” Once upon a time, it was your story. ” • Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson

Helloo everyone, this is me again and I just finished a very good book and I’m not sure if I am able to stop talking about it but we’ll see 😏

Title : Forged in Fire and Stars
Author : Andrea Robertson
Publisher : Philomer Publication
Publish date : May 2020
Genre : Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

SYNOPSIS

Games of Thrones meets An Ember in the Ashes in this action-packed fantasy from the internationally bestselling author of the Nightshade series.

Ara has always known about the legend of the Loresmith: the blacksmith who served alongside the kings and queens of every generation to protect the kingdom. It was her fate to inherit the title–though she never truly believed it would come to pass since the monarchy’s downfall years before.

But when the lost Princess Nimhea and Prince Eamon steal Ara from her quiet life with a mission to retake the throne–and take her place as the Loresmith–her whole world turns upside down. Their journey will take Ara on a dangerous adventure to discover new truths about her family’s legacy, and even to face the gods themselves. And with a mysterious thief as an unexpected companion, Ara must use all her skills to figure out just who she can trust, and forge the right path forward–for herself, her kingdom, and her heart.

From internationally bestselling author Andrea Cremer comes a gorgeously written new fantasy series perfect for readers of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse or Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series.

MY REVIEW

For god’s sake, you guys NEED TO READ THIS. I LOVE EVERY INCHES OF THIS BOOK. ❤😍

The storyline was insane. Even the first three chapters, is like the whole book. It was soo amazingg. The background story of Ara’s parents are just wow, they are so freaking cool! The whole story are surprises and more surprises! I am totally overwhelmed! 💓

The pacing for the first half is a bit slow, at least for me. But after that it speeds up like roller coaster. It gone so fast you cannot put it down 😂 No I’m not kidding. You wouldn’t be bored even for a second.

Did I mention Teth? YES TETH. Our dreamy naughty theft is so lovable 😘 He stole my heart and might stole yours too 😚 I love his character so so much I cannot describe it with ✨words✨ To summarize him, he’s just a copy paste of Flynn Rider from Tangled 💕

Also, the language used is a bit difficult to understand, like it’s no that straight forward but it’s so beautiful ✨ It matches so well with the writing style!

As I say, I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH GOSH I CANNOT STOP !

Rating : 5 / 5 🌟

Thank so much to @times.reads for sending this book my way in return of an honest review! Thank you for your time ❤

These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

What a happy day! I finished another book today 😍 I am looking forward about this book and this is what I thought about it!

Title : These Witches Don’t Burn
Author : Isabel Sterling
Publisher : Razorbill
Total pages : 320 pages

SYNOPSIS

Hannah’s a witch, but not the kind you’re thinking of. She’s the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she’s ever caught using it in front of a Reg (read: non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans.

But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah’s concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah’s sure it’s the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica.

While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she’s going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem’s witches become deadlier by the day.

MY REVIEW

This book is something, I sure you . All the witchy stuff and contemporary world are really exciting and I was hyped up to read this. Which leads me to a high expectations. I have read some witchy reads and didn’t like it that much 😍

And that’s what you get for having high hopes.

The storyline is brilliant. The characters and the concept, even the setting and the coven formation are all detailed. Hannah is surely a great female lead in this one, but I had a little issue with Veronica. Didn’t like her much but I still can tolerate with her.

The plot is quite fast. Totally suitable for a fast reader and a quick read. Plus, the storyline isn’t too complicated and easy to understand. I would recommend this to a beginner reader, honestly ✨

And moving on to my shitty opinion. I do think the ending is a bit rushed. It kills the joy of the ‘final battle’. Totally not what I thought to be and sincerely I don’t like it. The change of the antagonist also disturbs me. I don’t want to spoil anything from the book but if you have read, you know what I mean.

Despite my opinion, I am categorizing this as a ✨ HIDDEN GEM ✨ not highly recommend, but you should give it a try 🐥

Rating : 3.5/4 🌟

Thank you for your time 😍

” I am… REBORN. ” • July Seventeenth by Kim Ko

New review on board! I finished reading on a ride to my hometown and write this review right away. Thank goodness I don’t have car sick or else I would’ve sleep for the entire ride.

Title : July Seventeenth
Author : Kim Ko
Publisher : Brolga Publication
Total pages : 475 pages

SYNOPSIS

(Inspired by true events and the MH-17 tragedy)
Kayla Ng is a good girl who wants to please her parents and her grandparents and relatives.
But she is also born in the year of the dragon. Her Chinese sign predicts she has fire within. When she is sent to study in Australia, from her homeland of Malaysia, she works hard to fulfil everyone’s expectations of her becoming a doctor.

She makes two lifelong friends: Eva and Russell, and her story highlights the difficulties, loneliness and often hilarious world of being an international student in Australia. While striving to graduate as a doctor, a tragic death destroys her world. Kayla realizes she must choose: will she live the life expected of her, or will she live the life she dares to dream, and in doing so, risk losing all she has?

MY REVIEW

The synopsis does captivating at first. I was all excited to read but luckily I didn’t put high expectations on this.

The storyline is a bit draggy at the first 200 pages. I kept skipping scenes and dialogues. Then, things get quite interesting when Kayla started to have conflict with her life as a student, doctor and a daughter.

The characters are a bit plain. I kind of like Russell’s personality, same goes to Eva. But Kayla is not a type of person I would hang out with. Fortunately her story is more interesting than mine 😂

I enjoyed the hospital scenes and the patient. The additional information on the culture and medicine stuff are well described. Totally my favourite scenes ever ❤ I was hoping more of it but you can’t always have it your way. Overall, I won’t say this book is good or bad. It’s 50-50 .

Rating : 3/5 🌟

Thank you so much the author for sending this book my way in return of an honest review. This book is now available for purchase 😍

Thank you for your time ❤

” Childhoods are the best ” • House of Koi by Lilian Li

Two reviews in a day? That’s not me, but anyway I am excited for this one. House of Koi had been my anticipated read for the whole its existence 👀 I did not kid you. Okay, House of Koi, here we go! 🐥

Title : House of Koi
Author : Lilian Li
Publisher : New Degree Press
Release Date : 2 December 2019
Pages Total : 260 pages

SYNOPSIS

House of Koi is about identity and learning that, sometimes, your future is waiting for you in your past.

The story follows Mila as she strives to reconcile the person she became in an effort to fit into her American international school with the young girl she was; the girl who spoke Mandarin and Malay with ease. Is it too late to embrace both parts of herself?

When Mila is sent to the top of the mountain to live with her grandmother for a year when her parents go away for business, she cannot avoid her native tongue, even if she does try. To make matters worse, Mila must now attend a local private school, and navigate a world she seems to barely understand.

Everyone keeps telling her that she should not forget her heritage, but this only takes her deeper inside herself. That is until she meets the “Fish Boy” from the bottom of the mountain. Together, they teach one another what the other is best at. However, every time Mila asks about the past, he refuses to answer. She resolves to find out what happened that caused her to be unable to look her grandmother squarely in the eye.

MY REVIEW

First of all I wanna say, I LOVE HOW MALAYSIAN THIS BOOK IS! ❤ I legit want to scream it on top of a building. I did have high hope on this one and this one does not disappoint me 💕

Honestly, the first three chapters weren’t intriguing much. But after that, yeah now we’re talking. I love how the story flows. It portrayed a lot of relatable childhood memories of a malaysian kid. The traditional games and foods. And the Milo is my favourite! Milo is kinda like Malaysian image nowadays. Everything chocolate is Milo 😂

The characters are also likeable. Mila is so sweet but she’s scared of, I don’t know, everything? But that when Sean slammed the door open and save the day. You wouldn’t know how much I give my heart to Sean. He’s such a sweet kind-hearted boy. Wishing he’s true 😌 Their relationship are just on point. It’s kind of love-hate childhood friendship but you crave for more.

Also, the pacing is quite fast and you wouldn’t get bored easily. I think this could be a fun read on a trip or on cultural celebration. Definite recommended 😍

Rating : 4.5/5 🌟

Thank you for your time ❤ Shout out to MPH Distribution for sending this eARC on my way in return of an honest review. This book is available at MPH Bookstores and Kinokuniya ✨

Dancing Souls by Sharifah Nadirah

Hello again. I’ve been away for awhile and I’m back with another poetry review ❤

SYNOPSIS

Don’t be afraid to feel, emotions are beautiful, to feel is a way to deal with life episodes. They say to feel and express everything is a sign of weakness and you will appear vulnerable, I beg to differ. Those who have never tried to feel and resist to experience going through their own emotions will appear strong on the outside but apparently they are fragile on the inside, because they never feel, and when we don’t feel, we will never know how to handle a touch of an emotion, that’s why it will easily drive us insane. Diving deep into a feeling will make us want to swim up for air again, to breathe again, to see everything clear again and to believe once more. Choose to feel. To feel is fearless, it breeds courage.

MY REVIEW

Can I say this book came to me at the right time? I am in the middle of examination and this poetry, just soothe me and I dont know how to describe it.

The words used in the poetry are so strong, yet so beautiful. I love how the words contrast the strong feeling of love and faith. Also, it sometimes get savage and scream SIKE 😂 well, at least for me.

Each poetry are short and easy to understand. It’s quite a fast read but if you rather to read it slowly, you would be able to feel the aura of the words and what they meant.

I also read two inspirational words book from the same author which is A Deserving Love and Leap of Faith. Each book are special on it’s own although they moved me the same way. It matched my current situation and give me courage. I don’t mind rereading it over and over again for self reminder. You should, too ✨

Rating : 3/5 🌟

A Deserving Love

A Leap of Faith

Thank you so much for your time 😍 Contact the author @s.n_writes__ on Instagram for purchase .

[ Blog Tour ] Displacement by Kiku Hughes

Hello! Another tour stopped by today. I hope you can spend a minute because this hidden gem in will be talking about will change your perspective 🤗

Title : Displacement
Author : Kiku Hughes
Publisher : First Second Books/Fierce Reads
Release date : August 18th, 2020
Genre(s): YA FICTION–Graphic Novel, Historical

SYNOPSIS

A teenager is pulled back in time to witness her grandmother’s experiences in World War II-era Japanese internment camps in Displacement, a historical graphic novel from Kiku Hughes.

Kiku is on vacation in San Francisco when suddenly she finds herself displaced to the 1940s Japanese-American internment camp that her late grandmother, Ernestina, was forcibly relocated to during World War II.

These displacements keep occurring until Kiku finds herself “stuck” back in time. Living alongside her young grandmother and other Japanese-American citizens in internment camps, Kiku gets the education she never received in history class. She witnesses the lives of Japanese-Americans who were denied their civil liberties and suffered greatly, but managed to cultivate community and commit acts of resistance in order to survive.

Kiku Hughes weaves a riveting, bittersweet tale that highlights the intergenerational impact and power of memory.

MY REVIEW

So this is my first graphic novel. Zero expectation at the beginning but hundred percent of satisfication! ❤

The plot going fast and fun. You would less likely to get bored reading this. I love the storyline, giving me the idea of how Japanese-American lives in the World War II era. With the internment camps and stuff. That looks tough, seriously. Also, I like the concept of time travel or should I put it ‘ travelling within memories ‘ ? Well described 😂

Since this is a graphic novel, let’s talk about the artstyle and the theme. The artstyle is very simple. Not much detail in the scenery or clothing or else and it is not eye soring 👀 The theme is also one of my favourite. The cozy orange brown theme create a new aura of the story. I was sucked into the story. I really recommend this as a simple and relaxing read.

The appeal of the topic, which is Japanese-American, generally racism is well written in this book. It is not focused on Japanese-American but to others like Muslims and Latinx. I think the author had did a great job carrying such a heavy topic in a simple way. 🙌

Rating : 3/5 🌟

Thank you so much Turn The Pages Tour for this enormous opportunity. Thank you for your time, too! ❤

[ Blog Tour ] Heart Sister by Michael F. Stewart

Hello again, everyone! This is the kick start of the Xpresso Book Tour and I am the first host for today! 🙌 Let’s give a big hand 😜

Without further a due, let’s get started!

Title : Heart Sister
Author : Michael F. Stewart
Publication date: September 15th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

SYNOPSIS

After his twin sister, Minnie, dies in an accident, Emmitt’s world goes sideways. He’s lost his best friend and it feels like the family is falling apart without her. But Minnie was an organ donor and Emmitt soon receives an anonymous thank you letter from one of the transplant recipients. Inspiration strikes, and he decides to try and put his sister back together, in spirit. He’s going to track down each organ recipient and film them to show his parents the results of Minnie’s selfless act and help them move on. But when each recipient falls short of his expectations and the star of his film, the girl who received his sister’s heart, refuses to meet him, Emmitt has to turn to extreme measures to find her. What he doesn’t know is that his “heart sister” is hiding an agonizing secret, one that could push Emmitt to the breaking point.

MY REVIEW

This book is really heart-touching. The story sets after Minnie Highland had deceased and she donated her organs to all suitable donors. Her twin brother, Emmit Highland wants to find all the donor for a video of how a piece of Minnie changed their lives. Everyone joined but the heart receipent. The heart sister.

The plot was really fast-paced. With a little bit flashback about how’s Minnie when she’s still a healty living girl, that one slowed me down for a few pages but still it is fun! I love Minnie’s background with her taxidermy hobby ( which is very rare to find on a girl ).

The storyline is heart warming. I love it. Although it kind of reminds me of Five Feet Apart. Emmit’s journey of finding Minnie’s receipents made himself met all kind of people from all walks of life and bizzare backgrounds.

I was mesmerized with the story of finding the Heart Sister. She went anonymous and the hospital kept her information secret. The only way Emmit could find her is to sneak into the hospital and search the hospital server. Well, that one could gone wrong, right? All the comedy and touching aspects are balancing well.

I would say this book deserve all the loves ❤ you guys really need to check this one out 🐥

Rating : 4.5/5 🌟

Thank you so much XpressoTour from giving me the opportunity to join this amazing blog tour. This book will hit all good bookstores on September 15the 2020. Keep your eyes on it, guys!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Reward yourself with a print copy of Heart Sister and 10 ebook copies of Ray Vs the Meaning of Life! This giveaway will end on August 20th so make sure to take your spot and try your luck 😉 Click here to join 🙌

Till we meet again ❤

” What was it like in Homs? ” • The Stray Cats of Homs by Eva Nour

Reading slump torture me for TWO WEEKS when I was reading this AWESOME book. I felt bad not being able to read ( dammit animes ) but today I officially finish this book ! Pat pat to myself 💕

So without further a due, let’s get started with the review.

Title : The Stray Cats of Homs
Author : Eva Nour , Agnes Broome ( Translator )
Date Published : Spring 2020
Publisher : Transworld Publisher
Total Pages : 370 pages

SYNOPSIS

‘A cat has seven souls in Arabic. In English cats have nine lives. You probably have both nine lives and seven souls, because otherwise I don’t know how you’ve made it this far.’

Sami’s childhood is much like any other – an innocent blend of family and school, of friends and relations and pets (including stray cats and dogs, and the turtle he keeps on the roof).

But growing up in one of the largest cities in Syria, with his country at war with itself, means that nothing is really normal. And Sami’s hopes for a better future are ripped away when he is conscripted into the military and forced to train as a map maker.

Sami may be shielded from the worst horrors of the war, but it will still be impossible to avoid his own nightmare…

Inspired by extraordinary true events, The Stray Cats of Homs is the story of a young man who will do anything to keep the dream of home alive, even in the face of unimaginable devastation. Tender, wild and unbearably raw, it is a novel which will stay with you for ever.

MY REVIEW

Firstly I want to say wow. Just wow. I never thought of a point of view in a war. Well, I did have a thought of what I would be like, but I never knew it would be that… unbelievable.

The story sets in a city called Homs. Where the people were lived happily before the war hits the ground. People are being murdered brutally with bombs and gunfires. It was really terrifying. And this is a story of Sami.

For me, the story was very heart touching but the plot is a bit flat. I know this is based on a true story so the plot cannot be change. This is a story untold, can’t do anything about the plot. But what matters is the content.

The characters are a bit many. It’s quite hard for me to remember everyone’s name and role. But I figured it out at the end. Sami’s character development is so amazing. From a boy who wears a shirt with penguin into a strong fighter. Honestly, I cried a few times just thinking of his development. I respect him, so much ❤

But the contra is I am not a fan of the writing style. To me, it’s too plain and bland. Not enough emotion in it. But enough to tell the story to the world.

Rating : 4/5 🌟

All thanks to Times Read for sending this arc my way in return of an honest review! This book is available in all good bookstores. ❤ Thank you for your time!

[ BLOGTWIT TOUR ] • Sumpah Karya Shaz Johar

Assalammualaikum dan Salam Sejahtera 🌤 Dah macam rancangan tapi tak apa, hari ni kita ada satu lagi review untuk BlogTwit Tour Untitled Book Club X Buku Fixi ✨

Tajuk : Sumpah
Penulis : Shaz Johar
Tarikh Terbit : 25 Julai 2020
Penerbit : Buku Fixi
Jumlah Muka Surat : 292

SYNOPSIS

Kerana desakan hidup, Lela Palatute yang baru berusia 12 tahun telah dikahwinkan dengan seorang lelaki yang jauh lebih tua oleh ibunya sendiri. Dia kemudian terpaksa menjalani kehidupan sebagai seorang isteri dalam sebuah banglo mewah yang diwarisi suaminya, jauh dari kehidupan lamanya sebagai remaja yang masih bersekolah.

Semasa menerokai banglo itu dan kawasan sekitarnya, dia telah bertemu seorang wanita tua yang mahu membunuhnya serta makhluk misteri di dalam loteng yang sering mengikutnya ke mana-mana. Enggan terus hidup diselubungi misteri, Lela merancang cara untuk kembali kepada kehidupan asalnya dan keluar daripada malapetaka yang sedang berlaku.

MY REVIEW

Mula-mula aku start nak baca, aku memang tak letak apa apa expectation sebab ini first time aku baca karya Shaz Johar. ( ada je buku SJ yang lain tapi tak bukak plastik lagi ) dan aku tak expect akan jadi macam ni.

Pacing ( kelajuan ) cerita agak laju, tapi best sebab banyak benda jadi. Banyak informasi masuk dan secara langsung lagi curious nak baca lebih lagi. Plot cerita pun sebenarnya unik, at least bagi aku. Buku ini ketengahkan isu child marriage yang mana mungkin dekat Malaysia tak ada sangat (setahu aku ) tapi dekat negara yang kurang berkemampuan agak banyak.

Watak-watak dalam buku pun best. Semua personaliti mereka sesuai untuk dimasukkan dalam setting buku tu. Lela yang menjadi watak utama sangat, menghidupkan jalan cerita. Aku tak habis lagi kesian dekat dia. Tapi aku salute juga dekat Lela, walaupun mak dia marah tak tentu pasal Lela tetap nak duduk dengan mak dia. Terharuuu :’)

Cerita ni pun dimasukkan unsur supernatural dan mistik. Macam cerita dongeng, tapi bukan yang klise. Bukan sikit ya, banyak gila. Aku rasa isu child marriage tu tenggelam sikit. Tapi masih masuk dengan cerita.

Dan part ending dia, agak rushing ( atau aku yang rushing? ) Sebab semuanya berlaku dengan pantas. Dengan flashback, dengan lawan lawan lagi. Yang peliknya senang pulak nak hadam semua benda tu.

Tapi masih ada misteri yang belum dilunaskan penjelasannya. Tak nak cerita dekat sini, nanti spoil. So, itu aje lah kut yang aku rasa tersinggung sikit. Sikit je lah.

Rating : 4.6 / 5 🌟

Terima kasih Untitled Book Club dan Buku Fixi kerana menganjurkan BlogTwit Tour ini ☺ Aku harap penulis dapat terus berkarya ♥ Jumpa lagi dalam review akan datang! Terima kasih.

“Who needs a husband, anyway? ” • Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho

I am finally back! After a week of hiatus, I missed everything; books, reviews, blogging and stuff. So without further a due, let’s get into the review!

Title : Last Tang Standing
Author : Lauren Ho
Publish Date : June 1St 2020
Publisher : G. P. Putnam’s Sons

SYNOPSIS

At thirty-three, Andrea Tang is living the dream: she has a successful career as a lawyer, a posh condo, and a clutch of fun-loving friends who are always in the know about Singapore’s hottest clubs and restaurants. All she has to do is make partner at her law firm and she will have achieved everything she (and her mother) has ever worked for. So what if she’s poised to be the last unmarried member of her generation of the Tang clan? She doesn’t need a man to feel fulfilled, no matter what her meddling relatives have to say about it. 

But for a dutiful Chinese-Malaysian daughter, the weight of familial expectations is hard to ignore. And so are the men life keeps throwing in Andrea’s path. Men like Suresh Aditparan, her annoyingly attractive rival for partner and the last man she should be spending time with, and Eric Deng, a wealthy entrepreneur whose vision for their future is more lavish than she could have imagined. With her workplace competition growing ever more intense, her friends bringing dramas of their own to her door, and her family scrutinizing her every romantic prospect, Andrea finds herself stretched to the breaking point. And she can’t help but wonder: In the endless tug-of-war between pleasing others and pleasing herself, is there room for everyone to win?

MY REVIEW

I genuinely don’t know how should I put this review. I have mixed feeling about this one. And I don’t know should I talk about the pro or the contra.

Let’s just do both.

At the intro, the plot was so so good. I love the flow very much. The characters introduction is also well done. Tang’s family story and stuff. But when it beyond 50 pages, I felt like something’s not right.

The story went blant. I kinda lost interest a bit but I kept going. Hoping for the story to get better. Well, it did get better but still I am a bit bored with the story. Not because I didn’t care less about a love life of a workaholic woman in her thirty. But, there’s too less stuff going on and I couldn’t care less.

I can say the most interesting part of the dating part. Whether it with Orson or Eric. Yeah, I like those gents. A lot. But Andrea is the problem. I can’t cope with her. The progress is just too slow and I get bored. But I get the idea of what’s happening.

Over all of the things, I need to give compliments to the rivals to lovers trope. Well you can’t really see it from the start but it’s kind of hidden and you didn’t see it coming. Really, I am amazed.

Rating : 3/5 🌟

Thank you so much @times.read for the review copy in return of an honest review. This book is available in any good bookstores! ♥