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| 0593550013
| 9780593550014
| 0593550013
| 4.40
| 4,741
| Apr 23, 2024
| Apr 23, 2024
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it was amazing
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5+++ stars PER.FEC.TION Okay, call me exaggerated, but well, the last Guild Hunter book I read was in 2022! For me, Guild Hunter is one of my favorite 5+++ stars PER.FEC.TION Okay, call me exaggerated, but well, the last Guild Hunter book I read was in 2022! For me, Guild Hunter is one of my favorite series that I still read when there's so many new books released. Elena and Raphael will always be one of my favorite power couple and reading Archangel's Lineage is akin to meet an old friend and ask them "hey, how do you do??". I know that Elena and Raphael can be so lovey dovey and their love declaration feels sappy, but heh, I need sappy. I need their romance! After the war with the Creepiness Lijuan in Archangel's War, three books that follow mostly feels like filler for me. More like dealing with the aftermath of the Cascade of Death. We got the pairing that "welp, I don't see that coming" in form of Titus and Sharine. We got the pairing that most fans want who are Illium and Aodhan, but for me their story can be delivered better rather than make them like kindergarten child and throwing a woman in the mix (did we need that???). We got that pairing that is so toxic from the get go, Alexander and Zanaya. I think, that's enough. I need my Elena and Raphael's fix. They are the bread and butter of this series, the core. And I'm glad that Nalini didn't disappoint with Archangel's Lineage I know that in my initial response, I make a joke about this one with mention about Lijuan. But, don't fret, there's no trace of Lijuan other than only mentioning here and there. Nalini also show that Lijuan's crimes was so severe that vampires and angels alike tend to don't want to speak her name. At all. Kinda like Voldemort with his "you-know-who" moniker. Just like another Elena-Raphael's book, major events also happen in Archangel's Lineage. The war is ending and the time flash forward to 15 years later. But, The Refuge's protective shield is falling, Qin abandon his duty as archangel because he can't fathom to be apart from his beloved,Cassandra; The Cadre is now just 8 and they need another Archangel to hold Qin's territory, the mark of the Legion in Raphael's temple suddenly blazing and to make matter worse, Jeffrey just got heart attack and in the verge of death. For me, Archangel's Lineage tied up some loose end strings. The continuous fight between Elena and Jeffrey finally come to an end, with maybe nearing death Jeffrey change his mind therefore giving chance for father and daughter to mend their relationship. Nalini also further mend Elena's relationship with both her stepmother, Gwendolyn, and her stepsiblings, Amy. I think this book is all about wound mended. Not all wound will heal fully, but at least Elena finally take step forward to let go of her grief and also her anger toward Marguerite's decision to suicide, therefore put a nail in the coffin that is broken relationship between Elena and Jeffrey. I know that the "drip, drip, drip" part might be annoying, but it also show that some nightmare was difficult to disappear. Elena know that and she must live with that for eternity. What I also like is how Nalini portray the price of the immortality and eternity. Lineage show that Elena is now in her 45-ish but her appearance is still the same when she first become angel in Archangel's Kiss. While her sister, Beth already in middle age and also her best friend, Sara. How Elena must face that in the future, her mortal family with long gone. It adding some melancholy feeling to this book, together with how finally Jeffrey and Elena become father and daughter again. I'm glad there's no talk about baby, lel. The lineage itself come from Raphael and the new archangel that also have connection to the Legion. After 16 books, Nalini finally try to explain the origin of the angelkind although she still not revealed it fully. For certain, they are not alien from space, explained by Raphael's embarrassing moment when he and Uram try to fly to the moon and failed (and begged for Jessamy to not record his young stupidity). The mechanic behind the Refuge's shield also explain, BUT, the origin of angelkind some of it still shrouded in mystery. I don't know for certain if they are will be explained at all. I have a guts that Archangel's Lineage may be the final arc of Elena and Raphael story, BUT, NOOOO, I WANT MORE OF THEM, sobs. I don't know who the next will be featured if Nalini write about Guild Hunter again. Maybe Vivek with his lady vampire, Katrina. Maybe Andreas with his lady vampire (see a pattern here?). I just hope if there's any future Guild Hunter books, Nalini will again feature my favorite couple! My initial reaction when the news of the book hit Released April 23, 2024 (9 months later after writing this in end July 2022) I swear the title become quite a handful after Resurrection. Also, lineage? Who's lineage? I swear if Lijuan still there, with that "lineage" things... *facepalm. Or...baby coming? I know from the end of Archangel's War that the possibility for Elena And Raphael to finally have their own baby is now pretty much possible. Although, I prefer if there's no babies coming Still plan to buy the book of course, lol ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 24, 2024
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May 25, 2024
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Jul 24, 2023
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Mass Market Paperback
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| 1641972564
| 9781641972567
| 1641972564
| 4.70
| 12,401
| Jun 13, 2023
| Jun 13, 2023
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it was amazing
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5 stars If Magic Tides is an appetizer with hints of nostalgia for loyal Kate Daniels series reader, then Magic Tides is a full main course that esta 5 stars If Magic Tides is an appetizer with hints of nostalgia for loyal Kate Daniels series reader, then Magic Tides is a full main course that established Ilona Andrews as one of my favorite authors and Kate & Curran as one of premiere alpha pairing in urban fantasy genre that continue rule supreme. At first, I think Magic Claims will be in a light tone like Magic Tides. Just a glimpse into the life of Lennarts family in the Wilmington. But, I'm wrong. IA once said in their blog that they intent for this book to be in novella length but in the end it's almost a full novel! I'm not complain tho, more words to consume for me. The story itself more like the continuation of what happen after Magic Breaks . Especially regarding Curran's decision to left the Pack and how after more than ten years together Kate still feel guilty about that since she thought that Curran left because of Roland's ultimatum. Actually since I had read Curran's PoV in Small Magics but I think not everyone that follow Kate Daniels series read it so IA once again wrote that (view spoiler)[ Curran left the Pack because it's the right things to do. He know that Kate hate it and Kate become a Consort because of him. So Kate already sacrifice so much. Curran also admit that the Pack is already fractured for a long time. He create the Pack based on Mahon's views, not Curran's. The last straw already happen in Magic Bleeds so to see Curran finally left the Pack is inevitable. I always think the fall of the Pack is kinda like poetic justice. We see Pack in all of their glory in the Magic Bites only to see that its have so many faults with the series progresses. Even Curran admit that he and the Pack become xenophobic and I liked that he willing to change his views and change for the better (hide spoiler)] I once write about Jim in my review of Magic Tides and finally what happen with Pack under Jim as Beast Lord come to the light. I never see Jim as a villain, there's many hateful characters to be despised from Kate Daniels series and deserve their villain status. But to see how Jim finally become is quite sad. He become (view spoiler)[ like his father was. His savior complex getting worse and unlike Kate that keep Curran's arrogance in check, I'm afraid that Dali see Jim in a rose colored glass so she just let Jim act as he please. Erra once warn Kate that the Pack will fractured, not in the timeline of Magic Claims but will happen years after (hide spoiler)]. I read in IA interview that Jim is a character that hard to write so I wonder if they will finally redeem him in the future and maybe Jim will mend his friendship, both to Curran and Kate. Just like its title, Kate again try to claiming a land like what she did back then in Atlanta. But, unlike her immediate and rush claiming, Kate now have years to practice and Erra also guide her to learn about her heritage. Oh, Kate still reluctant to fully embrace her Shinar magic, but she's now mature and didn't hesitant to use it when necessary. It's satisfying to read Kate's character development from Magic Bites to Magic Claims. Her personality change to the better but her old shelf as a killer still shone through. Kate will never be a Queen although Jushur insist that she's the Sharratum, lol. Not everyone must be a queen with crown. The challenge about written a pair that already achieve their HEA is they become mundane and stagnant. That's not the case with Kate and Curran. If possible, their love grew stronger and they have goals now to protect Conlan. I really like when Curran say that he will do everything to see Kate smile again like his stabby Kate and I love the scene when Kate call Curran "His Furriness". Their bantering is a delight to read especially Curran's flirting that really, really smooth. IA show that even the characters already married that didn't mean they will become boring of sort. I like that after decade, Kate and Curran still find things to be laugh together, have deep talks regarding their future, compromise especially about if they got injured and try to not rush to the danger and so on. That's what marriage do, not only based on love but based on companionship. Roland still an interesting character and to call him a villain now maybe stretching it a bit. He's more like a morally grey character now. I like that Roland written with so many facets. He's a megalomaniac tyrant but also a wise grandfather to Conlan although he love to disparaging Curran. Maybe he still doesn't want Kate to marry Curran, but he didn't refuse it either. Complicated, thy name is Roland. He also still like to manipulate Kate and maybe still not talking with Erra. But, I like that despite so many of his faults, he can see that Kate's doubt about using her magic is because Kate afraid that she will turn into Roland or Erra. So Roland's dialogue about Kate to not hesitant to use her magic maybe show that he try to understand his children. Fascinating character indeed. Erra herself still become a stern aunt and I still can't believe how she become Kate's enemy back then in Magic Bleeds and how she also make Curran go comatose but now Erra and Curran respect each other. People do change, huh. There's so many interesting characters in Magic Claims like Kellan's Wilminton Pack with his renders and another Roland's people, Jushur and his son Rimush. My favorite renders is Owen and Troy who keep bickering to each other, lel. The enemy itself have pretty unique background and kinda come from nowhere, lol. Still interesting to read. The scene when the Penderton's citizen panicked about Kate's claiming envoke my emotions because at first they seems ungrateful to what Kate and Curran did, but Curran's speech (without too much roar) assure them. Conlan is still totes adorable and the enemy identity get revealed because of him. I read Magic Claims before Blood Heir aka Julie's book so maybe this book kinda explained what happen in Julie's story because Magic Claim timeline is 1 or 2 years before the event in Blood Heir. IA promise that there will be Wilmington 3 that will released in 2024. Can't wait!! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 12, 2024
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Aug 13, 2024
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Jun 13, 2023
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ebook
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| 1509835318
| 9781509835317
| 1509835318
| 3.99
| 58,699
| Mar 15, 2022
| Jan 26, 2023
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it was amazing
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4,5 KAIJU Stars But sadly, not much Kaiju featured here :') I'm glad to find my first TOP READ 2024 with The Kaiju Preservation Society, also the firs 4,5 KAIJU Stars But sadly, not much Kaiju featured here :') I'm glad to find my first TOP READ 2024 with The Kaiju Preservation Society, also the first Scalzi's work that I'd read. KPS is pretty much stand alone, but I don't mind if in the future Scalzi decide to write more story in the Kaiju Earth, the alternative of Earth that have kaiju roaming here and there. Anyway, if you think this book will be like Pacific Rim with "WE ARE CANCELLING THE APOCALPSE" ala Marshal Stacker Pentecost, then you will be disappointed. We talk about preservation here, so the main focus of the story is of course, preserve them. Why tho? You will need to find it out in the book. Read it people! In his Author's note, Scalzi said that KPS is a pop song, with some catchy tunes. That's why despite the book genre is science fiction, genre that I tend to avoid and prefer fantasy instead, I still having fun and a blast while reading it. Sure, there are some explanation about Kaiju biology and ecological system, square-cube laws (physics law. I FREAKIN HATE PHYSICS!!), , nuclear reactor, chemicals to use to avoid the predators and the kaiju as well, the possibility of multiverse (!!), interdimensional barrier, etcetra etcetra that sometimes make my mind boggling and my head spinning. But the way Scalzi present it with adding some humor and I think he try to not being a text book here, is what make me can enjoy it. Basically, KPS is more like Jurassic Park, but instead the ever famous T-Rex or Velociraptor, we get Kaijus! And not the genetically engineered kind ones. One of the strength of this book is of course the characters itself. Told from our hero's 1st PoV, Jamie Gray, we will be introduced to so many wonderful characters. While Jamie is truly a zero to hero and nerd to the core, sometimes become a center of the attention, I liked that Scalzi also give some scenes to other characters as well. Make them more fleshed out, make me want to care for them and want to be BFF with them. The joke of this book is of course, everybody in the Gold Team of Tanaka Base are doctorate, including the team leader and the copter pilot, while Jamie failed his doctorate and end up fired by his asshole CEO. But, again, Jamie just shrug of that, and become what he best at, lifting things! His dry humor, sarcasm and witty remarks is a delight to read and combined with the bantering between his group of newbies, Aparna, Kahurangi and Niamh is the spotlight of the story. Beside Jamie, I liked Niamh the most. They have a rage issues and didn't hesitant to cuss and being angry all the time. The second is Martin Satie, the pilot. He is a cool person with also a cool position that make sense a lot after what happen when Sanders (Jamie's asshole CEO) try to bought him with money and Satie didn't hesitate to throw him out from the copter if Sanders didn't shut up. Another character I like is Tom Stevens, since he's the person who get Jamie a job in KPS. He's a nice person to be friends with and I (view spoiler)[ hate with what happen to him! :'( (hide spoiler)]. Characters in KPS are pretty diverse, from race, sexuality and backgrounds, so the story indeed feel inclusive. However, like I said before, for a novel with Kaiju on the title the appearance of the Kaiju is not that much. Only 4 in total, and one of them, Bella, is the main focus of the story. No, don't ask me why they name kaiju with a name taken from Twilight, you must READ it, lol. The kaijus itself are not like those portrayed in Pacific Rim, but more like in the Godzilla. Meaning, they mostly keeping to themselves rather than decide that humans is the snack. That didn't mean there's no danger. Since there are also predators and the Kaiju parasites that didn't hesitant to add human into their menus. Also, I just remember that the description about how the Kaiju look like is vague. Yes, they are huge (more than 150 meters), basically a walking nuclear reactor and Bella herself can fly. But, how they look like? I keep thinking, maybe Bella is like Godzilla but I remember that Godzilla can't fly. Or maybe they look like their counterpart in Pacific Rim movies? If only there are some drawings of Kaiju in this book, it's easier to picture them in my head. The climax of the story is pretty much Hollywood-esque, with the motive of the villain is easy to predict. Still fun to read but yes, not that hard to guess the motive behind those greedy people. Since the setting of KPS was in pandemic, I think you might proceed with caution if pandemic is a triggering thing. Because I know that COVID-19 is still there and the pain of the pandemic caused is still fresh. This book also filled with Scalzi's views toward the USA's presidential elections and his criticism toward the government but without too much "in your face." If you like your science fiction with some humor and witty dialogue like The Martian (I watch the movie with Matt Damon on it); love anything Kaiju (Pacific Rim is one of the best movie all the time. The sequel is rubbish, sue me!), The Kaiju Preservation Society might right up to your alley!! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 26, 2024
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Jan 29, 2024
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May 26, 2023
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Paperback
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| 4.27
| 54,718
| Feb 28, 2023
| Feb 28, 2023
|
it was amazing
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5++++ STARS EASILY ONE OF MY TOP READS FOR 2024 I can write so many things why I have a blast while reading The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, beside 5++++ STARS EASILY ONE OF MY TOP READS FOR 2024 I can write so many things why I have a blast while reading The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, beside I REALLY LOVE The Daevabad Trilogy. But, one thing that I want to highlight is discussion about faith. It's rare to read a Muslim character in fantasy novel. It's also rarer to read a pirate Muslim woman. While Amina is a Islam practitioner from the moment she was born, she is what I called in my Indonesian slang, Islam KTP, lol. See, in her pirates era, Amina drunk alcohols, kill many people, steals, flirting with men, etc etc. I will not shocked if she eat pork, hahaha. So, when she finally retire, she try to atone for her sins. She doing her sholat, dzikir and much more, although still somehow fall into her past misdeeds. Like, maybe stealing one or two or appreciate men's physique (at last, Amina is a honest woman!). Nah, I will not condemn her so. I find Amina's faith fascinating because...it's resonated with me. I'm right now in my lowest state regarding my Islamic faith, and there's a reason behind that. Nope, I'm not drink wine or alcohol and eating pork, or stealing so my sins maybe not that big like Amina was, but who am I to judge myself since I rarely doing my sholat, rarely pray to Allah and maybe many other sins that maybe will make me go through the far deepest pit of hellfire? I think maybe that's why I love this book because how Chakraborty write about Amina and her faith, how Amina is still a human, prone to sins and to mistake, but still try to atone and searching redemption! Compared to Daevabad Trilogy, Amina al-Sirafi is lighter in tone. Daevabad is full of political intrigue and secrets regarding the daeva and their mythology. Amina al-Sirafi is about adventure! A swashbuckling story that left me breathless and pouring over the pages, impatiently want to know what will happen with Amina and her merry band of crews of Marawati ships. This book also heavy in found family troupe and all of the characters are in their 40-ish, including Amina. I think this book also have a same premise with the Bone Maker, in which the main character that already in their 40-50-ish become hermit and estranged from their friends. But I can assure that the execution is different. I enjoyed both The Bone Maker and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. If you have read Daevabad, then you know that Chakraborty did a vast and massive research while writing her books. In this book, Chakraborty also provide her source regarding the pirates world especially in 12th century. While the book is fictional, some of the elements can be traced to its origins. I like the myth behind the Moon of the Saba and snickered when knowing the real explanation behind the artifact. Reading this book is never a dull moment! The story told entirely from Amina's first PoV in a form of her telling her story (and pursuits) to a young scribe named Jamal al-Hilli. So, basically some part can be tongue-in-cheek to read. I'm not kidding when said that the book's tone is light although there's some life and death moments, problems just keep coming for Amina and her crews and also Amina try to keep her daughter, Marjana, safe from harm. The found family trope is well wonder and I like that Amina and her crews reunited and they are also eager for any chance of adventure. Amina's crews also diverse, from Dalila, a Christian woman famed with her poisons and hail from Banu Sasan. Amina's first mate, a gay Hindu man named Tinbu that managed to keep Marawati in a good shape and almost got hanged because of brigand crime but saved by Amina and Dalila. There's Majed, a navigator that already in his third hajji, a big brother figure to Amina and while he already have family, his longing to make a map of world is stronger so he decide to go with Amina in retrieving the kidnapped granddaughter of wealthy woman in Aden who also threatened Amina if Amina can't bring the said granddaughter back. Do I forgot to said that Amina also have four husband?? Not in the same time, mind you, but the fourth husband, Raksh is an actual demon that want to make Amina as a legend, but also cunning. He's also father of Marjana, but Amina still keep that fact to herself so I wondering how long Raksh will keep in the dark regarding Marjana and what is his reaction if he knew he's a father. I also still wondering, what is exactly Raksh. He's not a marid for sure, and also not a peri. If he's an ifrit, since he said he's a being of discord, I remember that ifrit is nastier while Raksh feel like...a himbo, lel. He's also still married to Amina although Amina left him in the chest 10 years prior to the story, and still married in the end of the book. So yeah, curious about them, although I assure there's no romance. The love aspect is more like Amina's mother love for Marjana and I think she has none for Raskh since that demon also responsible for her late crew's death. I can go on and on about The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi but know this that I really love this book and will recommend it if you searching for a fantasy with adventure, treasure hunting, found family trope, mysterious artifact, treacherous creatures and interesting thought regarding religion and faith. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 29, 2024
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Mar 31, 2024
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Sep 22, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 9786230407536
| 4.41
| 1,068
| 2021
| Jan 19, 2022
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it was amazing
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5 bintang Buku sebagus ini kok jarang yang baca?? Bahkan gue lihat yang ngereview ga sampe ribuan dan reviewnya pun dikit. LIKE, SERIOUSLY??? "aku5 bintang Buku sebagus ini kok jarang yang baca?? Bahkan gue lihat yang ngereview ga sampe ribuan dan reviewnya pun dikit. LIKE, SERIOUSLY??? "aku ingin bisa memanggil hiu. Kau tahu itu. Aku sudah kelewat sering bilang kepadamu, sampai rahangku terasa ngilu setiap kali mengatakannya. Aku ingin bisa memanggi hiu. Ajari aku sihirnya dan tunjukkan kepadaku caranya." Gue dulu beli buku The Shark Caller dari temen karena ada diskonan (ini alasan utama ya hahaha), dan juga tertarik sama covernya (blue is my favorite color!) plus tertarik dengan premisenya tentang pemanggil hiu. Ekspektasi gue awalnya, oh ini fantasy untuk anak - anak, dengan tema yang unik tentang budaya pemanggil hiu dan setting yang juga sama uniknya yaitu di Papua Nugini. Bisa jadi bacaan ringan lah. Boy, how I was wrong! The Shark Caller bukanlah cuma buku tentang fantasy atau petualangan bocah - bocah mencari harta karun. Buku ini lebih dari itu. Zillah Bethell melalui buku ini menjabarkan kisah tentang dua anak berusia 12 tahun, Blue Wing dan Maple Hamelin. Awal cerita memang sedikit biasa saja, walau sebenarnya dari awal pun Bethell sudah memberi hints tentang dinamika Blue Wing dan waspapinya, Siringen. Diceritakan seluruhnya dari sudut pandang Blue Wing, pembaca diajak membaca kenapa Blue Wing bersikeras ingin jadi pemanggil hiu, demi balas dendamnya untuk hiu bernama Xok. Lalu interaksinya dengan Maple, bahwa Maple di dalam hatinya masih memendam rasa duka dan penyesalan yang luar biasa sampai awal mereka bertemu, Maple ini orang yang menyebalkan. Sampai akhirnya mereka pun jadi berteman dan membantu ayah Maple, Mr Hamelin untuk mencari harta karun. Petunjuk - petunjuk di The Shark Caller, tentang Blue Wing, terutama interaksinya dengan Siringen, Maple, Mr Hamelin dan juga si dukun, Chimera, sebenarnya sudah jelas dari awal. Tapi Bethell tetap mengajak pembacanya untuk bertanya dan menduga - duga. Dan begitu semuanya terungkap...seolah semuanya jadi sempurna dalam satu lingkaran. Gue sarankan jangan terlalu banyak baca review dan juga jangan baca bagian belakangnya dulu (ini sih kebiasaan gue yah, jangan ditiru hahaha), supaya surprisenya tetap terjaga. Karena walau kamu mungkin udah bisa nebak...oh begini, tetap akan ada rasa puas saat semuanya jelas. Bethell sendiri juga mungkin berusaha untuk tidak berbelit - belit dalam bercerita, karena buku ini memang ditujukan untuk anak - anak. "Rumah bukanlah sekedar bangunan. Itu bukanlah sekedar kumpulan bata atau kayu dengan atap di bagian atasnya. Juga bukanlah sekadar semen atau paku yang menyatukan semuanya. Rumah adalah tempat dimana kau diinginkan. Tempat kau merasa aman dan dicintai. Itulah arti rumah yang sesungguhnya-bukan bahan pembuatnya atau bahkan lokasinya. Rumah adalah tempat kau diterima apa adanya. Tolong, jangan lupakan itu." Meskipun untuk anak - anak, temanya sendiri cukup universal. Di luar cerita tentang pemanggil hiu, dinamika di Papua Nugini plus penggunaan bahasa Inggris Tok Pisin-nya, tema utama buku ini adalah bagaimana memaafkan diri sendiri dan menghadapi rasa duka. Bethell cukup piawai dalam menjabarkan lima fase duka (penyangkalan, amarah, menawar, depresi dan penerimaan), terutama pada sosok Maple dan Mr Hamelin. Penyampaiannya pun enak dibaca tanpa terasa menggurui. Bahkan untuk hati gue yang menurut gue udah cukup keras karena kenyataan hidup pun, membaca The Shark Caller legit make me (almost) ugly crying. Memang terasa ada beberapa narasi yang tampak bijaksana padahal keluar dari sudut pandang Blue Wing yang notabene baru usia 12an tahun, masih anak - anak. Tapi mungkin juga anak - anak pun sejatinya bisa berpikir lebih pijak ketimbang orang dewasa. Gue membaca ini hanya dalam waktu singkat, walau harus dibaca dalam beberapa hari karena kesibukan kerja. Alur ceritanya memang tidak terlalu cepat dan bisa dibaca santai, tapi memang unsur misterinya cukup bikin penasaran. Ditambah dengan ilustrasi - ilustrasi didalamnya yang cukup menarik, pun covernya juga sangat catchy. Menyembunyikan fakta kalau ceritanya bikin pengen nangis endingnya, hahaha. Apakah sad ending atau happy end? Bagi gue mah happy yah, karena kan tema utama ceritanya lebih tentang memaafkan diri sendiri dan melanjutkan hidup. Minusnya mungkin masih ada beberapa typo yang cukup kelihatan, pun penggunaan bahasa Tok Pisin cukup nanggung karena hanya sepatah - dua patah kata walaupun tetap ada catatan kaki dan glossary untuk artinya. Tapi untuk terjemahannya, menurut gue luwes dan enak dibaca, terlepas dari typonya yang lumayan. Oh ya, di bagian belakang buku juga ada sharing dari Bethell tentang kehidupannya dulu di Papua Nugini dan trivia tentang hiu dan info untuk konservasi hiu. Selain itu kalau kamu baca ini sama temen atau klub buku ada list pertanyaan untuk jadi bahan diskusi. "Waktu hanyalah keranjang yang membawa kehidupan dan kematian. Dan semua makhluk yang hidup pasti akan disentuh oleh kematian - mustahil menolaknya. Jadi kematian hanyalah bagian dari kehidupan." Siringen mengangkat bahunya. "Jika kita bisa menerima fakta itu, hidup baru terasa nyata. Hidup. Kematian. Waktu. Semua itu adalah hal yang sangat sederhana." The Shark Caller jadi salah satu buku favorite gue di 2023 ini dan juga my first 5* in this year (lol, akhirnya). Ngelihat pembacanya kok dikit banget, jadi sedih deh. Karena buku ini menurut gue lebih daripada sekedar cerita pemanggil hiu. Buku ini bakal bikin hati merasa tersayat - sayat tapi juga hangat pada akhirnya. Recommended!! "Orang bilang waktu akan membuat luka sembuh. Semua orang di dunia mengatakannya. Tapi itu memang benar. Jika kau menunggu cukup lama, kau akan mendapati tidak ada keburukan yang cukup buruk untuk mengubah segalanya. Orang akan selalu kembali menjadi diri mereka seperti saat dilahirkan. Seperti halnya kematian, itu juga sesuatu yang tidak dihindarkan." ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 04, 2023
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Feb 07, 2023
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Jun 07, 2022
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1984806750
| 9781984806758
| 1984806750
| 3.86
| 1,286,017
| May 11, 2021
| May 11, 2021
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it was amazing
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5 stars To quote Poppy, this book speaks to me People We Meet on Vacation speaks to me, I re-read it immediately after first read. Actually, it's jus 5 stars To quote Poppy, this book speaks to me People We Meet on Vacation speaks to me, I re-read it immediately after first read. Actually, it's just skimming at first just to refresh my memory again to write this review. Then, I found myself read the book thoroughly, especially the big revelation part until the end. I once said that Beach Read wrecked me. And now, it's the second time Emily Henry successfully wrecked me again. Call me hyperbole or exaggerated, but I always rate my book based on my feeling and right now I have mixed feelings. Happy, sad, grateful, thoughtful, I end finish this book with some moisture left in my eyes (I rarely cried when reading, my heart apparently created from stone). Contemporary romance or women fiction or chic-lit is not my forte, but last year, after Beach Read prove me otherwise, I start to read another con-rom. Not all of the titles are good ofc, some just subpar. This year, 2023, I had read 2 titles with friends to lover trope before this book, one of the title is just a so so. But I can said with a clarity that Henry knew what she write. The blurb of this book said it all it's not difficult to predict what the story I will get and what the outcome. I know there's will be a happy ending. I know both Poppy and Alex will admit that they love each other but they are to afraid to left the status quo aka their friendship. What make me enjoy this book is the journey they taken, the vacations. The raw emotions that come from both characters. Usually trope like big misunderstanding or try to be martyr just so people they love can be happy, will irked me. That's not the case with People We Meet on Vacation. I can feel connected to both Poppy and Alex. Maybe more to Poppy, because just like her, maybe I can be too careless with my marriage. I take my husband for the granted, just like Poppy did to Alex. Reading this book make me thinking, maybe I should reexamine my own life, my purpose and also my relationship. I'm glad that unlike Beach Read in where January always assumed things and I don't know what Gus feel because the story was written from January's PoV, that's also not the case with People We Meet. Sure we read them all from Poppy's PoV, but I also get to know what Alex feel. Goodness gracious, when the last time I read (or watch) about male fiction character crying openly in front of the heroine? To admit his feelings, his anxiety, his emotional baggage and traumas, that's he's scared for some things that out of his control? Maybe Alex can openly express his feeling because this is Poppy, his best friend. The trope friend-to-lover in this book is not like those childhood friends that separate for so many years than reunited. Or just become friend for some months to hide their actual feeling (yes, I talk about you, Hook, Line and Sinker). Or even friends with benefit. In true sense, Poppy and Alex is true best friend, that I always know from the start that they have affection for each other, but their friendship is more stronger than that. I know that platonic relationship between man and woman somehow impossible, just like Poppy and Alex that finally accept their feeling. But I also liked that their hurt feelings after they big fight (and decades friendzone) didn't healed overnight. They heal, bit by bit. In the reader guide, Henry ask her reader, will Poppy and Alex going to make it? I said, yes, they do. They will. They already found their home. This book is so quotable, I dog-eared almost all the book pages (don't judge me. I love to dog-ear my private book collection). It's hard to choose one or two passage to be quoted, because, you know Poppy and Alex's story speak to me, lol. The vacation parts are one of the highlights, although I know that some readers may found the back and forth from present to the past can disturb the flow of the story. I'm not a travel gals myself and prefer to be at home in long weekend, but I will lie to myself if I said I don't want to at least go somewhere to be on vacation after reading this book. Another gems from Emily Henry that not only suitable for summer (or holiday) read but also will hooked you from the first chapter to the end. "You're not a vacation, and you're not the answer to my career crisis, but when I'm in a crisis or I'm sick or I'm sad, you're the only thing I want. And when I'm happy, you make me so much happier. I still have a lot to figure out, but one thing I know is, wherever you are, that's where I belong. I'll never belong anywhere like I belong with you. No matter what I'm feeling, I want you next to me. You're home to me, Alex. And I think I'm that for you too."...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 30, 2023
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Jul 2023
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Dec 13, 2021
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Paperback
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| 4.00
| 1,294,540
| May 19, 2020
| May 19, 2020
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it was amazing
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4,5 stars I never think I will encounter a book that make me almost choked up to tears, yet this book just did it. Both January and Gus are so flawed 4,5 stars I never think I will encounter a book that make me almost choked up to tears, yet this book just did it. Both January and Gus are so flawed, so broken. Especially January, whom happen to be romance writer (or women fic's writer, her words), but her view about romance make she feel disillusioned and she fall apart when real life romance didn't work like that. The family secret theme that contain affair is not easy to read, and I admit..I take it personally. Too personal perhaps, because it's also happen in my family although I'm not directly affected. Yet, it's still challenge my principle and thoughts. How can you still love a person that cheated on you and how you forgive them of doing so? Do people deserve the second chance of love? Or...cheating is cheating after all, even though it's just an emotional ones that didn't lead up to both parties having sex or married secretly or buying house for their mistress? My complaints about this book maybe because January's inner monologue mostly happen to her assuming things that happen between her and Gus, and it's drive me crazy because I read from her PoV. I wish I can read from Gus's PoV too, how he really feel rather than knowing from his explanation to January. Also, in the end January cries a lot. Lol. But I kinda accept it because she already going through everything. I will cry too if I'm in her shoes. In the end, Beach Read is about January's acceptance to her family secret and her character's growth. I usually didn't like book that have much angst, but the angst in this book is bearable and make my heart ached. Anyway, despite the angst, I enjoy the bantering between January and Augustus and their interaction with the locals of North Bear Shore. The setting also work wonders, make me searching about Lake Michigan, and holy, that lake is BIG. Beach Read is my first Emily Henry's read, but definitely not the last. I can see this book will be made into a movie or tv series, and I will gladly watch it. I look forward for Henry's other book and lucky me, I already have my copy of People We Meet on Vacation. Who will guess that I have knack for a romance like this, since I'm not reading that many women's fic or chiclit, and prefer a PNR or fantasy romance with a lot of steam. Yet, Beach Read proved otherwise. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 29, 2022
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Jan 30, 2022
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Dec 13, 2021
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||||
| 1405293845
| 9781405293846
| 1405293845
| 4.32
| 1,311,421
| May 02, 2019
| May 02, 2019
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it was amazing
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4,5 stars To quote Pip, "Holy pepperoni!" Pip is extra, and by extra, she decide to take a cold case murder for her final year assignment. She believe 4,5 stars To quote Pip, "Holy pepperoni!" Pip is extra, and by extra, she decide to take a cold case murder for her final year assignment. She believe that Sal Singh didn't murder his girlfriend, Andie Bell and the culprit is someone else. It's just, the case happen 5 years ago and the entire Kilton citizen believe that Sal did it. With the help of Sal's brother, Ravi, Pip begin her investigation. But the real killer didn't want Pip to be an amateur sleuth and start to threat her. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is Holly Jackson's debut and for a debut, it's great. This is the first time I read YA thriller, and nope, the time when I read STOP back then in the elementary school didn't count, lol. The structure of the novel is very unique, because beside the narrative chapter, we will get epistolary such as interview between Pip and people that connected to the case, emails, and production log that written entirely in Pip's PoV. The change between third PoV (the narrative) and first PoV (the production log) is written smoothly, it give glimpse of Pip's personality. I also like the way of Pip's investigation toward social media, because somehow it give a modern feeling for this story. And maybe, a warning too, because people can be too reckless at social media no matter how you want to try to cover your wrongdoings (if you have any!). I do like Pip, even though I think she can be reckless sometimes and her action regarding the culprit make me shake my head. But I adore her determination to prove that Sal is innocent, that behind Andie's tragic end, it hide a malicious personality that open endless possibilities of whom the real culprit. I like that there are SO MANY red herrings that continue make me doubting myself when I try to guess who killed Andie Bells and try to frame Sal. This book also deal not only with the dark side of high school community such as drug, rape, bullying, and blackmail, but also prejudice toward race. I have a guts that the Kilton citizen and police are too easy to point finger to Sal because he's happen to be Indian. I also think why the police decide to close the investigation just because Sal admit that he's guilty, because of his text that admit he kill Andie, and not too invest thoroughly? If I become a police, I will feel ashamed to know a teenager solve a cold case murder, just sayin'. I do have complaints, and I will put it in spoiler tag because it's so spoilery so read it with your own cause: (view spoiler)[ 1. Why the doggo must died? WHYYYYY? I get that the culprit take Pip's dog as a warning, and I really hope when Pip destroy all of her investigation document, the dog will come back safely. But nope, no, no and nooooooo!! I read that chapter with anguish, because please not the DOGGO, please nooooo! Even the culprit admit that they don't want to harm the dog, it's their fault at the first place. OMG, and how at the first place Pip can feel sorry for them, I can't even. They kill your good doggo, girl! 2. Is this a template or what, but why, why, and WHYYYYYY Pip confront the culprit all by herself? She did have some back up, but please, it's dangerous to confront the killer because you don't know what they will do. You may end up dead before the truth come out! In all mystery and crime novel I had read, I often find this template as a climax and I don't like it a bit. It's a miracle that the protagonist come unscathed from their confrontation, but real life might not like that. You don't corner the killer and expect them to come clean about their wrongdoing, because they aren't stable at the first place! Ofc, Pip come to danger when she confront them, but I really wish she think thoroughly. She can call Ravi as a back up, and goodness, she's still a student with a bright future ahead her. Not only she did this once, but twice. Pip think she's invisible, and even when she devastated when her dog died. she STILL think she's invisible when she cornered the culprit! (hide spoiler)] Complaints aside, I really enjoy this book and can't wait to read Pip's next investigation. And did I mention that Ravi is..OMG...dreamy?? I like that there's no unnecessary love triangle. Beside, the romance aspect is just a little, but I really like Ravi and Pip's relationship. And glad in the end, the ship is sailing! I hope Ravi will become a good solid support for Pip, because she really need it if she want to continue to endanger herself when investigate a case! Anywhoo, this book is of course still a fiction, because who's in their right mind will try to digging a cold murder case as their project assignment, lel. But, I still enjoy it despite some parts maybe seems unbelievable or too convenient or maybe too easy. I read this book in my trip back to site and continue read it past my bedtime, and next I know, I one-click ebook #2 and #3 because I don't have enough! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 02, 2022
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Feb 06, 2022
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Sep 14, 2021
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ebook
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| 0062878395
| 9780062878397
| 0062878395
| 4.43
| 17,487
| Aug 23, 2022
| Aug 23, 2022
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it was amazing
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5 stars, and end up re-read again :)) Do this book answer all my questions and speculations? The answer is, YES. Do this book deliver after 2 years of 5 stars, and end up re-read again :)) Do this book answer all my questions and speculations? The answer is, YES. Do this book deliver after 2 years of waiting (im)patiently? Of course, it's deliver! Before I continue my review, I suggest to read Spoilerific Q&A with House Andrews AFTER you read Ruby Fever (link here: https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/ruby-f...), because wooo boyy...they kinda confirm my ever-growing questions and speculation also answer the aftermath of some events that happen in this book. Compared to the previous books, Ruby Fever is action-packed from the start to the end. It's have same vibe with Nevada's final book, Wildfire, although the actions is more top the notch in this one. House Andrews (I will shorten it to HA from now) confirm in their Q&A that Ruby Fever supposed to be longer. I too, wished it longer. They say that the original draft is 120k words, but since Avon's requirements are shorter than than (more like 80-100k), they must get creative and cut scenes here and there. I follow their blog, so I knew their frustration and why this book took much longer time to finish (beside, you know, pandemic). This is my personal opinion, I feel like Hidden Legacy didn't really belong into Avon's usual books. I mean, I get that Avon's books are usually purely romance (they also have paranormal romance books like the Jeaniene Frost's ones and many more back when PNR and UF in a high demand), and Hidden Legacy is feel more romantic compared to another HA's series. I just feel that the count of words requirements are pretty silly (although I understand why it the first place), because fantasy (or paranormal romance) with a complex world building and big ensemble cast like Hidden Legacy need a thorough storytelling. I praised for HA to deliver Ruby Fever even with some constraint from their publisher. Okay, rants over :P. If Sapphire Flames feels like Catalina's introduction and Emerald Blaze major plot tend heavily to investigation with some weakness such as so many description paragraph like about how construct's work, Ruby Fever is anything but. This book tied all loosely thread, especially the final showdown with Arkan. Catalina already matured here, her voice is totally different than Nevada's. While her romance with Alessandro will never as good as Nevada-Rogan, I still love their dynamic. Alessandro's problems are also solved, and yes, the stinky grandfather Sagredo did get his comeuppance. What he did to Alessandro's life and his mother are horrendous, it's make Victoria look like an angel. There's potential of love rival for both sides, but it's merely just minor. Maybe too add more dramatic effect. I think reader that follow this series from the start already wondering that, is Linus really the grandpa? Or is he Caesar?? Linus, Linus, Linus who are you? Well (view spoiler)[, yeah he's the grandpa. That's make him as Victoria's husband. Or, ex-husband. I don't know if they married or not. And yes, he's also Caesar. No, the Caesar thing is not what we think at first. (hide spoiler)]. HA handle Linus's revelation with ease, and honestly, that's my favorite scene. Another favorite is, Victoria. Oh, she's still evil grandma, but actually, she's not that evil(?). We all see her actions, first through Nevada's lens, then Catalina's. Of course, there were bias, their opinions about Victoria are totally subjective. HA shows that Victoria might be evil, might be heartless, but deep inside, all of her action come from love. Her love for her son, and then her grandchildren. You can said that her love is twisted, pervert, but somehow I can feel her sincerity. I really love how HA tell that why if women act merciful, ruthless and manipulative, she will called evil, yet if the men did it, they get a pass? LOL, that scene really crack me up, complete with (view spoiler)[ Vicky baby, XD. And how Victoria lashes out to Linus and Linus try to calm her. I think Linus really love Victoria and vice versa. It's just he love his ambition more, contrary to Alessandro that choose to love Catalina first rather than focus on his vengeance. Linus and Victoria really are match made in heaven. Both are manipulative, have grey morals, ruthless and will do anything to achieve their goals even if its will dirtied their hands (hide spoiler)]. I can go on and on, but eh, this review is already full of spoilers. So many characters, both new and old. The Russian prince, Konstantin is nice and his personality kinda remind me of Kaldar Mar from The Edge. The scene when Mathilda, a child, intimidate him if he doing anything bad is precious (complete with The Jungle Book comment). I also like that all the Baylor family members and their extended family and allies have roles. Even Augustine have some major role and revelation regarding his illusion's ability and the scene when both he and Konstantin assess each other abilities crack me up. Sadly, not much of Grandma Frida's antiques. We can always have more Grandma Frida :'). The way HA tied all loosely thread is, imho, almost flawless. The amount of retcon is almost to none. If there's a new fact or revelation about character or plot, we must remember that all Hidden Legacy books are told from their main heroine's first PoV. Catalina is a reliable narrator, but didn't mean she's all knowing. That's why sometime she got blindsided, or the last person to know, because that's totally humane. Beside, her minds already preoccupied with so many things. Also, I correct my comment in my Emerald Blaze review about possibility of Alessandro being a dual, since his antistasi ability can null magic, but in the other side he can summons weapons as he please. Re-read Emerald Blaze again and reading Ruby Fever, I'm sure that, nope, Alessandro is not a dual. His ability to summon weapons are part of his Antistasi and the reason behind that will be explained in the book. Although I still think that Antistasi is one of the coolest concept of magic ability. HA also wrote that there's many aspect of Catalina's siren magic, since Catalina suppressed her magic for long and now seems like her magic develop new characteristic. Really, the magic concept of Hidden Legacy is really delicious to read and worthy for further discussion. Especially since all of the magic come from hereditary aspect, therefore there's some genealogy things that affect how magic develop for each person. Ruby Fever mark the end of Catalina's arc, but I know we all one big question. How about Arabella?? She deserved her story to be told, and although HA stated that their contract with Avon already end, there's possibility that Arabella will get her own HEA. I will totally buy it, either if Avon will extend HA's contract, or they will decide to self-publish. Not like Nevada or Catalina that lucky to have her first love reciprocated, Arabella seems to have many potential love interests! There's the enigmatic Michael from the Office of Record. Then's there Mihail, another Russian prince from Russian Imperium. Wow, the world is totally Arabella's oyster, l0l. But, I'm glad that's there no planning for HA to make Arabella's story into reverse harem and I totally agree with their opinion that young girl like Arabella should dating more men. Catalina here is the exception, because we know that she scared for her siren ability, that's why I said she got lucky when Alessandro that happen to be her first love, really love her back. I can't wait for Arabella's story and honestly, whoever she choose in the end, I will respect her decision. Although I rooted for Arabella and Stephen Jiang in Emerald Blaze, reread EB make me think that, nah, Arabella just got starstruck. But, I'm really dumbfounded when another reader ship Arabella with Augustine, and goodness gracious, Cornelius! It's just...eww, eww, eww. Look, I'm all into character with big age gap, but Augustine and Cornelius is kinda like family friends! They are much much older than Arabella and know her from when she's young. It will be weird. Right, I should stop here. Hidden Legacy is another great installment from Ilona Andrews, and I suggest to read the first from Burn for Me (yeah, I know. The cover look horrible. I can live with that) because the world building is addictive, the dynamics between character are top the notch, the romance is a plus and the sisterhood between Nevada, Catalina and Arabella also support from their family (Grandma Frida, Penelope, Bern and Leon) and their extended family (Cornelius, Mathilda, Runa, Patricia, Regina, and too many too count!) is what make me love Hidden Legacy in the first place. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- . . . Yeah, let's the speculation begin! (warning: spoiler galore) - The BIGGEST QUESTION is of course, Caesar's real identity (view spoiler)[ is Linus? And maybe it's true that he's Baylor siblings grandfather? Will be nice if he's THE Caesar but not their grandfather, or vice versa, lol. Or I hope Caesar's identity will be revealed near the end aka in Arabella's book :P (hide spoiler)] - Catalina and Allesandro's problem conclusion (view spoiler)[, like, Alessandra Baylor sound nice, but I don't think he will abandon his mother and sister. Will be great if grandpa Sagredo get his comeuppance (hide spoiler)] - Showdown with Arkan (view spoiler)[ and please remove Xavier from the scene, urgh! While I want Alessandro to beat him for their rematch, I prefer Rogan to teach his not-related-by-blood cousin a lesson. He kinda grated my nerves from Diamond Fire (hide spoiler)] - What evil scheme Victoria have in mind since (view spoiler)[ the ending of Emerald Blaze give many readers (including me) have heart attack, lol. But you might want to check The Cool Aunt story in Ilona's blog about that (hide spoiler)] - And finally, hints about Arabella, her story arc and maybee... her love interest? I mean (view spoiler)[ if her love interest is Stephen Jiang, I will be very happy to have Asian character have spotlight and he's the HERO. But if not, well I'm sure Andrews duo will make an interesting hero for Arabella. Plus, I hope that Arabella stay true to her character. I mean, Catalina is shy at first but the condition make her hardened, just like Nevada. I want Arabella to be still happy go lucky. But, yeah, who knows if she will change, right? (hide spoiler)] All these speculations and...we must wait for a year, lol. Talk about torture. - ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 03, 2022
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Sep 03, 2022
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Sep 24, 2020
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0593198123
| 9780593198124
| 0593198123
| 4.41
| 10,179
| Nov 24, 2020
| Nov 24, 2020
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really liked it
|
4 stars Nalini Singh will always deliver and it's apparent in her latest Guild Hunter book, Archangel's Sun. Deal with aftermath of the battle agains 4 stars Nalini Singh will always deliver and it's apparent in her latest Guild Hunter book, Archangel's Sun. Deal with aftermath of the battle against Lijuan and Charisemnon from Archangel's War, the world will never be the same. Eerily, this book have some parallel connection with real life condition, especially now that we fight the COVID-19. Of course the reborn problem in Archangel's Sun is a much older cause (from Archangel's Kiss to be in fact), but the way their infection spread, not only affect human and vampire, but angels as well kinda remind me of a virus. I don't mind this part though, for the book is just a fiction and any resemblance to real life events is merely coincidental. Although I can see the inspiration (and what come after). In my prediction before the book released, I predict Archangel's Sun is about Titus but not sure about his lady love since he's more like a carefree playboy Archangel but with heart. Imagine when knowing his lady love to be is The Hummingbird. The Hummingbird already an integral part of Raphael's inner sanctum from book 3, but all we know is that her mind is so fractured its like she live in her own world. Nalini begin unravel this mysterious Ancient whom is Caliane's close friend (meaning she's VERY OLD), in the Archangel's War when she slowly comes to her senses and become whole once more. I don't know why and how, but I guess it's started when The Cadre assign The Hummingbird to watch over Lumia from the event in Archangel's Heart. Maybe from that time, she begin her process to heal her mind. Mind you, Titus and The Hummingbird pairing chance at first is like...zero, lol. They never crossed path before, and although The Hummingbird is a well known and revered artist by the angelkind, everyone realized about her fractured mind and treat her with almost care. Afraid she will break under pressure. Titus, also think the same. He honor The Hummingbird thoroughly, and God forbid he have any carnal think about her. But somehow, Nalini make it works. She always make us reader believe that she can make any relationship works despite its big difference at first. The Hummingbird is now almost whole and so she referred herself as Sharine. She also tell anyone to not treat her like she is a china dolls about to break, but to treat her as a normal person. Nalini go into detail why Sharine behave like she is, the cause of her fractured mind. From her loss of her loved ones in a very young age to her separation from Aegaeon. Sharine's sickness is mostly in mental plane, in which she go to her "kaleidoscope", a coping mechanism after the cruelty act that Aegaeon impose to her. Archangel's Sun story is mostly about the character development of Sharine. How she grow, how she try to change to be a good woman and mother. How she want Illium to be proud of her for Illium always care for Sharine even in her worst condition. How she want the world to not see her as the breakable Hummingbird, but a woman of her own, capable to stand of her own feet. Sharine might be Ancient, and you will think Ancient will become stagnant after such old age (like Caliane), but Nalini proved that even Ancient still have more room to grow. In the opposite, Titus is just...Titus. I mean he do have his character development, but not much. The story mostly describe his capability and duty as Archangel, and his characterization in my opinion didn't need much change like Sharine's. Not that Titus didn't have weakness. Just like his Archangels cohort, he can be arrogant. But Titus is a reasonable and honorable arrogant. He do have a minor "male chauvinistic" moment, a moment that later got scolded by Sharine. Not like Raphael that love warrior woman, for Titus, woman is a woman. To be treasured with, pampered and loved, like a lover did. Nothing wrong with this, even though this kind of perceptive kinda old and maybe didn't sit well if you prefer some equality of sort. But that's just speak volumes about Titus's view of love. He's a playboy through and through, but he respect his lover with respect, just doesn't want to take any consort so he never give promise of forever. So, Titus's character development mostly about his change of heart regarding Sharine. From the Hummingbird that he's put above respect because she's an Ancient, to a woman with new development characters and such bravery that is Sharine. Anyway, it's not that Titus get overshadowed by Sharine. Nalini show his history through letter exchange by Alexander and Titus's mother that describe how Titus become the Archangel like he is now. Also, he have 4 big sister that constantly bicker him (but in love), and all of them are delights. Titus and Sharine's love is a slow burn of sort even their path crossed in just a few days. I'm glad that Nalini didn't rushed their relationship at start since Sharine just recently find her own footing and Titus seems bewildered to see this new development of Sharine, he constantly accused her of being doppleganger, lol. Their witty banter and bickering is what a highlight of this book, together with their efforts to solve the reborn problem. Sharine show that she is not an ordinary woman, not just merely an artist, but a warrior too in her own right. We will get to know that although Illium's father is an Archangel, his growing power source might be from Sharine. There's so many I didn't know about Sharine and it's a delight when her layers get peeled bit by bit. And it's surprised not only me, but Titus as well, in which he come to see her as equal and want more. The downside is..maybe the last part when Titus and Sharine realized their love for each other. For me, it's seem little bit tad rushed and like Titus, I just want more. More of Titus and Sharine, more of their love story. Compared to another couple that not Raphael and Elena, Titus and Sharine's love feel much mature and blossoming in a way that even older people (and parents) can still found a new love. I feel like their story is not end yet with the epilogue of Archangel's Sun but maybe will get explored more. I don't mind if Nalini write one or two novella about them again, lol. Since, although Titus and Sharine finally declare their love, their condition and responsibility is still in the way. But don't fret, the happy ending is still guaranteed! My favorite scene is when Titus kiss Sharine and want to go further but Sharine said no, so Titus respect her wishes. Not because Sharine is still the Hummingbird, but Titus respect her as a woman that have opinion of her own. This scene really warm my heart and of course speak volumes of Titus's characterization (beside, consent is SEXY). For anyone that want to see Aegeaon whipped by Sharine, he got his comeuppance and it's my favorite chapter to date. Like, his reason to leave Sharine didn't make sense at all and I'm glad Sharine didn't fall into Aegaeon's honeyed trap once more. I will balk if Nalini write about Aegaeon find new love after Sharine, because seems like he's un-redeemable. Aegaeon is still a capable and responsible Archangel, but in romantic department, he's suck, so toxic and have twisted perception about love. It will be a long journey for Aegeaon to accept his cowardice and fault, but heh, for now, just bye bye Aegaeon :P. Nalini said that she still have two more Guild Hunter books to date. I know that many readers still clamored for Illium and Aodhan, but I trust Nalini to deliver what she think the best for her Guild Hunter series. If you think Illium and Aodhan already made amend after their big quarrel, sadly...nope. I just want to wack their heads for they are soo...thick-headed, like is it so hard to just apologize to each other, lol. But, I wished in the future they will become best friend and brother once more. Like Titus that treat Sharine with respect, not as the Hummingbird that easily break, I wish Illium will also accept that Aodhan is much more stronger person now. Archangel's Sun is not means to be read as stand alone and better to read after Archangel's War. While the story and the grand theme of things is not as epic as it predecessor, Archangel's Sun is not to be missed. The story feel warms, just like the title suggested to be despite the bleak condition that the angelkind face regarding the reborn's infection. It's have some hope, that I think Nalini too hope, with our condition right now, thing will finally getting better in the end. My first reaction pre-release of Archangel's Sun (view spoiler)[ UPDATE: It's TITUS's book, guyyyys!!!! Also the lucky lady is The Hummingbird aka Sharine. Well, didn't see that coming, though, lololol. Even I remember that Nalini write about Sharine to look over Luminata's closest village and the location is now under Titus's jurisdiction. Also, if you think she will go back to Aegaeon, I have an UGH moment here. Aegaeon seems like a jerk. Sharine really, really deserve a better man compared to Aegaeon No clue about the characters, except that this book will not about Elena & Raphael (Aren't their story arc already concluded in Archangel's War? Even tough any Elena & Raphael's book is always welcome <3) or any of the Seven (that left only Illium and Aodhan). So the sun kinda pointed to either Titus (because his territory is in Africa, the land of the sun) or Alexander (he's blond and radiant, so...) Many theories, one of them is Alexander will be with Zanaya (consider her latest condition in War..seems unlikely) or with Caliane. But eh, for the later, is it Alex and Caliane only a comrade? Also even though "friend to lover" trope is my catnip, I see that Caliane deeply love Nadiel, so I'm not ready for that. Beside, stop wishing Nadiel to come back to life, lol. He already dead, burned by Caliane for only archangel can kill another archangel. Then, if this book really about Titus, I can't wait for the fortunate person that will receive his love. Titus is one of my favorite archangel! ^^ (hide spoiler)] ...more |
Notes are private!
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Dec 2020
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Dec 05, 2020
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Mar 11, 2020
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Mass Market Paperback
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| 0062678175
| 9780062678171
| 0062678175
| 4.50
| 61,150
| Jun 11, 2020
| Jul 13, 2021
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it was amazing
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All the stars I can give to rate will not enough and my review won't do this book justice. Hands down, one of my best and favorite read this 2023, The All the stars I can give to rate will not enough and my review won't do this book justice. Hands down, one of my best and favorite read this 2023, The Empire of Gold is a satisfying and triumphant finale that befitting the wondrous magical series, Daevabad. And The Daevabad Trilogy will always be one of my favorite series, that I will recommend to everyone that need an epic fantasy series that will blown their world away. P.S: It's just an excuse to not write a longer review, because if I really love the books, sometimes I have two options. Gushing and make longer essays or lost at words so I just said "PLEASE READ THIS. I BEG YOU" P.S.S: Maybe I'll write it after I re-read. Definitely will do a re-read. P.S.S.S: My ship are sailing. IT'S SAILIIIING!!!! ...more |
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Apr 14, 2023
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Apr 19, 2023
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Jan 08, 2020
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Paperback
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| 0062878360
| 9780062878366
| 0062878360
| 4.46
| 25,638
| Aug 25, 2020
| Aug 25, 2020
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it was amazing
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RE-READ Since Ruby Fever just released, but Emerald Blaze out precisely 2 years ago, re-read is a must for refresh my memory. Still as good as the fir RE-READ Since Ruby Fever just released, but Emerald Blaze out precisely 2 years ago, re-read is a must for refresh my memory. Still as good as the first read, although the description and explanation about the construct's mechanism can be too overwhelming, lel. First time read review below. 4,5 stars After Sapphire Flames, I low my expectation even though I'm still impatient to read Emerald Blaze, but guess what? My expectation is well met, and Emerald Blaze also released 1 day before my birthday (which is the time when I write this review is..yeah my birthday, hahaha), so I consider this as a birthday gift for me XD. See, I collect all Ilona Andrews books in dead tree version and because I live in Indonesia, usually I read the book 2-3 weeks after release. I decide to pre-ordered Emerald Blaze in my local bookstore that specialized in English book and imagine my shock when the book came 2 weeks before the release date! To said I'm so happy right now because I can read a book from my favorite author in the exactly release date and the book also met my expectation is an understatement. Okay, enough about myself. I already write my take in Sapphire Flames, and well the ending is not pretty. At all. Emerald Blaze deal with the ending and we will see Catalina try to move on from her beau, Alessandro Sagredo and become a respectable Head of the House, while in the same time doing her work as Deputy Warden of Texas. She still keep it as secret from her family, but you know Baylor family, they always support each other. Six months come and go after the ending of Sapphire Flames and ofc our heroine will get a new trouble in the horizon. Although, this trouble make Catalina met Alessandro again. It's just he's not that charming, he's different and more determined. It's kinda hard to see Catalina try to act aloof into Alessandro, but who can blame her? I will do the same, and the term "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" is true. But, what make me shocked is...Alessandro grovel. Like literally groveling. And the story just barely start. WOW. His grovel is sincere, he admit his mistake, he admit that he actually care to Catalina but it's just his revenge come first, the point is..he's sorry and apologize. I did like that Catalina didn't "omg, I forgive you. Let me kiss you and we will run into the sunset while holding hands". She give his a hard time that make me want to give some thumbs up. While in Sapphire Flames I have a hard time to try distinguished Nevada and Catalina's voice, Emerald Blaze is full of Catalina in her glory and mistake. I'm afraid that she will slowly turn into her icy persona, bit by bit become like her evil grandmother, Victoria Tremaine. But, Andrews show that Catalina still have heart. She's in the verge of become as cunning as her grandma, but she try a different approach. We will also get more background behind Nevada's abdication as a Head House, and boy, this is when Andrews show that some action will always bear consequences and sometimes it take a long time to clean the mess of the fallout. See, Emerald Blaze is totally a fiction, but the way Andrews blend some real life condition into their works is near flawless. I'm glad though that Catalina and Nevada work their problems and I admit, I'm green with envy reading about their relationship because right now my family is kinda stranger to me (or me is a stranger to them), so we barely talk, lol. I can't stressed enough about the world building and the magic system. You might get bored because how often I praised the Andrews when it comes to magic system, lol. Some old player make appearance, like Tatyana Pierce from Burn From Me, but seems like she is better than her psycho little brother (and the part when she address what happen to Cornelius when he become Adam's scapegoat back then, give a hope that not all member of House Pierce is shitty like Adam and the rest). Andrews also introduce the mechanic behind animator magic that I feel so SF-ish but still easy to understand. Andrews also show how exactly Alessandro's antistasi magic work, and it's just me but I guess Alessandro's abilities to bring weapons at will is not part of his antistasi magic and actually he's a dual like Catalina (with her siren and Magus Sagittarius abilities). Can't wait it to get explored and explained in the next book. Love is in the air now and I'm glad the 1 year waiting is well paid. I'm afraid Andrews will give me a blue balls of the year (not that I have one, lol), so imagine my joy when Alessandro finally declare his feeling and well what's follow you don't need to guess, but the result is I'm happy. I'm satisfied. I'm happy (again). Their relationship will work and I'm glad that Catalina-Alessandro dynamic is totally different than Nevada-Rogan. And not just Catalina finally get her happy ending but also (view spoiler)[ Runa and Bern. Imagine Runa's shock when she found out that all Baylor family member knew that Bern dating her even though Bern keep shut about it. Insert shock pikachu face here, lol (hide spoiler)]. So, one book left for Catalina and Alessandro, and then we will get Arabella's story. Speaking about Arabella, there's character make me snort and giggle so hard, because they just make this man, Stephen Jiang, an aquakenetic, and it apparent they, especially Ilona, got her inspiration from Chinese wuxia drama, lol. I have this feeling that maybe Andrews will paired Arabella with Stephen, considered she's so ecstatic when knowing Jiang "part time" activities. But, maybe we will get to know Arabella's hero in book 6 like Catalina and Alessandro back then, and it's not Stephen. Although, if they did become pair, I will be happy. Despite the split opinion about the possibilities of Arabella-Stephen in the EB spoiler thread, when someone pointed Stephen is way older than Arabella, while he's just 5 years older. Dude, Rogan is way, waaaay older than Nevada, lol! And Alessandro is 4 years older than Catalina, so why Stephen is not suitable for Arabella? One more thing, I love the way Andrews write the villain. No, Caesar didn't get mentioned, even I still have my suspicious that (view spoiler)[ Caesar is Linus (hide spoiler)] and we did get a new villain introduced that is Arkan, Alessandro's arch nemesis, but the real villain is...yep, the evil grandma, Victoria Tremaine. Victoria didn't try to rule the world, one world at the time, not that she cracked her evil laugh, but she is definitely evil. She's cunning, ruthless, and heartless. You can't help to despise her, but in the same time you wonder how she's can be this smart and calculated. That's why in the first of my opinion, I'm afraid that Catalina will become like Victoria in the end with how she interact with Victoria and seems like to follow her step. The way Andrews write about Victoria is superb, I can't help to feel disgust and admire her in the same time. I wonder what ruckus Victoria will cause in the next book and if she will still have that influence when Arabella's time come. The ending is well, even though I'm happy and there's no heart break ensues, still make me go WHAAAT, OH NO YOU DIDN'T!! One year...omg one year more I must wait. This is really a torture!! XD. Although (view spoiler)[ after I stumble into Emerald Blaze spoiler thread at Andrews's blog...the epilogue is not what I think at first. Also, you might want to check their short story titled "The Cool Aunt" after you finish reading Emerald Blaze. I never know I just feel so relieved after read the short story, lol. Victoria didn't mean harm, she just want to see her great grandchild despite at first she show that she didn't care. For a truthseeker, she's such a terrible liar. And, Arabella seems to know who's the old man beside Victoria, called him "grandfather" too. Soo, is it true that Linus is really the Caesar? This is killing me bit by bit, lololol (hide spoiler)] ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Sep 02, 2022
Aug 24, 2020
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Sep 02, 2022
Aug 25, 2020
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Dec 20, 2019
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Mass Market Paperback
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| B074MX9ZF4
| 4.46
| 63
| unknown
| Aug 10, 2017
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it was amazing
|
Review ini buat jilid 1-35 Disclaimer first, gue baca via scanlation. Karena Elex ga nerbitin ini sampai habis, alias berhenti sampai volume 27 aja di Review ini buat jilid 1-35 Disclaimer first, gue baca via scanlation. Karena Elex ga nerbitin ini sampai habis, alias berhenti sampai volume 27 aja di tahun 2016. Apakah Elex bakal terbit ulang, who knows? Gue mikirnya 7 SEEDS mestinya diterbitin saja sama Level Comics kayak Basara, karena konten nudity, violence dan tema ceritanya sangat dewasa bahkan melebihi Basara. Gue inget baca 7 SEEDS dulu waktu kuliahan di tahun 2005 dan inget juga pernah koleksi sampai no 8an sekian. Kenapa gue berhenti? Karena ga sanggup sama kekerasannya dan kokoro gue yang bolak balik sakit ngelihat nasib - nasib orang di dunia 7 SEEDS, lol. Walau gitu, gue malah baca Basara yang bagi gue salah satu masterpiece Yumi Tamura. Entah kenapa, beberapa hari lalu pas gue lihat ada temen GR yang ngeripiu 7 SEEDS, gue iseng coba cari scanlationnya (mengingat ya komiknya udah susah dicari). Dan taraaa....ternyata scanlationnya udah lengkap. Serialnya ternyata tamat di vol 35 dan bahkan ditambah 1 volume tambahan untuk epilog yaitu 7 SEEDS Gaiden. Untuk Gaiden akan gue review terpisah lah ya. Secara tema, 7 SEEDS berhasil bikin tema survival dan battle royale (in form of Team Summer A) dengan sangat bagus dan humanis. Jangan terkecoh sama artnya yang bisa sangat berantakan (tapi doski bikin cowo ganteng ma cewe cantiknya detail banget, lol), atau genrenya yang masuk josei. Karena sebenarnya cerita 7 SEEDS ini bisa untuk semua orang. Dari segi romance, tidak terlalu banyak sebenarnya, malah lebih menonjolkan segi survival dan interaksi antar karakternya. Dan asyiknya, tidak ada karakter yang SAMA SEKALI TIDAK PENTING. Semuanya PENTING, bahkan untuk karakter sampingan. Alurnya sendiri bisa dibilang sebenarnya sangat lambat, dan gue merasa dunia 7 SEEDS ini sejatinya sempit alias muter - muter disitu doang. Tapi disinilah hebatnya Tamura sensei. Karena kondisi alam yang tidak memungkinkan, walau misalnya jarak antara tim Summer dan Spring sangat dekat misalnya, tapi mereka bisa aja berpapasan jalan, hahaha. Ini juga yang bikin kayak banyak banget "kebetulan" di dunia 7 SEEDS. Emang beberapa terasa "kebetulan", tapi sebenarnya itu disengaja oleh Tamura sensei. Bahwa sebenarnya semua kejadian di dunia 7 SEEDS itu berkesinambungan bahkan sampai dengan pemilihan anggota tim. Secara arc cerita, 7 SEEDS bisa dibagi jadi beberapa bagian yaitu: - Perkenalan team Summer B - Perkenalan team Spring - Perkenalan team Autumn, yang ditemui sama Arashi, Natsu, Semimaru - Perkenalan team Winter. Yang kalau kamu g nangis, ada yang salah berarti wkwkwk - Pertemuan team Spring sama satu2nya survivor Team Winter - Perkenalan team Summer A, dimana menurut gue bagian ini sumpah KURANG AJAR banget. Disini Tamura Sensei udah mulai ngajak pembacanya untuk berpikir apakah yang dilakukan ke team Summer A itu benar secara moralitas. The battle royale setting do wonder. Peringatan, ada adegan yang ga boleh dibaca pas makan. - Pertemuan team Spring sama team Autumn yang akhirnya nemu salah satu shelter yaitu Ryugu shelter. Disini Tamura sensei nunjukin kalau counter measure buat apocalypse itu ternyata ga cuma proyek 7 SEEDS tapi juga ada bikin shelter untuk masyarakat umum. Seperti biasa endingnya tentu saja berakhir tragedi (disini kokoro gue udah bukan sakit lagi, tapi udah tercabik2, lol) - Pertemuan team Spring, Autumn dan Summer A. Gue cuma bisa bilang, Ango dan Ryou beneran sakit jiwa pada awalnya. The story is not for the faint heart. Gue nyadar Hana emang rada mary sue-ish, tapi apa yang terjadi sama Hana itu ga bener. Dosa ortu ga lantas harus ditanggung ma anaknya - Pertemuan team Summer B dengan Ango dan Ryou yang diusir gara2 kejadian Hana. Disini mulai bisa dilihat kalau Ango ma Ryou benernya ga jahat - jahat banget. Menurut gue kondisi mereka itu gara - gara didikan waktu mereka dibentuk jadi Summer A. Tapi ya tetep, ga lantas Ango-Ryou jadi baik. Apalagi si Ryou - Pertemuan Hana dengan sisa team Spring dan Aramaki. Jujur di bagian ini ada bagian yang SUPER DUPER NYESEK. Entar gue jabarin di bagian2 yang bikin sedih, haha - Semua team bergerak ke pulau Sado, dimana akhirnya mereka semua ketemu juga dan saling bahu membahu buat bisa keluar dari Sado. Ini arc cerita yang paling panjang, sekaligus endingnya. And surprise...sekali lagi counter measurenya kiamat ga cuma orang2 7 SEEDS saja! Yumi Tamura nulis 7 SEEDS ini dalam jangka waktu 16 tahun, bukan waktu yang sebentar tentunya. Tapi dari hasil gue baca scanlationnya selama 3-4 hari sampai kepala spaneng dan baca2 curi waktu di kantor, it's worth it. Karakter yang menurut gue cukup signifikan (karena ga mungkin bahas semua karena keterbatasan jumlah kata di GR): - Aramaki Takahiro: My numero uno 7 SEEDS heroes. Aramaki sekilas ngingetin gue sama Ageha di Basara, mengingat penderitaan mereka juga hampir sama. Tapi gue sukaan Aramaki. Bayangin, 15 tahun sendirian berusaha survive, ditinggal dua member teamnya (Fubuki & Mitsuru), bertahan cuma ditemani sama anjing-anjingnya, kemudian ditinggal lagi. And despite of all that, he survived! Emang karakternya kadang berasa "white knight in a shining armor", apalagi kalau dah menyangkut Hana. Tapi in the end, like all Tamura's character, he has flaws. Aramaki boleh saja salah satu yang paling tua walau pas dibekuin dia seumuran ma Hana dkk, tapi di dalam hatinya dia sebenarnya masih berkutat aja sama masa lalunya yang pahit. - Ango: Ango itu kinda like Joker with the "orang jahat itu sebenarnya orang baik yang tersakiti". Tapi bagi gue juga Ango itu juga aslinya ga jahat. Apa yang dia lakuin ke Hana (view spoiler)[ yaitu attempted rape (hide spoiler)] itu emang secara moral ga dibenarkan walau Ango ga bermaksud seperti itu. Tapi jika ada salah satu perkembangan karakter yang oke, salah satunya ya Ango ini. Mungkin jadi agak tipikal karena like Aramaki, Ango can't forgive himself. Tapi pertemuannya dengan Natsu lah yang kembali bikin Ango balik ke common sensesnya. Bahwa apa yang dilakukan sama orang2 yang dulu membentuk team Summer A tidak mendefine dia secara keseluruhan. Arashi bahkan pernah nanya kenapa Ango dan team A ga lari aja dulu dari test jadi tim Summer. Tentu saja Arashi gampang ngomong gitu,karena apa yang terjadi sama Ango dan teamnya adalah contoh dari abusive relationship. Tentu butuh effort lebih untuk Ango dan team bisa keluar dari masa lalu. - Ryou: Hampir sama kayak Ango, tapi bagi gue Ryou lebih gila ketimbang Ango. Dan despite his rivalry with Ango at the first time, ternyata Ryou ini aslinya peduli sama Ango. Menurut gue, tanpa Ryou, bisa jadi Ango ga akan survive at the first place. - Natsu: Gue awalnya ga suka sama Natsu karena dia like the bigger loser ever. Tapi, gue lantas sadar kalau sedikit banyak gue sama Natsu itu hampir sama sifatnya. Hence why I don't like her at the first place, because she remind me of myself. Walau ya Natsu lebih parah lagi sikap pemalunya. Perkembangan karakter Natsu juga adalah yang terbaik. Dia masih suka kagok kalau ngomong sama orang, dan bahkan suka ragu ambil keputusan penting. But at least she's trying. Menurut gue, Semimaru juga punya andil buat perkembangan karakter Natsu. - Hana: Gue ngerasa Hana agak - agak mirip Sarasa, bahkan hubungannya sama Arashi ngingetin gue ma Sarasa-Shuri (ples desain karakter mereka rada mirip). Hana ini jelas antitesisnya Natsu, dan kadang gue merasa doski rada2 Mary Sue, dimana kemampuan survivalnya hebat bener (hampir setara team A malah) dan banyak orang yang kagum sama Hana (Aramaki paling kelihatan). Untungnya Tamura sensei bikin beberapa flaws buat Hana, plus ga semua juga suka Hana (yang paling kentara tentu saja Ango, lol) Sebenarnya banyak karakter lain yang juga menarik, tapi gue sudahin sampai sini aja dulu, hahaha. Sekarang gue mau ngebahas kapal..alias shipping hehe - Hana & Arashi: Ga perlu terlalu dibahas, karena hubungan mereka dari awal sampai akhir adalah kunci dari serial ini. Tapi gue suka pas akhirnya mereka ketemu (dan butuh 35 vol buat mereka bertemu lagi, lol), karena Tamura Sensei ngegambarinnya sangat on point. - Hana & Aramaki: Gue mikir apakah akhirnya Hana akan nyerah ke Arashi (lalu Arashi akhirnya ke Natsu, wkwkwk). Tapi toh ternyata Aramaki nganggap Hana itu lebih ke orang yang mesti dilindungi, walau endingnya ternyata ga seperti itu. Kapal yang satu ini pun memilih karam ketimbang berlayar :P - Ayu & Aramaki: Opposite attract. Ga jadi sama Hana, maka ya dibikin jadi sama Ayu aja. Tapi tenang, Ayu-Aramaki ga tiba-tiba kok. Mereka ada proses kesananya. Dan menurut gue, ketimbang sama Hana, Aramaki emang lebih baik sama Ayu. Karena Aramaki yang sifatnya baik dan ngemong cocok sama Ayu yang practical - Natsu -Arashi: Cuma sepihak aja di Natsu, dan sampai akhir pun Natsu ga ngomong kalau dia suka sama Arashi, lol. Disini Natsu kayak yang udah seneng kalau Arashi masih mikirin Hana, betapa besarnya hati Natsu emang (or not, lol). - Natsu - Semimaru: Another opposite attract. Lucunya, Semimaru duluan yang sadar kalau dia suka sama Natsu. Gue setuju sih sama ship ini, Natsu yang gloomy dan Semimaru yang preman abis. Apalagi Semimaru juga yang secara ga langsung bikin Natsu mulai berani ambil inisiatif - Matsuri - Ryou: Lagi - lagi opposite attract. Gue takjub sama Ryou yang sama sekali ga keberatan digelayutin Matsuri, lol. Tapi ya mungkin emang cocok dua orang ini - Ango -Ryou/Ango-Arashi: Yang pertama cuma pertemanan (dan rivalitas aja) walau perhatian Ryou ke Ango emang agak2 gimana gitu :)). Yang kedua cuma di impian2 para fujo =)) dan masih banyak lagi pokoknya hehe. Sekarang momen - momen "tears stream down your face" alias yang bikin pengen nangis: - Saat anjing Aramaki, (view spoiler)[ Fubuki dan Mitsuru (dinamain sama dengan anggota tim Winter yang gugur) mengorbankan diri mereka yang sudah kena jamur dengan membakar diri supaya jamur mutan itu ga kesebar ke daerah - daerah lain. One of moment that will surely punch you in your heart. Gue ga sanggup lihat ekspresinya Aramaki pas itu T___T. Pengen peluk Aramaki, hiks (hide spoiler)] - Adegan Kurumi melahirkan dan disitu cuma ada Ryusei. Sebelumnya pun Kurumi ngebentak Ryusei biar jadi cowo bertanggung jawab. Gue lebih ke terharu baca adegan ini, mengingat gue belum punya anak (and deep inside, I still want a kid). Cara Tamura Sensei menggambarkan adegan ini mau g mau bikin gue nyaris mewek. Dia seakan ingin menunjukkan kalau bahkan dalam keadaan genting sekalipun selalu ada harapan. Sama seperti Basara, 7 SEEDS sejatinya juga mengajarkan kalau "memaafkan" itu salah satu tindakan yang paling baik karena bisa bikin hati lega, lol. Entah itu memaafkan orang lain atau memaafkan diri sendiri (nanti akan gue coba bahas di yang Gaiden). Dan juga, mungkin beberapa karakternya melakukan hal yang morally ambiguous. Tapi Tamura sensei sekali lagi menyerahkan pada kita pembaca, apakah tindakan mereka itu bisa dibenarkan mengingat hukum sudah ga berlaku saat itu, atau tetap berpijak pada norma yang ada. Eniwei, gue suka sama cover vol 35 yang isinya semua heroine di 7 SEEDS, dan dimana vol 1 menampakkan Natsu, di vol terakhir ini juga fokus utamanya ada di Natsu. Again, not that I hate Hana, hahaha. Gue cuma berharap dia ga terlalu mary sue, tapi ya sudahlah. Yang jelas, ga bakal rugi kok baca 7 SEEDS. Sama seperti BASARA, gue rekomen banget 7 SEEDS. Ga usah terlalu musingin artnya, nikmatin aja ceritanya. You will not be disappointed ^-^ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 14, 2019
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Oct 18, 2019
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Oct 20, 2019
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 0062870165
| 9780062870162
| 0062870165
| 4.39
| 76,116
| Jan 22, 2019
| Jan 22, 2019
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it was amazing
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5 stars If I can give all the |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 08, 2023
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Apr 13, 2023
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Sep 11, 2019
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Paperback
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| 1925491285
| 9781925491289
| B07G3W2DQ3
| 4.25
| 1,016
| Oct 30, 2018
| Oct 30, 2018
|
it was amazing
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5 stars I just want to said to my dear friend Ami, whom like me, a fans of London Steampunk series that "Hey, Ami, I know why you enjoy this book and 5 stars I just want to said to my dear friend Ami, whom like me, a fans of London Steampunk series that "Hey, Ami, I know why you enjoy this book and your favorite couple is Charlie and Lark because...I LOVED IT TOO!!!". Gah, I almost afraid that I will not found my favorite from the second arc, but To Catch a Rogue hit all the right notes. No wonder this book get its nomination on Paranormal Romance category in RITA ~that until now is controversial. I get it~. You love a friend to lover trope? You got this. You like your story full with action, twist and intrigue? You GOT this. Like its previous books, it will never be a dull moment with the Company of Rogues. Enemy pulled the strings to London's rebellion schemes? They banish them all. But to the bloody court of Russian to save their leader after the event in You Only Love Twice? Well.. Charlie and Lark... ah, young love. I remember back then, they both still a teenager in Kiss of Steel, with Charlie just in verge of being blue blood, and Lark is still under protection of Blade and Tin Man, also she looks like a boy. Then, their fates changed after the revolution in Of Silks and Steams with Lark become blue blood and Charlie thought she still mad with him. 6-7 years later after their first fated meeting, they are now adult and I'm very glad that McMaster did them justice. She already have a friend-to-lover trope before in Garrett and Perry (Forged by Desire), but I always feels something lacking from theirs (beside I got annoyed with Perry's martyrdom tendencies). With Charlie and Lark, this is what a friend to lover means. And why the condition "friend" and "lover" can't go hand to hand? It's so nice to see Charlie still as sweet as he is, despite his manliness, he never act overbearing alpha to Lark (actually Charlie is a delicious mix of alpha and beta hero!). I liked that the consent part still there, whether inside or outside bedroom. Also,the battle of wits between Charlie and Lark is entertaining to read, even until the end. I like that Charlie always prioritize Lark first, and how both are first love to each other. The part when Charlie finally realized Lark is woman was hilarious, like how dense he can be, haha. But that what make theirs relationship work much much better compared to Garrett-Perry's. Since both Charlie and Lark is young (but already in their twenties), this book's smexiness is not too over the top, even though the sexual tension is so thick (gah, the scene in the bathing chamber between them!). But, another plus moment again that I liked is when Charlie insist that his and Lark's first time must be in bed. OMG...HOW REALLY SWEET OF YOU, CHARLIE, I can't even, lol. Add it with the fact that both are still virgin, both are first love to each other, the sweetness factor almost get me a diabetes, lol. Anyway, that's a compliment, hahaha. Like You Only Love Twice, this book didn't just focused to Charlie and Lark, but another characters as well. Malloryn's fate was...awful. Read about his torture was AWFUL I cringed so hard, (view spoiler)[ and one of them is the iron maiden scene. OMG, how can he endure it? Even though he is a blue blood through and through, the amount of pain is too much (hide spoiler)]. I worried about Malloryn's state and I hope he will get better in his own book, Dukes are Forever. Another character also get spotlight, and it's Obsidian's turn. I always think that his arc is not done yet, and now his past getting unraveled. Of course (view spoiler)[ his real identity is really Dmitri Grigoriev, therefore make him as Lark's real brother and also the real heir presumptive to the Tsaritsyn, the Russian dynasties. But I like what McMaster did here. No deus ex machinae. No a shocking revelation about Obsidian is Dmitri in the front of the Russian Crimson Court and therefore he got his throne or whatever it is. If that happen, it will make Gemma feel devastated, and I'm sure Gemma will follow Obsidian to anywhere. With making Obsidian still with the Company of Rogues, and make Lark's other brother, Nikolai Grigoriev to hold the responsibility as Tsaritsyn prince, this is the real deal. Lark and Obsidian had go through many things, tortured beyond others and finally get their HEA. I like how McMaster write theirs arc conclusion (hide spoiler)]. As for Lark, (view spoiler)[ her secret remind me so much of Anastasia Romanov's fate, especially Anastasia animation movie. Well, McMaster already stated that indeed, Anastasia is her inspiration to this book when she talk about it in her newsletter. I just don't paid attention, lol! (hide spoiler)] The story now near the ending, with it's now Malloryn's chance to get his vengeance against his old nemesis..and who know that maybe he will someday loved his wife, Adele despite their cold marriage? If there's one thing that I know for sure, McMaster always have something in her sleeve. I hardly can't wait! :) ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 17, 2019
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Apr 19, 2019
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Apr 15, 2019
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0998139130
| 9780998139135
| 4.16
| 3,391
| Jul 18, 2017
| Jul 18, 2017
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it was amazing
|
5 stars My first 5 stars book this year that is not a re-read, lol. I don't remember the last time I feel so emotionally moved by book I had read, bu 5 stars My first 5 stars book this year that is not a re-read, lol. I don't remember the last time I feel so emotionally moved by book I had read, but Harrison strike the right note (see the pun? har har) with her second installment in UK Elder Races, Spellbinder. This book join my favorites book of Elder Races beside Midnight Kiss and Shadow's End, and whyy..the story feel like combination of both since it have kidnapping/prisoner plot like Midnight Kiss and a story that almost make me want to cry like Shadow's End. Spellbinder remind me why I loved romance at the first place. There might be obstacles for both h/H, the situation might be hopeless, but the happy ending that followed is kinda like a reward. A balm for a tired soul, and since my life kinda stressed enough, I can't ask for a better medicine than read a really good romance with a HEA. Spellbinder is not supposed to be read as stand alone, so you might want to read Moonshadow first since the event that happen in this book is the result of what happen in Moonshadow. While the heroine a new character (and also human. Sidonie is the second magicless human character..or maybe I might be wrong since I read all Elder Races books long times ago), but reader will recognize her leading man, Morgan le Fae. First appear in Pia Does Hollywood and then play crucial role in Moonshadow, I know that he's not the real villain. Imagine my surprise when Harrison reveal his past because Morgan is none other than..Merlin. YEP, THAT MERLIN , unless Merlin is not a name back then but a title of sort. Kinda like "magician". The same term that Harrison used when she described Robin as the puck. I admit that I have take a likeness for Merlin and I blame it to the mobile games I played, Fate Grand Order, lol. Merlin is one of FGO character that I liked since he's so fluffy (yep his hair is a long white hair that so fluffy like Rapunzel) but his personality is a combination of arrogance and smugness. Of course our Morgan is not like that. He already tortured for years under Isabeau's cruel enchanment and well, tortured hero done right (when they don't anguish in their self pities, over and over) is always my catnip. Harrison put some Arthurian legend in Spellbinder, but beside Avalon, Morgan le Fae (not Fay) and the term Merlin, she mostly just give hints. If you familiar enough with Arthurian legend, you will guess what kind of hints. Readers might complaint that Nikolas and Sophie relationship move so fast (well, they barely meet for 4 days and despite their constant argument, didn't take too long for them to jump to each other bones), while Morgan and Sidonie's take a slow start. The way Harrison write how their relationship evolved warmed my heart. She try to not go over detail when describe Sid's prison period but readers will feel her despair since Sid is just an ordinary human without magic after all. When Morgan tend to her without revealing his identity, I like the feel of anonymity and it give time to Sid to trust Morgan. The character development is so great and especially for Sid, since she was once a musician with so many privilege and devoid of Elder Races world since she's a magicless person, yet her kidnapping mold her into a new person while still retain her old self. Sid might be not have magic of her own, but didn't mean she's not a fighter. My heart bleed for Morgan..and well I liked that Morgan is not overbearing, bordering alphaholes in there. Read about his condition and his past kinda bring me some melancholy. You can't help to rooted for him. To escape from Isabeau's evil clutch, to finally be free. Did he get free after all? Well, you must read the story your self ;). While I said in my Moonshadow review that I liked Robin, I can't help to loathe him a little bit in Spellbinder since he's the one who's responsible for Sid's kidnapping and torture. But, all stories always come in two-sided coins and Robin have his own reason since he, like Morgan, also suffer under Isabeau. Gawds, I hate her already and hope she get her comeuppance in Lionheart!. While what Robin did first was terrible, he bring Sidonie into Morgan's life and turn the sorcerer life upside down. Beside, in the end Robin regret what he did and ask forgiveness to Sidonie. So all is well. If I could I want to read Spellbinder again, but eh, I must finish the trilogy by read Lionheart, lol. If there some things that I dislike..well I don't like the cover. The man-titties is off putting even the model kinda resemble Morgan's description in book, but still! (sigh, all this bare chested model cover sometimes feel like same old same old. But maybe, it what sell in the first place). Also I detect some glaring typos as well. But other than that, the story and the characters are what shining most and in the end Spellbinder catch me in its spell, a happy feeling after reading a good book! :) ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 08, 2019
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Feb 09, 2019
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Feb 08, 2019
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ebook
| |||||||||||||||
| 0451491661
| 9780451491664
| 0451491661
| 4.49
| 12,949
| Sep 24, 2019
| Sep 24, 2019
|
it was amazing
|
5 stars!!!! (and more, if I'm being honest!) NOTE: I end up re-read the book for the 3rd times (!!!) and also read it in the first day of 2020, lol. B 5 stars!!!! (and more, if I'm being honest!) NOTE: I end up re-read the book for the 3rd times (!!!) and also read it in the first day of 2020, lol. But I decide to not include it in 2020 challenge XD. It will be an insult to not include Archangel's War into my Top Read 2019, so..here it is! Also I forget to include Archangel's Prophecy as my top read too, so I will do the later. But yes, Archangel's War is my top of the top read for me this year. Gawd..what a blast to end this year with a GREAT book that simply left me in awe. First, I want to said a HUGE THANK YOU to Nalini Singh to write the entire Guild Hunter series. This series will always be my favorite. The re-read session that I did back at November in order for me to read Archangel's Prophecy and Archangel's War back to back rekindle my love for Singh's writing. I did read her Psy-Changeling and also try her Rock Kiss series, but the later just didn't hold my interest, since I always prefer PNR and UF genre. I also hold reading Psy-Changeling books after Kaleb's, so I have plenty books to catch up. But it's always Guild Hunter books that make me back to read any new installment, except I didn't read Prophecy after my copy arrived back then because the cliffhanger warning, lol. Sometimes, I'm wavering from GH books, especially after Archangel's Viper that feel very much like filler. I also understand why my friend decide to not read any further GH book after Archangel's Heart, because that book too..is kinda slow and moving in circle, seems to go nowhere. But I'm glad that I didn't give up into Singh's writing. I definitely will do a re-read for Psy-Changeling books, but right now I'm content with her GH books. I understand the reaction to Archangel's Prophecy that will left you hanging by your thread with its uncertainty. It's like, when I read it, I feel full of unsure and clutching to my knitting needles (if I have one), afraid and worried if Elena will made it. If Raphael will lose Elena to the Cascade's will. And the ending of Prophecy, boy, the ending is not easy to read. I get the mixed reviews, because Singh rarely take a drastic measurement when it comes to her character's destiny, yet she willing to take a risk. If the changes in Elena and Raphael in Archangel's Prophecy will left you in shock, then Archangel's War will have plenty. So MANY changes. Singh promised a archangelic war, and a war she deliver. A freaking, real war. Compared to Lijuan and Raphael's first battle in Archangel's Consort, compared to the siege that lay in New York in the event of Archangel's Legion, those battle and siege is nothing compared to the war that happen in this book. Yet, even Singh promised war, didn't mean this book only focused in warlike events. Singh give us so many plot, but for me, it didn't feel cramped. Her writing also more refined compared to Prophecy when she have a tendency to do so many recap from previous event. She combined the dreaded feeling to the war with many mundane events that the later often left me in smiles. I realized I have come to a long time with her characters, theirs feel like real persons to me. Like I already know them for years, yet Singh still manage to catch me by surprise! The first part of the book is handling with what happen after Prophecy, in which Elena and Raphael are changed in fundamental ways. (view spoiler)[ A little bit recap, Raphael give Elena his archangel heart. Literally. An act that for me is the most romantic thing he ever did, lol (hide spoiler)]. Then, the story comes into momentum, little by little the plot thread built to prepare for a war that comes into horizon. Old foe, aka Her Creepines, the Archangel of China turn Goddess of Death, Lijuan now ready to attack (after 11 books the reader left hanging. Finally). But supports also comes in unexpected way, in which (view spoiler)[ this is when thing come full circle. I remember when re-read Archangel's Consort, Elena once recalled any Ancient that already go to Sleep. Beside Caliane, she mention Alexander that already wake in Archangel's Enigma. The others are Antonicus, Qin and Zanaya. And that's why I said its come into full circle, because those Sleepers now wake, with addition of Aegaeon. I really like what Singh did with the Ancient. It means, they are not just a side characters. (hide spoiler)]. I do know that the battle scenes can go so long. But hey, the war in the title mean that war will happen, and of course its natural to Singh to write so much longer than the siege event in Legion. In Legion, Raphael caught unaware of Lijuan's attack. He barely winning because the Legion come and he also find his new ability to wield wildfire because Elena. In War, both parties come prepared, but Lijuan's forces is so HUGE. This way, it make sense why Singh make Lijuan as Archangel of China. China's mainland is vast and massive. In the real world, China also have #1 most populated region. So it will make sense if Lijuan have so many troopers ready to do her command. Honestly, I really like the war part. It took almost 1/3 part of books! At first reading I can't be patient to read, and I dreaded what if Raphael and Elena can't win because to quote what Michaela once said "why the bitch didn't die already?", lol. In second (and third) reading, I kinda appreciated with what Singh deliver. The war chapter remind me so much of the war in Jim Butcher's Furies of Calderon and Academ's Fury. Meaning, it can be going on and on, but I find myself never tired when read it! Singh can wonderfully combined the despair, the bleakness, but also a little hope that come afterward. Lijuan, true to her moniker, is not an easy foe. She did many horrible things! And I like that the aftermath of the battle come into climax that left me satisfied *no pun intended!. Like any war, there were casualties (view spoiler)[ although I know that some reader point that there's no victim from Elena closest friend and family. But come on, to kill one of the Seven is CRUEL, lol (hide spoiler)], and changes will always follow. This war kinda wrapped Elena and Raphael's story arc, but left so many possibilities to tell. Now, enough about war. I stated earlier that Singh can wonderfully mix the war part and the mundane, almost slice of life part. In Archangel's War, reader will get a glimpse when our favorite butler, Montgomery introduced. I also found myself kinda like Michaela (omg *gasp) because of what she did in this book. She and Elena will never, ever be friend, but like always, Michaela is not two dimensional characters. But, my really favorite part is when finally, it's like Singh read my request about Caliane and Nadiel. Singh finally wrote a part why Caliane choose Nadiel as her mate. That Caliane truly love Nadiel despite his flaws (view spoiler)[ a part that Raphael explained with sorrow of his own. Raphael often said that he always lookup into Caliane when its come into leadership. At first I think maybe because Caliane is Ancient, older than Nadiel, therefore she is more matured. Yet, while Raphael explained that he's his father's son when its come to love, Nadiel is not exactly a good example of father even though he still better compared to Jeffrey or Aegaeon. I wonder if Caliane did't forced to execute Nadiel because of his madness, there was a chance Raphael become an reckless archangel like his father. I'm glad that in the end, when it comes to leadership, Raphael is very much like Caliane (hide spoiler)] Also, a really, really, REALLY favorite scenes is when readers get to know about Raphael's childhood. Talk about embarrassing moments. Raphael and embarrassed is an antithesis, but it's a rare moments to read about the Archangel got flustered here and now, lol. Also finally, the Hummingbird is what she supposed to be and with some surprised of her own. It's cracked me up to read about Illium and Aodhan's reaction, hahaha. Elena and Raphael...ah...here comes the long journey with them. The couple is not the same when they first introduced in Angel's Blood. Never in Elena's wildest dream she will be a consort to Raphael, and maybe Raphael never wonder that he will change into a good man (or archangel) that saved from the icy cold of the power and immortality. Guild Hunter books is not always about them, but it's apparent that both Elena and Raphael is the heart of the series. I really like their development, how they come through after what happen in Archangel's Prophecy, that have a serious impact of their relationship. Elena is still with her witty, sarcastic remarks, but the way Raphael throw his dry jokes here and there really show how good Elena's influence to him. I don't think their declaration of loves are sappy, nor that it feel repetitive. I'm just really glad, really smile, really grinned when reading their witty banter, or sighing when reading their determination to each other. I'm also glad that (view spoiler)[ even with so many baby delivering in this book, both from mortal and immortal alike, and because Elena's heart is now archangelic heart -thanks to Raphael- therefore make her compatible to become pregnant with Raphael's child, Singh still write that both parties are not ready. I really, REALLY appreciated it! Often with this come of book, in any romance book, the epilogue always come with a baby, even though at first there's difficulties or what. I get why, but didn't mean I will like it. I'm happy that Singh still stay true to the characters. I don't mind if in future she will write about Elena and Raphael have a child, but Singh know that the time is not now (hide spoiler)]. Archangel's War might be the twelfth book, yet it's feel so new for me. With Archangel's War, the everlasting battle between Raphael and Lijuan finally wrapped, but like I said, the aftermath leave so many story thread to be untold. Singh already announce that she already got 3 books deal for Guild Hunter, and so I have some assumption that those books maybe will feature : (view spoiler)[ - Illium and Aodhan. From all the Seven, just left this two that still don't get their story. Okay, I know that many readers is still on board with both angels will become an item. I too find myself didn't reject that idea, even though I still prefer Illium and Aodhan's bromance. It just their bromance is MORE, compared to Raphael and Dmitri, lol. But with happen in the aftermath, I wonder if maybe they will not for each other, but the friendship and the brotherhood is of course still remain. Illium already get full of his hand, with what happen to the Hummingbird and his father, Aegaeon. Talk about Aegaeon, wow, he's of course an asshole. It will be interesting to read when Singh will write about the first time Hummingbird and Aegeaon met, also Hummimgbird once said she won the race from Aegaeon. As for Aodhan, he just become a temporary second for Suyin, yet, I catch any hints that maybe Singh will paired her with Aodhan. Personally, I prefer Suyin with Illium, IF Singh decide that Illium and Aodhan will not be a pair. Illium's personaly are contrast to Suyin's, maybe that's what Suyin need. - Suyin: I admit, I peeked into the ending of Archangel's War before read it, and reading about a new archangel. A little bad habit of mine, lol. At first I wondering who will ascend into archangel, and because I read "she", the new archangel is of course will be female. At first I think it will be Mahiya or Andromeda. Of course it was unlikely, because both of them is still young in term of angelkind. Then I think maybe Nimra, yet Nimra is still not in her thousand year old. Maybe it will be Hannah, then hers will be another archangel pairing with Elijah, but imagine how their relationship will changed. I kinda dreaded that if Singh will be write about Tasha's ascension, that of course, NOOOOO, lol. I never expect that it will be Suyin. But, I get impression that Singh ascend Suyin into the archangelhood, because of what happen to Lijuan. Suyin might be the most innocent archangel in Cadre, but the Cadre itself after the war is not what its seems when its first introduced. With Suyin ascension, even though she still untrained, its seems that Raphael still hold the title of youngest angel to ascend. - Qin: Qin is another sleepers that wake before his time, yet its hinted that he and Cassandra was once a lover and they still hold feeling to each other, unlike Alexander that still fight his attraction to Zanaya. Qin also have some melancholy feeling of him, although he too, is an archangel with power. Qin said that he will become Cadre, even though he doesn't want to life in the world without Cassandra, and waiting for a new archangel to replace him. It will be interesting to see who Archangel that will replace Qin. My bet is..it will be Illium, lol (hide spoiler)] And well..this review is already LONG and plenty of spoiler. Apologies for the spoilers XD. I already put them in spoiler tag, but kindly remind me if there's some spoiler that I missed put in tag. I just.. I'm so OVERWHELMED, and so HAPPY, its make me write many more, lol. Guild Hunter will always be my favorite, Elena and Raphael will always be a couple that I adored and Singh's writing again remind me why she is one of my favorite authors to date! :) Initial reaction below. I DO have a patience!: Already have Archangel's Prophecy and read about the cliffie ending on people reviews (sometimes I really hate spoilers, lol!), I decide to wait for Archangel's War release so I can read the books back to back. Well...I sure have patience to wait for 9-10 months later (or not :P) ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 30, 2019
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Dec 31, 2019
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Jan 16, 2019
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 4.12
| 1,116
| Sep 11, 2018
| Sep 11, 2018
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really liked it
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4 stars With each new installment, McMaster keep getting better in storytelling and character development, and its shown in her newest in Legend of t 4 stars With each new installment, McMaster keep getting better in storytelling and character development, and its shown in her newest in Legend of the Storm series, Clash of Storms. Reader got a glimpse to both H/h, Sirius Blackfrost and Malin from the previous book, Storms of Desire. Sirius is Ardis's betrothed, a dreki with moniker Blackfrost, believed to have tremendous power and black heart as well. Malin is Ardis's handmaiden, and she have all the reasons to hate Sirius, since he want to mated with Ardis to secure his throne. Unbeknown to her, Malin is Sirius's True Flame, his mate. And why, Fate is a vicious bitch sometimes because Malin is also a drekling, a union between dreki and human, considered as abomination by dreki alike. Sirius didn't care that Malin is drekling, his dreki want her. However, the obstacles are great, since Sirius's father despise all drekling and so Sirius must keep his feeling to himself, even accept all that hatred from Malin. So, the early part (like 20 chapters or more) of Clash of Storms happen in the same timeline with Storms of Desire, so reader must read the previous books first. I read Storms of Desire in early year but my mind kinda fuzzy, so read this book refresh some of the story. I did feel that Malin is too hot headed, but I enjoy her banter with Sirius. I'm a sucker for a hero that try to hide his feeling after all! Like Haakon, I like Sirius more compared than Rurik, because Sirius have so many sides about him. He's a true anti hero (and anti hero is my catnip!), but when he finally made up his choice, he become his true self, no longer try to deny his destiny. I liked how Malin also got some nice development too, how her perception about Sirius is wrong and she try to amend it. She also finally come true to her power as dreki. I always love a story when the characters, despite facing so many odds, always try to work it out to achieve his/her happy ending. Plot-wise, McMaster kinda conclude the first arc of the war between Rurik and villainous mother, Queen Amadea, with Sirius become a important character that help Rurik. McMaster also revealed the truth behind Rurik's father dead, a hints about Freyja - Rurik's mate-'s identity that keep become mystery from the first book, and some hints about elf (maybe they will appear someday). She also teased the hero for the next book, that I believe is...Tormund! I want to read a humorous hero for once, and I hope McMaster give him justice, also I can't wait to know his heroine (maybe Elin, Malin's sister?). The epilogue is kinda cliffhanger-ish and foreshadow that the problem in dreki world still not end yet. McMaster is one of my autobuy author, and Legend of the Storm is another of her series that I liked. Sure that I detect some typos in this book, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. Just give it a try, guys! :) ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 25, 2018
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Oct 27, 2018
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Oct 25, 2018
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ebook
| |||||||||||||||||
| 602045830X
| 9786020458304
| 602045830X
| 3.98
| 47
| Jul 16, 2018
| Jul 16, 2018
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really liked it
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4 bintang At first I almost cried during the preface, because the pain that I thought already go away, rushed come back. In the end, I can't hold my 4 bintang At first I almost cried during the preface, because the pain that I thought already go away, rushed come back. In the end, I can't hold my tears back, because I can feel Hera's happiness when her boy finally born. Mungkin ini akan jadi curhat, but hey, kapan Ren ga curhat pas nulis review apalagi kalau isi bukunya sangat berkaitan dengan pengalaman pribadinya :)). Gue dan misua sudah nikah selama 5 tahun dan selama itu juga kami belum dikaruniai anak. Adik gue yang nikahnya hanya selang 6 bulan saat ini sudah punya anak kembar, yang gue sayang banget dan tiap gue ke Malang selalu gue cari - cari. Lingkungan kantor gue rata - rata karyawan wanitanya adalah mahmud abas (mamah muda anak baru satu), atau anaknya sudah dua (bahkan tiga). Lingkungan rumah gue yang baru di Depok juga sama, anak - anak tetangga rata - rata sudah berumur 3 atau 4 tahun. Gue ngebatin "kalau gue dulu hamil langsung setelah nikah, mungkin anak gue seumuran mereka." Butuh waktu bertahun - tahun bagi gue untuk menata hati dan merasa ikhlas tiap melihat teman atau saudara yang baru punya anak dan mendengarkan cerita teman tentang anak - anak mereka. Gue dulu NANGIS ga karuan saat tahu adik gue melahirkan. Gue nangis bukan karena adik gue yang saat itu melahirkan premature bisa melahirkan dengan selamat, gue menangisi diri sendiri dan merasa GAGAL jadi perempuan. Apakah berhenti sampai ini? Oh tentu saja tidak :)). Membaca kata pengantar dari Hera, keputusannya dan suaminya untuk child-free selama 10 tahun dan mendapat tekanan dari masyarakat mau ga mau bikin gue menitikkan air mata sekaligus merasa geram. I've been there! Gue yang ga bilang "udahlah mau child free aja", sudah mendapat judgment dari lingkungan sekitar. Mulai dari teman yang nyuruh ngurusin badan, nyuruh ke klinik ini itu, dan keluarga yang juga berkomentar sama. But the most hurtful words come from my own sister who said "Mbak, kamu itu niat hamil atau ngga sih??". And to think that yesterday I just defend her from my sotoy friend that said "ngelahirin normal itu lebih baik daripada C-section!". Sayang ya, kita ga bisa putus hubungan keluarga, because blood is still blood. Membaca graphic novel ini membuat gue ngerti bahwa gue toh tak sendirian. Bahwa kehamilan pada usia tua pun...it's not bad. Hera sendiri bilang jika Nicole Kidman punya anak pertamanya di usia 41, jadi kenapa gue harus takut ya :)). Karena gue baca ini di GD, gue mutusin untuk ntar beli versi fisiknya dan nunjukin ke misua gue, that's well, with or without children, everything will be alright. Congrats for your little family, Hera! Ditunggu graphic novel yang nyeritain pas masa - masa parenthoodnya :D. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 27, 2018
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Jul 27, 2018
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Jul 26, 2018
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 6024528825
| 9786024528829
| 6024528825
| 3.70
| 239
| unknown
| Feb 26, 2018
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it was amazing
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5 bintang Setelah sekian lama gue reading slump, pas baca buku, yang dibaca malah buku motivasi kayak gini, wkwkwkwk XD. Jujur, gue selama ini ga suk 5 bintang Setelah sekian lama gue reading slump, pas baca buku, yang dibaca malah buku motivasi kayak gini, wkwkwkwk XD. Jujur, gue selama ini ga suka baca buku motivasi ala - ala Mar*o Teg*h yang menurut gue jual mimpi banget atau "omdo" aja loe (yang terbukti, doski cuma omdo :)) ), atau yang gimana biar kita cepat kaya (maen saham salah satunya. Duh gue ga paham saham!) atau biar hidup kita tidak depresi berkelanjutan (ni orang - orang kayak tau apasiyyy??) atau yang model - model chicken soup :P. Anyway, bukan berarti gue ga ada masalah ya. Salah satu masalah terbesar gue saat ini, yang gue juga tahu banyak kaum cewe yang merasa, adalah...gue overweight. Alias udah gemuk banget dan dah tahap mengkhawatirkan. Banyak yang ga percaya kalau gue bilang pas jaman kuliah ma sebelum kerja, BB gue ga pernah diatas 50 kg. Paling mentok ya 55 kg-an. Gue dulu termasuk yang jaga BB di bawah 50 kg karena gue ikut taekwondo dan gue sering diikutin kejuaraan dimana kelas bertanding gue adalah kelas paling ringan. Selain itu, gue masih hidup ma ortu, yang mana makan masih kekontrol dan gue kismin karena jatah uang saku cuma 200rb per bulan yang abis buat beli bensin ma pinjem novel di taman bacaan(kalau sekarang, segitu bisa hidup apa? Lol!). Semua itu berubah sejak gue pindah ke Jakarta, punya duit sendiri dan makanan di Jakarta super enak plus gue semacam kalap makannya. Sedih dikit? Makan. Senang banget? Makan. Stress gara - gara kerjaan? Makan. Abis lemburan dan puyeng kepala? Rewardnya? Makan. Abis dapat bonus? Makan, makaaaan (ala iklan S*sro). Ditambah dengan pola gaya hidup gue yang cuma duduk tidur duduk tidur makan, lengkap sudah semua lemak ini bersarang di badan gue. Pas nikah, BB gue udah masuk angka 63 dan gue juga merasa gue gemuk banget di foto kawinan. Setelah itu gue banyak LDR ma misua yang harus dinas di lapangan, dan BB gue melesat. Sampe tembus angka 80 kg *facepalm* Apa terus gue ga diet? Gue diet, serius. Tapi layaknya orang yang suka telan mentah - mentah, gue udah nyoba segala macam diet. Mulai diet pake susu merek WRP, Herbalife, bahkan sempat nekad minum pil pelangsing. Gue juga pernah zumba. Hasilnya? Turun sih...tapi naeknya juga pesat banget. Istilahnya sih yo-yo diet. Gue bahkan daftar ngegym dan nyewa PT. Tapi itu juga karena gue sempat banyak kerjaan, PTnya jadi ga guna, plus doski diem aja kalau gue bolos latihan. Udah putus asa kah? Jujurly, iya sih. Gue sampe browsing2 cari metode diet ma olahraga yang pas ma gue. Dan...-oke, cukup tentang latar belakang gue (yang gue ceritain panjang banget, hahaha)- untungnya temen gue minjemin gue buku ini. Bukan Buku Diet ini benernya beberapa bagiannya udah ditulis di blognya Alvin, yang tentu aja diedit sedemikian rupa, karena tulisan aslinya Alvin itu menurut gue agak kurang rapi. Tapi kalau masalah memotivasi? Gue akuin doski juara dan gue mau ga mau kepengaruh ma omongan dia. Gue bisa nangkep kalau doski emang tulus bagi - bagi ilmunya. Pengalaman gue sama dua PT yang lagi gue jalanin di gym saat ini, mereka itu lebih fokus ke jualan ketimbang ngajarin gue. Akhirnya ilmunya jadi cuma separuh - separuh, dan ya biar gue ketergantungan ma mereka juga biar perpanjang sesi ma PT terus. Kalau satu sesi yang isinya 20x latihan cuma 1-2 jt, gue sih ga masalah. Ini masalahnya harganya sampai 6 jt lebih. Jadinya malah buang - buang duit, dan gue masih nyesel sampe sekarang, hiks. Disinilah kenapa gue seneng baca buku ini. Alvin know what he wrote, dengan klaimnya yang udah 8 tahun lebih di dunia fitness, plus dia juga kasih sertifikat doski di webnya. Jadi, gue tahu kalau dia emang expert, tapi ga pelit bagi ilmu. Di buku ini, benernya banyak meluruskan mitos- mitos dunia olahraga dan gizi, yang bikin banyak orang (termasuk gue) salah kaprah. Salah dua yang paling oke, adalah masalah makan malam dan kalau cewe kebanyakan olahraga angkat beban apa bakal bikin kekar. Yang masalah makan malam, Alvin malah nyuruh kita makan, bukannya ga makan. Karena benernya makan malam pun ga masalah, asal ya ga berlebihan. Yang penting kalori yang masuk itu terkontrol. Makanya penting buat kita tahu berapa asupan kalori yang kita butuhkan buat hariannya. Ada yang bilang kalau cewe cuma butuh 1400 kalori doang dan mesti makannya cuma 800-1000 kalori. Padahal guys, guys, sekarang banyak lho kalkulator kalori di inet. Loe bisa hitung kalori loe berapa, sesuai dengan umur, tinggi badan ma level aktifitas loe. Kebutuhan kalori gue, pas gue hitung ternyata 1700 kalori! Banyak banget Ren? Ya iya, karena BB gue di angka 70an dan gue termasuk yang aktif olahraga akhir - akhir ini. Selama makan harian gue ga lebih dari 1700 kalori (atau bahkan kurang dari itu), gue ga masalah makan malam. Terus kenapa ada yang bilang makan malam bikin gemuk? Ya, kalau loe tiap hari abis makan langsung tidur, siapa juga kagak gemuk, yekan? Hehe :P. Yang kedua, kalau banyak latihan angkat beban, cewe bakal kekar kayak model - model ade rai atau para binaragawati. Dalam hal ini, baik PT gue sendiri maupun Alvin, pendapatnya sama. Cewe ga BAKALAN JADI KEKAR. Why? Karena hormon kita beda ma cowo. Disini Alvin juga jelasin kalau cowo yang notabene hormon testosteronenya banyak aja juga susah ngebentuk massa otot. Apalagi cewe, yekan? Paling banter ya kita bakal sexy doang, dengan latihan yang tepat yah? Jadi ga usah takut angkat beban. Lagian, sering banget orang salah kaprah dengan yang dimaksud latihan angkat beban (bahasa kerennya sih bodyweight). Mikirnya kan angkat beban itu, ya angkat barbel, dumbbel dsb dst. Padahal, loe bisa angkat beban pake badan loe sendiri! Model - model olahraga kayak sit up, squat, burpees, push up dll, itu bukan cardio guys! Itu angkat beban, wkwkwkw. Cardio itu ya kalau loe lari, sepedaan, renang, skipping,aerobik, dll. Kalau kita mau nurunin berat badan, ya ga cuma kardio aja, mesti diimbangi angkat beban, dan angkat beban itu ga harus pake barbel dll. Dan tenang, yang cewe ga bakal jadi kekar, kecuali kita pake suplemen atau disuntik steroid. Alvin juga jelasin, kalau kita mau ngilangin lemak, kita ga bisa nargetin ngilangin lemak di bagian mana, karena lemak itu satu kesatuan. Di buku ini, doski nekanin banget masalah proses, and honestly, that's another aspect that I love from him. Alvin jelasin kalau turun berat badan udah 2 kg sebulan itu udah bagus banget, jadi ga usah ekstrim - ekstrim dietnya. Doski juga jelasin pola makan yang bener gimana, apa yang mesti dihindari atau dikurangi. Benernya, apa yang Alvin jelasin juga banyak sih di artikel - artikel internet, but read it from the expert itself is different. Doski ga jual mimpi yang muluk - muluk and simply just motivate his reader. Terserah kita mau ngikut apa kata dia atau engga. Menurut gue, walaupun kalian ga lagi pengen nurunin berat badan atau mau naikin, baca buku ini mayan kasih insight masalah kesehatan dan gizi in general. Plus juga ngelurusin banyak mitos - mitos kesehatan yang suka bikin salah kaprah. Kalau mau baca - baca lebih banyak lagi tips kesehatan dan olahraga dari Alvin, bisa baca di blognya yang The Famous Fitness atau ke IGnya. Gue tertarik sih nyoba kateringnya, tapi kok agak mahal di kantong gue, lol. Benernya gue juga tertarik ma personal workout plan + meal plannya Alvin yang doski banderol cuma 1,3 juta. Itu, menurut gue MURAH BANGET guys, kalau dibandingin ma plan - plan serupa lainnya, kayak misal BBGnya Kayla Itsiness atau FIITnya Cassey Ho yang kalau ditotal bisa 3 jeti sendiri. Cuma gue masih agak trauma gara - gara abis duit banyak buat PT, so maybe, next time kali ya XD. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Apr 13, 2018
not set
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Apr 14, 2018
Mar 2018
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Apr 15, 2018
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Paperback
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Ren Puspita
>
Books:
favorite
(150)
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my rating |
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| 4.40
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it was amazing
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May 25, 2024
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Jul 24, 2023
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| 4.70
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it was amazing
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Aug 13, 2024
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Jun 13, 2023
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| 3.99
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it was amazing
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Jan 29, 2024
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May 26, 2023
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| 4.27
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it was amazing
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Mar 31, 2024
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Sep 22, 2022
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| 4.41
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it was amazing
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Feb 07, 2023
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Jun 07, 2022
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| 3.86
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it was amazing
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Jul 2023
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Dec 13, 2021
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| 4.00
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it was amazing
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Jan 30, 2022
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Dec 13, 2021
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| 4.32
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it was amazing
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Feb 06, 2022
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Sep 14, 2021
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| 4.43
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it was amazing
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Sep 03, 2022
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Sep 24, 2020
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| 4.41
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really liked it
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Dec 05, 2020
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Mar 11, 2020
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| 4.50
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it was amazing
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Apr 19, 2023
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Jan 08, 2020
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| 4.46
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it was amazing
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Sep 02, 2022
Aug 25, 2020
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Dec 20, 2019
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| 4.46
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it was amazing
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Oct 18, 2019
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Oct 20, 2019
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| 4.39
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it was amazing
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Apr 13, 2023
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Sep 11, 2019
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| 4.25
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it was amazing
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Apr 19, 2019
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Apr 15, 2019
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| 4.16
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it was amazing
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Feb 09, 2019
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Feb 08, 2019
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| 4.49
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it was amazing
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Dec 31, 2019
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Jan 16, 2019
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| 4.12
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really liked it
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Oct 27, 2018
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Oct 25, 2018
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| 3.98
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really liked it
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Jul 27, 2018
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Jul 26, 2018
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| 3.70
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it was amazing
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Apr 14, 2018
Mar 2018
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Apr 15, 2018
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