Leah and Rhea (Spell #1) by Melissa Hines Helms | A Book Review

It's the fourth month since this pandemic has wreaked havoc and in a way, rearranged and disrupted our lives. I lost work for about two months and fortunately, I got reassigned to a another project about two weeks ago. That is something to be thankful for in this time of chaos in my country because of government officials doing a bad job. Instead of prioritizing the need to resolve and end Covid19, they are playing gods and flexing their powers to suppress freedom. It's a very sad reality. It's like another dictator is sitting in his throne and anyone who dares speak a wrong word will be thrown out to the dungeon or will forfeit  his life. 

In the midst of all these stressful events happening, I'd still like to think that good will always triumph over evil. That my country, no matter how horrible the situation its facing, is still a land of people who will fight for freedom, equality and end corruption. Like all the heroes who came before us, I believe this little archipelago in the Southeast is still home to a lot of men and women who will never ever let this country and our brave ancestors down. And I am one with that fight even if sometimes I want to just go and live somewhere else, if only migrating to another county is that easy. The events in my country are discouraging and you can't help but think about a very dim future. But as always, Filipinos are optimistic and we often look at the brighter side of things. We are also too forgiving which is also a curse because most of us tend to forget the wrongs done in the past and some of these perpetuators of those wrongs are again back in the government pillaging the country's coffers for personal gain. 

So, with the stress that's leeching all the positivity everywhere, I decide to just read books, listen to uplifting and relaxing music and watch K-dramas or movies that are projecting good vibes. Leah and Rhea is one. These two fairies will go against the mighty and powerful witch who put a spell on the whole forest. These two little beings will risk their lives to save the forest and their animal friends. Yes, this might be another David and Goliath story but it's a lot cuter and kid-friendly. 

Lea and Rhea are twin fairies who never discovered what their magic were. Their parents became stars in the sky when they were young. They never had anyone teach them about magic so all they have to do to survive is use their wits and of course, fly. That, at least, is something very useful for a fairy. 

This is a really good bedtime story for kids. It speaks of the bond of sisters, friendship, risking one's life for the good of the many and bravery. The story is not so unique but it got its point across. Good will always triumph over evil and nothing is really over until you stop trying. Our two friends, met very helpful and interesting characters along the way in their search to find the ingredients to reverse the spell of the evil witch Matilda. These characters are Khuno and Bunny who are rabbits; Win the Winking Willow Tree, Felda, Matilda's sister who is fortunately the good sister and the last older fairy; and finally, another fairy who can't talk - Troy. These characters helped the sisters make the reverse potion, bring back the whole forest to life and ended Matilda's reign of terror.

I actually enjoyed reading this book. I remember, I was a bit down and I wanted something to cheer me up. This book did it. It somehow uplift my spirit. It is so straightforward. It is so easy to read. It is also like a coming of age story for both of our fairies. These two fairies who don't know a single magic and has never left their forest has to reverse the curse that Matilda cast on the whole forest. As a consequence of ripping out the reverse spell from Matilda's book, Rhea was also affected by a curse. To save everyone and her sister, Leah and Rhea had to go separate ways to continue on their quest. These two had never been separated their whole lives so it was a very scary thing. But they each succeeded in their own task - Rhea to prepare the reverse spell and Leah to find the last and elusive ingredient for the spell to work. In the end, the evil is vanquished and the whole forest woke back to life. 

I give this book 4/5 pairs of colorful fairy wings. If I were a kid, I would surely love this book if I have read it when I was younger. It was very straightforward and all the language and tone of the story was very fitting for young audiences. If I have kids, which I still don't, but in the future, I would surely tell them of this tale. There were no very violent or gruesome scenes. It was filled with exciting adventures, if only the fairies were not pressed for time or fighting for their lives. I think this would make a good animation. I really had fun reading this book and it somehow made me forget about my worries, if only for the moment. I was rooting for the twin fairies to succeed and that only happened because these two refused to give up even if the odds they were up against were too much for them. This too applies in real life. You can't give up unless you give your all. You can't say you will fail if you haven't tried anything. And if by chance, you really fail, at least you gave your all. That alone speaks volumes. You won't look back with regret because the greatest tragedy is not moving an inch when you know you could have done something even if that does not guarantee the results. That's life. Nothing is guaranteed. You do your best and if you fail, you get up and try again. 

I could not find any quotable quotes in the story but I will let you in on how this story came about. This story came to Melissa when she was doing her undergraduate studies and was working part-time as a nanny for an adorable four-year old girl named Grace Farver Needlman. Grace had a terrific imagination as most kids do and Melissa needed to come up with engaging stories everyday for their drive home from preschool. And that's how Leah and Rhea's adventures started.

Thanks again, Melissa Hines Helms for the review copy. Sorry the review took ages. 

I Am Marcus Fox by Bryon Cahill | A Book Review

It's Monday again. Those in the US or those working for US companies, we had a long weekend. I didn't go out of town. I just stayed home and relaxed since I was feeling under the weather. My all-cure for all ailments is sleep. I did just that and watched movies and Korean dramas online. I was also able to write two reviews. Good, but not that good. I was hoping to write more but I felt so uninspired. Anyway, here is another one.

The book - I Am Marcus Fox is an action-adventure. That's what it seemed at first. It seemed like a real-life story but might be too impossible to believe. It's somewhere between fiction and real life. Some events are just too plausible to be actually true. The book started really good. How Marcus Fox was abandoned by his parents and got miraculously saved and adopted by an African couple. He grew up to be a strong man loved by his adoptive parents like their own and then tragedy struck again. It was going well until he got to the part where he battled a shark which felt too unbelievable. I was doubtful about that part. There were other similar scenes in the story which will make you question - "Is this a real story or pure fiction born out of the author's imagination?" In a way, I got confused because in the first few parts you were made to believe that this is a tragic story of a boy who had the misfortune of being born out of crazy and criminal parents. Then along the way, the story seems to blend together reality and fantasy because then Marcus suddenly does these feats that you can only see in the movies. It suddenly felt like a bunch of kids talking about a movie they've watched together and were not satisfied with it that they then decided that the main character should have done this and that. Injecting feats that require supernatural or superhuman abilities which is what happened here.

In a way, even if some parts bordered on impossible, it has a way of getting the reader hooked. I read it in one go. Unbelievably, I didn't put it down though I had times where I had my eyebrows raised and had wrinkles pinned on my forehead. The story has a way of pulling you in and make you root for Marcus Fox to finally have a good life. That's one of the merits of the story. You will wish all his troubles will come to an end and that he will finally live a life he deserves after all the perils and heartbreaks he has to go through. 

I give this book 3/5 sharks.The part with the shark is where I couldn't get over. It's crazy. In the end, I am still unsure if this is part-true embellished with fiction or pure fiction skirting the limits of fantasy. I am still a bit confused what to make of the story. It started really good and the bones of a really satisfying read is there but I can't seem to take it all seriously. Or maybe, it's meant to be that way. It doesn't have to be boxed into what kind of story it is. As one of the reviews on Amazon say, "It's skirting the realm of fantasy and realism." That sentence perfectly sums it up. 

Would you want to read this book? I can't answer that. As I have said, I am unsure. The beginning and some parts of the story were very solid. I just wished it was more believable. If this was meant to be a fantasy, it wasn't really hitting it. If this was just meant to feel more like an action-adventure, then it's so over-the-top. The best answer to the question is to read it yourself and tell me what you think. I may be wrong about all of it but that's how the story felt like to me. Or maybe, I just don't do well with realism like Murakami's Hear the Bird Sing. 

Truth doesn't set you free. It only turns you to dust. 

- Bryon Cahill, I am Marcus Fox - 

Thanks again, Bryon Cahill, for the review copy. Sorry, it took months for the review to come out. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ by J.M. Harrison | A Book Review

I actually had a hard time starting this post. It's not that I don't know what to say about the book but it's more of saying something that will eventually lead to the story. What recent event would somehow relate to the story? I could actually think of one. The recent incident in the sea involving a local fishing vessel that was allegedly intentionally hit by another fishing vessel but albeit bigger and belongs to a foreign nation who's not supposed to be fishing within our territorial waters. This is currently a very hot issue since our head of the nation clearly stated in his interview that we should just let them be if we don't want another world war. Who wants one, right? But there should be other ways in which we can insist our sovereignty and rights without resulting to firearms and violent means. It doesn't have to end in a war. Anyway, there's a lot that could still be said about this topic but it's also causing me headaches. So, I'd rather not delve deeper into it and it's probably more suited to another platform. But I am thankful to those who are standing up and protesting in front of the embassy of that foreign nation. Go on and never stop until they hear our voices. We are done being ignored and treated like we are insignificant. And to all those lawmakers who are also fighting for our government to make a stand, please don't ever tire of fighting. If there's a need for every Filipino to rally and make a stand, then let's do that. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ, how does the above relate to this book? Well, it's about fighting for what's right and just. Fighting for what's good, even if you are pitted against a very powerful opponent. Never lose hope. Just keep fighting! 

This book talks about the anti-Christ. And guess where that anti-Christ would come from? From whose seed would that person rise from? Make a guess. If you thought of Hitler, then you are on the right track. From all the conquerors, dictators and villains that have ever lived, I think Hitler is hailed the most vicious, greedy and evil. He killed millions of Jews and more. So, this story's proposition that the next anti-Christ would likely come from his bloodline is not too far out. It's actually the mostly likely possibility. I do agree.

I can't exactly remember if I read this book in one go or I stopped somewhere. All I could remember was how the story held some truth and the likelihood of it really happening. I hope never. That possibility ever becoming a reality is very grim, even if this was set in the US. The likelihood of another dictator and lunatic plotting world domination as his life goals is a very dark future. I hope it doesn't ever come true even if it won't happen in this lifetime. I hope the world would never again know of any dictator or megalomaniac dead set on having the world for his own or for any other self-serving purpose. It's dreadful to just even think of it and this story clearly paints that horrible picture. 

But with the way things are happening, especially with my country, it's not going to surprise me if another dictator comes into the open and proclaim his life's mission. At the same time, I'm also hopeful that there will be brave men and women, just like in this story, who will resist and find ways to outwit the Goliath and foil his grand plans. There will always be people who will risk their lives to expose the conspiracies and evil plans just to save many more. My country is a land of heroes, from Lapulapu to Dagohoy, to Bonifacio, to modern nameless Filipinos, who are fighting for justice and equality every day. This little and may be insignificant country to some, will never run out of fearless men and women who will risk everything to keep our freedom and sovereignty. Even if we are beset by countless problems from all directions, our faith, our hope even in the hopeless will continue to give us the strength of character to fight. Don't ever underestimate your enemy. Remember, the littlest ants sting the most.

So, again, this story painting the possibility of an anti-Christ is not far from reality. It's very believable. Harrison paints a dystopian America in this book but also very remarkable and very brave characters who will also stop at nothing to keep this new anti-Christ's plan from ever coming true. This is a very engaging story which will make you fear the worst but also hopeful because there are people who will save the day. And like most stories, the good always wins. No matter how battered and wounded, the hero will keep rising to his feet. He will fight to his last breath. This story also illustrates that no matter how formidable the enemy could be, but if all people, no matter how common or lowly, if they band together and stand up for one common goal, then the possibility of defeating the enemy is not impossible. There is always strength in numbers. And when more than two heads are working, then better and brighter ideas are likely to come out. 

I give this book 3.5/5 phoenix. The two main characters here - Jacob and Arianna represent real people. Jacob, who's too close to Martin Voors refuses to believe that he could be the evil incarnate hiding behind a very charismatic persona. Arianna, a fearless reporter who survived a rape and still, she never let that deter her from getting to the truth. These two characters made the story hopeful and I root for them. Sometimes, beating the enemy also requires beating him at his own game, breaking the rules and sometimes even a gentle persuasion or blackmail would do. Desperate situations call for even desperate and crazy measures. 

I cannot consider myself a true Christian.  I have done  too many things that cannot be forgiven even by Christ, but I sympathize with them. 

- J.M. Harrison, Chronicles of the Anti-Christ - 

Thank you again, J.M. Harrison for the paperback copy. Sorry, it took 48 years to post this review.

The Debt and The Doormat by Laura Barnard | A Book Review

It's a long weekend because of the July 4th. I work for a US company so I also enjoyed the long weekend.  I was feeling under the weather for the last two days so all I did was binge watch Korean dramas and movies. I was planning to write my very overdue book reviews but was feeling so uninspired. I have written very few reviews this year because when I get home from work, all I want to do is sleep. And on weekends, all I want to do are activities that do not involve brain function. Don't get me wrong, I love to write but it has been quite hard for me to find the time to really sit down and channel my emotion and thoughts. I guess, when you feel like you lack sleep and so stressed, it's a bit hard to focus. And I take writing my book reviews seriously. I need to be able to capture the emotions I felt when I read the book and convey it to the readers (to a few who read this blog). So, here I am again, trying to speak my thoughts. 

So, The Debt and The Doormat, I received this last year. I also read it last year, just haven't gotten around to posting a review. I was supposed to review the other books but it turned out I didn't have any pictures yet so I have to just review another one. I chose this book because this was so fun when I read it. This is a romantic comedy set in the UK. Yes, the voices of the characters when I was reading this were in British. 

The main character of the story is Poppy. Honestly, I am not sure if I like Poppy. Her character is not exactly the most admirable book character I have encountered but she had her good points too. Most of the time, I feel sorry for Poppy, especially with her obnoxious Mom. She can't seem to be honest with her Mom or if she did try, she was brushed aside. Yes, it seemed like it's so easy for people to not take her seriously and walk over her. Poor Poppy. Even her best friend, Jazz, seems to not take Poppy seriously sometimes, though she loves Poppy dearly. 

All in all, this was a fun read yet there would be times that you would feel irritated with the way the characters are acting. Sometimes you want to knock on their heads to put sense into the them. Poppy and Jazz' characters are not exactly lovable but you will feel like you want to get involved in their lives and help them. That's how the story was to me. I felt like wanting to be one of the characters and tell Poppy to stand up for herself and tell Jazz to grew a pair and start becoming a responsible adult. Good thing that these two actually developed and become better people by the end of the story. But a lot has to happen, mostly to Poppy, to make her see that people have been walking all over her and she just let them. 

One of the most delicate situations in this story was the one involving infidelity and the people involved are related to Poppy. She had caught the cheating couple and the dilemma is to tell the partners of these two what's going on. If I were Poppy, I would have told my brother. The truth will surely hurt and maybe destroy their marriage but I won't stand and just let my brother be made a fool. 

I think the flaw in Poppy's character is that she was unsure of herself, which most of us are also. But then again, even so, we have to know our strengths also. We have to know our values. What things do we love most and we should stand up for those things. We shouldn't let people just trample on them or destroy them. Somewhere, we have to draw the line where being nice and being such a pushover ends. But then, some people don't even realize that they've been taken advantage of. That they've been made a doormat. I guess, if I were one of Poppy's friends, I would have told her already. Of all the characters here, only one person was honest and cared enough to tell Poppy. It was Ryan. I would have done the same thing Ryan did. I would tell Poppy over and over how she's encouraging people to walk all over her. She should push back. I know her heart is in the right place but sometimes you have to tell people off. I am just happy that at the end, it all worked out for Poppy.

I gave this book 4/5 doormats. As I have said, Poppy is not the best character I've ever read but the whole book was entertaining that even if I have to read it again for the second time to make sure that I write my review right, it still felt like reading it for the first time. It was as entertaining as I remembered it. And that means a lot to me because I don't exactly reread books. To me rereading books either mean two things- one is I didn't understand the story or the book wasn't very memorable. The other is there is a need for me to read the story again because I badly needed to be reminded of how the story made me feel and I needed to feel that emotion in that very moment. There are stories that I have to reread because I needed to feel good about myself. I very rarely reread books. I reread this book because I am unsure of some of the details. Again, not liking Poppy's character so much, I had to be reminded of why I felt that way. With that said, I am not saying that this is not a worthy read. It is. I enjoyed it so much and the fact that Poppy's character bothers me so much is in itself evidence that the story got to me. Me being involved in Poppy's well-being is saying that I do care for Poppy although I wished she were firmer in her convictions. 

Maybe it won't be that bad to fancy someone a little bit. It might actually be good for me. He might be like medicine to me, a bit of a remedy. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be poison.

- Laura Barnard, The Debt and The Doormat -

Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the review book. 

The Night by Matthew Murphy | A Book Review

I have been behind in my reviews so I thought of finding a way to be able to catch up, even just a few posts. I came up with an idea that it would be a lot easier for me to come up with reviews if I start with the stories that I can easily recall from the top of my head. So, I wouldn't be writing the reviews as to the order of how I received the books or what I read first but rather which one I can remember very clearly and easily. So, this story is one.

I was actually almost tempted to give up on this book - The Night. The start was so slow and so sleep-inducing that I'd wanted to just write it off. Good thing, I didn't because halfway through, the book started to get really interesting. New characters were introduced which gave life to the story. Exactly what I have been waiting for. Something to get me out of my near stupor. I was glad, I did not just stop when I was so tempted to. 

This story is about Chicago. The old Chicago. The dangerous neighborhood and where the whites and the black people don't mix. The blacks are still treated as lesser people. And like in most cases, in times of trouble and difficulties, some courageous soul rose up and stood up against the cruelties and injustices. In this story, there are actually two and then the whole neighborhood of blacks made a united front to stand against the person who took advantage of them for the longest time.

The main character here, Clive Baxter, a soldier who just came from war, comes home hopeful for a new start. But instead, found that there are worst things happening aside from the war. Worst of all, it's right in his home. 

I was disappointed with Clive's character on the first few pages. He started as a very strong character, full of hope and ready to live the rest of his life far from the war zone but he ended up with the wrong crowd and doing things against his convictions. He knew that what he's getting into is wrong but he still did them. I know his conscience bothered him and I am just relieved that he managed to get out and tried to change things. That is the Clive Baxter that was introduced in the beginning of the story and I wanted the same person to be able to come out of the chaos, if not stronger, even if the odds were so much against him. I think that's the true measure of a strength of a man. A real man.

So, even if I was partially disappointed of how the first few chapters of this story went, the ending had saved it. It was a real struggle for me getting to the end. I had to keep telling myself to keep going. I had to. I had to finish the book because even if it seemed that it might not go anywhere, I still have to get to the end to be sure I give it a fair review. With that said, I give this book 3/5 German World War II coats. The ending was the saving grace and if not for it, I would have totally given this a one or two rating. Add the fact that I can easily recall the two most interesting characters in this story. Being able to do that is a big plus for me. It means that the story or the characters in the story made an impression on me. The story gave me an experience that could not be easily forgotten or have drawn real emotions out of me which is what every reader is looking for in every story.

I didn't know him any more than any son knew his father. You look up to him. You never realize his faults until he's gone.

I know they say being in a war makes a man a believer and all that, but I saw first-hand what religion can bring. All those bodies of dead Jews piled in them holes in the ground. What if they don't believe? What if their religion didn't exist? I don't know. I guess, another reason to kill them would've been found.

You leave the army, then realize you never can. The war follows you. The war reminds you that it managed to control your soul. It continues to cling, gripping you.

-Matthew Murphy, The Night - 

Thanks again, Matthew Murphy, for the review copy. 

Super Me by Jessica Dazzo | ARC | A Book Review

I got this from the Contact Us form of this blog. The author's husband, Mike, reached out and asked if I wanted to review his wife's book. I agreed, so here it is. 

I would like to apologize to Jessica and Mike Dazzo for taking a long time to get this review posted. I appreciate your understanding.

I've read this about a few months ago, more like sometime in 2018. So, when I was writing this review, I was trying to remember what stood out for me in this story. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember. Yes, I came up blank. I can't even remember what the story was about and why it was called Super Me. So, the ending was I have to browse through the book again. Reading through my highlighted passages but still nothing seems to jump at me. Last resort was to reread the book from the start. I know, it's ridiculous but it's my bad because I didn't write a review right away and my mind have gone through a few holidays. It seemed like it had archived all the data and I can't seem to retrieve them. Or maybe, it's because the book did not really leave a strong impression or imprint on me. Well, rereading the book will definitely prove or disprove that assumption. Let's find out.

So, the story started with the main character- Faye, hearing things differently. Actually, the story started with Faye hearing the name Lucan. Yes, she thought it was weird but when it started to happen very often, she stared thinking that her own mind is betraying her. And here's the fun part, a cute boy with the name Lucan transferred to her school. Is that coincidence or what? The troubling part is the name is the reason that mostly gets her embarrassed. One time, they were in class and she was asked to read for a character in Romeo and Juliet and she read something in the book that goes, "my Lucan" which was not actually what was written in the book. She was so humiliated that she can't get out fast enough from the classroom. 

So, how did it feel rereading this book? It actually felt like the first time. I can remember that I exactly felt the same emotions reading some of the sad parts of this story and going teary-eyed again. I mostly remembered the emotions, although what the story was about and how it went only came to me when I was more than halfway through my second reading of the book. I am not sure why I have no retention of the story. I might have probably slept-read through it the first time. Even as I tried to read some reviews to refresh my memory, nothing really stood out and sparked my memory. So, to be honest, I did not regret rereading this book. It was all worth it because the story has a way of making you involved. It was a way of making you a part of Faye's struggles. They're real enough that you won't say that this is all too much teenage drama. I do admit, the supernatural part was a bit unexpected. Yes, I too think that Faye's mind was betraying her. That she might have a mental condition. Good thing, though that it was far from that. 

In spite of the fact that the book left me no impression or anything as a point of recollection for me, I actually enjoyed reading this one for the second time. And believe me, I don’t' like rereading books or watching a movie for a second or third time. Though I did that about a time or two. I can't exactly remember what movie that was that I re-watched but I did it because I want to remember how the story went. Yes, I only do redo's when my memory seems to be failing. But I will definitely say, I have a very sharp memory. I can remember faces and names of classmates from grade school and some other things. Having said that, I do believe that this story was written with enough dose of reality in it or as real as it gets. I know I caught myself a few times on the brink of crying. I just had to check myself because I was at the office when I was reading again this story. Don't worry, I really had nothing to do. I am waiting for another set of accounts to be worked on which were still coming. I have hit my target on the first set of accounts and had only three problematic ones to follow up on. 

Anyway, I give this book 4/5 pairs of well-worn and comfortable snow boots. The story has a way of making you comfortable with Faye. At the same time, you will feel all her struggles to the point that you will feel uncomfortable. You will think of Faye as your friend and hope for the best that she will eventually be able to deal with all her issues. I won't call them "teenage drama" because calling it drama would be downplaying the seriousness and gravity of her situation. She has a lot to deal with including raising her mom who I think has a lot of growing up to do and should pay more attention to Faye. Faye deserves a better mom. It felt like she's the female version of Atlas with a lot of things thrust on her very young and vulnerable shoulders. No kid should be parenting a parent. That's definitely messed up and felt like the world has fallen off its axis. Sad but it's a reality to some teens. 

And why can't the world just go on pause for a second so I could have a breather?

-Jessica Dazzo, Super Me-

Thank you again Mike and Jessica Dazzo for the ARC. Again, sorry for the very delayed review. 

The Liberty Box (The Liberty Box #1) by C. A. Gray | A Book Review

And just like that, October is gone. November is here and that means December is just around the corner. Time flies so fast. I can still remember going crazy with worry about what the year would be like for me. I'm so glad and relieved that I'm way past that. I'm happy to be tired but productive. Not bone-tired worrying but rather tired after a day's work. I could say, I'm at a way better place where I am now. I'm so thankful and I am going to do my best to stay where I'm at. 

This book is another author request. I got this through the Contact Us form of this blog. I have read about this book before. I think in one of those book scavenger hunts that I joined. It might be the New Adult one or the YA one, but I am pretty sure I have heard about C. A. Gray before. I just haven't read any of her works. This is the very first of her books that I've read.

I mentioned about escaping from my worries earlier which is just fitting because this book talks about escape and worries too. It talks about fears and the harsh realities set in a dystopian landscape.

 "This room is what we call the Liberty Box." " Isn't that an oxymoron? Liberty in a box? "

This statement is a good explanation for the title and in a way provides a very short summary of the story. And yes, it's a bleak future knowing freedom means being in a box. A world full of rules, restrictions, and deception. You have to conform and any deviation from what's required and mandated by the new Republic of the Americas will be punishable by death. It's about control. If death doesn't scare you enough, then the brainwashing will take any fight out of you. And you're not even aware that you're being constantly brainwashed. That's how the future looks in this story.

And then, enter Jackson MacNamera. One who didn't grow up in the States. He returns to the US for his mom's funeral, only to be arrested and taken into the Liberty Box because he stands out. He is different. Jackson knows there's something terribly wrong with the situation or with the people he has seen so far and he has to use every bit of what his Grandpa has taught him to get his freedom back.

Kate Brandeis, a news anchor  who suddenly felt like she just woke up from a hazy dream and into a nightmare. Bereaved and confused, she stumbled into a group of people living in the forest, away from the government's reach. It's where she met Jackson and these two formed a bond.

Yes, it's starting to look like a love story but no. A lot more important things are at stake here, so it's really good that the author held off on pursuing the love angle. I guess,  romance does not sound so appealing when freedom is a great issue. For the characters in this story, nothing is ever more precious than taking back what rightfully belongs to them and death doesn't seem as scary if it means getting that robbed freedom back.

I really enjoyed this story. Jackson's character is  just the perfect person that the story needs. A fighter. A person rightfully equipped with the skills needed to go against the Potentiate. A champion to help rally the people to fight back and save the rest. I think the best  thing about him is that he's not clueless. He doesn't blunder into the story and he has to learn his way. No. He comes in with purpose and determination. He was prepared for what was waiting for him in the US. Though at first, he wasn't aware that was what all his Grandpa was training him for. Yes, a great credit to his Grandpa for being smart and for having the foresight to know what Jackson would very well need.

The way Jackson comes into the story was not in any way forced. In a way, I know that the story would have this one very strong character who would serve as a voice and rally everyone and help them open their eyes to the grim reality. I just didn't expect that it was someone like Jackson who was more than ready than he thought he was for what awaited him. I think this is what separates this story from other dystopian.  This story  wasn't waiting for someone to rise from the abuse or from the rubble. You will be spared from that. It was like Jackson was created first and then the rest of the story followed because he has to be in a setting where his  skills had to be essential. Here's one who's all ready to go to battle, only he wasn't aware that there's actually one waiting for him. In here, the main character doesn't have to keep reacting but rather a little ahead of the enemy which isn't really common in a lot of stories. And that's the best thing about this.

Aside from Jackson and his Grandpa, there are other interesting characters in here. Men and women of strong character who value  freedom above all else. They're a great ensemble that make the story more engaging.

How the story builds up and how these band of people started to really make a statement against the enemy is a very hopeful situation. Very daring and suicidal, in a way, but the situation is desperate so their methods need to be more aggressive. I was rooting for the success of Jackson and his friends the whole time. Not a very grim dystopia, if you ask me. It's actually very hopeful which is again one thing that's different.

What I was not so taken with was this Council thing. In some way, it was holding the group down. It felt like they weren't that free from the Potentiate's clutches after all because here is a group of people just as willing to stump on free will. I hope that this Council will get disbanded and leaders who are really looking out for the benefit of the people will take their place. It's bad enough that they're hiding from a bigger enemy. Where they are should be a safe enough place to express their opinions and do something to help those still out there walking with their eyes in the fog. I feel like this Council is going to be another obstacle in Jackson's and his friends quest to take back their freedom. 

This story promises a sequel and that's a good thing because this should end well with all things neatly tied and wrapped up. This book ending with a cliffhanger was, in a way, not how I wanted it to go. But then, a prospect of another book to continue Jackson's fight is just what I am hoping. And cliffhangers are really good indicators of more interesting things to come. Thankfully, as of this review, book 2  and 3 are out, so I don't have to worry about waiting for the rest of the series to unravel.

I give this book 5/5 steel containers. This is a really good start to a very engaging series. Jackson's character alone is enough and I can't really stress that enough. I am so glad this book ended up in my lap. Thank you so much C. A. Gray. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Power is a byproduct of a peaceful and quiet mind... but the moment power becomes an end in itself, the peace evaporates. 

"I ask myself that all the time, love.  But there is something in the psychology of an abused woman that I don't understand myself and can't explain. It's like an addiction." "Variable reward." "Sometimes she gets affection and sometimes she gets a beating, and it's not knowing which it'll be is what keeps her coming back. It's like that experiment of the pigeons pecking at a disc--"

- C. A. Gray, The Liberty Box -  

Red Sunrise by Simon Laffy | A Book Review

So, earlier this week, I went to a book sale here in Cebu. I just browsed. I don't have the money to spare to buy new books and besides, I have quite a long list on my TBR, both in e-book formats and in paperbacks. I don't think it makes sense to add more books to the pile as I am already struggling with what I have right now. I just don't have enough time. Also, the books I wanted to buy, if I were to buy, were Clive Cussler's. They only have three books there at the sale and I've read two of them. I did find very interesting new authors and stories and I took pictures in case my TBR would have room for them. 

I got this book through Instagram. The author sent me a message and asked if I wanted to review his book and I agreed. This is about a US naval war veteran who have survived the most brutal way to die during World War II via a kamikaze attack on his ship. After recovering from his injuries, he decided to travel around the world by boat. During his sea travel, he meet various people and started to examine his life, his mind, and all his losses. The journey turned into an introspection into the choices he had made in his life and how it led up to his current state. And it turns out, there's more for him to do before he takes his last breath.

This is a sad, tragic, and a tale of redemption. The redemption of Commander Jack Sampson. As the author have mentioned in his blurb, Sampson is an ex-naval officer who turned into an anti-war hero. That perfectly summarizes this whole adventure. But of course, to understand his journey why after giving years of his life for the service of the United States, he ended up offering the rest of his life to end wars, is a tale you must read so you'll understand his motivations. Sampson had seen war and had experienced firsthand the losses that it had caused, especially in his personal life. He has lost his family and his friends because of war. It also almost cost him his own life. It was by a sheer miracle that he survived but his sanity had suffered most because of it. Physical wounds heal but the recurring dreams and nightmares are going to forever haunt him. His guilt will keep chasing him for things that should have been and what might have been. 

So, this book is like an expose on the United States effort on the study, testing, and production of atomic bombs as a new way of getting an upper hand in military warfare. It's a way of again showing the world its might and power. Who would dare challenge her if she has the ultimate weapon of destruction? I admit I don't know much about this subject. But after reading this, I understand better now. And Bikini was immortalized as the new name for swimwear. How could you ever forget the fate of Bikini Atoll? In this book, it described how that beautiful untouched island won the lottery as the unfortunate recipient of the effects and destruction of an atomic explosion. Until now, that island is dead and will take years to actually be safe for humans to step on its shores again.

This is very informational and I came out educated after reading this story. Commander Sampson is a hero and the last moments of his life were never in vain. This is a very good read and I ended up rooting for Sampson to succeed in his journey to find his inner self again and to finally discover that the greatest redemption is to forget oneself for a greater cause. Not for his country but for sake of the world or for those whose voice is not loud enough to be heard.

My only observation was that there were portions wherein the transition between events, was not very clear. I found myself pausing at some points because there were some paragraphs that were not connected but there was no clear indication that one thought has ended and a new one has begun. I wished in some parts, the paragraphs did not just follow each other like they were one thought. Other than that, this was interesting enough to read and since I like historical thrillers, this one was not off the mark. 

I give this 3/5 mushroom cloud. Yes, after reading this story, I don't think I would want to see a red sunrise. It's not a spectacle that anyone should look forward to see. It's a beginning of a very very horrible day. So, after Nagasaki, there's Hiroshima, and then Bikini. The two places in Japan may have recovered and is now again a bustling city, like it was not a witness to a very gruesome tragedy caused by war. But Bikini will forever remain just a memory of what it used to be. It will never ever know life again.

If hatred alone were a weapon, he would have been able to wipe them out. 

...devotion to your religion seemed to be measured by how wicked you could be to others.

- Simon Laffy, Red Sunrise - 

Thank you again, Simon Laffy for the copy.

Magical Princess Harriet: Chessed, World of Compassion by Leiah Moser | A Book Review

It's been almost two weeks since I last posted on here. My sleeping time is so abnormal lately. I feel so sleepy during the afternoons and I can't help but take naps. And then, I can't sleep until 3:00 AM. My day is so erratic that I can't seem to find the best time to work. These days, I've found myself feeling so tired and just want to catch up on sleep. Hopefully, this August, everything will be good and I will be able to catch up on my reading and on my reviews since I will having a change in work schedule. 

I got this book from the author via the Contact Us form of this blog. I've been getting a lot of requests lately and I'm very happy, but the downside is I have an ever growing TBR list. I can't say no to any request because until now, I'm still unable to comprehend or believe how these authors, publishers, or literary agents found me. I know some found my blog on The Book Blogger List. I'm just amazed as to how these people are brought to me that I just don't have the heart to say no. I want to review all books as long as it means I'm helping an author, one way or another. 

Magical Princess Harriet is written by Rabbi Leiah Moser. This is about the coming of age of Harris Baumgartner. A seventh grader whose life was change on the first day of school when he saw something inexplicable on his way to school. From that moment, everything will never be the same in Harris' life. Will he embrace the change or fight it?

This is my first time to read a queer story in a Jewish perspective. It's refreshing because somehow people often associate homosexuality or gender issues with religion. It's disheartening to hear that even in this very modern day and age, there are still people who are so backward in their thinking that homosexuality is an affront to religion. On the other hand, I'm glad that most religions are now open about discussing topics about sexuality and are more accepting of these individuals. If you have a friend who's gay, you would know that it's not their choice to be gay. It's just is. They can't fight it. The same way, a woman is a woman and a man acts as a man. It is not some disease that has to be cured or some kind of possession that has to be exorcised. It's just in their DNA. So, anyone has no right to say that they have no right to be part of this world or this universe. They have as much right as everyone else to be here. With the world getting to be more involved with championing for the rights of the third sex, I am glad that more stories are coming out speaking of their experiences. This story is just one of those stories where the main character and a superhero to boot, is a queer. What's more amazing is it's written by a rabbi who seems to have a wide understanding of the topic. 

This story reminds me of the anime Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon's alter ego Bunny is a very different person. She's often seen as dumb and clumsy. But when she's Sailor Moon, she's so amazing. Harris character which is very ordinary gets to transform into someone unbelievably amazing and powerful Princess Harriet. It was confusing at first because why would his alter ego or superhero counterpart be a girl. It's the most dumbfounding thing. But then, as he becomes to get comfortable in her superhero skin, he gets to know himself better and realized some very vital information about his true self. 

One of the things that strike me in this story is the name of one of the nephilim characters which is Kasadya. Kasadya in Cebuano dialect means happiness, joy, zest. It's actually a positive word and is very much the opposite of the character of Kasadya. Kasadya is very neglected and needs a lot of love. When I first encountered the word, the first thing that came to mind was where and how did the author get the word Kasadya? Was she friends with a Filipino who's from Cebu or Bisaya or is kasadya also a Jewish word? It was surprising to actually see the word being used in this story. I guess, in a way, Kasadya fits one of the female antagonist here because that's exactly what she needs to escape whatever bond that's keeping her. The irony of things.

One other thing I liked in the story is how Harris, Frances, and Aiden were drawn together and found belongingness in each other. These three seemed to have a lot in common. Harris and Frances are best friends. Frances is a very smart girl who loves architecture yet has a neurological issue which makes her sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. Aiden is a later addition to the group. Like Harris and Frances, Aiden is a bit of a keep-to-himself-boy also. He usually gets beat up because he's also a bit different from the other students. So, this trio makes a very interesting mix of characters and each complement each other which greatly helped in their fight against the forces of evil.

This trio, with their flaws and all, is a very adorable group. I root for them. It's just so easy to empathize with them because in one way or another, we are either, Harris, Frances, or Aiden once in our young lives. Like Aiden, I was bullied in my grade school, so it's so easy to identify to anyone of these three characters or find something in common with them. If not, you might find yourself in a parallel position to Kasadya and Azrael. Two kids who are neglected by their parents. They're treated as soldiers and are either punished for their failures and were never appreciated just as they are. They have to prove themselves to earn some appreciation or to just even be acknowledged that they exist. 

I think the main lesson in the story, aside from embracing being a queer or being comfortable with your gender, is having to acknowledge our fears and in turn, mastering them. If we know our fears and the reason for them, then no one can use it against us because we know it's just in the head. It somehow lessens it's hold on us. And in this story, that is just what exactly happened. When the three characters were forced to confront their fears and resolve that they can't have their fears have power over them, then the evil that threatened them lost his advantage.

This is a good and refreshing story which reminds me of my younger years growing up and watching Sailor Moon to my heart's delight. Those were good days. I give this book 3/5 red roses. It's entertaining enough, especially when the three friends are together. I think Princess Harriet is able to master her powers because of the full support of her friends. She was able to find clarity and accept the changes in her life, both physical, emotional, and mental because her friends are there to help understand them. 

It is indeed necessary to allow judgement to be governed by mercy.

- Leiah Moser, Magical Princess Harriet: Chessed, World of Compassion - 

Thank you again Leiah Moser for the copy.

In Defense of Innocence by Dave Wickenden | A Book Review

I was unable to access the internet for about a week because we had an issue with our connection. I was not able to work also. Good thing is I was able to read a few books. This is one of the books I read, which is a review request from an author. This is my first to read of this author. This book is probably the most difficult to read, if not, one of the most difficult ever. Difficult because of the subject that it tackles and its harsh realities. I had to rest after reading a few chapters and read a lighter story to decompress. In a way, it has gotten to me and I felt like I was drained of all energy. The truth was just too much for me to swallow.

Like its title, the author, through the effort of this book, takes on a very daunting and intimidating endeavor. Knowing that the author is a military personnel who pretty much has to deal with crimes and other criminalities, I'm pretty sure, he's such a wealth of information on the subject that is being raised by this story. This is about pedophiles and the different atrocities and cruelties inflicted on children. I, for one love children. I see their innocence and vulnerability. I have three nephews and one niece and it's my first instinct to protect them from anything that might harm them. If I were a parent, I'd take on the world to shield them. With that said, to read this book, takes a lot of courage and strength. It was not easy. I was filled with loathing and I wanted to hurt those people who prey on children and their weakness. It grieves my heart to accept the truth that these monsters could be anyone. More so, those who are in positions of influence and take advantage of that power. So, if it takes a lot of strength for a reader to read this, it takes much gumption, strength of character, and guts to be able to write this very gruesome tale. It's both a lesson and a cautionary tale. It opens one's eyes to what's right in front of our faces, not just in Canada but all over the world.

This is probably one or the only story where I was rooting for the other character, other than the main one. I was rooting for the vigilante. Yes, her method is not exactly the legal or the most moral one but it gets the job done. It paved the way for the change in laws regarding the punishment for sex offenders and pedophiles. It also mobilized a lot of people to go out to the streets and make the government act. It's also very inspiring to have people who dedicate their lives to the protection of the rights of all children. The police officers, specifically those who work at the Child Exploitation Center or more like the Women's Desk or Children's Welfare here in the Philippines. Those right advocates who unceasingly and tirelessly work to fight for the rights of children and women all over the world. The emergency or first responders, the doctors, the crime scene investigators, the police officers who work in IT and frequent those online hangouts of these offenders, just so they could prevent another child from being abused or rescue the next victims and return them safely to their family. Those law officers who almost never sleep just so these types of evil will never walk free or see daylight again because there is no rest for the wicked. These are modern day heroes who deserve as much recognition. The fight will never be over. 

While reading this, I felt like my heart was stabbed to shreds. It was so harrowing. It was too much to even just read. How much more if an innocent six-year old was actually going through those unimaginable atrocities? Can you ever imagine? What person gets off of that? Definitely a monster, right? Someone who doesn't deserve to live. It breaks my heart to even think of it but it's the brutal reality. There are just monsters who walk this world who don't have a single drop of conscience or remorse. I hope they burn in hell.

I give this book 5/5 wolverines. In this book, a wolverine is described as a truly evil animal that challenges the lynx (a symbolism for those who have been abused), the wolf (which stands for those who fight to live and run free), and the trapper. Most trappers will put away their traps for the season if a wolverine ever crosses their line. That is how vicious a wolverine is, that even an armed trapper is afraid to cross it's path. The wolverine stands for those people who are not afraid to exploit and destroy the future of young children. And I hope that people all over the world will continue the fight. We need to be as vicious and as mean as the wolverine. We need to impose the most severe punishment for those sexual offenders. The damage they cause doesn't only affect the victim. It's a domino effect. It bleeds and taints the family of the victim, the people whose jobs call for having to deal with the victims and these offenders. All the people who have to work in solving these crimes, enforcing the law, emergency responders, everyone. It affects all these people and no one is ever the same after they witness these type of evil. The lasting effect of the crime should be taken into account also when the sentence is given. It should consider the lives that have been affected and destroyed, the cost of rehabilitation of the victims who may survive the ordeal but not necessarily survive the shame and the pain that never goes away as long as they live. It's a stigma that is everlasting. I have so much respect for the author for having the courage to write this book. This is an eye-opener and I encourage everyone to pick up and read this. This is going to be painful but it contains a lot of truth and it helps empower us women, mothers, and all of us who try so hard and those who dedicate their lives to protect the rights of all the children in the world. 

A lifetime of pain and shame that never diminishes.

Women have fewer rights than men.

If someone who was supposed to help others could abuse children and get away with it, hidden by the very church he represented, then what good was the church? What good was the law?

- Dave Wickenden, In Defense of Innocence - 

Thank you again, Dave Wickenden for the ARC. May you continue to write more fierce and unflinching stories that serve as eye-openers for the world over. I salute you.