Melody's Reading Corner

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | October 2016 | 400 pgs

Source: Purchased

The year is 1925. Alice Lind, a travelling psychologist, travels from her home town in Portland to a rain-soaked coastal hamlet of Gordon Bay, Oregon, to administer IQ tests to a group of rural schoolchildren as designated by her employer, the Oregon Department of Education. Alice has always believes in the science of psychology, and that any psychological issues they face would be explored and treated through treatments and further consultations. However, her views are to be challenged by one girl.

Seven-year-old Janie O'Daire looks like any other girls her age; except she is a mathematical genius and that she claims her name was once Violet Sunday. One of Janie's account includes Violet grew up in Kansas decades earlier and that she drowned at age nineteen. Perplexed by Janie's "stories", Alice wants to believe what she has heard is no more than products of Janie's vast imagination but yet something tells her it is unlikely so. To complicate matters, Janie's parents are divorced and Janie's mother isn't helpful when it comes to seeking assistance for young Janie. She turns down all psychological help and thinks everyone views her Janie as a "nutcase" or worse, trying to get her away for some scientific research. Janie's aunt, who stays with them and is a teacher herself, is more open minded but she does has her reservation when she initially meets Alice.

Aside from Janie's excel in mathematics, Alice also found out that Janie's account tallies with all the events which her parents had jotted down on their journals since she was two; when she started to tell them snippets of who she was or what she had done in Friendly, Kansas. The strangest thing is, Janie has never travelled outside Gordon Bay once. Intrigued by Janie's stories, Alice decides to do some investigations on her own and what she found out not only changes her perspective on reincarnation but also revealing the truth surrounding her own past as well.

Yesternight was a great novel; both in the historical and mystery aspect. The story is packed with that atmospheric and foreboding feel and made me edgy throughout my reading journey. It was also a great character-driven story, given that the characters are well explored and developed, especially Janie and Alice since this book is mostly about them. Aside from this intriguing story, the author has also captured the struggles and the frustrations Alice faced whereby they are living in an era where prized female education and career are far less than we do now. It was extremely sad to see these young women's life being wasted despite their talents. Even if Alice is a successful psychologist, at times she feels small working in a field dominated by men and thus, she is always cautious about her work so that no mistake would endanger her professional reputation.

Similarly, this story reminds me a lot of a non-fiction I read six year ago. The book - Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss, is based on a true story and you can read my thoughts of this book here.

© 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, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal 7 comments |

Six Scary Stories (Selected and Introduced by Stephen King)

Melody

Cemetery Dance Publications | August 2016 | 126 pgs

Source: Library

As the title suggests, this anthology consists of six chilling stories; in which these are entries of a short story competition run by Hodder & Stoughton and the Guardian to celebrate the publication of Stephen King's The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. These six stories are selected by Stephen King himself and he was so impressed with them that he recommended they be published in one book and here it is.

The first story, Wild Swimming by Elodie Harper tells a harrowing tale of a lone tourist visiting a place called Vaiduoklis where it was believed that the old village there was sunk during the Soviet days. The story is written in an electronic mail format and after reading this I don't think I'd dip my toes in (let alone swimming) in any lakes (absolutely no reservoirs!), local or overseas.

Eau-de-Eric by Manuela Saragosa is a story surrounding the relationship between a mother and daughter and the latter's obsession with a teddy named Eric, which she named after her dead father. Sounds creepy, isn't it?

The third story, The Spots by Paul Bassett Davies revolves around a leopard and the observation as part of Maximilian's assignment. The first phase was to count the leopard's spots. Max's determination in fulfilling the task will push him forward despite the danger and readers will learn that there's something more fearful than the feline itself.

The Unpicking by Michael Button reminds me a little of the animation film Toy Story whereas all the toys come alive but of course the similarity ends there. Out of boredom they decided on an evening's entertainment and it had led to something horrific than the other games they'd played.

La Mort de L'Amant by Stuart Johnstone is the last second story of this anthology and it is about an encounter between an older man and a young policeman. What caught my attention to this story is the usage of a few lovely quirks of language which formed the spine of this story amid the somber mood.

Finally, The Bear Trap by Neil Hudson is a tale about the trap a twelve-year-old boy, Calvin, laid for a threatening trespasser who barged into his father's farmhouse one day. This story has that mournful feel not only of the ash storm which had clouded over the place thereafter but also Calvin seemed to be living on his own for a year after his father left the farm to get Uncle Jake.

Although not all of these stories fall under the "bump in the night" category, each is unique in a way and makes you think that a person's dark mind could be even scarier than those of the paranormal. I couldn't name a favourite but I've to say Wild Swimming left a deep impression on me.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Horror 8 comments |

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Melody

Random House Children's Books | November 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

This is a story about love, fate and the universe. Wait, you'd probably wonder: What has the universe got to do with what seems like a YA love story here? Everything. It revolves around this Earth, the connections among people, humanity, and of course the characters in this story.

Natasha believes in science and facts, not fate. She definitely does not foresee herself meeting a boy and falling in love with him. To be in love requires chemistry between two people and that definitely falls under the science department, isn't it? But Natasha isn't worried about love and relationship, she has more things to worry; such as her family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica after her father's DUI which led them being discovered for undocumented immigrants. Natasha doesn't want to leave America; how could they when they have spent most of their time and life here, doing what everyone is and living the days as they go by.

Daniel's parents are from South Korea but have moved to America with the help of a relative who'd been doing well for himself in NYC. Daniel and his older brother, Charlie, were born in America. Daniel has always been the family's good son, unlike Charlie. He is also a good student too; and one who live by their parents' high expectations although he does have his own dreams. But seeing Natasha changes all that. There is something about her that makes Daniel think that love at first sight (or second sight) exists and that it happens despite Natasha's skepticism.

As Daniel and Natasha connect through their conversations, they found out that not only love is magical and involves chemistry (yep, definitely science here) but also the endless possibilities in the universe. These led them (as well as this reader) into pondering about the every moment in our lives might have brought us to a single moment which may change our life or see things in a new light. The possibilities are endless... which one would we be it?

I also loved Nicola Yoon's insightful views when she wrote about immigrants, whether they are undocumented or not. What really makes this novel about connections is aside from the two lead characters, readers also get to know the perspectives from a few people surrounding Daniel and Natasha and how they will impact them, or vice versa. I found myself teary-eyed when I turned the final page because it was a moving story and a meaningful one as well.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Romance, Young Adult 9 comments |

Drama Review: Go Ho's Starry Night (评价女王)

Melody

When I first started watching this drama I didn't know that it only has 4 episodes; still it was an enjoyable one and I wished it was much longer.

Twenty-nine-year-old Go Ho (starring Kwon Yoo Ri) faces the struggles what many single women feel today - having a successful career and finding the right man to fall in love with. This expectation might not sound like a difficult feat but it seems Go Ho lacks of luck when these both are concerned. For starters, her job being an advertising executive often demands her time and efforts yet they aren't always rewarding. Her superior, Kang Tae Ho (starring Kim Young Kwang) is someone who demands devotion in their work and while at times she feels exhausted she still marvel at his capabilities for putting their team together. On top of it, she is still stumped by the harsh fact that her boyfriend dumped her and he couldn't give her a valid reason.

Then things started to change when her old flame joined the company and became her new superior. Suddenly a few of her male colleagues started to look her way and trying their best to win her attention, including her ex-boyfriend and ex-superior who are rivals when it comes to meeting their sales targets. Each of these men has their strengths and flaws and Go Ho has to find the right man who would understand her and make her heart flutter at the same time.

There isn't much melodrama when it comes to the story but for those who enjoy a sweet and romantic drama this is it. And since this is such a short drama, there isn't much room for characters development and it might seem more of an insta-love to some but at least one character has harbour his feelings towards Go Ho for a while to make their love believable.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Drama review, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin

Melody

Harlequin | August 2013 | 384 pgs

Source: Library

I enjoyed Jeannie Lin's The Sword Dancer so much so that I sought out her other books from the library. I decided on The Lotus Palace, since it features a world of the imperial scholars and bureaucrats mingle with the courtesans set during the Tang Dynasty, 847 AD.

The story opens with our heroine, Yue-ying as a maidservant at the Lotus Palace which is one if the larger establishments in the pleasure quarter of the North Hamlet, also known as the Pingkang li. There are courtesans, courtesans-in-training along with their "foster mother" who make sure all things are properly care for; and of course there are also maidservants for the most well-known courtesans. Yue-ying is one to Mingyu, and she has served as her personal attendant for the past four years. Yue-ying might be a servant, but she is street-smart, practical and of course, loyal to her mistress.

Bai Huang, an aristocratic playboy frequents the Lotus Palace and although Mingyu is a beauty and is well versed with poetry and words, it is Yue-ying who has caught Huang's attention. Although Yue-ying is born with a birthmark on her face, she is by no means ashamed of her appearance for beneath her flawed mark she exudes courage and strength. After seeing countless beauties and enjoying their company, Huang knew at first glance that Yue-ying is a different girl and the more he sees her living in the shadow of the infamous Mingyu the more he finds her intriguing. When a murder happened not far away from the Lotus Palace and a well-known courtesan is killed, Huang knew something is amiss especially seeing Mingyu is fretful and that she has disappeared shortly. Huang approaches Yue-ying for her help since she is the best person to know the inside-out of the courtesans' world, but also there is this hopeful wish that he would get to know her alongside their investigations.

Once again I found myself enticed with Jeannie's storytelling and the characters she had created in this book. The Lotus Palace has all the right blend of history, romance and mystery that would satisfy readers who enjoy historical and romance genres. I think what made this a fantastic read is aside from what mentioned above, there is the incisiveness of the social commentary and the difference of class which add some interest to the story. Most of all, I was moved by Huang's persistence and the way he sees things differently from others. He has flaws and his past might not be glory, but seeing about his progress not only raises Yue-ying's hope in him but also satisfy the readers' expectations as well.

I think the most satisfying moment was about them working together to gather information while searching for the killer and anyone who is suspicious on their radar. This gradual unity allows them to see many things beyond them; challenging each other and making the other a better person through the different things they each encountered and sharing about their experiences. Family values are also part of the element in this story, as we see the relationship between Huang and his family and the struggles he has to go through with his father for being with Yue-ying due to their different background. I enjoyed The Sword Dancer, but I liked this book even more. Needless to say, I'll continue to seek the rest of Jeannie Lin's books.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance 6 comments |

Drama Review: Page Turner

Melody

Page Turner is a 3-episode mini drama featuring three youths and their journeys towards their dreams.

Yoo-Seul (starring Kim So-Hyun) is a talented pianist and has won various competitions. However, she is unhappy with her life and most of all, her mother who seems to care nothing but her performance. Her mother was a piano instructor before but gave up teaching after being mocked by her student, Jin-Mok (starring Shin Jae Ha) and his family. Jin-Mok and Yoo-Seul attend the same high school and needless to say, they are enemies/rivals. Yoo-Seul's life then took a turn after an automobile accident which led her blind, and she has stopped playing piano since then; turning herself into a bitter and dejected person.

On the other end, another youth Cha-Sik (starring Ji Soo) is pinning his hopes on setting a new record for pole jumping. His ambition leads to an accident and with his dream dashed, Cha-Sik decided to switch his dreams to playing piano after some encouragement from his mother. Cha-Sik then befriended Yoo-Seul and became her guide in school. Seeing Cha-Sik's enthusiasm in playing piano, Yoo-Seul decided to give him lessons after school. Meanwhile, Jin-Mok's attitude towards Yoo-Seul changed and together with Cha-Sik, they will help Yoo-Seul to rekindle her passion in playing piano again.

I totally loved this mini drama (wished it was longer!). Though short, the characters and the plot are quite well developed and not to mention inspiring as well. It is also a story of friendship and living your dreams despite the difficult circumstances life might throw in the way. Such stories may sound old to some but that determination/motivation(s) and that passion for something we love will always remain an inspiration.

(Trailer credits to KBS World TV)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Drama review, Korean drama, Musical 4 comments |

The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia

Melody

Imprint | October 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

The Lovely Reckless is a YA contemporary romance filled with complex characters, fast street racing scenes and enough suspense to keep me racing through this book from beginning to end.

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux is a cop's daughter. Her father works as an undercover with the Regional Auto Theft Task Force and his job is to bring down those car thieves and cracks their operations. Frankie leads a privileged life in the Heights with her mother and her stepdad until a reckless drunk driving forces her to leave her beautiful life behind. Frankie is a good girl who lives by her parents' standards but the death of her boyfriend haunted her and she wishes she has remembered the face of the assaulter who had killed Noah. Her reckless behaviour leads her to moving in with her dad; where she will transfer to a public school in the Downs where fistfights and illegal street racings are not uncommon within the neighbourhood.

Marco Leone is the complete opposite of Frankie's perfect late boyfriend. He is tough, but he also oozes charm and confidence which Frankie couldn't ignore. Frankie doesn't want to get involved with him, but an incident has thrown them together and Frankie begins to see a new side of him the more they spend their time together. However, Marco does some wrong things but for some right reasons and this has put a strain to their relationship. After all, Frankie's dad is a cop and he has all the rights to put Marco behind bars no matter whatever his reasons are. Then, there is the case which Frankie needs to remember who had murdered Noah and what risks she should undertake to make things right again.

The Lovely Reckless has a nice combination of romance and actions enough to set my heart racing. Issues like stereotypes and misconceptions are presented into this story so that not everything is black and white as we see. This was a wonderful love story but the emotions it evoked is more memorable.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult 6 comments |

Drama Review: Wanted (通缉令)

Melody

Jung Hye In (starring Kim Ah Joong) is one of Korea's top actress. She has a eight-year-old son but he was kidnapped on the day she announced her retirement. She is estranged with her current husband although they appear blissful in the eye of the media. After her son's abduction, she is being contacted by the kidnapper to carry out a mission on a live reality show as per his demand. The reality show would have ten episodes and she is required to fulfil each mission given out by the kidnapper until the last episode. She would only get to see her son alive should she reaches that stage.

I couldn't even imagine how scary this is should it happen in reality. And being a mother myself I could totally relate to Hye In's fears and guilt. "Would this not have happened if we're being more observant and careful?" How many times have we asked ourselves this question should anything happened to our children, even if sometimes it was only a spill of drinks or if they have fallen with a minor scrape?

While I felt the plot was intense based on the thrill angle, what I found lacking is the credibility and the confusion at some point. While I got the whole idea why it happened and why some characters are involved, this story requires one's full attention to understand what's really happening and who's involved with who. However, I did find the characterisations interesting and Detective Cha Seung In (starring Ji Hyun Woo) stood out among the rest because of his relentless and his intelligence. Having lost his mentor while investigating a case a few years back, Detective Cha still feel the loss and remorse for not catching on more of his senior's movements. Due to that incident, he is more inspired and determined to solve this kidnapping case (which they are connected). The production crew who put the reality show together is also another highlight of this story for without them everything would be impossible.

While I was quite taken aback by the kidnapper's identity, it didn't come as a surprise once you understand his concerns and the whole picture of it. Overall it was satisfying but I thought some parts would have done better (yep, including that ending.)

Labels: 3 stars, Drama review, Korean drama, Suspense Thriller 4 comments |

The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin

Melody

Harlequin | June 2013 | 288 pgs

Source: Library

Set in AD 848 during the Tang Dynasty, this historical tale is about adventures and a whirlwind romance between a thief-catcher and a sword dancer and how they are caught in a web of injustice and revenge.

Li Feng is used to living an isolated life with a dangerous edge to it. When she was four, her parents were wrongfully sentenced to a crime they didn't commit. Li Feng is later raised by a Wudang master, Wen Shifu, who taught her sword fighting. She later became a sword dancer, after she has left Wen Shifu to join a dance troupe as they travel from village to village. Li Feng always carries a jade pendant wherever she goes, for it is something her mother had passed to her before fleeing from whoever who wants her life.

Zheng Hao Han is the most feared thief-catcher among all who is known for his relentless and his determination to capture all bandits and outlaws in the name of justice and order. Born in a middle-class family, Han's father was once a magistrate and had wished his eldest son would follow his footsteps but alas, Han isn't interested in becoming an official. He feels he could still pursue justice in his own way without following the tainted views of some officials who would do anything for power and greed. And when he heard of a shipment of jade and gold has been stolen and the magistrate had issued an arrear warrant that singled out a band of travelling performances as the culprits, Han and a few other thief-catchers are all waiting for the chance to pounce should there be any suspicious movement. In the midst of chaos, Li Feng caught Han's attention and their cat and mouse chase begins.

I totally enjoyed reading this historical romance - the plot, the actions, the characterisations of Li Feng and Han as well as their exchanges, the struggles they faced between a "thief" and a thief-catcher, and finally their attractions towards each other. Li Feng is a butt-kicking heroine who has a strong sense of determination and Han is full of righteousness and sees most things as black and white. Therefore, when he meets the spirited and vengeful Li Feng, he is tossed with the question between setting things right and upholding justice after finding himself in love with her. Should he betray Li Feng for the sake of justice or follow his heart and join her in the rebellion? Just as I thought their love was impossible, I thought the ending was very satisfying and the issues they faced was beautifully resolved, too (Hey, it's a Harlequin romance but still the resolution was clever in my opinion.)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance 9 comments |

The Trespasser by Tana French

Melody

Hodder & Stoughton | September 2016 | 480 pgs

Source: Purchased

The Trespasser is the sixth installment of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series and if you are already a fan of her works you should be aware that her books have that literary edge alongside the police procedural and this is one reason why I love her books so much - they are well written, descriptive and offer much insights of the police works we rarely get to see from other crime thrillers. Yes, and that's what makes her books stand out from the others. Not only that, I also love the characterisations in all her books, even if they are secondary roles. And another good thing is, these secondary roles do become French's lead characters in her next book.

In her previous installment (The Secret Place), readers are introduced to Detectives Antoinette Conway and Stephen Moran. They are now partners in The Trespasser; and while they are in the Murder Squad, the cases they are assigned to are usually predictive and unchallenging, such as domestic cases. Now the new case they are assigned to seems like one of those but some instincts told them that this case is more than meets the eye.

The twenty-ish old victim, Aislinn Murray, suffered from a fatal head injury at her house. On that fateful evening she was supposed to have a romantic dinner date but apparently something went wrong. While most speculated it was a murder committed in a fit of passion and have a suspect in mind, Conway and Moran think there is something about this case which they couldn't put their finger on. To complicate matters, Conway feels she has seen the victim before but she couldn't remember what. As the story slowly unfolds, Conway and Moran soon learn that something bigger is playing in the center of their case and what really happened will not only rock these two detectives' worlds but to the reader as well.

Did I mention that Tana French's characterisations are amazing? I felt this latest installment was topnotch when characterisations are concerned. The mystery and the plot are there, and while they are captivating I've to confess it was the characters that made this story comes alive and yes, even believable. Tana French not only penned an intense suspense in this novel but she also offered enough doubts and betrayals, hypothetical theories to have readers' minds racing like our two detectives here, and questioning all of them along the way. The Trespasser was suspenseful but it was also intelligent and an emotional one as well. I loved this book, a lot. I think this book has surpassed In the Woods, which is my favourite French book and this said a lot.

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

When She Was Bad by Tammy Cohen

Melody

Black Swan | April 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Library

First and foremost, this book wasn't an easy read. Writing my afterthought was even harder as I felt my emotions were all over the place. Then there are also the various issues which make you shudder and think about the situations and what you would do if you were the characters in this book.

Sarah, Amira, Paula, Ewan and Charlie. These are the five characters who are co-workers working in the same department office. Gill, their Executive Manager has been coasting during the last couple of years and thus, productivity and profitability have suffered as a result. Gill is ultimately asked to go and her position is replaced by a much younger Rachel Masters. Now Rachel isn't a person to mess around with; she meant business and have high expectations from her subordinates. Gone is the casual and informal atmosphere in the department; the department at present is so tense that any 'small talk' with Rachel would make them break out in a cold sweat and then fill them with deep resent and anger should they are being talked down by her. Rachel also takes up the divide and rule style of management so it is natural of the staff to be competitive yet wary of one another. When the MD decided that a team-bonding weekend is a great way to build up the department's morale and have some little fun knowing one another at the same time, the staff no longer feel the bonding and trust as before because something has changed ever since Rachel filled up Gill's position.

On the other end, there is Anne Cater who is looking at an old case when she was a junior psychiatrist. The present news of the murderer and what happened fills her with dark memories of the past involving two young damaged siblings, Laurie and David. Anne and another junior psychiatrist, Dan Oppenheimer, were in-charge of the Child L and Child D case respectively. Both of them reported to Professor Ed Kowalsky. Looking back, Anne is once again filled with deep regret of the wrong judgement made by Prof Kowalsky and how that mistake have made someone committed a murder under a triggered stressful situation.

I mentioned before this book wasn't an easy read given the subject matters and how it messed my mind with these characters and their doubtful minds. Most of the times I found myself holding my breath and dreading the outcomes because I just couldn't trust any of the characters; each of them has flaws and agendas and on top of it Rachel's attitudes simply make one's blood boils. As much as I was bothered by these, I have to say this is one great and fast-paced psychological thriller. I loved Ms. Cohen's writing style and how well-crafted this story is. I also liked it that it has an office setting which made me reminiscent of my past working life and how believable some of these characters are.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 6 comments |

Drama Review: Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (aka Love in the Moonlight) (云画的月光 )

Melody

Based on a five-part series novel of the same name and with the time period set in the 19th century during the Joseon Dynasty, this drama tells a coming-of-age story between a young Crown Prince and a girl who disguised as a young man due to her family matters involving the nation's politics.

19-year-old Crown Prince Lee Yeong (starring Park Bo-gum) has never been interested in the nation's affairs and what's happening in the palace; his cold and aloof attitude is most commonly known to all minister officials and court servants especially after the passing of his mother, the late Queen Yoon.

Hong Ra-on (starring Kim Yoo-jung) is a 18-year-old girl who earns her living by doing some street performing and writing love letters on behalf of her mostly men clients. Her mother has abandoned her since young for her security purposes (this issue will come to light as the story progresses) and she has little memories of her father who had left home years ago.

A chance encounter with the Crown Prince has set her heart race for a different reason, for she has mistook him as the lover of one of her male clients, in which is a misunderstanding as from the other end the Crown Prince is trying to find out who is fervently writing love letters to his younger sister, Princess Myung-eun. The next time when Ra-on encounters the Crown Prince, she has became one of the eunuchs in the palace due to an unfortunate incident and their destiny begins from there.

This drama appealed to me on many levels and the main attraction to me is the differences between the Crown Prince and Ra-on not only of their positions but also the disguised gender when Ra-on first met him. Since this is also a story about power and greed, needless to say there are lots of conspiracies and backstabbing in the foreground but I have to say the highlights of this drama is the friendship and sacrifices of the two friends surrounding the Crown Prince and then of course, the forbidden love between the Crown Prince and Ra-on.

I found myself warmed up to the character of the Crown Prince rather quickly despite his arrogance in the beginning; and of course it doesn't hurt to say he was very charismatic and an eye candy so to speak. Ra-on amazed me with her optimism and her outlooks in life despite several unfavourable circumstances but in the end she always managed to overcome them. I loved the ending but left me wondering about her (ambiguous) position.

(My novel box-set, which I have yet to read)
（作者：尹梨修，译者：莊曼淳）

Labels: 4.5 stars, Drama review, Historical, Korean drama, Romantic Comedy 4 comments |

Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris

Melody

St Martin's Press | August 2016 | 304 pgs

Source: Purchased

Perfect couples. You either love them or hate them. Author B. A. Paris chills readers in this psychological thriller about a perfect couple and what's really happened behind closed doors.

Everyone is envious of Jack and Grace Angel. They are not only a pair of beautiful couple but they are also loving to each other and wouldn't go anywhere without the other. Jack is a successful lawyer and his forte is handling domestic violence cases; Grace used to work as buyer for Harrods but quit her job after marrying Jack. Financial is never an issue with Jack and he told Grace he could even support Grace's younger sister, Millie, who has Down's Syndrome.

As the story progresses, readers will know that there is something very wrong with the Angel couple. With the atmosphere thick with tension and a heavy sense of foreboding, this psychological thriller entrances readers to keep on reading despite what happened. Told in Grace's narration between the past and the present in alternating chapters, this compelling story tells a darker side of the human psyche and that not everything is what they seem to be.

At the risk of telling more the longer I write this post, I felt this book is best read without knowing anything and thus, this review will be short and vague. And what about the ending? All I can said is it was satisfying.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Suspense 7 comments |

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Melody

Random House Publishing Group | March 2016 | 464 pgs

Source: Library

The book opens with our heroine, Agnieszka, worrying over her best friend's safety and the fact that they might not be able to see each other again. For every ten years, a young woman will be chosen to hand over to Dragon; who is known to be a powerful and immortal wizard who will keep their village from any harms of the corrupted Wood. The Wood is mystical on its own; filled with fantastical creatures and botanical plants that would devour humans and make them a changed person even if they could make it out of the Wood alive.

When the next choosing is approaching, Agnieszka is the one who is chosen, much to everyone's surprise, including Agnieszka herself for she thinks herself ordinary and not as beautiful and talented as her best friend, Kasia.

What follows next is Agnieszka's attempts in adapting to her new life as Dragon's apprentice as she begins to learn magic and during those moments of togetherness has also allows her to see another side of Dragon; for he is not as cold and menacing as what the others think about him. Agnieszka soon realises that the threat from the Wood is turning onto them quickly and they have to do something before the whole of their village becomes corrupted.

Uprooted has all the elements a fantasy fan would ask for - folk stories, magic, an original, fantastic world building and interesting characters and premise which will not only makes your heart race but also be moved by the story itself. What I find rewarding is although this is a fantasy, it also seems very much of a real-life story that touches on humanity, bravery and the different conceptions we see no matter what time era is; fictional or not. Agnieszka is a wonderful character and I enjoyed seeing how she developed both mentally and emotionally. Dragon is another character whom I liked but takes time to grow on me, due to his misconceptions in the beginning of the story. I also enjoyed reading the friendship between Agnieszka and Kasia; their relationship reminds me more of siblings than good friends and some of their actions touched me a lot.

All in all, Uprooted was a wonderful read. Naomi Novik is also the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Temeraire series and although I haven't read any of them, I was glad I read this standalone and would check out her Temeraire series in the near future.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy 12 comments |

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Melody

Scholastic Inc., | September 2016 | 256 pgs

Source: Purchased

This graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier tells a story about the dead and the Mexican culture of honouring the day of the dead. But that is not all, it also tells a story about sisterly love, friendship and conquering your fears.

Catrina and her family are leaving their home in Northern California to a laid back old town in Bahia de la Luna (this place was inspired by the foggy coastal Northern California where the artist grew up.) The reason for the move is that Cat's younger sister, Maya, is suffering from cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult and leading to frequent infections. There's no cure for this and at times patients need breathing tube to administer more oxygen and that extra nutrition have to be delivered through a port in their bellies while they sleep) and that they think Maya will benefit from the cool, salty air blows in from the sea.

Cat isn't pleased about the move at first; after all she misses her friends, the convenience and the familiarity of her home town but she tells herself she will get used to it for the sake of Maya. They got to know their neighbour and their son, Carlos, who seems to know a lot of things about ghosts and finding the places of seeing them. While Maya is thrilled and is determined to meet one, Cat wants nothing to do with them. As Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) comes where the ghosts reunite with their loved ones, Cat tells herself she will go, for everything as well as for Maya since her condition doesn't allow her to.

What turns out eventually is not only Cat conquers her fear but also getting to know more about the deceased who roam about in Bahia de la Luna (they aren't scary at all and are such friendly and enthusiastic ghouls). Raina Telgemeier wonderfully captures the (windy and foggy) atmospheric setting and Cat's emotions and her reminiscences of her late grandmother. And finally I have to share this note from Raina: "Making peace with your ghosts is as profound as the idea of life itself. And at the end of the day, love transcends life and death."

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Graphic Novel, Young Adult 10 comments |

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Melody

Random House | May 2014
Source: Library

OK, I've to admit my curiosity was piqued after reading several positive reviews of this book. With the story mostly set in Singapore and that it was written by a Singaporean author, I felt the more I should read it. For this review, allow me to use a few Singaporean slang (or Singlish) since I felt it appropriate considering that's the prose of this book (don't worry, the author includes footnote).

To begin with, Crazy Rich Asians is a fun read. So what is the story about, har*? Basically, it's a story about some very rich families and their family dynamics and most of all, a love story between a crazy rich guy, Nicholas Young, and a clueless woman, Rachel Chu, who doesn't know his family background, lah*. Actually there shouldn't be any problem when love is concerned, after all what matters most is your love for your partner and vice versa, right? Wrong! At least not when Nicholas' family is concerned. Given their power, wealth and their society status, it seems natural to want someone who is of a good match in terms of wealth and background. Although Rachel holds a good position as a college professor (like Nicholas, except they are in different departments teaching at NYU), what sets her apart is her nationality (she's a Mainland Chinese) and that she comes from a single parent family. The real challenge begins when Nicholas decides to bring Rachel to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding and "all hell breaks loose" when his family members (including a string of extended meddling relatives) decide to know (dig, to be precise) more about Rachel's background and there are enough gossips, clashes and backbiting to rip a person apart.

"Well, first of all, you must understand that there are two kinds of Chinese. There are the Chinese from Mainland China, who made their fortunes in the past decade like all the Russians, but then there are the Overseas Chinese. These are the ones who left China long before the Communists came in, in many cases hundreds of years ago, and spread throughout the rest of Asia, quietly amassing great fortunes over time." Pg 33

Aside from the complications of the couple's love relationship, this story also gives readers more than a glimpse of the mindset and status of these rich Chinese families; about the difference of old money and new money, and some conservative mindsets when family roots are concerned.

Urm, so Crazy Rich Asians may seem like a chicklit fiction (I don't like this definition, lah*) to some but it was actually quite a funny and entertaining read (at least to me) and an "eye-opening reading experience" (to foreigner readers). While there is nothing new about the family dynamics issue (Aiyah*, I suppose it happens everywhere), it is the culture, the society, the language (as well as all those local dishes mentioned) that set this novel apart and made it such an interesting read. There's also a second book, China Rich Girlfriend, and although it looks interesting (it follows Rachel's story and her birth origin), I guess I'll read it when the mood strikes, lah*. (I'm blaming it on my TBR pile and a library book I've borrowed lately.)

* har / lah is a common and a favourite form of expression to emphasise especially towards the end of the sentence. They don't really mean anything.

* Aiyah - "sigh," "well," "oh man...," or "blah".

For more Singlish, visit this link.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Fiction 10 comments |

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

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.

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.