*Date of Publish: January 22, 2016 by Christine Brae
*Format: eARC (Provided by Christine Brae for the blog tour)
Via Goodreads
SYNOPSIS:
“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,
They’re in each other all along.”
Rumi
They say that life is full of choices. When you’re young and idealistic, you believe that the path you choose is the road that will lead you to your destiny.
But what if, along the way, fate decides to step in, and no amount of logic or rationality or even prayers can save you from your fortune? When the sacrifices you make, the love that you find, and the bright promise of the future are all snatched away from you, you’re left alone to pick up the pieces of your life.
This is a story about love, found in a faraway place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate. It is a story of faith and acceptance, and learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of the universe.
From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Christine is the author of The Light in the Wound, His Wounded Light and Insipid. Her new book, In This Life, is set to release in January 2016.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.
Here are some amazing quote edits by Sayyeda of Christine Brae Philippines!!!
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Review:
Have you ever looked forward into a huge plan of yours? Where everything is set and you are working hard day by day to make it all come true? Have you ever had that plan and you were just waiting for everything to fall into place when all of a sudden, it all crumbles down instead? If this happened to you just like most of the people in this world, then this is a book that you should really grab and read.
In This Life is a story about three protagonists, each having their goals and dreams that they are determined to reach. But when life gets in the way, they realize that fate and destiny are stronger than all these perfectly laid-out plans.
This is one among my tons of favorite quotes in Christine Brae’s In This Life:
“We were burglars in the night, stealing someone else’s laughter for our own and replacing it with tears.”
While reading this book, you will see the beauty of life, and of course with it, is all of its nasty, disgusting, and filthy parts. Yet despite its entire flaw, life maintains all of its glorious. However, each person, just like what the characters in the story symbolizes is that we are nothing but mere pawns in this chess game in the so-called life. We struggle to be happy and there are times in which others must suffer for us to get that joy. One being hurt for another’s happiness is inevitable—the art of life in its oddest form.
Anna is a woman who is running away from a problem bigger than hers; little did she know that running away would only cause her more trouble and more pain. She was bold, has so much passion in her yet at the same time she is filled with anger and guilt resulting to her need of something grand and spontaneous. Yet as the story develops, she turns into a woman who is no longer running away from the past, but holding on to it. She cannot settle down in her life and keeps yearning for something that she could not grasp. Dante is fierce and wild; he is a true friend and a great man who would give anything for the one he loves unconditionally. Jude is a passionate man who has his plans laid out perfectly for him, little did he know that it would only take a perfect and irresistible woman to sway his unwavering faith.
These three characters are helpless against time and love—so little time yet so much love to give. In the end, they must decide what is best for their lives, what would make them truly happy. I must say, dear readers, that this book has shocked me to no end! Every turn of the event was unpredictable, just like life itself. You’ll never know what’s coming for you.
Christine Brae’s new novel is her best so far, her writing has not only improved together with her technique, but she made a story that anyone could relate to—because we are all experiencing or have experienced what is happening on the pages of this book one way or another. For this novel tells a lot that is so beyond the story of the three protagonists: it shows life’s cruelty, of time’s way of giving us so much and taking it, of losses, of dealing with grief, and how it seems so hard for joy to find us. And love, life is full of so much love.
If you want a book that will teach you a lot of lessons about life, how to deal with a loss, how to accept life’s many challenges, or a book that teaches you to voice out what you feel before it’s too late—or if you simply just want to cry, then this book is highly recommended.
“In this Life, it is only through sadness that one could truly experience joy.”
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BUT WAIT, THERE’S SO MUCH MORE IN STORE!!!
Excited for In This Life yet? Wait until you read below what is in store for all the fans and readers out there on the release date of In This Life which is set on January 22, 2016!!!
PLANNING FOR BOOK RELEASE:
PRE RELEASE DAY:
Christine Brae PH Only:
Trivia Questions – Gift of 3 books a day from January 11 to January 21 – total 33 books to be gifted on Release Day
January 20 – Grand Trivia or Contest – Win a T Shirt
January 21 – Grand Trivia or Contest – Win Book Marks and 3 signed copies
January 22 – RELEASE DAY – Grand Prize (Trip)
BLOG TOUR PRIZES: RELEASE DAY
Christine Brae PH Blog Tour
3 Signed Copies of In This Life
GRAND PRIZE:
Trip for 2 to Cebu from anywhere in the Philippine – up to a P10,000 value
Two (2) night stay at any resort in CEBU – up to a P15,000 value
Philippine Residents Only
Dates to be Chosen by Winner
LOGISTICS: GRAND PRIZE
Copy and paste your gift links and purchase links on Googledoc with number of books
Enter your name in Rafflecopter – a tweet will be required that says – “@christinebrae I have your book!”
Pre-order Christine Brae’s In This Life to get a chance to win these amazing giveaways from Christine Brae herself!!! Do not forget to read the wonderful novel entitled In This Life set to to be released two days from now!
PDF copies are FREE! If you have trouble looking for a copy, feel free to contact me!
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Don’t miss the *free* romantic holiday story that connects ALIENATED and INVADED!
Cara and Aelyx only have one day to spend together before he returns to earth and she travels to Aelyx’s home planet, L’eihr. Homesick and worried about the upcoming year apart, Cara is desperate to make these final hours count. Worst of all, Cara is missing Christmas, stuck on board an alien spaceship. When Aelyx learns that Cara is forgoing her favorite holiday, he tries to recreate Christmas in space by researching traditional earth customs…but a few things get lost in translation.
Coming December 23rd, this FREE short story will include multi-chapter excerpts of both ALIENATED and the sequel, INVADED.
Excerpt:
What Cara had finally realized was that tonight wasn’t the time to make memories. They would have plenty of opportunities for that in the years to come. By trying to cram a week’s worth of together- ness into one day, she’d shown a lack of faith, doubting that they’d be reunited on the colony. These final hours until Aelyx’s departure were no more or less important than the millions of other hours they would share over a lifetime.
Faith.
That was her Christmas gift to him—to both of them, really.
This blog tour is organized by the Bookish Diaries Book Tours managed by Amanda of Fandomly Bookish and Jothee of The Bookwhore Diaries!
An epub material was provided for free by the author, Christine Brae, for review purposes in helping her promote her book, The Light in the Wound, here in the Philippines. Christine Brae is set to visit the country on September 2015 along with two other authors, Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher.
The Light in the Wound (#1) by Christine Brae: Book Review
***Warning: Spoilers ahead***
*No. of pages: 372
*Average Rating on Goodreads: 3.9/5
*My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
SYNOPSIS via Goodreads:
Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes.
When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.
Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to what they once had. Isabel wonders if a second love can ever be enough to make her forget her first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. She is currently working on her third book which she hopes to release in June, 2014.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago
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Review:
The Light in the Wound started off with an interesting beginning, the readers are aware of whose point of view it is but the other character that is in the prologue is a mystery. With a very short prologue that is set ten years ago, Christine Brae managed to spike the curiosity of the readers on how the course of the story would be. We would come to know that the protagonist, Isabel, is about to get married—but she just spent the night with another guy. By the last page of the prologue, Isabel left this poor guy and broke his heart to be wed to another man. Then came the first chapter that is set on the present, giving the readers the details on what happened—Isabel got married and already has a child. But the interest spikes up even more because the author did not provide a name on who Isabella ended up with. Is it with the guy she left ten years ago or with the guy she was really about to get married to? There are a lot of questions, making you read even more, giving you the need to turn the page on and on to get the answers you seek as we, readers, are taken back years away from the present.
Isabel was still young when she learned how complicated and painful life could be; she saw it through her parents’ divorce and through her separation with her sisters. Isabel would make you feel something—she’ll make you feel sympathetic and understanding, it is as if she’s reaching out to you without even trying; she’ll make you understand her situation and a lot of people could even relate to her situation of having a broken family. The first few parts focuses on where Isabel came from, the story of her family and how she became who she is before the arrival of her first love.
As the story progresses, we meet Jesse Cain, Isabel’s first love and to whom she gives all that she’s got. It was a puppy love at first, with all the butterflies and knees turning into Jell-O, but of course, reality strikes again and normal issues consumed their relationship. Jesse Cain, being the young man who is so ambitious, took advantage of Isabel’s love for him as they graduate from high school and goes into the real world in their college life. Insecurities devoured Isabel, long had gone the girl who has great self-esteem and strong confidence; replaced by a girl too vulnerable, alone, and dominated by a boyfriend that’s more of a dictator. What I love about this story is that Christine Brae does not sugarcoat anything; she shows what’s real, what’s really happening, and how one gets so drunk in love that they forget to love themselves, because that’s how it really works most of the time. Jesse just wants to be the right man for Isabel, she is rich and everything is handed down to her on a silver platter, while he works hard to get even the smallest things that he wants. In doing all that he can to prove to Isabel’s family that he is right for her, he lost control of all his priorities and ended up neglecting the reason why he is really working hard—Isabel. That’s why it is not really a huge shock when another hot guy has finally been noticed by Isabel, a guy who loved her way back in high school, Alex.
The phase of the story, however, is slow phased. But the way a lot of unexpected things are occurring chapter per chapter makes you grip your copy of the book or the arm of the chair you’re seating on as you read! And since you already got a glimpse on how things would progress, you come up with tons of hypothesis on how the story would lead to that course and yet again, something would happen just right on the next chapter that would make you think otherwise!
Isabel is not really your ideal protagonist—she makes a lot of mistakes and you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to strangle her because of her decisions and the way her mind works. Yet, you’ll feel for her. Even if you go against everything that she stands for, you’ll understand where she’s coming from. Isabel becomes so real because her actions makes her seem true, thus proving that Christine Brae’s writing is very effective because it will capture the hearts of the readers. Brae manages to make you indecisive yourself, for example you are rooting for Team Alex instead of Team Jesse but at some point in the book, you’ll find your heart breaking for Jesse (geez Christine, you’re driving me crazy!). Take note that this story does not contain the typical love triangle dilemma!
This story does focus on romance, but it also has a lot of aspects that teaches the readers a lot. It teaches you how to become independent, how to see your self-value, how to take risks, and how to discover who you really are and what you should do with it. The Light in the Wound is a story about love, family, friendship, discovery, character development, choices, and independence. However, I don’t recommend this book to people who could not handle such painful stories because like I said, this is not only a love story, it is about a lot of things. If a chill read is what you are looking for, then you should let this pass. Also, for those who are too young to read this novel (not commendable for readers below 16 years old), I suggest that you ask your parents or guardians first before losing yourself in the pages of this book for it indeed has a lot of intimate and sexual scenes that may not be appropriate for young readers. But overall, at the end of the first book, along the journey of Isabel, Jesse, Alex, and everyone else, you’ll come to realize that you yourself have learned a lot.
This book is a story about life—how it molds and shapes you, how it consumes and devours you, and how it brings you joy and sorrow. This book is a story about society—how you lose yourself in it, how one is forced to conforme to its desires, and how it still gifts us of new possibilities and discoveries.
Go ahead, pick the book up and find yourself learning a lot about life from The Light in the Wound and at the same time, adore Christine Brae’s astounding debut novel.
After you read it, go and proceed on reading the second novel entitled, His Wounded Light.
GIVEAWAY!!!
There are 3 signed copies of The Light in the Wound up for grabs for Filipino readers! Just go and click the link below to find out how to get entries! Hurry!
“I’ve always been honest with you about how difficult it has been to let go of the past. But you are my present and my future. From the first time we were together, you saved my life. You saved my soul. You made me want to make you proud. You made me realize that I deserved better. You made me unafraid to love you. My wounds are healed because of you.”
He lifted me up, placed me on top of his lap and held me close as I leaned my head on his chest. He stroked my hair lightly as he spoke.
“Baby, I’m so sorry I left you that night. More than being filled with jealousy, I was afraid that you might have never really loved me. I know I told you long ago that it was okay if you didn’t love me just yet, that I had enough love for the both of us. I should have understood then that you never lied to me about your true feelings for him. You were always honest with me. And even now, at this very moment, I’d rather have a part of your heart than none of it all.”
Stay tuned for my review of Christine Brae’s second book, the sequel to The Light in the Wound, entitled His Wounded Light.
August to December 2014 Book Signing Events in the Philippines made possible by National Bookstore.
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Alex London’s Book Signing Event
August 30, 2014- SM Aura, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
Alex London writes books for adults (One Day The Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War), children (Dog Tags series; An Accidental Adventure series) and teens (Proxy). At one time a journalist reporting from conflict zones and refugee camps, he is now a full time novelist living in Brooklyn, NY, where he can be found wandering the streets talking to his dog, who is the real brains of the operation.
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As some of you may know, I was not able to attend Alex London’s book signing event due to my Saturday classes. Believe me fellow Bibliophiles, I really wish that I had the utmost honor of meeting him. Since I really wasn’t able to attend, I just had my copy of Proxy signed instead, a very special mention to my friend, Godwin, for bring my copy!
I talked to some few people about their meeting with Alex London and it was fun to hear from people about their experience at the event. It’ll be a pleasure to share it with you.
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TOMI CHUA
-Arrived at 10:30am and was number 65.
-Third time on a book signing event
-“I’ve read the first four chapters (Proxy). I liked the way the novel started and well… It’s had a fresh new take on the dystopian genre that I really, really loved.”
-Tomi went to the event with two of his Pinoy Book Freaks United or PBFU friends. Also, “I met with an old friend and made new ones. Overall, it was fun. It’s always a happy moment when in a book signing.”
-Tomi to Alex London:
“Best part is that he won’t stop talking… Kidding. But honestly, I loved how he was able to inspire people especially war refugees just by writing novels.”
“He was very friendly… As in super and he really loves talking and meeting with fans… Oh his favorite color is green. The signing was very different compared to the other one. One thing I liked was there was no rush for him. You could actually stay and chat with him. I wasn’t able to do that with the other signings.”
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ETHAN LEE
-Arrived at around 12nn and was number 132.
-“I have read Proxy and Guardian and loved the way he had characters of different ethnicity and sexuality.”
-First time on a book signing event
-“I met up with a friend there but made two more and later was invited to join a book signing group.” The group is named the Peculiar Family.
-Ethan to Alex London:
“When he was asked about the possibility of a movie he asked for us to stay tuned for the next two weeks. When I finally met him (after 3 hours) he said I looked nervous which I was, and I said it was because I REALLY liked him and his books. Then I don’t remember exactly what he said but I remember him saying I had Knox’s hair (!!!!) which was probably the best moment of my life, then I got a picture and said bye.”
-Ethan shares that, “I plan to cosplay as Knox (after his comment) I did some art I planned to give him but it wasn’t done on time :(( and I did meet some fandom members and they were all fun people.”
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ROMMEL REDUCTO
-Arrived at 11am and was number 85.
-“I already read his books (Proxy and Guardian). I am really a fan of dystopian and apocalyptic novels, which is the books’ genre. I have many reasons why I really love these novels. First off, Syd’s character has a strong personality regardless of him being a gay. How he change peoples’ lives, even his Patron’s life. I like the way he show his courage. Secondly, the ways Alex London write the novel. It is awesome, as if I’m the characters themselves.. Lastly, I JUST LOVE Alex London. He is so kind, awesome.
-First time on a book signing event
-Rommel went to the event alone but luckily, like Tomi, he’s a member of PBFU. “I found out that some members also went there, we met, and I gained them as new friends. Shoutouts to Camille, John Cedie, Jerneel, Mary Joy and his boyfriend, Joshua and Mia!”
-Rommel to Alex London:
“The best part was when Alex talked about his life as a journalist. In a refugee camp where he once worked, he met a kid who loves reading books. One day the kid asked him if he could give him a book. Then Alex gave the kid his copy of The Prince. Alex found out that the kid, who is now a teenager, built the biggest library in the refugee camp. I had goose bumps when Alex was telling this story. It is inspiring.”
“I readied myself before my turn since I was in the fifth batch. I practiced what I’m going to say to him, keeping my mind and body relaxed because I am nervous during that time. Then my turn came. I was standing in front of him and I said hello. He keeps on talking to me even though I didn’t respond to him. So here is the exact conversation that I had with him:
Me: Hello.
Alex: Hi.
Me: ….
Alex: How is your day going?
Me: (I’m just staring with him)
Alex: Thank you for supporting me and reading my books.
Me: (I just keep on staring with him)
Alex: You’re speechless.
Me: Just really don’t know what to say. I’ve been waiting since June. And here I am standing in front of you and can’t even talk because… I really don’t know. Thank you, Alex. Can I hug you?
Alex: Sure!
And he hugs me, twice! Yay!
I was starstrucked. Speechless. I can’t handle my feelings. My throat dried, my voice hardly came out. As if the world around me stopped for a while. The short time talking with one of my favorite authors is amazing. He inspires me through his works, that is why I love him.”
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JANISSE
-Arrived between 11:45-12-15nn and was number 100
-“I have read Proxy, but I haven’t read Guardian yet. I love everything about Proxy! I love the action, explosions, and the fictional futuristic world. I love the fact that the characters have different races, sexuality, beliefs and perspectives. I enjoyed the peaceful moments in the book where Syd, Knox and Marie just joked around. I LOVE KNOX!!
I think I’m one of the few people who love the ending. Yes, I was shattered by Knox’s death (I love him!) and it was difficult for me to accept what happened to him, but just as Alex said, the world he created is a very dangerous one and awful things will inevitably happen. I really like that Alex made it clear throughout the book that there was nothing romantic between Syd and Knox. I love romance as much as the next girl, but Syd and Knox’s relationship is all about friendship and loyalty (and debts!). Knox did not choose to die because he loves Syd in a romantic way. Knox wanted to give Syd the life that he [Knox] owes him [Syd]. Besides, the world of the story changes after Proxy and I don’t want that world to change Knox. I want Knox to always be Knox (clever, charming, flirty and defiant) and because he died, he won’t change and he’ll be cemented as KNOX.”
-Second time on a book signing event
-Janisse went alone but met two new friends.
-Janisse to Alex London:
“I got to talk Alex for a few minutes. I told him that I really love Proxy and I’m so thankful that he wrote it (My voice kind of sounded like I was about to cry… I really wasn’t about to cry.) He asked me if there was a particular part of the book that I liked and I told him that I love the ending (and I stated my reasons). Then, our picture was taken. At the end of our conversation, I asked for a hug and he gave me one! I didn’t want to let go. He told me that it was so nice to meet me and I said the same.”
-Janisse shares thatm “National Book Store gave free Proxy bookmarks to everyone who was at the book signing event (as if you needed more reason to be envious… Lol)! Alex was really cool during picture taking. He was game with whatever crazy pose/s his fans wanted to do.
I am so busy with college stuff (I’m 17 and a sophomore) that I didn’t get to make signs or anything.”
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MIA GARCIA
-Arrived at around 12nn and was number 109.
-“I haven’t read the book because unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of time. But I really, really wanted to finish it before the book signing but my schedule didn’t allow me to. I’ve read the synopsis of Alex’s books though. I’ve also read reviews as well as quotations from the book from Goodreads.
-Not her first time on a book signing event
-Mia went to the event with her boyfriend who also got his books signed and was actually his first book signing event to attend on. Mia met some of her book friends online too.
-For Mia, the unforgettable part of the event was, “When Alex London shared his experience at a refugee camp. I tried so hard to prevent, myself from crying since his story was so moving. You could feel the emotion he felt when he spoke. He was so inspiring and that made me admire and look up to him so much.”
-Mia to Alex London:
“Honestly, I couldn’t explain. I was still having an instense hangover from his story about the refugee camp so when it was my turn to meet him… It was so surreal. I was so starstruck and I’m not the type of person who gets starstruck.”
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JERNEEL MALONZO
-Arrived at 8am and was number 35.
-I was reading Proxy at that time. I like that Syd (The Proxy and main character) is gay because I am gay myself. It’s nice to have a gay main character in a mainstream YA book.
-First time on a book signing event
-Jerneel came with his friend and met with other PBFU members.
-Like the others, Jerneel’s unforgettable moment during the event was when, “It was when he told us this story about a boy in a refugee camp. I literally had goose bumps.”
-Jerneel to Alex London:
“I was not a fan (because I was not yet done with his book, at that time, okay?) so meeting him is something I would describe as a pleasant experience. Hearing him talk about his work and being goofy, perky and all made me like him a lot. I guess, I like him as a person. That’s what I can say at this time. As an author, let us say, he made me interested. I will definitely read and buy (legit copies) Guardian and will let you know if I love him as an author (because it takes time, okay?).
Some of the Pinoy Book Freaks Untied members at Alex London’s Book Signing Event
The Peculiar Family at Alex London’s Book Signing Event
The Peculiar Family’s group photo with Alex London!
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Jennifer Smith and Lissa Price’s Book Signing Event
September 20, 2014- SM Aura, Metro Manila
About the authors via Goodreads:
Jennifer E. Smith is the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, The Storm Makers, You Are Here, and The Comeback Season. She earned her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and currently works as an editor in New York City. Her writing has been translated into 28 languages.
Lissa Price’s debut novel STARTERS is an award-winning, international bestseller published in over thirty countries. Dean Koontz called this YA futuristic thriller “a smart, swift, inventive, altogether gripping story.” The LA Times said it is “Dystopian science-fiction at its best,” and “Readers who have been waiting for a worthy successor to ‘The Hunger Games’ will find it here.”
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Jennifer and Lissa’s arrival at Manila from Cebu was welcomed by the aftermath of a heavy storm the night before. This resulted into a lot of readers who was supposed to attend the event to back out due to the effects of the storm. Still, the event must go on and despite the unfavorable weather, a lot of fans was still able to attend the event at SM Aura. Both authors were very grateful for the effort that their Filipino fans have exerted, showing their utmost love and support.
I, on the other hand, was not supposed to be able to attend the event but because of the cancellation of classes that said day, I was able to meet the two authors. They were both really nice and sweet. They took their time chatting one-on-one with the readers who came to get their books signed and of course, had photos with them. The authors even thrilled everyone with the new of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight being optioned as movie and Starters being optioned as TV show. The authors even gave away freebies like bookmarks to tons of early birds.
It is very unfortunate that a lot of people were not able to attend but luckily, the day after, National Bookstore had extended the slots of the signing at the Manila International Book Fair from the original 200 slots became 300 slots in consideration to those who were affected by the storm.
Some of the members of the Pinoy Book Freaks United at Smith and Price’s Book Signing Event
Bibliophiles at the book signing event
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Claudia Gray and Madeleine Roux’ Book Signing Event
October 18, 2014- Glorietta 1, Metro Manila
About the authors via Goodreads:
Claudia Gray is not my real name. I didn’t choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn’t), because I’d always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven’t) or even because I’m hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do thing
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
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Gray and Roux was very fun to meet for they have very colorful personalities—they are sweet, enthusiastic and very hyped all throughout the event. And I must say that I was truly honestly stunned with their beauty, not to mention, Madeleine Roux’ amazing hairdo! Claudia Gray shared to us the story behind her pseudonym name, which was nothing but just her dream to have her own for it really does seem cool. While Madeleine Roux’ first thought when asked what she loves most about being a writer was because she can look anyway she wants—she can wear pajamas while working and can have a badass hairstyle.
I arrived at Glorietta between 4-5 in the morning and was number 6 at the event, my closest number to #1 yet. For the first time, I had no friend to accompany me for the event so my interaction with other fellow readers was closer now than it is. Like I’ve suggested, always do your best to meet tons of people during such events for this is your opportunity to meet people who shares the same interest as yours.
Here are tons of photos from Gray and Roux’ first ever book signing here in the Philippines:
Bibliophiles at the event!
Pinoy Book Freaks United members at Gray and Roux’ Book Signing Event
Roux’ selfie with the fans!
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Marie Lu’s Book Signing Event
November 23, 2014- Glorietta 1, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. 🙂 I graduated from the University of Southern California in ’06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
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The happenings on Marie Lu’s book signing event lived up to my expectations.
Remember Stephanie Perkin’s book signing event wherein eleven (including me) people, the Team Eleven, already lined up outside the mall the night before? Well, I have anticipated that the same thing would happen with the Dystopian Queen, Marie Lu’s book signing event. So my best friend and I decided to camp-out the day before, which was on November 22, 2014. Since she has classes, we can’t go to the mall earlier than two in the afternoon. And upon our arrival, as expected, there were already few people lined up for the event. We were already number 10 and number 11, wow! Our friend, who’s a member of Team Eleven from Stephanie Perkin’s book signing event was the first one to arrive at 9:30am (Hello Cerise!). As time passes, more and more arrives and before the mall closes, we helped the National Bookstore staff on arranging the seats for the event. At midnight, about 60 people are already lined up for the book signing even! Tons of fandom groups were present, and I, myself, had the privilege of helping the admins of the Facebook group called Legend PH with the freebies they are giving away to early birds—bookmarks and paper clip rings. This is the very first event where everyone exerted so much effort; from banners, to signs, to amazingly illustrated poster, even gifts! Just wow!
Upon the start of event, about 800 people have registered already. Everyone was tired and all, but when Marie Lu has finally arrived, people were cheering and screaming, their joy from seeing our Elector couldn’t be lessened by exhaustion.
One thing that really awed the hearts of Marie Lu’s Filipino fans is the fact that she’s married to a Filipino! Couldn’t she be any closer to our hearts?
Marie Lu’s book signing event was a total success. And we definitely have National Bookstore to thank for, for bringing here to us such a kind and well-loved author.
I had such a great time at the event, not only because I met Marie Lu, but because I got to spend great time with my book friends from different groups—Team Eleven, Legend PH, Pinoy Book Freaks United, Peculiar Family, and so much more fellow bibliophiles. They make every book signing 10x the fun and the waiting less exasperating!
From the admins of Legend PH
Number eleven!
Some of the Pinoy Book Freaks United members at Marie Lu’s Book Signing Event
Team Eleven of Stephanie Perkin’s event. Two were not able to attend Marie Lu’s event.
See you on the next book signing event!
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Lang Leav’s Book Signing Event
December 6, 2014- Shangri-La Plaza, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
The enchanting work of contemporary author and artist Lang Leav swings between the whimsical and woeful, expressing a complexity beneath its child-like facade. Her imagination stretches across a variety of disciplines encompassing art, poetry and books. In 2013, Lang launched her latest book Love & Misadventure, published in the US by Andrews McMeel. The Amazon #1 Bestseller is now available from major bookstores worldwide including Barnes & Noble, Kinokuniya, Fully Booked, Waterstones, Periplus and Chapters/Indigo.
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For the second time, Philippines once again welcomes the well-loved contemporary author and artist Lang Leav! Lang was supposed to visit Cebu City first before setting off to her two book signing events here in Manila, unfortunately, due to the safety concerns brought by the threat of the typhoon Ruby, the Cebu leg of the scheduled book signing has to be cancelled. But of course, the two signing events here in Manila were pushed through!
Some of my Pinoy Book Freaks United friends and I decided to line up for the registration at around 11:30, evening of December 5, the night before the first day of the book signing here in Manila held at East Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza. We, of course, had a lot of fun—we were so sleepy, yes, but there was never a dull moment with these friends of mine!
The event started out with Lang Leav saying a prayer for the safety of everyone for the coming typhoon Ruby. Filipino fans loved her even more with her show of love, support, and care for the Philippines and she made everyone loved her even more and more when she begun reading some of her poems from Lullabies—Second Chances, All There Was, and Broken Hearts. If you wish to see my video of Lang reading these, here’s the link:
Poetry reading
To those who have read Lang Leav’s Love and Misadventure and/or Lullabies, you should know how with only her words, she can make her readers feel all kinds of emotions all at the same time. And for those who have not read it yet, I’m sure you have at least saw a poem or any line of hers and she has already managed to spike your emotions. Now, imagine Lang Leav’s ability with words to not just only be used through poems—but through a novel! Yes, a novel! One of the best parts of Lang Leav’s book signing event besides her poetry reading is this amazing news of an upcoming novel that I’m pretty sure would break our hearts and could make us drown with our own tears!
Warm, sweet, loving, and caring—Lang Leav does not only reaches through the hearts of her readers using her words, but because she is our Lang Leav.
“She expresses through her words what we cannot express on our own!” –Me. ❤
Her second time to visit the Philippines, Lang promises that she’ll find her way back (hopefully with Michael Faudet *winks*) to our country to meet more of her Filipino readers.
PBFU members who are the first nine at the event
Early birds!
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Thank you so much National Bookstore and Powerbooks for giving us the chance to meet such great, inspiring, and awesome authors! We all look forward to other book signing events that you will be hosting this 2015!!!
OKAY… I do know that this is late but my summer actually ended only a month ago! Now that I really could feel the very stressing college vibes, here’s my Top Summer Reads for the year 2014 that’s divided into two sections: Stand Alone Books and Trilogy/Series. Take note that this is in no particular order. I am also not proclaiming that the books in this list are the “best” books or the greatest literary works I’ve read during the summer. They are in my list because these are the ones that have given me intense feels and are not easily forgotten!
Top Stand Alone Books:
Royally Lost by Angie Stanton
Date Finished: May 17, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 62/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.
Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he’s crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn’t have…is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.
When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca’s family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Date Finished: May 20, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 01/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning…. Welcome to forever.
BRIE’S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn’t love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she’s D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there’s Patrick, Brie’s mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick’s help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she’s ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Date Finished: May 8, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 86/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination, but an answer.
In heaven, five people explain your life to you. Some you knew, others may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie’s five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his “meaningless” life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: “Why was I here?”
The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
Date Finished: May 2, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 73/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief–and a page-turner that will touch your soul–Albom’s masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.
Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom’s writing, and those who haven’t yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling, will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.
Paper Towns by John Green
Date Finished: April 22, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 07/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life — dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge — he follows.
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues — and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
Top Trilogy or Series:
Mara Dyer Trilogy by Michelle Hodkin
Date Finished: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (#1)- May 15, 2014
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (#2)- May 16, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Mara Dyer (#1)- 4.13/5
Mara Dyer (#2)- 4.43/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Mara Dyer (#1)- 5/5
Mara Dyer (#2)-4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (#1)
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (#2)
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?
The Retribution of Mara Dyer (#3):
The conclusion is out on October 2014
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Date Finished: The Maze Runner (#1)- April 15, 2014
The Scorch Trials (#2)- April 18, 2014
The Death Cure (#3)- April 19, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: The Maze Runner (#1)- 4.01/5
The Scorch Trials (#2)- 3.99/5
The Death Cure (#3)- 3.81/5
My Rating on Goodreads: The Maze Runner (#1)- 5/5
The Scorch Trials (#2)- 5/5
The Death Cure (#3)- 3/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The Maze Runner (#1)
“If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.”
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers–boys whose memories are also gone.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out–and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
The Scorch Trials (#2)
Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.
Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.
There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.
The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.
There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.
The Death Cure (#3)
Thomas knows that Wicked can’t be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they’ve collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It’s up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn’t know is that something’s happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can’t believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over.
But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?
The Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout
Date Finished: Obsidian (#1)- April 23, 2014
Onyx (#2)- April 24, 2014
Opal (#3)- April 25, 2014
Origin (#4)- April 26, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Obsidian (#1)- 4.28/5
Onyx (#2)- 4.40/5
Opal (#3)- 4.41/5
Origin (#4)- 4.50/5
Opposition (#5)- 4.56/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Obsidian (#1)- 5/5
Onyx (#2)- 5/5
Opal (#3)- 5/5
Origin (#4)- 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Obsidian (#1)
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.
Onyx (#2)
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…
Opal (#3)
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger… and they know it.
Origin (#4)
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.
All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?
Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?
Opposition (#5)
The conclusion to the Lux Series has been released only this month and I still haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet.
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.
Slammed Trilogy by Colleen Hoover
Date Finished: Slammed (#1)- May 11, 2014
Point of Retreat (#2)- May 12, 2014
This Girl (#3)- May 13, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Slammed (#1)- 4.33/5
Point of Retreat (#2)- 4.35/5
This Girl (#3)- 4.26/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Slammed (#1)- 5/5
Point of Retreat (#2)- 5/5
This Girl (#3)- 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Slammed (#1)
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she’s losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.
Point of Retreat (#2)
Hardships and heartache brought them together… now it will tear them apart.
Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’
This Girl (#3)
There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.
Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.
Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.
In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.
If I Stay Series by Gayle Forman
Date Finished: If I Stay (#1)- April 28, 2014
Where She Went (#2)- April 30, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: If I Stay (#1)- 3.99/5
Where She Went (#2)- 4.27/5
My Rating on Goodreads: If I Stay (#1)- 4/5
Where She Went (#2)-4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
If I Stay (#1)
Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.
I open my eyes wide now.
I sit up as much as I can.
And I listen.
Stay, he says.
Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?
Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it’s the only one that matters.
If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.
Where She Went (#2)
It’s been three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life.
And three years he’s spent wondering why.
When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.
Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for
National Bookstore, together with Powerbooks, has been hosting a lot of book signing events of amazing authors. Just last June 21, Jenny Han came to the Philippines for a book signing held in Manila and Cebu. Then the American author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, Stephanie Perkins,visited Cebu yesterday (July 5)! And here I am, writing my experience right after I left her book signing here in Manila!
So let me share my epic experience! Since I’m an incoming college student and my first day starts tomorrow, I really wanted to make this book signing event extra special for myself. All thanks to my dad, we asked some friends to fall in line last night at around 10pm even if the registration for the book signing event wouldn’t even start in 12 hours. The reason? My best friend, Kiana, and I really wanted to get the Advance Reader’s Copy of Isla and the Happily Ever After, which is not for sale until August 14; and the only way to get that is to be the first in line. Unfortunately, when we arrived at National Bookstore at 10pm to help our friends settle down, nine freaking bookworms were already there! Obviously, we wouldn’t be able to get an ARC anymore… and believe me when I say I felt my heart break. The first person to arrive had set foot in National Bookstore at 1pm, unbelievable! Despite being devastated, Kiana and I bonded with them for a while and we really had a great time with them. At around 10:30 though, we head back to the hotel we were checked in for the freaking book signing, yes, we were crazy enough to book a hotel besides the Glorietta Mall (all thanks to my dad by the way). Then when it was thirty minutes before midnight, we couldn’t help the strong urge to go back to National Bookstore and bond with the fellow crazy readers. So we did, and we were having a really good time by just getting to know each other and talking about books. When all of a sudden, something amazing happened…
We were there outside the mall, sitting down on the side of the street like crazies when this really gorgeous and sexy lady came walking towards us with her husband beside her…
Yes! It was Stephanie Perkins!!!
We all stood up in excitement even though we couldn’t believe our eyes! She surprised us by visiting us in the middle of the night because she saw all of our tweets to her about us already lined up for her event! Stephanie was really amazing guys. There we were, eleven plus two of our friends lining up for us, shrieking and jumping and telling her how much we love her as we overwhelm her with our hugs. Stephanie and her husband, Jarrod, took loads of selfies and group pictures with us. They even signed anything we wanted them to sign except for the books of course. And since I don’t have anything with me except my phone, I took out my The Fault In Our Stars slash Ansel Elgort casing and made her sign the interior part! She was amazing guys, Stephanie and Jarrod probably stayed with us for twenty minutes or probably more. I can’t put into words the rush of exhilarating bliss we were all feeling and by the time it was time for them to leave, we were left there jumping and shrieking and hugging each other. It was a wonderful moment that I could never ever forget. Only Stephanie Perkins has done something like that to her Filipino fans and I couldn’t thank her enough for being so kind and wonderful. And at that moment, ARC was left forgotten for a while because seriously, who gets to experience being surprised by the author?! Thank goodness Kiana and I had that strong urge to go out of the hotel and join the ones lined up outside National Bookstore for a while! Eventually, Kiana and I went back to our hotel rooms. We went back to National Bookstore the next morning at around 9am. And wow! The line was so, so long already by then! I was dumfounded!
We got our books registered on time; we proceeded on settling on our seats and yes, took tons of pictures together. I was having a pretty good time meeting new people who I share interest with.
The next amazing part of this book signing event has no relation with Stephanie Perkins but I really needed to share it with you guys. Anyway, I always write a letter for the author while waiting for the event to beging… I had to go to the second floor of National Bookstore to buy a card; since the line was really long, it went all the way up to that floor! I was on the cashier when this girl suddenly called me, as far as I could remember; this was how our conversation went:
Girl: Feather Casilan?
(I gave her a confused look because I didn’t know her)
Girl: I’m Charmyan Galo, I’m a fan of your blog.
Me: Really? Oh… Omg… Th-thank you so much!
Girl: I’m a friend of— (I have no idea what she said next, and I smiled uncontrollably)
Me: Thank you, thank you so much!
(The line started to move and I have to turn my attention back to the cashier…)
Okay so I know that’s not really much for some of you but it was such a big deal for me because she was the first ever to approach me because of my book blog, and I only started last June 23. So a shout out to Charmyan… You added up to my awesome day, thank you!
So going back to the event… Like I said, I met a lot of great new people but the “First 11” are the ones that I won’t forget because they were the ones I were able to really bond with! So, guys, I hope I’ll get to meet you again! I love you tons!
When Stephanie and Jarrod arrive at National Bookstore, the crowd went seriously wild! Stephanie was just so touched with all of the signs, the ones who put so much effort by wearing costumes, and with just the mere presence of everyone. I’m telling you, the place was such a beautiful sight! Stephanie went on telling how Anna, Lola and Isla somehow reflected her and how everything beautiful about St. Clair, Cricket and Joshua are found in her husband! But when asked on whom among those three guys really represents Jarrod, her answer was Cricket Bell from Lola and the Boy Next Door. Plus, Stephanie Perkins loves our mangoes so much that she says it’s like tasting heaven itself!!! She’s so adorable! She loves Philippines so much that she said she’d do her best to make her author friends come and visit us! I’m crossing my fingers on that!
So the painful part was when National Bookstore gave the Advance Reader’s Copy of Isla and the Happily Ever After to the first seven who arrived! And I’m number 10… Ugh… Oh anyhow, even I’m devastated over that, I’m happy for my new friends for being able to snag an ARC! Plus, nothing can compare to the epic experience I’ve had.
The time for the book signing itself eventually arrived and Stephanie Perkins was adorable as ever. We had a great chat and she was so so so so sweet guys! Meeting her was so amaze-balls and I wish all the best for her and her cute hubby who also signed some books and took loads of selfies with the fans! So yeah… It’s pretty obvious how happy I am. Thanks to my dad, Kiana, and all of my newfound friends for giving me the best book signing experience so far. I love you all!
Oh and for those who were asking me… This is only the fourth book signing I have attended. Here are the authors I’ve met, in order:
Becca Fitzpatrick: March 29, 2014.
Tahereh Mafi, Ransom Riggs & Veronica Rossi: April 26, 2014.
Jenny Han: June 21, 2014.
Stephanie Perkins: July 6, 2014.
Here are the other photos I’ve got from Stephanie Perkins’ book signing event:
Were you at the event? Or do you simply love Stephanie Perkins and her books? Then please comment below, it would mean a lot! Thanks guys!
*No. of pages: 344
*Average Rating on Goodreads: 3.97/5
*My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
SYNOPSIS via Goodreads:
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.
Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.
Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.
But when Cara’s classmates get swept up by anti-L’eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn’t safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara’s locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.
Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she’s fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.
—–
Review:
Ever since reading the Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout, I found myself wanting to read more alien-related stories that of course, have some freaking out of this world love stories, which is actually literal in every means!
First of all though, I want to express my genuine affection for the book cover of Alienated… I have no idea why but seeing the cover made me want to read it even more! It was like when I saw These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, the cover is so amaze-balls, I had the strongest urge to read it! Going back, obviously, the cover of Alienated represents the planet that our main characters have come from, but seeing the guy’s world that seems so dull and lifeless made me think how their system works. Forming a theory from the synopsis, I get this idea that the L’eihr kind is much more evolved than us. But what’s with the gloomy planet and what could they possibly need here on Earth? What could us humans possibly offer them that they don’t already have?
I really love the concept of the exchange student program of a human and a L’eihr… As Melissa Landers joked about, “a seriously foreign exchange”! I mean, how cool could that be to have an alien be a guest at your home for eight months? And have I mentioned how hot and handsome the alien our main character would be hosting? Well, you have that to be giddy about!
However, Cara Sweeney saw this exchange program as something horrible at first, not a chance of a lifetime. Cara is a grade-A student, valedictorian, captain of the debate team, star student and has a lot of followers on her blog, which makes her even more set to be a journalist. Being chosen to be one of the only three persons on Earth to be a part of the L’eihr exchange program would be good on her already explicit transcript and of course, there’s the college scholarship. Yet even before Aelyx have lasted for more than a few months, Cara loses two of the most important people in her life… Then why couldn’t she just back out of the program despite the danger lurking with the protestors of the alliance?
Aelyx came from a different world where everything is just truly different from Earth. So adjusting at the Sweeney’s humble home was hard, but not as hard as he expected it to be. When he arrived on Earth for the exchange program, he and two of his L’eihr friends have a goal: Stop the alliance between their planet and Earth. They don’t trust humans; they could see how Mother Earth slowly dies at their hands, and Aelyx just couldn’t let them do that to his own planet. So why is his plan to sabotage the alliance becomes so hard as he grows to know Cara Sweeney?
The first thing that made me fall for this book so hard was our female protagonist—Cara Sweeney. She’s intelligent; she has her goals straight and she’s in control of the course of her life. So the very first page was so amusing because her life is somehow being jeopardized at the arrival of the L’eihrs. But even in a state of shock at the news that she’ll be one of three teenagers who’ll represent Earth because of her impressive background, she just couldn’t turn down the chance of her lifetime. So even if her three-year boyfriend Eric loathes the L’eihrs and even if her best friend doesn’t find the idea appealing at all, she set her goal to give her L’eihr the comfort that he needs during his stay. Cara is strong and strong-willed, I admire those characteristics so much because one thing I hate about main characters is their low self-esteem, insecurities and hiding who they really are; Cara is the opposite of that.
Second, the whole plot… it’s amazingly and creatively done—hands down to Melissa Landers! Seriously, I just loved the whole system she has done with, well, the whole freaking universe! It was so realistic that you could just completely get lost in Melissa’s words without being disturbed by the sucky reality. Although I have to admit, the first time Aelyx’ point of view came up, it was such an overwhelming burst of information and there are a lot of times that it wasn’t explained in an instant and I was just like, “Um, what?” but still, when you finally get the hang of the terms and understand all of the the information, you’d fall in love with it.
Third: I adore the point of view! We always get the usual only one point of view, and it’s really okay but it’s kind of limited. I think that a book needs at least two POVs if it’s a fantasy, science fiction or dystopian novels. It’ll give the readers a more distinct insight to what the author was actually imagining when she was writing the story so thank you Melissa for providing us Aelyx and Cara’s deepest thoughts and emotions.
Another reason why I love Alienated so much is how real the perspectives and opinions are; Melissa conveyed true and interesting messages to her readers through the lines of her characters. For example is how many times she mentioned in different ways how humans act on defense when something enters in their lives that are unfamiliar to them. We humans can’t accept the fact that other species from other planets may be superior to us, that they are evolved in ways that we are not; that we are inferiors ones. As said in the latest Transformers movie, “You species are all the same, you want to believe you’re at the center of the universe”. In Alienated, people rallied against the alliance of Earth with another planet, simply because they are afraid of the unknown. Another message (my favorite), is when two characters tackled the topic about the religions of humans and their God: “If you believe God’s powerful enough to create the Earth in seven days, then why can’t He create other worlds too?”. If you are a believer or non-believer of aliens, I firmly believe that this line from Alienated is so striking. A friend of mine once asked me if I believe that there are other beings outside Earth. Instead of asking, I threw the question back at him… He said, “Yes. The universe is so big and unexplored. Why would we even think that we’re all alone when the Earth is so small?”
Lastly, I love the way the story flows so smoothly that you’d practically be in a trance while reading it. When I was reading this book actually, it devoured me so much that I haven’t even noticed that it was already three in the morning! I didn’t get sleepy or anything! And even though the story’s progression was a bit slow on reaching the rising action, it wasn’t boring and there weren’t any drag part. The way Aelyx and Cara’s relationship was even sailed smoothly and besides the fact that their love story is really unlike any other, Melissa found a way to make it even more special—I am so not going to tell you how! You have to read it to find out yourself!
On the other hand, this is the first book and the sequel is not due until next year so that’s the catch. But I’m telling you, there’s no rude or heart bursting cliffhanger in the end of Alienated, don’t worry! The only problem is that you’d be yearning for more and more and more!
So when you’re done reading Alienated and get so frustrated on waiting for Invaded, I suggest you to read other alien-related books that has out of this world love stories like:
• Lux by Jennifer Armentrout
• These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
• The 5th Wave by Rick Yancy
• Across The Universe by Beth Revis
And so… Thank you guys so much for reading my book review. I hope this helps!
Comments? Suggestions? Requests? Or do you simply want to have an “Alien talk” with me? Then please do leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you! 🙂
John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park in this beautifully written, incredibly honest, and emotionally poignant novel. Cammie McGovern’s insightful young adult debut is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story about how we can all feel lost until we find someone who loves us because of our faults, not in spite of them.
Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can’t walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than either ever realized.
When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other’s lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.
—–
Review:
This book debut of Cammie McGovern really does meet John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars and Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park. It could have been just another tooth achingly sweet chic-flick story about two misfits wanting to be together but there are complications at hand, but Cammie turned that complication like the ones in The Fault In Our Stars: complications caused by sickness.
Amy never got to really feel how to live a normal life. And there was a point in her life wherein she thought she was the luckiest teenage girl in the world for being limited unlike everyone else who worries about who to go to prom with or if the guy they have their eyes set on likes them back… Amy thought she’s blessed until Matthew pointed out that she really doesn’t feel that way and deep inside, she wants just to be like everyone else.
Matthew used to have a life… He used to kiss girls and hangout with the guys back in middle school, but it all changed when his OCD attacked, disrupting his everyday life.
Matthew was the only one who has been honest to Amy, he was the only one who didn’t sugarcoat things. Amy was ready to be there for Matthew, she was the only one who would try to make him better when no one else cares. And now that Matthew is assigned to be one of Amy’s peer helpers, they become each other’s best friend who accept each other flaws and fixes one another.
Can a friendship really turn into something more than anyone could expect despite all of the odds?
So…
I read this book because of the title, Say What You Will. It was a title with a message to everyone: say what you must while you have the chance. That really took my attention!
Okay, when I started reading this and got to at least the first five chapters, I was annoyed… This was yet another story wherein the girl’s life is all upside down and the “guy” sweeps into action and changes her life for the better. It’s so mainstream and then someone seemed to knock on the door of my brain, telling me that there is a big complication in this story! I really think that without Amy having cerebral palsy and without Matthew having OCD, this would be just a story like any other. Removing the complications would mean that Cammie McGovern’s book debut would be raw, and I’m so happy it didn’t turn out that way!
However, no matter how sweet and challenging the whole “we would help each other with our flaws and we’d fall in love because of it” thing, I don’t just don’t approve. The main characters being sick cannot be used an excuse anymore that this book should be given a second thought on its being mainstream.
Guys, I really just want to remind you that you just CAN’T love someone yet when you’re still insecure of who you are and if you’re still struggling to find the person that you are meant to be. You have to feel, if not whole, then at least contented. Know what you want and know the course of your life’s journey before devoting to another. And falling in love with another person because you think you can fix them is just a big no. Yes, we all have flaws and the right person should see and then accept that. But being in love while you’re still broken and empty is absurd. That’s what annoys me the whole time I’m reading this book.
Fortunately, Cammie McGovern somehow brought some justice into that aspect, that’s why I gave this book a rating of 4 on Goodreads instead of only 3.
Another weak point of Say What You Will is how halfway through the book, I kept asking, “Where is this going again?” or “What was the point of this and that?”. There were a lot of unnecessary parts that bored me out because I really think the author could have done a lot of ways to make everything seem more exciting and meaningful because the main characters were really interesting. Thank goodness there was a great and unexpected twist in the events or else I would’ve really given this a rating of 3.
On the other hand, there was just something about Amy that I didn’t like. It gets pretty hard for me too see where she’s coming from because there were just a lot of scenes wherein I wanted to slap the hell out of her… sorry but it’s true! Although, maybe that’s what actually makes her different from some of the books I read. She’s realistic. She’s this girl who has a lot of obstacles in her life and the usual protagonist in books are such a saint or determined or optimists despite everything. Amy is not like that. She’s lost, confused, pessimist and insecure; she was real. True emotions were conveyed in her and not some heroine everyone expects.
I suggest everyone to read this book debut of Cammie McGovern simply because there are a lot of morals in this story. Like,
You don’t need a lover to help you find who you are. Sometimes all you need is a true friend.
Find who you are and discover what you truly want before committing yourself to another.
Being a person with desires and dreams can be the beginning of a journey that’ll definitely be worth taking.
There are circumstances where you have to give up colossal things; you have to be ready for that.
Face your insecurities, deal with your fears and let everyone see that being different is good because everyone else is taken.
Yes, you always have to say what you really want before you lose the chance. But always know if the moment is really right or if it really is the right thing to say.
Don’t let your faults and flaws be the judge of you.
That’s all everyone, thanks a lot for reading my book review! Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern is available wherever books are sold!
Any thoughts? Comments? Requests? Suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment! You can ask me on twitter too: @fdzcsln
If you feel up to it, you can always email me on fedz.0726@gmail.com 🙂
Great news everyone! Another book to movie adaptation is coming our way!
* No. of pages: 288
* Average Rating on Goodreads: 4.05/5
* My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
SYNOPSIS via Goodreads:
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh.
As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.
—–
Quick Review:
The plot of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han spiked an interest in me because seriously, how humiliating can it be to have the love letters you’ve written a long time ago be sent out unexpectedly?
As Lara Jean faces the changes of the departure of her older sister, she does her best to be the big sister to Kitty and to be the responsible daughter for her father. Yet with her feelings out in the open to the five guys she ever loved, Lara Jean Song takes an impulsive decision to avoid the inevitable: the confrontation she’ll have with her older sister’s semi-ex boyfriend, Joshua, the boy Lara Jean is in love with.
Trapped in a deal with the dangerous Peter Kavinsky, Lara Jean finds herself being hunted by her past while she’s doing everything in her will to go back to her plain, boring but normal life.
This might be a love story, but it is also about the importance of family and in this case, the bond and love of the Song girls. I fell in love with the characters of this story and even though I couldn’t relate with just about anything here, I felt what I needed to feel; Jenny Han really knows how to make her readers feels connected in the best and disturbingly way she could muster. I found myself devouring every chapter and wanting more and more and more.
If you want a chill and a chic-flick Young Adult novel, this work of Jenny Han is a must yet rest assured that intense feels would be present all throughout! I am seriously dying for the second book entitled P.S. I Still Love You… And who’s the guy Lara Jean would still be in love with by the end of the first book? If you want to know, then you’d better read now to find out and die of feels as you wait for the second book to come out next year! (Jenny Han, I am so frustrated, please spare me and give me the second book already!)
The best part about this book? It’ll make you realize that there will always be a silver lining.
Because who knew that an embarrassing and a please-let-the-ground-open-up-and-swallow-me incident can turn into something achingly beautiful?
—–
The Big News:
Only less than three months after the release of Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Overbrook Entertainment has picked up the rights to the book to turn it into the big screen!
EXCLUSIVE: Novelist Jenny Han’s YA book To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is en route to the big screen just two months after it hit shelves.
Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment has picked up rights to the NY Times bestseller about high schooler Lara Jean Song, who writes love letters to the five boys she’s ever loved and keeps them locked away in a hatbox until the day her letters are mailed, upending her real-life love life. Adapting the book will be writer Annie Neal, who made the Black List last year with her script Beauty Queen, about an unhappily married woman who road trips to Vegas with her bestie to compete in the Miss Married America competition.
Han is the hot YA author behind the Summer I Turned Pretty lit series. The deal was sealed with funds from Overbrook’s discretionary fund with Caleeb Pinkett overseeing for the company. Neal is repped by Benderspink and CAA. CAA also reps Han and Overbrook.
—–
News Reaction:
Just oh-my-freaking-gosh guys! I can’t believe that my new favorite book is already on its journey to the big screen, I am so excited! Most especially out of the fact that just last June 21st, I met the amazing author, Jenny Han at a book signing event! She’s so cool and I’m most excited to see the actress playing as Kitty because Jenny said that Kitty Song was inspired by her little sister.
I know that most people think that a movie adaptation ruins the book itself out of the reason that it is not exactly like the book. I, on the other hand, think that it is something that everyone should expect and it is something not to worry about as long as the important aspects of the book are not changed drastically. I just couldn’t wait any longer for the script to be over with, for the final cast to be announced and of course, for the movie!
I’m really happy with this news and had to share it with you guys as soon as I found out. That’s actually all thanks to the Jenny Han Philippines page on Facebook, thanks wonderful people!
Please do grab a copy of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before wherever books are sold!
Thomas knows that Wicked can’t be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they’ve collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It’s up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn’t know is that something’s happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can’t believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?
—–
Review:
The final conclusion of the epic and thrilling The Maze Runner Trilogy of James Dashner, The Death Cure, is where things would finally fall into place. And like The Scorch Trials, circumstances would waver friendship, love and trust into a much more different and shocking ways. Lies and memories would be uncovered but being in the dark has never been much safer than knowing the dangerous truth. WICKED says that the time for lies is over and now, they need to fully work with the Gladers to complete the blueprint that they need for the cure, but Thomas couldn’t just see the good in WICKED. With a shocking turn of events, an old foe might be more of an ally than the ones Thomas spent the entire time in the maze and the outside world fighting with.
Every question left unanswered from the first two books would no longer be a mystery. A goodness would be seen at the most unexpected source; sometimes those who wants to save humanity, might be the very cause of its extinction; and sometimes you have to go back where you started before you reach the end, even if it’s the last place you want to return to.
It has been such an amazing ride with James Dashner, the world he created and his characters but…
If you’ve read my reviews for The Maze Runner and for The Scorch Trials, you’ll know how much I loved the first two books. And sadly, The Death Cure gave me such a disappointment; I’ll give you specific reasons on why so as not to prevent you from reading it! I don’t want to scare off people who want to read the trilogy, I don’t discriminate books guys, but you can count on me on giving honest reviews.
If you haven’t noticed, I gave a perfect rating of 5 on Goodreads for the first two books but on The Death Cure, I only gave a rating of 3/5.
Don’t get me wrong, this book was amazingly done as usual, the only problem was the ending. It was weak. James Dashner created this complicated, interesting story with a lot of twists that I really wondered how he’d solve everything. How would he be able to solve such miserable and tragic problems?
And that, guys, was the dilemma. James Dashner wasn’t able to give a solution. It was like he himself didn’t know how things would end and just created a basic solution that was kind of pointless, causing the amazing level of the story to drop in a snap.
I really don’t want to give spoilers so I’d say this as vague as possible… So here’s the deal: Let’s face it, a lot of characters die when it’s a dystopian novel, no surprise there. Yet the issue with this book is that important deaths were left off like it was no biggie, making it seem that those were deaths that you could shrug off. I know that deaths always come unexpectedly, that you couldn’t always get a reconciliation or a proper goodbye, that is reality and Dashner did a great job at making it realistic. However, what I didn’t like was the aftermath of it, James Dashner should’ve put more importance to it then left it to be ignored like nothing colossal occurred.
It hurts me to say all of these guys, believe me, I don’t like to say negative things about a book, but I gave my oath to be honest.
Furthermore, please remember that I only hated the way things end with this trilogy. We all know how important the endings are but what matters is that James Dashner provided a consistent thrill and epic journey to all of his readers. That’s what counts the most and the adventure he has given to everyone was still worthwhile. Just because I don’t approve of the ending, that doesn’t mean everyone don’t. Who knows, maybe you’ll love the way it end so don’t let me prevent you from reading The Maze Runner Trilogy, I still love it deeply!
If you want to know my specific reactions on the book that yes, contains spoilers, feel free to ask me. You know where to talk to me!
Watch the book to movie adaptation of The Maze Runner, coming out this September!
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Bibliophile Feather: Your bookstore bug! 
