A Perfumer's Secret by Adria J. Cimino | A Book Review

This is probably one of the best stories I have ever read. Just like smelling your favorite scent or perfume, this story will make you heady with all the smells and descriptions that are so vivid. It was like being there myself in Grasse, France, testing for myself the different scent samples. It was a very delightful experience.

Have you ever smelled something and remembered a whole story from that smell alone? This story is like that. A single scent, very vivid that it will bombard you with varying emotions that they will appear so tangible that you can taste them. From that single aroma, it's like going through the emotions the perfumer has gone through while creating that scent. You will smell and taste all the heartaches and triumphs with just that one long whiff. Reading this story is like that. Yes, you will definitely discover the perfumer's secret.

One of the characters here that I don't really like but stood out, not in a good way, is Philippe. He's this type of person who knows that what he's doing or planning is not right but he still chose to do it. So unbelievable, right? Good thing, in the end, he chose to do the right thing. Finally, he actually has a conscience. That saved his character there but still, I did not like him. What bothers me most about his character was he was not actually the most notable one. But his refusal to stand up was a major red mark that makes him a big eye sore.

This story just elicited and demanded a lot of emotions from me. My heart bleeds with the same hurt caused by the heartaches and broken hearts in this story. I was upset and discouraged when Zoe's efforts turned out to be another false lead. But I also rejoiced when she finally found the secret, her secret. This was such a roller coaster ride of emotions. I felt like my heart was bruised but the whole ride was so exhilarating that I can't help but want to take that roller coaster ride over again.

This is a very sweet and aromatic story that will take your emotions up and down. The descriptions are so rich and detailed that you will feel like walking the streets of Grasse and agree that being a perfumer is a very grand profession. I feel like wanting to be one because of this story. This profession is so grandiose and filled with so much passion that you're either in it with everything you've got or better not at all. It's a job that demands your whole being and a passion that's so unyielding. It's like a job that will take you even beyond yourself, beyond your boundaries, and beyond your strictly self-imposed restrictions. Zoe's passion for this science and art is so overpowering that I can actually touch it. It's this overflowing passion that will drive you to fall in love with her character and this story. The author perfectly captured that.

So yes, this is definitely 5/5 elegant bottles of the most exquisite and expensive perfumes. It's so intoxicating. I think I sat dazed minutes after reading this book. I was so fascinated that I think I was still imagining the scents hours after the story was over. This story will stay with you, just like the scents here that will seem to haunt you. Ah, even while writing this review, I find myself going back and recalling the smells and the feeling associated and involved in creating a specific and unique perfume. I want to relive the feeling I had while reading this story and how this somehow squeezed my heart and made it want to live life with so much passion for just life itself. So it's true, the greatest emotions can always create a powerful scent. Just ask a perfumer.

Men are like perfume. They envelope us with intensity, and then slowly but surely, they drift away.

- Adria J. Cimino, A Perfumer's Secret - 

Thank you again librarything.com and Adria J. Cimino for the review copy.

Magic, Inc. (Magic, Inc. #1) by Valerie Rutherford | A Book Review

This is another book I got from Library Thing. If I had known that this was a very amusing and cute story, I would have tackled this sooner. 

As the title and the cover suggests, this is a young adult story with a lot of cute teenagers in it. The main character, Jane Roberts is really cute and endearing. Actually, Jane is not yet a teenager, she is still in fourth grade and she is experiencing for the first time how it is to be so drawn to someone and how it's like to fall in love. More like puppy love. This book is a good combination of magic and very young romance. A book you could easily connect with whether it would be the story or its characters. 

Jane's character reminds me of how it was when I had my first crush. Unlike everyone who tends to giggle and scream like a banshee when her crush just passed by the hallway, I was more of the mum and remain-quiet-type. My crushes are my deepest secrets only known to a very select few who had sworn their life over ever telling it to anyone. I had a bad experience of being teased endlessly when I was found to have a crush on someone, so I never want to repeat that humiliating experience again. 

Magic, Inc. disguises as a movie or TV outfit when in truth it really is a company where a family who practices and use magic like Harry Potter owns it. It's the most effective yet most obvious disguise but normal people were never wiser. So, when Jane got initiated into this new wonderful world, she embraced it and found she actually had a place in it. Yes, this is quite a coming of age story for Jane with a lot of cute, giggly and euphoric moments with her crush who is nine years older than her. 

Ah, Chaz Parker. Just the epitome of a big brother, a friend, a best friend and that of a friend's big brother that you have a very big crush on. I especially enjoyed the scenes with him and Jane alone in the studio room and he showing Jane about making a website and all. And him doing something very special for Jane was just so sweet and banshee scream-worthy. Yes, I want him for Jane. He is too nice and sweet to Jane that I wouldn't mind giving him up for her. And I like Jane's character. I think I can see my young self in Jane too. I too went through some bullying in my grade school so I feel like Jane is a kindred spirit. You know, kids who share or went through the same kind of experiences tend to stick together. So, I too would like to keep up with Jane and her next stories.

I do want to read the next books in the series. I want to know what important role Jane plays in this new and amazing world of magic. And with that sad ending there, I don't think I will rest until I know what happens next. And I would definitely want to see if Chaz Parker feels the same way for Jane. I know, he may have given some hints that he may have the same feelings but we can never be sure. Chaz may just find her cute being a ten-year old and all. There are also some characters in the story who may seem significant in the next instalment so I am looking forward to that also. And a conflict and betrayal is brewing so it will get even more interesting.

I give this book 4/5 wands. This is a nice story for young readers as well as adults. I am way out of my teens but I still feel like this story is for me. It made me relive the good things about my youth and the simplicity of those gone years when my problems were a bit simpler and less stressful. This has been a very enjoyable and engaging read. I look forward to reading more of the series and other stories from the author. 

I meant your different in your heart. It's a wonderful thing, but it makes you easy to hurt. And kids love using that against you.

- Valerie Rutherford, Magic, Inc. - 

Thank you again, Library Thing and Valerie Rutherford for the copy.

Confessions of a Secret Raver by Francesca Fielding | A Book Review

This is of the first few books that I got from Library Thing and was not able to read it right away. I am slowly getting to them but I still have a lot. And more so now that I have been working from home. I don't have a lot of time to read unlike the past months where I did not have any permanent source of income. I am thankful that I am no longer broke but I also feel sorry because I have less time or no time at all to read books.

This book is actually what the title says--confessions of an adult who loves to go to rave parties and just let go. To momentarily forget her woes and the burden of responsibilities and work weighing her day. To just live in the moment even for just a few days or week. To take time away from all the hassles and stresses of daily life. And as with the fact, parties come with booze and drugs. The confessor here which happens to be a professional British female, actually a lawyer, admittedly claimed to have been under the influence of a mood inducer. According to her, E is not a drug, just as the scientist who invented it who also claimed that it isn't. 

I stopped going to bars and going out to drink and party when I stopped working for call centers. Yes, here in the Philippines, being a call center agent is synonymous to having a very active and outgoing lifestyle. People who work for the same industry tend to enjoy night outs on rest days going to bars and drinking some of the stress away. In my time, we used to go to a resto bar with live bands or go to a karaoke club to sing our hearts out and of course, alcohol is staple. I am a light drinker. I can only take one or two bottles of beer and that is how the night is for me. When I went to Manila to do Finance again, my outlet for relieving stress has turned to travel and I will still keep to that until I am no longer able to do that at all. With this story, the main character Beatrice combined the two. She goes to Ibiza to attend rave parties. She's a lawyer yet her guilty pleasure or vice is partying with the additional enjoyment of a euphoria inducing drug. 

This story is education in itself. I never thought that MDMA or E is not addictive like any other prohibited or controlled drugs in the market. According to Alexander Shulgin, the Russian-American scientist who invented E, and Beatrice shares the same thought, that the drug gives you a feeling of total peace. It would feel like you have lived all your life to get there and you feel that you have completely come home and you are complete. It was like if you have ever never experienced pure ecstasy that it's so intense and special that you will feel that you can't possible do it all the time because it would tend to lose its meaning or significance or tend to lose its value when done often. It may seem like this book is promoting E or that Beatrice is championing the use and distribution of the drug but at the end of the story, she also found that there are some consequences. Though, no one overdose of ever using the drug in the story but there are sad incidents that had somehow tainted her profound and blissful experience in Ibiza. 

In my opinion, taking in Beatrice's qualifications as a barrister and a really good one at that, I was in a way convinced that E maybe okay as a recreational drug to be used only if you want to experience euphoria and you understand what euphoria is. For Beatrice and her friends who have been through the experience a few times, they value it as a way to commune with others and to embrace being just alive. If you look at it that way, it doesn't sound so bad at all. With all the problems and chaos in the world, who would not give a few hours to escape the burdens and maybe reminded of how joy and bliss feels even if after that you will be reminded again of the sorrows that are in your life. It's not really escapism but it's in a way akin to travel. It's a temporary respite from all the tension and stress but it gives you a little dose of strength to get back to real life. And just like Beatrice says, the experience is so unearthly that you will feel that doing it more often would not guarantee the same intense enjoyment and that's why she claims she is not going to be addicted. There is a part in the story wherein Beatrice reflects on actually bringing the real facts about MDMA to the drug controlling authorities and let them see E for what it really is. The purpose for what it was made in the first place. Beatrice thought of writing and bringing awareness of the truth about the drug which is not what everyone thought it is.

If the author is hiding in the persona of Beatrice and she wants these facts about E known to the world, then she has succeeded. I, for one was ignorant of all this until this book. And I feel educated and now aware. I am not going to start using E but like Beatrice, that maybe if some people could actually use the relief that E brings then let them have it. If cancer patients can at least find happiness again and comfort and relief even temporarily, then by all means let them. I think that is what Beatrice is trying to fight for here. Not for some people to get rich dealing it or for whatever other purpose but for those that really need it. And I would sign on my name on her signature campaign to help her make that happen.

But like a cautionary tale, this story does not end in euphoria and pure joy. It's sad and the consequences of trying to break the law is always dire, even if your purpose and intentions are not really bad. And Beatrice too discovered the dangers of her secret lifestyle which would have ended up everything for her if she was found to have been involved in the use of the drug or associated with anyone who is dealing them. 

I give the book 4/5 round pills. As I have said, this is very educating. I am glad I get to read this so I would know that there are actually even more dangerous, addicting and life-threatening drugs out there than what everyone thinks of E. I think having this knowledge has empowered me but it has in no way encouraged me to actually try it for myself. I am not even curious because this kind of lifestyle is not for me. I travel to learn about culture, people and myself. Going to bars or parties is not in anyway or any more part of any of my itinerary. I would rather commune with nature and be astounded by God's creations. That is my kind of drug and the kind of high I want to experience. But when it comes to Beatrice and her friends' wish to let the world know of the truths about E, I am in. I don't think the world will get even worse if people know the real thing about it. And if this drug will help people with cancer, then so be it. Give it to them. I will rally along with Beatrice and her friends for that.

It takes away the cancers of the world for a few hours.

- Francesca Fielding. Confessions of a Secret Raver - 

Thank you, Library Thing, PublishNation UK and Francesca Fielding for the copy.

93% Chance I Don't Hate You by L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn | A Book Review

I got this from Library Thing a few months back and was unable to read it right away. Finally, I have finished the book. This is a sweet romantic comedy story.  An inspirational one.

Preston Ashton Lewis III is a carefree graduating college student. He realized that his hooking up with a different girl every night has gotten old. He wants to try something permanent, probably falling in love and having a girlfriend. Drunk and tried of his lifestyle, Ashton ended up mistakenly signing up for a blind date on an app called Blinder.

Carter Redford is a junior business student and the heir to Redford Entertainment. But if it was up to her, she would be taking up art and marry the person she loves. Not the guy her parents set up for her. With her best friend's suggestion, Carter signed up for a blind date on Blinder.

By some work of fate, these two ended up matching 93% on the Blinder app and agreed to meet in a coffee shop. And the rest of the story is a load of misunderstandings and fighting for what each one wants.

The circumstances how these two formally meet is not unique in any way. A lot of couples have meet through blind dates, texts and social media. Ashton and Carter are acquainted with each but have wrong impressions. When they finally ended up on that blind date, they found each other to be opposite of what they thought. The attraction was inevitable.

Ashton is a prime example of what a typical modern guy is. One who is not so into commitments and just wants to play the field. Until he realized that there has to be more to this happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Like what they say, the right girl changes a guy into a loyal and committed one. 

Carter. At first, her character is a bit annoying because she started as someone who is just saying yes to her parents. She seemed to lack a backbone. Someone who is a bit superficial because, just like her parents, she seemed to care a lot about their name and reputation and less about what she really wants and standing up for them. Thankfully, her character grew and finally found the courage to stand up for her own beliefs and make her parents see her perspective. I was standing and clapping Carter when she finally burst out and just said her piece. That's the girl I was looking for. 

But let's not forget that the transformation of these two main characters were also due to the incessant interference of their beloved best friends--Jackson and Sofia. These two are just the epitome of the best friends in the whole world. And let's not ever forget the main man of this story--Chad **ck** Winston. When I say main man, he's a total jerk. He is the worst example of an entitled jerk. Yes, don't ever name your child Chad Winston.

One of the funny references in the story was one about Chuck Bass. I think comparing Chad Winston to Chuck Bass was not really an insult because I think Chuck Bass is way better than Chad Winston (I'm a fan of the series). But still, it was funny if you got the reference. 

I give the book 4/5 pairs of bowling shoes. This was a fun read. A good break from all the tedious and heavy drama in real life. Thank you Library Thing, L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn, for the copy. I am looking forward to the next book.

One person's perfection isn't another's perfection, and that's why striving for perfection is pointless and a waste of time.

Guess hindsight is really 20/20, huh?

- L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn, 93% Chance I Don't Hate You - 

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.

Map of the Dead by Murray Bailey | A Book Review

I received this book from Librarything. I read this in June and yes, it took me quite a while to write a review. Like all book blogger and reviewers, I am suffering from a chronic difficulty in catching up with my TBR and getting reviews written. Yes, this is the  major dilemma of every book blogger.

This is my first time to read a book by this author. What prompted me to review the book was the title. It just simply means a call for adventure and discovering the mysteries of the long-forgotten dead. A map would most definitely lead to something big, like a treasure, an unlikely find, an elusive and powerful artifact or anything else that would surely tickle anyone's sense of mystery and adventure. This was exactly what the book elicited from me when I came upon its title.

True enough, this was an adventure and a foray into uncovering the mystery of Isis. I have read a few books about Egypt, its enigmatic pharaohs and their own mythology but I am still not as familiar with it as with the Greek and Roman mythologies. Egypt is a land of a rich culture and astonishing stories. For me, Egypt is an exotic land ripe with mysteries and adventures. So, this story being set and about an Egyptian pharaoh or royalty was surely a treat. This was done with a story within a story. 

I felt like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft in this story following the main character Alex from one location in Egypt to the next. Running from his pursuers, staying alive while trying to figure out how to outwit them. I did enjoy reading this book. Its claim that Judaism may have been based on the ancient Egyptian religion is very fascinating. I also enjoyed the part about Yanhamu. I think I could just read his story and this would be all good for me. I agree with one of the reviews that Yani's story was the best part of this book. Totally! 

I give this book 4/5 Egyptian ankh. I am looking forward to reading more stories from the same author. I did not give this story a perfect rating even though it is apparent that I liked this story because, I can't seem to recall easily what the story was about. I had to read the synopsis again to refresh my memory. That being said, I know my memory is far from what it was (perks of aging), I still think the best stories often stay with the reader, even after a time. They leave a permanent mark. Being unable to recall the story from the top of my head is where I think the story failed me. It is in no way any indication of the author's talent. As I have said, the author did his job and I can very well remember that I did have a good time reading this but the specifics were a bit lost to me now. And that accounts for the one point less in my rating. 

The way the ripples spread made him think of events and consequences: something small, spreading outward and wider, becoming something else, becoming something bigger.

- Murray Bailey, Map of the Dead -  

Thanks again Librarything.com for the copy.

Situation Momedy: A Very Special Episode in Toddlerdom by Jenna Van Oy | A Book Review

I got this book from Library Thing.  I signed up for this because the word "Momedy" got me at first glance. I wanted to read something hilarious.

This book is about Jenna Van Oy's real life experiences raising two toddlers. Her story is a riot. I am not a mom yet, but I can relate to her stories because I have three nephews and one niece and I have seen them grow up. I used to live with my two nephews so I have first-hand experiences to some or most of the author's adventures and misadventures with manipulating yet cute toddlers. What I specially remember was how sweet, funny and cute they were. Especially Kuya, the eldest of my nephews. He would pick flowers growing outside the church and give them to us girls--my mom, his mom, me and another lady who happens to sit on the same row with us. The lady was so surprised when she got the flower. We explained to her that he gives flowers to all girls. Isn't he the sweetest?

I really enjoyed this book and has learned a lot from it. I am confident that I would be able to use the advice from the author on how to raise kids, especially toddlers in a way as to help them discover things on their own yet guide them to become persons of good character. What I like about this book is it's not claiming to be an absolute or the correct way to raise kids. In fact, the author encourages every parent to raise their kids the best way they know they can.What this book aims is to help parents realize that they are not alone in their struggle in raising their kids to be good and productive future citizens. The author also reminds every parent to find humor in all the unlikely situations with their little devils. Treasure these moments for time flies fast and then they will soon be on their own. Toddlerdom is the best of the formative years of these young ones. The best time to inculcate values and shape their characters. The best time to be involved in their growth.

I give this book 4/5 diapers. This is the funniest and most engrossing self-help book I have ever read and I am not even the direct market for this book as I don't have kids yet. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Jenna Van Oy's books. Her humor is just so natural and putting them into writing just translates smoothly. The humor was not lost in translation.  

My kids tend to be the problem and the solution to my rough days. They're the cause of my chaos as well as the cure. Isn't that wonderfully oxymoronic?

- Jenna Van Oy, Situation Momedy: A Very Special Episode in Toddlerdom - 

World of Shawn by Jordan M. Elrich | A Book Review

One review said that this is a nice original take on parallel universe. I do agree. A parallel universe where the characters in your favorite video game come to life and become part of your reality. I think it would be nice if a handsome prince or hero comes to life and becomes your hero. But what if it's dragons and evil villains wrecking havoc? Doesn't sound fun, does it?

If you are into game developing and online gaming, you would definitely like or have a blast with this book. Me? I was not so keen. I admit, the idea is great. Very unique. But I was just not so sold on it. One reason is that it was a bit hard to keep up or it gets confusing when you are dealing with multiple clones of the fictional video game character. There were times that I was lost on who was being referred to--the real life Shawn or the video game character. The distinction was not so clear so it was easy to get lost and not follow the movement of the characters. I wish the writing was a little smoother so the confusion could have been avoided. I did get the gist of the whole story but I wished it was more. It just did not allow me to get involved. 

I give this 2/5 computer monitors. I guess, this story is just not for me. I was not drawn into this parallel universe and I was not moved to participate. I guess, being unable to clearly and thoroughly picture out the scenes in this story contributed to it. 

Quantum physics, especially quantum computing, is much an unknown branch of science. It turns existing physics and science on its head; the possibilities are exciting--extremely efficient computing...teleportation, even time travel; we really don't know what all this can or can't do.

- Jordan M. Elrich, World of Shawn -  

Thanks again, Library Thing for the review copy.

Waiting for Rio (Just Friends #3) by Marie Cole | A Book Review

I got this book from Library Thing. I think this was part of the first group of books I signed up to review the first time I found Library Thing. I was indiscriminate on my clicking to request for the titles. It was not guaranteed that everyone who requested will get a copy. Fortunate for me, I got about more than ten of the books I signed up for. 

I read this last month but was unable to write a review because I  was playing catch up with my reading. It was only this week that I get to catch up on my growing pending reviews. I don't have deadlines anymore since I have temporarily stopped signing for blog tours so I can focus more on my mounting TBR. I know, excuses, excuses.

This book was originally titled Waiting for Rio. But when I checked Amazon while writing this review, I found that this was renamed to Fast Friends. How I found out was the new title came up when I searched using the old on. And on Goodreads it was noted that the title was changed. Aside from the title change, I also just found out that this is the third book in the series. I have not read the previous two books.

To be honest, this is just another romance story for me. I did not find anything extraordinary about the story. Maybe, I can't relate to the story or the story was just not able to touch me in a special way. The characters were annoying rather than inspiring. Nothing really stood out for me that would make this book memorable. I am sorry but this book just did not stir any emotions for me.

What I found interesting though was Rio and Stacy's witty exchange of difficult words to determine who's smarter between them. Other than that, I was not really into the story. 

I give this 2/5 trailer homes. I know the author is known for bestselling stories but I think this one is just not one for me. I am curious as to what other stories the author has. I want to read them. I want to know if I was just not out of sorts while I was reading this one.

Money isn't everything. It is when you don't have it. 

- Marie Cole, Waiting  Rio - 

Thank you again, Library Thing and Marie Cole for the copy.

The Mercy of the Tide by Keith Rosson | A Book Review

I got this from Library Thing. Every month, the site offers books for review. You only need to sign up for them. Mostly, they have at least 20 copies for each book. Some books are only available to some countries. Depending on where you live, you will be eligible to review a number of books. I gotten about 50 books from them but haven't been able to read and review everything.

Mercy of the Tide is about four people trying to deal with their own grief. Sam, a senior high school student who is dealing with the death of his mother. Trina, his deaf nine-year old sister who fantasizes about a nuclear explosion as a way to avoid her grief. Sheriff Dobbs, who lost his wife to a drunk-driving accident. His wife was the victim. Officer Nick Hayslip, painstakingly dealing with his demons. These four people will be thrown in together because of the unusual happenings in their town. Will they be meaner than their demons or are they going to be eaten alive?

I never expected that this story will turn out to be a mixture of suspense, myth and folklore and an exploration of human frailties. This is a sad and dark story. Full of sorrow. I think, the one word that could describe this as a whole is Sorrow. The whole story revolves around it, in all its forms. The mythology and folk tale part of it was added into the story with great skill that it becomes an essential part for the whole narrative to be cohesive. I like myths and legends and how one was played out and unraveled in this story was very amazing. 

What I did not like about the story was how it started. It was a bit slow and I felt like it was not so essential. I understand the need for the characters to be introduced and how their personalities and deficiencies also needed to be divulge but I think it was done too much. I guess, it also contributed to the build up of the suspense which was really needed to make the story work. I just hoped it was not so dull. Honestly, I rested a bit before I decided to move on with the rest of the story. 

I was thankful that the story came full circle and how these four characters are in a way connected to each other was a very fitting ending to the story. Some surprises were revealed and finally secrets were out. As I said, the best thing is the folklore. I loved it. I think it was a very good Native American lore that somehow explains why people die of sorrow. 

I give the book 3/5 kiddie slides. This story spoke of how each person may at some point and in one way or another are connected. Like all the characters in this story, their sorrows connected them and that the careless action of one had cause the suffering of the rest. The takeaway here is to always be conscious of our actions. To always make sure to not cause hurt to another person. We always have a choice and that choice along with forethought spells a big difference.

...teenagers, after all--impervious to harm, bulletproof, demigods, and perhaps, because their proximity to childhood, even more powerful than the grownups were.

- Keith Rosson, The Mercy of the Tide - 

Thank you again, Library Thing and Keith Rosson for the review copy.

The Invisible Hand: Shakespeare's Moon, Act I by James Hartley | A Book Review

This is about Sam who time travels to medieval Scotland and meets a girl named Leana. Leana also travels to the current time to Sam's boarding school. These two become caught up in the events in Macbeth, the Shakespearean play. 

My first question while reading this book was why was it called Invisible Hand. Unfortunately, I did not find the answer. Up to now, I am still figuring out if I have missed the part where it was explained in the story. I really want to know why this story was titled as such. It has always been important to me to know how the title was fitted to the story. In a way, it somehow gives me a peek into the mind of the author.

As mentioned, the two main characters in this tale --Sam and Leana found themselves trapped in the events of the story Macbeth. I actually have not read Macbeth. I guess, it was the reason why I felt like there were events in the story that I could not connect. I felt like the story was fragmented. Maybe, if I read Macbeth and read this story again, I will be able to appreciate and identify the parallel events in this story and in the play. In short, I was a little confused. I was not able to appreciate the whole story at all. I was not able to piece together the flow of the story. Entirely my fault but I also wished that the story would have been easier to follow even if I have not read Macbeth.

What I heartily appreciated about the story though was the part where they had to find an object which was also what the witch in Macbeth was looking for. The same witch is also happens to appear in the boarding school and had installed herself as one of the few people who has authority and access to the whole school and its surroundings. Sam and Leana will have to race against her to get that object to prevent her from causing havoc both in medieval Scotland and in the present time. It was so cool for these two finding clues from the historical events and persons that lead them to the church and the cemetery. I really enjoyed this part.

One other thing I was wondering about was why Sam could travel back in time, to a period when he was not even born. The story hinted of a special ability of Sam that was passed on from his mother. I am interested to explore more on this unique characteristic of Sam. I also wonder about Leana. Is she like Sam? How can she also travel between periods?

I give this book 3/5 old books. Truthfully, I find the plot amazing. I don't think integrating any Shakespearean play into a story has been done before. It's a fresh idea. This story reminds of Sam Sotto's Love and Gravity. It also has time travel but instead of a historical genius, in here it features a classic play by no other than Mr. William Shakespeare. If time permits, I would like to reread this story. I want to fully grasp it and connect with it. I don't think I was able to appreciate what it was telling me the first time. 

I am looking forward to reading the next books. As I understand, it would still be set in the boarding school but it would feature another of Shakespeare's play. Maybe, next time I will get lucky and it would include a play that I have read before like Taming of the Shrew. And I will get to the enjoy the story to my heart's content.

One foot in front of the other and follow your nose.

- James Hartley, The Invisible Hand - 

Thank you again, Netgalley for the copy.

Hide the Elephant by Jonathan Dunne | A Book Review

This is my first time to read Jonathan Dunne. I got his book as a member giveaway in Library Thing.

You may ask, is this book talking about a real elephant or just a metaphor? Like the famous elephant in the room? 

This story is about Mick Munroe. He works at the zoo and is the keeper of the elephants. One of his charges is Sinbad, a 42-year old Indian elephant which is also the oldest elephant in the world. Sinbad is his best friend. Sinbad listens to Mick's stories and concerns. Sinbad according to Mick is a very good listener.

This is a very touching and heroic story of Mick and Sinbad. Mick is suffering from Alzheimer's and a depression that he was trying to deal, after the death of his wife. His only way of coping with the depression is working and caring for the elephants. Until he was forced to retire because he forgot to lock the enclosure and Sinbad got loose. After finding out that the person who took his place was a relative of the B**** in HR and having two hamsters in grade school was the only experience of caring for animals, Mick hang around the zoo in the hope of taking his job back. Then, Sinbad got hurt and what was supposed to be just a visit to his old friend turned into an elephant-napping.

This story talks of desperation and of loss. Mick's deep love and concern for his friend of 30 years--Sinbad, lead him to desperately save his friend from being abused and to spend his last lucid moments with his best friend, before the traitor Alzheimer finally take hold of his mind for good. These two's trek to the countryside turned out to be unexpected exploits of heroism. Their eventful journey and hilarious experiences had made them an inspiration to many.

I liked that the story ended with the unlikely pair as heroes and finally finding a home where they can both live and eventually die free and in peace.  

I give this story 5/5 Indian elephants. This is a poignant story told with humor that will make your heart bleed. This is indeed an "Idiot's Guide to Hiding a Humongous Elephant in Plain Sight". Definitely, a worthwhile read that explores friendship and loyalty between humans and taxiderms. This is like the human mind's last stand against the inevitable clutches of Alzheimer's before it finally takes over. Well done Jonathan Dunne!

Alzheimer's doesn't change your personality -- it makes you forget your personality.

- Jonathan Dunne, Hide the Elephant - 

Thank you again, Jonathan Dunne and Library Thing for the copy.

To One Knight's Heaven by Simon West-Bulford | ARC | A Book Review

Here's another one. Another ARC I did not get to post a review right away. Again, my sincere apologies. 

This is another very interesting and engrossing read. That is if you are into mystery, conspiracies, and scandals about religion or faith. I am into all those things and I am curious as to the claims that the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church is hiding a lot of books, manuscripts, etc. that could ruin a lot of believers in the faith. Or most damaging of all, destroy all those hard-fought millennia of widely established and followed religion. I live for this kind of stories. Yes, I am a fan of Steve Berry and Dan Brown. I even have a copy of the Hiram Key and The Book of Hiram, which are works of Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. 

To One Knight's Heaven is like one of those books and works I mentioned. It's a story of a megalomaniac who has a messiah complex who plotted to wipe out all religions in the world. 

This book is exactly my bowl of rice. I like plots like these. If you are familiar with all those books I mentioned above, you will know that they are all about religion, faith, the Bible, and all other mysteries about faith. I am not sure why, but I am just so drawn into these subjects. They are like tantalizing pastries that I want to savor and relish with gusto. And this book is just what exactly satisfied my craving needs. It had all the fixings I need in a book that is attempting to shake the foundations of faith and religion. This is a jackpot!

I think, in a way, I can relate to Lucas. I think, for those of us who believe in religion or a God who has control over everything, I'm sure there was a time when you were bombarded with doubts about your beliefs. Let's just say that I am now in a limbo. In a state where I am unsure about myself, what I can do and what I believe in. It's more than theological. It's more of questioning my purpose. And I am lost, in all sense of the word. I don't know where I should go, what I should do or where I am going. Like I am in a stand-still. I am waiting and praying for some inspiration. For a strong jolt to push me to that thing or purpose for my being alive. So far, I haven't felt any twitch.

I don't know why I haven't heard of Simon West-Bulford before. He has written a few books and there are some titles which are of the same genre of this book. Now, I have one more author to stalk and I will definitely start to hunt for his works of the same subjects. I bet he has more interesting ideas because apparently, he has been writing theological essays for a decade. Finally, another name to join the lines of Berry, Brown, Knight and Lomas. Nice to meet you Mr. West-Bulford.

I give the book 5/5 crosses. This is another book that found me. I have enjoyed being shown another glimpse of the workings of the mind of an ego-centered man. I hope these psychopaths like him will stay only in the books and stories. We can't have them living among us. The embers of my curiosity were also fanned to a rising flame when the book talked about other lost books that should have been part of the Bible. Aside from the alleged lost gospels of James, Judas Iscariot, etc., this book hinted of more controversial and forbidden books that are purported to hold more evidence of the life and mysteries surrounding Jesus Christ. If these books are real, what would be their impact to the world? Hmmmm...I think that sounds like a good outline for another book. But who knows, they may be real and currently gathering dust in an old chest or in the vaults of Vatican.

...his faith had all but collapsed into the hot, dry sand of theology. It had been a gradual process, insidious in its decline, but the waters of his early faith, the excitement he felt when he first walked with God, had dried up.

- Simon West-Bulford, To One Knight's Heaven -

Release Date: November 21, 2016

Thank you again, Librarything.com and Simon West-Bulford for the ARC.