Melody's Reading Corner

Melody

Bloomsbury Childrens | August 2012 | 432 pgs

Source: Purchased

I took a little break from thrillers featuring unlikeable and unreliable characters and dived into this YA fantasy series; a story about the journey and adventures of an eighteen-year-old girl who is trained as an assassin and has slaved at the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier until she is given a chance to win her freedom - to represent the Crown Prince of Adarlan in a to-the-death tournament. The winner will be the King's Champion and will abide by his orders for future (assassinating) missions.

Calaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most notorious assassin, and perhaps the greatest in all of Erilea. Calaena knows it's a lose-lose situation no matter which path she chose - it's too torturing working at the salt mines (she has some scars to prove) and she couldn't fathom the thoughts of serving the King who has ruined her country but at least she has the chance of gaining her freedom. And so there begins her training before the duel comes. During her time spent at the training, she gradually became friends with the Crown Prince, Dorian Havilliard, and the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. While the former loves teasing her, the latter is cold and calm though he is protective of her.

When the other competitors are a threat to her, especially a particular sly and arrogant soldier named Cain, Calaena soon realises that there is something dark and sinister which is the real threat, for her competitors ended up dead one by one and they all died gruesomely. No one knew how or why they were murdered but Calaena is certain of one thing, that some evil force is at work and she intends to find out the truth before she is the next target.

Although I am late in reading this series, I am not new to Sarah J. Maas' work; after all I enjoyed her Court of Thorns and Roses series and can't wait for the third installment to release next year. This first installment of the Throne of Glass series wowed me in many levels. The world building, the plot and the characterisation are all very well done. I enjoyed reading the interactions between Calaena, Dorian and Chaol. Calaena's friendship with Princess Nehemia was also an enjoyable read, as I felt Calaena needs some female companionship and a friend among all the alpha males even though she is not a weakling herself. No, I definitely think Calaena is far more superior when her skills are concerned and nothing could stop her since she has nothing to lose and with that strong dignity of hers. But that is not all, I also liked the idea of the Fae world and the magical element amid the political empire, despite the King banished and outlawed all traces of magic.

I can see why this series is so popular and makes a great fantasy series - the world building so well constructed by the author, the development of the core characters and finally that wonderful storytelling which had me glued to the pages from the beginning till the end. I can't wait to find out what's in store with the rest of this series.

© 2016 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: 5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult 12 comments |

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

Melody

Scholastic Inc | August 2015 | 224 pgs

Source: Purchased

The year is 1976, Pennsylvania. 10-year-old Sunny Lewin is supposed to spend her summer vacation with her family at a beach house, but there's some issue at home and she ended up flying down to Florida herself to live with her grandfather for the summer. She is disappointed at first, but thought Florida might be a fun place to visit, after all she could visit Disney World. But her grandfather's place is no fun for a 10-year-old girl; it is a place called "Pine Palms" and is a retirement community for people over 55. Fortunately for her, she met a boy her age there. Buzz's father works as a groundskeeper at Pine Palms and Buzz knows all the fun things to do there (facing off against alligators when they go golf balls picking, rescuing runaway cats and reading all the superheroes comic books they could find).

Sunny Side Up is very much of a reminiscent kind of story and about the simplicity of life living in the late 70s. What I liked about the story:

the simple introductions of a few superheroes and their qualities
Grandpa's witty remarks and his positivity outlook on life
Pine Palms is very much of a low-end resort with golf course and pools (but no swimming as there are alligators. Hmph!)
the tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody and looking out for one another

Finally, the message behind this story over the issue involving substance abuse (drug or alcohol abuse problem), in which Sunny's elder brother is facing and that young readers who are facing these same problems today should reach out to family members and teachers/school counsellors and seek help should they find themselves or anyone having this issue instead of feeling ashamed and scared; and most of all thinking that it is something that has to be kept as secrets. Overall it is a heartwarming story and is suitable to middle grade children without the heavy undertone of the issue mentioned.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Graphic Novel, Young Adult 4 comments |

Drama Review: Pinocchio (皮诺丘)

Melody

This (2014) drama basically tells a story of how a (intentional) misconstrued news report ruins a happy family.

Ki Ha-Myeong (starring Lee Jong-Suk) and his older brother have always look up to their father who is a heroic firefighter. However, a fire at a waste facility destroys the happy family. The Ki family is further broken by the news report that their beloved father might have fled from the scene since his body was never found. The brothers are adamant that their father would never do such things but alas, there isn't any evidence to prove their point. Ha-Myeong's older brother is detained in a police cell one night after he tried to argue with the anchorwoman whom he felt had reported the news unfairly for the sake of viewership.

The night he is detained, Ha-Myeong's mother decided to end her life together with Ha-Myeong. Ha-Myeong is saved by a kind elderly man, Choi Gong-Pil, who suffers from memory loss and thinks he is his eldest son, Choi Dal-Po, who passed thirty years ago. Ha-Myeong doesn't mind the deception, after all he has no family and he treats Gong-Pil as his father. He is then officially adopted by Gong-Pil and lives his life as Dal-Po. Ha-Myeong also befriends Choi In-Ha (starring Park Shin-Hye), who is Gong Pil's granddaughter and though they are "uncle and niece" relationship they are in the same age range. In-Ha has "Pinocchio Syndrome" and whenever she tells a lie she will hiccup. She idolises her mother who is a successful anchorwoman, but they rarely contact each other since her parents divorced. Ha-Myeong soon learns that In-Ha's mother is none other than the anchorwoman who had destroyed his family and he vows to bring justice back by becoming a reporter himself, but he also finds himself having feelings for In-Ha and it's not kinship.

(I especially loved this scene, whereby In-Ha unknowingly brought a faulty umbrella for Dal-Po but is saved by the traffic cones over their heads, a witty yet sweet gesture by Dal-Po. It beautifully captures of their young love during their high school days.)

(Their grown-up version and work as rookie reporters at rival networks)

Well, I was impressed and was filled with various emotions after finishing watching Pinocchio. It has all the elements I had hoped for in a melodrama like this - suspense, thought-provoking issues, complex relationships and romance. And most of all, I loved the storyline and the issues raised on misconstrued reports (to gain news impact and viewership at someone's cost? Are the reports we read based on facts or merely rumours/assumptions?) A reporter's job not only gather and report news but also carries the responsibility of giving informative as well as honest and accurate news timely. And I loved the spirit of the young reporters in this drama; they show us what it takes to be a reporter through many things they have to do to ensure those news are reached to you timely. And then, there is the romance between Ha-Myeong and In-Ha, which is both heartwarming and fluttering at the same time. Overall it was a touching drama with a great storyline in my opinion. Actor Lee Jong-Suk's latest drama in "W" was a joy to watch (a comics hero!), but this drama left a deeper impression on me.

Labels: 5 stars, Drama review, Korean drama, Melodrama, Romance 2 comments |

Watching Edie by Camilla Way

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | August 216 | 304 pgs

Source: Purchased

Told in two alternating voices and time periods, this story is about the friendship between two girls and how an incident in the past caught up with them.

Edie is bold and beautiful whereas Heather is shy and awkward. When Heather first met Edie, she knew she is unlike any other girls in school. Edie is not only wild and beautiful, she's also the only girl who would look beyond Heather as who she is and show her what good friends are supposed to be. For a while, they have a wonderful friendship until Edie falls in love.

Seventeen years later, Edie moved to London and is a single mother. Life is hard but she got by, until Heather appears and enters into her life once again. Heather's arrival is perfect as that is the time Edie is overwhelmed by the needs of a new baby and sinks into a dark despair. Heather not only saves her but is also proving to be a good helper in taking care of little Maya.

As the days go by, Edie has the feeling that someone is watching and stalking her. Edie begins to wonder about Heather's barging into her life then; could it really be a coincidence?

Watching Edie is an intense read and I enjoyed the writing style told in the past in Heather's voice and Edie's present. This allows readers to learn about each character's development and climax build as the story progress and the truth begins to reveal from the past. This is quite different from your typical psychology thriller as although there is still enough suspense to capture your attention; it is very much of a what-really-happened kind of suspense with two unreliable narrators. Overall I enjoyed the story well enough, but not enough to wow me.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 8 comments |

Drama Review: W

Melody

This drama tells a story between two characters living in two different worlds and will most likely appeal to comics fans since the plot is set in the reality world and the comics world as well.

Oh Yeon-joo (starring Han Hyo-joo) works as a surgeon and her father is a popular comics artist. His project "W" has garnered lots of attention and praises from many fans both online and in print. The character he created in "W" is a wealthy and good-looking man named Kang Chul (starring Lee Jong-suk) and is a skilled marksman. He was also an Olympics winner but that glory was taken away from him after he was a suspect for murdering his family members. His last appearance in the comics world saw him lying on the ground bathed in blood, apparently being assaulted by someone who wanted him dead.

On the other end in reality world, Yeon-joo's father is missing and while searching for his whereabouts she stumbles into the comics world and found the injured Kang Chul. She managed to save him and later learned that he is the lead character her father created in "W" after she finds herself back in the reality world.

Filled with mystery, action and romance, W (aka W - Two Worlds) was one intriguing fantasy which had me at the edge of my seat. Aside from the refreshing concept of having the comics world co-exist with the reality world, I was also quite fascinated by actor Jong-suk's portrayal of the charismatic Kang Chul and the mystery surrounding him (by the way, I loved the illustrations! See above.) While one may have to pay extra attention to what's happening between the two worlds, it didn't really create much confusions, at least not to me. There are some scenes which took me by surprise and of course there are also a few romantic scenes which would make female viewers' hearts flutter. Chemistry sizzled between Jong-suk and Hyo-joo and it made me wonder if their romantic relationship onscreen continues offscreen as well. Overall I enjoyed the drama. I had also watched an older drama starring Lee Jong-suk and review will be forthcoming.

(Above images credit to Google Images)

(Love Is and my TBR pile)

Jong Wen Books Co., Ltd | August 2016

Source: Purchased

Love Is was featured in W as we saw Yeon-joo showing Kang Chul a few things they could do together to make their life more colourful and meaningful. Illustrated by Korean artist Da-mi Park (Puuung), this is a great collection especially for married couples and although some of them are a few simple things we may be doing daily, the artist added some thoughts and sentiments alongside these illustrations which I felt makes this book such a wonderful read. There are two editions (Korean and Chinese) and I am hoping that there would be an English edition in the near future.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Fantasy, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | August 2016 | 320 pgs

Source: Purchased

This book caught my attention as it's been over the blogosphere lately. Many enjoyed this domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbours and while I agreed it was an absorbing thriller, the plot and what happened left me feeling cold and disheartened over the things some people would do for everything.

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have a perfect life. They are loving, blessed with a fanciful house, and most of all they have their six-month-old beautiful baby, Cora. One night, Cynthia and Graham Stillwell, a couple next door, invite the Conti couple for a dinner party. Before the party, Anne and Marco have a bit of a disagreement over the baby issue as their babysitter has cancelled her plan of coming over the last minute. Cynthia has mentioned beforehand that it would be an adults-only party and in spite Anne insists she wants to stay at home to look after Cora, Marco manages to convince Anne to go in the end. After all, he told Anne, they could monitor Cora through the audio baby monitor and take turns on checking on her physically every half an hour. However, Anne's nightmares came true when they return to their house and find the crib empty.

Detective Rasbach attends to this case and his initial impression is that there must be something about the Conti couple. After all, it is a natural reaction to point fingers at the parents over their negligence and on top of that, there is no evidence of a break in or any tracing signifies an outsider kidnapping their baby. The only evidence they could find is the fact that Anne is on postpartum depression medication.

Like many such psychological thrillers, this story was twisty and gripping with a few unlikeable characters and I thought the plot was quite well crafted and was suspenseful from the beginning till the end. That uncertainty feeling and the curiosity was what kept me glued to the book and wouldn't let go until I have all the answers.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 11 comments |

Drama Review: Splendid Politics (华政)

Melody

Splendid Politics (aka Hwajung) is one of the most splendid historical K-dramas I have watched this year, pun intended. With 50 episodes you will be taken in by the grandeur Joseon dynasty and its majestic palace setting, a cast of interesting yet complicated characters and not to mention the scheming plot which will have you gritting your teeth and have your mind running at the same time. However, do not let the long episodes deter you from watching this. There was never a bored moment and truth be told, I was too busy digesting the story to be sidetracked by anything.

In a nutshell, this is a story about power and wealth, revenge and love and of course, politics in the palace. Prince Gwanghae (starring Cha Seung-won) is the son of a concubine and since he isn't considered a "true blood" of a royal family, the King and his followers decided that the next heir to the throne would be his legitimate son despite he is only a small boy. His older sibling, Princess Jeongmyeong (starring Lee Yeon-hee), is also too young to inherit the title and on top of that she is a girl and no woman at that time should sit on a throne and rule the nation. With King Seongjo being poisoned by the head servant, Prince Gwanghae finally got his throne and have his two step-siblings executed and exiled respectively. Princess Jeongmyeong used to be close with Prince Gwanghae and her exile led her to lost her trust in him. Her escape was an unfortunate en route to Japan as a slave working in a sulfur mine after she was captured by some pirates. There, she was disguised as a boy and no one knew her true identity and her gender except her two close mates whom she knew from the mine. Despite the hard times, she vows to be a stronger person and would one day get her revenge and reclaim her title.

Hong Joo Won (starring Seo Kang-joon) and Kang In Woo (starring Han Joo-wan) are best friends since young and both of them came from a noble family. Their fathers have some connections with the royal family due to their positions - one is a police chief while the other is an important merchant who has ties with the Ming dynasty. The two boys met Princess Jeongmyeong the first time near the palace garden when their fathers attended a political event nearby. Princess Jeongmyeong was taken in by the studious Joo Won but eventually fate plays a cruel joke on all of them. Of course there is a day when Princess Jeongmyeong finally returns to Joseon and reunite with her two childhood friends who are all grown up and this moment is the beginning of the political battles and in return will lead to many turn of events as the story progresses.

Well, what can I say? I was kind of stumped while writing my thoughts as honestly, I don't know where to start. There are so many issues and sub-plots here which I don't think I would be able to sum them all up in this post. However, I can tell you how much I liked these three characters - Princess Jeongmyeong, Joo Won and In Woo and not because they are the lead characters but because of their individual characteristic and the patriotism they portray when there are moments they have to leave their loved ones and yes, one even has to turn against his family members when righteousness, justice and loyalty are concerned. How far would one go for power and wealth? Then, there is the question of blood and loyalty and how much would one do to right the wrongs and not to resent in the end?

I am aware that this post is getting too long and to conclude it - just watch it and be swept away by this splendid politics. No pun intended.

Labels: 5 stars, Drama review, Historical, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Melody

Simon & Schuster UK | August 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

Colleen Hoover's latest release, It Ends With Us, wasn't an easy read. While her signature for writing an intense love story is still there, this story comes together with a heavy issue which will break your heart but it was also a thought-provoking story which is uplifting as well. Please be aware that my thoughts contain spoilers as I felt it is impossible (hard) to write my thoughts without talking about the issue found in this book.

The story begins with our protagonist, Lily Bloom, delivering an eulogy at her father's funeral. While she is supposed to feel sad with her father's death, in fact she could't help but to feel a bit glad that their unhappy past is over, especially for her mother. You see, Lily's parents' marriage was an abusive one. Every time after her father hit her mother, he would tell her again and again that he was sorry. And although Lily's mother always ended up hurt in every places, physically and emotionally, in the end she always let it go and think that whatever her husband did to her there must be a reason. Unfortunately, that cycle never ends until his death.

Lily carries this emotional burden with her through her teenage years till her adult life. She works hard and after graduated from college, she moves to Boston from her small town in Maine to begin a new life. She started her own business and it is also at this moment that she meets a handsome, charismatic neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. Lily begins to think that her new life is a good beginning to everything, and most importantly she is happy again. There was once that she thought she would never get over an old friend, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless guy whom she had helped when she was fifteen but their friendship had ended when he left for Boston to live with his uncle. Lily treasured those moments with Atlas a lot, and she would always write her thoughts on a journal addressing to Ellen DeGeneres, because she loves her show. She called all her journals "My Ellen Diaries" and they contain all her memories of her time with Atlas.

While Atlas is not what Ryle is, with his brains, charms and all, Lily at times wonder what it would be like if he and Atlas are still together. Would they be a couple? Despite her feelings, Lily is satisfied with her relationship with Ryle as he is an amazing lover who will always think of her first. However, there is a side of Ryle which Lily hasn't noticed, and that side would soon emerge especially after Atlas appears into her life, again.

It Ends With Us is deeply emotional in many levels and while the subject deals with a heavy issue, I enjoyed the author's writing style. I liked how she wrapped two stories into one - Atlas' past in journal form and Lily's present in first person narrative. While this story is fictional, Lily's nuances of life and her experiences reflect what some women experience in reality and this made it to be a deeply personal novel as well, especially to the author as this is written based on her real-life experiences. While Lily's mother remains to suffer under her husband's abusive behaviours, the author's mother decided for a divorce before the author turned three. Despite all circumstances, the author has the utmost respect for parents who don't involve their children in the dissolution of their relationship, like the way her mother wanted the relationship with her father to be free of any strain by not discussing about it. She decided to break the pattern before it broke her children and it wasn't easy. After all, she made the ultimate decision to leave someone she loved so that her daughters would not think that the abusive relationship was okay.

Although this is only my second Colleen Hoover book, I think this will remain as my "most powerful and unforgettable read" among all her other books, which I know I want to get to them in the near future.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fiction, New Adult, Romance 8 comments |

I See You by Clare Mackintosh

Melody

Sphere | July 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

Clare Mackintosh's debut novel, I Let You Go, is a stunning psychology thriller which has left quite a deep impression on me. Aside from the intensity of a thriller, it was also an emotionally charged book that is gut-wrenching as well. When I knew she has a second novel out, I pre-ordered it and devoured it the moment it reaches into my hands. And I am glad to say that I See You is another excellent thriller by Ms. Mackintosh.

Public transportation is an important mode of commute for people who don't have a car as well as for those who wants to break away from the hassle of being stuck in a traffic jam. No matter whatever the reasons are, bottom line is they are convenient and fast (for trains or subway anyway). In this latest book by Clare Mackintosh, she takes readers on for a thrilling ride through a plot which revolves around trains and the commuters who take them daily. I bet you will never think of your train journey the same again after reading this.

Zoe Walker is one of the commuters who takes a train to and from work. While travelling home one evening, she is shocked to see her photo in the classifieds section of London Gazette. Alongside the grainy image of her listed a website address and a phone number as well. While her family members are convinced it is someone who looks like her, Zoe isn't so sure about the classified ads when she sees a different woman's image the next day, and another the day after. Did someone keep track of their movements?

British Transport Police officer, Kelly Swift, is still haunted by the past when her twin sister was raped. Feeling guilty that she cut short on their conversation when Lexi called to tell her she was being stalked, Kelly dismissed her paranoia until it was all too late. Even though the years have passed by and Lexi has moved on, Kelly carries that burden whenever she takes on an sexual assaulting case and on one occasion decided to take matters into her own hands and beaten up the said offender. She was suspended and that was when she landed up in British Transport Police. However, her righteous in solving serious crimes persists and when she took a call from Zoe Walker about a theft on the Circle line, and later about the adverts on London Gazette, she knew she has to be back in the investigation unit whatever it takes.

Clare Mackintosh has written another winner in I See You which is more compelling than her previous book. The pace of the intensity and the plot were great, and not to mention the characterisation. There are some mentions of the social media platforms and their easy accessibility and imagine how anyone could easily look up your status or browse through your uploaded photos (and that including friends tagging you, too) without you knowing; the thoughts made me shudder and reminded us why it is important to check/update our security setting from time to time. The ending was superb too; just when I somewhat figured out who the mastermind would be I was thrown off guard towards the last page. So, if you have the habit of sneaking a peek at the last page, please don't.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 12 comments |

Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong (Cainsville #4)

Melody

Sphere | August 2016 | 432 pgs

Source: Purchased

[May contain slight minor spoilers from the previous installments but no spoiler for this 4th installment]

In this latest installment of Kelley Armstrong's Cainsville series, the complexity of the relationship between Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky heightens and stakes run higher than before. If you are following this series, you would know that the three characters are walking on eggshells since they 'undertook' the role of the age old folklore surrounding faes, huntsmen and other fantastical creatures alike. No, this isn't a spoiler and for readers who are new to this series, they would know that there is something extraordinary between them and things have simply spun out of control ever since they made a pact since young decades ago, and how a broken promise has started the chain of events for them, spanning over generations and involving different people for the roles of Matilda (now Olivia), Gwynn (now Gabriel) and Arawn (now Ricky). That chain never breaks until the present Olivia takes a side; to be with the Tylwyth Teg (Gwynn's) or the Cwn Annwn (Arawn's) clan.

Despite Olivia is in a relationship with Ricky, she still harbours thoughts about Gabriel's real feelings towards her even though he has assured them both that he is not interested in Olivia from the beginning. But of course, we are all fully aware that things might not remain the same and that minds change as the time goes. Readers will see much more vulnerable side of Gabriel in this installment, as well as Ricky's feeling towards their friendship.

But that is not all, there is a new mystery surrounding them involving the lamiae, the snake-like creatures and the case of a rogue Huntsman and a wounded hound from the Cwn Annwn. Most of all, Ricky is being framed for a series of murder he didn't commit and Olivia has to turn to the Cainsville's elders for information and to seek their assistance with much reluctance.

This installment is about betrayal and more betrayals, but there is also a light of hope and trust as the characters are trying their best to maintain that friendship they have built centuries ago. However, given their dark history throughout generations, is it even possible?

I was waiting for this installment with impatience since the last installment. I am engrossed with this series as aside from the complex relationship, I was also intrigued with the mystery surrounding the lamiae and the rouge Huntsman; it was interesting to read about some information of the lamiae and why that Huntsman haunts Olivia and Ricky. Olivia is not new to having visions penetrating her mind at times but it seems Gabriel and Ricky started to experience them in this installment.

Unlike other triangle-love novels, this isn't a question of who will get who in the end but how it affects them should that friendship pact is (or had been) broken. Of course there are consequences and I am very curious how the story will turn out in the end. Now I have to wait for another year for the next installment to be released.

Omens (Book #1)

Visions (Book #2)

Deceptions (Book #3)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal 8 comments |

Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor Series #8)

Melody

Grand Central Publishing | September 2013 | 352 pgs

Source: Purchased

When was the last time I've read a contemporary romance? I love thrillers, but there are also times I need my comfort reads and for this I chose Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis. You know, Ms. Shalvis really knows what a romance reader wants and she has all the right elements packed in this story.

Leah Sullivan returns to her home town, Lucky Harbor, after learning that her grandmother needs help at her bakery shop after her knee surgery. Leah tells herself she won't be staying long, and that she needs to accomplish something in her life after hearing all the negative remarks from her father since young. She takes part in a baking competition and if she won, she would have her dreams come true - using the prize money to set up her own pastry shop. As much as she misses Lucky Harbor, she isn't ready to meet her long-time best friend, Jack Harper. Jack and Leah used to be there for each other on many occasions; and there might be a time where they could be more than just friends but Leah chose to run away. And she had sure ran far, leaving town and left Jack very hurt.

Jack, on the other hand, has always lived in his father's shadow. Since young, Jack looked up to his father as a firefighter and when his father died in his job he felt he should carry on his father's legacy as a hero and strives to be the best firefighter he can be. After his father's passing and seeing how his death affects his mother still, he decided relationship would be the last thing on his mind, not especially when Leah had left him and fled.

As fate could have it, Leah blurted in haste to Jack's ailing mother to cheer her up; that she and Jack are together so she could rest her mind and concentrate on her cancer treatments. Although Jack isn't enthusiastic about the pretend relationship, truth is he does have feelings for Leah all this time. It is Leah who keeps having doubts, be it her own self or their relationship. It didn't take long for both Jack and Leah to find themselves questioning about their relationship, since the pretence feel more like reality the more they are with each other. Will Leah admit to her own heart this time around?

Aside from the romance, there is a little mystery about a serial arsonist case which has a few Lucky Harbor old buildings in ruins. Although this didn't take up too much of the story, I was still surprised by the outcome (and the culprit) in the end. Of course, Jack being a firefighter led me into thinking about all the brave firefighters out there and how they risk their lives to save ours. Overall I had a fun time reading this book. And if that's not enough, I also ordered two more books of this series, featuring Leah's best friends, Ali (It Had To Be You) and Aubrey (Once in a Lifetime). Although they are part of the Lucky Harbor series, each book could be read as a standalone.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance 8 comments |

The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | September 2016 | 464 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

If you've read Gilly Macmillan's debut, What She Knew; you'd know that that book is not only well written and intense but it was emotionally charged, too. Her second novel, The Perfect Girl, is like her first book but it is so much better in many ways and I enjoyed reading it thoroughly.

Three years ago, fourteen-year-old Zoe Maisey was involved in a tragic accident which left three of her school mates dead. She served her time but the incident had left the family in shambles. Zoe's father, being a farmer, thought his wife's ambition of getting Zoe into the school's piano scholarship ruined their daughter's perspective and behaviours. Maria thought otherwise and is resolved of building a new life without her husband, since he refused to get out of their small community in Devon to Bristol. Maria remarried and settled down with Chris Kennedy, who had lost his wife to brain tumour and has a teenage son, Lucas. Maria is happy with her Second Chance Family, as she so often refers to her new family, and is adamant that Zoe follows suit and leave their past behind. They will not mention about Zoe’s accident to the Kennedy members and all is good until Zoe's past creeps up on them. And when Maria is found dead thereafter, no one knows what happened and why. Is it revenge? Or is it something else?

Told in three compelling narratives and with all the events unfolding over a span of twenty-four hours, this absorbing suspense tells a tale of a family dynamics, second chances, secrets as well as perceptions. Aside from the characters, this story hit me hard with some various issues which I couldn't disclose due to spoilers, but suffice it to say they are thought-provoking and would wrench your heart given the circumstances and what the society would think and react to that aspects. Each narrative voices their emotions in such a way that would either pull at your heart strings or make you convulse at the things they've done; and all these was an addictive read. But that is not all, what I also liked about this story is that it was gripping, well crafted and that the ending affected me in so many ways that left me feeling a bit empty yet satisfactory at the same time. Some may argue about that ending, but personally I felt it was beautifully done. Highly recommended.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 10 comments |

Someone's Been Scraping Off of My Blog!

Melody

Yes. I had just learned that someone has been taking and re-publishing contents from my blog without my permission and post them as their own (this is the blog in question: http://readingmelody.blogspot.sg/ )

As of writing this I have checked that their latest update was in February 2016 and that their posts always dated one day before my original posts.) And most of all they didn't even change the blog name and decided to use mine, too. While it is flattering to have your work recognised, copying and re-publishing other people's work is totally uncool and definitely the wrong thing to do!

Through this post, I want my friends and readers to know that all my original posts come through this link: https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/

However, I am not sure if feeds are affected though and I would appreciate it if you could feed back to me.

Labels: Blogging, General 12 comments |

Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel

Melody

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | April 2016 | 272 pgs

Source: Purchased

The story begins with Charlie Price's funeral in Paris, and among the mourners are our two protagonists - Aubrey Boroughs and Lena Whitney. Both girls didn't know each other but they have one thing in common, and that is they are both Charlie's girlfriends. When the two girls found out this shocking truth about Charlie's two-timing them, they decided they should find out more things about his death and the Charlie they didn't know. After all, Aubrey and Lena's personalities differ and it seemed Charlie took on different roles to suit their personality. Aubrey is pretty and cool as a cucumber, while Lena is wild, spontaneous and clingy.

As much as Aubrey and Lena dislike the idea of "working together", they also knew that they need each other to fill in Charlie's "loopholes" (as in his timeline dating them) and what they have missed by comparing notes. Their search for answers take them across Europe and Asia; their journey becoming more complicated and risky as they find themselves in situations which question not only Charlie's true self but each other's credibility too, for it seemed each girl harbours secrets of her own.

Charlie, Presumed Dead is a YA suspense and it tells a tale about deception and revenge. The plot is filled with intensity but not fully believable in some circumstances. I found Charlie's method of "death" to be the most far-fetched among all, but I won't elaborate for the risk of spoilers. However, what makes this book a page-turner is the voices of the two girls (we get their narrative alternatively) and the exotic settings as they take readers to places like Kerala, Bombay and Bangkok. While the suspense was great, there are certain parts that are dubious or improbable to believe in my opinion. Still, it was an entertaining read and I've learned something about the various lifestyles and cultures through the protagonists' journey.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Young Adult 4 comments |

The Fireman by Joe Hill

Melody

William Morrow | May 2016 | 768 pgs

Source: Publisher

I have to confess I'm not really a chunkster reader. Thick volumes intimidate me in general. Imagine how many good books I might have missed given this silly mentality, but I have heard so many good things about The Fireman and plus I have the ARC and the Fireman Readalong as motivations, I figured it was time to read it.

Now as much as I hate to admit it, I have mixed reactions about The Fireman. I suppose I shall start with the things I liked about the story. For starters, I think the idea of a new plague - Dragonscale (or Draco incendia trychophyton, to be exact) is brilliant. Dragonscale is a highly contagious and deadly spore that tattoo its hosts with black and gold marks across their bodies before causing them to burst into flames. I liked the uniqueness of this theme and most of all, our protagonist, Harper Grayson, who is both brave and remarkable not only in her profession (as a nurse) but also her own righteous self too. I also thought that the opening was very intriguing and introduce readers to the scary world the author has created. Then, there are issues about humanity and survival, which I felt is the core of this story and thought-provoking in many ways.

Now a few things which I didn't like and/or baffled me: While I liked the idea of this new disease and the scary world, the plot seemed to come to a halt towards the middle of the book. This is where it was focused on too many dialogues with little actions and at times I found myself distracted, which also had me skimmed through some pages. There are also a cast of characters here whom Harper would befriend with given the circumstances, and though some of them aren't likeable, they do contribute some highlights to the story. And finally, there is the Fireman, a mysterious and compelling character based on the title though I didn't understand why this story is focused more on Harper than him, until I got to the end and wondered if that was it. And that ending. To be fair, I think I may have expected too much from this story (or perhaps it is the chunkster issue, which is my bad) and given the glowing reviews I have seen around, it appears that I am in the minority. That said, The Fireman has a refreshing theme unlike others and I will continue to check out Joe Hill's future releases.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Supernatural Horror, Supernatural Thriller 10 comments |

Find Her by Lisa Gardner

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | February 2016 | 416 pgs

Source: Purchased

Find Her is the 8th book of Lisa Gardner's Detective D.D. Warren series but in my opinion could be read as a standalone.

Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren is on restricted duty due to an injury of her left shoulder from a previous case. With physical limitations and a restriction from firearms, she leads her team investigation through her expertise and supervision minus the running work. She isn't pleased, and most often it leaves her feeling frustrated as if she feels she is not doing her job efficiently and effectively but of course she has to make do with it given the circumstances.

When Florence "Flora" Dane goes missing one spring break and couldn't be found, the homicide department thinks it would be a cold case with no evidence and some clues leading to nowhere. Until 472 days later, she is miraculously found thanks to a careless mistake her captor made. Jacob Ness became her ugly past but he always exist in Flora's mind, even after five years she is still trying to reacquaint herself with the rhythms of her life. Though that kidnapping incident has left her scarred, it has also made her a stronger person. She took self defence classes and learn how to protect herself. However, she is also attentive to other missing girls cases, in particularly the disappearance of Stacey Summers, who used to be her friend.

When Flora is assaulted by a bartender one night, she fought hard and left Devon Goulding badly burned and dead. While some may think of her act as self defence, D.D. Warren wonders if she is a victim or a vigilante who takes matters into her own hands. Then when another girl disappears, Flora knew she has to find her even if it means endangering herself.

Find Her is one of the most complex psychological thrillers I've read this year. Aside from the intensity, there are layers upon layers of the plot and then of course, we have Flora Dane who is a mystery herself. Just when I thought I knew her feelings at some point, she veered me off in another direction at times and left me with more questions instead of answers and I loved stories (and characters) like this because you just never know what to expect.

The issues covered here are dark, as most often crime cases are but in this case, it takes readers to another level of dark - it detailed the harsh brutality of being held captivity (in this case a coffin-like box) and most of all, it questions readers about the monster in us and how fine the line is between good and evil. But of course there is some positivity in this story as well and I liked how courageous Flora is when facing all kinds of danger. She is a survivor and in all aspects I think it is a good example of staying positive when one faces obstacles.

And then there is D.D. Warren, who is still tough as nails in spite of being a restricted duty officer. I am sure her capabilities under normal circumstances will continue to amaze me through her devotions of her profession.

Overall this is one taut psychological thriller and I know I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 10 comments |

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

Melody

Harvill Secker | July 2015 | 352 pgs

Source: Purchased

Leonora Shaw hasn't been in contact with her schoolmates for ten years. Now at twenty-six and a crime fiction writer, she is intrigued by an email inviting her to attend an old friend's hen party. Clare Cavendish is getting married soon but it is Clare's friend, Flo, who is coordinating the party. Nora and Clare used to be best friends, but Flo on the other hand is a complete stranger to her. Nora isn't sure if she wants to go, after all it has been ten years and it would be awkward, but she sees her other friend, Nina da Souza, is on the emailing list as well. In the end, Nora decided to attend, for she knew she is also very curious why Clare has chosen to invite her to the hen party but not her wedding.

Unlike any other bachelorette parties, Clare's hen party is held at Flo's aunt's glass house in the woods. It is remote and the telephone connection is bad, but Flo assures them that they have all the privacy and people rarely step their foot there, at least not during winter periods. While the rest of the group doesn't really bothered by the fully clear glass house, Nora couldn't help feeing scrutinised but most of all, she doesn't really know the group except for Clare and Nina.

The mystery comes in when there is a murder in the glass house. Suddenly, everyone becomes a suspect and as Nora lies on the hospital bed after the bloody aftermath, she has to rely on her memories (which she couldn't remember) what had happened and the motive of the murder.

Told in a first person narrative by Nora, In a Dark, Dark Wood is an absorbing read and I could see why this book would make a good book club discussion. Fast-pace and foreboding, this is what made it a page-turner though I didn't really feel connected to the characters. Most of them are unlikeable and leave a reader with doubts, but I suppose this is how it goes with the story's direction and the thrills it evoke as we read further. As much as I was enticed with the premise, I felt there is something lacking with the logical sense of some circumstances but then I am not going to delve into them for they would be spoilers. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this debut novel by Ruth Ware (and all the more with her latest release, The Woman in Cabin 10) and I know I will be looking out for her future releases.