Melody's Reading Corner: January 2017

Melody

Thorndike Press | 2016 | 475 pgs

Source: Library

[The cover above is a large print edition.]

Megan Abbott's You Will Know Me is a taut suspenseful thriller which will make you think about a few family issues and what it takes to pursue one's dream.

When Devon Knox was three, she had a foot injury but that didn't stop her parents from enrolling her in gymnastics programs thereafter. In fact, they think gymnastics might help her with better balancing and control of her right foot; the one which she had had an accident with a lawn mower when she was three. Whether it's talent or fierce determination, Devon is extraordinary when it comes to gymnastics and her achievements make her parents and the close-knit gymnastics community proud. Devon's father even goes extra miles to raise funds. Many young gymnasts' mothers will also support one another and do whatever they could help. For the Knoxes, they are no limits when Devon is concerned until a violent death rocks their gymnastics community.

Ryan Beck is the boyfriend of Hailey, who is Devon's coach's niece. Ryan is believed to suffer from a fatal head and neck injuries when the car hit him. There isn't any skid marks on the road and the police believes it might be an attempted murder. Unfortunately, there are no clues considering it was dark and there aren't any witnesses. Hailey is devastated over his death and no one knew what happened between them as they were seen together in a restaurant the night he died. As rumours swirl among the community, Katie Knox tries to hold her family together while also finding herself drawn to the crime itself. When the truth is finally revealed, it hit not only to the Knoxes but to the readers as well.

You Will Know Me is a brilliant thriller. As this story revolves around gymnastics, I found myself learning more about this sport than before and it was an eye-opener to me. Balance, flexibility, agility, endurance and control - these are some of the things a gymnast has to exercise to perfect those glorious movements and I could imagine how tough these may seem just by reading the book. Aside from the suspense, this story is also thought-provoking in a sense that makes you wonder how much some parents would do to achieve their children's dreams and hold tightly onto them.

Megan Abbott's writing style is addicting and though I may not like most of the characters in this book, my curiosity and the intensity of the story pushed me to finish this book quickly. Until that final page I still found myself lingering on some of the issues and how weighty they all seemed to be. Recommended.

© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 12 comments |

Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern

Melody

HarperCollins | November 2016 | 432 pgs

Source: Library

Cecelia Ahern's latest release, Lyrebird, is a story about humans' connections and how one moment could change everything.

Bo and Solomon, together with Rachel, work as a team for their documentary makings. Bo is the main person who produces and coordinates for all the filming, Solomon is the sound recordist while Rachel is the one behind the camera. Bo and Solomon are together as a couple for two years; and the trio are still elated over the awards they've won for their previous documentary on The Toolin Twins, featuring two seventy-plus old men living simply in an isolated part of the Cork countryside. What makes the brothers so special is they live and work together all their lives; they work in harsh conditions and rarely leave the land. Neither of them have ever had a romantic relationship with a woman; they are contented to have each other until the death of their lives.

After the success of the documentary, Bo and her two crew think they would be leaving the Toolin twins for good until they received the passing of one of the twins, Tom. Out of respect, the trio visited the isolated countryside once again to attend Tom's funeral and this is when Solomon met Laura; an extraordinary young woman who possess the talent of mimicking any sound she comes across. Laura is also fascinated by Solomon's calm and gentle demeanour and his presence is the only thing that comforts her amongst the strangers who set foot on their land. While Solomon is being careful around Laura, Bo on the other hand is excited about Laura's ability and wants her to be in her next documentary show. Thus, giving her the nickname 'Lyrebird'.

Laura is skeptical and anxious at first, but she quickly pulled from her peaceful, solidarity life to the cacophony of Dublin; a city life which both fascinates and scares her at the same time. Fame took her by storm after millions have watched and liked her performance, but fame could also turn one's life upside down without knowingly.

Lyrebird was a refreshing read to me; after all it's been a long while since I've read a fiction like Cecelia Ahern's. I enjoyed reading the first part where I got to learn more about Laura, as well as her interactions with the documentary trio, in particularly Solomon. There's obviously some sparks between Laura and Solomon right from the beginning. Laura's past was a puzzle and it was good to see how she's grown and how things have finally fell into place towards the end. Initially I wasn't sure how I felt about this book; for the story seemed to take a turn after Laura's fame and suddenly most characters seemed to take on a self-centered characteristics. However, my doubts are short-lived as the story picked up its momentum once again and I even felt it moving in the end. Lyrebird was a fine story but I was more engaged by the characters, such as Laura and Solomon.

[Click here for more information of the real lyrebird]

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

Drama Review: Goblin (孤單又燦爛的神 - 鬼怪)

Melody

The writer of Descendants of the Sun (Kim Eun-Sook) penned a new story and in this latest drama (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) it revolves around a goblin (protector of souls) and a grim reaper.

Set between ancient Goryeo Dynasty and present time, this is a story about love, friendship, retribution and redemption.

During Goryeo time, General Kim Shin (starring Gong Yoo) was an unbeatable warrior and had won many battles. However the young King was insecure and jealous so he had Kim Shin killed after he returned to court after his victory. Kim Shin became a goblin who has an immortal life.

900 years later and back to present, Kim Shin is still waiting for a human bride to end his immortal life, which he learnt it is more of a curse than a blessing. One night he saved a pregnant woman who was destined to die. She later gave birth to a baby girl whom she named Ji Eun-Tak (starring Kim Go-Eun). On the day her mother passed Eun-Tak met the grim reaper (starring Lee Dong-Wook) right away she knew she was different from other human beings, aside from her ability to see ghosts.

Now a high school student, Eun-Tak lives with her aunt but she is ill treated by her family. She still sees ghosts and hears their whisper of "goblin's bride" but has no idea what's everything about. On the day of her birthday Kim Shin appears in front of her after she has blown out the candles on her birthday cake. None of them understands why but Kim Shin later finds out that Eun-Tak could summon him whenever she blows off a light. Is she his destined bride?

On the other end, the grim reaper couldn't rest his mind since the day he met Sunny, a beautiful young woman (starring Yoo In-na) when their attention fell on a green jade ring simultaneously. None of them couldn't understand the draw they feel towards each other; the grim reaper is the most affected as he always feel a sorrowful ache whenever he sees her. What is the secret past surrounding them?

Writer Kim Eun-Sook has once again delivered another stellar work after the success of Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), which had taken the K-dramas world by storm. This time around she has wowed viewers with her two extraordinary heroes; both whom I felt possessed the same superhero quality as in Captain Yoo Si-jin (starring Song Joong-ki) in DOTS. Kim Shin is a true hero in many ways, from his warrior form to the present wealthy man he is ever the protector who watches over his loved ones (his younger sister and Eun-Tak). Like in DOTS, Ms Kim showed us the male friendship between two of her male leads. While Captain Yoo and Sergeant Major Seo are both loyal friends and comrade in arms in DOTS, we see the similar friendship between the goblin and the grim reaper although they have a lot of differences when their life and destiny are concerned.

(Grim reaper and Goblin)

And of course we can't miss out the romances. No matter if it's Kim Shin and Eun-Tak or the grim reaper and his loved one, their scenes are often filled with sweet tender moments despite they could be sorrowful at times. I also loved it that some shots are taken in Canada; the autumn setting and the scenic places left me in awe.

(Eun-Tak and Kim Shin)

(Sunny and Grim reaper)

Am I surprised with the ending? Yes and no. Truth be told, I was quite taken aback by some scenes in the last episode but knowing this is Ms Kim's work I knew she would not disappoint.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Drama review, Fantasy, Korean drama, Romance 2 comments |

Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | November 2016 | 448 pgs

Source: Library

Den of Wolves, the third book of Marillier's Blackthorn and Grim series, tells a mystical tale of more perilous tasks Blackthorn and Grim have to face; this time around the mystery surrounding a fifteen-year-old girl, Cara, and the place she lives called Wolf Glen.

When Lady Flidais, princess of Dalriada approaches Blackthorn and ask if she could assist in taking care of Cara, daughter of landholder at Wolf Glen, Blackthorn thinks it a little unusual, considering the family is well connected and that there will doubtless be a personal maid and maidservants to wait on her and guide her some modicum of social awareness, considering Cara is a simple girl at heart, with her mind only on nature and birds. But that is not all, Cara's father requires the help of Grim to build a heartwood house. Together with a builder named Bardán, they are to build the house as quickly and discreetly as possible. Now Grim and Blackthorn aren't sure of Cara's father's agenda, but based on what Grim had heard, Bardán had been taught the skills of building a heartwood house by his father who is believed to have grown up in the Otherworld and become a craftsman of almost uncanny talents. There are also rumours that Bardán had a half-fey mother. There is also an old tale that said a heartwood house conferred a whole range of blessings, as long as it was built the right way.

Perhaps it is the final book of the series (hopefully there's more!), Den of Wolves covers a lot of issues which had me thinking and feeling the emotions some of the characters had gone through. It was a book full of hearts, full of loyalty and righteousness that I couldn't help but to be swept away by this enchanting tale; and not to mention that close bond between Blackthorn and Grim. Blackthorn's justice towards her sworn enemy, Mathuin of Laois, concluded this series beautifully and despite everything is wrapped up with a big red bow I wasn't ready to see this series end. Blackthorn and Grim had both come a long way to where they are now and I felt connected to them considering I'd been reading this series consecutively. Highly recommended if you love a good fantasy and compelling protagonists.

Related links:
Dreamer's Pool (Book 1)
Tower of Thorns (Book 2)
(Each book works as a stand-alone though it's recommended to read them in order.)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy 6 comments |

Drama Review: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (舉重妖精金福珠)

Melody

Do not let that title mislead you. The title may sound something out of a fairy tale but there's no magical element here but a feisty protagonist who goes out of her way to pursue her gold medal dreams and finding love at the same time.

Kim Bok Joo (starring Lee Sung-kyung) is a college athlete major in weightlifting. Living with her father and uncle who run a chicken restaurant together, Bok Joo's life is simple and although she feels well-loved by her family and friends, she is actually a shy girl and hides her insecurities behind her strong exterior.

Jung Joon-hyung (starring Nam Joo-hyuk) is childhood friends with Bok Joo. He is a talented swimmer but his traumatic past haunts him. As a result, his confidence dips and it is through Bok Joo's encouragements that he begins to find his dreams again. Joon-hyung's ex-girlfriend, Song Shi-ho (starring Kyung Soo-jin) is a supporting role portraying as an overachiever rhythmic gymnast. Although she has broken up with Joon-hyung, she wants him back while juggling to uphold her position as a top-class gymnast.

Bok Joo has finally met Jung Jae-yi (starring Lee Jae-yoon), a guy she likes but alas he is an obesity doctor. While Bok Joo is encouraged to put on weight by her coach for her upcoming tournaments, she is also trying to lose weight through Jae-yi's consultations so she could see him and impress him. But Jae-yi treats her merely as a friend, and it is also at this time that Bok Joo begins to realise that he is also Joon-hyung's cousin.

(Joon-hyung and Bok Joo)

This is a great coming-of-age story, filled with inspirations and dreams. It also show cast what a sportsman's life is and what it takes to attain their goals. There are both funny moments and sad moments, and what I enjoyed most is seeing each character faces their challenges and how the process has changed them and mould them into a better person. Cheesy or not, such scenes never fail to move me and in the end I found myself rooting for them and cheering them on. I also like the sweet moments between Bok Joo and Joon-hyung; their relationship reminds me how lovely it is to be young and carefree. Oh, those were the days.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Drama review, Korean drama, Romantic Comedy 2 comments |

Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | October 2016 | 416 pgs

Source: Library

This second book of Blackthorn and Grim's series continues with more adventures and turmoil the two protagonists have to meet before fulfilling their wishes of attaining freedom.

Blackthorn and Grim, after helping Prince Oran unravelling the mystery surrounding Lady Flidais in the first book (Dreamer's Pool), once again find themselves entwined in another mystery which requires more of their courage and intellect. When Lady Geiléis, a noblewoman from the northern border, travelled to Winterfalls to seek assistance from Prince Oran, Blackthorn and Grim knew they would be involved in helping to solve Lady Geiléis' problems; after all it revolves around a howling monster from an old tower and who knows lore better other than Blackthorn? And being Blackthorn's travelling companion and comrade since they'd long gotten out from a dark place, Grim wouldn't want to go anywhere without Blackthorn. No, they aren't lovers but what they'd gone through is far too precious to be complicated by romantic love.

And after hearing Lady Geiléis' tale about a howling creature residing in the Tower of Thorns on her land, Blackthorn knew expelling it wouldn't be an easy feat, especially if Lady Geiléis' land is being cursed by an ancient fey and that they've only one chance to do it right - by performing a cleansing ritual on the Midsummer Eve. But that is not all, Blackthorn soon meets up with her childhood friend, who claims they could travel south together to defeat Mathuin, who is Blackthorn's long sworn enemy but is she ready to turn her back against her fey benefactor, Conmael, who has once given her a chance to live, even if she is duty bound to him and promised that she would seek no vengeance and do the good?

Tower of Thorns is so much better than Dreamer's Pool, with twice the peril and implications between the characters to cause doubts and betrayal towards one another. I liked the two protagonists; and I found myself liking Grim more in this installment. This book has enough myth and magic to fill readers' imaginations, in particularly the tower of thorns, which reminded me a few fairy tales of towers and trapped princesses, though this is anything but.

The story is told from Blackthorn's and Grim's first person narrative and Lady Geiléis' third person. Perhaps for this reason, I didn't feel much connection towards Lady Geiléis but due to the plot and some secrets I could easily understand why. Tower of Thorns was an engaging read; and I'm glad I've the next few book, Den of Wolves, in hand.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy 2 comments |

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | November 2015 | 464 pp

Source: Library

Dreamer's Pool is the first book of Blackthorn and Grim's series, featuring a pair of ex-prisoners of Mathuin, who is chieftain of Laois in northern Laigin. Mathuin is known to be cold and ruthless and an abuser to women. Blackthorn used to be a healer way before her family had perished under Mathuin's hands and she was held prisoner thereafter. She knew Grim when they were kept behind bars in Mathuin's dark place; although they hardly talk they have kinda formed a bond through each other's company.

When Conmael, a fey nobleman visited Blackthorn and told her he could help her to get out of that dark place, in exchange for her vow to to set aside her bid for vengeance against Mathuin and live in Winterfalls in Dalriada, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help. Blackthorn is skeptical at first but what more could she lose? Together with Grim, they travel to Dreamer's Wood and found their "home" there.

Oran is the crown prince of Dalriada and he is waiting for the arrival of Lady Flidais, who is to be his future bride. However, Oran has never met Lady Flidais in person and only knows her from a portrait, though they have corresponded through letters and somewhat knew each other sentiments through words. Lady Flidais finally arrives in Winterfalls, but she is not the woman whom Oran thinks she is. Although Lady Flidais' appearance resembles her portrait, her behaviour and speech prove otherwise. And with their marriage date drawing near, Oran is anxious and puzzled about Lady Flidais' mysterious temperament. He has heard from the community that Blackthorn is a wise woman and his people at Winterfalls seek her help be it medicinal or other matters. Oran decides Blackthorn might be the person he's looking for to unravel this mystery and Blackthorn knows she couldn't say no to his request, duty bound or not as the need to right the wrongs is too great. Together with Grim, Blackthorn will seek all the resources they can get and with or without magic, they will find the answer to Oran's quest even if it means facing their own personal demons.

Dreamer's Pool is one enchanting read. Filled with some folklore and mythology, Juliet Marillier has spun an unforgettable tale about family bonds and friendship, as well as courage and ingenuity to set things right. Blackthorn and Grim are both engaging characters, in particularly Grim, as he often plays the protector role and his characteristic shone throughout the story. A man of few words, Grim surprised me with his insightful views at times. Blackthorn is an intriguing character, but given her past history she is a little bitter and has this furious need to seek vengeance against Mathuin but given she is duty bound by Conmael, she gets on with her life day by day while waiting for the day for freedom to come. Told from three perspectives - Blackthorn, Grim and Oran, this allows readers to understand more of their inner thoughts. Despite a fantasy, there is a little mystery to this book and I liked how things are neatly wrapped up towards the end (the mystery that is, not Blackthorn's justice towards Mathuin though I'd be interested to see how it would solve in the end), thus it could read as a standalone.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Fantasy 7 comments |

Books Read in 2017

Melody

Here is a list of books I read in 2017. They are sorted in alphabetical order by the authors' last name.

A
Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern
You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
Dare Me by Megan Abbott
The Watcher by Ross Armstrong
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

B
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
The Child by Fiona Barton
The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty
Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
Lovemurder by Saul Black
Little Black Lies by Sandra Block
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Tangled Webs by Lee Bross
This Is Not Over by Holly Brown
Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown

C
It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
Dragon Springs Road by Janie Chang
First Apple by Ching Yeung Russell
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
All by Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
Rattle by Fiona Cummins

D
The Girl Before by JP Delaney
Summit Lake by Charlie Donlea
The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea
The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn

E
You'll Never Know, Dear by Hallie Ephron

F
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
The River at Night Erica Ferencik

G
Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner
Valley of the Moon by Melanie Gideon
The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths
Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf
Nine Continents: A Memoir In and Out of China by Xiaolu Guo

H
Between You and Me by Lisa Hall
The Dry by Jane Harper
Lies She Told by Cate Holahan
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

J
The Thing About Love by Julie James
In Her Wake by Amanda Jennings

K
He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly
Small Hours by Jennifer Kitses
The Cutaway by Christina Kovac
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica
Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica
Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka

M
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Odd Child Out by Gilly MacMillan
Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier
A Quiet Place by Seicho Matsumoto
Spliced by Jon McGoran
Hidden by Catherine Mckenzie
Burntown by Jennifer McMahon
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia
A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
The Poison Artist by Jonathan Moore
The Dark Room by Jonathan Moore
The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy

N
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent

P
The Breakdown by B A Paris
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
The Romance Reader's Guide to Life by Sharon Pywell

R
The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

S
Final Girls by Riley Sager
The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
Follow Me Down by Sherri Smith
Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra
An Inquiry into Love and Death by Simone St. James
Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler
The New Neighbor by Leah Stewart
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

T
Tangled Up in Tinsel by Candis Terry
How Will I Know You? by Jessica Treadway

W
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
Death Wears a Mask by Ashley Weaver
A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver

Y
The Lost Girls by Heather Young

Labels: Reading History 0 comments |

First Book of the Year: First Apple by Ching Yeung Russell

Melody

Boyds Mills Press, Inc | 1994 | 127 pgs

Source: Library

Illustrated by Christopher Zhong Yuan Zhang

My "First Book of the Year" is a Children's Literature written by Ching Yeung Russell. It was a meaningful story about a poor young girl's various attempts of fulfilling her grandmother's childhood dreams and what she did would inspire both young and older readers alike.

Nine-year-old Yeung Ying lives with her cousins' family ever since her parents left her with them when she was five. Being the only Yeung in Chan's Village of a small town of Tai Kong, China, Yeung Ying is merely a simple-minded girl who is satisfied enough to have food in her stomach and a roof above her head. She is closest to her grandmother, whom she fondly called her "Ah Pau" (as in Cantonese pronunciation) and after knowing Ah Pau's childhood dreams is eating her first apple, she decided to buy one for her upcoming seventy-first birthday. Now apples are considered as a rich man's fruit back then in the 1940s and Yeung Ying has to find ways of earning money to buy that shiny red fruit as a present to Ah Pau.

As the story progresses, we see Yeung Ying going through all the troubles to earn sixteen cents for an apple. Through the course, we see her struggles, the mistakes she has made and what she has learned while making Ah Pau's (as well as hers) dreams come true. Truth be told, it was a simple story but yet it was touching and contains full of valuable traits that inspire readers to be filial, grateful, honest and most of all, not to be afraid of admitting your mistakes. I also loved it that this story details the everyday life of our young Yeung Yin and some of these descriptions are brought to life through Mr Christopher Zhang's lovely illustrations. Personally I felt this is a great book to be read together with your children and after closing this post I'm going to share it with my daughters.