TABLAY - Katrina F. Olan {Review}

"Zeros and ones. I think of the monitors. In life, there is only death and survival. Today, I refuse to be a zero."

I'm going to start this off by saying that mech (and scifi in general) is not my usual cup of tea but for some reason, I got really hooked when I first learned of Tablay during Komiket (which I wasn't able to attend huhu)

Bulk of it may be because of my natural inclination towards mythology - especially that of the Philippines. Plus, it's always refreshing to discover new local writers! Particularly someone who is so hands-on (I mean, have you seen the marketing for this book?! More on that later!)

That's why when I discovered the online purchase form of Tablay (you can check it here and order yours today!), I ordered mine immediately.

And boy, reading it during #BuwanNgMgaAkdangPinoy - specifically for #Wikathon and #RCReadathon2020 Pinoy Creators Edition Bingo - was such a good decision! Word vomit Thoughts below :)

*Spoilers ahead! Will be hidden (drag-select to view) but proceed with caution!

Bookish Babble [4] - Goodbye, July! (Monthly Recap)

~~~
July Monthly Recap!
(Reads, hauls, and other shenanigans)

~~~

We're halfway through 2018 (YAHOO!) and who says you can't make a big change mid-year?

I guess the biggest change I got is that I finally get to do this kind of stuff. I never thought I’d actually last around to share something recap-worthy (I know I'm a few days late but gimme a break!) These past months that I've been on hiatus, I've experienced lots of milestones - both in real life and in the bookish sense. I finally graduated (yay!) and actually got a job (double yay?) So yes, I'm legitimately adulting and that's the best excuse I can give for being inactive *ugly cries*

Anyway, adulting definitely has its perks. I've expanded the places I can go to (I still have no sense of direction whatsoever though), and I finally get to participate in so many bookish activities that I've only been seeing through my feeds before such as book signings and events! Ya girl finally went to MIBF and attended her first ever International author signing (waves to Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian) 

Also, because earning my own moolah now, I can HOARD ALL I WANT MWAHAHAHA! Well, actually not as much as I want to (because fresh grad job huhu) but still! Way more significant that the little ones I've been getting before - but I got to participate in nationwide sales and book bazaars such as the Big Bad Wolf and the NBS Book Binge Bazaar so yay!

Anyway, I know it was supposed to be a July recap - not a recap of whatever happened these past months but hey! It's my first time doing this! I'm just so glad to feel like I'm actually ~part~ of the community now. Wow I feel so legit???

Anyway, here's a quick run through of my July adventures. Roll!

Promdi Heart - #romanceclass authors {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [9]

Promdi Heart
- #romanceclass authors

TITLE: Promdi Heart (Hometown Love Stories)
AUTHOR/s: Georgette S. Gonzales, Agay Llanera, 
Chris Mariano, C.P. Santi, Jay E. Tria, Ines Bautista-Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 29th of March, 2017

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON

Back at it again with the anthologies! When I first heard about Promdi Heart and the fact that a tour is opening up, I excitedly registered. That witty title hooked me (Promdi Heart = From the heart? Gettit? LOL!) and that pretty cover reeled me in more - because, why not? Just look at all those cutesy postcards and typography and that pastel-y color palette! *hearts*

But what really made me stick is the line up of authors contributing! So excited to read new content from my favorite authors and to meet new ones too! I was pretty sure I'd love them - and I did!

So excited to share my reading experience AND to encourage you to get your own copy! Details below :)

WAITING IN THE WINGS - Tara Frejas {Filipino Friday Review + Excerpt + Giveaway}

#FilipinoFriday [7]

Waiting in the Wings
- Tara Frejas

TITLE: Waiting in the Wings
AUTHOR/s: Tara Frejas
PUBLICATION DATE: 21st  of February, 2017

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON

A week back, I've shared with you guys the cover for Tara Frejas' latest work - Waiting in the Wings! And now, for the second part of the tour, I'm so excited to share my thoughts AND a sneak peek on what you can expect in this beauty!

Without further ado, here's my review! (Thank you so much, Miss Tara Frejas for this opportunity!)

*curtain rises*

Do go around and check out others' tour stop of Tara Frejas' Waiting in the Wings!

SOMEDAY WITH YOU AND OTHER STORIES - Ines Bautista Yao {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [5]

Someday With You 
and Other Stories
- Ines Bautista Yao

TITLE: Someday With You and Other Stories
AUTHOR/s: Ines Bautista Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 22nd of October, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  PRINT COPIES (from the author)

+ Ebook version will be up on Amazon by February 1st!

Back at it again with #FilipinoFriday and my never ending love for anthologies! Recently, last December to be exact, I rekindled my passion for binge-ing on compilations. It did not only cure my reading slump but also, reminded me how much I enjoy reading short stories.

That is why when Miss Ines Bautista Yao (AKA my fave PH author ever) proposed having a street team for her anthology Someday With You and Other Stories, I did not hesitate to say yes! Aside from simply being in love with her writing, I am actually excited to see more of her short stories since Plain Vanilla (which I've heard would be available in paperback soon eep!) 

For now, here are some of my thoughts and feelings for Someday With You, One Last Thing, and Things I'll Never Say!

THE TRIALS OF APOLLO: THE HIDDEN ORACLE - Rick Riordan {Review}

TITLE: The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo#1)
AUTHOR/s: Rick Riordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of May, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Happy 2017!

It’s been a while! (okay, it’s been MORE THAN a while) I’ve been on a pretty rough schedule lately (I know, ugh life) but I’ve missed writing! Of course, there were times when I thought that I should just go ahead and come up with something especially since I’ve been away for too long but then again, I didn’t want to force myself to do it. I didn’t want blogging to be such a chore.

Thankfully, something got me out of my writing funk! I know I just have to write this down and share it with the world or I’ll probably explode with feels. I’m definitely late to the party but it’s never too late to pick up a Rick Riordan book! I’ve been wanting to read this for quite some time now but I guess this week is the perfect time to pick this one up and just go for it. 

As expected, Rick Riordan’s “pilot” for his new series did not fail to boost my spirits and I could say that The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle deserves a slow-clap! Here are some of my thoughts (I promise not to spoil too much!)

MAYBE THIS TIME - C.P. Santi {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [4]

Maybe This Time
- C.P. Santi

TITLE: Maybe This Time
AUTHOR/s: C.P. Santi
PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of June, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON

I honestly feel guilty for this late, late review! I got a free copy of this anthology from the author herself (the birthday girl that time hihi hello Ms. Santi! *waves*) and was actually looking forward to diving into this but unfortunately, I wasn't able to until just recently :(

Anyway, I first read the author back when I participated in the tour for Buqo YA bundle 3: Finding Fairytales and read When Cocoy Became Kikay. Since then, I knew her works would be an auto-read for me not only because her writing is such a beauty but also because she's really nice (plus points too 'cause co-Thomasian!) 

Oh well, better late than never! And I'm really glad that Maybe This Time isn't just part of #FilipinoFriday but also, is my first review that is related to #BuwanNgMgaAkdangPinoy yay! Loving that my birth month is also a month of celebrating something I really enjoy *hearts*

DOROTHY MUST DIE STORIES v.2-Danielle Paige {Review}

TITLE: Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 2
AUTHOR/s: Danielle Paige

PUBLICATION DATE: 16th of February, 2016
GENRE: YA Fantasy, Retelling
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

As a big, big fan of the series, I'm back with a review of another work from Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die Universe! This time, I'ma share with you guys the feels thoughts I have from the second volume of Dorothy Must Die Stories! 

A little bit of flashback - you can read my back-to-back review of the first two books in the series, Dorothy Must Die and its sequel The Wicked Will Rise HERE! and my review of the third book Yellow Brick War HERE!

All set? Let's gooooo!

THE BYE BYE BOUQUET - Chi Yu Rodriguez {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [3]

The Bye Bye Bouquet

- Chi Yu Rodriguez

TITLE: The Bye Bye Bouquet
AUTHOR/s: Chi Yu Rodriguez
PUBLICATION DATE: 14th of February, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | PRINT

Yay for another dose of some Filipino luvin' <3 And for today, we have here on the blog Chi Yu Rodriguez' The Bye Bye Bouquet!

For those who don't know: Most local authors and readers (including myself) have 'pledged' to boost their support of Filipino-authored books this 2016 and thus, the burst of little projects that could help Filipino writers get their works out there (click the Share The Love banner to know more!)

One of them is #FilipinoFriday which I learned from Miss April. The experiment is quite simple: You- yes, you- can have the opportunity to read works of Filipino authors under the romance class catalog (http://romanceclassbooks.com/) in exchange of an honest review and a little social media blast. Click the #FilipinoFriday banner to know more!

*Thanks to Miss April (@iambinibini) for providing a review copy! Receiving one did not affect my views on the book.

SECOND CHANCE SUMMER: A Review :)

TITLE: Second Chance Summer
AUTHOR/s: Morgan Matson
PUBLICATION DATE: 8th of May, 2012

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

If there is a singular person who introduced me to what became my brightest burning passion that is reading, it would definitely be my cousin. So, fast forward to several years later, she still is my go-to book buddy and her recs never fail me (except for this one series about vampires and werewolves. It's a no for me.)

Moving on,  I've been hooked by Morgan Matson's previous work so when my cousin basically shoved this book to my face, internally screaming "read thiiiiiis" with tears streaming down her cheeks, I just went on and gave it a shot and yes, I can say that my cousin never fails me. *waves* hi Cuz!

OVERBOARD [Book Tour Stop]: Review + Excerpt :)

TITLE: Overboard
AUTHOR/s: Elizabeth Fama
PUBLICATION DATE: 9th of June, 2015
(First published: 1st of January, 2002)AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

To be honest, Overboard isn't in the genres I usually read. However, I decided to explore something out of my comfort zone and join the tour organized by Dianne at Oops I Read A Book Again. I was enticed because of its diverse characters and its very realistic plot (considering it was based on a true story.) 

Follow the tour here!

THE HEARTBREAKERS (ARC): A Review :)

TITLE: The Heartbreakers 
(The Heartbreaker Chronicles#1)
AUTHOR/s: Ali Novak
PUBLICATION DATE: 4th of August, 2015

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

First things first: Happy book birthday, The Heartbreakers!

Secondly, I got accepted on my first netgalley request!

With both of that said, CONFETTI! 

So in celebration of those two special events, I'll be reviewing today Ali Novak's latest work :) I can't wait!

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy! Receiving one did not affect my views on the book.

FALLING FROM THE SKY: A Review :)

"What would you do if you were falling from the sky?"

TITLE: Falling From The Sky
AUTHOR/s: Nikki Godwin
PUBLICATION DATE: 21st of February, 2014
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

I'm pretty sure that most, if not everyone, has been drowning in rainbows for the past couple of weeks (because #LoveWins! :D) And all that hype gave me the mood to read something LGBTQIA related. Since I've been hearing so many good things about Nikki Godwin's Falling From The Sky (especially because of Julie @ Books and Insomnia's review) I decided to give it a shot.

I'll admit that I was hesitant at first. Her other LGBTQIA-themed book, Breaking Saint Jude, is actually the one I wanted to check out but since I don't have a copy of it yet *ehem ehem* I settled on this one. 

I'm really glad I did! :D

DOROTHY MUST DIE: STORIES: A Review :)

(Minor spoiler review! Go Read!)

TITLE: Dorothy Must Die: Stories
AUTHOR/s: Danielle Paige

PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of March, 2015
GENRE: YA Fantasy, Retelling
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

This series of review is actually long overdue but better late than never, eh? :)

So a couple of weeks back, I've read and reviewed Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die and its sequel The Wicked Will Rise (check out my back to back review HERE!) And today, I'm very much excited to share with you guys my thoughts on the series' companion book which is a compilation of three, YES THREE, e-novellas in the Dorothy Must Die Universe! How awesomesauce is that? 

Let's do this!

COVER (STORY) GIRL: A Review :)

"Weather forecast: Sunny with a chance of heartbreak"

(Spoiler-free! Read on!)

TITLE: Cover (Story) Girl
AUTHOR/s: Chris Mariano
PUBLICATION DATE: 13th of July, 2013
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Buqo

Hi!! I'm still on my local authors marathon and the next one I went through is Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl. I learned about this one after reading All I Want For Christmas and saw some other works of the authors, one which is Miss Chris. The blurb really hooked me and I knew that I really should read it soon :)

Well without anything much more to say, here's a review of Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl! :)

WELCOME TO ENVY PARK: A Review :)

"Can you ever really go home again?"

(spoiler free! Read on!)

TITLE: Welcome To Envy Park
AUTHOR/s: Mina V. Esguerra
PUBLICATION DATE: 19th of October, 2013
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Buqo

This past few weeks, I've been reading more and more of local authors (support filipino writers!) It's refreshing to take a break from my usual dystopias and get to know more of NA.

Being a fan of Miss Mina Esguerra (I've read a couple of her books before), it's natural that I wanted more so I decided to check out Welcome to Envy Park. Here are some of my thoughts :)

HOT LIKE THIS: A Review :)

"Summer hook-ups are meant to be Hot Like This"

(Spoiler free! Go Read!)

TITLE: Hot Like This
AUTHOR/s: Chris Mariano, Chrissie Peria, Miles Tan
PUBLICATION DATE: 21st of June, 2014
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon

So remember my review of a collaboration of some cool filipina authors just a few days ago (Check it out HERE!)? Well, Chris Mariano, Chrissie Peria, and Miles Tan strikes again in this All I Want For Christmas SEQUEL! I seriously fangirled upon learning about this part two of their works and of course, I grabbed my own copy as soon as it was available (Thanks Amazon!) 

Here's a review of Hot Like This! :)

ROYALLY LOST: A Review :)

"Our lives are totally different." -Becca

(Spoiler free! Go read!)

TITLE: Royally Lost
AUTHOR/s: Angie Stanton
PUBLICATION DATE: 30th of April, 2014
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

Finally! After a loooong time, I got the chance to read Angie Stanton's Royally Lost. Why do I want to read it? Well for starters, it has a very promising plot. A European tour with a runaway prince? TOTALLY! Also, I've read so many not-so positive reviews about it and I want to see for myself if all of what they're saying is true.

So now, here's my own review of Royally Lost :) Note that this will probably be looong.

MAJOR CRUSH: A Review :)

"True love can really sweep a girl off her feet"

(Spoiler free. Read on!)

TITLE: Major Crush (The Romantic Comedies)
AUTHOR/s: Jennifer Echols
PUBLICATION DATE: 1st of August, 2006
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

A few days ago, I've read my first Jennifer Echols book which is Biggest Flirts (Check my review HERE!) Even though it didn't work for me, I decided to give her another shot and since I'm a big fan of the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies, I checked this one out.

Here are my two cents on Major Crush :)

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE: A Review :)

"In a well ordered universe..."

(Spoiler free! go read!)

TITLE: Since You've Been Gone
AUTHOR/s: Morgan Matson
PUBLICATION DATE: 6th of May, 2014
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

"Since you've been goooooneee, I can't breathe for the first timeeee..."

Bet you know that Kelly Clarkson song dont'cha? It was actually the first thing that popped into my head when I saw Morgan Matson's new novel Since You've Been Gone. And after battling with myself whether to read it or not (since I already have tons of titles wanting to be read), I ended up reading it afterall! :)