruler of Lunars in the Lunar Chronicles. She controls people by tricking their eyes and their hearts. 

If you haven't read the Young Elites, make sure to read it before it's sequel, The Rose Society comes out this October. 

If you were a supervillain, what power would you have? Who would be on your supervillain squad?

// scrumptious food we've been eating in the philippines

Prior to our "food glorious, food" post, I thought we should pick up where we left and share with you guys what food we've been trying and having the past few weeks. And again I apologise in advance if it does make you hungry in the middle of the night whilst reading this post. 

So the photos below are from weeks ago, but I forgot to add it on so I'm featuring here instead. This is one of the famous eateries in Iloilo City called "Roberto's". It's been practically there for years, even the time my great grandmother was still alive. My mom would tell us a story that whenever Lola Mama (Our great grandma) would go out to do errands, she would always come back with loads of   Queen's siopao (dimsum) for them to eat. 

       From left to right it's my favourite Aunt, Hanna and my mom. 

 This is what we had for lunch and these are the "Queen siopao". Other than that they also decided to get some meatballs and some spring roll. 

Roberto's Queen Siopao is not your traditional dimsum. It's filling consisted of some pork adobo, bacon, spanish sausage and some boiled egg slices. It may sound icky but I promise you it's so good. These siopao are exclusive as well because the only place you can get them in the Philippines is in Iloilo.

Being in the place where mom spent sixteen years of her life, she took this advantage to meet with her best friend at "Avana Filipino Bistro". The place was quite new and offered a variety of authentic Filipino dishes. The thing about Filipino food is that it is full of flavour and unlike any other cuisine in the world. You may find something quite similar but never quite the same. We don't really get to eat a lot of Filipino food in Dublin because I don't cook it as much so we plan on taking advantage of having them here. Here are the dishes we've ordered:

We got some cheeky mojitos for drinks. This wouldn't be my first choice of cocktail but there weren't a lot available so we just went with these. 

This is the Filipino Adobo Flakes. I'm actually wondering why it's so orange, it's quite unusual. It was still delicious though.

This was Sizzling Tilapia Sisig. I prefer this better than the counterpart, Pork Sisig.

The meat used for Crispy Tadyang is the beef's hip. It is then marinated then deep fried. 

This was Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu. The soup is a broth with a tamarind flavour and it had different veggies which I liked. 

Pinakbet

Baked Oyster with Cheese  

Calamari

We also went to this dessert place called "Nothing but Desserts". They were all in single serving which was cute. The portions were perfect, not too small, not too big. 

There were four us so we got four each. Hanna got the Tiramisu in the middle, my mom got the Blueberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake for my uncle, the Cream Puff at the very right for me and some macarons to share. In all honesty, I wasn't impressed by their cream puff. I've tasted better cream puffs than their one. It was too hard for me to eat. Their tiramisu was also disappointing according to Hanna. Both the cheesecakes were fairly okay but the macarons were terrible! They were not authentic french macarons. They were too hard and too crumbly. I mean I can even bake better ones than these *sighs*. But oh well, at least they were quite photogenic right? 

We also had our favourite boba after a year! This boba is the bomb but it sucks how it's only available in Asian countries so my dreams of having them in Ireland will never come true. Our favourite is Gong Cha Wintermelon Tea or the House Special. My mom and Hanna loves getting pudding but I on the other hand love the boba. 

Do you like dimsums? Have you ever tried Filipino food? What are your favourites? Are you a dessert person like me? Do you love boba too? Let me know in the comments below.

// waiting on wednesday: the rose society by marie lu

I've always seen Waiting on Wednesday meme on my favourite blogs so I finally decided and join in. "Waiting on Wednesday" is an event, that happens every week and is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication that I can't wait to get my hands on is The Rose Society by Marie Lu and is the sequel to The Young Elites.

Title: The Rose Society (The Young Elites, #2)
Author: Marie LuPublication: 13th of October 2015 by G.P Putnam and Sons books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

Blurb: 

I really enjoyed reading The Young Elites and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I need it. I need it right now and I just want October to come quicker. I have so many questions that need answers. It's a tad bit cruel with how Marie Lu ended the first book. I can't wait to see Adelina's character develop. I want to know if she'll embrace the darkness and grow to be power hungry. I want to know if my favourite character is still alive. I want to get to know Maeve and why she can bring back the dead. Basically to sum it all up, I just really really want this book. 

Have you read The Young Elites? Are you eager to get a copy of The Rose Society too? Who was your favourite character and why?

// book review + discussion: the kiss of deception by mary e. pearson

Title: The Kiss of Deception, (The Remnant Chronicles, #1)

Author: Mary E. Pearson

Publication: Henry Holt and Company on the 

Format: Hardcover, 486 pages

Genre: Fantasy 

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

“A princess must fund her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day. 

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor’s secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father. 

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan. 

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can’t abide. 

Like having to marry someone she’s never met to secure a political alliance. 

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive— and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin set to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets— secrets that may unravel her world— even as she feels herself falling in love."

Review: 

The Kiss of Deception was also one of those books you always see on tumblr posts so when Reign and I hung out and went to the bookshop she loved, I finally decided to purchase it. I found the cover of the book very pretty and eye-catching. I would be lying if I said that I fell in love with the book after being a few chapters in. It was slow and I just couldn't relate to her character. The story starts of with Princess Lia being prepped up for her arranged wedding. It was clear that it was against her will and that she was planning to flee. She was also complaining about her husband-to-be and was calling an old toad. She did this for about the first hundred pages. 

Then the story continues when she arrives in Terravin with her best friend Pauline. She left the comforts of her kingdom and is up to making a life for herself by being a barmaid. Back in her kingdom, she wasn't even allowed near the kitchen so she doesn't have any experience. But I do admire how she was up to learning them. She was quite quick to adapt. She says the first thing that comes in her mind. She doesn't sugar coat her words and I loved how genuine she was. Two mysterious young men arrives at the tavern one day and catches her eye. It was evident then that it would be a love triangle. Thank god it wasn't an annoying one though. I literally hate love triangles. Despite having two love interest for Lia, the romance was still slow. It didn't quite develop till you're about 300+ pages in. There was a few brief flirting here and there but none of them were developed fully. 

Thank god the book redeemed itself after reading that 300 pages though. There was finally some action going on! Lia’s short peaceful stay in Terravin gets interrupted when something bad happens and she felt she had to go back home to finally put an end to it. But things doesn't go well as planned. Despite the uneventful things happening, she does discover something about her true identity and her gift which rattles her world. 

Despite me being bored with the first half of the book, I do like the plot of the story. I found it interesting how there are different kingdoms in the place, then there are barbarians and people who show no loyalty to either three. There’s also magic that cant be explained. That certain people possess “the gift”. I was intrigued by Lia; who she really was and what she was capable of. I wanted to venture out with her and discover the answers she seek about herself. The writing wasn't out-of-this-world amazing but it wasn't too plain either. I guess it was sort of in between. The end of the Kiss of Deception was such a cliff hanger and I cannot wait the second instalment of series “The Heart of Betrayal”. I just hope it’s more fast-paced and more romance in it. Overall, my rating for it would be three stars. 

Has any of you read the Kiss of Deception? Did you like it? Are you Team Rafe or Team Kaden?

// visiting old churches in iloilo + museo iloilo

 Iloilo City is filled with beautiful churches that has been around for many many years. So being there, we took the opportunity to visit some of the famous churches/cathedrals in the area of Molo, despite the really bad weather. It was refreshing to see old infrastructures, since we're used to seeing modern ones. 

 
The first church we went to is the Jaro Cathedral. Jaro Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It has all the male saint statues. Do you see the statue in the picture? She is the Lady of Candles and is believed to have grown and no longer fits its original case. The limestone kept growing and had to be removed from the inside of the church. She then had to be removed and moved to the present location. How creepy and cool is that? 

This is the first thing you see when you come in. 

As I was saying, Jaro Cathedral only have male saints and the only exception of the Lady of Candles.

The next place we went to is "Museo Iloilo". I have to say it's a very small museum (lol). We had to pay P25 for a student and P50 (less than 1 euro) for an adult. I like visiting museums like this in the Philippines because it gives me a better understanding of my Filipino roots. I have seen a mix of good and bad reviews of the place and I am not disappointed one bit or annoyed that I spent money for the entrance. There are three parts of the museum, the artsy side (paintings), the heritage side and the religious side.  

Those are some of the paintings that really caught my eye. Now on to the heritage side. 

Pottery from Great Britain

There's also some artefacts from World War 2. Did I tell you that I'm a massive fan of history? So seeing that they had a section for World War 2, I was absolutely delighted. I'm kind of terrible at Philippine history (I'm better at Irish history) My great grandfather also helped during the World War 2 in Iloilo, we even still have the helmet in our basement. I was soo amazed. 

(c) Jenny Dayao

After we had a look around, we went to Molo Church. That church is so near our house in Molo that when you go out of the gate, you only have to walk. Generations of our family went to that church since my mom's parents are very religious. While Jaro Cathedral only have male religious images, Molo church only have female religious images.  

After we had a look around, we went to Molo Church. That church is so near our house in Molo that when you go out of the gate, you only have to walk. Generations of our family went to that church since my mom's parents are very religious. While Jaro Cathedral only have male religious images, Molo church only have female religious images.  

 

You're probably wondering "Why are there holes on the church bell?" Well they're bullet holes from World War 2. I really enjoyed visiting some famous landmarks in Iloilo. I wish that Isha was with us when we visited these places. Let me know in the comments below where are you from and if you have any similar landmarks in your city. Thanks for reading :) <3

// top ten tuesday: my auto-buy authors + giveaway

Hey everyone! So most of the bloggers I follow always do "Top Ten Tuesday" and I thought it'd be fun if I did it too. This book tag is hosted by fabulous people from The Broke and the Bookish. And every Tuesday, there are different that involves all things bookish related. This week's topic is: Top Ten of your Top Ten Auto-buy Authors. Here are mine:

1. Leigh Bardugo

Leigh is one of my all time favourite authors. Her writing is amazing and gripping and her characters are very interesting. I would read anything she writes. From actual books, to novellas and even her grocery list to be honest. She's also so cute! She's such a sweetheart to her readers.

2. Krista & Becca Ritchie

My best friend Reign got me hooked on the Addicted Series. I was intrigued by the first book and instantly wanted to read all of their books. Within a month, I've already read four books. I've come to love all the characters and their unique stories. I love the sense of family, friendship and finding themselves in their books.  

3. Marie Lu

One thing I loved of Marie Lu is how fast paced her books are, it never gets boring. She also knows how to make you feel all these emotions. No doubt, Legend trilogy will always stay one of my favourite books. 

4. Renee Ahdieh

My new favourite author! The Wrath & the Dawn is also one of my favourite reads this year, and probably forever. It's amazing beyond words. Her writing is unlike others, her use of words is never simple but not too complex. And the way she pays attention to detail ah!

5. Stephanie Perkins

I loved all of her three books. She's the author I'd always come to if I want feel-good books and fluffy reads to get me out of a slump or after reading a heavy book. I can't wait for her to release new books!

6. Sarah J. Maas

I love, love, love the worlds that Sarah J. Maas creates. From TOG to ACOTAR. Like how does she think of these amazing concepts? Although her fascination with love triangles/love quadrangles do annoy me sometimes, I'll probably end up still buying her books.

7. Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments is one of those books I first read when I started getting into reading. I loved both TMI and TID series and cannot wait for The Dark Artifices!

8. Tahereh Mafi

Tahereh has always had such a unique writing style that would always stand out. Although I wasn't a big fan of how she ended Ignite Me, I'd still give her a chance and read her new upcoming book. 

9. Rainbow Rowell

If ever I want to read a book without having to commit to a series, I'd always go to Rainbow Rowell for a quick fix. 

10. Michelle Hodkin

I was a massive fan of the the Mara Dyer trilogy and how unique and dark the story was. She also knows how to create swoon-worthy book boyfriends. So if ever she releases a new book, i'll definitely pick the book up. 

Anyway, I'm giving away an ARC of Leigh Bardugo's new book Six of Crows. It's international, by the way! You guys have a week. Good luck everyone :)  

Who are your top ten auto-buy authors? Have you read any books by the authors listed above? Let me know in the comments below.

// book review + discussion: the young elites by marie lu

Title: The Young Elites, (The Young Elites, #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Publication: 7th of October 2014 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Format: Hardcover, 355 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her. It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

Review:

I have just finished reading The Young Elites and I’m trying to get my shit together because I am a complete mess. I forgot how much pain can Marie Lu inflict on you through her writing. I’ve been a massive fan of her debut trilogy so I was expecting A LOT from it and she without a doubt haven’t lost her magic. A few pages in and I was already intrigued and invested. There was never a dull moment in the book, it was fast paced, never boring. Her writing was FANTASTIC, the world she created was vivid and very intricate. It was detailed without being overburdening. TYE definitely showcased her skills. 

A sickness similar to the plague has swept through the lands of Kennetra twelve years ago, claiming thousands of lives. However, a change happened on the ones afflicted, altering them physically and magically. They had markings and power no human possess. They were seen as cursed and were called the “Malfettos”. The story is told from multiple POVs but the main protagonist is Adelina Amouteru. Adelina is a sixteen year old who bears scars from the blood fever and has also lost her left eye in the process. She lived with her sister Violetta and her father who complicated her life. He was cruel and never loved her like a father should love his daughter. She was blamed for her father’s failing business and he was actually going to take up an offer to give her up in exchange of money. After finding out, she decides to finally escape from him by running away. Although the story begins when Adelina is rescued by Enzo and Raffaele, members of a group whom they call themselves the “Daggers”. 

The “Daggers” are a group of young Elite Malfettos who are using their unique skills against people like the Inquisitors who oppresses and continue to kill their kind. They want to put an end to this by overthrowing the King. Teren on the other hand is the head Inquisitor whose soul purpose is to put and end to the Daggers and the Malfettos. 

The story was filled with plot twists and betrayals which kept me at the edge of my seat. It was also very dark which is a check for me. Adelina is not your ordinary heroine, she is a very powerful character and isn’t heroic at all. She is filled with hate and anger, and enjoys what her power could do. Even if it means hurting a person. But despite all of that, she also remains very sympathetic. How can someone bad could also be so good? I also enjoyed reading from the different POVs of the cast. Enzo, Rafael and Teren had distinct personalities and they definitely helped shape the story. 

Overall, I thought that this was a good book which I really enjoyed. It was really entertaining and had all the qualities I was looking for in a book. I cant wait to get my hands on the second instalment, “The Rose Society” which comes out this October. If you haven’t read any Marie Lu books yet, what the hell are you doing? Get your ass out and buy or borrow from your local library the Legend trilogy and The Young Elites. Thanks for reading <33 

** Disclaimer: the picture used above aren't mine. Credits to the rightful owner **