Book Review: The Atlantis Complex

The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl #7)

by Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publication: August 2008

Format: Paperback, 384 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I’m finally done with Artemis Fowl’s book 7, The Atlantis complex. You probably noticed that I’ve been posting reviews on Artemis Fowl’s series this month. That is because I’m having an Artemis Fowl’s saga marathon. I’m reading them between my brother’s wedding preparations and been staying up late for a few days :D. 

In The Atlantis Complex, Artemis Fowl summoned the fairies to Iceland to present ‘THE PROJECT’ he been working on to save the world from global warming. But the fairies noticed that something is wrong with Artemis. Some of the things that the fairies noticed were: Artemis was counting his words; he’s obsessed with number five and was paranoid with number four (which means death in Chinese).

The fairies then diagnose Artemis with Atlantis Complex or what we call a multiple personality disorder, a psychosis common among guilt-ridden fairies which probably triggered because of the guilt he felt for involving his mother with the fairies (and putting her in danger) in the last book.

And suddenly, they are under attack from giant robots! Artemis thought that he was having another delusion (because of the Atlantis Complex). He thought that the robot wasn’t real. And Holly was forced to stun Artemis to save him (before Artemis did anything stupid) from the robots.

Because of the stun, Artemis is now in the second stage of Atlantis Complex. He started to develop another personality. His alter ego called Orion. The thing about Orion is that he is a lot nicer than Artemis. He speaks differently and wouldn’t stop professing his love to Holly which is really annoying since Holly and Foaly really need his help with the giant robots problem.

The thing about The Atlantis Complex is that, I’m not sure whether to like it or not. Well, Artemis wasn’t his usual self as he was replaced by Orion. I thought that the plot wasn’t as good as the other book. Although, I have to say that I do enjoy Orion’s profession of love towards Holly. It was comical!  And I like that I get to see Foaly in field for action instead of instructing Holly behind his computers. But still, I was a bit disappointed with this book.

Book Cover's Description

Criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has summoned an elite group of fairies to Iceland. But when he presents his invention to save the world from global warming, he seems different. Something terrible has happened to him.

Artemis Fowl has become nice.

The fairies diagnose Atlantis Complex (that’s multiple personality disorder to you and me)—dabbling in magic has damaged his mind. And now the subterranean city of Atlantis is under attack from vicious robots and nice Artemis cannot fight them.

Can fairy ally Captain Holly Short get the real Artemis back—before the mysterious robots destroy the city and every fairy in it?

Book Review: The Time Paradox

The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl #6)

Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publication: August 2008

Format: Paperback, 384 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I wanted to read this one ever since I stumbled into a spoiler which mentions something about kissing when I was on the third book (Okay I’m sorry for spoiling you with mentioning ‘kissing’). 

The Time Paradox is the sixth book from the Artemis Fowl series (I can’t believe I read up to book 6!!). Angeline Fowl, Artemis’s mother was infected with a disease where magic could not cure her. To cure his mother, Artemis needs a brain fluid from a lemur.  Unfortunately, lemur had extinct. And Artemis was responsible to the extinction. So Artemis trick Holly into helping him and with the help of young warlock, No1, Artemis travels back in time to find the cure to his mother deadly disease. Now, Artemis must steal the lemur from his younger self before his younger self could kill the lemur.  But battling his younger self weren’t easy especially since they’re both genius.

This Time Paradox is full with action, adventure and humor (I LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! books with good humor). But there are times when things are a bit confusing especially with the time paradox. It wasn’t as great as book five. But I still enjoy the book thoroughly.

Goodread’s Description

Artemis’s mother has contracted a deadly disease—and the only cure lies in the brain fluid of African lemurs. Unfortunately, Artemis himself was responsible for making the lemurs extinct five years ago. Now he must enlist the aid of his fairy friends to travel back in time and save them. Not only that, but he must face his deadliest foe yet... his younger self.

#2 Blog a Quote

Blog A Quote is hosted by Michelle from Michelle Chew Writes where you share a quote from your favorite books every Monday! To sign up, visit Michelle Chew Writes.

My quote this week is from Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess

“Sometimes you don't need a goal in life, you don't need to know the big picture. you just need to know what you're going to do next!” 

The Undomestic Goddess is one of my favorite from Sophie Kinsella. And this is my favorite quote from the book. It's probably because I didn't really have any specific goal in life. I'm the kind of person who like to follow where it will takes me. I think it's much interesting where you didn't know what to expect what happen in the future. You get to lean back and enjoy life a bit more.

Book Review: The Infidelity Chain

The Infidelity Chain

Tess Stimson

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Romance, Adult

Publication: January 2008

Format: Paperback, 356 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I didn’t have too much expectation with this book when I picked it up from the library. It’s not what I usually read – adultery. But, this book really surprised me. It was quite good and it’s really not what I've been expecting.

The story is about Ella who is married to Jackson while having an affair with William. William’s wife, Beth who was having a depression is starting to fall for Cate’s (her daughter) boyfriend, Dan. It’s a rather complicated story on affairs, adultery, and teenager’s transformation to womanhood. The Infidelity Chain was written in Ella, William, Beth and Cate’s point of view changing with each chapter. The shifting point of view wasn’t confusing at all. In fact, it was nice to see each of everyone’s points of view. Tess Stimson succeeds in making her characters interesting. I’m really glad that the plot line wasn’t a cliché. In fact, each of the chapter makes me frowned with surprise. The story line was really unpredictable. 

Book Cover’s Description

Ella Stuart has worked hard to achieve the perfect work-life balance: a high-flying career as a paediatric doctor, a charming husband, charity fundraiser Jackson Garrett – and in urbane PR consultant William Ashfield, a passionate, worldly lover. William is equally devoted to Ella, his mistress of eight years, and to his faded, troubled wife, Beth. He knows he could never choose between them; and is eternally grateful he’s never been asked. 

When tragedy strikes out of the blue, Ella’s carefully ordered life is abruptly derailed. Struggling to cope as the chaos spirals out of her control, unable to play the accommodating mistress any longer, Ella examines her long relationship with William, and finds it wanting. But her personal nightmare has repercussions for everyone linked to her. For William, who has to face his own demons and make the toughest decision of his life. For Beth, who is just beginning to emerge from the depression that has stolen the most precious years of motherhood. And above all for Cate, William and Beth’s seventeen-year-old daughter, whose transition from girlhood to womanhood is suddenly set to be a baptism of fire.

#10 Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

No1 knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t resist a parting crack.
‘I now pronounce you…’ - Page 89, The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl #6), Eoin Colfer

I'm currently trying to finish the Artemis Fowl series (Two more books to go!). I never know that this series could be so addictive when I first start reading them :)

Book Review: The Lost Colony

The Lost Colony (Artemis Fowl #5)

Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publication: May 2007

Format: Paperback, 400 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I guess what I really like with Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl, is that we get to see Artemis growing up with each book (and adventure). Artemis Fowl is back in The Lost Colony along with some new characters, including Minerva Paradizo, a twelve year old French child genius, Doodah Day, a smuggler, No. 1, an imp, a demon called Leon Abbot, and a warlock, Qwan.

Thousands years ago, the fairies decided to move underground and keep themselves hidden from humans. But the eighth family of fairy, the demons refuse to move. So they choose to take their island of Hybras into another dimension until they are ready to wage war with human. Except that something went wrong, causing the island of Hybras to end up in Limbo. Now the time spell is fading and demons are sucked into the present space and time.

Artemis, who is bored with his new, normal life, hacked into Foaly’s computer (because Foaly hacked into his first) and found out about the demons. He stake out the sites where demons are expected to appear and later found out that someone, a twelve year old, Minerva Paradizo, is after the demon too and successfully kidnapped the demon. Once again, Artemis Fowl teamed up with Captain Holly Short (while dealing with his puberty) to save the demon before the time spell disappear and the demon returns to earth.

The Lost Colony was a really fun and exciting read. It was full with action and suspense (especially since Butler wasn’t on Artemis side). Out of the other Artemis Fowl series, I find this once a lot funnier than the others. It was fun to see Artemis dealing with his puberty (he found himself attracted to pretty girls). I was a bit surprised with the ending though. Damn cliffhanger!

Book Cover’s Description

Ten thousand years ago, humans and fairies fought a great battle for the magical island of Ireland. When it became clear to the fairy families that they could never win, they decided to move their civilization underground and keep themselves hidden from the humans. All the fairy families agreed on this, except the eighth family, the demons. The demons planned to lift their small island out of time until they had regrouped and were ready to wage war on the humans once more. However, the time spell went wrong, and the island of Hybras was catapulted into Limbo, where it has remained for ten thousand years. Now the tainted time spell is deteriorating and demons are being sucked back into the present space and time. The fairy council is concerned about this and is monitoring any materializations. But when the spells deterioration accelerates, the materializations become unpredictable. Even the fairy scientists cannot figure out where the next demon will pop up. But someone can. Artemis Fowl, teenage criminal mastermind, has solved temporal equations that no normal human should be intelligent enough to understand. So when a confused and frightened demon pops up in a Sicilian theater, Artemis Fowl is there to meet him. Unfortunately, he is not the only one. A second, mysterious party has also solved the temporal equations, and has managed to abduct the demon before Artemis can secure him. Once again, Artemis will have to pair up with his old comrade, Captain Holly Short, to track down the missing demon and rescue him, before the time spell dissolves completely and the lost demon colony returns violently to Earth

Book Review: The Opal Deception

The Opal Deception (Artemis Fowl #4)

Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publication: April 2007

Format: Paperback, 368 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I read this book (with two others) while I was away for my brother’s wedding, and I was really bored. I was really glad that I bought this book with me.

The Opal Deception is the continuation of The Eternity Code. In the last book, Artemis had his memories wiped up from the underground fairies world. And now, Artemis is back to his criminal activities. Although, he was torn between go straight or stay in the criminal world (since his father is clean of any criminal activities). In the same time, something happened in the fairies world. Opal Koboi escaped from prison, and was looking for revenge. And now, Captain Holly Short is framed for a crime she did not commit. Now Holly had to go up to the surface to save Artemis before Opal could kill him.

I love this book! I was really looking forward to read this book after The Eternity Code. I couldn’t help but wonder what will happen to Artemis as he had his mind wiped up of any memories of the fairies. I wonder how Artemis will remember the fairies.  And I’m glad that I continued to read the saga. The Opal Deception is full of surprise! Eoin Colfer did a good job portraying the emotions of character. I really like how Eoin Colfer made Holly dealt with a character’s death. (Oh yes, there’s a character’s death in the book). But most of all, I really like the chemistry between Artemis and Holly, although Artemis lost his memory of Holly. 

The Opal Deception is full of surprise, excitement and good humor! I certainly enjoy the book, and went straight to grab the continuation of the saga – The Lost Colony.

Book Cover's Description

Evil pixie, Opal Koboi, is back and she's more dangerous than ever. This time she doesn't just want power over the fairy People - this time she wants the humans too. Captain Holly Short is the only fairy with a hope of stopping her, but as Holly knows, it takes one genius criminal mastermind to fight another. But the 14-year-old genius that Holly is thinking of doesn't even remember that fairies exist. How is she going to convince Artemis Fowl to help her stop Opal? Gold usually does the trick, and this time is should be no different. Or is Artemis changing?

Book Review: Die For Me

Die for Me (Revenants #1)

Amy Plum

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy

Publication: May 2011

Format: Paperback, 344 pages

Website: Amy Plum

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I wasn’t sure of what to think of this book when I first picked it up. And I still haven’t got a clue to what I am reading after a few chapters. But, Die For Me had this mysterious thing about it that kept me reading.

Die for Me set up in Paris. After losing their parents in an accident, Kate and Georgia move to Paris to stay with their grandparents (who they called Mamie and Papy). Kate began to spend her times reading books to get her mind off her parents. Then one day, she meets Vincent Delacroix, a handsome French guy and the two fall in love. But of course, Vincent wasn’t an ordinary guy. Then everything begins to change as Kate learns about Vincent’s secret.

Amy Plum did a great job describing Paris in her writing. I like that Amy Plum decided to write about revenant (the undead) rather than the usual vampire. It’s refreshing. My first thought after the first half of the book is that the story progress’s a bit too slow. But then, Amy began to explain about revenant, and I knew that Amy Plum was trying to build the backbone for the story. And Amy Plum did a good job with that.

The main character, Kate was an independent woman. Although it was hard for her to move on after her parent’s death, she tried her best so that she didn’t make the others worried about her. I like that Amy Plum describe her as normal as possible – that there were times where she shows her weakness and strength. Vincent was, well, if I had to say it in one word, I’d say, hot! The other supporting characters were likeable and well developed. They made the story even more powerful and gripping. I love that everyone seems to have their own character. It was hard not to love the supporting characters individually.

Overall, Die for Me was a beautiful love story between a human and a revenant. It is about sacrifice and taking risk for love. Would you risk your life for love? Would you risk your heart to be broken again for love? What would you do to protect your love? 

Although I did say that I wasn’t so sure about the story at the beginning, I can’t help but wanting to know what will happen to Kate and Vincent in the next book.

Book Cover's Description

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. 

Mysterious, sexy and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. 

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart - as well as my life and my family's - in jeopardy for a chance at love?

#1 Blog A Quote

Share a quote from your favorite books every Monday! To sign up, visit Michelle at Michelle Chew Writes.

The Way I see it, life is like a jelly doughnut. You don't really know what it's about until you bite into it. And then, just when you decide it's good, you drop a big glob of jelly on your best T-shirt - Stephanie Plum

This is my favorite quote from Janet Evanovich's Ten Big Ones. It is also the opening line for the book.  This is the first book from Janet Evanovich I've read. I was actually attracted to this book because it's pink (I was really young back then). But starting from this book, I hunt for the rest of Stephanie Plum series. I was hooked! 

#9 Teaser Tuesday: Die For Me

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I halfheartedly glanced around before looking back down in the page, but did a double take when I noticed someone staring at me from across the terrace. And the world around me froze when our eyes met – Page 12, Die For Me, Amy Plum

It's been sometimes since I joined this weekly bookish meme... Anyway, I just started reading this book. So far, it's good! Would you believe that I decide to read this because I was attracted to the cover? Yeah... I do judge a book by it's cover :P

Book Review: The Eternity Code

The Eternity Code (Artemis Fowl #3)

Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction

Publication: April 2006

Format: Paperback, 352 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon 

I think, reading The Eternity Code makes me feel a tad younger. I can’t believe that I squealed like a little girl while reading and anticipating on what will happen to Artemis in his latest adventure.

Artemis Fowl is planning to go straight after this one last adventure. He was trying to sell a modified fairies technology to Jon Spiro. But his plan went wrong. The technology was stolen and Butler, his bodyguard had to pay for it. Artemis needs help to rescue Butler and retrieved the stolen technology. Thus, he turned to his nemesis-turned-friend, Captain Holly Short for help. The people agree to help him with one condition: Artemis has to undergo a mind wipe to erase his memory of the People.

I absolutely LOVE this book. Did I mention that I squealed like a little girl while reading this? Oh, I did, didn’t I? I can’t help but to find how interesting this book is. I love Artemis Fowl as a character. He’s a genius whom rarely shows much of his emotion. So that part where he showed his emotion when Butler was shot really touched me. I really love the relationship between those two. The dialogue is absolutely brilliant! It makes me laugh out loud for a few times. I especially love the row between Artemis and Captain Holly. I like how Eoin Colfer delivered the humor without trying too much.

The Eternity Code was a real page turner. I find it hard to stop myself from reading it from the very first chapter. It was interesting to see that Juliet is replacing his brother to protect Artemis. Most of all, I was excited to see how Artemis plan to retrieve the stolen cube from Jon Spiro. In the end, The Eternity Code managed to make me astonished on how the story progress and how it ended. I’m now aching to read the next book for more adventure :)

Book Cover's Description:

Artemis Fowl is going straight-as soon as he pulls off the most brilliant criminal feat of his career . . . but his plan goes awry, leaving his loyal bodyguard, Butler, mortally injured. Artemis's only hope of saving his friend is to employ fairy magic; so once again he must contact his old rival, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. It is going to take a miracle to save Butler, and Artemis's luck may have just run out. . . . 

Book Review: Clarity

Clarity (Clarity #1)

Kim Harrington

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Paranormal

Publication: 2011

Format: Paperback, 256 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository, Acmamall

Clarity “Clare” Fern was born with a gift. She could see vision when she touched a certain object. Because of that, most of her classmate called her freak. When a girl was found murdered, Clare’s ex-boyfriend, Justin, came to ask her help to solve the case. Now, Clare had to team up with Gabriel, the hot, detective’s son to find out about the murder. Just as she got a few clues here and there, more murder occurred! Things went worse when Clare’s brother, Perry become a suspect. Clare is now determined to find out who the murder is. In the same time, she must figure out what she feels for the boys: Justin and Gabriel.

I can’t believe I stayed up all night to finish CLARITY. Yes, it was really good and I just couldn’t stop reading it once I had it in my hand. 

I love the main character, Clare. It’s difficult not to love her. She had a fiery personality and I love how she always fights back when anyone bullied her. I like how each of her family members had different gift. Her brother for example, could talk to ghost, and her mother could read minds. I really like it when Clare’s mother read Clare’s thought just as she was thinking of the hot detective’s son.

Kim Harrington did a great job writing how the story went and how the suspense is built. The mystery was really well planned. The story was unpredictable to the point that I think everybody is a suspect. I had a great time guessing who the murder is, but only managed to figure out as I was closer to the end. The combination of mystery and psychic is definitely great! I like how the mystery and romance was well balanced. Although there was a hint of love triangle between Clare, Justin and Gabriel, I love how the romance didn’t overshadow the mystery. 

CLARITY is definitely one of my favorite mystery novels right now. It was definitely a page turner! Although, I suspect that I think it has to do with how Kim Harrington likes to end the chapters with cliffhangers. But still, CLARITY is a great mystery book. A must read for mystery lover as myself. I’m looking forward to read the next book: Perception.

Book Cover’s Description

Don't close your eyes. Except when the truth is too dark to bear.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case -- but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother -- who has supernatural gifts of his own -- becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Book Review: I Heart Paris

I Heart Paris (I Heart #3)

Lindsey Kelk

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication: July, 2010

Format: Paperback, 312 pages

Website: I Heart…Paris

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I heart Lindsey Kelk. The third book from I Heart Series is definitely not a disappointment. This book has left me giggling at some scene (because laughing in public would be inappropriate) and grinning like an idiot.

In I Heart Paris, Angela’s boyfriend, Alex suggested her to a trip to Paris when he was invited for a performance at a festival. In the same time a fashion magazine, Belle, asked her to write an article on underground hotspots in Paris. Angela thought that this trip will be great. But then things started to go wrong. First, her luggage was destroyed (along with her shoes, clothes). Then, she saw Alex with his ex in a bar, Jenny wouldn’t talk to her and someone was trying to sabotage her article. With things falling apart around her, Angela hopped on a train to London to sort things out. But then, she got a second thought. Now she can’t decide if she should go back home to her family or went back to Paris and see Alex.

I love how Lindsey Kelk writes what’s been going through Angela’s mind. You could see that Angela was a fun and a bit crazy at times. That crazy part might be something in common that Angela and I shared. I think that Angela was lucky that she seemed to stumble into good people when she went to a new place. First, she got Jenny in I Heart New York. In Paris, Angela got Alain, another helpful concierge. Angela seemed to think that everyone around her is nice. I wonder what would happen when she met with a mug or something…

I Heart Paris was definitely sweeter and funnier than the second book. I love the crisis that Angela was facing and that not every crisis she faced had a good ending. It makes the story even more realistic. Overall, this is a fun, light read. I’ve read the next book (it was the first book I’ve read from this series) and I’m excited to read I Heart London next.

Book Cover's Description:

Angela is in the City of Love -- but her own lovelife is heading for trouble! 

Angela Clark is a British girl living the life dreams are made of in fabulous New York. But she's never been to the romantic capital of the world -- Paris. So when boyfriend Alex suggests a romantic trip there, tying in with his band's tour and Angela writing an insider's guide to the hip city for a glossy fashion mag -- Belle , she jumps at the chance. Soon Angela finds herself meandering along charming streets lined with designer shops, sipping creamy hot chocolate and eating croissants. It's a world away from New York but she could get used to the joie de vivre of Paris. But when Louisa, Angela's best friend shows up from London, it's not quite the happy, girly catch up she'd hoped for and everything in Paris seems to be going from bad to worse. Louisa reminds Angela that her old life is only a train journey away. With Alex spending so much time partying with the band and meeting up with his ex, for the first time in ages, Angela is homesick. Suddenly Angela is questioning her new life in New York and wondering -- is it make or break for her and Alex?

Book Review: The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)

Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure

Publication: 2005

Format: Paperback, 375 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository, Acmamall

Admittedly, I watched the movie before I read the book. My little sister warned me that the book is totally different than the movie. She was right. The book was different and way better than the movie.

Percy Jackson is a 12 years old boy who was sent to a boarding school for trouble kid with dyslexia and ADHD. Strange things started to happen when his math teacher, Mrs Todd, attacked him and disappeared. Suddenly everyone in his class had no idea who Mrs Todd is.

It was during summer vacation that he found out that his best friend, Grover is a Satyr and that he is a half-blood or a demigod. To save Percy from monsters attack, his mother and Grover took him to a Camp Half-Blood. Sadly, Percy lost his mother when they were attacked by a Minotaur. It was in the Camp Half-Blood that he discovered that he is a son of Poseidon, the god of sea and that he was accused of stealing something which belonged to Zeus. Percy then teamed up with Grover and Annabeth, daughter of Athena to retrieve the stolen item and stop the war between the gods.

What I really love about The Lightning Thief is the narration which was written in Percy’s point of view. It was entertaining and not annoying, easy to follow and it keeps me wanting to read more. The humor was hilarious. I love Percy’s character and his fun sidekicks. I think Rick Riordan have done a good job portraying what is it that a twelve years old boy thinking. Although there were times where I think that his attitude didn’t seems like he was twelve. But Riordan’s writing is good. I’m looking forward to read the second book.

Book Cover’s Description

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

Book Review: Plum Lucky

Plum Lucky ( Stephanie Plum #13.5/A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel)

Janet Evanovich

Genre: Chick Lit, Crime & Thriller, Humor

Publication: January, 2008

Format: Hardback, 176 pages

Website: Evanovich [Read Chapter One]

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

My mother and grandmother raised me to be a good girl, and I have no problem with the girl part. I like men, malls and carbs. Not necessarily in that order. The good part has been spotty. I don’t steal cars or sniff glue, but I’ve had a lot of impure thoughts. And I’ve acted on a bunch of them. Not limited to, but including, snooping through a guy’s closet in search of his underwear. On the surface, this doesn’t sounds like a majorly hot experience, but this was no ordinary guy, and I couldn’t find any underwear. – Plum Lucky, Janet Evanovich, Page 1, Paragraph 1.

I was really lucky. I got myself a copy of hardback Plum Lucky with cheaper price. How cheap? Well, imagine the paperback version with 50% discount. I know... I was really lucky! And it wasn’t that this book was a used book. It’s new. 

When grandma Mazur found a duffle bag full of cash, she disappeared. Worried, Stephanie’s mother asked her to find her grandma and Stephanie tracked down her grandma at a casino in Atlantic City. Stephanie then learns that grandma Mazur got the money from Snuggy (who thinks he’s a leprechaun). Snuggy was after grandma and the money. And Diesel was after Snuggy and the money. It turned out that Snuggy stole the money from a mob. The mob was pissed. So he kidnapped Doug as hostage. But apparently, Stephanie and her friends couldn’t return the money as they have spent them in Atlantic City.

Plum Lucky was the third Stephanie Plum between-the-numbers novel. As a fan of Stephanie Plum, there’s no way that I’m going to miss this one. As usual, Evanovich never failed to make me laugh out loud with this series. It was hectic, lunatic and full with sexy men – a perfect recipe for Stephanie Plum book.

Book Cover's Description

Looking to get lucky?

Stephanie Plum is back between-the-numbers and she’s looking to get lucky in an Atlantic City hotel room, in a Winnebago, and with a brown-eyed stud who has stolen her heart.

Stephanie Plum has a way of attracting danger, lunatics, oddballs, bad luck . . . and mystery men. And no one is more mysterious than the unmentionable Diesel. He’s back and hot on the trail of a little man in green pants who’s lost a giant bag of money. Problem is, the money isn’t exactly lost. Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur has found it, and like any good Jersey senior citizen, she’s hightailed it in a Winnebago to Atlantic City and hit the slots. With Lula and Connie in tow, Stephanie attempts to bring Grandma home, but the luck of the Irish is rubbing off on everyone: Lula’s found a job modeling plus-size lingerie. Connie’s found a guy. Diesel’s found Stephanie. And Stephanie has found herself in over her head with a caper involving thrice-stolen money, a racehorse, a car chase, and a bad case of hives.

Plum Lucky is an all-you-can-eat buffet of thrills, chills, shrimp cocktail, plus-size underwear, and scorching hot men. It’s a between-the-numbers treat no Evanovich fan will want to miss!

Book Review: I Heart Hollywood

I Heart Hollywood (I Heart #2)

Lindsey Kelk

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication: January, 2010

Format: Paperback, 326 pages

Website: I Heart…Hollywood

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I heart Hollywood is the second of three books in Lindsey Kelks I Heart series. I was hooked to read on Angela’s adventure after the first book, I Heart New York. Well, I did read the fourth book first. I guess, that lead me to wanting to read the rest of the series.

In the second book, Angela was given an opportunity to go to Hollywood and interview the gorgeous British actor, James Jacobs. Things started to go awry when some photograph of James and Angela spread online. Now Angela had to convince people around her that everything was not as what they saw or she might lose her job and her boyfriend. 

I liked James Jacob and his assistant, Blake from the very first start. The conversation between Angela and James was funny most of the time. Although, I have to say that Angela’s characterization in the second book was a bit out of place as compared to the first one. In the first one, Lindsey Kelk had showed us the strong point of Angela. And in the second book, we’ve get to see the weaker point of Angela. I thought that it was okay though. I mean, everyone had their strong and weakest moment.

I love Angela and Alex relationship in the book. It was sweet when they both were being stubborn about who would say the ‘L’ word first. I’m sure there might be a time where we had the same moment where we were afraid that we might scare the other party with the confession. I know I did! I guess, I kind of knew how Angela felt. 

I love the second book! I think it was better than the first one. It was funny and sweet! It got me smiling (or grinning like an idiot) for a few times while reading. I am now convinced that Lindsey Kelk is one of my favorite authors. Can’t wait to read the third book!

Book Cover's Description

Angela Clark can't believe her luck! she's an English girl living in New York with a dream job at hip magazine The Look and a sexy boyfriend. Her latest assignment takes her to Hollywood to interview hot actor and fellow Brit James Jacobs.Thrown in at the deep end she heads west with best friend Jenny dreaming of Rodeo Drive and Malibu beach. Soon Angela discovers that celebrity life in Hollywood is not all glamour, gloss and sunshine. Despite his lady-killer reputation, the only person who seems genuine is James. Then a paparazzi snaps them in an uncompromising position and suddenly Angela is thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons...

Can she convince all those close to her -- especially her boss and her boyfriend -- not to believe everything they read? And will Hollywood ever win Angela's heart?

Book Review: The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

Publication: October 2008

Format: Paperback, 289 pages

Buy: Amazon

I don’t know what it is with me and Gaiman. I found myself wanting to read more from him when I found his book on the bookshelf.

It started with a murder. Nobody Owens or Bod’s family was murdered by the man Jack. When the Owenses (the ghost couple) found him in the graveyard, they decided to raise him along with Silas, his guardian (who provided him with food etc). He was given a freedom of the graveyard so that he may have access to everywhere in the graveyard. 

The story then followed Bod and his adventure in and outside the graveyard as he grew up. When he was five, he met his human friend, Scarlett, who thought that Bod was her imaginary friend. Later Bod and Scarlett were separated when she moved away to Scotland with her parents. As he grew up, Bod was captured by the ghouls and later saved by his tutor, Miss Lupescu, and he befriend with a witch ghost called Liza. He went to school which end up in disaster when he failed to keep a low profile.

As years past, Bod learned about where he came from and began to do a bit of research in what happened to his actual family while trying to keep safe from the man Jack, who was still looking for him.

Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book was inspired by The Jungle Book where the baby was raised by ghosts instead of animals. It was a fun, short read. I really enjoyed Gaiman’s writing in this one. I might have finished the book in one sitting if I wasn’t so busy with these days. This book is definitely my favorite from Gaiman up to date.

Book Cover's Description:

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy.

He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead.

There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy-an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer.

But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family. . . .

Book Review: Look Closely

Look Closely

Laura Caldwell

Genre: Chick Lit, Mystery, Suspense

Publication: June 2005

Format: Paperback, 379 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository, Acmamall

This book has been on my to-read list for since last year and finally bought this book last month. It was a recommended chicklit mystery and I decided to read it.

Hailey Sutter, an attorney had no idea who sent an unsigned letter with a message: There is no statute of limitations on murder. LOOK CLOSELY. But she did know that the note was hinting towards her mother’s death when she was seven.

In between her case with a difficult client; Sean McKnight, and trying to make partner with the law firm, Hailey made a trip back to Woodland Dunes where she lived before her mother’s death to find out the truth. But she can’t ask her father as he would refuse to discuss about it. Hailey thought that his father was upset about her mother’s death and she decided not to mention her again. So she decided to search for her brother, Dan and her sister, Caroline to learn on her mother’s death but later learned that her siblings went missing on the same day. Coincidence?

Look Closely was a good mystery novel. I’m glad that the author decided to focus on the mystery itself rather than touching a bit on the mystery and focus on romance. Although the mystery was a bit predictable, I find that this book was an absolute page turner. I find myself wanting to know on what and how Hailey is going to find out what happen to her mother. Overall, it is a good chicklit-mystery! I would have given this book a five star if it is not for the flat ending.

Book Cover’s Description:

"Look Closely"
That's all the anonymous letter said, but attorney Hailey Sutter understands the meaning behind the well-chosen words. Someone wants her to investigate what happened to her mother, who died when Hailey was only seven.

The death was ruled accidental, but Hailey begins having flashbacks that tell a different story; a pounding at the door . . . her mother struggling to stand . . . a man with a gold ring that flashed in the night as he held her mother's lifeless body.

Obsessed with uncovering the truth, Hailey can't trust anyone, especially her father, whose secrecy both unnerves and protects her. Desperate to remember that fatal night, she seeks out the brother and sister who left home after their mother's death. But they have disappeared. It's soon clear to Hailey that the answer is right in front of her -- all she has to do is find the courage to look closely . . .

Book Review: When You Open Your Eyes

When You Open Your Eyes

Celeste Conway

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Publication: March 2012

Format: Paperback, 320 Pages

Buy: Amazon

Tessa’s life changed when her family moved to Argentina. She met her new friends and fell in love with Lucient, the son of a French diplomat. Lucient changed as he went back from a trip from Rome with his mother. Tessa then learned that Lucient had an illness – mental illness. Soon, Lucient started to push Tessa away from his life without any explanation. Then Tessa found out why Lucient did that, and everything wasn’t the same. This book was probably about a young girl who had to face a few changes in her life. She started to hang around with the wrong people and fell in love with someone who is a bad influence to her.

I’m not sure what to say of this book. The writing was alright. Sadly, the plot was not. The beginning of the book was quite confusing. I wasn’t sure of what was happening to Tessa and her friends. The middle was a bit slow. But I can’t stop reading it because I expect something to happen. And it was towards the end when there’s finally something. It was really frustrating when a writer stashed everything important towards the ending. 

Book Cover’s Description:

The more you love, the more you stand to lose….Tessa’s head over heels for Lucien, the son of a French diplomat. Sexy, artistic, and daring, he brings out a completely new side of her. With him, Tessa feels beautiful and exotic. So when Tessa’s strict father forbids her to see Lucien, she’s determined to keep their relationship a secret.But as Tessa gets caught up in Lucien, he becomes increasingly volatile. What she once found alluring about him now feels alarming. Tessa must figure out how far she’ll go for Lucien before she risks losing not just him, but everything she loves.

#8 Teaser Tuesday: When You Open Your Eyes

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My eyes fall shut and I float away. Each kiss goes on forever, and I'm drifting in a deep green sky, spinning, weightless, like a leaf. - Page 62, When You Open Your Eyes, Celeste Conway.

This is sort of weird... I was quite confuse with what happen with the character, but I can't stop reading this book. Does this make sense?

Book Review: Humble Pie

Humble Pie

Gordon Ramsay

Genre: Autobiography, Non-Fiction, Culinary

Publication: 2008

Format: Paperback, Special Edition, 96 pages

Website: Gordon Ramsay

Buy: Amazon

I bought this book after as it was recommended to me. I always wanted to read this book and was glad when I found this quick read version. This book was a really quick read (96 pages!!) and I finished it within an hour and half.

I really enjoyed the book. It was fun to know what he was before he was famous. As a culinary graduate, I really respect on his journey and adventure to learn what he knew now. Not many culinary students would want to sacrifice their working hour with low payment for the sake of a journey…

Book Cover’s Description:

Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, driven, stubborn. But this is his real story…In this fast-paced, bite-sized edition of his bestselling autobiography Ramsay tells the real story of how he became the world’s most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother’s heroin addiction, his failed first career as a footballer, his fanatical pursuit of gastronomic perfection and his TV persona - all the things that have made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.

Book Review: I Heart New York

I Heart New York (I Heart #1)

Lindsey Kelk

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication: 2009

Format: Paperback, 307 pages

Website: I Heart…New York

Buy: Amazon

Angela Clark caught her fiancé, Mark having sex with a girl on the back of their car on her best friend wedding day. What’s worse is that her friend had known that Mark has been in a relationship with the girl for quite sometimes. She went bananas — ruined her best friend’s wedding, broke the groom’s hand etc and flew to New York the next day. This is where her adventure starts. She meets up with new friends (Jenny, Erin, Vanessa) start seeing some new guys (Alex and Tyler) and scored a job to write a blog on her adventure and relationship with the guys for The Look.

I start off the I Heart Series with I Heart Vegas and I love it! So I decided to go back and read the first one, I Heart New York. Linsey Kelk’s writing style was fun and witty. Although I didn’t enjoy it as I did with I Heart Vegas. The beginning was interesting and funny. The middle was somewhat cliché and the ending was a bit sudden. Still, it was a good debut novel. I look forward to read the second book! 

Book cover’s description:

It's official. Angela Clarke is in love – with the most fabulous city in the world.

Fleeing her cheating boyfriend and clutching little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins and her passport, Angela jumps on a plane, destination - NYC.

Holed up in a cute hotel room, Angela gets a New York makeover from her NBFJenny and a whirlwind tour of the city that never sleeps. Before she knows it, Angela is dating two sexy guys. And, best of all, she gets to write about it in her new blog (Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out). But it's one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it's another figuring them out for yourself …

Angela has fallen head over heels for the big apple, but does she heart New York more than home?