Louize

• Rated 5 stars

“

NEVER ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEAD.

NEVER STRAY FROM HALLOWED GROUND.

NEVER GET CLOSE TO THE HAUNTED.

NEVER, EVER TEMPT FATE.

My father’s rules.

I’ve never broken them…until now.



Amelia Gray is an archeologist who established herself as a restorer of graveyards. Taphophiles flocks her blog site earning her a pedestal among the best of her field. Aside from fascination, her passion for graveyards rooted from a very young age influenced by her father, a graveyard caretaker - her first teacher, mentor and confidant.



But seeing ghosts were not part of her passion or her profession. It’s a secret both shared by father and daughter. A secret that had moved her to loneliness and isolation; always seeking a hallowed ground, both physically and emotionally. Amelia grew up constantly on guard. Yet, despite her best efforts to follow her father’s rules, she can’t avoid being fatally attracted to John Devlin, a haunted police detective; and his disturbing murder case.



How to describe this book? Let me see… Imagine being in a Charleston twilight, seated on a lounge chair under an Angel Oak in a garden, with a riot of Crepe Myrtle in every color everywhere. In your hand is a fluted glass foaming with ghosts, strongly laced with mystery and topped with a tempting amount of romance. Perfect, right?



After reading The Abandoned, I can’t wait long enough to get into The Restorer. Amanda Stevens surely knows how to exquisitely deliver poetic lines, all the while luring you to follow her protagonist into an eerie path. Her knowledge of Taphophilia and symbolism is astounding. This is one of those rare books I could hardly tear myself from. I know it would be an agony waiting for the next installment. For now, I will have to hold on this promise from Amelia…



“But this was not to be a final goodbye. Our story was not yet finished.”



If you are in need of an exceptionally written ghost story this is the book for you.



*Disclaimer: Thanks to Mira Books and NetGalley for the e-galley copy.




”

Louize wrote this review Monday, September 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“
After reading Iron Queen, I remember saying that I was glad seeing Meghan mature. This time, it’s Ash’s turn…

“I promised I’d find a way for us to be together, I intend to keep that promise.”

I should have read the Survival Guide to the Nevernever first before I prowled into the book. Iron Knight is a non-stop action/adventure. Ash is so serious in keeping his promise that he was willing to go through everything as quickly as he should, and travel the extra mile needed to gain a soul. A very impatient young man, he doesn’t like wasting time indeed. He left me breathless and proud.

Again, the brilliance of Ms. Julie in choosing characters is superb. This book has the best party-of-five for this adventure. The daring Prince of Winter Court, Ash; the Summer Court jester, Puck; the cait sith, Grimalkin; the Big Bad Wolf; and Ariella. The exchange of wits and lines was very entertaining; there was never a dull moment. It was the roughness of their individualities that made the chemistry of characters smooth.

The setting is the second brilliant factor. From the River of Dreams (through the Deep Wyld and the Briars and then the gauntlet) to the End of the World, the description and vividness of imagination was flawless. It was the perfect blend for the intention of the adventure. Anything less is unacceptable.

It was also interesting how morality was applied into the story. Often, when we speak of gaining a soul, we speak of morality. Something so pure is not easily won. But there is no preaching on the matter. Simply that, having a soul doesn’t make us good; it makes us remember our offenses and vowing to live better in the future. That factor alone leveled up YA fiction.

“I am still yours, my queen,” Ash said looking me straight in the eye. “If you’ll have me.”

Finally, I’m happy that this was told from Ash’s point of view. I believe that the ending of the series was very powerful and effective because of that.

Congratulations Ms. Julie Kagawa, and thank you for the wonderful journey through the world of Iron Fey.

*Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the galley proof.
Originally posted here: http://athoughtoneachpage.tumblr.com/”

Louize wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This was fast and CRAZY! :)
Thank you Ms. Julie for providing a short reprieve.
Now, I can wait more patiently for the Iron Knight.”

Louize wrote this review Thursday, June 2, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“"When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time."

Silence dominates Melinda Sordino’s freshman year in Merryweather High School. A recent traumatic experience that led to a very complicated misunderstanding sent a sudden collapse on her being. Aside from being completely mute in public, Melinda’s private and social life is in ruins. Slowly, she began to lose interest in everything, including her family and school. If possible, she wants also to lose the memory of that traumatic night. Abandoned and confused, Melinda longs for someone to comfort her. And so, privately, she engages in these heartbreaking monologues since no one seems to care and listen.

"My face becomes a Picasso sketch, my body slicing into pieces."

Social stigmatization is not just cultural. It happens everywhere. It is most difficult when uninformed perceptions push a person into self-ostracism. Secrets and stigma are the most prominent theme on Melinda’s account of her freshman year. The first person narration of Speak is its best character. And Melinda’s monologues drive a great impact, making it very personal for every reader.

"You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against."

Strongly, this book stressed how important family relationship is. Harmony within our home is the best comfort and security for our children, they become more open. Encouraging our children to speak up boldly (but respectful) without fear of being punished or humiliated may be their best way to survive and lead a healthy life.
”

Louize wrote this review Tuesday, March 8, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“


"It's so hard to leave-until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world...Leaving feels too good, once you leave."

We all leave eventually. No matter who and what we are, or where we’re from, we will someday and somehow leave our comfort zones or the norm of our lives to find ourselves a place in this world. Some people take their time into actually doing it. They spent much time planning and scheming on how they should gloriously plow into life. There are some who tried a few times before succeeding, by accepting that their heavy butts are beginning to be a burden to their family and to the economy.

Then, there are those who are used to having things come to them in a rush; and when it’s not fast enough they go for it instead… Such is Margo Roth Spiegelman and many other teenagers out there who cannot wait to be themselves without the restriction of the norm. My dear nephew, Jaff, calls it emancipation. This is perfectly normal; it’s a matter of how they are motivated and inspired. They should be equipped, so as not to become scattered dandelions, gliding aimlessly waiting where the wind will blow them. Unfortunately for Margo, she has uninspired parents to motivate her. They are like the paper cut-outs Margo described, who boxed themselves inside this very peculiar thing called normal life. They regard Margo's actions as rebellion.

"It is easy to forget how full the world is of people, full to bursting, and each of them imaginable and consistently misimagined."

Margo, on the other hand, sees life as a colorful journey filled with dark abandoned buildings, knee-high grasses, endless road, moonlit roof and plenty of exhilarating risks. But all this is unknown to her family and friends. All her life, she has coated herself with a shell of Margo Stuff- the cool ones. It has then become difficult for her to remove her coating and be herself. So the only option is to leave it all behind. But there is still one string attached to this papergirl – Quentin Jacobsen. She wants Q to know her; understand her; love her who she is inside, no matter how crooked and unreasonable that Margo may be.

"The way I figure it, everyone gets a miracle.”

Q braved the challenge- he took the journey and accepted the would be consequences of it. Little did he know that this journey will not only lead him to Margo, but discover the Margo hiding within too. Thus, making him aware of his capabilities and weaknesses. Knowing that he will succeed in finding his place in the world someday soon. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll find Margo there as well.

My favorite part is the Vessel. It made me laugh out loud listening to Ben’s pissing-in-beer-bottle scene. I had fun with this; I do hope you will too.

”

Louize wrote this review Friday, March 4, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

““Are you ready for an ignominious defeat?”

That is but a sample of how witty this book is. The plot is the usual “good versus evil” sort of story and it is easy to compare it with other children’s books with the same theme. But, I have to say, that this 4 “smart as whip” kids really held my attention. The Mysterious Benedict Society seriously made me laugh most times. I immensely enjoyed their quip conversations and clever sleuthing.

I highly recommend this book to those who likes solving puzzles, codes and mysteries. I have one tip while reading this, though- QUIT COMPARING! Keep an open mind, relax and enjoy. :)”

Louize wrote this review Thursday, February 10, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“

“Most people dream big, you dream small. It’s just whatever you haven’t got is what you want. It isn’t the life, it’s what you do with it. So, do something regular with your irregular life, rather than trying to get a regular one, ‘cause you’d just do something irregular with that.”

Driven by my fondness of the film adaptation, I grabbed this book from an on-sale bin from BookSale. I’m sure you’re all aware of the all-star cast movie; and of Meryl Streep and Shirley McLaine’s Golden Globe and Oscar’s nomination for this film. The film, itself, was ill-received and closely-scrutinized though.

The story revolved around Suzanne Vale, an actress and a rehab patient for drug addiction. While unlike the film, which was funny and catchy, the book was much sensible for me. It was focused on the subject of recovery from drug addiction, while the movie focused more on the constant friction between the over-bearing mother and her low-esteemed daughter.

The book was written in 5 parts. The prologue was written in postcards sent to her brother, friend and grandmother. It was followed by a self-narration in journal form, covering most of her stay and acquaintances in the rehabilitation center. Then, a dialogue/monologue with a producer (turned lover) followed. The 4th part was a third-person narrative of how Suzanne is struggling to put her life together, recovering her status as an actress, and as a person in need of a worthy relationship. Brought about by the heart-to-heart talk with her sententious grandmother, Suzanne found some semblance in her struggles and take hold of some normalcy in her life. In conclusion, the 5th part was a letter addressed to the doctor who pumped her stomach during her drug overdose, prior to her rehab.

Needless to say, the book was written in a very unusual style. It will either interest you more, or try your patience. Looking past that, the story and lesson applies to most of us, struggling through rehab or not, since we are all in this ever winding process of discovering and rediscovering our purpose in life. This is a vague story behind the question: When are we going to let go of what we want, and accept the things we should have?

“P.S. That night in the emergency room, do you recall if I threw up something I needed? Some small but trivial thing that belonged inside? I distinctly feel as though I’m missing something.
But then, I always have.”

”

Louize wrote this review Thursday, January 27, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“When I first considered reading this book, I asked myself if I am lucid enough to absorb Lewis’ arguments. I ended up quoting him and taking notes more than I usually do. But then, I realized that I am merely to review, not write an abridge version.
The Problem of Pain is a small book with big words. It is a great challenge, as well as profitable if you don't give up.”

Louize wrote this review Wednesday, January 26, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“In a world very similar with ours, Skin Hunger was told alternately by two very important characters centuries apart. Sadima, a farm girl, exists in a time where magic was both hated and feared. Magicians, fake or legit, were punishable by death if apprehended. Her family, being victims of a fake magician themselves, is another reason why she hides her gift. Her longing to be accepted as who she is draws her to a boy who seeks the resurrection of magic.

Haph, on the other hand, was born from wealth. He exists in a time when magic is a pricey commodity. There is no need or luxury that magic cannot provide with the right price. Being an underachiever though, his father decided to put him in the hands of the magicians to be one of their students. Although being a student also means he have chances of failing, when failing means death for every student.

Sadima and Haph exist with magic, but death looms over them too. The first may be the reason for magic to resurrect and the other may be the reason for it to die once again.

The plot, as it is, was very interesting. Alternately narrated by both main characters made it easier and faster to read. Each character was well-thought and centered. Sadima’s naivety both charms and irritates me, which was funny because it is one of the reasons I kept reading. The other is my interest in knowing what really happened to the missing boys. The only odd thing I noticed was the absence of Sadima’s magic for 28 chapters. Since the story somehow began with the evidence of her gift, I was expecting more of it along the way. Instead, her story focused more on her obsession with a boy.
”

Louize wrote this review Friday, January 21, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“During my childhood, Zimatar, a radio drama was very popular. Before classes start the every morning, children would tell and retell the story to one another. Expounding how wonderful yesterday's episode was. Those were the days...

This edition of The Hobbit brought me back to my youth. It was alive, fun and very entertaining. Narrated simultaneously by both Bilbo and Gandalf. When I say simultaneously, what I mean is that they sometimes talk both at the same time, which was really funny making me laugh out loud while walking.

Listening to the whole adventure is twice as exciting and suspenseful. Everything seems to be real especially the fight scenes/part. Mostly I love it when the dwarfs and elves were singing. It was very rewarding every time they put a tune to the words I once only read.

Amazing thing, too, is that Andy Serkis, who gave voice to Sméagol to Jackson's LOTR trilogy, have a very similar voice to Peter Woodthorpe of the BBC edition.

I totally love and enjoyed this edition. Hope you guys consider trying it.

”

Louize wrote this review Friday, January 14, 2011. ( reply | permalink )