Book Review: Second Chance by Morgan Matson

Title: Second Chance Summer

Author: Morgan Matson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 7, 2013)

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 468

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

This is actually the second book by Morgan Matson that I have read to prepare myself for her previous book signing here in the Philippines. First one was Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour which I have read a million years ago. 😛  It did took me a long time to finish it though because of life in general, lol. Anyway, I think this novel is such a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that touched my soul. I know, I know, it’s a common line for books in this genre but it perfectly describes what the book really is.

The story is set when the Edwards family go to their summer house in Lake Phoenix for vacation when they receive a saddening news that would change their lives forever. Not only that is happening, but Taylor, our main character is actually not comfortable of going back because of the past that she’s had there.

Let me just say that I adore Morgan so much for writing a book that focuses in family dynamics and friendships as well. It’s unusual for me to find a young adult contemporary book that tackles most of the important topics that people today should be reading. I find myself somehow invested in the characters in this book because somehow I can relate to what they are going through. That’s just one of the reason why I think Second Chance Summer captured my heart as a reader.

With regards to the characters, I think they were very well-written. They are flawed which makes it easier to identify with them. I guess I might have been annoyed for some part at Taylor because she’s silly and stubborn as hell but that just makes her character natural. I also enjoyed Lucy and Henry. I think they were the kind of friends that I would love to have in my life. Warren is also such a joy to read about.

The aspect that I enjoyed the most is reading about Taylor’s family. They were not very close to each other and had hard time being showy with their affections. It might hit me in the heart because my family is a tiny bit of something like them but the only difference is that we have open communication with each other. Her parents are adorable and her siblings added fun to my reading experience.

Story-wise, I have know that this story has a sad ending to it, having read reviews and heard from some of my friends who read it. The plot was beautiful, it explored friendship (leaving others and what it is to be left behind). Yes, another thing that I guess I can relate on. Also, I enjoyed how Morgan worked her way through these people repaired their friendship. Romance aspect of the book was cutesy too.

Now, beware of this book. I am telling you to steer clear of this book if you are looking for summer-y fun themed novels. Sure, it has its funny moments but it made me sob my heart out. The last few chapters broke my heart. I wondered how am I ever going to survive this book. I can just remember the time I was reading it, I was close to breaking down because I cannot imaging losing someone so important in your life. And now that I am writing about it, I almost want to cry again.

Overall, I think Second Chance Summer made me read contemporary YA novels again. After my long break in this genre, it made me want to go read more. The story was amazing and touching. I recommend it highly to everyone. Please read this. Oh and I really am glad to have met Morgan because damn her book is frigging fantastic.

 

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens  (September 6, 2016)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 693

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don’t.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin’s journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Let me just say this first. I have loved the Throne of Glass series ever since I’ve seen it and read it from its first page. However, reading this book has been such a huge disappointment for me as its fan and reader. I am not expressing my being unhappy about it because my ship did not sail. There are far many things that made me hate this friggin book.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Nobody may read this review or nobody may feel the same way like me but it totally breaks my heart how I expected this book to be the grandest book ever released in the ToG series. I want to cry that I have anticipated for it so much but in turn I felt just irritated and tortured.

There are so many aspects to this book that did not go well for me. Let me  talk about how the other characters were tossed off to the sidelines. Unlike the previous books, we get so much involvement from the other characters but here they were like insignificant. We get a little glimpse from their POVs but that’s it.

First, it is the lack of the exposure for some of the characters that I have loved from the previous books. Take for example, Dorian. I have been waiting for his BIG moment in EoS. Given what we read in QoS, that “Newborn Gods” moment he had with Aelin, how am I not supposed to expect that he will play a huge role in this book? How am I wrong to think that the pivotal moment between Dorian and Aelin does not play a significant part to EoS? Was it all just for nothing? After everything that Dorian has been through from the previous books, I think he deserves a better character arch than what was written in EoS. I did not expect a complete character makeover where he’s like just a dumb king, following all Aelin’s orders. He said it himself: ” I am a king too, you know.” You’re a frigging king why can’t you do something great for yourself and your people???

Oh, and Chaol, another fave character… I know I may have hated him for being such an a-hole because of his bitterness for Aelin but I still care for him deeply. How did SJM ever refused to include him in this book? Now, we all get why she’s releasing a Chaol novella but nonetheless, it may have made a difference if she did.

I am sorry if I thought that the series will have a main trio namely Aelin, Dorian, and Chaol. After all, that’s where the series started right? Ughhh..I cannot help but feel agony when I think of so much potential for the plot of the whole series. Hate me all you want but it’s the truth.

Also, another part of the book that felt irritating to me were all the Rowaelin scenes. Sure, the characters are growing blah blah blah but every sex scene between them makes me cringe and  then laugh at its ridiculousness. Wtfudge was I reading? There were words like “smooth steel rod..coupling..” like ewww.. And nope, I totally object to them being together. I would have probably enjoyed the book more if Rowan died.

There’s also this “big reveal” section where SJM tries to explain how Aelin and Rowan are mates. Like hahahahahaha, wtf? How Maeve explained that they were really destined for each other. Nope. She must be kidding me. Also, how Aelin and Rowan got married secretly? LOL. SO ACOMAF. NOPE. JUST NOPE.

Let me also mention how this book missed a chunk of common sense for the characters. I felt my beloved characters were changed drastically just to give way to ROWAELIN. Everything would have been solved if Aelin and Dorian just fused their magic together. See what happened in QoS? That kind of power would have solved their problem from the start if they friggin worked together. If only SJM did not make it her goal to pair almost everyone off, the book would have been different.

I did not also feel the connection with the characters. Trust me, I have been so invested with this series to feel that in the previous books..but for EoS, nothing.. I felt as if I were turning every page expecting for something worthwhile to read. To make me actually feel something but instead I felt annoyed.

Are there any parts of the book I even enjoyed? Yeah. I only have four: All the throwback scenes with her Majesty, Queen Elena (although she was such a brat like Aelin), all the Thirteen scenes especially the execution part at Morath, the part where Aedion announced that he is willing to marry Lyssandra, and when Darrow insulted Aelin and made her rethink of her worth as the Queen of Terrasen.

Will I read the last book in the series? Maybe yes? After all I have been through reading this series, I might bring myself to suffer the last book where I can feel it that SJM will sacrifice Dorian (another one from Mab’s line) to close the damned gates. So that Aelin and Rowan will be happy together running the continent, Erilea. Yay!

Someone tell me that I am dreaming..that I am not hating on a book in a series that I have loved so much. Someone tell me, there’s an alternate ending to this series. Someone tell me SJM is going to publish her previous work in FictionPress, the one with the original ending. Okay. Bye.

 

*cries at the corner*

*throws book*

*reads fanfiction instead*

 

Empire of Storms/ Doraelin Theories

I just want to put this out here that I am so friggin excited that the next book in my favorite series, Throne of Glass, is about to be released in 10 days. Imagine how hard it must have been for me and other hardcore ToG fans out there to wait for a year just to have this precious baby in our hands.

So, in advance celebration of the upcoming EoS release, here are some of my speculations for the next installment in the ToG series:

• Yrene Towers comeback

In QoS, it is no secret that Nesryn will accompany Chaol to Torre Cesme to get him healed and by some twist of fate, they’re going to meet Yrene Towers. Speculation #1: She’s going to come with them back to Adarlan (and maybe but I’m praying to all the gods that this will not happen) will meet Dorian. Dorian might see Sorscha in Yrene..So it may be possible that she can be a candidate for a future queen, However, I still strongly doubt that this will happen because yes..Doraelin is still in the game.

• Blood ties can’t be broken.

I saw somewhere online that this may pertain to Aelin and Rowan “being Caranam” and their ties being impossible to be broken. Here’s the thing…I don’t think that this refers to Rowaelin. When Queen Elena said this in ToG (I’m not sure), I guess when she said this, she was warning Celaena/Aelin about blood ties. That being particularly about Rowan’s blood sworn oath to Maeve. Maeve is a very powerful fae and letting Aelin win at that time was too easy. I think Maeve has an ulterior motive behind that. She is not going to let Rowan slip away from her hands easily. In EoS, I am guessing that the Fae Queen will claim Rowan back through that blood tie and Rowan will be used against Aelin or something like that.

• Queen Elena and other characters might be back through a wyrdgate.

Total crazy theory here. I am guessing that Aelin and company will find a way to use a wyrdgate on-hand to call for a help from someone. That will be no other than Queen Elena herself. In ToG and CoM, she has been making appearances and we’ve pretty much missed her since then. My Doraelin shipper heart tells me that she’ll play a big part in bringing back my babies together.

Nehemia may come back as well to help Dorian maybe? Dorian has no one in the castle remember? Who else is going to help him but Nehemia and hopefully King Gavin and Queen Elena?

• Dorian and Mort encounter

With no one else around Dorian, what else is he going to do? He’s probably going to research more on his powers. He’s going to have to go to the same place where Celaena found the ancient tomb of King Gavin and Queen Elena. While he’s there, he’s got to have a conversation with Mort. I bet he and Mort will have a good long talk about what Dorian needs to know about his powers and ancestry.

• Aelin and Dorian are mates.

There was this released quote from EoS which talks about finding each other throughout the centuries. Guess what? Aelin and Dorian are really Gavin and Elena reincarnated. What else was the purpose of Cain giving emphasis to “You were all brought here for an unfinished game” thingy? Plus, I’m sure Queen Elena has also given hints to that.

Another was Dorian and Aelin finding each other throughout the books.

1st Encounter: King of Adarlan bringing little Dorian to visit Terrasen, where he meets little Aelin.

2nd Encounter:The Assassin’s Blade (not sure which one), the party that Dorian and Chaol crashed? Those two met again unexpectedly and briefly.

3rd Encounter: Dorian, unknowingly, choosing Aelin (aka Celaena Sardothien back then) as his champion for the King’s contest.

Need I remind you of that epic Doraelin moment in QoS with “They were infinite. They were the beginning and ending” scene. Plus, there are so many Doraelin and FeyRhys/FeySand parallels.

• My baby Aedion will have a beautiful long life with Lyssandra. 

He is so not going to die. I know in my heart that he is going to survive whatever war they will face in the upcoming books. Also, I think that he’s gonna get together with Lyssandra. Lyssandrion FTW!!!!

• Malide will happen.

Many are speculating about Manorian happening but I can think of hundreds of reasons why they are not compatible. I’d rather have Malide happen. I mean those two are so adorable together. It’s going to make Abraxos so happy!!!

 

That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll update this when I come up with more theories. 🙂

I’m on Tumblr too where I fangirl more about Doraelin and the ToG world. It’s doraelinisinfinite.tumblr.com

Book Review: Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer

Title: Between the Lines (Between the Lines #1)

Author: Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer

Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton (July 5, 2012)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What happens when happily ever after… isn’t?
Delilah 15 is a loner, obsessed with a fairy tale. One day she hears the prince, Oliver 16, who has tried other readers before, speak to her. He feels trapped, and wants out. His best friend Frump is a dog now, but was a boy, pants for Ollie’s predestined princess Seraphima. Feelings grow along with frustrations.

This is such a cutesy novel that I was glad I was able to read. Luckily, I found a copy of this book in a local book thrift shop in our country. The cover was really lovely. It was my first book written by Jodi Picoult and I really was not expecting much but it turned out that I loved it.

The characters were so adorable though they can get a bit irritating at some points because they can be shallow.I’m not expecting them to be that deep but I enjoyed each and every one of them.I liked Delilah’s character as it seemed that she’s an endearing character. Oliver was a bit rash at some points in the book but he’s pretty much nice.

There was just an issue for me at the end of the book. I found it a little disturbing because how could one’s life be so terrible that he or she would like to be the one stuck in a book? I may not understand the point of view of an individual like that but still life is worth living and I am not sure what the authors intended to mean by that part of the story.

Overall, this novel was a cute and light read that I was craving for a long long time now. Oh and this satisfied my wish for a novel which tells a story of what will happen if the characters we are reading will come to life.

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Title: It Ends with Us

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publisher:  Atria Books (August 2, 2016)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

First things first..It is good to go into this book without knowing anything about it at all aside from the fact that Colleen Hoover wrote it. Damn. That was what happened to me. When it comes to Colleen Hoover books, they become an automatic buy for me because her books are frigging fabulous.This book totally made me stop and think about life.

Proceed with caution. Spoilers ahead. 🙂

Alright, here we go. It Ends with Us starts off with a meeting between Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid on an apartment rooftop where they shared naked truths about them. Sparks fly. Then, stuff happen over the years until they meet again. Yes, they were brought together but another man in Lily’s life from the past comes back and that is Atlas Corrigan. Things get messy since then.

This book has broken me into pieces. I went into reading this book expecting the usual-Colleen Hoover-wow-happy-happy-novel but no this is totally different from her other novels.Everything unexpected happened and by that, what I mean is that what I wanted to happen did not happen. Although, I can totally understand the purpose of what she decided to do to the plot. Like Lily, I fell in love with Ryle and hoped that changes between their relationship will occur for the better. Too bad, I hoped for that because my heart just got totally broken for what they could have been. However, their relationship became toxic and nobody wants that.

With regards to Atlas, yeah..Lily’s background story with him was beautiful. I admired their strong friendship when they were just kids.I want to cry with them during their obstacles in childhood.

When the mayhem in Lily and Ryle’s relationship was happening, I was so torn up. I kept praying that Ryle would change and that Lily will give him another chance but on the other side, I want Lily to make his life hell for hurting her. It was cool that Atlas was there for Lily but damn I did not like this love triangle. I just wish that there was no love triangle in this book. I’m so pissed off for Lily choosing Atlas at the end. I mean she should have been strong on her own. I dunno. This is why love triangles in books are becoming irritating.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love Colleen Hoover’s amazing work and I still worship the queen but I guess the characters just did not connect with me unlike her characters in her previous books. Although that’s the case, I still appreciate this novel. I think it sends a very powerful message to everyone about abusive relationships. It’s an eye opener to everyone and I think it’s still worth the read.

After a long long long time

Gosh! It’s been like almost 3 months and I’ve been MIA. If I could only make myself better in time management, I would love to go back and post reviews and rants about the books I read.However, I cannot turn back time..but I hope to post more in the future as much as I can.

Currently, I am reading Jennifer L. Armetrout’s The Dark Elements series. I will try my best to write reviews for it. Why? Because I love it and how else I can share my love for a book and an author?

I also read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and watched its movie adaptation! I got to say that I have loads of bottled up feelings for that story.It almost destroyed my fragile heart. How dare you Jojo Moyes! 😛

Anyhoo, that will be all for now. I will try to post more because I love this blog and this is supposed to be an outlet for my feels for all of the books that I have read.

Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Children’s

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 624

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

Warning: *Contains spoilers, I’m fangirling and I can’t help it!*

Where do I even begin? This book made me live and die, and live and die, over and over again. The year I have waited for this is really worth it. I had  my theories before but I really could not believe it when the story went to a different path from what I expected.

In ACOTAR, we were left with a broken Feyre, a recovering Tamlin, and a stunned Rhysand. Each one of our beloved main characters are left with the nightmares from the horrors that Amarantha has done.

Then, in ACOMAF, we are brought back to what life is like for Feyre and Tamlin after Amarantha’s death. We are also introduced to the infamous Night Court. This is actually the part that I was most excited about in reading this book. We all know that last scene about Feyre and Rhysand. That moment when Rhysand staggered back when he looked at Feyre’s face. I speculated in that instant..that maybe they are mates. Oh and nobody forgets about the bargain that they made.So, we all knew that at some point in this book Feyre has to get to visit the Night Court. She did but not in the fashion that Rhys timed it. Lol, that made me cracked up. During the wedding, when Feyre was begging internally for someone to help her..and BHAM!!! Rhys comes out of nowhere to help her escape.

While I enjoyed that scene very much, I cannot help but feel sorry for Feyre. I did not even expect that her situation with Tamlin would turn out that way. The loooove they had for each other seemed to burn out. I remembered the passion that they had in the first book but here they just seemed miserable being with each other.

“Keyword: W-A-S” 😛

With every turn of the page, I cannot help but anticipate Feyre spending one week of every month with Rhys. Plus, the way she described the Night Court, I can’t help but wish it could be real. In my head, I was picturing it like Santorini, Greece. I don’t know but that’s how my mind conjured it up.

*How I picture Night Court. Pic not mine. Source*

Oh, and let’s talk about Rhysand’s squad. Gods, I love them! I immediately fell in love with their attitude, powers, and individual mysteries. It’s like everything in Prythian is 100000000 times cooler in Night Court.

Back to the story, all the plot twists and turns are fantabulous. I do think that Sarah has been able to craft this world into a magnificent level. I think she really did think through how each character arc would be. It’s not hurried. It’s not like what she did in Queen of Shadows with regards to Aelin and Chaol. This time, I felt like it was reasonable enough.

Another point that I want to touch in this review is how Sarah always makes her female characters strong. I love her for women empowerment. Let’s be honest. Feyre was suppressed by what Tam has done to her. He just used her as a trophy fiancee? I dunno. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Tamlin so much and I still do. However, if I were Feyre, I would feel suffocated too. Good thing Rhys has allowed Feyre to grow and to fight.

*sighs heavily*

Now, the fight with the King of Hyberia. I absolutely enjoyed the training that Feyre has received from the “SQUAD”. Oh, and their visit at the Summer Court was really entertaining as well. We also got to visit Nesta and Elain. I’m still annoyed with Nesta for not being so caring to Feyre, not like the way she does for Elain. I hope she redeems herself in the next book.

Also, the hate I have for the human queens runs bone deep. By the cauldron, how could they be so selfish!!! Urghhh!!! When they basically endangered my baby Rhys and Feyre and the rest of the squad, I want to strangle them so they could die. Lol, just kidding.

The last part, when all the sh*t went down. I wanted to shout at someone and throw the book despite its awesomeness. I just really can’t believe everything I have witnessed before the book ended but at least, we got a consolation with Rhysand’s POV at the last chapter. I really do hope that their mate thing will still enable them to message each other. I am just really worried with Feyre. I know my worry is useless given the fact that she’s somehow stronger and more powerful.

Fave parts? Uhmm..all the FeyRhys scenes, the part when Feyre retrieved Rhys’ ring from that scary creature, and moment when Rhy told Feyre that they are mates. So much love for those!!!

Lastly, I just want to say that this book is friggin sexy. Damn. 😉 ❤ #RhysandsWingSpan

Book Review: Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Kindred Spirits

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher:  Macmillan Kids UK

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 96

Synopsis from Goodreads:

‘Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.’
‘Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?’
‘Maybe.’

If you broke Elena’s heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she’s expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does. What she’s not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.

Like any other Rainbow Rowell story that I read, this short novel made me feel fuzzy warm things inside my heart. Kindred Spirits, in my opinion, is basically our story as fangirls/fanboys. I tell you people, it’s like me reading about myself during the long periods of time I spent lining up just to see something that I have anticipated (aka book signings but in this novella, it’s the new Star Wars movie).

What I really liked the most about Rainbow’s characters is that they are so easily relatable. Elena and Gabe are such lovely people whom I just want to hug tight because I feel what they feel. Oh and Troy! He’s so fun! I think he is someone, I would like to be on the same side with and someone who I will look up to. Why not? He’s an expert in my fandom.

There were not much exciting parts in the novella save for that moment that they have been waiting for. Though I think that I really enjoyed the banters between our main characters and the bits of revelations from them.

My final rating is 4/5 stars. I just want it to be longer with more character development.

Sarah J. Maas in PH Book Signing RECAP

March 13, 2016 has been officially my favorite day ever this year. I got to meet the Queen, Sarah J. Maas. The book signing event was hosted by National Book Store and was held at NBS Glorietta 1.

I went to the venue as early as 10AM the day before. I was 7th in line. The earliest attendee arrived at 5:30 freaking AM. Oh gods! I just love Sarah so so so much that I camped out for the first time in FOREVER. The whole experience was better because I met my new friends from the ToG facebook group that I am a member of. Also, it was so fun to discuss all things ToG and ACOTAR with them. (In my usual day, I actually yearn to have people to actually talk about this subject to. Can’t help but talk to my brothers who looks at me like I’m a crazy lady when I do that.)

The whole event especially lining up for the book signing was surprisingly organized. There were “bouncers” who ensures that no one tries to cut into the lines and make “singit” as the Filipinos call it.

The loooooonggggggg waiting period was the hardest. I survived on foods and interrupted periods of naps the whole night long. When the BIG DAY for us came, we were all energized especially when it was time for registration. After that, it was as if the whole day was a blur.

Then, 2PM came and everyone was excited. When, Sarah arrived, everyone was screaming and chanting and cheering for their ships! I love all the feels flood that day. I’m so happy to learn that there are many who are sailing with me in the DORAELIN SHIP. My fangirl heart could never be happier than this.

Author interview came next. What really stuck to my mind was when Sam was brought up..and she told us that it was also hard for her to write about him. Also, when she said that she adapted the “I will not be afraid” line from ToG in her life. I was brought to tears and we can all feel that she was trying not to cry as well. Oh, she was also asked who she connects to the most among the 3 lead guys in ToG. Her answer was on the safe side but she described Dorian the longest. 😉 ❤ I was also overwhelmed with feels when she said how the Filipino readers are the best in the world.

 

The actual book signing took place. When it was my turn, I was really freaking out inside and trying so hard to calm down. Oh my gods, it was as if I was starstruck. I felt that I met Aelin in flesh (and when I saw her husband, Josh, like he’s totally Dorian). I swear it’s like I met King Dorian and Queen Aelin in front of me. I literally was a loss for words and just said that I was so happy to see her and was trying so hard not to cry. *I know totally embarrassing, I hope Sarah was not freaked out by me* I thanked her for coming and that the camp out was so worth it bc I got to meet her. Too bad, the management was not allowing hugs..but at least I did the author-handshake with her.

 

Thank you to Sarah for coming! We’re really blessed and overjoyed to have you here in our country. I hope you’ll come back with your hubs. To National Book Store, lots of gratitude from me for making the impossible happen. Thank you for making the Filipino book nerds dream come true. 🙂

Sarah J. Maas in Philippines!

When Sarah’s newsletter arrived in my e-mail and I read about her upcoming book signing in Manila, I totally freaked out because gods, I never thought she’d come here! I was a bit heartbroken though because another bookstore will be hosting this event. I mean I already have all her books in hardcover US editions but I can do nothing but accept that I’d have to buy another set of her books (UK editions to be specific).

Right now, National Book Store officially released their mechanics for the SJM book signing event. There are some disappointments (aka NO POSED PICS WITH THE AUTHOR and BOOK LIMIT). However, again, I can’t do anything about these. I would have to deal with these because I really really really really would love to see one of my most beloved authors of all time. Like I literally would cry with happiness when I see her in person. I will set aside my frustration and try to focus instead on the fact that I’ll get to meet her.

Sarah’s Book signing event in Manila, hosted by National Book Store, will be on March 13 at NBS Glorietta 1. I’m so excited!!!!!