Anonymous Daily Adventure

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Published: May 10th, 2009
Publisher: Crown
Synopsis: Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars.

Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back?

She begins to realise that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find.

I'm back! College has been insanely busy and I don't even have enough time just to touch my books let alone updating my blog. So I'm glad today is Saturday and Winnie from Lemonade Reads tag me to do this Book Tag. Let's do this!

What are your top three book pet hates?
1. Books with actual people on the cover. I just hate it. For me, it makes the book look so cheesy and cheap. Well, I'm that person who judge the book by its cover. #sorryfornotbeingsorry
2. Too much romance. I know lots of people enjoy romance and kisses in a book, but I dislike it. I love action packed and fast pacing book. This is the main reason why it was hard for me to get into The Mortal Instruments and Shatter Me Trilogy.
3. Small books. I'm not a big fan of small mass market paperback. I prefer big and tall books.

Describe your perfect reading spot.
Anywhere quiet and indoor. I find outdoor places are distracting. Not sure why.

Tell us three book confessions
1. I like The Selection trilogy. I find this embarrassing since I'm a guy and this series is so girly.
2. I was devastated when I finished The Fault in Our Stars. It was a freaking sad book, okay!
3.  (Does this count as two confessions?)

When was the last time you cried during a book?
Never. I'm a strong proud male reader. I will never cry during reading. 

How many books are on your bedside table?
I don't have bedside table, so none.

What is your favorite snack whilst your reading?
I don't like eating while reading. It's really distracting and I won't risk getting my books spilled with foods.

Name three books you would recommend to everyone.



Show us a picture of your favorite bookshelf on your bookcase.
Picture Pending

Write how much books mean to you in just three word.
Books Equal Happiness

What is your biggest reading secret?
Sometimes I have a mental conversation with fictional characters that I hate or I'm frustrated with. Sometimes I even yell and complain to everyone that cares. I'm such a freak and not ashamed of it. DONE!

Since I have no book blogger friends, I tag you who read this post! 

It's not a secret that buying imported books in Indonesia is quite hard and expensive.

There are several bookstores that have imported books collection on their shelves around the country but most of their collections aren't satisfying.

I've been wanting to make this post since I first started this blog. Hopefully it would help you to find the perfect bookstore including online bookstore to buy your new books. The bookstores I listed down below are the ones that located in Jakarta. Some of them have their branches in other city as well. You can check their website which I will link it for you. Here we go!


1. Books Kinokuniya

Books Kinokuniya is a bookstore originally from Japan. It has lots of branches around the world and we're quite lucky to have it in Jakarta.

There are three Kinokuniya in Jakarta which all located at big mall: Grand Indonesia, Plaza Senayan and Pondok Indah Mall.

Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan has the biggest store with the most complete collections. You can find new releases books here. It also has lots of hardcover books which really hard to find in Indonesia. If you're a fan of Young Adult Fiction, Kinokuniya will be your heaven. It has all the newest YA Fiction in paperback form. Unfortunately, the price is crazy here. Most of the paperbacks start from 130.000 IDR. Some of the books are ridiculously expensive, twice (sometimes triple) the original price in US. If you're looking for classic literature, Kinokuniya has a really great collections including the Penguin Classic Edition.
Not only English literature, it also has collection of Japanese and Chinese literature.I recommend Kinokuniya if you want to go bookshopping and feeling satisfied with the collection, but brace your wallet because it won't be cheap.

Contact:
Twitter @kinokuniya_indo


2. Periplus

Periplus is one of my favorite bookstore. The collection isn't as complete as Kinokuniya, but it has a great collection as well.

The price is so much cheaper than Kinokuniya. It has lots of Mass Market Paperback collections, so if you're a fan of MMP, this is a perfect store for you.

Periplus has lots of branches around Jakarta and other cities. My favorite store are the ones that located at Plaza Indonesia and Plaza Senayan. I got most of my books from Periplus, especially the online store.
Periplus.com has been established since last year (if I'm not mistaken). It's currently developing its online store. Periplus.com is so far the best imported books online store in the country! You can order any kind of books on the website and it will ship the book directly from US. The biggest advantage is you don't have to pay the shipping cost from US to Indonesia. You only have to pay the shipping cost from its office to your home. Isn't it great? I bought some of my hardcover books from the website and it's satisfying. The service is fast and excellent, though the customer service is really bad sometime. Also some of the books are in wrong category. I bought two hardcovers which turned out to be paperbacks. It was really disappointing sometime, but I'll still recommend Periplus.com. Periplus is so far the best bookstore. It has the best price and discount.

Contact:
http://www.periplus.com
Twitter @periplus_store

3. Aksara 

This is like the coolest bookstore ever! Well, technically it's not a bookstore, but there are some books here. You can find indie band CDs and lots of cute and weird stuff. Most of the books here are classic.

I'd say this store is dedicated for fellow hipsters and also rich South Jakarta citizens. The price is insanely expensive. I never bought anything here.
Aksara is located at Plaza Indonesia and also Kemang district. Go check this cool store if you happen to be at the area!

Contact:
http://www.aksara.com/

4. Gramedia

As you know Gramedia is the biggest bookstore in Indonesia. There are literally Gramedia at every mall in Indonesia. Most of the books are local books but if you're lucky you can find imported books as well.

Most of Gramedia that have imported books are the ones that located in South and Central area of Jakarta. Grand Indonesia, Pondok Indah Mall, Central Park are few that has imported books.

The price is so much expensive than Periplus, but it's cheaper than Aksara and Kinokuniya.


5. Books & Beyond

It was known as Times Bookstore until it changed its name into Books & Beyond.

There are only few Books & Beyond stores around Jakarta: Plaza Senayan, Pluit Village, Pacific Place.
The biggest store is the one at UPH karawaci.

It has a really cheap book compare to other books store, but it has the smallest store and also only few interesting collections.
If you happen to have the member card of Books & Beyond, you have a really great privilege. Not only you get 10% discount for every purchase without minimum payment, you also get special discount for its monthly promo starting from 20% off discount.

It's now developing an online bookstore as well. The price is cheaper and for member card holder will also get 10% discount for every purchase online. Not only that, for every purchase more than 100.000 IDR you get free shipping (For Jakarta area only). Great, isn't it? I've been buying my books from Books & Beyond this April and I'm satisfied. The process is really fast. You order the book, you pay it and confirm your payment. In about few hours, you will get an email, informing you that your item is now ready to ship. Everything happen in one freaking day! I highly recommend the online bookstore.
Oh yeah, as for the collection on the website isn't that satisfying but it's quite good. I'm hoping for more collections in the future.

Contact
http://www.booksbeyond.co.id

I hope this can help you to decide which bookstore is the perfect one to fulfill your book buying needs. If you have any question, feel free to leave a comment down below. I'd happy to answer it.

Go get your books, bookworms!

I haven't done this for a really long time!
2014 is a bright year for me. Lots of amazing books are being released this year and I just can't wait to get my hands all over them. I'm gonna make a list of the most anticipated Young Adult books of May 2014. I will also include the books that I'm planning to get next month which released before May.


1. The Mortal Instruments #6: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

You must be kidding me if you don't know about this series! The Mortal Instruments is a series about Nephilim that well known as Shadowhunters. They're basically the army of heaven who fight evil and demons around the world. The story is revolving around Clary and Jace's adventure fighting demons, war between Nephilim and demons. Those kind of stuff.
I'm so happy that this book is coming later next month! The previous one, City of Fallen Angels isn't the best of the series. So I'm hoping the last book will be so much better.
There are already lots of snippets and rumors about this book. The most devastating rumor that has been confirmed is true by the author is there will be lots of death and we'll see important and our loved ones in the book die. I don't think I'm ready for that!

Release Date: May 27th, 2014



2. The Selection #3: The One by Kiera Cass


Time to put an end to the fans misery. Who's America gonna choose at last? Is it Maxon or Aspen?
Team Maxon and Team Aspen has been created since the first book and they're keep arguing whether America should end up with whom.
For me, Maxon should be the one. If he isn't the one America chooses, what's the point of the whole Selection at the first place?

This is not my favorite series but I've read the first two books, so I guess why not?
Anyway, all the covers in the series are so girly I'm so ashamed to have it on my shelf. This is my guilty pleasure. I love TV show and reading this series feels like I'm watching one. Get over it people, okay?
For the book trailer, click here

Release Date: May 6th, 2014


3. Reboot #2: Rebel by Amy Tintera


Another sequel is coming next month! I read the first book, Reboot, last year and I quite enjoyed it. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. Mostly, because the characters developed badly throughout the book. I was disappointed how the main character turned into a really weak character once she found out she fell in love. Really? You were dead for 178 minutes for God's sake.

I was glad when I heard this is a duology, because I don't think I'm gonna continue with the series if it's a trilogy or even worse, a long six books series.
The cover is really simple and I like the blue color. Hopefully this one is going to be better than the first one. I have high expectation for the sequel.

Release Date: May 13th, 2014



4. Scan by Walter Jury & Sarah Fine


Tate and his father don't exactly get along. His father always expect him to be the best on everything, literally.
One day, he steals his father odd-tech invention and mercenaries ambush the school. His father is killed in the process and Tate is running away from alien that look exactly like human.
With no skill to fight and help from his mom and girlfriend, Tate is on running to get away from the alien attack and keeping his father's invention safe. He soon unravel the secret behind the invention and why there are people dying to get it.

The premise looks interesting and awesome. I hate the book cover, but I can deal with it. I have high expectation for the upcoming new series by Walter Jury and Sarah Fine.
I hope this won't end up like The Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore. I'm not saying it's bad, I just don't really like it. Finger crossed for Scan! Release Date: May 1st, 2014


The next two books are the ones that were released long time before.

5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn


I've been wanting to read mystery and thriller books for a really long time. Gone Girl is on top of my list next to The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (*cough* J.K Rowling *cough*)
I love the "Am I crazy? Am I not? Did I kill her or not?" happening in this book, well at least I assume there's a moment like that in this book.

The movie is coming soon this October with Ben Affleck as the main character *sigh*
He's an academy award winner for directing "Argo". As an actor, I'm not sure. I don't really like him in a movie. Finger crossed for the movie though, as well for the book. So excited to get this!









6. A Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin


How can I live my life without ever trying to read Mr. Martin's works? This is a very well known series. The TV show is such a hit nowadays. I'm kinda terrified with the writing, the epic fantasy, the characters and also the plot line. Lots of people telling me it's really hard to get along with the story since there are so many characters and the different plot line for every chapters. What really terrify me is the epic fantasy thing. I'm not sure my English skill is sufficient for reading this kind of book, but I'm so curious with this book.

People claim this as the best Fantasy series of all time. Doesn't it sound tempting?

Definitely gonna check this one as soon as possible. Hopefully next month. If I was lucky enough, I could get the box set!




7. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey


It's about time!
I've been dying to read this one and getting on with the series. The second book, The Infinite Sea is going to be released later this September.

The paperback price is insanely expensive and the hardcover is even more expensive. That's the main reason I've been reluctant to buy it and instead buying other books.

There's no more turning back this time. I'll definitely getting this book either next month or maybe on June (Since I have to get City of Heavenly Fire and The One, I don't think I'll have enough money to buy this anymore)

This is on my top to-be-read list.



That's a wrap! I have lots of books waiting to be read on my shelves. I can't wait to read all of them and get new books next month.
Tell me what's your most anticipated books. Simply leave a comment on the comment section below. I'd love to hear your thought!

Thanks for reading.

Chloë Grace Moretz, an actress that is well known for her role in Kick-Ass and Carrie, is coming back again for the upcoming book to movie adaptation, The 5th Wave.
The 5th Wave is a book written by Rick Yancey. The book community has been raving about this book for so long and I haven't yet read it!

Moretz will be playing as Cassie, the main character in the book. There hasn't yet any news about other cast but having Moretz on board is already exciting for everyone.

The news was confirmed right after her new upcoming movie trailer, "If I Stay" was released.
I guess she's a book to movie adaptation diva now! After her brilliant acting in Carrie, which is adapted from the book with the same title by Stephen King, she's going back hitting the cinema in another book to movie adaptation this year, If I Stay, adapted from the book by Gayle Forman.




I love Moretz and the trailer for If I Stay looks absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to get my hand all over The 5th Wave. She will be magnificent in the movie. Let's have our finger crossed for another amazing cast for this movie and hopefully they won't ruin the movie like they did with City of Bones.

The second book of the series, The Infinite Sea will be released later in September this year. If you haven't read the book, just like me, we're better to get the book as soon as possible so we can rave about the movie with others who have.

While we're waiting for another news of The 5th Wave movie, go ahead watch the trailer of If I Stay.

PANIC
By: Lauren Oliver
Release Date: March, 4th 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins

Carp, a small city located in New York with only 12,000 people, is like a big cage for everyone.
It's summer and there's nothing to do. So there's Panic. No one really knows how it began.

Panic is a game where you put your life on the stake to win a pot worth $50,000 that can put an end to your miserable and boring life in Carp. This year, the price is bigger; $67,000 and the stake is even higher.

Heather is one of the contestant, alongside with her best friend, Nat. There's also this guy named Dodge. He's not the popular guy in high school, but he's determined to join Panic. He has purpose. He has his own secret and he's not planning on telling anyone or let the other contestants ruin his own plan to get into the final stage of Panic.

I guess that sums it up.
If you read the synopsis, you could misunderstood this book as the next The Hunger Games in contemporary version. Believe me, it's not.
Sure this is a book about a survival game with a huge prize, but it's no Hunger Games.

This is my first Lauren Oliver's book and need to admit, I'm impressed. Lots of saying that her writing style is good and I believe it's true. Panic is in third person writing style and divided into two plot lines. I really like the whole concept of the writing. It gives me different perspectives on the characters.

The premise of this book is really good. I love the feeling of the high school-ish in this book. Remind me everything sweet from my high school moments.
The fact that this is a stand alone novel, I got to say Lauren Oliver did a great job.

The pacing was okay. I find it neither slow nor fast. Just the right speed.
I really love how the game and the process of it described. It gave me the right amount of suspense and tension. Most of the time, I just couldn't stop moving because I felt so anxious. I was totally sucked into the story. I  was going all, "NO DON'T DO THAT DON'T!", "SHOOT! IS IT FOR REAL?", and "BE CAREFUL, HEATHER!"

What really disappointed me was the plot. The whole plot of this book was predictable. Every twist and turn in this book wasn't working really well. Lauren Oliver thought she was throwing a huge nuclear bomb but really it didn't affect anything. The explosion wasn't big enough.

What really bugged me was the characters. The whole characters in this book were all disappointing. They were all boring and cliche. I was expecting more from Lauren Oliver. I felt so disconnected from the characters.

The main character, Heather, is like this beautiful blonde girl who just got dumped by her boyfriend and becoming this whining little bitch. I feel totally disconnected from her. I kept expecting she would get better as the book went on, but though she was indeed getting better, I still had no empathy for her.

My top hated character goes to Nat. Is she taken from that antagonist character in a shitty teenager movie? Seriously..... Like why is she even in this book? She's so cliche and boring. Not to mention, a total bitch. Just a big no!

Among other characters, I was clinging to Dodge. He was okay. As a character, he was the most determined. Though sometimes he's acting a little bit annoying and I just wanted to punch him, he was the better one.

I don't want to start about how the love story goes. It sucked. Like the worst kind of suck love story. Period.

Overall, it was quite enjoyable. Not the best, but it was an easy and fast read. I won't really recommend this book if you're looking for something good, but give it a try for a simple and easy read.
If you've read it, tell me about how you feel about this book.
For me, it's only worth 3 out of 5 stars. Mostly because the dull characters. *sigh*

Special credit to both of my beautiful friends, Hana & Lisa for buying me this book! I just love the Hardcover of Allegiant. I haven't finished reading this, because I think this book is kind of boring... Such a disappointment for me. But I'm planning to read this someday.. not sure when.

2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians #5: The Last Olympian By Rick Riordan


So I bought this from Periplus website. This is the last book of The Percy Jackson series. There was a special discount for this one. It was only 40.000 IDR. I haven't bought the rest of the series. I only have Sea Of Monsters. But since I'm planning on finishing this series, I thought why not buying the last book anyway. It's cheap.


3. Looking For Alaska By John Green


So one of my mission was read all John Green's book. I got an 50.000 IDR E-Voucher from Periplus. I got it by exchanging my points from buying books. So I used it to buy two John Green's book and this is one of them. I've read this one and to be honest, I didn't think it was good enough. It was okay. I liked it. But the book was too predictable and the plot was kind of flat.


4. Paper Town By John Green


This is the other John Green I was talking about. Paper Towns. I've read the first hundred pages and just like Looking For Alaska, I don't really like it so far. It's boring. It started really great and funny then when it reached page 80, the storyline just got flat and boring. I don't really think I'd like any other John Green's books except The Fault in Our Stars. This might piss you off if you're a John Green's fan, but I'm not planning to read his previous books before TFiOS.

5. THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY HARDCOVER BOX SET

So I bought this book a year ago. Read first few pages and then just left it there on my bookshelves with no intention to continue reading it. I remember buying the sequel because the cover was so cool and it's hardcover!
Then couple months later, I decided to give it a try again and read more pages and gave up again because I was in my worst reading slump ever. Until now... To be exactly two days ago.


Prodigy.
Written by Marie Lu, the author of the famous dystopian trilogy; Legend. I loved the first book, Legend. My reaction for the first book was like, "This is a really good book. Better than The Hunger Games. I guess I'm gonna read the next book.". Well, guess what my reaction after finished reading Prodigy was like, "OH MY FUCKING GOODNESS THIS BOOK IS GOOD I NEED THE NEXT ONE RIGHT NOW!".
Swear to God, I almost got myself changed and went to the nearest bookstore that has Champion - the last book of the trilogy - and buy it. But then I realized it was crazy because it was 5 in the morning.
Yes people. This book is that good.

If you haven't read the first book, you have to! Don't waste your precious time doubting yourselves whether to buy it or not. Believe me you won't regret reading it.

Prodigy continues with June and Day attempts to find Day's brother and move themselves to the Colonies; hoping there's a better future there. But with Day's wounded legs, they have no chance. Desperate; they go to the Last Vegas - the military state of Republic - to find Patriots and ask them for help. Later they discover the death of Elector Primo and that Patriots don't do charity by giving them free helps. In exchange, Day and June have to do the mission Patriots is currently working on; Kill the new Elector Primo who non other than the former Elector's son which will lead them to the revolution; Republic and Colonies become one just like the old days. Well, at least that's what they being told.

The first thing you notice when you read Prodigy is the writing. It's really good. I think it's even better than Divergent or The Hunger Games. Correct me is I'm wrong but I think it is.
There are like tons of surprises waiting ahead in each pages. Reading this book is like experiencing a roller coaster that not only goes up, but surely goes down in a high speed which will make your heart stopped and scream out of frustration. (Wait until you find the shocking truth about Metias and Thomas!)

There are few new characters here but they don't really have roles in this book. They just pass by like any other supporting actors or actresses in a really good movie. You see them, you either love or hate them and then you just sort of forget who they are and what they're doing in this book.

The pacing.
God, it's so fast. It's like I'm actually there when Kaede flies the Colonies's military jet and do her best split-S! The last thing you'll realize is that you've been reading all night and you've reached the last page.

The romance. This is the one thing I really love from this book. Romance? Fuck it. There's a little bit touch of Romance in this book but not too much. Just the enough amount that a dystopian book needs. I hate it when an author writes a dystopian book, with this promising premise but when I read it, it's all about the protagonist characters love story, including the triangle love, sometimes a rectangle love and I'm like, "Go write some romance novels! Don't ruin my precious dystopian!". Yes, I'm not a big fan of romance.
I just love how June keeps saying things like, "We just know each other for less than a month. How could I fall in love with this guy?" which makes here kind of resist saying that she loves Day. It does make sense you know. Romance in young adult dystopian book is sometimes forced. Move to fast that you find it doesn't make any sense.
It goes like: "Hey, I just met you yesterday. You seem hot. Let's make out! I will betray everyone and leave what I have for no reason. Well, I think pretty much because I 'love' you."
Totally not happening in Legend trilogy. Everything happens for a reason and the romance just so good that I find myself loving it.

Marie Lu is a kick ass. She succeeded with the two point-of-view. She took advantage with this writing style to explain lots of stuff. Put all the characters emotions. Making us, the readers, so related with June and Day. Most of writers just failed taking advantage from the first person POV, but not Marie Lu. She nailed it!

If you've done reading Legend, go ahead buy Prodigy and read it immediately! This is so much better than the first book.

I rate this five out of five stars. (DUH!)
Prodigy is the second book I read on 2014 after The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, which was a reread and I gave it five out of five stars as well. I'm happy that I'm starting 2014 with amazing books. A good start, yeah?
I've ordered Paper Town and Looking For Alaska, both by the same author, John Green from Periplus online and I'm gonna get Champion, the last book of the Legend trilogy, around next week. So yeah, I'm officially out of my reading slump and currently enjoying my holiday with good books.
Book Haul and more reviews are coming!

Hey, I'm back!
This is my first book haul after a long hiatus from blogging. These books were purchased between May to beginning of August.



From top to the bottom:
1. The Sea of Monsters By Rick Riordan
2. The Killables By Gemma Malley
3. The Perks of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky
4. Legend By Marie Lu
5. The Elite By Kiera Cass
6. Reboot By Amy Tintera
7. Prodigy By Marie Lu
8. Pure By Julianna Bagott

Well, I don't know what to say about my book haul. But as you can see, there are lots of dystopian books and I'm a big fan of dystopian.
I haven't read any of these books except for The Perks of Being A Wallflower which I loved so much. I'd read Legend By Marie Lu but it was the Indonesian version and I'm thinking to reread it again.

So yeah, not so many books were purchased.
I have a very long list for my next book haul. Hope I could get them all.

I need to be more consistent with my list. Couple of months ago I had lots of books on my Most Wanted Books list and I'd only bought one book from my list. It was terrible and wrong. This month, I'll only have four books in my list and I'll try to buy three of them..... hopefully I could buy all of them.

1. Sea of Monsters By Rick Riordan

The movie is coming on August and I need to read this book! I loved the first book, it was good. I loved Rick Riordan's writing. Though I wasn't a greek myth big fan, but I loved The Lightning Thief. It was good and I'm looking forward to read the second book.

2. Gone By Michael Grant



Been spying this book for a very long time. I have to start reading Michael Grant's work soon! By soon, I mean this month!

3. Prodigy By Marie Lu


I'm still waiting for the paperback version to be sold in Indonesia. I can't afford any hardcover books this month since I've spent so much money lately. Prodigy is definitely on my top TBR list.

4. Reboot By Amy Tintera 



I've watched the book trailer and it was super cool! I think this will be one of my favorite book of this year. It will be released on May 7th. I can't wait to get this one!

Have you read either of these books? Please let me know your thought about it.

Hey, it's May already!
Went to Grand Indonesia today and got myself a new book. I hate myself for picking up this book. My worst decision ever.

My first book of May is:

I wasn't supposed to buy any books this month. But when I heard that Periplus was having 50% off book sale, I couldn't help it. Just if you wonder, the sale is still on until May 5th. I warn you, don't put your expectation too high for the book sale.

Yesterday, I went to Pondok Indah Mall a.k.a PIM. I was hoping to get lots of cheap books. The books were actually cheap but the condition were ugly. I was about to buy: Pure By Julianna Baggot but the condition of the book was terrifying, so I decided not to buy it. Most of the books that have been on sale were in Mass Paperback and I hate Mass Paperback. I can't read a book with suck paper quality.

In the end I didn't buy any books from Periplus. But it didn't mean I didn't get new book. So I went to Kinokuniya and bought one book. I couldn't help it. It was Hardcover and the price was crazy.

The Selection By Kiera Cass.
Guess how much for this beautiful hardcover copy?
It was only 117.000 IDR. Not it wasn't on discount, it was the original price. I didn't really understand how the hardcover could be much cheaper than the paperback. I just bought it without any second thought.

The main reason I've been wanting to read this book is because my best friend from Junior High wrote a similar book like this one. Well, her book isn't published whatsoever. It's not even finished yet. But the similarity between hers and Cass is just ridiculous!
So yeah, that was why I decided to buy this one. Besides, it was so cheap. I couldn't help it.

The thing about me, I always reorganized my bookshelf everytime I buy new books. Here some pictures of my new organized bookshelf.

Upper Shelf

Lower shelf

Okay, The Selection is my last book for this month. I think I won't buy any new books for the next couple of months. I will save my money for something else and will try to finish books that I haven't yet read.

That's all for today.
Have a nice day.

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
By: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Published on December, 2009
563 pages

BOOK SYNOPSIS
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.


Beautiful Creatures is just released in Indonesia cinema and I'm thinking to write a review about the book that I actually had read last month.

We have Ethan Wate as the male protagonist and this book uses his point of view. Kind of different, isn't it? Usually writers use female point of view because it's so much easier. Because female are more sensitive and have more thoughts in their minds. This is one of many other things that I love from Beautiful Creatures. It gives a different touch. We can see things from guy point of view. How he sees girls, how he needs to keep his feeling for himself because guys don't talk about it. It's really interesting, I really love it.

The story sets in South Carolina. I love how both the writers write the dialogue between the characters in South Carolina accent, making this book feel more real. Although, I need to admit when I read it, I got a little bit confuse sometimes.

There's also a bullying issue in this book. The writers had succeeded for making me to put all my sympathy to Lena Duchannes. I kept reading this book because I really wanted to know what was going to happen next to Lena. I wanted to make sure she was okay. I know guys, she's fictional but it doesn't mean I can't have sympathy for the character.

Unlikely 'Shatter Me' (I know it's not relevant to compare this book with it), the love story between Ethan and Lena isn't forced. It develops as the story goes. It's not like any other teen romance. It's not Twilight. Ethan and Lena start as friend, hanging out together, saving each other ass and then as the time goes by they just fall in love for each other. I guess this book can make me think that perhaps everything in this book is not fictional at all because it feels kind of real.

The concept of this book isn't new. But thank goodness it's about witch and not Nephilim! Too much Paranormal Romance use Nephilim as it characters.
So, Caster. It's a new thing. Witch is not a polite way to call Lena Duchannes. They prefer the term 'Caster'. They take 'Witch' and 'Wizard' as an insult. Their power somehow is interesting especially Lena because she's a Natural.
The claimed part is also interesting, although I hate how the series are all about the claiming thing.

The pacing is really slow. I guess the writers want everything to be in detail and I don't like that kind of book. But this book is worth reading. The writing is great. The story is okay. Sure, I got bored in some parts. But still, this book worth 4 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to read the next book, Beautiful Darkness.

Anonymous

First of all, I'd like to announce happily that my National Exams had finally over. After four days of madness and struggle, I'd finally finished my study. I know the announcement hasn't come out yet, but I'm quite sure I'm gonna pass. I have to or else I'd write my suicide note in this blog. (Just kidding; Not kidding)

School had been really hectic and I had no time to read anything. Since school is finally over, there's going to be a payback! This month I got quite much books. Some of them are secondhand books, I bought it from English Book Club ID's founder, Nicole. You can find Book Club ID's twitter by clicking this link.

Books of April:
1. Struck By Lightning By Chris Colfer
2. Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins

The Mortal Instruments Series By Cassandra Clare:
1. City of Ashes
2. City of Glass
3. City of Fallen Angels
4. City of Lost Souls

The Infernal Devices Series By Cassandra Clare:
1. Clockwork Angel
2. Clockwork Princess

I know in my previous post, I told you guys that I won The Hunger Games Box Set from Periplus. So why it isn't in my book haul this month?
Well, they did a mistake. They promised me The US box set but what I got was Asian Edition box set and the books were torn and folded. It also had "Damaged Book" label on it. I complained about my inconvenience and since the box set was out of stock, they offered me a Periplus voucher worth 200.000 IDR instead. I took the offer and got City of Lost Souls and Struck By Lightning.

I'm currently have no The Hunger Games series in my bookshelf except Mockingjay. I'd sold my translated copy and currently saving up my money to get the first two books before Catching Fire movie is released.

I replaced my translated copy of Clockwork Angel as well to match my other Infernal Devices series.
I know Clockwork Princess technically is not an April's book. But the book was arrived on April, so yeah....

I won't buy anymore books because I've spent so much money for books lately and I'm currently broke because of my farewell trip with they guys to Bali this May.

For you who had school done like me, Congratulation guys you've done your best! Now go to your bed, act like a lazy pig for a day because you deserve it!
For you who still having school for the next couple of months, yes I know your life's suck. Hahahaha, Just kidding. Good luck with your school.

P.S: For this long holiday, I'll be starting on writing again. I have this huge ideas of Dystopian World and I'm currently developing it. Wish me luck guys!

Anonymous

Today is Friday, which means it's only a week away from the most terrifying part of being a national school student in Indonesia, National Exams. After being so terrified and depressed, I had nice things happening to me at the beginning of April.
There were two things that just happened (hopefully there will be more)

The first one... It's here people.. It's here...

Yep, my hardback copy of Clockwork Princess By Cassandra Clare. When I held the book in my hand for the first time, it didn't feel right. I think I'd prefer the Paperback but... meh...
I just want to read it right after I got it, but I still have 200 pages of Beautiful Creature that need to be read. I really hate school right now for taking away my reading time.

The excitement didn't end right there.

Periplus twitter account (@Periplus_Store) was having a contest for April Mop. The prize for the winner was this beautiful box set.


Guess who won it!
Yes people, I won it! I still can't believe that I could win the contest.
I was going to get the box set last month, but I decided not to get it because I didn't have much money. Thank God I didn't buy the box set!

April has been amazing so far. I can't wait for another surprises.

Wish me luck for my National Exam. Please.

"Everyday you live your life ordinary, normal. But there's only so long you can't hide from the truth."

HOLY SHIT! Hodge's speech gave me chills!

Yes, it's here people! The official second trailer of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: City of Bones. The trailer was showed at the Wondercon few days ago. But from today, all the Mundanes can watch it till they go nuts!


The thing about this trailer: IT IS SO MUCH COOLER THAN THE FIRST TRAILER! The first trailer was the reason I read City of Bones. But this second trailer makes me want to read all the books of The Mortal Instruments!
We can see lots of things in this trailer. Magnus Bane, Jocelyn Fray aka Clary's Mom, The werewolves pack and lots of other things!

I still think that Jamie Campbell doesn't fit as Jace Wayland, but I won't judge until I see the movie.

I can't wait for the movie to be released. Just reminding you once again, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones will be released on August 23rd. So relax, keep reading the books and wait until the movie hits the theater!

Hey Ho Bookworms!
I can't believe March is almost over which means my National Exam is only two weeks away. So not ready!
In the middle of school madness and being really hectic, I've managed to read and buy some books this month. I need to say, this month I've gone crazy with books.

Starting from my March Wrap Up. I read 5 books! I've never read more than two books a month and this is my best achievement in my reading challenge so far.

From the top:
1. Legend By Marie Lu (Indonesian Version)
2. Enclave By Ann Aguirre
3. The Fault in Our Stars By John Green
4. Clockwork Prince By Cassandra Clare
5. The Lost Symbol By Dan Brown

I did enjoy Legend, Clockwork Prince and The Lost Symbol. But I wasn't really into The Fault in Our Stars and Enclave. I don't know if I'm going to get the second of Enclave, but hopefully I can save some money to get it, just to complete my collection.

Next, March Book Haul!
I thought I wasn't going to get new books for this month because I'm currently saving my money for my very long holiday after the National Exam. But I couldn't help myself not to buy Clockwork Princess when it came out. There was also a special discount on Periplus.com. So yeah, at last I got four books for this month.



For this month I got:
1. Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl; The first book of the Caster Chronicles.
2. Beautiful Chaos By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl; This is the third book of the Caster Chronicles. Got it for only 25.000 IDR. The book condition is terrible. The top edges has turned yellow. Not to mention the poor condition of the other edges. But for only 25.000 IDR, I guess it's worth it. I'm going to get the second book asap.
3. Uncommon Criminals By  Ally Carter; This is the second book of The Heist Society. I got the hardcover for only 50.000 IDR. I haven't read the first book. I think I'm going to skip the first book and read this first.

My hardback copy of Clockwork Princess hasn't arrived yet. Apparently it's still in process of shipping from the US. Periplus just e-mailed me, telling me that it will takes another week for the book to arrive. I guess I'll just have to wait.
The worst part is the paperback version is already available at all bookstores! Damn..... I'd probably be the last person to read the last book...
This month I got all these books that should be for girls. I know.... Mock me for that. I don't really care. I'm just interested with the whole caster things and the thievery.


If you're interested to get this Elite Card, just click HERE for more information about it.

Well, that's it guys. My wrap up and book hauls. Hope you enjoy.

Anonymous

Who doesn't know The Mortal Instruments & The Infernal Devices?
This famous series all are written by Cassandra Clare. All the booktubers have her books. Some love it, some hate it. As for me, I love The Infernal Devices but I don't really like The Mortal Instruments.
The last book of The Infernal Devices, Clockwork Princess, was released a week ago. My copy is still on its way from the US.

So today I just read an article, saying that Cassandra Clare is working on her new upcoming trilogy, The Dark Artifices, which is a sequel of The Mortal Instruments. It will be a trilogy.
It means counting with the prequel, the actual series and the sequel; there will be 12 books about Shadowhunter.
I was so surprised when I heard that Cassandra Clare will also make another trilogy after The Dark Artifices.

RT @nataliebird345: " How many book series about shadowhunters are you planning to do?" I was planning five -- four trilogies and TMI.

RT @MariahSmith234: " so there will be another series after TLH?" one after TDA. It goes TiD-TLH-TMI-TDA-Sekrit unnamed project

RT @angelicamae_s: " TID, TLH and TDA.. that's only 3 trilogies. Will the fourth one be after TDA??" yes.

I'm starting to feel that Cassandra Clare doesn't want to move on. She's in her comfort zone right now. Don't get me wrong, I think she's a really good writer. But don't you think it's time to move on?

When a series has 6 books, I think it's already too much. When the 6 series books have a prequel, it's great. And when the prequel gets a sequel?

Well, time to stop Cassandra. Why?

Imagine this. In the future, 20 years from now, when our kids wanted to read books from our time. We recommended them Cassandra Clare's work and when they discovered there were 20+ books about Shadowhunter, do you think they would still read it? No. They would refuse to read it and read Harry Potter instead.

So yeah, I think it's great for Cassandra to keep writing but she needs to find a new world, new characters. Shadowhunter world is amazing but leaving it behind will make everybody remember it, miss it. By keep writing it, people will get bored and for people who haven't read her works will have no intention to read her works because it's too much.

This is just my thought.
Don't kill me.

I'm still remember getting this book as my 14th birthday gift from my friend. I got the Indonesian translation. I'd only managed to read half of it. Why? Because the book was so boring. Too much talking. Nothing was really captivating. Then a year later, I gave it another chance. I reread it and once again, I failed. I couldn't finish the book. Few months later, I saw the English version at my school library which was really surprising. I (once again) gave it another try. I thought maybe if I read the English version I'd have liked it better and maybe I could finish it. Guess what, guys? I didn't finish it. I just couldn't. The book was too boring and I just couldn't stand it. I didn't even give a fuck about the ending and stuff.

When I heard The Host was becoming a movie, I don't know, I just got so excited about it. The movie trailers were good and I thought maybe the movie would be so much better than the book. I was wrong..