Sprite by Anna B. Madrise | A Book Review

The Holidays are coming and this book is just in time. This felt like a retelling of The Christmas Carol. Remember the story of Ebenezer Scrooge? This story reminded me of Scrooge but only with some twists that make this its own.

I got this from the author's giveaway on Instagram. Can you believe it? I won six paperbacks from the author. Yes, I felt so lucky. This is the third book of that 6-book prize. Thank you again, Anna B. Madrise.

Sprite, not the carbonated drink but a supernatural being. They are similar to fairies but a little bigger, more like a little child. Their most distinguishing feature is the ability to command snow or shower snowflakes. This supernatural creature is one of the major player in this story. Sprite, which is also her name is tasked to change Blaine Frost into a compassionate, giving, courageous and joyful person. Blaine's motivation is to be able to keep the love of his life--Noel.

Like the very popular Christmas story of Scrooge, Blaine's story also started on the eve of Christmas day. He was driving home with Noel on a snowy night when he lost control of his car because he drunk. Blaine woke up to an unconscious Noel on the passenger side and the appearance of a child-like character with white hair and pink lips sitting on his hood. The said character gave her an assignment to perform so he could have Noel back. Failure to do acts of compassion, charity, courage and joy in seven days will lose him Noel for good. 

This is a very modern twist to the classic Christmas story of all time. Blaine represents the modern-day Scrooge but with more good looks and a very nice girlfriend. Blaine is a workaholic and a person who never thought about anyone else but himself. He grew up in a family who never thought about money because it was never lacking. His only redeeming quality is he loves his girlfriend which makes him an upgraded version of Scrooge. At least Blaine is capable of loving someone other than himself.

The story ended with Blaine being able to perform all virtues required by Sprite. He got Noel back and got more friends who became like family to him because of his change of heart. A happy ending. Great! But what I really liked about the story is how it emphasized paying attention to our surroundings. Blaine, if you really look at him, is not a bad person. He never hurt anyone intentionally but he also never cared about anybody else's business. I think his faults were in his omissions. He did not care about his employees spending more hours at work thereby, missing out on family events. He never cared about the homeless person which turned out to be someone he knew in high school. All these minor details added up have major effects in other people's lives. How many of us are just like Blaine? We are all guilty. What I love about this story is it is so unassuming. It even comes as a cute and funny tale because of Sprite's character but it also poses a very heavy reminder of the very small things we try to not see. The things that we refuse to look and turn our heads away because it has no bearing to us in any way. 

I give this book 4/5 snowflakes. Though the story is done in a light way, with Sprite's character who is very playful, it holds a very important and relevant lesson. It reminds us all of doing a random act of kindness everyday. Just because we are so busy with our lives and our own problems, doesn't mean it gives us the license to forget about the rest of the world. A little random act of kindness goes a long way and this was what really hit me in this story. Though, in here, all the acts done by Blaine were not totally done to strangers, the meaning and essence is still the same. If you can't be compassionate and giving to the people you know, how much more to those who aren't? This book is really in time for the holidays but kindness should be practiced all the days of the year. Kindness is not only done during Christmas. It should be given any day. And let's not forget about love. After all, it was Blaine's love that moved him to be a better man.

Being homeless doesn't just strip somebody of the basic necessities, like shelter and food, it also strips away one's dignity. Somehow, maybe not monetarily, but somehow, I will pay you back for your help. Give me that-- my dignity, my self-worth.

- Anna B. Madrise, Sprite - 

Ruffled Feathers (The Shearwater Mysteries #2) by Anna B. Madrise | A Book Review

Here comes book two. Yes, I read this right after book 1 (Chirp No More) and finished this about an hour. Just like the first book it was easy to read and their is another murder here. And again, the Carrier ladies are in the middle of it.

Same with the first book, the cast is introduced before the story starts. Here are another set of interesting characters. This time, they are not the locals of Shearwater but tourists who happen to book the only B&B in town--The Bird's Nest which is owned by the Carrier sisters--Abigail and Evalynn. Along with the guests, is a famous critic who will give their B&B another review, which this time they will make sure that it will be a good one, unlike the last one. This time, Abigail and Evalynn will make sure that The Bird's Nest will reach the outside confines of Shearwater and be known in the whole state of Maryland and in the East Coast, or the whole US in particular, to draw more guests and money in. That's the plan. Until, the plan got derailed and there might not be a B&B at all and they may have to finally close it because of an incident.

And of course, the said incident in this story is no other than a murder. Yes, a murder, again. This time, right in the heart of the sisters' inn. One of their guests was murdered. What would this mean to The Bird's Nest, or the sisters? In the midst of the chaos, Kitty, the sisters' mother, had a vision of a white knight coming for Abigail. Kitty's visions were always on the target. They never fail even if her knees fail her nowadays. Who is this white knight? A lot of interesting things happened in this book and adding in more outside characters is even more going to make this story a riot.

So, so far we have, a murder, a new face in town, and not to mention a storm that isolated the island-town from the rest of the state of Maryland. No cell signals or outside help could intervene. It's up to the Carrier ladies and their men, the sheriff and his not so reliable assistant to figure out who had committed the deed right in the sanctum of the Carriers. Honestly, here my guess as to who the culprit is, was wrong, though at some point, it started to get obvious who it was and I then started to change my hypothesis. The mix of characters surely threw me out and knowing they were tourists, not residents of town added to that. Even our esteemed ladies were unsure how to go about their investigations realizing again, just like the last time, that each guest staying at the inn has it in for the victim also. Everyone, again, had known the victim and each had his/her own motives for killing.

Aside from the new set of characters involved in this story, the difference from the previous one is the arrival of a new face who will likely end up as a permanent resident of Shearwater. That is Lance, the son of Henk the curator of the local museum. A Dutch who is according to Kitty is Abigail's white knight. And he sure did turn out to be, in more ways than one could ever imagine.

There is no way I could choose which of the two stories so far is better than the other. I think they bought entertain me and the mystery was totally puzzling but I think the killer was more obvious in the first story than the first. Saying that, does not mean that Chirp No more is less. And I don't have to decide which one is better because these two have both served their purpose well--to entertain, rouse my curiosity and interest, and of course, to affirm my love for mysteries. The two books did good on all counts.

I give this book 5/5 bottles of prescription pills. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. It seemed like the Carrier ladies will always find a use for their special abilities. Thanks, Martha Carrier! I can't wait to find out what is the next incident that they will find themselves in the center of. 

For those who are not yet into mysteries and are looking into testing the waters, The Shearwater mysteries is a good start. It is not so taxing that will have you confused and overwhelmed, but a light read. A light read that will almost make it seem like reading about a murder is fun. 

Oh, get ahead of yourselves--I am not getting any younger while I wait around for more grandbabies!

- Anna B. Madrise, Ruffled Feathers -  

Thank you again, Anna B. Madrise for the copy.

Other books by Anna B. Madrise:

Chirp No More (Shearwater Mysteries #1)

Chirp No More (The Shearwater Mysteries #1) by Anna B. Madrise | A Book Review

I won a load of books from the author last summer through an Instagram Author Hop. I got six books from the author. Yes! Six paperbacks. Seemed like I hit the jackpot. Thank you again, Anna B. Madrise for the books. I have two down and four more to go. So far, I have enjoyed The Shearwater Mysteries. Looking forward to reading the rest of your books.

This is my first time to read a book by the author and I do not know what to expect. She seems to be into different genres. I decided to venture into the Shearwater mysteries first as a lot of people commented that this series is really good. And I love mysteries. Here it comes.

This is a mystery with a sprinkling of comedy and supernatural with also a little romance on the side. Yes, this seemed liked a neat little book with almost everything in it. It was so easy to read. I think I finished this within an hour while minding the small fashion store of my sister. I was not surprised to find that I liked the book. I love the characters. The Carrier ladies are really adorable, especially Kitty, the mother. She's an eccentric yet very lovable character. She puts a lot of life and hilarity in this story. I think she brought the word comedy to this story. No, she's not a comedian but her witty retorts are just so hilarious. Right on the mark.

The town itself, Shearwater is a quaint little town. A very perfect setting for very quaint characters with quirky personalities. What I love about the author is she listed all the characters in the story before the first chapter starts. It was like introducing each character to the reader formally. The introductions were done clearly without the possibility of anyone mistaking one character for the other. And of course, the town of Shearwater is introduced too. How it is such a fitting and special town that creates a perfect backdrop for this story.

The story starts with a dead body. Yes, someone died in the first chapter. What turned this peaceful tourist town in a fuss was the fact that the dead woman was not liked by everyone. It seemed like the people who were not in the town meeting, who were considered persons of interest in the murder had each a reason to push the victim to her death. And in the midst of this is Abigail Carrier. A clairtangence, just like her sister Evalynn, who can see a person's memories just by touch. Her abilities came in handy but it was not easy-peasy. Her visions were not straightforward or clear. They are just snatches and it is up to the Carriers to figure out what those visions all mean. Whether they'd lead to the murderer or not, Abigail and Evalynn, with the Kitty pitching in from time to time, would need to do a little sleuthing to piece together facts to identify the murderer.

If I were Abigail, my first suspect would have been Peter Bakerfield. I am a mystery fan and I have read lots of mysteries. As I have mentioned, it's my favorite genre and my bookshelf is filled with varying mystery authors. So, I sort of have this habit of guessing the murderer or the culprit whenever I read mysteries and crime thrillers. Here it was Peter. He sort of planted himself in to the thick of things. The fact that he went back to the crime scene, to scout or probably get some items left that may point to him, is one indication. It just so happened that Abigail was there also and bumped into him. Second thing that led me to believe it was him was that he mentioned someone who might have done it. Trying to misled Abigail's investigation by pointing his finger to someone else is definitely a sign of guilt. Third thing was, he sort of misdirected Abigail's attention from him by supposedly being interested in dating her so she would not be focused on her sleuthing. And a lot of other clues that more or less pointed to his direction. Good thing, the Carrier ladies talk a lot and they examine everything from all angles. Points for Abigail too for not totally believing everyone, including being misled by Peter's supposed to be affections for her.

I totally enjoyed this story. Yes, someone died but it was not gory or morbid at all. This is probably the lightest murder mystery I have ever read. Light because of how fun this quirky characters make the investigation sound. I can't wait to read the second book of this series. What else would the sisters get themselves into this time?

I give this book 5/5 historical plaques. I haven't been reading a lot of mystery stories lately. I try to diversify my reading and read all other genres. My readings have been a mixture of a lot of other genres but mysteries have not been included into the mix until this book came. This reminded me of my first love of the mystery genre. This is how I got addicted into reading, buying and spending sleepless nights with my head buried in a book. I just got this feeling that I never get reading other genres when reading a mystery. Especially mystery and suspense books by my favorite authors. I just get lost in the pages and be immersed in them for as long as it takes. Thank you, Anna B. Madrise for reminding me this great feeling of having unraveled and solved the mystery myself.

Did I mention that the book includes recipes too. Yes, for someone like me who is also interested or more of a frustrated chef, I find these recipes really helpful. I will try them one day and see how they taste.

Good job, honey; ya couldn't have done it without us.

- Anna B. Madrise, Chirp No More -  

Other books by Anna B. Madrise:

Ruffled Feathers (Shearwater Mysteries #2)

Nobody's Goddess (Never Viel #1) by Amy McNulty | A Book Review

I got this from Library Thing, I think last year but has been unable to read it until now. This story has paranormal, romance and time travel thrown into the mix. Until now, I am still unsure if I like the story but it was interesting.

I think what caught me with this is the title. Yes, what's a "Nobody's Goddess"? Satisfyingly, that question was answered in the story. 

Of course, judging by the title--goddess, the protagonist of the story is a girl--Noll. A young woman or a seventeen-year old whose love is unrequited. What's more painful is the person she loves and wants to be with is in love with her sister. Her best friend in the world is in love with her more-attractive-yet-lacking-in-personality sister. What a sad and cruel world!

In a world where women dominates and men have to wear a mask their whole life if his love or wife does not return his love. Or if the woman does refuse the man's love, the man is bound to find himself banished in the commune to live a life of poor distaste, grief and shame. Noll, wanting to find out who started this whole thing about a man loving and worshipping only one woman in his entire life, sought out the Master in the castle.  And that, later on lead her to an incredible experience in a time way far back from her own. What she found was the reason why women were treated as goddesses and who was the person responsible for it--the first goddess. And realizing the root of her problem was like a sharp slap to her face which stung a lot.

This is a sad tale. Finding out that the one you love does not love you back is painful but chooses to spend forever with your sister is adding salt to the already gaping wound. Then, finding out the person responsible for that sad reality is even more devastating. But the redeeming quality of the story is Noll's realization that she actually could do something to change things and give some men a choice to find someone else to love and not die in grief, when that other person does not return the love. It comes full circle and whatever mistakes or misdeeds done in the past will be better in the future. Oh, I would give anything to be able to do something like that. To change the present or the future by going back to some time in the past. Honestly, I don't have regrets. I can't take back or undo whatever happened in my life but there are times I wish my life was way better than it is now. Or the lot I was given in life, like what if my family were rich and I was not bullied or was an easy target for some people's rudeness. I am not sure if these would make my life a lot better but sometimes you just wish that you were someone else or some place else or circumstances were different. I do live a different life in my imaginings. At least, that is a lot safer, no collateral or irreversible damages.

I give this book 3/5 swords. The story is interesting and a very well-thought out plot but I was not so drawn into it. I am not sure if I liked Noll but she definitely has a very spirited and spunky personality which is very admirable. And I do feel sorry for her that her best friend is not in love with her. I do feel her but in some way, there is a part where I cannot totally relate to her. I do like her real name, Oliviere. It does slide off the tongue beautifully. I can't blame the Master wanting to call her by that name. It's a very unique name because it sounds like a name of a boy and a girl given that name is very cool. I wish my name is as cool as that.

I could live without love . I'd accepted that by now. I wasn't sure I could live without freedom.

- Amy McNulty, Nobody's Goddess - 

Thank you again Librarything and Amy McNulty for the copy.

Nemesis (Project Nemesis #1) by Brendan Reichs | A Book Review

I won this book through the YASH (Young Adult Scavenger Hunt) Spring 2017. This book came out March of this year. It's also my first time to read a book by Brendan Reichs.

Having the hardbound book in my hand was a bit intimidating. The book is huge and it's thick. It's been a while since I last touched a hardbound book like this. I have become more accustomed to paperbacks and ebooks. I decided, I will start reading it once I am ready for it. I won't start unless I can't give my heart and mind fully into it because by the way this looked, this requires concentration. I can't take this book lightly and guess what? I was right with my initial assessment. I judged the book by its cover and I totally nailed it.

At first, it was disconcerting or confusing finding that the one of the main characters--Min, kept dying every two years and then later wakes up in the middle of the forest. Yes, I did ask what's going on? What kind of phenomenon is this? Thankfully, it was answered but on the later part of the book. 

Do I feel like the story was dragged out? Honestly, a little! I felt like I don't need to read some of the parts but when I reached the part where things were revealed and my questions were answered, I realized the pages I thought that were unnecessary actually helped explained the answers to my questions about the story. Yes, the first few parts could be a little boring. I actually had to stop and read something else and then came back to this after I finished that other story which was a lot shorter than this one. I think the best part of the story was in the last few chapters where everything made sense. Finally! The wondering and the mystery was over. 

Each chapter which I first thought were not so important just added to the mystery of the story. If you don't have the patience to push on and finish the story, you will likely end up hating this because as I said, the best is yet to come. The best lies in the last parts and it would definitely blow you off your seat. This is absolutely a story I have not heard of before. The plot had me asking questions even to the point of irritation but my patience was later on rewarded as the story wrapped up and told me anything I need to know.

I am still unsure if I liked the story but the fact that it piqued and stroke my curiosity, is totally a point for the author. And yes, the title kept me wondering too. How it relates to the whole story? That was answered too. I give this book 3.5/5 asteroids. And I would definitely like to read the next book. The mystery baffled me enough that I would want to know if the author can keep that throughout the series. I also want to know if the next book would make me decide if the series is worth following or not. 

This time, I was going to fight for what I believed in, no matter the consequences. I was going to do something. I just didn't have any idea what.

- Brendan Reichs, Nemesis - 

Thank you again, Brendan Reichs for the copy.

Country Heaven (Country Love Series #1) by Vicki Green | Audiobook | A Book Review

I am not exactly into cowboy stories. I won this audiobook from the author's giveaway. Thank you again, Vicki Green for this audiobook prize. 

The best thing about audiobooks is that they take your reading experience to another level. Hearing how the characters sound elicits more involvement from the reader. I have come to the point where I basked in the glory of audiobooks. They are an experience book lovers should not miss. The only downside is I haven't mastered the art of bookmarking quotes and memorable conversations in audiobooks. A challenge I am willing to take in my next audiobook session.

As I have said, I am not into a lot of cowboy books. I have read some and this one is one of its kind. Aside from the fact that this came in an audiobook, which enhanced its appeal, the characters and the story is just as endearing. The two main characters are from totally different worlds. Their worlds collided when Sadie, a city girl who loves to party, was sent by her dad to Memphis' ranch as a punishment so she will change her ways. Memphis on the other hand is unsure of how this brat will fare with the hard labors of the ranch.

Memphis is a true-blooded cowboy to the heart. He grew up in the ranch which was a product of his Pa's hard work and is now passed on to him. The ranch is his life until Sadie came and turned his world upside down. If I wanted to meet a real cowboy, I wanted him to be just like Memphis. He is a textbook and perfect example of a true-blue cowboy.

Sadie and Memphis' first meeting was not ideal. They both turned each other off. It was hilarious and cute to hear this two bicker and Sadie surely tested the limits of Memphis patience and gentlemanly manner. Sadie was an irritating brat at the beginning but later realized that she had no choice but accept her situation and face it. Her transformation was a feast to behold. How she changed into someone who can do things on her own, physical labor at that, like milking cows and tending to the horses made her realize that there is a world outside of parties and drunken nights. How her relationship with Memphis changed was also very gradual and a delight to the senses. She had to understand how important the ranch is to Memphis and learn to see the beauty of the land before her to appreciate all the hard work she contributes to the whole operation.

The story isn't just about the transformation of Sadie. It's also about how people in the country help each other through bad times. This was a sweet read yet thought-provoking. It makes you understand the hardships and the toils required to keep a ranch. It's no easy feat. The story has a happy ending and the best thing was how Sadie found her niche. She found what she really wanted to do and what she was good at. So, her being exiled to the ranch was the best thing that ever happened to her. 

I give this 5/5 pairs cowboy boots. This story was very engaging and Memphis just melts my heart to puddles. I am actually looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. I am curious if I am going to totally fall into this genre or just dip into this sparingly. I have enjoyed this read.

Halfskin (Halfskin Series #1) by Tony Bertauski | A Book Review

I got this autographed paperback copy from the author. Thank you again, Tony Bertauski. I have read Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebeneezer Scrooge of the Claus series and really enjoyed it. When the author asked who wants to get a copy of this book, I was faster than Road Runner and responded to his call.

This book reminds of Robin Cook's Chromosome 6 and Ken Follet's Third Twin. One thing common among them is the theme--bio-engineering thriller. This book is at par with the two famous writers' work mentioned above. This is a very engrossing read. Makes you think of the possibilities and implications if this book were true. I think I would like biomite injection to remove all those unwanted hairs in my body. Hairs in the armpit, legs, etc. It would really be a great convenience to the women of the world. Or I could also have biomites to improve brain function to the point of having a photographic memory. It would be so awesome to recall facts and figures just from having browsed or read them at one time.

This book talks of a time when diseases are no longer the culprit for the loss of lives. Anything can be cured and any imperfection can be corrected. Biomites are artificial stem cells, they are the answer, whether medical or just for enhancement --superficial or necessary. Then, this poses the question of morality. Up to what point can you have too much biomate in your system? When do you ceased to be human and become a machine? 

Cali Richards is a brilliant nanobiometric engineer and she's using every ounce of her skill and access to save his brother. The only family she has left, apart from her daughter. Cali is one bad-ass heroine. She's like a hacker and a doctor combined. The book talked about how Cali was able to bypass and cheat the system so she can save herself and her brother from being terminated because they both have 50% biomites in their bodies. 50% the threshold for too much biomites and is grounds for termination--death. She has to outwit and outlast the system tracking biomites in humans and the one person who made it his life's mission to rid the world of biomite-infested machines. Too him, they are no longer humans. So, killing them is not murder but a service to the human race. How twisted is that?

In a way, the story of Cali and her brother Nix is tragic. Nix has escaped death because of biomites and then hunted down to be killed because he has too much of it in his body. How cruel is that? From the frying pan into the fire. I am fervently rooting for them to outsmart everyone and escape their death sentence. 

I give this book 4/5 wheel chairs. This is a very captivating read. It has been years since I last read a book of this genre. I always have this fascination for medical thrillers. I had no inclination or fantasies of being a doctor, except when I was about 6. It was in Kindergarten and I was asked what would I want to be when I grow up. I can't remember what prompted me to think of being a dentist. Probably, it was because no one in the class has taken it yet and everyone else has claimed the other professions which earn one a title such as a doctor, lawyer and engineer. Up until the first two years of high school, it was what I thought I wanted but realizing it entails studying dead bodies and a high tuition that my parents can't afford, I decided I am not suited to be one. I'm not sure if this special fascination for this genre is brought about by my younger and idealistic self's frustrated dream. 

I am looking forward to know what happens to our three protagonists. Will they be able to escape Marcus Anderson's reach? I will definitely want to read the next two books in the series. 

But this man, he would dog them to the end of the world just so he could watch them die.

- Tony Bertauski, Halfskin -  

Other books by Tony Bertauski:

Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebeneezer Scrooge (Claus #4)

Aftermath by Clara Kensie | A Book Review

I got this hardbound copy from an Instagram giveaway of the author. I read this last month but was unable to post a review.

As the title says, the story is about the events that came after the escape of Charlotte from her kidnapper. What happened to her and her family when she comes home. How her family took the pain of her being gone. How they are healing now that she's with them. Be prepared for the onslaught of tears and emotions this story will invoke. It is advised to have a box of tissues handy or a towel. If you have heart problems, be sure to take your medication before reading or keep it within reach. You will never be the same after this story. Believe me!

I was never prepared for what this story has in store. I was accosted with shock, pain and more pain while reading this book. Call me a masochist for crying so hard while reading this story yet loving it. I loved that this story touched the innermost chambers of my heart. It was so brutal and honest that truth hits me right at the diaphragm. The pain radiates to the deepest marrow of my bones. I was thankful and I pray that I will never have to go through this experience in this lifetime or the next. Never! I don't think I will ever survive this kind of horror and torment, whether I am in Charlotte's shoes or those that mourn her loss. This experience wrecked havoc in all the lives of all the people involved. Pain and destruction that has no way of ever coming back from it. Not even death is enough payment to ease the torment.

Have you ever lost nights of sleep because you were worried about a lost possession? Like your favorite book, favorite toy, shirt or favorite pen? It's tormenting not being able to figure out where you last left it, right? How much more if you lost a person? A sister, a friend or a child? Can you imagine the excruciating pain? The pain of not knowing what happened to that loved one. At least, in death, no matter how painful, there is some semblance of finality or closure. But without a body, the mind can come up with a thousand possible scenarios that is enough to induce a heart attack just thinking about them. And when that lost person is found, can we just move on and pick up where we left off? Can we pretend like years or months or nights of sleep were not lost at all?  Can we just go back to our routines and habits right before the incident? Can we perform business as usual just like a modern office with disaster and emergency measures in place? All these difficult questions were answered in this story and more. This is a devastating book. This will destroy you and then will try to put you back together as the story comes to an end. It's hopeful, yet you will never be the same way again before you picked this up.

I give this book 5/5 pink teddy bears. I don't think words are enough to describe how this story wrung out my heart in a hundred ways. My chest vibrated with the intensity of the emotions and I feared it might explode and turn my heart into confetti. You have to read and experience this book. This will have you weeping like a three-year old who got lost in the supermarket aisle and don't know what to do and just wail out for your Mama with all the strength your small lungs can muster. I guess, for the same reason, I was not able to write a review right away because of the tornado of emotions that was just too much. It had to calm down first before I could put them into coherent words. 

Thank you so much, Clara Kensie for this book. It was a tragic yet uplifting read. This book reminds us that everything can change drastically with one tragic event. In one instant, nothing is the same and pain settles in like a stubborn squatter that has no intention of leaving or abating. The kind of pain that makes everything without sense or purpose. It also speaks of the vulnerability and capacity of a person to bear the pain of loss, whether death or like in this story--a missing person. The idea of not knowing what happens to that missing loved one tears and breaks a person to the point of no return. The hell the family has to go through is indescribable and destructive. It breaks the spirit, families, relationships and dreams apart. There is no easy way of moving on and how to go about it is a question that's worth a million bucks.

Do it double, because some can't do it at all.

- Clara Kensie, Aftermath -