// book review + discussion: everything everything by nicola yoon

Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Publication: 1st of September 2015 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Format: Ebook, 240 pages

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla. 
 
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
 
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review: 

Everything, Everything is one of those books with an uber pretty cover that turns heads and calls out your attention to go pick it up. And really, I'm so happy that I got it on my kindle and read it. It's a standalone so it's perfect when you want to read something without having to commit to a series. It's also Nicola Yoon's debut novel so I was looking forward to seeing what her writing was like and to be honest with you, I wasn't disappointed. Her use of language isn't complicated and isn't overburdened with complex words which makes it more approachable for everyone. What also struck me was the unique plot in this book. It's not everyday you get to read books about this particular disease. And before I read this book I didnt even knew it existed! So it was very informative indeed and enabled us to walk on someone who's suffering from this illness' shoes. This book has got me giggling in the middle of the night and made me smile throughout my reading experience.

The main character, Madeline was easily relatable. I admire her ability to stay positive and content despite her conditions. She was sarcastic and funny too. She was really engaging to the point that I feel like I know her personally. To her diary entries, her mini spoiler reviews and her IMs. I love the fact that she's POC; her dad is Japanese and her mom is African-American. 

And then there's Oliver. I really do like him. But I feel like his character isn't fully developed. I mean, besides that he does parkour and has some serious family issues, we don't really get that much about him. I would have loved to get to know him better. 

This book deals with issues that are still adamant today such as family problems so it is easier for readers to connect with it because I certainly do. It also deals with extreme grief over a loss and shows how it could affect people in life. 

My only problem with the book was when Madeline did something very unrealistic. I mean girls her age wouldn't even be able to do that but alas! in the book she did.... Other than that, this book was fantastic. I even read it one sitting! I also rated it four stars and I recommend that you read this too :) Thanks for reading x

Here are some of my favourite quotes:

"Madeline: I'm not a princess
Madeline: And I don't need rescuing"
- page 61

"One thing I'm certain of: Wanting just leads to more wanting. There's no end to desire." - page 95

"You're not living if you're not regretting." - page 197

"Love is worthing everything. Everything." - page 314

// waiting on wednesday: dreamology by lucy keating

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a meme 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 Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Title: Dreamology

Author: Lucy Keating 

Expected Publication: 12th of April 2016 by Harper Teen

Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.

But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. It turns out, though, that Real Max is nothing like Dream Max, and getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.

When their dreams start to bleed dangerously into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

Whimsical, romantic and utterly original, Lucy Keating’s debut novel will win readers’ hearts.

Blurb:

So my best friend Brittany of Book Rambles got an arc of this and said she really enjoyed reading it so I checked it out on Goodreads and damn, the cover is super pretty! Then I went on to read the synopsis which really intrigued me. The whole idea of falling in love with a person from your dreams which turns out to be an actual person is very interesting. I'm so excited of how their relationship will turn out and Keating will explain why they both appear on each other's dreams. I hope I get an ARC of this or that April can come sooner so I can read it as soon as possible.

What book are you waiting on this week? 

// the to be read tag

Hey guys, it's Isha! I felt like I haven't typed up a new post in ages. It's getting harder and harder to make time for blogging especially if you're in your senior year. School is taking up my life, my to-be-read pile ever growing and so are the posts I need to comment on for my blog hopping. I'm finally on my midterm and finally got a chance to scroll over my bloglovin' feed. Nori from readwritelove recently did this tag and I love doing tags so I decided why not do it as well. 

This tag was originally created by Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books

The Rules: 

1. Answer these questions truthfully.

2. Once you’ve completed this tag, tag some other book bloggers to answer these questions next.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~    

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

Goodreads. Whoever created that app/website is heaven sent. I would be so lazy to write down every single title of the books I want to read, or end up losing the page or something. 

2. Is your TBR mostly print or e-book?

I am a big physical copy enthusiast. It's different having the actual book on your hands. So basically, what I'm trying to say is that most of them are print. 

3. A Book That’s Been On Your TBR List The Longest

Harry Potter series. I adored the films and I should really get on reading it as well. I've said this loads of times but I want to have the actual copies with me before I start reading them.

4. A Book You Recently Added To Your TBR

The Walls Around Us  by Nova Ren Suma. I recently read Aentee's review on it and I'm very intrigued. I like the idea of ballet being involve wit it.

5. A Book In Your TBR Strictly Because of Its Beautiful Cover

Fun fact, I always judge books by its covers. But just because it's ugly doesn't mean the plot isn't amazing just like having a beautiful cover makes the story utterly wonderful.

6. A Book On Your TBR That You Never Plan on Reading

Ignite Me. I love Tahereh Mafi but I still havent forgiven her for destroying Adam's character. 

7. An Unpublished Book on Your TBR That You’re Excited For

Ah, I can go one forever with this! Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (I'm so happy I'm getting an ARC of this soon, I cannot wait to read it), A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass 5 by Sarah J. Maas, The Rose & the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh, Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan, Dreamology by Lucie Keating, The Young Elites 3 by Marie Lu and A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir.

8. A Book On Your TBR That Basically Everyone’s Read But You

Harry Potter Series. The Hunger Games Trilogy. Sorry guys!

9. A Book On Your TBR That Everyone Recommends To You

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. I have all the books but I don't have the time but my sister has and she loves it!

10. A Book On Your TBR That You’re Dying To Read

So many! I hope that one day I can tackle every single book on my TBR list. It is ultimate goals.

11. How many books are on your Goodreads TBR shelf?

As of now, I only have 136 that I really really want to read. I only want to add books on the list that I'm most definite of reading some day. 

This was really fun. Now I tag:

Brittany @ Book Rambles

Alexandra @ Twirling Pages

and last but not least, yourself!

Thanks for reading <333 

// book review + discussion: the raven boys by maggie stiefvater

(c) Book Pensieve

Title: The Raven Boys

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Format: Hardcover, 416 pages

Good Reads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before. 

Review: 

I was little nervous on reading this book because of all the hype around this book. I've read a lot of book reviews and I know a lot of people who said that they didn't like the book at all. But I'm so happy I read it! I'm glad to announce that this book has made it to my favourites. The writing and the story was amazing that I honestly couldn't put the book down. I have high praises for this one. 

This is the first book I've read by Maggie Stiefvater and I am super impressed. I was already on the hook when I first read the synopsis.  I mean, who wouldn't want to read the book after reading that super long but very interesting synopsis? There was a lyrical quality to it and it just flows. There were times when I was reading this book and I would just say "wtf" out loud. I was so hooked with the plot, it made me keep on reading and reading. I had to know more, it was addicting. The mystery was enticing and it was nice figuring things out whilst we journey with the characters. 

Though to me, first half of the book was a bit confusing. I felt like there were too many characters that have completely different personalities. There were too much to names that I ended up researching about them to remember who's who. But in the long run, I did get used to it.

I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this book. I loved how this was a four person perspective. We get bits of Gansey, Blue, Adam and Whelk's thoughts which I really liked. Am I allowed to have any favourites? But oh well, my favourite is Adam (omg, I first typed in Gansey. my fingers have betrayed me) But where do I begin with Adam. For me, he's the one who stood out the most amongst the Raven Boys. He's completely himself and wasn't like Gansey or Ronan. He worked hard to get where he is now, he's not rich like Gansey or Ronan. I admire him for his need to be ‘his own property' and for just wanting not to owe anything to anyone. 

I cannot wait to start reading The Dream Thieves. *squeals* Let me know in the comments below if you too have read The Raven Cycle series and is a fan of it. Do you have any favourites? Which was your favourite scene in the book?

// one book launch recap at eason's

I am so happy I was able to be able to attend the book launch of "One" by Sarah Crossan with my sister and my dear friend, Aisling. It was on a the 10th of September, a school day so I was having second thoughts whether to go or not and in all honesty, deciding to attend was one of the best decisions I've made that day. I do not regret one single bit of it! 

The launch hasn't even started yet and I was already in bits laughing. The people in charge of these fab signings and I were having the bants (banter) whilst we were on our way to Eason's O'Connell Street. They know me quite well since I always go to their events and it's refreshing that we're already at this stage of our friendship lol.

In my defense, I wasn't completely at fault when that drink spilt at the Louise O'Neill signing I went to a few weeks earlier. Someone has left it there and I just happened to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time ;) 

The launch started with Sarah's heartfelt message to everyone who came along and also mentions how happy she is to be back in Dublin! To all those who didn't know, Sarah was born in Ireland but had moved to London when she was young. She told us about how she came up with the idea for this book and the process of writing it. Then read us an excerpt from the book. 

Look at me in my uniform though lol. I literally just got off school and went straight into town for the event. I was so happy because Sarah recognised me! She immediately stood up her seat, gave me a kiss on the cheek and big hug. I was so starstruck because this amazing person, who has written books I've come to love just hugged me. We chatted for quite awhile, took pictures on my camera and then one from her phone as well ah *squeals*. She is one of the loveliest authors out there and I feel so honoured that I got to meet her. It definitely made it in my list of most unforgettable moments in my existence. 

I also got to see one of my faves, Aisling, after not seeing her in months! She was busy due to the Leaving Cert then I was out of the country for the whole summer so I was so happy I got to hang and catch with her in the launch. She made the whole experience better!

Anyway, if you're reading this post "One" by Sarah Crossan is out now and you could get it order it from the links below. It is such a beautiful and heart-wrenching book filled with so much love and everyone should give it a read.

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

// book review + discussion: magnus chase and the sword of summer by rick riordan

Title: The Sword of Summer, (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Expected Publication: 6th of October 2015 by Disney Hyperion (US) and Puffin Books (UK)

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology

Format: ARC, 489 pages

Synopsis:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

Review: 

First of all, massive thank you to Miss Hutchison for giving me an ARC in exchange of an honest review. The Sword of Summer is one of my most anticipated fall releases for 2015 so I am over the moon that I have one in my possession. I grew up reading Rick Riordan’s books so you could imagine my excitement over his new novel. 

The novel opens up with Magnus Chase, telling us that he’s going to die. Isn't that just lovely? His mother died protecting him two years ago and her last words consisted of her telling him to run and to never trust anyone. He has no clue who his father is either so now he was an orphan and lives on the streets of Boston.  When he turned sixteen, the same people that murdered his mom is coming for him again. When the fire giants get to him, he makes a selfless decision to save their lives instead of his. But then he actually doesn't die… In this book we get to journey with Magnus in his second life and be with him as he discovers his ties with the Norse gods, the nine worlds, his father and his destiny. 

I completely fell in love Rick Riordan’s writing all over again. His spin to Norse mythology was such a fantastic and original way of retelling it and I was easily compelled. I mean I was only 20 pages in and I’ve already declared that I love it. Although I was hesitant about Norse mythology at first, since personally I’m an avid fan of Greek mythology, but I was not disappointed. It was equally interesting as his other books. I loved the way that Magnus Chase narrates the story, I felt like he was personally talking to ME, as if I was really there in the book itself. I liked this style of writing as it was so engaging. Also the world building! I was completely immersed into worlds in the book. There was never a dull moment when I was reading The Sword of Summer, not only was it filled with action but it would also keep you laughing 100% of the time (Even in near-death situations). And the chapter names! Even the names of the chapters would make you cackle. To name a few, they were “Come To The Dark Side. We Have Pop Tarts” and “Hey, I Know You’re Dead, But Call Me Maybe”. 

Now let’s talk about the characters! YOU WILL FALL EASILY FALL IN LOVE WITH MAGNUS CHASE. He is charming and easily likeable. I liked his sarcasm and his sense of humour. He’s also very sassy and in a way I felt like Rick Riordan put a bit of himself in Magnus’ character because let’s be honest Rick Riordan is the sass master (well on twitter anyway). He also loves to read! Despite being homeless. And he loves food, he has this obsession with falafel so that’s a plus for me. THERE ARE ALSO DIVERSE AND FULLY DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS AND BADASS WOMEN IN THIS BOOK. 

Overall, the book exceded my expectations (which was a lot!) and it completely blew me away. I am really happy that we get to know Magnus Chase and all the other unheard of Norse gods (since Odin, Thor and Loki are the only famous ones). I can’t wait to read the sequel to The Sword of Summer. This book deserves five shiny stars (and more!) I definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially to fans of Percy Jackson (because one of our favourites from the PJO series does make an appearance in this book, which, will definitely make you squeal).

This book is out now and you guys should definitely read it. I cannot recommend this enough!  

// hasta la vista, setiembre

Oh my gosh, it's already October? I swear it was the first of September yesterday. September flew by really quick for me. Unlike Isha, I am in Transition Year which means I'm enjoying school (not the part when I have to wake up really early though), doing blog work and doing whatever my heart desires because I have all the spare time I need. This month has been really eventful for me. This month, I got to try out new stuff, going on school trips every Friday, saying "Yes" to opportunities that I would normally say no or hesitate on saying yes to. Well enough of the boring stuff and actually get on the actual favourites. 

BOOKS I'VE READ THIS MONTH

WHAT I HAVE BEEN WATCHING 

This month I have been trying to catch up with the TV shows that I was watching before I went on holidays. I didn't really had time to binge watch during my holidays as I would have been wasting my time if I did that. I am so happy that "Awkward" is back. I've also been watching "Scream", "Scream Queens" (Our friend Mckaley is in Scream Queens, *waves* hi mckaley) and "Once Upon A Time". 

Let's all raise our hands for Awkward. (Accurate representation of myself lol) 

WHAT I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO

If I were to list all the music that I've been listening to, I would probably take a day. I'm going to link my Soundcloud if you want to know what I've been listening to for the month of September. 

I've also repeated 'What Do You Mean' by Justin Bieber, 'Love Me Like You' by Little Mix, 'Cool For the Summer' by Demi Lovato non-stop lol. Did I tell you I have that habit? 

EVENTS

Well, I basically go with Isha to every book signing. So I've been to all the signings she has mentioned in her September Favourites blog post except for the Louise O'Neill signing. 

How was your September? What shows have you been watching lately? Which songs are in your playlist? Did you go to any signings? Which books did you read? Let us know in the comments below :) 

// waiting on wednesday: reign of shadows by sophie jordan

Title: Reign of Shadows
Author: Sophie Jordan
Expected Publication: 9th of February 2016 by HarperTeen
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

Why I'm Waiting For It:

Because this reminds me of Rapunzel and I love retellings so this is a definite read for me. It's fantasy and it also looks like an epic friendship/love story between Luna and Fowler. My precious cinnamon roll, Brittany of Book Rambles has also shelved this under action, adventure and best-of-2016 so it  just excites me even more! And can we talk about the gorgeous book cover? *le grabby hands*. It also comes out on my birth month too so I'm definitely treating myself. Or you know, I wish I could get an ARC of this heh.

What book are YOU waiting on? Do you like fairytale retellings too? Are you waiting on Reign of Shadows yourself? 

// a trip to have some peace

In Transition Year, we have a class where we study a local place where we make project and presentation of the place we visited afterwards. This subject is called "Local Studies" and it really enables us to get to know our local places since it often gets neglected and taken advantage since you know, it's always there.  We did weeks and weeks of research and presentation. Then we get to visit it afterwards. 

Dalkey is a small coastal town in County Dublin. The area has been inhabited since Neolithic times, but reached an incredible level of importance during the medieval period. Dalkey Island has an incredibly chequered history for a place that is so small. (Present day Dalkey is very posh lol. This is where rich people lived) Fun fact, Michelle Obama and her daughters also went here during their diplomatic trip to Ireland.

For me, one of the highlights of our trip was the ferry trip to the island. The boat was really tiny, it could only take in 5 people and the ferryman. In our ferry trip to Dalkey Island, there was Lalaine, Jericho, Naomi and I in the boat. The boat ride was really wobbly which resulted to many girls in my year screaming (lol). I admit, I was one of them since I'm not really looking forward to plummeting to the water because it's Ireland, and the water would be freezing. Despite the fear that we felt, we couldnt help but ourselves with the selfies and the videos. We also saw some seals along the way so of course I had to take a picture of it. One of my classmates called them "mini hippos" which made me crack up. 

The view from the island was absolutely breathtaking and majestic. I was feeling very grateful that I got the chance to go there to see the view myself. We brought packed lunch with us in the island and ate there. 

After having lunch, we were given permission to "explore" the island. I was wondering what we were going to do there for 3 hours. Majority of us ran to the top of the hill where the Martello Tower was situated. One of my classmates thought it was like The Hunger Games. 

Just in case you're wondering why is there a tower in the island, back in the days, its purpose was to protect Ireland against Napoleon but I don't think there was ever a record of Napoleon even go to Ireland so basically it was useless. It's not completely a waste though because tourists can visit it.

The picture above this is the Church of St. Begnet. It was built around the 9th/10th century and this was used as a base by the Vikings. There wasn't really much about the church since it was in ruins. The Vikings were supposed to have raided the Christian settlement on the island and the island was put to use as a storage point for slaves. 

We found a herd of goats when we were exploring. The first picture above was taken at the top of a huge stone. At first, I didnt want to go down to goats because first of all, goat poo and they do get crazy if you startle them and turn into demonic goats. But I went anyway because all my friends did. There also may or may not have been a time where I was making goat noises in an attempt to make conversation lol. There were bunny holes in the island but I didn't see any, sadly. 

One of my friends attempted to reenact the scene from Lion King where the monkey was holding Simba. He held up his bag instead, haha! 

Last but not least, here's a picture of me wearing my LA dodgers baseball cap which I absolutely adore. (PS I also got it the day before we went to the trip so shout out to the person who bought it for me. Thank you so much!) All in all, it was a good day out and sometimes you just need to go and have a peaceful day with mother nature. 

Let me know in the comments below if you have visited Dalkey Island or if I've convinced you to visit Ireland after reading this post. Thanks for reading! :) <3