From the category: books

29 May 2024

Reading has always been one of my favourite hobbies. Not everyone can afford to go to many places, but with reading it takes you on wondrous escapism to everywhere; back to the past, to the future, to the wizardry realms and even the world full of knowledge (and ahem a world with the hottest dude). Reading is definitely a legal sorcery everyone can do.

men without women murakami


“Life is strange, isn’t it? You can be totally entranced by the glow of something one minute, be willing to sacrifice everything to make it yours, but then a little time passes, or your perspective changes a bit, and all of a sudden you’re shocked at how faded it appears. What was I looking at? You wonder.” 

This book is about men, written by a man for another men to read. Ada 7 short stories about men who have lost their loved one, yang dipermainkan dan yang sik pernah jumpa kekasih hati. Senang cerita buku tok tentang lelaki yang tersakiti and how it hurts them and how it changes them. 

All the story revolve around love & feelings but there is nothing romantic about it. Cuma hal hal yang menyedihkan but beautifully written at the same time. Ada part yang susah mok paham maksud sebenar sebab penulis tok memang suka suruh reader nya berfikir. Its my first time reading Haruki’s writing so it will take time to get used to it. 

Whatever disagreement i have upon few statements in this book, i cant really elaborate it sebab its 99.9% from lelaki punya pov. Contoh bila Dr Tokai cakap perempuan suka menipu. Bila menipu boleh tidur lena. Sik semua la perempuan camya. Dan lelaki pun camya bah. And they also have this so called independent organ that allows them to tell lies. It’s an individual behaviour that cannot be categorised based on gender. And yes i was damn flabbergasted about what happens to him. He utterly feeling frustrated to the point of starving himself to death. Dipermainkan oleh bini orang. Its kinda sad sebab dah tua bah baruk nya tauk rasa “in love” ya macam ne 🥹💔 Tapi salah nya juak lah sebab..sapa suruh bergerek dgn bini org? (do read this book mun mok tauk kenak) 

Each short stories has different character with different traits. They feel different things, experience different memories and tackling their love life in different ways. And their understanding about these life-changing events are very unalike. Para lelaki boleh la baca buku tok to understand what it truly feels like being the ‘men without women’. 😌 

“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭-𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘹 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘹, 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯.”

The Synopsis

A dazzling new collection of short stories—the first major new work of fiction from the beloved, internationally acclaimed, Haruki Murakami since his #1 best-selling Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.

Across seven tales, Haruki Murakami brings his powers of observation to bear on the lives of men who, in their own ways, find themselves alone. Here are vanishing cats and smoky bars, lonely hearts and mysterious women, baseball and the Beatles, woven together to tell stories that speak to us all.

Marked by the same wry humor that has defined his entire body of work, in this collection Murakami has crafted another contemporary classic.

Title: Men Without Women
Author: Haruki Murakami
Publication Date: April 18, 2014
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


─── .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. ─── 

 What is your current reading?

Reading has always been one of my favourite hobbies. Not everyone can afford to go to many places, but with reading it takes you on wondrous escapism to everywhere; back to the past, to the future, to the wizardry realms and even the world full of knowledge (and ahem a world with the hottest dude). Reading is definitely a legal sorcery everyone can do.

diary of a void review


“It doesn't need to be a big lie—just big enough for one person. And if I can hold on to that lie inside my heart, if I can keep repeating it to myself, it might lead me somewhere. Somewhere else, somewhere different. If I can do that, maybe I'll change a little, and maybe the world will, too.”

Penipuan yang memakan diri. Her declaration open a new world to her — the world of motherhood filled with loneliness. She wanted to save herself, wanted to be treated better by the company and colleagues at her workplace but in the end she got lost in her own deception. This book is about Shibata — a woman in her thirties yang dah menyampah dilayan kedak ‘bibik’ oleh colleague lelaki nya di opis. Nya dah fedup disuruh polah kopi, kemas pantry, buang sampah polah ya polah tok etc yang bukan kerja nya pun. She finally had enough bila ada one of her colleague merokok dekat nya and she decides to make a statement saying that she’s pregnant. But she’s not! But everyone simply believe it. 

The lies she's been fed to her colleagues has put her in such a good yet difficult situation at the same time. She’s getting into delulu/confusing state when she is now expecting the real baby in her tummy. Siap pergi real medical checkup lagik. Bergaruk palak juak aku how comeee? Doktor pun aok2 ajak aihh.

The fake pregnancy of Shibata unfold the new experience for her. Things getting harder and Shibata appeared unwell and mentally wrecked. From being a  lonely woman who is looking for a way out of her mundane life due to long working hours, she is now becoming the lonely pregnant woman that has to go through things alone. This part is sedih sebenarnya. The author kinda exposing the sad truth behind the journey of expecting mother yang buat semua benda sorang2 — terpaksa go through the pregnancy process tanpa suami disisi — sik kesahlah atas sebab kerja hakiki mahupun sebab lelaki ya siktauk erti ataupun tiba-tiba pregnant macam Shibata tok 😅

Such luxury, such loneliness. She begins to believe her own lie and she has to face the consequences. This book is weirdly interesting. It touches on many relatable things in life. Setiap apa yang kita polah pasti ada kesannya. Jadi fikirlah sebaik-baiknya sebelum buat sesuatu. 

The Synopsis

When thirty-four-year-old Ms. Shibata gets a new job in Tokyo to escape sexual harassment at her old one, she finds that, as the only woman at her new workplace--a company that manufactures cardboard tubes--she is expected to do all the menial tasks. One day she announces that she can't clear away her colleagues' dirty cups--because she's pregnant and the smell nauseates her. The only thing is . . . Ms. Shibata is not pregnant.

Pregnant Ms. Shibata doesn't have to serve coffee to anyone. Pregnant Ms. Shibata isn't forced to work overtime. Pregnant Ms. Shibata rests, watches TV, takes long baths, and even joins an aerobics class for expectant mothers. But pregnant Ms. Shibata also has a nine-month ruse to keep up. Helped along by towel-stuffed shirts and a diary app on which she can log every stage of her "pregnancy," she feels prepared to play the game for the long haul. Before long, though, the hoax becomes all-absorbing, and the boundary between her lie and her life begins to dissolve.

A surreal and wryly humorous cultural critique, Diary of a Void is bound to become a landmark in feminist world literature.

Title: Diary of A Void 
Author: Emi Yagi
Publication Date: January 1, 2020
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

─── .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. ─── 

 What is your current reading?

18 February 2024

the woman before me

It’s sad but crazy at the same time or should I say it’s crazy but sad?

I just finished this book in one sitting yeay. It is The Woman Before Me by Natalia Aivy Dibit. Rasanya macam first time baca novel melayu yang genre psycho-thriller. Gotta say the lovey dovey part is a bit cringey padahal dialogue biasa jak pun. Tak biasa letteww.

But heres my honest review. I love the plot of the story. Intrigued enough and buat i keep on wanting to read the next page. Mok gilak tauk apa sebenarnya yang terjadi in that big house and with all the people especially to Tracy. Baca punya baca ternyata the truth is quite shocking. Like i did not expect any of it kecuali part main female character. Sampai begitu sekali penangannyaa.. Mary pulak menyakitkan hati bikin geram but ada few scenes quite funny, like eh whats this lady punya masalah eh? Oh rupa-rupanya ada sesuatu disebalik ke-annoying-an-nya. Actually ada few more scenes that will make you go “eh wait what?”, “jap jap what actually happened?”, “eh bodohnya perempuan tok..”.

I didnt read the synopsis jadi my brain work a little harder berfikir ‘why and how’ all the way through the book. I have no idea buku tok pasal apa but just a bit crumb ‘basah ketiak tunggu next part’ dari posting penulis. My curiosity rising at its best and i do love penulisan yang macam tok. It takes me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s sad but crazy at the same time or should i say its crazy but sad? Demi keinginan ada jak manusia yang sanggup buat benda yang sik sepatutnya. 

Overall, I enjoy reading the book! First sebab sik membosankan. Once you read terus rasa mok habiskan terus jak. Tak menyabar betolll. Second sebab psycho-thriller is one of my fav book genre.


─── .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. ─── 

What is your current reading?

26 November 2023

Reading has always been one of my favourite hobbies. Not everyone can afford to go to many places, but with reading it takes you on wondrous escapism to everywhere; back to the past, to the future, to the wizardry realms and even the world full of knowledge (and ahem a world with the hottest dude). Reading is definitely a legal sorcery everyone can do.

ruthless knight

"You think love is perfect? Like one of those fairytales?" He shakes his head. 

"Hell no. Love is hard…difficult. It’s dealing with someone’s shit day in and day out but never giving up on them because your heart won’t let you. It’s having a million reasons to leave them…but always having one good reason to stay."

Ruthless Knight by Ashley Jade Review

Here comes my honest review of the Ruthless Knight by Ashley Jade. I really enjoy this book. It takes me on a roller coaster of feelings as sometimes it's funny that it makes me laugh, it's sad that it makes me wanna cry along, and it's kinda annoying making me feel like throwing my Kindle away. There is pretty much going on, but I am 98% trapped in the love bubble between Cole and Sawyer. Damn, their love story is so intensely heart-wrenching yet beautiful at the same time. 

Being the hottest dude in the RHA (Royal Heart Academy), Cole Covington ends up being in love with the fat-ass Sawyer Grace. I'm obsessed cause the possibility for this to happen in real life is only 5%. Hell yeah, Ashley Jade knows what kind of 'dreams and imagination' do we need. I won't describe the characters in detail but here's the clue: it's the grumpy vs the sunshine. Just like a typical enemy-to-lover love story that's how their journey begins. Except that it's uniquely intense on its own.

Cole and Sawyer are literally two broken souls seeking real love. From hating each other to liking each other, the banter between them is adorable even though it may be slightly harsh. Cole is carrying a dark history on his shoulder while Sawyer is struggling to deal with her body. They both have their own problem as if the world is about to crumble and everything changes when they start sharing feelings. How would I describe it? There might be a rainbow of happiness, but a storm is still coming upon them. What I love most about things happening in the book is I absolutely love how supportive and thoughtful are the people around Cole and Sawyer. Jace and Bianca are Cole's lifeline while Oakley and Dylan are Sawyer's. Being the siblings and the best friends, they never leave them alone. I would say they are the champs in the entire book despite their traits are actually, you know, somewhat a toxic person but the author still gives everyone a chance to shine.

As for the book itself, the topics revolving around it are relevant enough and are what we deal with in everyday life. Body shaming, suicide, dealing with toxic parents and all kinds of mental-destructing issues are happening in reality, and some of us surely are struggling with all those. Ashley Jade brought it to the table, unfolded every bit and piece of it but tackled it in a good way. There are lessons to be learned, words to be pondered and everything that makes us feel better again. 

I encouraged whoever stumbled upon this review to read the book. Trust me you won't regret especially the lovey-dovey scene between Cole and Sawyer tehee!


The Synopsis

Welcome to their kingdom...

Cole Covington is the most popular heartbreaker at school.

Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to screw him.

Except me.

His devastatingly good looks, golden arm, and flirty smiles don't do it for me anymore...because I know what's lurking underneath the star quarterback's gorgeous armor.

At least I thought I did.

Sometimes the most beautiful people...hide the ugliest truths.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to walk beside them through hell.

Sawyer Church is the bible-thumping nerd of Royal Hearts Academy.

Girls pick on her and guys don't notice her.

Except me.

Sweet, curvy, and sarcastic, she's impossible to ignore.

No matter how much I try.

Everyone at school has her pegged as the chubby, Jesus loving geek, but unlike them—Sawyer's real and never pretends to be someone she's not.

Until I ask her to be my fake girlfriend.

Sometimes the most beautiful souls...hide the greatest pain.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to fight for them.


Title: Ruthless Knight (Royal Heart Academy #2)

Author: Ashley Jade

Publication Date: January 23, 2020

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


─── .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. ─── 

What is your current reading?

24 April 2023

six of crows review

What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?" "Knife to the throat?" asked Inej. "Gun to the back?" said Jesper. "Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina. "You're all horrible," said Matthias.

I really really love this squad. I love them so so much! They are a bunch of miserable people with powerful skills that are super effective in their own way. I know this book supposed to be dangerous but they are super duper coooool! Before I rant about all my favourite things in details, let me tell you about what this book is about. Well, it's obviously about six misfits going on a deadly heist with a promising lavish lifestyle after that. They are Kaz -- the leader, Inej the Wraith, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan. They are going to break into the most insanely dangerous prison! I never felt so nervous about reading a book before. But this one completely got my sanity lost intact. Leigh Bardugo created such an epic scene and the world set up is fantastic despite the dark and moody vibes. Don't expect a rainbow in this book cause it's full of crap and criminals and treacherous thingy, but still, there's an irresistible romance and precious moments as well.

First of all, I am so amazed about how Leigh build the Ice Court, the safety protocol, the design of the place etc. Like what and how did she get an idea to do the setting? When Kaz and his crew are planning to enter the Ice Court, I keep on wondering will they succeed? Will everyone gonna be safe? Ain't nobody gonna die? So many thoughts for it cause hell, I'm not ready to mourn for any of them. Thus why I cannot wait to turn the pages quickly. I need to know what will happen and silently wishing for their safety. I know it sounds crazy but I did that. When the time has come, when they have reached their destination, I couldn't stay still, as you know, wondering if everything's gonna be okay or vice versa. It's so intense to the point you wanna skip to the last page haha but please don't do it cause you will miss the essence of this book.

What makes this book so interesting is the characters. I'm sorry but favouritism has no place in this book. I love them equally because each one of them is so precious, yeah, despite the fact that they are of rebellious and mischievous. Be it the revengeful Kaz, or the miserable Inej, or Nina the betrayer, I still couldn't choose. But at the beginning, I am so pissed off with Matthias actually. He is such a pain the ass. He annoyingly hates Nina though it's obvious he is so all over her and him never the "adorable" one thus the reason why it hards for me to like him. But surprisingly, there's this one line in the book that automatically makes me like him. It just few minutes before that I was cursing at him lol. As for Jesper and Wylan, the banter between them makes the humorous part of this book. Wylan is such a little munchkin!! I don't know what's going on between them but Jesper always annoyed with Wylan in a cute way. Really cute way!! And honestly, I don't know Jesper is gay until I watch the book review on Youtube. Like did any of that mentioned in the book? Or did I just miss out the character's traits?

Each of the characters has a distinct background. The author has put depths into her people by doing a flashback from the past for them. It's what I appreciate the most. During their journey on the sea, I love how they talk to each other to become closer; between Kaz and Inej, between Nina and Matthias, between Jesper and Wylan. They all take the moment to reveal their deepest secret. And again for the hundred times, I really really really ship their bonding situation. Tell me how can I choose only one of them?! From hatred to accepting each other, just how lovely and precious is that?!

I know my review might be overdramatic but it's what I feel about the book. If you asked me to reread it again, I definitely will with no second thought at all. It gives you numerous feelings; nervous, melancholic, happy, angry and all that. Six of Crows supposed to be an adventurous and brutal read. But to me, the content is so much more than that. About life, love and hate, the choices that we make, the people we choose to be with us and how we're gonna deal with those that await us.

Last but not least, just to let you know, it's okay to read Six of Crows duology if you haven't read the Grishaverse trilogy. This book can stand alone and you won't be confused with the plot. I truly recommend you to read this cause it worth the hype and you will love it. You will love the book, you will love all the characters and the author as well. And I can't wait for the series to start the show on Netflix!

12 April 2022

the story of arthur truluv

I will love you forever in darkness and sun, 

I'll love you past when my whole sweet life is done. — Arthur

I don't remember where did I see this book or what makes me want to read this book. I might found it while scrolling down the bookstagram and got interested in the review made by the person who posted it. The Story of Arthur Truluv -- Upon reading it, I'm wondering what's the story about and what will make me fall in love with this masterpiece? Let's keep on reading to know my thoughts on this book!

The Story of Arthur Truluv is written by Elizabeth Berg, an American novelist who was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. She is one of the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Year of Pleasures, Say When, The Art of Mending, True To Form and Never Change. Elizabeth Berg also writes non-fiction genre which is Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True.


Synopsis

A beautiful, life-affirming novel about a remarkably loving man who creates for himself and others second chances at happiness.

A moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of happiness. Arthur, a widow, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who is avoiding school by hiding out at the cemetery, where Arthur goes every day for lunch to have imaginary conversations with his late wife, and think about the lives of others. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv, for his loving and positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. With Arthur’s nosy neighbor Lucille, they create a loving and unconventional family, proving that life’s most precious moments are sweeter when shared.

Published Date: July 25,2017 | Publisher: Random House


The Story of Arthur Truluv Review

Truly a beautiful book to read. Upon reading the snippet mentioned on the cover of the book, I keep on wondering what will make me fall in love with the story and the characters. Reading this book feels like cruising over a wonderful journey. No adrenaline rush, less curiosity but more pleasure. I love it! It's about the lost and lonely people who find their way to each other and create a new kind of happiness and hope. Despite the different situations, the age gap, and the personality, it proves that we still can connect with other people, and being kind and understanding is the key to everything. How I wish we could really create this kind of peace and warm place here in the real world. No hatred, no bitter heart, no negativity that stresses you out, only the little blessing we will cherish.

Arthur Moses is an incredibly old man who visits his wife’s grave every day for a chat because he believes she’s still there. Maddy, a broken teenager who lost her mother calls him Truluv for his devotion to his late wife and they eventually become friends. They, as well as Arthur’s nosy lonely neighbor named Lucille, have built an unconventional family together. Not biologically related but fully supportive and caring.

This book is full of sweetness and sentimental values and if you asked me to reread this book, I definitely will. A light book to read in between your fantasy and thriller book. I wish I could ask everyone to read this so we could be kind to each other even though we are all strangers regardless of what we are; black or white, poor or rich, pretty or ugly, and so on. And no matter how hard the world knocks you down, how people disappoint you, or how things don't go the way you want them to be, you could always create your own happiness. Not only twice or thrice but more than you are willing to do to make yourself happy.

Rating: ★★★★★

Isn’t life funny? It could drive you crazy if you thought about it too much. Turn this way and that happens. Turn that way and this happens. — Elizabeth Berg

09 April 2022

pride and prejudice review

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us. — Jane Austen

I am intrigued to read a classic book since I never read any of them. And for the very obvious reason why I pick this Pride and Prejudice, my mind told me it's gonna be a romantic novel so yeah why not give it a try since everyone is talking about it. Even the movie is quite hype. There you go then!

Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece by Jane Austen and was written in 1813 as a novel of manners. She is an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her novels have inspired many films, such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Love & Friendship.


Synopsis

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice have remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

Published Date: October 10th, 2000 (first published January 28th 1813) | Publisher: Modern Library


Pride and Prejudice Review

Intrigued by this classic is the reason why I take the chance to read it. I have a little worry about not understanding the figure of speech used in this book and to be honest it's a challenging book to read since English ain’t my first language. But I finally did it anyway with the help of a dictionary and Mr. Google yeay.

This book revolves around love, social status, reputation, and as well as the dangers of false perception. It taught me about something I shouldn't do to someone, like having a bad perception of someone who I don't even know yet. I had a wrong prediction about how the story goes. The rich are portrayed as someone who always thinks highly of themselves. A typical how rich people behave up until nowadays. Something that can never be fixed no matter how many lessons existed out there. While the other character (Elizabeth) always has an advanced judgment against someone which only causes a great misunderstanding. I love how the story unfolds the tension between each other that they acknowledge their mistakes and try to fix them in a good manner. And despite the habit rich must marry rich for the sake of reputation and protect their wealth, this book proves that love conquers all. It's a good read but somehow I think classic is just not my forte. 

My favorite you-go-girl scene in the book is when Elizabeth is being annoyingly persistent in defending her relationship with Mr. Darcy against Lady Catherine who forbids her from marrying him. She pissed her off despite her high social rank because Elizabeth don't give a damn about it. Definitely love this.

Rating: ★★★★

06 April 2022

a heart so fierce and broken review

Choices are never easy. There are good and bad options, but the most dangerous is to not make any choice at all. – Iisak
Go take all my money! This little happiness is worth buying and reading. It's absolutely membuatkan hati kamek makan sik kenyang, tidur sik lena, mandi sik basah. Even the first book is magical enough and has some genjutsu that makes me fall head over heels with the characters. I'm not really a fan of Beauty and The Beast but this gothic, dark, adventurous version of that famous Disney movie is definitely a chef kiss. No kidding. I truly love this book and the story and the characters and everything. 

A Heart So Fierce and Broken is written by Brigid Kemmerer, an American author of young-adult fiction books. She has written more than a dozen dark and alluring YA novels like Defy the Night and Letters to the Lost. Her novel A Curse So Dark and Lonely which is the first #Cursebreaker series was a New York Times bestseller and has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.


Synopsis

Find the heir, win the crown.

The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.

Win the crown, save the kingdom.

Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

Published Date: January 7th, 2020 | Publisher: Bloomsbury YA


A Heart So Fierce and Broken Review

Oh Grey! What kind of damage have you done to my precious heart? How dare you leave it miserable, craving and wanting for more of you? This sequel truly belongs to him alone! And of Lia Mara, the bravest unchosen heir of Syl Shallow. And of course, Prince Rhen and Princess Harper. I don’t want to mention other than them because they are my least favorite. Nah, truthfully, none at all.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken is one of my most anticipated books released in 2020! The first sequel left me with a broken heart and a complete cliffhanger because I have to wait for a few months just to read the next chapter. I should have read this as soon as it arrived but I didn’t and it takes me one week to finish the book.

So now let’s hear me. First of all, I LOVE GREY. Ain’t nobody can resist such a strong and gentle guy! His character, and his actions are everything. Despite going through so many things just to protect himself and Emberfall, he is still the loveliest yet brutal in every way. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t romanticize the way he fights his enemies, but more of how he tried to protect his friends and Lia Mara.

Just so you know, this book has focused more on Grey and Lia Mara which Prince Rhen and Harper felt so distant in my opinion. It’s more like a standalone but you still get the vibes from the first book. There are more battles and bloodshed in this book, more strategies to protect and hunt each other and yes, I am super glad for the lovey-dovey moments between Grey and Lia Mara. Not too much but enough to make your heart flutter like a silly goose.

And again, just like how I mentioned in my A Curse So Dark and Lonely review, the plot is too dragging. But even though the story has been stretched to the point you might feel boring about it, there’s something for you to see between the pages. That’s what I love about Brigid Kemmerer! She wanted you to know how precious is every single moment that happens between the people around you. What kind of story do you share with them, what kind of help, what kind of feelings, and all that. It may look just like a small thing but it matters a lot!

There are so many things I love about the book. One of it is when Grey said something about Harper. “She became a princess by her words and actions, if not by blood.” How lovely is that? He really appreciates Harper even though Harper is not a real princess! And Harper, being my favorite protagonist, has proven herself to be someone very strong and brave by her words and actions! You know what, even though you are not of royal blood, you can still proclaim yourself as a princess if you do good and keep up with good manners.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken is not merely a fantasy book. But I’ve learned a lot about personality and the worth of relationships from the characters. You can really know what kind of person is the author through her writing, no? I bet she is as well a lovable and brave person in real life!

Rating: ★★★★★

20 June 2021

a curse so dark and lonely review

My father once said we are all dealt a hand at birth. A good hand can ultimately lose - just as a poor hand can win - but we must all play the cards fate deals. The choices we face may not be the choices we want, but they are choices nonetheless. ― Brigid Kemmerer
Have you ever read a book and instantly got hooked by it like crazy? This book did that to me and instead of going mad about it, I feel glad that I just find a sanctuary for my fantasy obsession. This Beauty & The Beast retelling is beautifully written but with a much darker and more venturous theme than the original; gory scenes, horses, weapons, wars which excite me. It's not all serious but there’s a humorous part combined altogether.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is written by Brigid Kemmerer, an American author of young-adult fiction books. She has written more than a dozen dark and alluring YA novels like Defy the Night and Letters to the Lost. This novel which is the first #Cursebreaker series was a New York Times bestseller and has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Synopsis

Fall in love, break the curse.

Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, thought he could be saved easily if a girl fell for him. But that was before he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. Before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper learned to be tough enough to survive. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she's pulled into a magical world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. A prince? A curse? A monster? As she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Published Date: January 29th, 2019 | Publisher: Bloomsbury YA

A Curse So Dark And Lonely Review

Daring, enchanting, and addicting! This book is a whole lot different than Disney Beauty and The Beast. A Curse So Dark And Lonely is a retelling written in a beautiful way but with a much darker and more venturous theme than the original; gory scenes, horses, weapons, wars which excites me. I used to imagine myself riding a horse while yielding a knightly weapon like a princess in rescue. Well, this book actually gives me a better vision of my imagination. Something like a dream comes true except that it is still not happening in reality.

The world-building is amazing and I really love this Emberfall I create in my mind based on the description in the book. It's beautiful with the autumn in the background! The plot is exciting to read even though somehow I think it's too dragging. The adventurous moment happens only at the end of the book, a few pages before you put back the book on the shelves. But it is still enjoyable.

The dragging part is not something I'm gonna hate. In my own perception, the author tries to squeeze more about her characters' personality and their relationship with each other. Like putting things in depth just so you will feel more closely with these fictional people.

Harper, Prince Rhen, and Grey's moments are just too priceless! They have their own story with each other which leads to trust and lovey-dovey between, huh, you gotta read and figure it out yourself. Brace yourself because it's melancholic yet sweet at the same time.

As for the character, I admire Harper very much. She made an amazing female protagonist; brave, fierce, and persistent despite her disability, and she’s a bit reckless though. Prince Rhen is somehow a pain in the ass. While Grey is just nice and gentle. I really can't wait to read the sequel and see how the characters will evolve over time.

Rating: ★★★★★

16 June 2021

si anak cahaya review
Buku-buku yang kita baca, orang-orang yang kita dengarkan, perkumpulan yang kita ikuti, akan membentuk perangai kita hingga tega melakukan apa pun. – Bapak
I present you with the first Indonesian literature that I ever purchased. But this one ain’t my first read cause I ever read other books by Hamka and I immediately fall in love with their writing language. I mean, it is a bit different than Malay novel and I enjoy reading and acah-acah pronounce the words in their accent. In my opinion, the depth of the words, and the way it sounds, are very soulful and give you a goosebump. I like it, I like how poetic it is.

Si Anak Cahaya is written by Tere Liye or Darwis (his real name), an Indonesian author from Lahat, South Sumatera. Some of his masterpice includes Hafalan Shalat Delisa, Bidadari-Bidadari Surga, Moga Bunda Disayang Allah dan Rembulan Tenggelam Di Wajahmu. Hafalan Shalat Delisa has been adapted as movie and there are more of his writings.


Synopsis

“Nama kau Nurmas, itu nama yang indah sekali. Nur itu cahaya, mas atau emas itu logam mulia yang berharga. Aku harap, suatu saat cahaya dan kemuliaan kau akan menyatu, berkilauan.”

Buku ini tentang Nurmas, si anak cahaya yang memiliki petualangan masa kecil yang penuh keceriaan dan menakjubkan. Apa yang sebenarnya dilakukan oleh Nurmas hingga penduduk seluruh kampung selalu mengingat kejadian yang membuatnya resmi dipanggil si anak cahaya?

Dari puluhan buku Tere Liye, serial buku ini adalah mahkotanya.

Published Date: December, 2018 | Publisher: Republika


Si Anak Cahaya Review

First of all, I have no regret buying this book. The cover got my attention the most so basically this book was chosen based on its skin. It is my first piece of literature from Tere Liye and I gotta admit that his writing is beautiful. Nothing drives me mad except trying to understand certain words that I don’t familiar with. But that ain’t really a big deal since I can google up the meaning of the words or simply ask my Indonesian squads. Everything else is just fine.

I finish the book with a content heart! The story truly reminds me of my childhood and my best friends. Except that I am not heroic like Nurmas and my best friends and I never go to farms together. Their friendship is what I would say to-die-for cause they stick together like glue and are always there for each other through thick and thin. My favorite scenes in the book are definitely when the four of them do things together because I can imagine the exciting moments they had especially when they are all silly and funny. Their traits are way so similar to my best friends and I can relate to each one of them!

I love that the content of the book is loaded with moral values and it all starts with Nurmas. From honesty to loyalty to braveness to being grateful for little things and more. It’s what I currently need in my life right now. Not saying I lack those traits but I am in need of something to knock me off so I can appreciate life better. Not everyone sees the little things as something to be cherished and some only focus only the huge and grand things thus this book will make you realize that living a moderate life is also a blessing.

Impressive enough how the author tries to connect the wise point to each scene which automatically makes Nurmas the best girl in town. Yeah, it seems overrated but it has to be her since the book is about her journey. Everyone admires her and it’s hilarious when her best friends’ parents keep on saying “apa pun yang dilakukan anak gadisnya Yahid, ikuti. biar kalian bisa belajar” every single time when they want to follow whatever Nurmas is doing. They even willingly accompany Nurmas in everything.

When it comes to a family issue, I gotta say there are a few parts that literally makes me shed tears. Her family bonding is strong enough that it could break a stone. The moment when her parents said she will always be the special daughter in the house despite the newborn of her little brother really touched me. Well, we all know parents who only love 4 out of their 5 children. I really don't understand when someone has to be a black sheep in a family. Why cant they love their children equally?

Reading this book feels like reading 5 books at the same time. The plot is still moving on the same track but you get to experience a myriad journey with Nurmas which finally builds her character up until she is deserved and is entitled to be called Si Anak Cahaya. Hilarious, meaningful, and such a page-turner. When I say hilarious, I really mean it. Tere Liye really knows how to joke around and tickle his reader!

Rating: ★★★★★
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