The Bookish Goddess

I’m going to be honest and say that I have considered DNF-ing this book. It started out very slow and the pacing was not up to par with what I had expected from such an epic synopsis. I realized I didn’t want to give up so easily, especially on the first book that I decided to dedicate my time with at the start of the year. So I pushed through by trying different platforms other than reading the book and ebook. It was then that I decided to look for the audio book on Scribd. After listening to the audio book, it gave me a new renowned motivation to finish the book.

This story centers around two characters, Sean Kendrick and Kate “Puck” Connolly, who have their own reasons for joining the Scorpio Races. For Sean, it was to, at first, continue the glory of his winning streak of the races and making his late father proud. For Puck, it was to, at first, keep her brother Gabe from leaving the island. But at the end of the book, they found a different purpose in wanting to win the races, and I thought that was such a groundbreaking moment for this book which has given it the awesome rights to a five-star rating from me.

I absolutely adored the characters in this book, down to the side characters that have such well-written stories of their own. Apart from Sean and Puck, I especially loved Finn (Puck’s younger brother), Peg and George Holly. They were some very entertaining characters and were a breath of fresh air whenever I needed a break from Puck and Sean’s thoughts. I also admire the fact that while I normally avoid books that’s in the first POV, I didn’t feel this one to be as overwhelming with Sean and Puck’s first person POV’s here the way I would normally feel on other books. The alternating of multiple POV’s is very easy to get into, which is not an easy feat to do. I applaud Maggie for doing good on this.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book is the visual presentation of the island of Thisby. I kind of imagined it to be a Greek island just based off the name itself since there is a place in Greece called Thisbe. Not to mention the fact that the story involves characters preaching goddesses, which Greece mostly has in certain points of their religions. Apart from that, the way Maggie describes the island makes me want to kind of live there. Set aside the mutinous and sexist citizens and you kind of have a little paradise.

Now onto our two main characters. I want to start with Sean because he had the honor of being the first chapter. This guy has had a hard life, and I’m not even going to mention what happened on the first chapter itself that made my heart ache for Sean. But he’s a character that perseveres, and later on into the story, shows just how much his bravery means more than just joining a race where people can get killed. Thank Merlin he’s not your typical broody YA guy that has to be a mean dude to our main girl to get brownie points. Nah, Sean respects Puck here, and I suppose that’s what I loved about him. In an island full of people that didn’t believe that Puck could ever win the races, he seemed to be one of the very few that thought she was a good bet--and I admire that about him. 

I honestly thought Sean was going to die during the race (if you’ve seen my tweets about this book, you’d know!), but I’m glad that he didn’t (here’s a spoiler for you because we all want a happy ending, yeah?). And the ending with Sean and his beloved horse that he raced with, Corr, just has my heart singing because that was such a beautiful ending. There was a line in the book where Sean said that the only things that mattered to him were “The sky and the sand and the sea and Corr.” And it just goes to show just how much Corr is more than just some racing horse that he won with for four straight years. The bond between them is remarkable and I just love that.

Let’s talk about Puck. Puck’s real name is actually Kate, but people call her Puck for whatever reason. If I loved Sean, I definitely loved Puck more. I loved her spunk and ferociousness as a character, and I so admire her courage throughout this entire book. The odds were clearly stacked against her the moment she decided she wanted to enter the races because her mare, Dove, is nothing like the special capall uisce horses bred from the sea. She’s just a regular horse with the biggest heart and the most admirable bravery. But I love that along the way, she didn’t let the naysayers that think a woman shouldn’t enter the races get in the way of her vision in joining the races to, at first, keep her big brother Gabe from leaving the island to go to the mainland where there were better opportunities. I also adore how she’s such a ferocious cinnamon roll at times? I seriously enjoyed reading her POV so much, which made me really stay on to continue reading. I mean, just take a look at this snippet from the book where Kate goes to confession with Father Mooneyham.

I cast my mind back over the past week. “I considered taking the Lord’s name on Monday. Well, not ‘God.’ I thought about saying ‘Jesus Christ!’ I also ate an entire orange without telling Finn, because I knew he’d be annoyed.” 

Father Mooneyham says, “Go home, Kate.”

I just love Puck so much. She deserves all the best things in the world and more.

Apart from this, I also enjoyed the chemistry between Sean and Puck. I will give you a head’s up that this book is not heavy on the romance, which is honestly a breath of fresh air. The way Sean and Puck came together was simple, yet very beautiful. They’re just the softest ship to ever sail and I just adore how they are the perfect match for each other. It’s also interesting that they realize the underlying reason they want to join the races (and no, it’s not because of each other) by discovering the real reason for their joining the races together. If that isn’t #couplegoals, I don’t know what is. I mean but also just look at this very simple dialogue that’s quite earth shattering for anyone that has already been rooting for them to be together since they first saw each other on the beach.

I say, "I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick." 

Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, "It's late for that, Puck."

I swear to everything, if that isn’t the most fangirlish moment of my life, I don’t know what is! I know Maggie didn’t write like an “Epilogue” after the current ending she wrote, but I hope Maggie decided these two will be married and living at Sean’s family’s old house and have cute little babies of their own running around while they keep a pen of horses to care and love for themselves. That’s the ideal image I have of them, and I will keep imagining that happy ending for them for the rest of my days.

Overall, this was such a brilliant read. I can’t believe I considered not finishing this, but I’m glad I did once the story picked up pretty soon into the book. This is my first book by Maggie Stiefvater and I am quite impressed. I have The Raven Boys on my TBR since forever, so I’m definitely giving that series a shot well into the bookish year. 

Five stars all around for such a moving and inspiring book! I definitely recommend it to anyone that wants a little something different off the usual YA fantasy.

Did you love The Scorpio Races as much as I did? Who were some of your favorite characters? Would you have ridden Dove or Corr if you had been in the Scorpio Races? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

BEST 01: The Bookish Goddess Relaunch!

The Bookish Goddess Relaunch Post

I honest to Merlin never thought that I would come back last year to do any sort of book blogging whatsoever. Back then, the reason why I stopped blogging to begin with was because I didn’t think it was the right niche for me. But looking at it now, I realized that it is, in fact, my niche. I couldn’t be more happy to start blogging again!

BEST 02: Bookworms Unite PH Year 4

Bookworms Unite PH Year 4

This was honestly my favorite bookish event of the year because I got to meet so many amazing bookish people and had fun in an environment where my crazy fangirling was not looked down on, but rather praised for my enthusiasm. I cannot thank the BUPH team--JM (@bookfreakrevelations), Hazel (@staybookish), Inah (@thebibliophileconfessions), Miel (@bookishandawesome) and Bianca (@notoriouslaylow)--enough for hosting such an incredible event. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!

I am super thankful for meeting the greatest group of women in the world in this event as well. Shoutout to my amazing #LadyBirds; Ailla (@MioneJeanPotter),  Shai (@themeanderingsoul), Angel (@whimsy_wanders), Mighta (@MightaZerie) and Joanna (@JoannaDerpina)! Those are their twitter handles by the way, so be sure to check them out!

BEST 03: Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2018

Philippine Readers and Writers Festival

This is yet another bookish event that I absolutely enjoyed! National Bookstore does this every year and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. I got some amazing book swag and books during this event--mostly thanks to the Harry Potter panel and, of course, the Bookworms Unite panel who, not long ago, I went to their gathering a month earlier. 

BEST 04: August Wrap Up

August Wrap Up

This is probably my favorite wrap up of all time because a. it’s my birthday month!, b. #BookishWish and c. PRWF 2018. Honestly, what more can you ask for? I’ve never had a more humongous #bookhaul than I did in this most epic month!

BEST 05: Author Spotlight with Elizabeth Tammi

Elizabeth Tammi

I have never done an Author Spotlight before and I was absolutely thrilled when Elizabeth emailed me on promoting her book. Of course, I was more than happy to do so for her Outrun the Wind debut novel. It’s Greek mythology, so obviously I had to say yes. I have yet to read the book itself, but if you haven’t already, you should definitely give it a try! 

BEST 06: Sunshine Blogger Award

Day Two: Sunshine Blogger Award

I didn’t receive a lot of awards in my lifetime. High school was, perhaps, the better pinnacle whenever I got into the top ten of my class. But receiving this adorable award for Sunshine Blogger is honestly the best feeling in the world. Take note that I don’t even consistently post content for my blog, but I am still super grateful for being nominated by ERK (The Confuzzled Reader). This was definitely a surreal but fun moment!

BEST 07: You’re Not Good Enough (Harry Potter Edition)

You’re Not Good Enough (Harry Potter Edition)

Tags are probably my favorite things to do on my blog because I get to share things about myself outside of the reading sphere. Plus, this particular tag that involved Harry Potter was something I simply couldn’t pass up. I had so much fun with this, especially since I featured some beautiful art from the Prisoner of Azkaban graphic novel! 

BEST 08: #Project14Lists

Day 1:  Bookish Ships

Day 2: Favorite Book Covers of 2018

Day 3: Contemporary Books on my TBR

Day 4: Authors I’ve Read in 2018

Day 5: Movies That Would Make Excellent Books

Day 6: Favorite Book Covers of 2019

Day 7: Recommended Books for Non-Reader Friends

Like I’ve mentioned, I’m not the most creative person when it comes to pumping out content for my blog. But thanks to a certain awesome blogger,  Shealea of That Bookshelf Bitch, I had to squeeze my noggin a little bit to get some last minute posts out there. Admittedly, this was super effective because I manage to write out as many as seven posts in one month. That’s honestly a huge achievement for me and I’m pretty proud of myself (even though I didn’t reach my self-goal quota of eight lists).

BEST 09: Recommended Books for Non-Reader Friends

Recommended Books for Non-Reader Friends 

Of all my posts, I think this was the most successful not because of the amount of views it got or the traction--but because the friends who I mentioned on here adored it. I love my friends with every fiber of my being and for them to enjoy the dedication I made into writing about them and mentioning them in a blog post makes all the difference!

What are your Best Nine posts? Do you have a “year in review” post about your blog as well? Let’s discuss about it all down below!

#PROJECT14LISTS

Everyone knows that I’m just about the most time-restricted person there is out there when it comes to pumping out content for my blog. It takes me ages to figure out unique content without chucking it into another regular Top 3 Tuesday. Luckily, this month, I have the lovely Shealea of That Bookshelf Bitch to thank massively for this incredible blogging event where we write 14 lists of anything and everything before 2018 ends. 

I gave myself the goal of writing eight lists, but as always, ya girl is one-something short and only managed to write out seven. But that is still a mountain of an achievement considering the new schedule I had to adjust to at work. Personally, I am quite proud of myself for getting this far into writing as much content for my blog as possible, and I cannot thank Shealea enough for it.

If you want to read all seven of my posts, check out my main post and tracker over HERE.

BOOKISH SECRET TITA

I adore exchange gifts! My family and I of three do it every Christmas and it’s always fun to get something extra special from the person that plucked you from that little jar of names. You could not believe my excitement when Shealea of That Bookshelf Bitch hosted yet another #BookishSecretTita event on Twitter for Filipino readers. I was so ecstatic for it that I signed up that form almost hecking immediately!

And lo and behold, the person I was selected to be the “Tita” of is for Alexia of The Bookworm Daydreamer. After seeing her wish list and swimming into the very depths of her TBR list, I finally found the perfect book for her with the absolute ease. It just so happened that I have an amazing ARC of Reign of the Fallen which I had gotten during the Bookworms Unite PH Year 4, and when I saw that it was on Alexia’s TBR, I just knew I had to give her that lovely book!

Right below is Alexia’s tweet of her receiving the book and a little bit of extra everything I added onto the pile!

This is so late but I would like to thank my #BookishSecretTita Ella Mae for this amazing gift! Thank you so much and I hope you had an amazing Christmas! pic.twitter.com/h2gH3CEAWt - @alexiacambaling

Now that my #TitaGoals have been achieved, I was already on the edge of my seat wondering when I’ll receive my own gift. So when I did on a rest day, I was happy screeching with delight! I received a lovely hardcover of Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson with an adorable little magnetic bookmark. 

My Bookish Secret Tita was Rikki at Nightmare Dressed As A Reader. I cannot thank her enough for this beautiful book. I am absolutely excited to read this very soon!

#BookishSecretTita gift from Rikki at Nightmare Dressed As A Reader

DECEMBER MINI BOOK HAUL

The moment I got my first job, I kept thinking, “yes, I can finally afford to get my own books!” My goal was always to purchase at least one book per month, or two, if my budget allows it. In the past few months, I haven’t been able to splurge much on books unless you count my buying all seven Harry Potter books in one go as splurging. But apart from that, I haven’t bought much of things because, well, adulting.

I allowed myself this December the littlest splurge of getting myself two books to make up for the months of not having bought any other books because I’ve nearly spent it all on Harry Potter books. In addition to that, I also gave myself the treat your self moment in buying some bookish candles from The House of Wicks! I got the Moonlight Mermaid and Audrey Rose 2oz. tin cans and they smell brilliant.

For December, I bought This Savage Song so I can finally complete the Monsters of Verity duology on my shelf and then bought Hunting Prince Dracula. But my copy of Hunting Prince Dracula isn’t just any regular copy. I managed to hunt down the copy with the exclusive content of letters between Thomas and his sister, Dacinia, on Thomas’s declaration of love for Audrey Rose. Talk about #boyfriendgoals amiright. And as mentioned earlier, Since You’ve Been Gone was given as a gift from #BookishSecretTita by Rikki.

Let’s just say it’s been a happy mini haul for me this month!

December Mini Book Haul: This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab, Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson and Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco.

BOOKS READ THIS MONTH

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by John Tiffany (Adaptation),  Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling

Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco (see review here)

Love & War by Melissa de la Cruz

I am quite proud of myself for this month, and this is considering that I’ve only just adjusted to my new schedule of 4 am to 1 in the bleeding afternoon. Another thing to also be proud of is that thanks to Love & War by Melissa de la Cruz, I was able to achieve my 2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge of 40 books. The book was fairly short, but it was beautifully written and also because I adore Alex and Eliza’s story after listening non-stop (hehe, get it?) to the Hamilton OBC album. 

It was a pretty good reading month for me and pumping those books out to reach that reading goal. I’m looking forward to see if I can achieve 50 this year, haha!

How was your December bookish-wise? Did you reach your goal for the 2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge? Have you received some awesome bookish gifts too? Sound off in the comments below!

The Lexie - that one friend that loves fairy tales

I recommend: The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani

Lexie is just about the sweetest person I have ever had the pleasure of being friends with, and she loves books, too! We just met again this year in July when she came back from New York after many years of being away after she left the Philippines back in high school. Seeing her again has filled me up with the utmost joy. 

I think my being away from Lexie for the longest time has made me think of The School for Good and Evil which is such a good fairy tale inspired book. It’s got all the good ol’ stories, except, well, it’s much darker. But the fact that the books inspire a sense of hope is definitely one of the better parts of it. My Lexie or your non-reader friend that’s like Lexie would definitely love this kind of book for that small silver lining. Plus, it’s the perfect series for a one-sitting read for your non-reader friend!

The Jojo - that one friend that loves the outdoors

I recommend: Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

There’s a different camaraderie when you end up working in the same job with one of your closest friends in high school. Jojo is one of the strongest and smartest people I know long before we started working together in the same company and industry. She has an adorable baby girl right now, and is a happily married lady. I honestly cannot wait to see her again!

Jojo has, in fact, read the Percy Jackson series. And she adores the outdoors. She would leave the house to go hiking or trekking if she could help it, and I think the PJO series is the perfect recommendation for any non-reader friend that loves being outside. The books are action-packed and takes you to all the amazing places. It’s the perfect book to have for any friend that would take breaks while trekking (if they take breaks, haha!).

The Pearl - that one friend that exercises her no-nonsense feat

I recommend: Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter

Pearl is such a headstrong person. In the circle of friends we have, she’s probably the one that makes some of the more logical choices than most of us that go by heart. She’s currently pushing through the struggles of college right now, and I admire her so much for it.

Pearl has also read the Gallagher Girls series. In fact, we grew up loving the series together back in high school. This is honestly the perfect book to recommend to your no-nonsense friend because I definitely think they’ll enjoy the espionage personality that the books in this  series portrays. They’ll love the first book, but I’m pretty sure they’ll rave about the rest of the books even more!

The Caryl - that one friend that is a hopeless romantic

I recommend: The Selection series by Kiera Cass

Caryl is also one of the sweetest people I’ve met, and she also has the kindest heart in any person I’ve ever came across. There is nothing Caryl wouldn’t do for her family and her friends. She always goes the extra mile and I just absolutely love her for it. She’s currently in New Orleans pursuing her dreams right now, and I honestly miss her so much already. But I know in due time, we’ll meet again.

Now Caryl is one of my actual non-reader friends. But if she does decide to sit down and try out a book, I would definitely recommend The Selection series because it has all the feels wrapped up in one glorious set of books. She always was a hopeless romantic to me, and I think she and your own Caryl would love to dive into this amorous book of choices, love and sacrifices. 

The Lei - that one friend that’s not afraid to stand out

I recommend: Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco

I have known Lei [and Nikki] the longest in this set of friends I have written out. She’s been my friend since elementary school and have just recently reconnected with her since the start of the year. Lei has grown so much into the person she is now in all the years that we’ve missed each other, and she is not afraid to stand out in a crowd (literally and figuratively, for all her miniature height, haha!)

Lei likes to read books, but to a selective extent. She loves reading about powerful women and how they take no rubbish from no man. And I think if you have a non-reader friend like Lei, you should definitely recommend the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. The main character, Audrey Wadsworth, is definitely not afraid to stand out despite society’s bearings against her as a woman. And such a character reminds me so much of Lei and how she--and your similar friend that’s much like Lei--would enjoy reading such an epic series.

The Nikki - that one friend that loves art and making it

I recommend: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Like I’ve mentioned earlier, Nikki is one of the people I have known the longest in this list of friends because I have also known her since elementary. In fact, Nikki, Lei and I have been close since our very youngen days. She is one of the most artistic people I know and I have loved seeing her art since the first day I’ve ever met this amazing girl. I definitely think she’ll go places one day!

For my artistic non-reader friend, I would recommend A Court of Thorns and Roses. Not only is the main character a remarkable painter, but the detail written into Maas’s ACOTAR books are absolutely splendid. Plus, if you don’t mind some Adult content, this is definitely the book for your friend. And of course, this is a book I should have Nikki read because I reckon she’ll have a blast with it.

The Penny - that one friend that loves classic retellings

I recommend: The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer

Penny is one of my college friends and one that I still keep in close touch with despite myself having left that very brief one semester at university. You’ll be surprised to know that I’ve known Penny since my elementary days, and you guys do not want to know how we became friends, haha! It’s almost laughable what happened between us before we became close in college. Anyways, Penny is a remarkable breath of fresh air and is actually one of the lovely people that I can totally get along with when it comes to our favorite books. We nearly have all the same faves, really!

One of the things Penny absolutely enjoys reading are retellings of some classics. In the case of the non-reader friend, a classic could be anything like a classic movie that your friend would want to go back to from time to time like Mulan or High School Musical. Penny enjoys classic fairy tales and how people write retellings of them. The Lunar Chronicles has those fairy tales with a darker twist in an action-packed sci-fi world. It will surely pique the interest of your classics-loving friend!

The Feliz - that one friend that could build empires

I recommend: An Ember In The Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir

Last, but definitely not the least, is Feliz. Or rather, Liz (because she’d probably stab you with a fork if you called her Feliz), has been my best friend since high school and our friendship has been inseparable ever since. She’s pretty much the Elphaba to my Glinda, the Ginny to my Luna, the Angelica to my Eliza, or whichever amazing friendship or sisterhood that comes to mind. This girl is one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met and I am forever grateful to have her as my best friend.

If you have a non-reader friend that’s strong-willed and makes her own rules, perhaps she will fancy reading the An Ember in the Ashes series. The Roman Empire setting is absolutely timeless, and with strong characters like Helene and Laia, one cannot help but dive right into this brilliant world-building. I personally think my best friend would enjoy such a remarkably written book about powerful women, and I think your non-reader friend would too!

Do you have non-reader friends that sound a lot like my friends? What are some other recommendations do you have in mind for the kind of friends I have? Sound off in the comments below!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Anyone who has ever read my Favorite Book Covers of 2018 post for the #Project14Lists knows that I absolutely love anything that has gold in it. And, well, King of Scars is chock full of gold upon gold upon gold. I was honestly so shaken by how beautifully designed this cover is. It definitely looks like something that came from some very ancient and well-preserved vase. It is so beautiful and no doubt the story within would be twice as.

Again, But Better by Christine Riccio

This cover is probably the most symbolic and one that looks aesthetically pretty. The way the main character shifts from the black and whites of her life going into one with colors shows much of how the character is stepping out of their comfort zone. I absolutely love how symbolic that is. Plus, that scene of pink and blue is so gorgeous! I’m heart eyes for this cover.

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

I’ve never been more in love with such a beautiful cover! The long tress of auburn hair with the intertwining leaves--it’s just absolutely breathtaking. Even more amazing is the fact that this book is pretty much about Will and Tessa’s children from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. It is definitely my most favorite cover so far. I mean, come on--how beautifully intricate are all those colors? Words can not even explain anymore how much I love it.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

i adore fierce-looking girls on covers and the one in Sorcery of Thorns definitely looks amazingly powerful! Plus, she looks gorgeous in this one with that ruby-encrusted sword in hand. It was definitely an instant add to my TBR because the book gave me ACOTAR slash Throne of Glass vibes. I was glad my gut feeling was good on this because as soon as I added the book on my TBR just based off the cover, I read the synopsis and I was blown away. I look forward to reading this!

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

*loud screeching because Asian representation* Oh my goodness, need I say more after that screech? But this is seriously such a remarkable cover with our main girl spinning the thread to weave that intricately designed piece. Plus, after I found out this book was Project Runaway inspired, it was an instant add to my TBR plus, again, Asian representation. I am overwhelmed with all the feels already!

What are some of your favorite book covers of 2019 releases? Do we have the same favorites? Sound off in the comments below!

The Princess Switch

Nextflix description:  When a down-to-earth Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look like twins, they hatch a Christmastime plan to trade places.

Why it would make a fantastic book: Anyone who has ever watched the Princess Switch knows that this is absolutely book worthy! If I had read that description at the book of a book while in a bookstore with cash to spare, it would have been an instant buy! Imagine reading more detailed descriptions of the switch between Stacy and Margaret and how they interact with Edward and Kevin. All the feels, you guys! This would have been a contemporary hit in the shelves, especially when it’s released during Christmas. 

If anyone has a book recommendation that sounds a lot like or is even remotely close to The Princess Switch, I encourage you to holler that over to me because this is the kind of contemporary stuff I’m looking for.

Ocean’s 8

Google description: Five years, eight months, 12 days and counting -- that's how long Debbie Ocean has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it's going to take -- a team of the best people in the field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweler Amita, street con Constance, suburban mom Tammy, hacker Nine Ball, and fashion designer Rose. Their target -- a necklace that's worth more than $150 million.

Why it would make a fantastic book: Do you even see that synopsis? I love a good crime book to read over, and I love seeing into the mind of any of the characters from Ocean’s 8 because they each have their own specialties when it came to their heists. I also love reading multiple POV stories and this movie takes the cake in getting the point of view of all eight women and how their mind works going forward into the heist. I’d kill for this movie to become a book.

Letters to Juliet

Google description: While visiting Verona, Italy, with her busy fiance, a young woman named Sophie visits a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. Finding one such letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write to its now elderly author, Claire. Inspired by Sophie's actions, Claire sets out to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by her disapproving grandson and Sophie.

Why it would make a fantastic book: Now this is the kind of contemporary book I would be extremely up to for reading! Anything that’s set in Europe with an interesting plot always gets me, and Letter to Juliet is one of my absolute favorite movies that would make such a remarkable book if it were to be written into one. The journey in finding Lorenzo written out and the development of Sophie and Charlie going into their search would be so beautiful written down in attentive detail. 

Again, if anyone has a recommendation of a contemporary book that sounds anywhere remotely close to this movie, please let me know! My taste for certain books are very limited and being able to find a book like Letters to Juliet would be the best thing to my journey in trying out more contemporary books.

Have you got any movies that you wished were turned into movies? Do you know some book recommendations that sound like the mentioned films above? Sound off in the comments below!

Renée Ahdied

Books I’ve read from her: The Wrath and the Dawn duology

Did I love her books: They were smashing! Her attention to detail with the description of the palace and the foods in her book really takes you to that place itself because everything is so vividly written. Also, kudos to Renée for achieving the nearly impossible feat of developing a couple in the short span of two books. It’s honestly one of the most impressive feats she’s done.

Marie Rutkoski

Books I’ve read from her: The Winner’s trilogy

Did I love her books: I am screeching over her books because I still cannot believe I held off reading them in forever. These are books published years ago and have been sitting in my TBR forever. When I decided to pick them up this year as part of my reading experiments of 2018, I knew I was done for because Marie is such a riveting writer that has pieced together such an epic trilogy. 

Sabaa Tahir

Books I’ve read from her: The Ember Quartet

Did I love her books: SWEET MERLIN, DO I LOVE SABAA’S BOOKS. I think I’ve made that the most obvious nearly most of the time whenever I’m not fangirling over Harry Potter. This woman writes the most impacting words and weaves the most complicated and realistic story as far as fictional stories go. Her characters are just absolutely on point and everything from the start of An Ember in the Ashes to A Reaper at the Gates were perfection on top of perfection. I haven’t got a single negative thing to say because Sabaa is an absolute killer queen with writing (and a killer of characters *side-eyes Sabaa while sipping her tea*).

Kiersten White

A book I’ve read from her: And I Darken

Did I love her book: It was sadly one of my first low rating of the year after I read it. I bought the book at a really good sale in National Bookstore because it was a hardcover and very inexpensive for something that costs nearly a thousand pesos. While the concept of the story was intriguing, the pacing of the story felt a tad too slow for my taste. I’m not certain if it’s only just this book that didn’t make it for me, because I’ve learned a long time ago that authors can duly develop overtime. But this book came out about three years ago, so who knows? I might give her another chance.

Leigh Bardugo

Books I’ve read from her: The Grisha Trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, and The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

Did I love her books: I absolutely did! Well, anyone who has ever been on my journey into reading Bardugo books knows that I absolutely rave about the Six of Crows duology. If I had to pick a favorite child of hers, it would definitely be those two books. The Grisha Trilogy was pretty good too, but the Six of Crows duology was such a glow up after the trilogy. I rarely cry over character deaths, and when I cried over that one character (I’m not gonna say his name because it still hurts *ugly sobs*), I knew I had invested so much of my emotions on Leigh’s carefully plotted out and written characters. I honestly love her so much for it.

Alexandra Christo

A book I’ve read from her: To Kill A Kingdom

Did I love her book: Standalone books are the last thing I find any sort of interest in. I always love something more to come after the first book because I find it nearly impossible to put together a complex story all in one. But the impossible became possible with how well Alexandra Christo wrote To Kill A Kingdom. There are rarely any YA fantasies out there that are stand-alones, and Alexandra takes the cake with this one that it definitely made me want to read even more YA fantasy stand-alones now that I know it is, in fact, possible, given the perfect author and the amazing way they execute their story like Alexandra did.

Cassandra Clare

Books I’ve read from her: The Infernal Devices

Did I love her books: Granted, I have read from Cassandra Clare before many moons ago by the book named City of Bones. Let me just say that said book was not really my favorite back in the day because high school Ella enjoyed Greek mythology more than other fantasy books. But I decided to give myself a go with Cassandra’s Infernal Devices trilogy because everyone kept saying it was much better than her Mortal Instruments installation, and they were not wrong on that one. I gained a new appreciation for Cassandra’s writing in the Infernal Devices, which gives me even more reason to read her other series, the Dark Artifices before Cassandra Clare comes to the Philippines next year.

Victoria Schwab

Books I’ve read from her: Monsters of Verity duology

Did I love her books: This Savage Song has been sitting in my TBR forever just like the Winner’s trilogy. But I am so glad I picked up a book from Victoria Schwab because apparently, she’s such a queen when it comes to writing, and I can absolutely attest to that after reading the Monsters of Verity duology. Her books are an honest to Merlin breath of fresh air from all the other YA books with romance. While the two main characters here had potential (and they really did) to be a couple, Schwab didn’t focus on that, and I honestly love it for all its difference. Plus, she writes some of the most haunting lines, which is always a yes for me.

Kerri Maniscalco

Books I’ve read from her: Stalking Jack The Ripper series

Did I love her books: I have raved about Kerri’s books more times than I can possibly imagine in the span of a year. There’s something about a girl in the 1800′s doing forensic science and experiencing horrendous murders left and right that makes it very unique for a YA book. There aren’t a lot of stories like that, which is why it drew me so much to this particular series. I just absolutely love Kerri’s writing because I can easily get into it without having to overthink things. And although Escaping from Houdini, the third book in the installment gave me some very mixed feelings about it, I still cannot wait to see how Kerri finishes the series with a flourish with the fourth and final book, Capturing the Devil.

Sarah J. Maas

Books I’ve read from her: A Court of Thorns and Roses series

Did I love her books: Everyone probably knows by now that I’ve read Sarah’s Throne of Glass book about three or so years ago. It was a nasty train wreck from there on because I disliked the book. But as part of the 2018 experience, I thought, hey, what the heck--let’s read Sarah’s ACOTAR series and maybe it’ll be better than the other book she wrote. And I was so glad I gave Sarah a second shot. She was probably one of my most unexpected good reads of 2018 because I never thought I’d be able to pick up a Maas book the same way I felt about picking up a Cassandra Clare one. I’m honestly just so glad I got to enjoy her ACOTAR series and I’m honestly here for giving her Throne of Glass series a second chance.

Who are some of your 2018 authors that you’ve read from? Are any of them second chance authors like Maas and Clare was to me? Sound off in the comments below!

This. Book. Was. Infuriating. I honestly have no words to describe how disappointed I am of this and how it unfolded to its ending. Technically, I do have the words paragraphs later after this first one, but right now I’m still reeling in everything that has just happened in this book. For the record, I am writing this review at four in the morning on my rest day when I should have been sleeping. But no, I decided I wanted to finish reading Escaping from Houdini because I wanted to know how in the hell Audrey Rose was going to fix the shite show she just put herself in.

First off, I am confused about the title of this book now that I’ve finished it. I know Kerri likes to name her books after infamous people that like to stab (or bite) other people like Jack the Ripper or Prince Dracula. But where in Merlin’s name did history pop up where Harry Houdini is a murderer? Certainly not anywhere from how I googled and definitely not how he came to be the actual murderer in this book (oops, spoiler! but yeah, he didn’t dun it people). In fact, Houdini was more of a side character than our main focus, so I’m not entirely sure why they need to escape from Houdini when they all should have been escaping from Audrey Wadsworth’s stupidty.

Sorry, that was rude. But I’m still very angry at her character for the most unforgivable reasons that she has decided to do in this book.

Secondly, before I dabble into my rant about Audrey’s character, I would first like to commend Kerri for writing a vivid book. I’m not much into carnivals and have never been to one, but the author definitely wrote this book in a way that definitely helps you transport yourself into that world. Also, the characters from the carnival are an honest to Merlin breath of fresh air because each character has their own backstory that draws you in, and I absolutely love that attention to detail that Kerri has put on here. Honestly, it was one of two of the better portions of this book more than anything.

The two of that one of two is the murder case that happened in this book. This was definitely more well-woven or, rather, more terrifying than the killings of Jack the Ripper or a vampire going loose in Romania. Imagine being stuck in a vessel floating on water for a week with a murderer on the loose in said vessel. I think I’d throw myself overboard, thank you very much. But, though definitely unacceptable the reason why the murderer decided to choose a specific class of people to kill, I was certainly enlightened with the motive of our killer in this one. Inexcusable what the killer did, of course, but it definitely makes you think about privilege and how very little people have it. I thought the motive that Kerri wrote for our killer here was spot on. I personally find him to be my favorite next to Ripper and Dracula.

Both were brilliant aspects in the book, and I found them a relief from all the other things that I didn’t like happening in the book. But now that I’ve explained my piece on the things I enjoyed most about this book, let me move forward with the second half of my review which is the rant about Audrey Rose freaking Wadsworth.

I absolutely love Audrey Wadsworth. In fact, I love her so much that I bought a freaking soy candle inspired by her scent. That was before I read Escaping from Houdini. Sometimes, I like to pretend this book never happened because our girl was an absolute train wreck and disappointment in this one. There was just something about her character that ticked me off.

Spoiler alert: there. is. a. love. triangle. Kerri was there. She was there at that very meager list of authors that didn’t bother to write love triangles because been there, done that. But she decided let’s jump into the fray of love triangles because this will, undoubtedly (note my sarcasm), “test” the love between Thomas and Audrey. Authors do realize that there are better ways to test the love between couples other than throwing in a love triangle, right? Yikes, guess not.

I am not at all opposed to love triangles, but this one was an unnecessary evil to all the bloody evil that was already happening in this book. Audrey claims to love Thomas wholeheartedly, and though I know we can’t control how the heart tends to shift to another, what she did here was damnably unacceptable. She practically cheats on Thomas here. And it’s not fair to Thomas Cresswell, who has been nothing but supportive and loving throughout this whole ordeal where Audrey’s internal suffering be like “oh no, I’m falling in love with another guy while engaged to this other guy that has literally been with me through all the trauma and PTSD that I just went through”. Thomas Cresswell deserves better, my precious man.

Honestly, what I’m most mad about Audrey here is that she made a promise to herself to tell Thomas everything that’s been happening to her after she made a “deal with the devil” with, well, let’s call him by the name of Murphy to quell spoilers. Murphy guy is an annoying carbon copy of Thomas Cresswell and I absolutely loathe it because I know Kerri can do better than that. At first, Audrey makes the excuse that she’s only trying to get close to Murphy because of the investigation and finding clues and whatnot on the sudden murders on first-class women happening on the ship, but I am so mad at her that she distracted herself from what’s important just because of some magician that can intricately weave words together and wear a mask because ooh, “mysterious”.

I could give two buckets of rubbish about Murphy’s character here. In fact, I wished he was the killer so said Murphy could be killed and we’d be done with everything. He’s a lying and conniving character that does nothing but deliberately come between Audrey and Thomas just because he fancies a girl that obviously already fancies someone else. I mean, what kind of asshole does that? I know people like Murphy exist in the real world, but reading about it in a book and coming between my favorite OTP of 2018 reads is just the ruddy worst.

And like I mentioned earlier, Audrey hardly admitted to Thomas the cheating she’s practically done against him. Audrey kissed this Murphy guy like two times, the second time was bloody near deliberate and I honestly wanted to burn the book because of it (a dishonor, I know, but I was so mad) and never told Thomas about it. Kind of important to tell the guy you planned to marry that you kissed some stupid magician, right? Thomas deserves better and I was so hoping he’d just drop Audrey Wadsworth after the voyage, regardless of what happened to her prior to landing in New York.

If anyone had any sense in this book, it was Liza, Audrey’s cousin. I love how she just drags Audrey’s cheating bottom in this book. Audrey can’t go all high and mighty about Liza losing her place in society after running away with some escape artist when she’s out at night, going to secret rendezvous and flirting with a guy that is definitely not her fiance.

I honestly just have no idea what to feel and expect right now for Capturing the Devil, the fourth book in the series. Audrey has made irreparable damage to her and Thomas’s relationship, and although Thomas still loves and accepts Audrey because he would never want to force her hand and has given her the liberty to choose whoever she wants to love (bless him), it’s kind of hard to look past the rubbish Audrey went through character-wise in this book. I really expected better of her.

Do I still want to read the fourth and final book? Maybe. Do I still want Thomas and Audrey to be together forever? Of course. But Audrey Wadsworth better do some redeemable thing in that fourth book to make me forgive her for the shite show she put up in this third book. I will never ever condone cheating in any shape or form, regardless if it was accidental or meant to happen. But I have complete faith in Kerri that she can still try to turn this around in the fourth book.

For now, I am giving this book a 3.5 star rating, though since I round things off, it’s a 4 on Goodreads. I have so many conflicting feelings about this book because it was my most anticipated 2018 read right after I finished Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula in the same year.

Kerri’s writing was spectacular, as always, for she never fails to put in the most perfect words on paper. She’s still one of my favorite writers and whatever happened in this book has not snubbed my admiration for the author and the amazing work she has done into writing this series. I just expected more Thomas-Audrey crime searching happenings and more into their development as a couple than this fest of eternal heart drama. This is the only book in the series that gets a lower rating because of everything that has unfolded. I am hoping to hope that Kerri tries to make Audrey admit her mistakes upfront with Thomas at least in the fourth book, and perhaps maybe more into crime solving and the partnership between Thomas and Audrey.

I am still looking forward to reading Capturing the Devil, which comes out in 2019, despite it all--because dedication to loving an authors work is more important than some silly old love triangle.

What are your thoughts after reading Escaping From Houdini? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or feel free to even link your own review of the book on there as well. I certainly need to read more on people that also found this book rather upsetting.

But I would also love to read the side of people that found this book riveting! It’s always awesome to see other people’s opinion on things, so sound off in the comments!

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I have raved about the film adaptation of this book for quite some time. I made my family and friends watch it. And every time they get to the closing credits, they always tell me how moving the story is. The Hate U Give takes a very realistic stand to the everyday life of black people in America. It is terrifying, but the story also gives you a sense of hope to keep fighting for what’s right. I have loved the film for this book so much that it made me want to read every single detail of it in Angie Thomas’s writing. I have a feeling it’s going to be one heck of a good read.

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

I love me a good regal romance! Anything that has to do with royalty is always a weak spot for me because I gobble stories up like that on a daily basis. The concept of a princess going to boarding school and falling in love with her roommate is some fanfiction trope right there, and I am honestly here for it! Also the fact that this book takes place in Scotland, one of my top ten places to want to travel to, says enough of how much I desperately want to get my hands on this book.

Again, But Better by Christine Riccio

Listen, the last story I would want to read is about a girl going through college (even though that sounds super tempting because ya girl has never had the real “college experience”). But there’s something appealing about a story where a college girl decides to just up and go abroad to a different country to start anew and get out of her comfort zone. I know that’s like every contemporary book ever out there, but I relate to the blurb of the story alone simply because I kinda wished I would have done what Shane (the main character) did. Obviously I can’t just up and go to London to go to college there because ya girl is broke, but I had hoped that I had the courage that she had when she decided all of this. 

Plus, this is a Christine Riccio book, one of my favorite booktubers of all time on Youtube, aka polandbananasBOOKS. I’ve seen Christine work on this book for ages and I’m honestly so proud of her cause she’s a sweetheart and I’m so excited to get my hands on this book. Also, that title is inspiring. I absolutely adore it.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

This is another one of those book-to-movie adaptations where I watched the movies first before I even read the books. And after watching the Crazy Rich Asians film, I am now extremely tempted to purchase my own copy of the book (it’s crazy expensive, but I’d be so happy if anyone decided they wanted to gift me this) because of how successful the film was. I’ve read about a dozen or so books about European or American wealthy families, but having to read about a wealthy made-a-name-for-themselves Asian family is definitely a difference in all the others. Plus, Asian representation gives this brownie points! I absolutely adore Rachel as a character in the film and I’m definitely looking forward to see what book-Rachel has in store for me.

Thrilling contemporary books are hard to come by for me. Perhaps I’m just a tad picky because I tend to lean more into my well-protected bubble of fantasy books. But I think it’s time to be a bit of a Shane from Again, But Better and try new things for a change. If you have any recommendations for contemporary books, I would love to hear them! Share some of your faves and recs down below!

A Reaper At The Gates by Sabaa Tahir

Oh my goodness, have you seen that gorgeous cover? A Reaper at the Gates is the third book in the Ember Quartet, and though there were some naysayers that found the sudden change in the book covers a little distressing, I personally love them! This shows the amazing representation of POC characters, and it’s also very easy to love because you just know it’s going to be a book about some pretty bad ass characters (and let me tell you, Laia, Helene and Elias are very much bad ass). 

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

It’s a very simple cover, but I think what really caught me was the gold lettering of such an intricately thought-out title. I am always quite trash for books that have royalty aspects in it, and when I saw the cover with the tentacles and the word kingdom, I immediately thought, “A Little Mermaid retelling! Sign me up!” because aside from Beauty and the Beast retellings, Little Mermaid ones are right up there next to it. And the way that tentacle held that dagger? I’m pretty sure our main girl is about to kill some stuff or have to kill because of some proposition. And I was right on the assumption, haha! 

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

This book is one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and one of the reasons for such is because of this brilliant cover! There’s something poetic about the sword breaking apart in two and the two crowns that will likely come together if the sword does come back together. But I can pretty much tell that there’s going to be some intense rivalry that’s about to go down with this book, and I am always here for those kind of stories. Plus, I’m a sucker for black and gold covers, so this one takes the cake, really! 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

I love this cover mainly because I absolutely adore Feyre’s dress in this one. I love anything that is blue and sparkly, so this ensemble of Feyre’s on the cover really nails it. I also do love the ACOTAR cover because yass queen, slay that black dress. But I think this cover was personally better for me. Too bad I didn’t like the book very much. (*sips her piping hot tea, uncaring of the burn it will cause her*)

Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco

Another slightly blue-centric cover! And not just that, but have you seen that shiny blue dress Audrey has on? I want one! Desperately! Audrey Wadsworth is absolutely slaying that dress and I’m pretty jealous. I think this is by far my favorite SJTR cover, next to the cover of the first book in the series. That black backdrop says a lot of how much darker this book is compared to all the other books, so we’ll see if it really is so. I’m currently reading this book as I post this list, and I have very high expectations for it.

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd

I think I put too much of either black and gold books or blue books on this list. But I really can’t help it because wow, look at those intricate details on the vines and the Eiffel tower and the creatures on it. Match it up with the interesting synopsis and you got another perfect most anticipated read in 2018! Also, I find the title of this book very ominous because anything lovely being grim sets a contradictory statement, which gave this book another point for being one of my favorite covers. 

Love & War by Melissa de la Cruz 

*hides in a corner* I know, another blue cover. But you can’t make me not love this! I have, in fact, read Alex & Eliza last year and let me tell you, it filled up my Hamilton-trash loving heart to the core. It’s just a tad more historically accurate, and I love it very much! I know this second book, Love & War is going to be heartbreaking because the cover is literally a heart broken in two with Alex and Eliza apart. And such a cover just makes me so emotional because I keep on hearing Eliza’s “Burn” song playing in the background. But it is nonetheless a brilliant cover and I also cannot wait to start reading it soon as well!

What are your favorite book covers of 2018? I definitely think I should expand my list in time and I’d love to hear what yours are. Sound off in the comments below!

1. Thomas Creswell & Audrey Wadsworth from the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco

Favorite Quote/Scene: “You are not mine to take.” He brushed his lips against mine. Softly, so softly I might have imagined them there. My eyes fluttered shut. He could persuade me to build a steamship to the moon when he kissed me. We could orbit the stars together. “You are yours to give.” --Hunting Prince Dracula

Are you bloody kidding me with that? Honestly, Thomas and Audrey is on the top ten of my favorite ships of all time simply because of that scene alone. This scene shows how much Thomas values Audrey as his equal and partner despite all the mayhem they went through. Also because Thomas Cresswell is every girl’s #bookboyfriendgoals because he’s suave af. I WILL SHIP IT TO MY GRAVE.

Art by phantomrin

2. Elias Veturius & Laia of Serra from the Ember Quartet by Sabaa Tahir

Favorite Quote/Scene: Laia is curled in a ball on the other, one hand on her armlet, fast asleep. 

"You are my temple", I murmur as I kneel beside her. "You are my priest. You are my prayer. You are my release." --A Torch Against the Night

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. Do men like Elias Veturius even exist in the 21st Century? Hells no. Well, maybe, but the probability of one existing is about 1 to a million, so there’s that. I have never been so moved by such a simple statement, especially since that mantra is supposed to be Elias’s mantra to like, what was it? His honor in fighting for the Empire? But when he said that to Laia, it’s the same level of honor and I’m just so emotional about that?? What even?? How dare Sabaa?? 

Art by gabriella.bujdoso

11. Draco Malfoy & Astoria Greengrass from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Favorite Quote/Scene: DRACO: Which is why you need this [time-turner]. I have been holding onto it, barely resisting using it, even though I would sell my soul for another minute with Astoria.

DRACO: You [speaking to his son, Scorpius] know what I loved most about your mother [Astoria]? She could always help me find light in the darkness. She made the world — my world, anyway — less — what was the word you used — “murky.”  

--Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT DRACO MALFOY FOR A HOT MINUTE? This man, who firmly believes himself hopeless soon after the Battle of Hogwarts ended, gets the happiest gift of all by having some girl named Astoria Greengrass see the good in him and love him for who he is. If that isn’t the best trope in a ship, I don’t know what is! We know nothing about Astoria other than the fact that she’s some obscure sister of yet another obscure classmate of Draco’s named Daphne. And yet, she seemed one of the most integral characters to me in Cursed Child when Draco said that he resisted using the time-turner to see his dead wife. 

Let’s not forget how when Scorpius time-traveled to a VoldemortWins!AU that Draco still ends up with Astoria. I think that’s what so beautiful about Draco and Astoria. They’re such a minor couple in the background of Hinny and Romione, but they carry so much history we’ve yet to know thanks to their darling cinnamon roll of a son, Scorpius. Anyone who truly knows me is already knowledgeable of the fact that I cry over this ship on a daily basis. And I’m sorry again that I had to cry and make one heck of a long description for this ship because they’re my ultimate fave *ugly sobs*.

Art by blvnk-art

4. Cress Darnell & Carswell Thorne from The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Favorite Quote/Scene:

“Captain?“ “Cress.“ She couldn’t not say it, although she realized he was right. It was sort of scary. Much scarier than it had been the first time she’d told him, out in the desert. It was different now. It was real. "I’m in love with you.” He chuckled. “I should hope so, after all that.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her temple. “And I love you too.” --Winter

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT THE ACTUAL FORK I AM SCREECHING OVER THAT. That scene was probably one of the most memorable scenes I’ve read in the last installment of the Lunar Chronicles. Forget how Levana died and all was well. I cannot help but forget this very scene that sets every other couple in the series apart because of how well-written and developed these two were together. Right now, I am super tempted to re-read the Lunar Chronicles, just for the heck of rereading Cresswell (the ship name) all over again. 

Art by vvivaa

5. Tedros & Agatha from The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani

Favorite Quote/Scene: “But you are my queen. No one but you. And I like seeing you wear it. Because as long as you do, I know you still love me. And given our history of miscommunication, physical cues are helpful.” --The Last Ever After

I absolutely adore Tedros and Agatha. I have been rooting for them since day one of this series and I will never stop (even if Soman highkey tore them apart in Quests for Glory, for shame). They’re probably the most realistic couple to me, if there was a better word for it? Miscommunication definitely happens a lot between these two because Tedros can be pretty dense sometimes and Agatha can be quite arrogant. But I always love how they come together in the end to work it out because that’s what most couples do--they fight, but they don’t lose sight of what’s really important to them. Tedros and Agatha physically embodies those kind of relationships and I am absolutely here for it. Soman needs to stop hurting me after Quests for Glory though because Tedros and Agatha being apart up until Crystal of Time physically hurts me askhjsfkhja.

Art by thevioleteuphonia

6. Nina Zenik & Matthias Helvar from the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo

Favorite Quote/Scene:

“I am grateful you're alive", he said. "I am grateful that you're beside me. I am grateful that you're eating." 

She rested her head on his shoulder. 

"You're better than waffles, Matthias Helvar." 

A small smile curled the Fjerdan's lips. 

"Let's not say things we don't mean, my love.” --Crooked Kingdom

I AM STILL HIGHKEY MAD FOR WHAT LEIGH DID TO THIS SHIP. I won’t say more, but I will say that this is the most painful ship to have ever sailed and I will never get over it. But also the sweetest and well-crafted because of how much these two characters developed over the course of two books. Granted, Nina and Matthias had their history together before the Dregs, but even without it, Leigh wrote them in a way that makes you believe they really are meant for each other in the end despite all adversity. I’m happy Nina is likely going to get a female love interest in Leigh’s installment on Prince Nikolai’s story, though her being with Matthias will always have a special place in my heart.

Art by nilaffle

7. Lira & Elian Midas from To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Favorite Scene/Quote:

“If you get shot,” Lira says, “I’m going to treat you like you’re incapable of doing the simplest tasks.” 

She cradles her arms around her knees to keep out the cold. 

“See how you like it when I hold out my arm to help you walk, even though you’re not shot in the leg.” 

“I’d be flattered,” I say, “that you would look for an excuse just to hold my hand.” 

“Perhaps I’m just looking for an excuse to shoot you.” --To Kill a Kingdom

I love a good “do I want to kill you or kiss you, it’s interchangeable” trope between couples, and when it comes to Lira and Elian, they pretty much seal the deal on that kind. Lira, the princess siren, is pretty much a cray murderer that takes people’s hearts and Elian is a prince-pirate that’s set to destroy her and kill her for good. I mean, it can’t get any more angst and interesting than that. The way they slowly develop in this standalone is very intriguing because not a lot of authors can pull off a realistic romance fantasy the way Alexandra Christo did. I just absolutely love Lira and Elian, their funny banters and their angst. They’re the kind of ship I would sail forever, really.

Art by silketara

8. Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione's arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet. --Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

CONTROVERSY. But seriously, I absolutely adore and love Ron and Hermione together because of their balance as a couple. There are times where Ron will be street smart and there are times (but most of the time) where Hermione will be book smart. Plus, I definitely think they need each other at times to get off their own high horses because we all know Hermione can be a wee bit intense and Ron can be a wee bit ignorant, but that’s the beauty of them balancing each other out. And that particular favorite scene I just showed proved just how far their relationship as more than friends have come. I practically squealed the first time I read their first kiss scene!

Plus, have you seen them in Cursed Child? I know hardly anyone considers it canon, but adult Ron and Hermione are the cutest ship to squeal at in that book--which seems to be one of the very few good things that book had ever produced. 

Art by johannathemad

9. Elain Archeron & Lucien Vanserra from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Favorite Scene/Quote: Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.” --A Court of Mist and Fury

Here we go, y’all. Another controversial ship. Let me just say that I want Elain to be happy, and whether it’s with Azriel or Lucien or by herself, I’m totally down for that. I just simply love the idea of Elain and Lucien together because of how actual smol beans they both are. Elain, our sweet flower girl and Seer with Lucien, our soft and loyal Fae--I mean, honestly. If I’m weak for ships that want to kill each other, I’m also weak for ships that have the softest hearts. I think they both have their own struggles and I definitely think they’ll grow from those struggles together. 

We all know what happened in ACOFAS and how Elain pretty much snubbed Lucien, but I still have high hopes for them. Maas has a plethora of novels coming out for the minor characters of the ACOTAR series, and I’m betting Elain and Lucien will get their moment in one of those novels. I haven’t lost hope yet! I mean, I bought magnetic bookmarks of these two, so it’s pretty clear I want these two to be endgame, haha!

Art by embaileyart

10. Nesta Archeron & Cassian from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Favorite Quote/Scene: Cassian grunted in pain, but lifted his bloodied hands - to cup her face. “I have no regrets in my life but this.” His voice shook with every word. “That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta.”

She didn’t stop him as he leaned up and kissed her - lightly. As much as he could manage. --A Court of Wings and Ruin

I think the whole, if not all, of the ACOTAR fandom can agree that Nesta and Cassian are endgame through and through. Judging by that intense moment alone as per the scene presented above, I can pretty much say that while they both have a long way to go, the foundation has already been built from there. I mean, come on, people! They were willing to get killed by the King of Hybern if it meant protecting each other. If that isn’t squeal-fangirl factor trying to protect each other from some evil war lord, I don’t know what is!

Art by meabhd

11. America Singer & Maxon Schreave from The Selection series by Kiera Cass

Favorite Quote/Scene: “Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.” --The One

My high school fangirlish heart is exploding with memories of how much I loved America and Maxon back then, and I still do! This single sentence above said by Maxon says so much about how far he and America have come together through the adversities faced during the Selection and the rebellions that came with it from the people of Illea. Their love story is definitely one for the ages. While it’s your typical poor girl marries rich prince story, they’re definitely worth the remarkable development they’ve have over the course of three beautiful books.

Art by marimari999

12. Arin & Kestrel from the The Winner’s Curse trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

Favorite Quote/Scene: She turned to look at him, and he was already looking at her. 

“I’m going to miss you when I wake up,” she whispered, because she realized that she must have fallen asleep under the sun. Arin was too real for her imagination. He was a dream.

“Don’t wake up,” he said. --The Winner’s Crime

I’m in slight tears because I still remember this scene in the second book. The scene wasn’t actually real, but a dream that Kestrel had after months of being separated from Arin by some messed up duty to her country. Y’all have no idea the struggle these two had before they finally got their happily ever after (they did, just a little heads up for any hopefuls wanting to read the trilogy). This scene definitely gave me a sense of the impending tragedy of them being together (and yes, there’s also a forbidden love trope, sign me tf up, amiright), but it was a momentary bliss to everything that’s been happening during the course of when that scene happened. I absolutely adore Kestrel and Arin, and I’m so mad very few people have read of them or the series ahhhh.

Art by taylordraws

Phew! That was a lot of ships and hunting down for their quotes. Admittedly, I had some trouble with looking for scenes/quotes and that’s actually a perfect opportunity for me to start bookmarking my favorite parts of a book.

Aside from the struggles, though, I’d love to hear some of your favorite bookish ships, whether we ship the same thing or not. It’s always interesting to hear someone else’s point of view of ships, especially ones where our ships contradict. Feel free to sound off in the comments below!

As Shealea would say in the email she sent, it’s the perfect way to pump out creative content for your blog! I myself have found it difficult to write up fresh content for my blog due to the stress of work (adulting sucks, *makes screeching whale noises*), and I thought I might as well change that stagnant day-to-day of going to work by joining this remarkable little activity!

By the way, that’s fourteen lists of things on a daily. But! If 14 is too much, you can definitely write any amount that you think you can push through. Personally, I’ll be writing less than 14 because I unfortunately don’t expect myself to be writing that many due to the foreseeable future of how I’ll be struggling once I come off my mini leave of 5 days off work (which is this week argh). Give or take, I’ll be setting my goal to write about 8 Lists within the given two weeks.

Also, did I mention there’s a little giveaway of something something if you participate? I won’t say more than that. That’s for the lovely Shealea to tell should you decide it’d be super cool to join!

On this post, I’ll be tracking all of my #Project14Lists posts that I’ll be making on the blog. I’ll also be making a tracker on my Twitter account at @mdsummcrs in case you miss it here on my blog! 

And of course, none of this would not be possible if it weren’t for Shealea’s spur of inspiration to start something amazing due to her having her 3rd year anniversary on her blog at That BookShelf Bitch riiiiight here. You should definitely check it out because this girl deserves all the amazing love and more for being such a brilliant book blogger!

Bookish Ships

Favorite Book Covers of 2018

Contemporary Books on my TBR

Authors I’ve Read in 2018

Movies That Would Make Excellent Movies

Favorite Book Covers of 2019

Recommended Books for Non-Reader Friends

List #8

That’s about it for now, and I’ll zip up on the extra details! Interested in joining? Feel free to DM Shealea on her twitter at bookshelfbitch if you are! She’ll be sending you all the awesome deets on things. Happy blogging!

MEMORABLE TITLES THAT START WITH THE LETTER “D”

Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter is definitely one of the most memorable titles that start with a letter “D” and should be given the highest honor of all. Why? Because this book introduced me to the beautiful world that is YA. I cannot thank Ally Carter enough for bringing me this amazing world of badass girls and espionage. This book is also one of the main reasons why I decided I wanted to write my own stories. It was inspirational and I cannot believe people don’t talk about it enough. If you haven’t already read it, you definitely should! This book is the third in an epic espionage series by Ally Carter and is worth all the hours of binge-reading (it’s 6 books long--you’re welcome!).

Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling should also be given a special mention because next to Half-Blood Prince, the Deathly Hallows book was my second favorite. It was more intricate than how the film was expressed and had every beautiful detail I wanted to see in each character’s arc. I especially loved how Ron Weasley developed here. Seeing the whole war unfold in Deathly Hallows is both terrifying but also fascinating because of how brilliantly Rowling wove the words together in this remarkable final in the series. 

BOOKS STARTING WITH “D” ON MY TBR

Doon by Carey Corp and Lorey Langdon has been a book in my TBR for ages. I discovered this book at a book sale store here for only 100 pesos. That’s $2 in US dollars. It would have been such a find now that I think about it! But alas, 13-year old Ella was picky with her books and craved Nora Roberts more than the awesome time-travelling book. The 2019 plan is to read as much pre-2018 books as possible because my list for such books have been piling up. This is definitely going on the list!

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black was something I only added to my TBR because of the powerful quote that I found on Tumblr years ago that says, “Once, there was a girl who vowed she would save everyone in the world, but forgot herself.” I was writing a book during that particular year I discovered this book and the quote seemed to fit my character so perfectly. Then I read the synopsis for it, and I was blown away. This book definitely deserves to be listed up too as one of my pre-2018 books to read.

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold is the only 2018-released book in the TBR part of letter “D” right now. I have other TBR books that start with “D”, but I thought this book deserved a special spot just because I’m a sucker for royalty books (everyone who has ever known me in real life knows this), even more a sucker if they get pretty dark. Given, the book has some low ratings on Goodreads upon rechecking it now. But I have learned a long time ago never to judge a book based on low reviews, so I’m definitely giving this book a try if time permits it!

How many books do you have on your TBR that starts with “D”? I’d love to hear them! Who knows? I might add it up on my own pile. Merlin knows I need to add more (I really don’t, but I love making my TBR pile suffer this way).

1. You only have one more spot on your spelling bee team, whom would you pick to complete your team?

Draco or Lupin

I love Draco, I’m not going to lie. He’s pretty smart as well if we’re being a tad accurate. But I’ll have to go with Lupin. He is older and not gonna lie, smarter than Draco. I’ll take my chances.

2. Both characters want to kill you! Whom will you kill first, so that you have a better chance of surviving?

Bellatrix OR Harry

Listen, I have mad respect for Harry. I bet he could kill me just as good as Bellatrix, but I’d definitely want to kill Bellatrix first. It’s better to weed out the terrifying Death Eater who had years of experience torturing and killing people first.

3. You’re on the bachelor/bachelorette and are down to these two characters. Whom would you give your rose to?

Fleur OR Dumbledore

After that casting Crimes of Grindelwald, you dare ask me this question between the gorgeous French beauty that is Fleur Delacour or the very good-looking young Dumbledore?

4. You’ve been chosen for the Hunger Games, who would most likely volunteer in your place?

Scorpius OR Neville

I want to say both because they’re both remarkably brave characters, but also neither because while they’re both very courageous, I doubt they would sacrifice themselves that badly. Though if we’re being more accurate in terms of house and what they’ve done in the series so far, I’d say Neville would.

5. You’re stranded on an island with an active volcano. Which character would you throw into the volcano as a sacrifice?

Albus OR Neville

I’d want to chuck Albus Potter into a volcano because wow, this kid was crazy ungrateful to his own father. He was just really terrible to me in Cursed Child, and even though he sort of “redeemed” himself, I can’t find myself liking him any time soon. Up you walk the plank, Albus.

6. You’re the next DC/Marvel superhero with your own TV show, of course! Who is your sidekick?

Luna OR Ron

Ooh, this is a tough one. I absolutely adore both characters a T. They would both make excellent sidekicks. But right now, I’m leaning more into Ron as a sidekick. It’s always nice to have a good laugh in the midst of danger, plus we’d get along so well when it comes to talk of food.

7. You’re the manager of an avocado admiring company. Whom would you fire for lack of communication skills?

Lucius OR Newt

It’s funny to imagine either Lucius Malfoy or Newt Scamander doing anything serious about avocados. But based on the characters’ experience when it comes to business, I would have to fire Newt for lack of communication skills. He’d probably think there would be more important things than avocados, whereas Lucius would consider the possibility of making a grand business out of it.

8. You’ve just finished a book in which your favorite character dies. Which character is most likely to comfort you?

Scorpius OR Harry

Harry is very sympathetic, but no one would understand the pain of crying after reading a book like except Scorpius. Scorpius would probably give me hugs and sweets just to comfort me about my favorite character dying. He’d probably cry along with me.

9. Ugh, it’s high school! Who would most likely be part of the popular clique?

McGonagall OR Hagrid

I laughed so hard at this, but I can definitely see McGonagall being part of the popular clique. No doubt she probably was during her Hogwarts years, though in the not-so Mean Girls way. Hagrid’s alright, but I imagine a lot of people would be more scared of him for his height than think he’d be good company to keep in a popular clique.

10. The day has finally arrived – you are finally a year older! Who would have the nerve to forget your birthday?

Albus OR Scorpius

Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy would never forget a birthday. I definitely think he’s the very sentimental type that tends to remember all important birthdays and keeps them stocked in his head. Albus Potter, though? Well, he definitely would have the nerve to forget my birthday.

11. You’ve found an upcoming booktube star! Who would it most likely be?

Charlie OR Pansy

Ooh, difficult question. But I don’t see Pansy Parkinson cracking a book open any time soon, so I’ll have to go with Charlie Weasley. Charlie would probably do book reviews on books that have dragons with them all the dang time.

12. Sleepover time! Unfortunately, you can only invite one person. Who would you invite?

Fleur OR Slughorn

There’s no second guessing to it. I’d definitely invite Fleur. Sure, she’ll probably judge my pores and question my choice of men… and judge my clothes… but really, I bet she’s a nice girl to have around at a sleepover. Although I’m definitely not opposed to having a sleepover with Slughorn. The man can get me some connections to some higher places, and I could really use some of that right about now.

13. Bam, you’re pregnant! Who is the father/mother?

Hedwig OR Dumbledore

I don’t think there’s any other option to it, but the first option is definitely a good laugh. Dumbledore! Preferably young, Jude Law-looking Dumbledore.

14. You’ve just written a super important text. Who would see it but not reply?

Jacob OR Queenie

Hmm… I definitely think this is the type of thing Jacob would do. Mostly because Jacob would likely not care much about technology as much as other muggles do. Queenie would reply in a heartbeat, probably already know what she has to say before I could even press send on that important text, haha!

15. You’ve just woken and it’s time for breakfast! Your mum has been replaced by…

Tina OR Andromeda

Listen, I absolutely adore Porpentina Goldstein and would give a left arm to have her be my mum. But I would much prefer Andromeda Tonks to be my mother. She seems to be so very motherly, and although perhaps a tad overprotective, she’d be an amazing mom all the same.

I therefore tag my #LadyBirds friends Ailla, Shai, Joanna, Mighta and Angel into this as well as any blogger that wishes to do it too! Have fun!

𝓣𝓸𝓹 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

I vaguely remember being disappointed with this book, but it was definitely underwhelming all the same. The Blood of Olympus, the last installation in the Heroes of Olympus series, was to be the final battle between Gaia and the demigods and Olympians. I expected this intense battle to be just as epic, perhaps even more, than the one I witnessed in The Last Olympian. But if I had to choose a favorite battle between this second giant war and the second titan war, I’d go for the titan war in The Last Olympian.

Apart from that, I had high hopes for some of the characters here and where they would be after everything that’s happened. But alas, Rick Riordan has decided them a tad unimportant to give a proper ending.

Nevertheless, it is not the worst underwhelming book there is on this list, hence why it landed on the top three. But I will say that I wish Rick Riordan had done a bit more justice with this ending. Rather, I wish Rick made a Percy chapter at the very least because I honestly could not care less about the new ones (except Leo; Leo is bomb).

𝓣𝓸𝓹 𝓣𝔀𝓸 The Crown by Kiera Cass

Kiera Cass is my queen. Let me make this perfectly clear. Despite the disappointment that was The Crown, I still love Kiera. She just kind of, well, flopped after she put out the last book in The Selection series.

If I’m being honest, I would have been perfectly fine with Kiera Cass leaving it at three books. The trilogy was absolutely perfect on its own. I would have preferred she kept Eadlyn’s story as a separate trilogy. There could have been so much done with her story and her character development if Kiera had solely focused on the character’s own series. I felt she sort of rushed into The Heir for fan service purposes and just kind of pushed through with The Crown, which was honestly a mistake because nobody likes Eadlyn. She is nothing like America and Maxon and frankly undeserving of the Illean throne.

The plot for The Crown felt absolutely rushed just as rushed as I felt of Eadlyn’s choice of which candidate she chose to win her Selection. Her choice made zero sense, and her whole point of eradicating the caste system felt a bit iffy to me. While the top three of this post was a flop due to the main character, The Crown disappointed in both the main character and plot department.

Nevertheless, I still love Kiera Cass. I just like to pretend The Crown never existed to feed my Maxon-America loving heart.

𝓣𝓸𝓹 𝓞𝓷𝓮 A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Now this is just the absolute cherry on top. The lot of you might be asking, “But I thought you love the ACOTAR series?”. Fear not. I still love this series and it will always have a special place in my heart. The first three books were absolutely brilliant. No words can express how incredibly written the first three books were. But if we’re going to talk about ACOFAS, well... I, too, also like to pretend that this book never existed.

And I am so glad I wasn’t the only one that found this book underwhelming. Majority of the ACOTAR fans thought that this book was unnecessary. Which I--forgive me Maas--actually agree on.

It was just fanfic. That’s the best that I can describe it. There was no definite plot other than the fact that the lot of the characters recovering after the war, which is mostly just the Inner Circle and the Archeron sisters having Christmas together. But that’s not all that was a bit underwhelming.

The characters here shifted dramatically in some way. Perhaps the only person that I didn’t hate here was Lucien, Tamlin and Nesta. Those three faes has had the toughest time and I want nothing but their happiness. Elain became such a b*tch here that I just... wow, I can’t. Though it’s not to say I’ve lost hope for her and Lucien to end up together. They definitely should. And Rhysand... excuse my French, was such a prat in this one. I don’t care that he returned to Tamlin’s place and put some food on his table. Tamlin has paid his dues and Rhysand’s out here being an absolute jerk. It’s disheartening for his character. Also, don’t even get me started on the unnecessary smut between Feyre and Rhysand here.

Overall, the ACOTAR series could have done without ACOFAS. This book may have been underwhelming, but I won’t stop myself from reading any additional spinoffs Maas has planned for this series. It’s just a bad book in a brilliant series. It won’t ruin my love for it.

Do you have any underwhelming nooks in your favorite series? Sound off in the comments!

MEMORABLE TITLES THAT START WITH THE LETTER “C”

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo is probably one of my most memorable titles when it comes to a book that starts with letter “C”. Mostly because this is one of those rare books that truly brought me to tears. I don’t usually cry over character deaths, and the one other character death I cried over was one of Lexi from Nicholas Sparks’s True Believer. The death of the one very dear character here in Crooked Kingdom truly brought me to tears for a good thirty minutes. I can never forget that moment, but also cannot forget how incredibly written the Six of Crows duology was. Leigh Bardugo has truly moved me in more ways than one in this book.

Cursed Child by Thorne, J. K. Rowling and John Tiffany has some very unpopular opinions, but I am one of the very few percent within the fandom that actually enjoyed this book. Granted, some of the characters acted a tad out of character (*coughs* Harry Potter himself *coughs*), and well, that time-travel is crazy iffy. But the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because of Scorpius Malfoy, the purest Harry Potter character to grace the books since Luna Lovegood. Also because one of my favorite characters, Draco Malfoy, had a decent character development here (although I’m still mad they killed the love of his life Astoria ugh) and just really shows how far he’s come as a character. It was definitely a memorable book, and I hold it just as dear as I’ve held the first seven Harry Potter books.

BOOKS STARTING WITH “C” ON MY TBR

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is definitely on the top of my TBR list, especially after I watched the movie adaptation. I truly enjoyed the whole concept of the story and how the characters were built up in them. I especially love Astrid Leong because she was such an iconic queen in that movie. I cannot wait to start reading the actual book (which is probably better!) and loving every bit of it proooobably right after I binge-read the Harry Potter series.

City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab is one of my TBR books to look forward to because V.E. Schwab is a legend and her books have never disappointed me so far. Although I’ve only ever read the Monsters of Verity duology, I have no doubt that her others books are excellent and just about everything I would look for in the genre that Schwab usually writes in. I’m truly interested to see how she writes MG with City of Ghosts, because it would definitely give me an insight on her flexibility as a writer considering the age group she’s so often used to writing in.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black has been one of my most anticipated reads of this year, but alas, some books had to be prioritized more than this one. Though lately, I’ve been pushing this book on the top of my list because I have seen some exquisitely drawn fanart for the main pairing for this one and it has gotten me so intrigued. So intrigued to the point that I wanted to drop all other books I had lined up. But I contained myself. For now, this book will be sitting on my TBR until such time that I decide it’s time for me to read it.

What are some of your most memorable “C” books? Do you plan on getting on with those TBR books that start with “C” soon? Sound off in the comments below!