from me to you #37

Hiiiiiii! Oh I’ve missed blogging! So, I’m back from a week of vacation and it was great and fun and amazing! I mean, I really needed that off from work and everything else and now I feel… well, like myself again. 😁 Anyhow, I missed this! I missed writing, I missed reading blogs, I missed talking to you all lovely people but I especially missed reading! You see, when I filed that vacation leave I also told myself I would take a break from reading, too, because lately I was kinda not in the mood to read and yes, we call it a slump. I have books I’ve been meaning to finish for a while now that until now are still sitting on my night stand. But, but! now I’m back and I’m all fired up to read everything I left behind.

My friends and I travelled north and it was three days of fun and adventure. We visited museums, windmills, beaches, falls and even tried sand boarding! It was crazy fun though my expecience was not that good. My boyfriend and I shared a board and unfortunately it went a little off track causing us to crash. But still, we were okay and the experience were great for our friends. It was also Valentine’s Day on our second day and I was happy to spend it not only with my boyfriend but also with my lovely friends!

Well, I’ll tell you more about my vacation in a separate post because for now I just want you to know now I’m so totally back with blogging! I know I’ve missed out on so much but hopefully I catch up. Okay then, until my next post. Bye for now. Happy reading!

Weekend Getaway: Tagaytay 2017

Marga, Dez, Kia, Kim

 It's been forever since our friend Marga went to the States and last Christmas she and her family came back here in the Philippines to visit some relatives and friends and we were lucky enough to have had some quality time together (despite our busy work schedule) since we really missed her so much! They stayed here for about three weeks and during those times we were able to see each other twice!

 

Marga went to the same University with us but during our third year her family migrated to Reno, Nevada so she wasn't able to finish her degree with us. It's been years but now we're just happy we were able to spend some time together again. 

She had to squeeze her schedule meeting everyone she wanted to see during her stay here and right before they flew back we already planned on having a weekend getaway. So there we were at Tagaytay one weekend, having fun and catching up on everything (though we regularly talk in Facebook!).

 

 We went to People's Park, Picnic Grove, Pink Sisters' Convent and had late lunch at LZM Restaurant. There were a lot of people as usual and the weather was so good we wished we could stay longer. Picnic Grove was a tiring one since we had to walk the trail but it was fun! We also planned on visiting the Korean Temple we passed by on our way to People's Park but we were short in time and we had to come back to Manila by 7pm. 

It was really a day well spent with them and how I wished time would slow down so we could spend more time together. But of course, time is a bitch. 

Now Marga and her family is back in Reno and we will surely miss her again! But she promised to visit again sooooooon. :)

Movie: Doctor Strange 2016

I had a chance to win invites to an exclusive screening of Doctor Strange a couple of weeks ago courtesy of Cadbury Dairy Milk and Nuffnang Philippines. Since I scored two tickets, I went with my friend and we both definitely enjoyed the movie!

 ★★★★/★★★★★

Main characters:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange 

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo

Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer

Benedict Wong as Wong

Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius  

Tilda Swinton as Ancient One

 Doctor Strange is a character from the Marvel Comics of the same name and tells the story of Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who, after a tragic accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions in search of a way to heal his hands. 

Strange is a talented but arrogant doctor who chooses his patients and thinks highly of himself. After losing the use of his hands due to a car accident and not finding a way to heal them through traditional medicine, he ventures on a journey to Kathmandu after hearing the story of Jonathan Pangborn, a paraplegic who is able to walk again. Strange finds Karl Mordo in Kamar-Taj who then brings him to the Ancient One. The Ancient One shows Strange her power, revealing the astral plane and other dimensions such as the Mirror Dimension. Strange is skeptical at first but when the Ancient One shows him more, he begs her to teach him. The Ancient One initially refuses because of Strange's arrogance and because he reminds her of Kaecilius, a former student who turned rogue and now seeks greater mystic power. Eventually, the Ancient One agrees to teach Strange and soon Strange finds himself fighting to save the Earth from evil forces from other dimensions.

As expected from Marvel Studios, they did a good job with Doctor Strange. I admit I didn't have the chance to read the comics but I'm a huge fan of Marvel movies! And like their other superheroes, Doctor Strange is a brilliant, engaging and funny character.

 Visually satisfying and mind blowing, Doctor Strange will surely capture everyone's interest not only because it's a Marvel movie but also because the effects are incredible. I mean, how cool is it to see the whole Manhattan turning into a Rubik's Cube while Strange and his enemies, who can pull weapons out of thin air, can teleport and can leap out of their bodies into their astro form, fight each other?

  I also love the characters! Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange was an excellent choice and Rachel McAdams as Christine was perfect! I loved Rachel McAdams' character, a co-worker and past lover who puts up with Strange's not so good attitude. She cares for Strange and even though Strange is kind of a jerk for misinterpreting her kindness, she still understands him. Strange actually reminded me of Tony Stark for being arrogant, filthy rich and somewhat self centered at times. They're both invested in what they do but when life threatens to take everything they've worked on and a new opportunity to prove themselves appears, they decided to take the chance.

For me, Doctor Strange is a huge success for Marvel! And though it's not my most favorite from Marvel, Doctor Strange is a very entertaining movie. :)

Book: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

 ★★★★/★★★★★

 “The best discoveries always happened to the people weren't looking for them. Columbus and America. Pinzón, who stumbled on Brazil while looking for the West Indies. Stanley happening on Victoria Falls. And you. Amy Curry, when I was least expecting her.”

This might not be my most favorite Matson book but I surely loved and enjoyed it! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a perfect summer read with an exciting road trip and likeable characters. This actually reminded me so much of With This Heart by R.S. Grey with the road trip and a cute boy for a company. Light, heart warming and entertaining, this book is one of those you will certainly enjoy.

I always love road trip stories especially because they mean exciting destinations, good music, lots and lots of snacks and road trip games! I admit I want to have a bizarre road trip myself (of course, with a cute guy with me!) and who knows someday I might write a book about my epic trip too!

“But there are two things that are absolutely necessary if you're going to be hitting the road.”

“And what are those?”

Roger smiled at me as he paused at a stoplight. “Snacks and tunes.” he said. “Not necessarily in that order.”

Amy Curry just lost her dad in a car accident. Ever since the accident, Amy found herself afraid of driving and somewhat distant from her mother and twin brother. And it didn't really help that her mother decided to move to Connecticut to start anew. Now Amy is living alone in their old house, finishing school but once it ends, she must travel to Connecticut to live with her mother. Everything is going as they planned until Amy's mother tells her she has to drive her car all the way to Connecticut because it'd be cheaper that way than to ship the car. Instantly, Amy knew there's no way she can but, of course, her mother knew it and tell her she's got her a driver who's willing to drive her. Enter Roger, Amy's childhood friend and now driver. It's awkward at first but soon Amy and Roger find themselves enjoying and taking a little detour from the route Amy's mother had planned for them. It's an epic detour with lots of music, snacks, 20 questions and spontaneous stop overs. A journey that lets both Amy and Roger realize and accept some things in life.

“It’s not about the destination. It’s getting there that’s the good part.”

 I love all the characters! Amy is the kind of character that is so hard not to like and she's been through enough pain. There's the guilt from the accident which she really struggles from that she can't even talk about it and then there's her issues with her mother and brother Charlie. The trip also reminds her so much of her dad which just breaks her heart because she, her dad and Charlie were supposed to go on a trip their dad had planned and was so excited about. And Amy just seems so hurt and broken I want to hug her myself! Roger, on the other hand, is so good to be true! I mean, he's a total gentleman, adorable and sweet. He takes care of Amy all throughout and I love that along the way he gets to clear some issues of his own too.

The secondary characters are also as lovely and likeable! Walcott, Bronwyn, Loenard and Lucien are a hell of secondary characters and I enjoyed them all. I think they made the book more exciting, inspiring and entertaining. Amy's short but meaningful encounter with them surely teach her a lot about some things. And Lucien? If I didn't like Roger enough, I would've shipped him and Amy! Lol. 

“Tomorrow will be better.”

“But what if it's not?” I asked.

Walcott smiled and let go of the CD. “Then you say it again tomorrow. Because it might be. You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better.”

I loved that Amy and Roger both enjoy the trip and along the way they meet new friends, discover new things and feel new feelings. They both learn a few things and Amy finds herself slowly opening up and mending her relationship with her bother and mother. Same with Roger for he finds himself moving on from a relationship he doesn't deserve. And the romance between them is really sweet. Though it doesn't happen until the latter part, it's there. And I'm actually glad it's not an insta-love!

 

This book is really an entertaining read, has a simple plot, interesting characters and a bit emotional. I don't live in America so I also found it a bit informative with all the details about some of the states. The scrapbook part is one of my favorites too.The playlists, the pictures and notes make it more interesting and fun.

* * *

“Sancho Panza.” Drew repeated. “It's from Don Quixote. The navigator. But listen. The thing about Magellan is the thing about most explorers. Most times, they're just determined to follow impossible things. And most of them are so busy looking at the horizon that they can't even see what's right in front of them.”

Movie Trailer: BFG + A Monster Calls

I haven’t read the books BFG by Roald Dahl and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness but some time last week I saw the trailer for the film adaptation of both books and I can say that they both looked good. Fantasy adventure films always sell to me and now I’m interested on seeing the film adaptation of these books when they come out here in our country.

BFG – Synopsis from IMDb:
A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.

 

A Monster Calls – Synopsis from IMDb:
A boy seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mom’s terminal illness.

I plan on reading both books later this year but now I’m just waiting to watch the movies first. Hopefully they turn out really good and maybe then it’ll encourage me to read the books right away.

I’ve read a lot of positive reviews for both books (which made me decide to watch both films) but I’m reading some negative reviews with BFG movie. It already came out last July but I’m yet to see it and A Monster Calls will be released this coming October. If you’ve read either of the two, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts about it.

Book: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

 ★★★★/★★★★★

“Living is a risk,” I snapped at him. “Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.”

To be honest, I enjoyed this book more than the first one, Poison Study. There was more action, more adventures, more revelations and Yelena got to know her family and a bit more of her history. I was actually hoping to see more of Yelena's relationship with Valek but Valek didn't appear until the latter part of the book. It was kinda disappointing but I think it just made his connection with Yelena stronger.

So the second book gives us the story of Yelena traveling and following Irys, Fourth Master Magician, to Sitia after finally defeating Brazell and Mogkan, the people who kidnapped her when she was a child. Yelena has no choice but to flee to Sitia  after revealing her magic to Commander Ambrose who forbids magic in Ixia. But despite that, Commander Ambrose gave Yelena a head start so she can go to Sitia, his payment to Yelena for saving his life.

Yelena's plan is to follow Irys to Sitia so Irys can teach her how to control her magic and so she can meet her family. Once in Sitia, her family, except his brother Leif, is glad to see her again. Her parents, Perl and Esau, are relieved to see her alive and well but Leif seems not happy with her return and Yelena can only wonder why. However, this meeting with her family is short-lived because Yelena still needs to go to the Academy where she needs to study and learn to control her magic. At the Academy, Yelena meets the other three Master Magicians, her fellow students, and a new enemy-turned-friend-turned-enemy-again, Cahil and his men, including Goel.

I loved this book better because here we see Yelena grow and learn how to make decisions of her own. Since Valek and her friends, Ari and Janco, are not there with her, she learns to trust other people too (and that also includes horses). And while she struggles to control her own power and with the idea that she might be a Soulfinder, she also deals with the different problems around her. She confronts Leif who hates her and thinks she's a spy from Ixia, she tries to help capture the perpetrator who raped and almost killed Tula, she braves facing Cahil who also thinks she's a spy and wants to use her to know more of Ixia's military structure. But more importantly, Yelena tries to balance her loyalty between Sitia, her home, and Ixia, where she learned how to live. She wants to show the people of Sitia that Commander Ambrose only wants the best for his people and at the same time she wants to make Commander Ambrose see that magic can also be a good thing for the people of Ixia.

Another thing that intrigued me was Cahil's intentions and plans. I know he and Yelena had started on the wrong foot because he thought Yelena was a spy but when Roze, the First Master Magician, confirmed that Yelena wasn't, he just suddenly became all concerned and sweet around Yelena. Maybe I was wrong (and please tell me I was!) but I think he liked Yelena. Too bad when he found out that Yelena already had a 'heart mate', and worse when he found out it was Valek, he became all mad and he began suspecting Yelena again.

“Don't worry. I'm only your escort tonight. I would offer to protect you from the drunken attentions of the other men, but I know all to well that you're quite capable of holding your own. You're probably armed. Right?”
“Always.”
Cahil to Yelena

 Like I said, I was also hoping to see more of Yelena-Valek moments but Valek was absent until the latter part of the book. Same with Ari and Janco. But I think their absence made Yelena become more self-reliant and stronger. She learned to depend on herself instead of always depending on Valek, Ari and Janco to save her.

He made a weak attempt to look innocent, but I knew better. “Should I guess how many concealed weapons you have or should I strip search you?”
“A strip search is the only way to be absolutely certain.” Valek's deep blue eyes danced with delight.

 Overall, I loved this book. With Yelena discovering her true power and the people around her trying to help her out, I enjoyed everything. Even Yelena's interaction with Kiki was entertaining. So that being said, I wish you also enjoy this book!

Book: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

★★★★★/★★★★★

"He would see her again. He knew he would. Magic bent the world. Pulled it into shape. There were fixed points. Most of the time those points were places. But sometimes, rarely, they were people. For someone who never stood still, Lila still felt like a pin in Kell’s world. One he was sure to snag on."

I loved this book for so many reasons and let me start with Kell and his magic and his multi-sided coat and the London-with s- and Rhy and Lila with her dream of becoming a pirate and MAGIC! Have I mentioned that I always fall in love with fantasy books? And ADSoM just topped my list of favorites. 

Kell is an Antari, a rare kind of magician and one of the only two remaining who can travel between worlds. There are four different Londons-Red (wealthy and filled with magic), Grey (dull and magic is forgotten), White (poor and deprived of magic) and Black (destroyed by magic)-and except Black London, Kell can travel to and from the other Londons using a door which he creates with the help of an object which belonged to the London he's going to and his blood which is the source of his magic. He usually travels as the ambassador of the king of Red London, delivering and getting messages for the royals of each London. With his every visit to a different London, he smuggles things (which is forbidden) to anyone who is willing enough to give anything in exchange of something they would never see in their world. Kell doesn't really see the danger of collecting things from another Londons but his brother, Prince Rhy, insists he should stop it. And even though he and Rhy are not really brothers (Kell was adopted by the King and Queen when he was five), he loves Rhy very much and considers stopping it. But when the King tells him to go to the White London to deliver a message to the Danes twins and a woman pleads to him to take a letter to someone in a differen London with a payment, Kell doesn't have a choice but to deliver it. But it turns out that there's no really letter and the payment is actually a stone from the Black London. Next thing he knew, cut-throats are after him and a girl just robbed him. 

The plot of the story was unique and well written. It was clever enough to make four different Londons but Schwab had to put doors and magic too. As for the the world-building, it was simple yet it gave you splendid ideas of each London and  I loved how the different Londons came to life.

The characters were amazing as well! It wasn't hard to love them especially when they were all strong characters. Kell was the kind of character you'd love even though he wasn't perfect. Well, for me he was perfect enough! He was loyal, kind, caring and what made him powerful was his belief that he and his magic should be equal. That he shouldn't abuse or control it so it wouldn't control him too. 

“Some thought magic came from the mind, others the soul, or the heart, or the will. But Kell knew it came from the blood.

Blood was magic made manifest. There it thrived. And there it poisoned. Kell had seen what happened when power warred with the body, watched it darken in the veins of corrupted men, turning their blood from crimson to black. If red was the color of magic in balance—of harmony between power and humanity—then black was the color of magic without balance, without order, without restraint.

As an Antari, Kell was made of both, balance and chaos; the blood in his veins, like the Isle of Red London, ran a shimmering, healthy crimson, while his right eye was the color of spilled ink, a glistening black.”

Delilah "Lila" Bard was reckless but I liked that she was optimistic, independent and a bad-ass. She loved adventures and she always took chances even though it could turn out bad and that's what made me love her more.

Kell looked her in the eyes. “You will be trapped there,” he said. “When it is over.” Lila shivered. “Perhaps,” she said, “or perhaps I will go with you to the end of the world. After all, you’ve made me curious.”

And she was confident, too.

She kicked a loose stone. “Well, I mean, it’s another world, isn’t it? Another version of London? Is there another version of me?” Kell frowned. “I’ve never met anyone like you.” He hadn’t meant it as a compliment, but Lila took it that way, flashing him a grin. “What can I say,” she said, “I’m one of a kind.”

 I also loved Rhy Myresh because he was so charming. He was the next king of Red London, goofy but kind-hearted. I admired his relationship with Kell because they loved each other too much! They were hilarious together and I really enjoyed those parts they were together.

Rhy frowned. “I love you, Kell, but I had no interest in matching tattoos.”

And did I mention that Rhy was also flirty? 

“Will I see more of you, Delilah Bard?” called the prince. “Perhaps our paths will cross again.” Rhy’s smile went crooked. “If I have any say in it, they will.

My heart broke for Holland. He could've been a good Antari like Kell but Anthos took that chance away when he bounded him to him. What a cruel, nasty man Athos was! Holland didn't have his freedom, just doing whatever Athos told him to do. I was actually waiting for a twist on his part but too bad it didn't happen.

Now let's talk about the romance in the book. Wait... was there any? Of course, there was! The first time Kell and Lila met, I knew  there would be one. It may not be the romance I expected but still, their connection was enough romance for me! I actually liked that it didn't focus too much, or at all, on the romance because I think it could've gone a different way if it did. But who knew? Tsk.  

Kell threw his arms around her. And for a second, only a second, she didn’t pull away, didn’t threaten to stab him. For a second, and only a second, she hugged him back. They stood there a moment, leaning on each other, one keeping the other on their feet, though neither was sure which needed more supporting. Both knew only that they were happy to be here, to be alive.

You may or may not agree with me but overall this book was perfect! Really! I could actually write a review using only a word and it would be: "Perfect!"

 This book also reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle with Kell's multi-sided coat and his ability to make doors using magic which made it easier for me to love it because I loved Howl very much! Now I'm in love with Kell, too, and Howl should be okay with that! Ha! 

♥  

“Hey, Lila,” he said softly into the space between them. “Yeah?” He pressed his mouth to hers for one brief moment, the warmth there and then gone. She frowned up at him, but did not pull away. “What was that for?” she asked. “For luck,” he said. “Not that you need it.” 

Movie: Goosebumps 2015

★★★★★/★★★★★

Characters:

Jack Black as R.L. Stine

  Dylan Minnette as Zack Cooper

Odeya Rush as Hannah Stine

Ryan Lee as Champ

Amy Ryan as Gale Cooper

Director: Rob Letterman

 The movie is basically about R.L. Stine's books and the horror they bring not only to children but to everyone. I admit I haven't read a single book of him and I don't intend to because I'm not a fan of horror but the movie was awesome. Goosebumps came out October last year which instantly became a box office hit!

So the movie tells the story of Zach and his mother moving to Madison, Delaware where Zack meet Hannah, the daughter of their mysterious neighbor, Mr. Shivers. Mr. Shivers warns Zack to stay away from them but Hannah and Zach quickly became friends. The next night, Zach hears Hannah and Mr. Shivers arguing and Hannah's scream makes him call the police. When the police comes, Mr. Shivers assures them that he and Hannah are not arguing but Zach doesn't believe him. So to make sure, Zach tricks Mr. Shivers by calling and making him go to he police station for further questioning and he also tricks Champ, his new friend at his new school, who reluctantly helps him break into Mr. Shivers' house. They look for Hannah but instead found Goosebumps manuscripts, all of which are locked. And to their luck, they accidentally open one when Hannah appears, startling them all. When the books opens, it releases the Abominable Snowman of Pasadena which they pursue to a skating rink and thankfully put back inside the book with the help of Mr. Shivers. 

On their way back to the house, Mr. Shivers is crazy mad and doesn't have a choice but to reveal that he's actually R.L. Stine. He's also determined to move away again with his books now that Zach and Champ already know his secret. But when they arrive at their house, Slappy is waiting for them and it's when the real horror begins.

Slappy, mad for being imprisoned inside the book, releases the other monsters and wages war with Stine. Slappy also burns the books so there's no way Stine could trap them again inside. Now fearing for their life, R.L. Stine, Zach, Hannah and Champ escape to get away from the monsters. Zach then suggests Stine to write a new book that will trap all the monsters inside but Stine says he can only write with his special typewriter which is in the high school where a formal dance is happening. So they head to the high school and on their way meet different monsters like the invisible boy, giant praying mantis and the Werewolf of Fever Swamp.As they cut through the cemetery, Zach notices that Hannah shines in the moonlight. She glows blue which surprises Zach and a crazy thought enters his mind. To make sure it's not what he thinks, Zach privately talks to Stine about Hannah. Here, Stine reveals that Hannah is not really his daughter and he only created her because he was lonely. 

When Stine finds the typewriter, he begins writing a new story based on what's happening around them. But Slappy and the others are closing in the high school too so Zach and the other students have to buy Stine some time so he can finish writing. Slappy then confronts Stine and breaks his fingers with the typewriter case before he can finish the story.

With the help of the students, Stine, Zach, Hannah and Champ are able to escape and head to the abandoned amusement park where Hannah brought Zach earlier. Here, Slappy releases the Blob that Ate Everyone causing Stine to hand over the typewriter to Zach, telling him to finish the story. Zach finally finishes the book but reluctantly opens it because he knows that once he opens it, Hannah will be sucked inside the book too. But Hannah tells him that's it's okay and that she knew about her true nature. So she opens the book herself, sucking every monster, and before getting sucked she and Zach kiss. 

Hannah: You have to let go, Zach.

Sometime later, Stine starts teaching at Zach's school and one day after class, he calls Zach to give him a present. To his surprise, Zach see Hannah. Stine then tells him that he wrote another book with Hannah in it. Zach and Hannah share another kiss and we see Stine burning the book making Hannah permanently real.

But wait, there's more. When Stine is about to leave the school, he sees the typewriter writing by itself. And to his horror, the invisible boy wasn't sucked by the book and is now writing a new story.

THE END

I really enjoyed this movie and Jack Black was really fitted for the role. Hannah was lovely and it was nice that she and Zach had a happy ending. :)

Book: A Stolen Kiss (Stolen Royals #1) by Kelsey Keating

 ★★★½ /★★★★★

Before she could protest, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers in a gentle caress. As he pulled away, he whispered here release. "Maria, I set you free."

What made me read A Stolen Kiss:
1. The cover. Who wouldn't fall for a cover like this? Really?
2. I always ALWAYS love fairy tales (and retelling)!
3. The reviews are mostly positive.
4. Magic.

It's the first book of the Stolen Royals series by Kelsey Keating and I had high expectations when I first started reading it. It's lighthearted and magical and it somehow reminded me of the series Once Upon A Time where they also retell the stories of fairy tales. The premise was good and it started out right but as the story continued, I found it quite juvenile and the pacing slow. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and the characters were lovely but sometimes they were shallow and I didn't get enough emotion from them. That, being said, it was still a fun read filled with magic, likeable characters and an exciting adventure where they meet magical creatures and new friends. And the plot twists, oh, the plot twists!

It tells the story of Maria, Princess of Ophea, who was cursed by a sorceress named Gilda when she was young. Her curse: she turns into a swan by sun down (or so she says) and it somehow forbids her on saying yes to the proposal of her betrothed Prince Humphrey. Seeing it's a problem because Maria must marry Humphrey, Sarah, a lady's maid to Maria, suggests they seek help from Derric, her brother, who knows something about magic. Derric tells them that the only way to remove the curse is to find the sorceress who casted it and make her undo the curse. And so begin the lies, the friendship, the feelings and their adventure to find Gilda so Maria can marry Humphrey though they don't really love each other.

Stories with magic always appeal to me because I enjoy reading about spells, curses, flying carpets, invisible cloaks, enchanted forests, magical creatures and of course sorcerer/sorceress. Because how exciting are those?! Anyway, this book will entertain you if you love fairy tales like me.

"I can't be king. I can't rule for you. You can't keep hiding from your responsibilities. You're strong enough to be the queen of Ophea without any help."

"Then don't be king. Come back and just be mine." she hated how desperate she sounded, but she couldn't let him go.

*I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Riordan

★★★★/★★★★★

I finally finished reading the series and I know I should be happy but I'm not. Because it means no more adventure for Percy Jackson and his friends. How sad is that? But snyway, I was looking forward on how this series will end and somehow I believe that Percy's adventures didn't really end there. Of course, he and Annabeth will always have adventures of their own.

So the last book picks up when Percy and Charlie Beckendorf have to blow up Princess Andromeda where Kronos/Luke and his army of monsters are. It's a sad scene since Charlie sacrifices himself just so he can blow up the ship which they know could delay Kronos' plan. Percy then comes back to Camp Half-Blood to deliver the bad news after a little visit to his father's palace underwater. There, Poseidon is having his own battle with the Titan Lord Oceanus. Percy wants to stay and fight with him but Poseidon insists that his place is not under water but above, with his friends and everyone else. At the camp, everyone mourns the death of Charlie. Everyone lost a friend but Silena Beauregard takes it the hardest because Charlie was her boyfriend. Also this time, Chiron and Annabeth finally reveal to Percy what the Great Prophecy is. Confused and emotionally distraught about everything that just happened, Percy takes a walk, accidentally meeting Nico di Angelo. Here, Nico assures him that Charlie doesn't blame him for his death. Charlie sacrificed himself so that he can save the camp and everyone believes that he died a hero. Aside from reassuring Percy that Charlie doesn't blame him for his death, Nico also came to ask if Percy is ready to find out what his ultimate plan is for defeating Kronos. Percy agrees to come and next thing he knew, they are standing outside May Castellan's house. 

After their visit at May Castellan's house, Nico and Percy meet Hestia, goddess of Hearth, who then helps them get to Sally's house so Percy could get permission from her mother. Apparently, Percy needs his mom's permission if he wants to bathe in the River Styx and take on the curse of Achilles. They figured it's the only way how Kronos can live inside Luke's body, Luke bathed in River Styx. Nico thinks that if Percy bathe in the river too, he'll be invulnerable and only then they stand a chance in defeating Kronos. Down in the underworld, Percy is surprised to learn that Nico has betrayed him by giving him to Hades. But Nico means no harm, he  just wants Hades to tell him about his mother, Maria di Angelo. Here, Nico learns that Zeus had killed his mother. Hades then orders his minions to confine Percy but later on Nico helps him escapes. After escaping from the underworld, Percy calls Annabeth and it's when the real battle begins.  

Percy meets Annabeth, Chiron and the other campers at the Empire State Building, where on top is Olympus. They want the gods to help them defend Olympus but the gods are too busy fighting Phyton. Percy and Annabeth think Phyton is just a distraction but the gods think that Phyton is their biggest problem. And so Kronos and his army of monsters start the attack at Olympus, putting every mortal to sleep with the spell of Morpheus, the god of dream, who was also the one who put Grover to sleep for two months. But thanks to his empathy link with Percy, Percy was able to wake him from his deep slumber.

Without the gods, Percy and the others must save Olympus. And so Percy takes the lead, giving orders and trying to hold back Kronos' army. Each cabin is given a position to hold and defend. But even with the help of Thalia and Artemis' hunters, satyrs and nymps, and Chiron's centaur cousins, Olympian army struggles to hold back the Titan army. They have a number of casualties and even Annabeth is injured. 

In the midst of the battle, Percy tries to call for reinforcements, Clarisse, Nico and his father. Clarisse, as stubborn as strong she is, decided not to help with the battle because of some personal feud with the Apollo kids. But in the end she doesn't have a choice but to join when Silena pretends to be her and leads her cabin to the fight where she is killed by a drakon. Now, enraged on what happened to Silena, Clarisse defeats the drakon and takes on the Titan army with anger and hate. It helps for while but the Titan army keeps on coming. 

On the last stand at Mount Olympus, Nico with his father, Hades, and an army of dead finally arrive. The gods also defeated Thypon with the help of Poseidon who abandoned his underwater palace in order to help his siblings. Kronos gets distracted by seeing what happened to Typhon and it weakens him, giving Percy the chance to attack. But Kronos goes for Annabeth and for a moment he is Luke again. Luke tells her something and Annabeth seems to get it. It's something about Annabeth's dagger and at first Percy wants to drive it through Luke himself but Luke tells him that only he can do it. And so Percy fulfills the prophecy when he gives Annabeth's knife to Luke and he injures himself on his mortal point. 

After the battle, the gods reward the brave heroes and they decided to give Percy Jackson a wish. They suggested immortality but of course, Percy has reasons why he doesn't want to be immortal. And so he wishes for the gods to swear on the River Styx that they will claim all demigods by the time they turn thirteen; have cabins and thrones built for all the minor gods; and reevaluate the punishment of innocent Titans and their former allies, such as Calypso and some of the minor gods who turned (a personal wish). Percy also relieves Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades of their oath to not have demigod children, as it never worked in the first place. 

And then Rachel Elizabeth Dare becomes the new Oracle. Percy is against it at first because of what happened to May Castellan but Rachel believes that this is her destiny. She is meant to be the new Oracle. And of course, Percy and Annabeth's happy ending. They're really an odd pair but I love them both!

She raised an eyebrow. "You got something to say to me, Seaweed Brain?"
"You'd probably kick my butt."
"You know I'd kick your butt."
I brushed the cake off my hands. "When I was at the River Styx, turning invulnerable . . . Nico said I had to concentrate on one thing that kept me anchored to the world, that made me want to stay mortal."
Annabeth kept her eyes on the horizon. "Yeah?"
"Then up on Olympus," I said, "when they wanted to make me a god and stuff, I kept thinking-"
"Oh, you so wanted to."
"Well, maybe a little. But I didn't, because I thought-I didn't want things to stay the same for eternity, because things could always get better. And I was thinking . . ." My throat felt really dry.
"Anyone in particular?" Annabeth asked, her voice soft.
I looked over and saw that she was trying not to smile.
"You're laughing at me," I complained.
"I am not!"
"You are so not making this easy."
Then she laughed for real, and she put her hands
around my neck. "I am never, ever going to make things easy for you, Seaweed Brain. Get used to it.”

Gosh, I really enjoyed this book with all the Greek gods and demigods and their adventures. I love Percy and Annabeth and Grover and Tyson!! Now I want to have a brother like Tyson! He's just so sweet and, yes, creepy being a cyclops, but he's still cute. I will surely miss their adventures and Percy and Annabeth's cute relationship. 

Overall, I give it 4 stars. I should've read this when I was 14 but hey, I'm only 23 and it's never too late to read anything you want. :)

Before I could lose my courage, I said, "Don't I get a kiss for luck? It's kind of a tradition, right?"
I figured she would punch me. Instead, she drew her knife and stared at the army marching toward us. "Come back alive, Seaweed brain. Then we'll see."

 Until next time, Percy Jackson. 

Book: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

★★★★/★★★★★

Yet again, Percy is looking for a new school to attend but just before it could start, he manages to blow it up into flames. It's Goode High School where Paul Blofis, his mom's new boyfriend, teaches. But honestly, it's  not his fault that monsters are following him everywhere he goes. Percy also meets Rachel Elizabeth Dare, again. They've met before at the Hoover Dam and though she's a mortal, she can see through the mist. So when Percy is attacked at the freshmen orientation of Goode High School, Rachel Elizabeth Dare sees it all.

This fourth book of Percy Jackson and the Olympians centers on Percy and his friends as they journey inside the Labyrinth which was created by Daedalus. They believe that Luke would use the Labyrinth to invade Camp Half-Blood because it has many entrances and one could lead Luke and his army of monsters directly to the heart of Camp Half-Blood. They're convinced that Luke is trying to get Adriane's string from Daedalus because it could help them navigate the Labyrinth easily. Percy must convince Daedalus, who they think lives inside the Labyrinth, not to give Luke Adriane's string and to side with them.

This time the quest is lead by Annabeth and she chooses Percy, Tyson and Grover as her companions. At first, Grover is against the idea of going to the Labyrinth because he hates underground but it's his only chance of finding Pan, the god of the wild. So eventually they all set to the Labyrinth where new adventures, dangers, meetings, and more danger await them.

The Labyrinth is an endless maze, a trap made so no one could get out of it. Percy and his friends struggle inside but with some help they are able to survive, fortunately. During their quest inside the Labyrinth, they encounter monsters and other weird gods/demigods. They find Janus, a two faced god who guards doors,  Briares, the One Hundred Hand creature,</> Kampe, a horrifying she-dragon, Geryon and his ranch with Eurytion where they also find Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, and Hephaestus, god of craftsmen, who then leads Percy and Annabeth to Mount St. Helens where Percy meets some Telekhine and learns that they are reforging Krono's scythe. Here, Percy and Annabeth had to separate and before they did, Annabeth surprised Percy with a kiss. (How long did I wait for that? Tsk. But then I had to remind myself that they were only 14!)  The meeting with the Telekhine doesn't turn so well that Percy has to summon a wave of his water power which causes a massive earthquake. Using too much power, it drains everything in Percy that when he wakes up again, he finds himself in the island of Ogygia with Calypso. Atlas is Calypso's father and for being his daughter, the gods exiled her in that island and she can never get out of it.

Percy meeting Calypso is one of my favorite parts of the book. It's just that my heart broke for Calypso because The Fates cursed her on falling in love with heroes. Once in a while they would send someone in the island who they knew would break her heart. How cruel is that? This time they send Percy because they knew that Calypso wouldn't help but fall in love with him. She helps Percy recover and her beauty awes Percy that for a moment she confuses his feelings. Then Hephaestus eventually visits Ogygia to talk to Percy about what happened after he summoned the waves. When it's time for Percy to leave, Calypso finally confesses to him what her fate is. She offers him immortality which means staying with her on the island for the rest of eternity. It's a good offer for Percy because staying in the island means no more monsters and war but he's not that kind of person. It's hard for him but he must go and help his friends. And so he refuses Calypso's offer and it's so heartbreaking.

"As I sailed onto the lake I realized the Fates really were cruel. They sent Calypso someone she couldn’t help but love. But it worked both ways. For the rest of my life I would always be thinking about her. She would always be my biggest what if."

After his secret visit at Ogygia, Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood only to see the other campers mourning his death. When they see him again, everyone is relieved especially Annabeth. Then Percy tells Chiron what Hephaestus had told him at Ogygia on how to find Daedalus in the Labyrinth. They need a mortal who can see through the mist and Percy just know someone who can help them. Rachel Elizabeth Dare.

They didn't have a hard time convincing Rachel Elizabeth Dare to help them and so another adventure inside the Labyrinth begins. This time Luke's minions capture them and after battling for their lives with the help of Mrs. O'Leary, a hellhound, they are able to get away. They're also able to find Daedalus who turns out to be Quintus, their new sword instructor back at Camp Half-Blood and who is also Mrs. O'Leary's master. They thought Daedalus could help them but they're too late because Luke already promised Daedalus something in exchange of Adriane's string. But it turns out that Luke doesn't really keep his promises because right then his monsters and Kelli, the empousa who attacked Percy at Goode High School, attack Daedalus. Percy and his friends barely escapes with the help of Daedalus' makeshift wings. They then head back to the camp.

On the way back to the camp, they discover Mount Othrys where they learn that Kronos has somehow possesses Luke's body. Annabeth can't still believe it but now that Kronos is alive again, they don't have time to think about how. They need to reach camp to warn others. They run until they found Grover and Tyson who went a different way to look for Pan. This time, Grover finally found Pan after a long time of searching but instead of rejoicing, it breaks his heart. Because Pan has been dead a long time ago and his memories are only living because there are still creatures of the wild who believe that he's alive. It's sad but Grover has to move on and spread the news.

When Percy and his friends finally reach the Camp, minus Rachel, it's when the battle begins. An army of monsters lead by Kampe invade the camp through the Labyrinth, injuring and killing some of the campers. But help comes like Daedalus and his hellhound, Mrs. O'Leary, Briares and Nico, who seems to trust Percy now. It's an impossible battle to win but thanks to Grover who causes Panic, the monsters retreated.

The battle is over but everyone knows that as long as the Labyrinth exists, Luke and his army will always find a way to invade the camp. So Daedalus whose life force is tied to the Labyrinth decided to destroy it. Before dying, Daedalus gives Annabeth a laptop where his ideas and works are saved. He also leaves Mrs. O'Leary to Percy.

On his fifteenth birthday, Poseidon surprises Percy with a sudden visit. It is to ask him what really happened since gods are forbidden to intervene with battles and to give him a gift, a sand dollar. Nico also shows up, telling Percy he knows a way to finally defeat Luke.

This is probably one of the longest reviews I've ever written. But I enjoyed it! And I loved this book even though it has so many monsters. :)

Book: The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3) by Rick Riordan

★★★★★/★★★★★ 

“There is always a way out for those clever enough to find it.”  

Well, that was hell of adventure. Percy and his friends were on a quest to find Artemis and Annabeth and the great monster everyone feared. They traveled from Half-Blood Hill to the west (California) because it was what the prophecy said. The book also introduced us to new characters like the di Angelo siblings, Artemis, Zoe and the Hunters, the other gods like Apollo, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and I didn't think I could hate Luke even more but oh, I could! As much as I love his name, he was one big damn traitor. Argh!

So the story continued with everyone wondering whether it would be Percy or Thalia, the one in the prophecy. But since Thalia decided to join Artemis and the Hunters on their journey at the end of the book, I think we're yet to find out if it would really be Percy. But I'm feeling that Nico di Angelo would be another problem for them. And I wanted to cry when Mr. D finally called Percy by his right name. Not Peter Johnson but Percy Jackson. Uhh. :)

I also have new favorite characters: Zoe (too bad she died *sob*) and Apollo (well, he seemed cool).

Book: The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2) by Rick Riordan

★★★★/★★★★★

Percy is back with another quest, this time to save Grover and Half-Blood Hill. And though it wasn’t really his quest, well, who could be as headstrong as Percy Jackson?

Again, I loved Percy’s adventures and on this book he and his friends braved the Sea of Monsters. It was fun and I enjoyed it as much as the first book. And wasn’t Tyson the sweetest? I mean, he’s like a baby cyclops but he’s saved Percy’s life a million times! Now I’m loving this book more and more.

“Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we’re related for better or for worse…and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”

Book: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

★★★★/★★★★★

Well, I’m pretty sure my life would’ve been different if I’d just read this when I was 12!

Percy Jackson is a bad-ass demigod, son of Poseidon. Of course, he doesn’t know this at first until monsters start terrorizing him. He then learns about his true identity when he arrives at Camp Half-Blood where his quests begin.

I really enjoyed the first book and I can’t believe I’m only reading the series now that I’m 23! Ugh! And I can’t believe I loved the movie.

“The real world is where the monsters are.”

Movie: The Kings of Summer 2013

 ★★★★★/★★★★★

This movie left me heartbroken. For what reason? I'm not sure. I just found myself still crying even after it ended and I guess I should stop being so effin' emotional about everything! :"(

I recommend this film not only to teenagers but to everyone for it not only teaches us a thing or two or a lot about being a teenager but it also shows us how the lack of parental guidance affects us and how people around us contribute so much in our upbringing.

I connected so much with Joe because when I was younger I also felt the need to get away, to move far enough so no one could find me. And I guess there's really a time when everyone feels that way. When we feel like we need to get away from everyone else to find ourselves, to find want we want and to know if we really want it.This film got me so emotionally engrossed and I love how it teaches us things about life, friendship, love and self-sufficiency.

Movie: Strange Magic 2015

 ★★★★/★★★★★

I actually loved this one despite the negative reviews I've read online. I enjoyed it, it has a good message and that's what matters right? I'm not an expert on reviewing movies but it's fun and I love that it tells us that we all deserve to be loved no matter who/what we are. I also enjoyed the singing and dancing and how Marianne is a strong and independent woman. This is actually a good movie. :)

Movie: Pan 2015

★★★/★★★★★

I've always loved the story of Peter Pan but seeing this prequel movie, Pan, disappointed me a bit. I mean, I'm fine with the characters singing but watching Blackbeard sing is a bit strange for me. The plot is good, the casts are new to me, everything else is fine but there's something about it that is off. It's not like those movies I instantly like from the moment it started and I just don't know why. Maybe because I was expecting more? More story? More action? More adventure? I'm not sure myself but it's definitely not what I expected.

So the story basically tells us the beginning of Peter Pan, from when his mother left him in an orphanage, leaving him a necklace with a flute pendant and a note saying that she just did what needed to be done and that someday they will meet again, to when the pirates came to take the children to Neverland and to the point where Peter can already fly. (I was chanting I do believe in Peter the whole time! tsk) 

Other than the film made on 2003, I've never read or watched anything related to Peter Pan (and oh, I've seen Peter Pan and Hook on Once Upon A Time, if that counts) so hearing about this movie excited me a lot. But now that I've watched it, I can say that I'm fine with the film Peter Pan (2003) as it is. I've also never seen the film where Robin Williams starred as Peter Pan but now I'm planning to watch it.

Overall, I give it three stars and it's only because it was good to see Hook and Peter Pan getting along so well. :)

 Now let's go second star to the right and straight on 'til morning!