The Literary Huntress: July 2016

On Growing Up and Letting Go

Image found from weheartit. Feel free to contact me if this picture is yours and want it to be taken down or anything :)

Most of you might not know, but today is the day I turn 18. Personally, I still can't believe it. 18 is such a scary number. It's such a big and important number, that signifies that I'm an adult now. How can I be an adult when I still feel like I'm 16?? I'm not ready yet. I feel like time is going faster and faster as I grow older.

Here's the thing: I always hate birthdays. Not all birthday, it's more like my birthday. I hate the idea of growing up, taking responsibilities, being on my own, trying to find my way and leave my mark in this big world. Sure, I'll always have my family. But as we grow older, so is our parents and brother/sister. I hate to think that while we meet everday now, one day I'll lose my parents and become distant with my sister. Like phone call and meetings every few months distant. Why would anyone want to celebrate that?

There's this part of me that can't wait to make my own path. Make a living on my own. Finally able to fulfill my dream of travelling. Meeting new people, trying new things (that my parents won't allowed) and just come out of my shell. But the prospect of growing up, the future and one day losing everything I have now is too teriffying. I get that nothing stays the same. I just feel like I'm not ready to face those changes so soon. What if I messed up and fail in life?

Also from weheartit.

Next month will be my first time living on my own. The university start at the end of August, and I'll move out since it would consume too much time and energy by going back and forth between home and uni. And believe me when I say the traffic in Jakarta is one of the worst. So for the past month we've been doing a lot of clean up and I found so many of my childhood stuff like dolls and books about random facts that I used to love (yes, those books were my childhood. I LOVED them.), and it brought so many memories. I don't need them anymore, so I tried to give them away. But I can't. I tried. I really do. It's just, those stuffs hold so much memories, happy things and the warmth and familiarity of my home. I can't imagine letting them go. I know it would make other children happy, or help shaping future scientist. It would be more useful elsewhere. But I just can't let them go.

Now that I think about it, I've been having problem with letting go for as long as I could remember. I hate it when my parents replaced the old furnitures with the new ones. That bed is where I slept for 5 years! The sentiment and feelings I have for those things are hard to forget. If you ever watch the tv show Hoarders, I'm pretty sure I'd end up like that.

I think my problem of letting go is my main reason why I hate birthdays. My birthday means I'm growing up. And growing up means things are going to change. I have to let go of the comfort of home, friends that have been with me for so long, the familiar routine of school (which I hate) and accept the fact that it's time to move on with my life.

I'm trying to be okay with it. The future is scary because we don't know what it has in store for us, so for now, I'm just trying to be present, enjoy the moment, and go with the flow. I'll try to enjoy university, living alone, and make a lot of new friends. I know this post seems immature and spoiled, but it's what I feel and I know so many people feel the same way (even though there are also people that's excited for it. You people, how do you do it??). I just hope everything would work out in the end, and I can be happy with everything I have❤

12:30 PM
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My Top 8 Favorite Tv Show Opening

features

Openings are really important for tv show. They signs that the show has begun. It's the trademark of the show. I usually ran to the front of tv when I heard the theme song playing. So here's the list of my favorite tv show openings.

Game of Thrones. I mean, have you heard it?? The song practically screams ROYALTY, KINGDOMS, FANTASY, WAR, BLOOD!!! Plus the graphics, it's really a gorgeous map of Westeros and the family crest. It's just perfect. x.

Reign. I really like the atmosphere this song gives. The snippets are beautiful, and the song just gives the perfect atmosphere for the french court and the political intrigue. The narration also helps with the atmosphere, especially the ending. It makes me want to bow my head and say it to Mary, as in court at that time. x.

FRIENDS. If you watch this show, you know how catchy this song. I even sing it sometimes just out of nowhere! It's just really catchy and it's about friendship. I'LL BE THERE FOR YOUUUU.

Halt and Catch Fire. (no this is not the opening. I can't find the gif for the opening so we'll settle with the gorgeous mr. lee pace) This one is just so techno-y and just really futuristic, but also feels 80s. It captures the essence and the spirit of the show really well. x.

Ghost Whisperer. This one gives me chills. Like creepy chills. It's just perfectly creepy, the images and all, especially with the little girl whispering "can you see us" at the beginning. x.

Victorious. Yes, I love this show. I used to ran home from school just to catch this show. The friendship and the cast is just perfect, and Jade and Beck is otp ❤❤❤ Ahem. So the opening song is really catchy and just really fun in general to sing along with it. x

Blue Bloods. This one is just so cool. All these crime frighting show makes me want to be a police/detective (or FBI in Criminal Minds case), but honestly, Blue Bloods opening is the best. It's very very patriotic (even though I'm not american). Just hear it. x.

Teen Wolf. It just sounds like full of action?? Fast paced and really dark. My favorite opening sequence is in season 3. x.

BONUS: Every Supernatural finale. Admit it, we all sing along to the song practically at the top of our lungs while preparing for our hearts to be torn into pieces.

Literally me.

What is your favorite tv show opening?

12:00 PM
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The Cinderella Tag

tag

When I was a lil kid, I used to watch Snow White, Cinderella and Lion King almost everyday. So when I saw this tag at Shayna's blog, I decided to do this as some sort of post before my birthday. Let's jump right on the memory train!

Evil Stepsisters: A book with characters you hate

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson. I enjoyed the story and the atmosphere, the last 75% definitely makes me teary eyed. But our main character Taylor? Not so much. She just feel spoiled and her running away attitude really makes me hard to like her.

Prince Charming: A book with a gentleman

It's really hard thinking about a guy that could classified as gentleman... I tried so hard but everytime I came up with a name, my brain would provide his flaws really fast...Noah Shaw from the Mara Dyer series I guess. He never has hidden agenda, truly cares for Mara, and would do anything for her. He's the only gentleman I could think of, let me know who your gentleman is!

Cinderella: A character that is graceful, kind, and defiant

(I'm not sure Cinderella is defiant?) Sharzad from The Wrath and The Dawn. She's graceful (she's the Calipha!), she's kind and compassionate, and she takes no shit from anyone! It might came across rude sometimes, but I guess that's why I love her so much!

Fairy Godmother: A character that always has someone looking out for them

~~I'm sorry I can't resist using that gif~~ So... Can I answer with Sam and Dean Winchester? It's easy to find siblings that would looking out for each other in YA, but most of them are also separated quite often. Dean always looking out for Sam, Castiel always looking out for Dean, Bobby looking out for Sam and Dean, and they all looking out for each other *feels*

Helpful Creatures: Something that makes you happy when you're sad

There are a lot of things that always make me happy. Baths, sleep, food. But the thing that always work is listening to gregorian chants. I know it might sounds weird, but it would instantly make me feel really calm and have no worries about anything else!

Ashes: A book you didn't care for

(Fairy Godmother cracks are the best) The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. I wanted to read it, but over the years I just lost interest with it. Also many people said it goes downhill so I don't think it will be worth it to read the series.

Pumpkin: A character with a transformation

I don't know... There are plenty characters that undergo peasant-to-princess transformation and vice versa. I think I'll go with personality transformation with this one. Juliette from Shatter Me trilogy transformation from Shatter Me to Ignite Me is really amazing! From being scared and kinda insane girl in Shatter Me, lovesick-can't choose-woe is me girl in Unravel Me, to being a fearless leader in Ignite Me. It's honestly one of my favorite character growth of all time!

Impossible: A book with an ending you didn't see coming

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins. What the hell was that???? Also Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. I still haven't forgive them both for the emotional distress they caused me :):):)

Just Breathe: Something that inspires you to be courageous

I don't really know the answer for this one. I guess it depends on the situation really.

Happily Ever After: A book with a perfect ending

I just finished my PJO series re-read this month, and I can say The Last Olympian is perfect for this category. GUYS. It's my second time reading and I love it even more than the first time! It was really action packed, full of gods and demigods power, mythology creatures, and super teriffying titan lord. Also, Nico di Angelo and Percabeth!!!

Whelp. There it is the Cinderella Tag! Writing this post really brought me some nostalgic feelings, so I might posted some other childhood related tags on the next few days before my birthday :D

I really don't know who should I tag for this one... It seems like most blog I follow either already done it or don't do tags at all xD Just do it if you want to! :D

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Potterhead July: Let's Talk About The Previous Generation!

harry potter series

Hello everyone! Welcome to my stop of Potterhead July! So in honor of the release of The Cursed Child, Aentee @ Read at Midnight organized an event called Potterhead July, where everyday in the month of July some bloggers will take turn to talk ANYTHING and EVERYTHING about our beloved Harry Potter. Here's the full schedule.

The Cursed Child is a story about the next generation of HP. The children of the characters we grew up with. So today I think it will be fitting if I'm talking about the previous generation, the parents generation, the Marauders.

Now, I've done a post about the Marauders in the past, but I talked only about James, Sirius, Lupin, Peter and Lily. But today I'm going to talk all about it and why I really like this era.

First, the obvious reason is of course the Marauders themselves and Jily. I love reading about the Marauders, because the friendship they have is really rare. Let's start with how Sirius whole family is in Slytherin, and yet James just doesn't care. And then how James, Sirius and Lupin got Peter's back and protect him whenever he was bullied by the Slytherin. And finally, how James, Sirius, and Peter knew Lupin was a werewolf, and didn't abandon him. In fact they became animagus to give Lupin company during the full moon. That took a lot of courage and if it isn't friendship goals then I don't know what it is. The four of them are also pulling lots of pranks like the Weasley twins. And if Fred and George pranks got on the entire school nerves, imagine the prank the Marauders pulled. How epic they were since they are double the number of Fred and George.

Jily. Dramione is always my number 1 ship, so I kinda not paying attention to other ships. But then I started seeing Jily fanarts, headcanons, and fanfiction, and I feel something for them. And then I re-read the book and watch the movies and boy I can't be saved anymore. Enemy turned lovers is always one of my favorite trope, and J.K Rowling does it right with this ship. Imagine their bantering before slowly realizing that they like each other... Plus the other 3 Marauders toying with both of them *sighs*

I think this is the era where Lord Voldemort came to prominence and he recruited his followers. If you dig deeper into the Marauders era, you might notice that they crossed paths with the "big bad" Death Eaters. James and co. went to Hogwarts around 1971, Lucius Malfoy went in 1965, Narcissa Malfoy in 1966 and Bellatrix Lestrange went in 1962. It's stated that Lucius is close friends with Snape, which means he would be the one that recruited Snape to DE. Bellatrix must've graduated by the time the Marauders went into Hogwarts, but we can definitely see the connection between the Death Eaters and it definitely gives and opening for the idea to spread all over Hogwarts. It means that this is the era Death Eater starts to spread its influence inside Hogwarts. I'd LOVE to see how the recruitment works, like who was the first Death Eater Voldemort recruited? Who spread the idealism to Hogwarts? And so on. I love to imagine that they had secret meetings like Dumbledore's Army, silently supporting Voldemort and feeling smug while the rest of the school is in fear. I also think this is the era when the idea for Order of the Phoenix came up, teachers and students unite together to stop Voldemort and the Death Eaters. I imagined their first meeting must be a little bit awkward xD

So you can see why I'm really interested with this era. It's the era where everything started and there are so many things happening that could be revealed in the future! I'd love to learn more about things in the Marauders era.

Tell me: what do you think about The Marauders Era? And is there anything that you still want to know about it?

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Book Review: The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

4 stars

The Raven King

by Maggie Stiefvater

E-book edition, 400 pages

Published April 26th, 2016 by Scholastic
✰✰✰✰

The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

In a starred review for Blue Lily, Lily Blue, Kirkus Reviews declared: "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close."

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17378527-the-raven-king

"This was the year he was going to die.”

Here we are. After 4 books and countless broken hearts, we're finally at the end. I finally brace myself and read this book. And I have to admit, it was both dissapointing and amazing as a finale.

I'm really thrilled that the pace really picks up in this book. It wasn't as slow as the other books on the first half, and it picks up even more on the second half. So many things are happening I literally speed reading my book because I can't wait to know what happened next.

The stakes are also getting higher, with the Demon awakened on the last book. It basically has affected all the women in 300 Fox Way and the sleepy old town Henrietta. It's really creepy watching the Demon hurt everyone and everything, and there are so.many.deaths. We could see how literally the whole town (maybe more) is at stake in this book!

The writing style is as gorgeous as ever. The whole experience is just surreal because of the way Maggie writes it. It's like, the whole Raven Cycle journey, I've been suspended between dreams and reality and watching everything unravel.

The relationship between the characters is really my favorite thing about this book. We could see how much they care for each other, how far they'd go to save each other. I love the friendship, but sadly I feel nothing for the romance. I mean, I feel something for Adam/Ronan, but nothing for Blue/Gansey. I guess that's because I also don't care for Blue and Gansey individually (sorry guys!)

Now here's a list of some things that I disliked about this book.

The Grey Man story in this book doesn't have a statisfying ending.
What the hell is actually happened with Noah in this book? What was the point of him staying for so long? Does he give his life for Gansey or what? SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN.
I've said it before, and I will say it again: Noah Czerny deserves better. All this time he's been treated as a supernatural EMF. Whenever something bad happening, Noah would go bad. His talking moment with the boys are really small, and it's like he's not even part of the gang in this book!
I know I said I want to know more of Henry Cheng, but that doesn't mean like this! It's like he's replacing Noah as the 4th member of the group!
So... if Gansey is not Glendower, than how come his voice could command the dead? Who's the voice that talking to him all those years ago when he was dying?? AND DON'T SAY MAGIC. I want an explanation of what actually happening and what is Gansey for real, and saying it's magic is such a lazy explanation.
Also, what the deal with the deathly blue kiss? What makes it so deadly? She kissed him and that's it? He's dead??? No explanation AGAIN??

So overall, I think it's a pretty statisfying ending. It has so many holes sure, but it was a pleasant experience reading and wandering around in pursuit for the dead welsh king.

12:00 PM
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The Unpopular Opinion Book Tag

tag

We all have been a black sheep, whether in reading or in real life. And that's okay! It gives the another side to the story and I think it's really fun reading an opinion that's totally different from yours. So I saw this tag from Grace Stella's youtube video months ago, and I think it would be fun to do it. Before we start, please understand that this is my opinion, and I don't mean to offend anyone or any group. We all have different opinions you guys, be nice :) Let's get started!

A popular book or series that you didn’t like

Let's see... I have a lot but I think I'll choose Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard for this one. It's just so unoriginal, it feels like Red Rising mixed with The Selection and X-Men and THG. It also feels really repetitve to me and the romance is just horrible. I feel nothing for any of the characters, and can't feel the chemistry between Mare/Cal or Mare/Maven! I honestly don't care with what happens next, which is why I won't continue with the series.

A popular book or series that you love but other hate

The Vampire Diaries by L.J Smith. I read this series back when I was 10, and haven't do any re-read ever since. I don't know if my taste has change or not, but I remember really loved it when I read it. I have the full series, even to the new ones. I'm surprised that many people doesn't like it and think that the TV show is better. Well, in some aspect it is better, but I still like the book more!

A love triangle where a person ended up with the person you didn’t want them to be with

Alina/Mal/Darkling/Nikolai from the Grisha trilogy. I knew from the beginning that my ship will sink, but I can't just abandon it.

A popular book genre that you hardly ever reach for

Definitely non-fiction. I'm trying to fix that this year though! I mean, while it can be inspiring, it also can be depressing. It's also kind of boring you know, if you read for something/someone's biography that you have 0 interest in.

A popular character that you did not like

Mal from the Grisha trilogy. I know some people liked him, but I just don't... I hate the way he realizes that he likes Alina only after she was taken away from him. He also kinda pushed Alina to give up her Grisha power and have a normal life with him. I dislike him the most on book 2.

A popular author you can’t get into

John Green. It's not that I hate him, it's just... I think he's okay. I've read TFIOS and Let It Snow, and I think they're okay. I also have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and while I really enjoyed it, I find myself liking David Levithan's Will Grayson way better than John Green's. I think my problem is all his character has the same qualities and attitude, and I just don't like them *shrugs*

A popular book trope you’re tired of seeing

MC that's "normal" but actually a special snowflake that thrust into the action and be the savior. Why can't we have someone that's properly trained and actually prepared to be the savior??? It will save so much time and actually refreshing to see someone that instead of being too scared to stand up, is too confident, make mistakes because of it and have to learn to be more humble.

A popular book series you have no intention of reading

Lux Series by JLA. It's not exactly that I have no intention, I mean I have it on my tbr shelf in Goodreads, but I never felt any urgent need or mood to read it.

TV/movie adaptation that you like more than the book

Umm I don't know about this one... Maybe The Hunger Games? I really enjoyed the way the action and rebellion brought into the big screen. The atmosphere is really fitting, and the CGI is awesome.

I tag everyone that wants to do it! :)

8:00 AM
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Book Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

4 stars

Blue Lily, Lily Blue

by Maggie Stiefvater

E-book edition, 416 pages

Published October 21st 2014 by Scholastic Press

✰✰✰✰

The third installment in the mesmerizing series from the irrepressible, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.

Mothers can disappear.

Visions can mislead.

Certainties can unravel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23216567-blue-lily-lily-blue

This is a long overdue review of BLLB. I want to posted this review not too far with my review of The Raven King. And I guess because I've been putting it off for too long, now I'm just kind of don't know what to say. I'll just put up a list of what I think about BLLB.

TRK review will be up around next week, so stay tuned.

The pacing in this book definitely picks up, and so many things are happening. Part of it is also because the addition of the new characters. But we all know it's heading into the epic finale in the final book!
The friendship between the boys is so heartfelt in this book. They would go at really great length to save each other. I love how Ronan and Gansey came to Adam's trial. And Adam finally accepting the friendship wholefully instead of thinking it as a charity!
Ronan and Adam grew on me. I dislike Adam in The Dream Thieves, but I really like him in this book. I love how he embraces himself, Cabeswater, the friendship, and turn it into strength in coping with real life and his father. It's also interesting seeing the progress of Ronan Lynch. If the Squash Song is real I would've memorize it terrorize everyone with it.
I'm sorry, but I have to say I don't like Blue in this book. I liked her because she could stand up to herself and takes no shit from anyone. But in this book, she just becomes a "firecracker" and rude to everyone. She's just... let's say that I think she's difficult in this book. I get that her mother dissapears, and it adds stress to her. But she doesn't have to snap and being rude to the people that's the closest to her....
WHERE IS NOAH. I can't believe how lacking he is in this book! It's like he's not even part of the gang...
I want to know more about Henry Cheng. I get this feeling that he will be important in the next book.
Death oh death... WHy Maggie... The characters she killed in this book are my favorites *sobs*
So many thing happening in the last few chapters! The cave is my favorite part in this book. It feel so unreal (I mean, the whole book is unreal but it just feels more otherworldly.)
And finally, please don't stone me, I don't care about Blue's boys problem. I feel nothing for Blue and Gansey. I really don't. I'm sorry.

So overall, I really like this book! I think it's my second-favorite in the series. Except for my problem with some characters and plot, it's a fantastic and magical world that would transport you to Henrietta and makes you want to explore underground caves!

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ARC Review: A Thousand Salt Kisses by Josie Demuth

3.5 stars

A Thousand Salt Kisses

by Josie Delmuth

E-book edition, 254 pages

Published May 2nd 2016 by Wise Ink Creative Publishing
✰✰✰.5

Seventeen-year-old Crystal White is the new girl on Starfish Island. Dragged to the remote community by her environmental activist father, she is eager to find fun that doesn’t involve touching fish guts or listening to local folklore.

During a midnight swim with some new friends, Crystal is pulled out to sea by the waves. Convinced she’s going to drown, Crystal is rescued by Llyr, a handsome stranger. As she searches for him in the following weeks, she finds there may be more truth to the Starfish legends than she thought.

Over a sizzling roller-coaster summer, Llyr introduces Crystal to magic she’d only ever dreamed of. But as Crystal comes to love Starfish Island, it begins to drive her family apart. A nearby power plant is devastating local marine life, and her parents are stuck in the middle. As the magic and mundane parts of Crystal’s life converge, she finds herself risking everything to save Llyr, her family, and herself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30055885-a-thousand-salt-kisses

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Nothing can get more summer-y than this. A Thousand Salt Kisses is the kind of book that just perfect for summer. It makes me want to move to an island, forget everything and just spend my summer days under the sun.

Crystal White just moved from London to small Starfish Island. When at party and she almost drowned, she met Llyr who saved her life. Insta love ensues. But there's something really weird about Llyr, not to mention the corporate that poison the sea and destroying her family.

Let's start with the positive. Like I said, this book is really perfect for summer. The way the author describe Starfish and the weather, I feel like I'm there and taking a sea taxi to the mainland. The atmosphere is just very summery with all the time the story spend in the sea. The plot is also pretty decent. I can guess how it will goes, but I still find it enjoyable. What I love the most about this book (other than the summer vibe) is the mermaid.

I've read some mermaid books, but none of them really explains the mythology. The mermaids are just there. They're always there, and really really old. In this book, the author explain the origins of the mermaid, how they live and how they got their powers. While I do still have questions, at least the author tried. Props to her for creating her own version of mermaid. I also like how passionate the mermaids are. They don't feel anything in a normal way. They either really mad or really happy. There's no middle ground. I think that's why the insta love happened so quickly on Llyr's part (and also stupid, bc obviously he's impulsive in addition to his passionate nature).

Now let's talk about the bad thing. All the characters felt really one dimensional. They don't feel like a person, they feel like pawn in the story. Rosie as the best friend, Parents as parents, George as an old wise man, Llyr as love interest and Crystal as the main character. Other than that? We know nothing about them. The antagonist also feels like stereotypical white collar villain, with suit, more money than brains, and evil laugh.

Our main character, Crystal, is a really shallow and spoiled brat to me. I'm sorry, but it's true. You could see from her attitude and inner monologues. Her overnight transformation, how everyone called her beautiful... I think it gets into her head. Not to mention she giggles a lot. I don't have anything against girls giggling, but... I pictured Crystal as Pre-Harvard Elle (you know, from Legally Blonde). She met Llyr only once, and she's in love. Not just love, love. It's intense love she even convinced that he's the one.

Not to mention that she pulled the stunt like Bella in New Moon! You know, where she freaking jump of the cliff so she could meet Edward. Yes, our beautiful main character Crystal tried to drown herself so Llyr could come and save her. And her head is so full of Llyr that I could piece all the plot from the conversation around her, but she couldn't.

So overall, you can see that I have a HUGE problem with our main character. But if you're able to ignore her (like I do while reading), then this would be a perfect read full of summer romance and mermaids.

12:00 PM
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Mid Year Reading Rewind

wrap up

Hi guys! We have 6 months left until 2017. 6 months guys! I think, quantity wise, 2016 is a great reading year. But quality wise, I find it... underwhelming. Most of the books I read doesn't quite meet my expectations, and I've read some ok things about the 2016 releases.

So today I'm going to update you with all the books I've read, purchased, and challenges I've completed for the past 6 months. Let's see how 2016 is reading-wise.

FAVORITE READS SO FAR

The Wrath and The Dawn. THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING. I swear, my heart still skips a beat whenever I think about this book. The setting, the atmosphere, the romance.... It's not perfect, but by far it's the most amazing book I read this year.

Lorali. LOOK AT THAT COVER. And if you hold the physical copy, that scales is embedded into the cover. It's perfect sitting on your shelf! Ahem. So aside from the beautiful cover? It has lyrical, magical story, sleepy town, cute romance, and brave-but-kind-hearted pirates.

My Heart and Other Black Holes. This is the first contemporary book that has mental illnes as its theme, that I feel really poignant for me. The writing and the way the author describes how Aysel feel really makes my heart go out for her. And I know how cliche and romanticized the plot is, but I can't help but root for Aysel and Roman. The ending felt a bit too rushed for me though!

The Raven Boys. This is the first book from the Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater, and will always be my favorite from it. I never read anything like this book. It's just so magical, but at the same time it feel real too. It's like we're suspended betweet transitional world. I don't know what happened 80% of the time, but I really really enjoyed it. This is such a strong series starter.

All links will redirect you to my review.

BEST CONTEMPORARY: My Heart and Other Blackholes by Jasmine Warga

BEST FANTASY: The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

BEST COUPLE: Khalid and Shazi FTW

BEST FRIENDSHIP: Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah from The Raven Cycle series

BEST COVER: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater (review coming soon!)

BEST CLASSIC: A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED: Lorali by Laura Dockrill

How is 2016 to you, reading-wise?

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