Source: Netgalley Category: Graphic Novel Format: Ebook Page Count: 711 Language: English Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Dark Horse Comics (first published 2002) ISBN:1616551348 (ISBN13: 9781616551346) About the book:
A samurai epic of staggering proportions (more)
My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
The ebook was quite hard to read due to the font was kinda blurry & messed up I tried my best to carry on.The stories are really nice,simple and short.The illustrations are ok and captured the japanese era well.
I learned a lot from this book and here's some of the quotes that I liked:
"The child of the wolf my Lord is still a wolf"
"Don't brace yourself to against the cold north wind.Think of the moment when the east wind heralds the coming of spring."
The lone wolf and the cub they work really great together the father and son tandem is really awesome! they always seems to outsmart their enemy and bring about justice wherever they go.This is a massive epic collection, a must have and read especially if you are into old school rurouni samurai action and adventure. I'm so excited what comes next and have yet to read other volumes. XD
So these past couple of days as you may of may not noticed I've been posting some of my drafts that I should have posted but forgot way back in the day that I actually just finished editing haha! and there's more to come for sure I promise^^, and some book reviews hopefully real soon coz I'm quite busy reading away I tend to get lost haha! anyway, what about you? what are you up to lately? :D
Category: Biography,Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel,History Format: Paperback Page Count: 160 Language: English Published: November 1st 1991 by Pantheon Books (first published 1986) ISBN: 0394541553 (ISBN13: 9780394541556) About the book:(from Goodreads)
A story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe and his son, a cartoonist who tries to come to terms with his father's story and history itself. (more)
My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
"No, darling to die, it's easy...but you have to struggle for life!" ~Vladek (p. 122)
His family's really lucky.I saw some traits of Artie's father with my dad.I kinda feel bad for Mala she tries her best to be close a lack/miscommunication perhaps.This is the first book I've read by Art Spiegelman and during German times as well as I usually watch documentaries or saw stuff at the museum.
In times like these I'm so glad and eternally grateful that I'm not born such tough and tragic past.It's quite disturbing to hear,read and listen to these stories in retrospect we could all appreciate and remind ourselves,count us lucky on what we have now and not take things for granted.
I like the illustrations and his writing style very interesting and refreshing take in storytelling(where characters are animals like cats:germans,jews:rats), an epic biography.
Category: Young adult,Fantasy,Historical Fiction,Gothic Format: ebook,audiobook Page Count: 278 Language: English Published: July 20th 2010 by Balzer + Bray (first published 2010) ISBN:0061802360 (ISBN13: 9780061802362) About the book: (from Goodreads)
A dark, gothic tale of romance... and murder. In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her -- although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid -- until now.(more)
My Review: 2.5 stars
I actually got an ebook of it but opted. to tune in with the audiobook instead and that was a good decision since I got on with it faster than I thought and pulled me out such frustrating situations in the book that might perhaps hinder me to finish the story.
The concept was good I liked it due to the poison plants info. though it needs more work/improvement.Some character(s) nice though the lead young ones Jessamine & Weed seriously these kids needs to go out and learn some more esp. Jes, out there in the real world she's so love blind ugh and needs to go further her education.It's so weird weed's unknown origin,quite an odd fellow indeed those are mad times to be the likes of him I thought he has gone cray! to think he's with the friar and yet doesn't know to say grace or more stuff he should have known.Mr. Luxton is definitely asking for it! for things to go wrong,he's strict (I do understand what for) but oh men! There are lots to be done with these characters.
The story took an unexpected crazy weird I don't want it too happen though I kinda saw it comin that it surprised and shocked me still it's so annoying! AH! >.<
It might take awhile for me to pick up the sequel though I wonder what would be Jes's final verdict.
Category: Fiction,Young adult,fantasy,paranormal Format: paperback Page Count: 454 Language: English Published: June 14th 2011 by Speak (first published October 19th 2010) ISBN: 014241980X (ISBN13: 9780142419809) About the book:(from Goodreads)
Calla is the alpha female of a shape-shifting wolf pack. She is destined to marry Ren Laroche, the pack's alpha male. Together, they would rule their pack together, guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But then, Calla saves a beautiful human boy, who captures her heart.
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
Let's talk about the cover first..so the one I got is the repackaged one and this is what the original looks like:
It's so beautiful!
but then the one I got now (repackaged) makes a lot more sense (story wise).Nevertheless, I love them both ^^,
I've been meaning to read this book for quite some time now (I think that's how I usually say about them books haha!)but in all seriousness I'm so freakin excited every single time about my books and this series it looks so GOOD! and since I'm participating on a #30dayread challenge as seen here.And to think I'm into a sorta reading slump/funk whichever you prefer this is the perfect book and opportunity for that!
I love Andrea Cremer's writing style this is the first book I've read by her and I LOVE IT!(for the nth time) I like how every chapter's like 4 or less than 10 pages long and the black divisions by the phases of the moon.Her concept was so fantastic! I haven't read anything like it though I can see some patterns but I'm always looking forward to school life I think it's so interesting over there.It's also action pack from the very beginning til the very end I'm immediately hooked!
I like Calla's character she's strong,fierce,tries to uphold family wishes/expectation(s),knows her sense of duty and honor.I love Shay I think maybe because we had a lot of things in common like being human and all haha! he loves to read and we also had the same all time favorite books lined up he's awesome! now, about Ren...well (he almost have the same name as my brother haha!) he's actually really nice although a bit over bearing sometimes he's just being an alpha I guess and protecting his mate(s).
I dunno but I got this weird feeling of Vampire Diaries (Tv series) all over again all of the sudden.Maybe because of the repackaged cover she kinda looks like Vampire barbie: Caroline (Candice Accola)
so I can't help but imagine sometimes her being Calla (oh the Cs)
and Klaus being Ren
then Tyler being Shay haha!
They might be a bit out of range (age wise or so) but hey that could work right? XD
I think this is also a great way to get some vampire diaries (tv series fix, beside the books of that of course)
I highly recommend this series especially to those of you who like werewolves or anything paranormal go for it!
Category: Children's book,fantasy,mystery Format: paperback Page Count: 64 Language: English Published: May 29th 2001 by Random House Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0679824251 (ISBN13: 9780679824251) About the book:(from Goodreads)
Jack and Annie are in deep trouble when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of desert islands, secret maps, hidden gold--and ruthless pirates! Will Jack and Annie discover a buried treasure? Will they find out the identity of the mysterious M? Or will they walk the plank? (more)
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
It has the same old pattern on how they go and run about here and there but at long last! (that's all I got to say or else I might spoil everything haha!)
Category: Children's book,Mystery,Fantasy Format: paperback Page Count:80 Language: English Published:March 21st 1995 by Random House Children's Books ISBN: 0679863710 (ISBN13: 9780679863717) About the book:(from Goodreads)
Jack and Annie do when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to ancient Japan, where they find themselves in the cave of a ninja master. Will they learn the secrets of the ninja? Or will the evil samurai warriors get them first? (more)
My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
The First magic tree house book I've read to think this one is book 5 haha!ohh such a rebel XD
you can read it in any order mayhaps but the chronological one would make more sense I think.Though I didn't have a hard nor long time in order for me to understand and grasp the entire thing.
I love Japan! the black and white illustration looks nice,I really liked the concept of this series I think anyone would like to have a magical tree house to hangout,go on adventures and stuff (I know I would).Although it's predictable I think any age group(s) would enjoy it.
Thank you so much for stopping by,for your neverending love and support,for reading and browsing around my site,participating and all but most especially for your time.I'm so eternally grateful to you because I never thought my words could travel so far and wide whereever,whoever you may be no matter what language you spoke the internet indeed is such a great work of wonder and I'm really glad that you are here.
I love this cover! and the sticker's actually a great reminder so I won't remove it plus I don't want to ruin it haha! what about you? what's in your mail box? have you read this book? share you thoughts below let me know ^^,
Category:Fiction, Fantasy,Science Fiction,Coming of age,Contemporary Format: Hardback Page Count: 178 Language: English Published: June 18th 2013 by William Morrow Books ISBN: 0062255657 (ISBN13: 9780062255655) About the book: (from Goodreads)
It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed.(more)
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
I'm so glad I took that trip to the bookstore for this.I waited for quite some time for it to be released.I'm so freakin excited! the suspense is killing me! and now FINALLY! I can actually read it YEY!.I took my time to I read,visualize and absorb everything in it.I can see it clearly being played like a movie inside my head (I truly hope and pray they would make a movie out of it).I really don't know how to convey my feelings after reading this book.Up to now I still can't believe it's over and that it's actually 178 pages long :O It's short,fast paced and such a quick enjoyable read.I noticed that there's like three title pages in it,First just the title,the back with his list of works, Second another title but now along with his name then the Third just the title (yet again) then comes the story.I don't know for some reason it feels so weird![I'm not sure if it's the same with the other copies(perhaps) I haven't check but hey we're talking about Neil Gaiman's work here so extraordinarily weird is noted and I welcome it haha!] and after some time all the copies are G:ONE!
Anyway,the storyline,plot,twist and characters simple,well written and brilliantly told!I love the cover!the color,metallic like texture,everything! it all makes sense especially towards the end (I like when that happens). I felt like there was some sorta shutter island moment but not really as the kid now a man grown went back to the lane, tried to recall what happened,deviation from what truly happened it was quite like inception the layers of thoughts,the glamour and stuff.Though I must admit that there are some scenes that made me look back and be like what the heck just happened?! in half a page or heartbeat or so something's just...OMG!.I don't know which one's real or not real anymore it's truly a great fantastic mix!
Lots of quotable quotes as well one of which that I liked best:
"You don't pass or fail at being a person dear" ~Ginnie Hempstock (page 175)
and this one too! no matter how many times I read this line after his father's confession it never fails to make me laugh "for a fraction of a moment, my entire childhood felt like a lie".
I actually learned a lot from this book and I can see some of myself in the kid sometimes being scared and all around his age (7) I love to climb trees around that time as well.He's really bright, nice,read lots of books and had lots of funny thoughts I highly enjoyed those moments.The Hempstocks, quite odd folks but I like them they're nice,talented and I would love to hangout with them,share stories perhaps ask, exchange some recipes and learn their craft(s).I also like the I told you so moments but no regrets in the end.It was worth it! I highly recommend it to everyone!
In such time thy wrath (will) be gone
a piece of retribution at hand
long wait,silence and whole lot of patience
it's painstakingly true though we got this
By now we knew thy true face
risk and consequences
thy creature's mask crumbling,degrading,
a product of retaliation
Gods be good
we're not that sort when we grow grey
a promise struck and will uphold
til the end of time in every existing world.
Note to self: chances are in different times (),names and downfalls.We'll rise ever stronger and will live forever more!
There was once a tree
in front of my house
green and leafy
never weary
a tree,a tree
an avocado tree
I saw and ate some of its fruits
which is rather tasty and good!
As kids we play
all around it
we climbed,made camp
new branch, new saved spot
lots of things come to pass
like trends,houses built
change of weather conditions:monsoon to typhoon
sometimes even flood
I like it when it's time to change leaves and new buds spring to life.
But now such tree is long gone.
All I do is tell various tales of it
here and there.
it's carved,tattooed names all over just like the cactus I once saw more over.
Beautiful,gloriously wonderful and bountiful.
As I shared with you such stories may it continue to live on and reside in our hearts and even commit into memory mayhaps.
Note of inspiration: I like to climb trees growing up and play Sikyo base(I don't know how it's supposed to be spelled so I just spelled it like how I pronounced it haha) it's a very popular street game among children and even adults in the Philippines.There would be two opposing teams base camp on the opposite direction,two team captains that would choose its member from the line up one after another,That decision who comes to pick first maybe decided on a flip coin of heads or tails or which ever they prefer.It doesn't matter how many players the more the merrier haha! it's like a massive game of tag,you run like crazy,capture your enemy put it in your base camp as they form a bee line to be saved by their team mates.The fastest and first one to evade and touch the opposing team's savepoint camp/team's bee lined hands wins!
keep it comin
let it flow inside and fuel my brain
I'm so freakin excited!
I dunno where to begin
can't eat nor sleep
my adrenaline's pumpin
can't wait! to get things startin!
XD
I got a vague image of you
don't want it to hinder
my point of view
I admit,there are times wherein
I thought I know what or who you are
as I saw some of myself in you
the turn of events caught me by surprise.
I never thought I'd like you
but I did, only as a friend
although I got this eerie feeling
that you want something more
which is rather awkward that I choose to ignore.
but that doesn't make it go away
I fought bravely and fearlessly head on
set and point out some ground rules.
One day,you introduced me to your friends
let me in the circle,the party,
what at stake got higher and bigger!
a complete game changer.
people talk...interesting,foolish things
lots of jokes and stories shared here and there
overflowing drinks, sang off tuned songs
immense and deafening noise
so much confusion!
after the event I thought and said:
I'm sorry,but I do believe you got the wrong person
as I'm not the one you are looking for
this has gotten far,way off and too long
I managed to broke free from the cycle
as I chose to go the most sensible path
in retrospect you all must have thought what kind of person I am.
I shouldn't have lingered around..didn't mean to overstay.
And so I said the very last day
thanks for the memories,we all hugged,bid adios,sayonara,paalam
all of which is meant to say...Goodbye!
Note:My inspiration for this piece are some of my travel ventures & different sorts of people I met along the way.Many thanks!
I love free samples! I mean who doesn't right?! haha! I also love this brand CLEAR.I first tried this brand first time it came out way back in the day it's quite strong and it takes a while to get used to but it was refreshing!so when I saw they're giving away some free samples on the interwebs I took the chance and luckily I got one yey! This would be my first time to try this shea collection and I think it's the most perfect time to do so since summer is approaching it's gonna be hot and all.
Such irony of clear-blurry.I'm Sorry my camera didn't do any justice haha!
I like their packaging,plain,simple,easy on the eyes and not that difficult to read.The sample size is plenty nice and handy.I can fit and take it anywhere in land on the go.It's really cute!
The back got lots of details and this is also the first time I encountered this miniature peel here to check out the ingredients.Great! very informative.
I'll give these two a go since I also want to know how it differs from other brands out there.Have you tried this brand/product before?what are you currently using right now? feel free to share your thoughts below :D
As for me well...I'm still recovering from the aftershock Game of Thrones season 3 episode 9 unleashed to the world last night haha (I think every freakin episode was completely mind blowing! they definitely bring that world and every character to life!).So it was really like OMG! I knew it was bound to happen yet I watched it unfold anyway I thought they would end season 3 with that scene there but nope..I still can't believe it! also that next week would be the finale >.< D'oh such game changing variations! XD
Anyways,I'll show you the giveaway prizes I won from Mai at TattooGirl Reads and Kimberly from Bookmark to blog.Check out their fantastic blog(s) they're one of the most amazing bloggers I discovered on blogsphere!
Mai sent me several swags like bookmarks,tote bags,a hat,activity book and all that fun stuff and can I say I got some favorites? haha!
These kickass looking bookmarks and cute blimp button.Also this very interesting ruler! indeed!
This one's from Kimberly I found her through the Armchair Bea event last week and I'm glad I did able to discover lots of awesome bloggers all over the world from such fantastic experience!
I've seen this book so many times all over the place and now I finally got a copy of it! hooray! so it's about this girl Ursula Todd who died multiple times I found this book really intriguing and interesting since I almost died multiple times as well :O more book description over here.
Once again Thank you so much! Mai & Kimberly! XOXO
I learned a lot of amazing things from this experience and found more book bloggers all over the world which is really cool and interesting! Even though this is my first time partaking in this event I never felt left out everyone's so friendly,inviting and left great comments that made me realize a lot of things about myself,blog post,that every opinion is welcome,noted and heard. I have no negative experience so far from this it's all rainbows,unicorns butterflies and sunshine haha just kidding.No.Seriously everybody's so nice and sociable! XD
The Intros are really good and I actually learned more about myself as well while answering the questions by stating some facts and interacting with folks or just being completely random(as you can see here) Along with that is Genre topics like the Classics, in which I need to read more about.
There are lots of topics being discussed that truly opened my mind every single day like Literary Fiction (Day 3) gahd I have no clear idea about that til I searched the interwebs (many thanks to google and amazon) for the list.I tried to harness some inspiration from others but saw that most of them who either read a lot,or little (like me) or hosting a giveaway.So what I did was to share away all these great freebies and books I found as I searched and shared my TBR I gradually accumulated over time over here. Which is nice as I like to share ^_^
Favorite Days:
Day 2: Blogger Development and Genre: Fiction (more here)
I learned a lot of cool stuff from different bloggers like this fantastic app. Evernote (many thanks to Tanya fromGirlxoxo.com)
I think this is the most wonderful way to organize and get things done!
What I liked about the blog development topic is that I think it's the most awesome way to learn by means of sharing life/blog experience(s).The most common denominator I noticed is that most of us are shy,don't know what we are doing at first time/til know but still continue on typing,sharing away and do things we love.Enjoying the whole uncertain process or specific one as we tend to learn from each other and grow.There are also lots of Tips and tricks about almost every thing.New bonds,connections,friendships made whatever you'd like to call it.Inspiration galore everywhere!
I like the catch up days as well and I'll surely continue on with the list for there's so many of them esp. the ones on Day 2 & 1 coz so many things to learn and get to know everyone.I learned some more emoticons from Marius over at MariusReads \m/ (that apparently works on certain sites/circumstances) haha!
Day 4 about ethics & non-fictionagain made me aware on a lot of things.I miss a post about ethics but I truly learned a lot from everyone who contributed on the topic such as like giving proper credits and paying attention to guidelines etc.Many thanks to Tanya over at Momssmallvictories.com for such enlightenment! I discovered some neat challenges like the Nerdy Non-Fiction Challenge. I find challenges as a great motivate yourself more.
I'd like to talk about on the what we miss portion as I didn't put a note/post on that coz I can't really think of anything that's a miss.But perhaps for the upcoming ABEA how about to discuss/ share where to buy/where you buy your books like (library,online: share websites,bookstores) etc. or share reading habits,Opinions on different book formats, how about some manga and graphic novels?(I love this category!) and I read a great post about it from fiction state of mind she said almost basically what I wanted to put/ add on my what we miss post. I learned about comixology (site & app) and I truly need to keep in mind about free comic book day! Also guys what about some sub-genre like Steampunk? another great post over here by Alyssa from The Eater of Books.
Also due to this experience it's a good wake up call if you ask me I finally managed & did some actual changes on my blog site like I decluttered the sidebars (sort of) sorry I don't have any before & after photo but I assure you before the left side bars are full of gifs that's sometimes could be way too over board though I find very inspiring but also buttons from everywhere waahh D: While on the right I finally did a block of social media button vs. the individual massive ones which looks rather good and neat. that I learned here.
I still can't believe it's :Over! WOW! I had a lot of fun and thank you so much everyone!take care,God bless and have a lovely day! ^_^
Also one of today's topic besides Children Literature is how do you keep your material(s) fresh,keep blogging fun and how do you not only grow an audience, but keep them coming back for more?
I'd say I kept my materials fresh by means of stashing my brainstormed ideas on my notepad,drafts or basically anything I could get my hands on to write or type before such inspiration(s) is gone.Partaking on blog hops,challenges,events like this and giveaways are really fun to do at the same time I learned a lot from it from backgrounds,features,memes, everything!and the interwebs seems to know almost most of the answers so yeah. I also keep in mind to do things that I love and share! I mean isn't that what it's all about? sharing,opinion(s) be heard,noted,be taken into consideration and connecting with other people who might also enjoy/do the same :D also social networks especially in the world we are all living in has quite a role on this inviting friends or everyone by means of posting,tweeting,pinning,liking,following all sorts of social interaction is welcome!
I think it's also important to update things more often,to schedule stuff,make it all interesting and vibrant! I do admit I sometimes kinda suck on this part and ugh time management D: haha! but I'll try my best.
How about you? feel free to sharing anything on the comment section below ^_^
and don't forget to check out other blogs over here.
I'll tell you some of the books that's part and shaped my childhood.Well growing up I love reading and watching fairy tales.Disney is at all time high! I've re-read these books so many times.
This one is (not by disney) published by Tormont Publications Inc. it's full of wonderful one of a kind illustrations and graphic designs by Zapp as seen over here.
Normal boy-Wizard-Adventures,Coming of age story-one of the best finales!
This is like some sorta tradition between my aunt and I.Every year she'll give me a book whenever she comes home from abroad.But for book 3 & 4 that cycle sorta stopped so my Godma (MissGennD) one of the best person in the universe allowed me to read her copies.Then it resumed though I got some different editions along the way.It was EPIC! I'm really glad I got into Harry Potter I think the movies helped me a lot to get into them.One of my all time favorite series!
The Twits was lent to me by one of my bffs we laughed so hard oh so many good times XD The other ones I borrowed on my school library.Matilda, I can watch this movie over and over I watched it so many times that whenever I visit my Grandmas place in the province my cousin definitely knows what movie I'd love to watch it was definitely one of the most requested along side with Jack.For The Witches and Charlie I have no idea it was based on the book when the movie was released way back then but as read the story OMG! the book it was really AWESOME!
Normal guy-meets extraordinary girl-one of a kind adventure into parallel universe-got sucked into the world. (one of my all time favorite book!)
My Cousin/Uncle lent me a copy from his officemate I forgot why but perhaps something about telling him the story afterwards and if I like it etc I'm not really sure but I don't know why for some reason I agreed and just simply say OK haha!no compensation,just me reading an epic story & I think it was summer so yeah this is one of the fastest book I've ever read in my life! from that moment on I love Neil Gaiman though I have no idea who he is that time or whatever.The story and adventures of Richard and Door never left me til this very day.And the BBC radio broadcast was absolutely amazing!
Then I eventually met him and thanked him for his awesomeness! XD
Oh yeah! BEST DAY EVER! more of that over here and most of their links could be found over here.
Kinda like Sherlock, Genius extraordinary guy-meets girl-murder cases-adventures-lots of mystery games and secret religious organizations.
This was one of the most controversial books ever! even way back in the day it was published.Almost everyone was fussing about it! most of them that I know don't even know what it's about and I'm so happy I got a chance to enlighten them.It's funny how this book was passed around the family.Oh such hype! and his latest novel Inferno sent a lot of tail blaze over at the far east asia or perhaps all over the world?
Along with myteenage years well I guess I read a lot of manga.The only page I managed to put together for now is stuff about Shoujo Manga.But like I said on my previous post I read all sorts of books so for manga there's Shonen(mostly boy lead characters,as their main target are boys),I like the category gender bender too (girl pretends to be a boy or vice versa) and lots more!
Now, here are some of the books I wish I read when I was a kid.The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis. it's so magical,lots of adventures and most of my favorite author said this is one of the books that inspired them.
Children-adventures-coming of age-fun times that never seems to end XD
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