[MPOV] Once and Forever

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 3.88/5

Published: November 1st, 1999

Author: Constance O'Day-Flannery

Genre: Historical romance

Something inexplicable has led Maggie Whitaker to the sixteenth century. Always a woman who has tried to do the right thing and live up to expectations, Maggie is beginning to learn the joy of following her own heart--even if it leads her across centuries. And especially since it has her crossing paths with Nicholas Layton, a dashing disinherited noble caught up in the dangerous intrigues of Elizabeth's royal court.

There is something about this enchanting, perplexing Margaret that leaves Nicholas breathless. Her voice is sweet music--though the words she speaks seem foreign to his ear. One kiss and he knows she is his true soulmate. But it is said the lady is betrothed to another--and it is Nicholas who must deliver her to her waiting groom.

Yet no political plot or royal decree can forbid a love that is destined. And Maggie and her daring highborn lover are willing to incur the wrath of insidious foes to make certain that passion's flame, newly kindled, burns forever even if it takes centuries for their hearts to be truly one.

This is my first time reading from this author after hearing lots of rave reviews. Surprisingly, it was not easy finding her novels on the shelves too. So I truly thought it was that good hence the high expectations lah.

A current to historical romance about love lost and love found through time-travel. I've read a few of similar genre which was much better. I felt that this could be better or maybe it was written in the late 90's hence the timing difference as compared to now with more time travel ideas and imagination. 

Overall, it was an ok novel. Good as an easy read to pass time and enjoy the old fashion romance. Some notable quotes:

"Malcom and I know we've been together before, in other lives, and live now in gratitude for each other. I think I wrote to you about my belief that everyone who comes into our lives is fulfilling a contract with us."

"Curiosity didn't kill the cat. Boredom did. Allow wonder to work its wonder. Seek peace, Maggie. Stay in the moment. That's all you need to remember now. Rest well."

"Sweetness of my days, goddess of my nights, angel of my mornings..."

[MPOV] Echoes of Enmity (The Alliance #0.5)

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.07/5

Published: October 19th, 2022

Author: Stefanie Chu

Genre: Fantasy, young adult

Friendships are lost. The trusted becomes traitor.

 

While on a quest to avenge her lost kin, Mirari learns her long lost friend, Gaven, is leading a band of rebels against the three empires. She refuses to believe that the man she knew, whose only goal in life had been to become a noble and honorable fighter, would debase himself so.

 

But all is not what it seems. Unstoppable forces, wielded by hands unknown, are at work, tampering with events to bring about only chaos and suspicion.

 

With this mysterious force closing its grip, the empires must decide…

 

Who is true. And who is traitor.  

 

A prequel novella of Knights of the Alliance, Echoes of Enmity follows Mirari’s journey toward reuniting and confronting Gaven.

Thanks to the author, Stefanie Chu, and Library Things for the opportunity to join in Mirari's adventure!

Firstly, I have not read Knights of the Alliance nor other novels by this author, so I am a happy camper reading this prequel. It's about Mirari who has lost a good friend and then found a long-lost friend who turned out to be a rebel instead. The complex situation here transcends to Knights of the Alliance. 

The overall story was plotted nicely with lots of action and definitely engaging. It was easy to read and even though there were many characters, it wasn't as confusing. The author sure knows how to build the plots with proper intro of the characters that I can imagine it all. Mirari did remind me of Mulan, or more of Ciri from The Witcher.

It has piqued my interest to know what happens in book 1 of The Alliance LOL! I do believe this would be good in movie form too, similar to the Grishaverse of Leigh Bardugo. I just love the creativity and fantasy of this new world! I understand that The Alliance series is a trilogy so if you enjoy such adventurous journey similarly to the above mentioned then you should give this a try.

[MPOV] Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating:
Published: November 23rd, 2022
Author: Shawn M. Warner
Genre: Young adult

Leigh's life has been ripped apart.

Orphaned, she goes to live with incredibly wealthy relatives she never knew she had. Struggling to fit into her new world, she can't let go of her grief. When the police tell her the investigation into her parents' murder has hit a brick wall, she knows the only way she will ever know peace is to solve the mystery herself. With new family and friends, which includes a ghost with multiple personality issues, Leigh risks everything to find her answers.

Join Leigh on her adventure through the brutal world of organized crime and betrayal.

Reading Leigh Howard reminded me of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. The way their parents died triggered it mainly but how the individual persevered and overcome the trauma is different. Leigh is a troubled and suicidal 16 years old when she was sent to live with her distant cousins, Tristan and Peg with their daughter Myra. She was reluctant at first but as they keep showering her with love and with Myra slowly gaining her trust, she slowly progressed to be a different, livelier girl. Her will to find who murdered her parents turned the household upside down and with the help of the ghosts of the manor making things worst!

Overall, I'm glad for this chance to read this exciting novel as there was never a dull moment and it's filled with lots of adventurous plots from the moment Leigh met the ghosts. I do find it relatable especially the mental health stigma which I'm glad had a positive outcome and a good influence, so to speak. Definitely an easy read and great for a quick adventure for the young ones and the young at heart :-) I'm just thankful for a switch of pace reading young adult after finishing an intense read! Thanks to the publisher, Black Rose Writing, for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

[MPOV] One Last Secret

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 3.86/5
Published: June 1st, 2022
Author: Adele Parks
Genre: mystery fiction, domestic thriller, suspense crime

One last client

A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort, and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front.

One last chance

It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems…

One last secret

Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life…

From the Sunday Times number one bestseller Adele Parks comes a blisteringly provocative novel about power, sex, money and revenge.

This is my first Adele Parks and I am blown away. At the start, I was wondering where the long intro is heading to. Honestly, I did not expect to read a never-ending detail of how this lady became an escort. All the details started to make me lose interest, but I persevered and continued. It sure was worth it as the story progressed with unexpected twists and turns!

Teodora is the aforementioned escort and it started with how she came into this escort business, what she had suffered and endured, how she became so well-trained and making good money. However, as it progresses, she started to lose control and was set-up to lose everything. When her best friend, Evan, proposed to her, I did think that the culprit could be him. However, the story changed and turned back time to way before... when she got pregnant... definitely a curve ball. More mystery ensued and more headaches for me as I tried to grasp it all! A rollercoaster ride indeed with that sinister ending and then the epilogue... another dramatic twist which could lead to book 2!

Oh wow... this is one helluva book! I truly applaud the author; she sure has such a vengeful imagination! The vividness of it all was so surreal with one secret led to another secret and then another! I did enjoy it overall but there was only one setback for me as I got confused... it's good to have an indicator when the chapter starts going back time or onto another person's POV. Maybe I didn't notice it as I am reading it on my old Kobo Touch without backlight and with small fonts. Other than that, thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for this chance to read an entertaining novel!

[MPOV] My Lovely Skull and other Skeletons

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4/5
Published: October 18th, 2022
Author: Tunku Halim
Genre: horror, mystery, fiction

Each the darkest of tales. Skeletons in the cupboards of the mind. Shackled in a dungeon. Rattling the cages. Bones jangling as they grinningly emerge.

Meet a hungry old woman who roasts her victims. A grieving father intent on rape and murder. A sex-slave nurse who uses lizards to kill. A blood-sucking creature avenging a battered wife. A teenager in love with a beach-discovered skull. A diva-wannabe who will poison to sing. An exorcism going terribly wrong.

These and other skeletons await. Nightmarish, spine-chilling tales ready to embrace and draw you into their blood-dripping dungeons.

Are you ready for the shackles?

Do you have a lovely skull?

This is my first Tunku Halim read, and I nearly freaked out!!! Honestly, what have I gotten myself into??? When I was presented the opportunity, I quickly grabbed as I wanted to support a fellow Malaysian. Also, knowing it's filled with chilling stories, I thought it's a good timing since Halloween is just around the corner. However, after a few chapters in, I was kinda scared... yet the story was gripping enough that had me turning the pages and continue! Ya, I'm not a horror fan as I'm a scaredy cat hence I hardly read or watch such genre.

This novel consists of 15 short stories that varied in plots but with one aim or genre in mind, horror! It managed to keep me intrigued with the many plots which is good since there are 15 different stories being told. Some has more horror factor than the other and all in all, I felt scared and gross at the same time LOL! The way the author managed to weave his pen throughout the stories truly had me continued reading even though my heart seemed to beat harder and faster! There were some that had me looking over my shoulder always and some gave me goosebumps always! Gosh, I wanted to stop but I couldn't as it was good, and I wanted to know how it ended.

Among the 15, though horrific, there were a few that I did like. For instance, Room 511 and The Elevator Game were unexpected for me. My Lovely Skull and The Garden were not the ordinary kind that was gross for me! In the end, it did an amazing job keeping me turning the pages until the end. I do have a signed copy of Tunku Halim's earlier novel, Horror Stories 2, which I might pushed it up my TBR since I am able to read on especially for a scaredy cat like me LOL!

Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Books SEA, for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. Since Halloween is just around the corner, it would be a good read during this horror season/festival!

[MPOV] Holy Parrot

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 4.40/5

Published: 1st December 2022

Author: Angel A

Genre: literary fiction, mystery fiction

From the multi-award-winning author of Mary Poser. We are proud to share with you Angel A’s second novel.

Buritaca, Colombia: Mary, sixteen, insisted the parrot, known as Gabriel, told her she would be the mother of the new Christ. She said she was a virgin. Pablo, suspected as being the child's father, mysteriously disappeared. Leo Lumière, an undergraduate genetics student from Australia was torn between exposing a crime and protecting Maria from harm.

Was Maria lying to hide a despicable secret? Or was she birthing the leader of the new millennium? Phenomenal events unfolded as millions united, chanting one phrase - 'Loro Santo': Holy Parrot.

I have received this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

This novel is about a mysterious occurrence where a 16-year-old virgin is pregnant with Christ's child and an Australian science student is working on genetic research nearby. Coincidentally, both happened to meet, and both happened to connect. Eventually both happened to keep saving each other from the chaos that surrounds them. 

This is a refreshing read as opposed to the general fictions I have been reading. I have enjoyed Angel A's first novel, Mary Poser, so I was looking forward to her second novel. Alas, I was not disappointed. Although Holy Parrot was less witty and funny, it did make up with more dramatic plots. Hence it was never boring. 

I did wish for it to be funnier, livelier, as the characters were less outstanding, I guess. It sorts of got drown as the story progressed, as opposed to the parrot, though less mentioned yet more memorable! This is more of a literary fiction, unlike the first one which was more of chic lit hence a different vibe here. Overall, it was eye-opening, and I did not expect that ending LOL!

All in all, it's more of a self-discovery + faith + science kinda novel. If you are looking for a different genre from the usual fiction or something unique, you should give Holy Parrot a try. I'm sure you can relate to the characters and the behavior's mentioned in this novel. The ending will seal the deal for you :-) I am ____

[MPOV] Dial A for Aunties (Aunties #1)

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
Published: 27/4/2021
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genre: chic lit, humor, contemporary fiction, romance

What happens when you mix 1 (accidental) murder with 2 thousand wedding guests, and then toss in a possible curse on 3 generations of an immigrant Chinese-Indonesian family?

You get 4 meddling Asian aunties coming to the rescue!

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working at an island resort on the California coastline. It's the biggest job yet for the family wedding business—"Don't leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!"—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie's perfect buttercream flowers.

But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy's great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend? 

This is so hilarious! I can understand why she's the current favourite author for chic lit! Totally killed it and topped off my favourite, Sophie Kinsella, pun intended! LOL!

Being Indonesian, Jesse Q. Sutanto has infused lots of local flavour to this novel hence it was so relatable, so current and so easy to read! With a dash of quirkiness and charm, it makes this novel so funny, definitely an easy and lite read. I would have finished it faster but duty calls so I can only read during my commute from work.

This novel centers on Meddy, a filial girl to her mother, has been working as a wedding photographer in her family's wedding business. She has been set up by her mother to meet a guy from the internet. Unfortunately, the date went south, and she has accidentally killed her date who turned out to be her mother's flower supplier. As she has no one to turn to except for her family, she has no choice but to tell them what has happened with the body still warm in her car boot. The chaos continued as they tried to get rid of the body whilst having to carry on with a wedding order in hand!

As cheesy as it maybe, this is such an entertaining read from the start to the end! As I have been following the author on Instagram, I kept imagining her as Meddy, totally having the plots in mind! It's been a while since I've read something which I look forward to. I am definitely looking forward to other books from this author. 

If you like a quick and funny read, this first book by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Dial A for Aunties, is a splendid choice... for either the young or the old! Well written with many Indonesian catch phrase that will tickle your fancy!

[MPOV] Exit Wounds

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.67/5
Published: September 6th, 2022
Author: Annie O'Neill Stein
Genre: general fiction

Born to shanty Irish on one side and Park Avenue privilege on the other, Laura navigates a turbulent childhood filled with the alcohol-fueled abuse of her volatile father and her mother’s excessive drinking. As the middle child of three girls, she assigns herself the role of her mother's protector, who dies when Laura is thirteen, leaving her heartbroken and adrift.

Insecure, anxious, and fearful, she tries drugs, random sex, and a sequence of lovers. Along the way, she becomes a successful painter and has a bad first marriage. Nothing, however, seems to assuage her emptiness and her sense of loss. Eventually, she marries a caring man and has a loving daughter. It is only at the end of her life, and by way of an unusual and unexpected turn of events that she is finally able to make peace with herself, to let go of the feeling that she never really grieved, and said goodbye to her beloved mother, and to appreciate that though we work at love and acceptance, sometimes the most wonderful experiences in our lives come in unanticipated and unsought ways.

This novel so reminds me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance and Kathryn Harvey's Butterfly. It's a story about a girl, Laura, growing up in a shabby environment and eventually becoming a successful woman with a loving family of her own. Her suffering, her endurance and her choices in life were told in her own point of view. It sure is empowering and enlightening of the events that occurred in her life. The way Laura handled or mishandled it and the consequences that she has to accept is so heart wrenching at times. 

I am amazed at how realistic the events that happened in Laura's life, especially when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, leading to her death. It sure seemed as though it is the author's biography but fictionalized. The little details, the grief and loss all felt as though the author has experienced it first-hand. If you are looking for some heroine drama to read, this is definitely the right pick.

Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely e-ARC. I have enjoyed reading Laura's journey. It is devastating to know that the author, Annie O'Neill Stein, has just passed away before the release of her debut novel. May her soul rest in peace.

[MPOV] My American Sister

My rating: 4/5
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
Published: August 19th, 2022
Author: Judy Tham
Genre: Asian lit, family fiction

What price does a family pay for an unapproved birth?

Li Fu and Mei, farmers from a far-flung province seeking a livelihood in the capital, Beijing, flout the country’s One-Child Policy by giving birth to a second daughter, Ying. Unable to pay the hefty penalty, their baby is forcefully taken by corrupted officials and sold to an orphanage, and is eventually put up for adoption. Stricken by grief, the family falls apart. Li, obsessed with finding his missing daughter, leads a dysfunctional and chaotic life with his eldest daughter Yan after his wife walks out of the family. Seventeen years passed before he eventually locates Ying in San Francisco.

However, his dream of a reunited family is quickly crushed when Ying, now an all-American girl, cannot accept her biological family’s un-American way of life. Intolerant of their behavior and illegal immigrant status, Ying does the unthinkable – calling the immigration department to deport her family back to China.

Overcome with guilt and remorse, Ying decides to go to China to face her father and tell him the truth about their arrest and deportation.

Told from the perspectives of the two sisters, this novel reveals the dark side of cross-cultural adoption and love between father and daughter. The story is inspired by actual accounts of missing children in China, some of whom were abducted by corrupted officials for profiteering.

I have received this e-ARC from Penguin Random House SEA in return for my honest review.

The story started with Li Fu and his wife, Mei, about their life as the poor peasants in China and accidently flouting the One Child Policy by having 2 daughters. Their predicament came about when the corrupt officials started knocking on their door trying to collect fines to which the couple could not afford. Being a typical egoistic Chinaman, Li Fu naturally defied and offended the officials. One day, their younger daughter was snatched from Mei's arm and was sold to an orphanage that quickly set her up for adoption to Americans. After this, Li Fu's family slowly fell apart.

The story then moved forward to 17 years later to which Faye, the younger daughter, has grown up beautifully under the TLC of Sophia. Yan, the older daughter, has grown up without her mother who has walked out on them. A chain of events led Li Fu and Yan to finally find Faye in America and eventually led to more chaos and mayhem!

I am glad to have read this awesome novel! I honestly didn't expect the ending to turn out as it is. I've liked how the story progresses with many relatable events that I think only Asians could relate to. As such, it was enjoyable although it was slow at some point and predictable at others. Overall, it was truly a memorable journey. 

Having known that the author actually did lots of research for this novel, it definitely was worth the while as the story turned out realistically for me and I could visualize it, being able to empathize Faye a lot! On the other hand, Yan's deprivation had me feeling so sorry for her. She's such a strong girl, being able to stay sane and not being mental! I just loved the bittersweet ending, didn't expect for it to turn out as such as I kept thinking of the opposite LOL! Too much drama in my mind!

If you like family drama with Asian fusion type of story, do give this novel, My American Sister by Judy Tham, a try. You can find out more from this link:
My American Sister - Penguin Random House SEA

[MPOV] My Nemesis

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 3.75/5
Published: February 7, 2023
Author: Charmaine Craig
Genre: contemporary fiction

From the acclaimed author of Miss Burma, longlisted for the National Book Award and the Women’s Prize, comes a tense and thought-provoking exploration of an intellectual affair and its reverberations across the lives of two couples

Tessa is a successful white woman writer who develops a friendship, first by correspondence and then in person, with Charlie, a ruggedly handsome philosopher and scholar based in Los Angeles. Sparks fly as they exchange ideas about Camus and masculine desire, and their intellectual connection promises more—but there are obstacles to this burgeoning relationship.

While Tessa’s husband Milton enjoys Charlie’s company on his visits to the East Coast, Charlie’s mixed-race Asian wife Wah is a different case, and she proves to be both adversary and conundrum to Tessa. Wah’s traditional femininity and subservience to her husband strike Tessa as weaknesses, and she scoffs at the sacrifices Wah makes as adoptive mother to a Burmese girl, Htet, once homeless on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. But Wah has a kind of power too, especially over Charlie, and the conflict between the two women leads to Tessa’s martini-fueled declaration that Wah is “an insult to womankind.” As Tessa is forced to deal with the consequences of her outburst and considers how much she is limited by her own perceptions, she wonders if Wah is really as weak as she has seemed, or if she might have a different kind of strength altogether.

An exercise in empathy, an exploration of betrayal, and a charged story of the thrill of a shared connection—and the perils of feminine rivalry—My Nemesis is a brilliantly dramatic and captivating story from a hugely talented writer whose portrayals are always gracefully phrased and keenly observed.

I've gotten this e-ARC from Netgalley in return for my honest review. The cover captured my attention and I half expected it to be a thriller but it turned out differently. I honestly was surprised with the outcome of this novel.

This novel is written in the view of Tessa, a writer who has a very intense mindset that I do find her to be self-absorbent. She view others negatively and even thought highly of herself. She's intellectually above others literally, I would give her that, but she has that tendency to ensure everything goes her way or the highway. That's my impression of her lah LOL!

After reading through, I began to realize that the characters in this novel are so relatable! I would say this is like a story of my neighbours or friends, with similar experiences hence it felt so close to home! It truly captures the essence or diva of some women literally! After all those drama, even though from 1 person's point of view, can be quite daunting but the true reveal at the end sort of summed it up best LOL!

I'm surprised that I managed to finish it as I did find it hard to read at the start, so dry that I wanted to DNF it. Maybe I wasn't used to this author's way of writing so it took me awhile to get used to and when I finally grasps it, I've reached the end. 

Overall, it is an interesting read that I wished I understand more philosophically LOL! Literally filled with Camus and Nietzsche and Sisyphean..... here's a snippet:

You see, much as Sisyphus stood for Camus as the figurehead for his early phase, Nemesis represented what he hoped to achieve ultimately with this work. In ancient Greek religion, she was the goddess of retribution, ruthlessly punishing those who exceeded limits; and for Camus - because she represented the moderation that accounted for the variety of human experience and perspectives - she was also the goddess of love.

[MPOV] The House in the Cerulean Sea

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.45/5

Published: March 16, 2020

Author: T.J. Klune

Genre: LGBTQ, fantasy, fiction

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Firstly, The House in the Cerulean Sea reminded me of Harry Potter and Peculiar Children! Though the plots may differ, the general idea is somewhat a mix of both Potterverse and Peculiardom, in my opinion. I've come across many rave reviews of this novel so it did piqued my interest, similarly to Harry Potter and Peculiar Children, hence the immediate purchase and reading LOL!

"They fear what they don't understand. And that fear turns to hate for reasons I'm sure even they can't begin to comprehend. And since they don't understand the children, since they fear them, they hate them. This can't be the first time you've heard of this. It happens everywhere."

The House in the Cerulean Sea is about an orphanage that is set on an isolated island, far away from civilization. This orphanage housed children with special abilities and managed by Arthur. Linus is a caseworker at Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) who curates and submits recommendation of similar orphanages if they follow the rules & regulations and should remain open. Linus finally had a break from his usual monotonous routine when he was handpicked by Upper Management of DICOMY to curate Arthur's orphanage as it may deemed as inappropriate. Upon his arrival at the orphanage, Linus has an uneventful stay that can change his mind, and his life, forever!

"Arthur says that we should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy."

I have totally enjoyed the little characters and can imagined them in a movie. I may not have thoughts of who could act as who yet but whilst I was reading, Jack Black was Linus in my mind! The description so befits Jack Black with his tummy and all LOL! When a story is so realistic, it sure had me at my toes, can't wait to reach the end. And when it did, it sure made me wished for more! That was how I felt with Harry Potter and the same with Peculiar Children. Now Cerulean Sea is the same, shelved with them lot!

"Because a life without hope isn't a life lived at all."

The way it was written was exquisitely paced and I liked how the romance slowly grows though I was frustrated at times, I so feel Zoe here! Even if the plots were predictable, it was written with an understanding of the journey of how Arthur, Linus and the children, as a whole entity, belonged together as a family. Such a remarkable writing that it did reminds me of Neil Gaiman LOL!

"We are who we are not because of our birthright, but because of what we choose to do in this life. It cannot be boiled down to black and white. Not where there is so much in between. You cannot say something is moral or immoral without understanding the nuances behind it."

Last but not least, although this is with young adult theme, this novel has LGBTQ element which is suited for adult audience. So please be aware if you are letting your children read this novel ya. You have been forewarned.

"Sometimes, he thought to himself in a house in a cerulean sea, you were able to choose the life you wanted. And if you were the lucky sort, sometimes that life chose you back."

[MPOV] Ghost Music

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 3.73/5
Publish: January 10th, 2023
Author: An Yu
Genre: contemporary fiction

From the author of the “original and electric” Braised Pork (Time), An Yu’s enchanting and contemplative novel of music and mushrooms follows a former concert pianist searching for the truth about a vanished musician

For three years, Song Yan has filled the emptiness of her Beijing apartment with the tentative notes of her young piano students. She gave up on her own career as a concert pianist many years ago, but her husband Bowen, an executive at a car company, has long rebuffed her pleas to have a child. He resists even when his mother arrives from the southwestern Chinese region of Yunnan and begins her own campaign for a grandchild. As tension in the household rises, it becomes harder for Song Yan to keep her usual placid demeanor, especially since she is troubled by dreams of a doorless room she can’t escape, populated only by a strange orange mushroom.

When a parcel of mushrooms native to her mother-in-law’s province is delivered seemingly by mistake, Song Yan sees an opportunity to bond with her, and as the packages continue to arrive every week, the women stir-fry and grill the mushrooms, adding them to soups and noodles. When a letter arrives in the mail from the sender of the mushrooms, Song Yan’s world begins to tilt further into the surreal. Summoned to an uncanny, seemingly ageless house hidden in a hutong that sits in the middle of the congested city, she finds Bai Yu, a once world-famous pianist who disappeared ten years ago.

A gorgeous and atmospheric novel of art and expression, grief and survival, memory and self-discovery, Ghost Music animates contemporary Beijing through the eyes of a lonely yet hopeful young woman and gives vivid color and texture to the promise of new beginnings.

I am thankful to be given this opportunity to read and review this e-ARC. The first thing that attracted me to this was the cover, the exceptionally cute mushrooms over lines like music notes! Yes, I'm the kind who looks for books based on covers first then the content LOL! 

"The one thing more important than playing the piano is listening to yourself play."

This is also my first time reading An Yu's novel and I am surprised that it is well written. It is straightforward, easy to understand and I was able to grasp the story being told. However I did find it a little monotonous across that I was finding it hard to absorb the plots and finishing the book. Luckily it was not a door stopper so I could pushed myself to complete it. 

''I tried to identify something that I couldn't even describe myself; and abstract thing that I wasn't quite sure existed. The sound of being alive, as Bai Yu put it.''

Ghost Music is set in modern day China about a piano teacher who started having family issue when her mother in law moved in with them in Beijing. Her mother in law misses Yunnan a lot and wished to go back there. In the meantime, she has also been pestering for her son and daughter in law to have children. Upon the arrival of the anonymous mushroom gifts, their lives begin to change. The piano teacher's obsession with the anonymous mushroom gifter, Bai Yu, had her seeing her life in a different light.

As the story slowly unravels, I begin to understand the complexity of it. It is referencing life in general and we should move forward instead of being boxed up aka thinking out of the box, for example. I'm sure we may have different opinions upon reading it and interpreting the in-depth meaning of this novel differently. It truly had me thinking of my life at some point.

"He made me see the simple fact that we are not tied down to this world; we are in pursuit of it. That is how I loved him."

I enjoyed the overall meaning of the story and the simple way it is told but I did wished for it to be a little more upbeat. As I've read it on different occasions during my commute, it wasn't as dry luckily. I don't read as many genre like this so if you happened to like Haruki Murakami's books, minus the satirical ending, this might be something you can expand on. I might look up Braised Pork when time permits :-)

[MPOV] The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1)

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 3.87/5
Published: April 4th, 2013
Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

Genre: crime fiction

A brilliant debut mystery in a classic vein: Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel's suicide.

After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.

Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, the legendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.

You may think you know detectives, but you've never met one quite like Strike. You may think you know about the wealthy and famous, but you've never seen them under an investigation like this.

Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

The Cuckoo's Calling reminded me of an old 60's TV series namely The Avengers' John Steed with Mrs. Emma Peel. I've always enjoyed that TV series when I was young hence it's memorable even though I can't recall the episodes now LOL! Mixed with a little bit of Agatha Christie's and here we have Cormoran Strike, a private investigator.

This book is the first of a detective series, about a private investigator who was hired to investigate the death of a supermodel. The circumstances on how she died was baffling as she did not seemed suicidal to jump down a building although the police has concluded it as suicide. Armed with all his tactical knowledge and skills, Cormoran Strike sets off to find out the truth.

I have enjoyed the detailed tell tale of this book, on how the plots twist and turn, building up the excitement. However, after a while, I have slowly felt it was a tad too slow and tend to be a little long-winded. The plot building was being elaborated so much so that I didn't feel the nail biting effect. I just wanted to know who did it in the end. I'm happy that my guess was correct though...

I am a Rowling fan and thoroughly loved the Harry Potter series. However, I'm not really into this Cormoran Strike one, maybe there are many other crime fiction which are much better. Overall, it was entertaining for me to finish it but not enticing enough for me to read the rest of the series. This detective series has also been adapted into TV so likely I'll watch it instead :-)

[MPOV] Embracing Darkness (Key series: short story 1.5)

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 4.04/5
Published: October 31st, 2014
Author: Yelena Casale, Tina Moss
Genre: Paranormal romance

After a hellish ordeal suffered at the hands of evil, Zoey wants only to live a normal human life. Yet, demons haunt her every step and a power grows inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. If she is to win her life back, she’ll need to trust in a fallen with a hidden agenda.

Rafe’s war with the hellspawn of Las Vegas has dragged on for centuries. He needs an edge to take out the demon boss once and for all. The girl may be the answer, but to gain her trust, he’ll have to use all of his powers of seduction and stop at nothing to win her heart…even if it means losing his own.

Now, as the stakes rise, Zoey and Rafe must put their faith in each other to heal the wounds of the past and overcome the challenges in the present. Only by discovering their strength together can they find peace, not by running from the night, but by embracing darkness.

Thanks to City Owl Press for this free copy. I'm happy that I finished it in one seating since it's less than 50 pages LOL! Though it's only a short story, I don't feel at a lost and it sure entices me to continue the rest of the Key series! A very smart move indeed! I don't really go for paranormals but I might look for the rest of this series when I'm not as tied up :-)

[MPOV] The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 1

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 3.5/5

Published: May 25th, 2022

Author: Sophia Lambton

Genre: Family fiction, drama, saga

Lost are the creatures destined never to be understood.

1926. Professor Josef van der Holt obtains a post at an all women’s college overseas. Stuffy London suddenly becomes the site for the unseemly exploits of his half-Dutch and half-German daughters Anneliese and Isabel. When tragedy carves out a hollow in their lives, an ailing soul sends the sororal twins along a jagged path: while Isabel takes flight in sensual hedonism Anneliese skirts danger in her role as sleuth. Elusive are the sentiments they seek: swift stopovers of fleeting feeling. Seditious loves and passions scarcely probable veer each away from the predictable.

And when the obvious appears unstoppable the opposite may achingly be true.

Spanning the twentieth century’s five most volatile decades, The Crooked Little Pieces is a series about inextricable entanglements. Perverse relationships pervade a glossary of scenes. Plots criss-cross over a rich tapestry of twists and tension-fuelling characters: some relatable, others opaque and many “crooked”.

It is television drama. Novelised.

A heartfelt thank you to the author for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. I have not read a family saga in ages. When I first saw it, I thought it's a thriller due to it's title. As I gradually read on, it was explained in the novel, the meaning of this title. Somehow, this one reminded me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance, though different in plot aspects. 

The Crooked Little Pieces is about 2 girls, twins who were born a week apart. It tells the story about their struggle after their father passed away and the gap between their relationship... their sisterhood. Both characters are a total opposite and as they grew older with different expectations in life, they slowly became closer. As this is volume 1, it ended with the war :-)

I've enjoyed how it was written and I did find it engaging though some may find it slow. It fits my reading mood nowadays and I was curious of Anneliese's friendship with the psychiatrist who sort of shaped her future. Also, when it ended, I wonder about Isabel's relationship with her sadistic husband. Both sisters are talented in their own ways but their vulnerability is what shaped them eventually. I do wonder what happens next in volume 2 :-)

[MPOV] On These Wicked Shores (The Azantian Trilogy #2)

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.57/5

Published: May 1st, 2022

Author: Katherine Quinn

Genre: Fantasy, romance, fiction

A king chased by the demons of his past. A merciless god seeking redemption through bloodshed. And the woman whose very existence defies possibility.

It’s been three months since Margrete Wood defeated her depraved father and saved the mystical island of Azantian. But the monstrous creatures released that night have hidden themselves in the human realm, and Margrete and her king set sail to hunt them down.

When disaster strikes on the high seas, Margrete and the crew find themselves stranded on the shores of a new and dangerous island. It’s there that they come across an ancient coin, one that legend claims belonged to a powerful goddess. It signifies the first of three deadly trials that must be completed. If they fail these tests, they forfeit their lives to the very place that traps them.

As Margrete and Bash struggle to survive gruesome horrors lurking around every turn, a mighty god watches. He’s waited centuries for this moment, and in Margrete, he sees the queen he’s been searching for.

Once the third and final coin is found, Margrete and Bash will discover if their love can conquer all… even death itself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

I'm so glad to be given the opportunity to read this second book of a trilogy by Katherine Quinn. I've enjoyed her prose and the way she weaves her fantasy which are quite enthralling at times! In this second one, it sure takes on a darker tone when Bash was separated from Margrete. It was definitely a test for both of them and the adventure they endured just to be together in the end was so unexpected. I just can't wait for the last in the trilogy, for the conclusion to close this chapter.

This time around, Bash and Margrete were separated for most part of the story and when they finally reunite towards the end, it was a heart wrenching moment that I honestly can't wait for the next book! Katherine sure knows how to tease and pull the readers along that when it ended at that, it sure was unexpected for me and I can't help but feel Margeret's pain!

No spoilers so I'll stop here LOL! If you are into fantasy romance, go ahead and give this trilogy a try!

[MPOV] The Anniversary by Tara Sue Me (The Submissive Series)

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.28/5
Published: March 28, 2022
Author: Tara Sue Me
Genre: romance, erotica, novella

He vowed to give her anything.

She’s ready to take him up on it.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling Submissive Series favorites Cole and Sasha return in a new novella that pushes them to decide how far they’re willing to go for love.

As their one year anniversary approaches, Cole and Sasha are more in love than ever. Cole believes he knows everything about his wife, which is why her request for their anniversary comes as a shock. Not only is it the last thing he ever expected her to want, he’s not certain he can make it happen.

Sasha stands firm, explaining it’s the one thing she needs to put the past behind her for good. But as she watches him struggle to balance his limits with her desires, she can’t help but wonder if she’s pushed him too far.

A big thank you to LibraryThing and the author for letting me read this awesome novella in return for my honest review. To be honest, this is my first time reading from this author and I am glad to have been given this opportunity.

Firstly, this is an erotica genre with some BDSM elements that most readers tend to shy away. I have read some in the past so I know what I am in for. As it is a romance novel, I've enjoyed the overall love and connection between Sasha and Cole. The only part I didn't like was the way they addressed each other. I just wasn't as comfortable with their terms of endearment LOL!

As this is a novella and part of a series (The Submissive Series), I am surprised that I can read it as a standalone and not get confused at all. The story was smoothly told with an easy pace, well written with the right dose of sex and not overly done. I have read some novellas which were packed with lots of sex that was uncalled for. This one truly has an elegant flair and knows it's limit, pun intended, LOL!

I would recommend this novella if you are curious about this genre. This will definitely not give you a heart attack LOL! In fact, I have enjoyed it much and felt it was a comfortable mushy read.

Community Book Sharing: Fumio Sasaki's Goodbye, Things

I have attended a few book discussions where it is the norm to read the book first and then attend the discussion. It is logical to read it first so that we can share our views or feedback of the book, which is the purpose of the book discussion. However, having to read it first may be daunting for me as I won't have the said book most of the time. Also having to finish reading it in time for the book discussion is also stressful and reading is supposed to be a relaxing hobby. As such, I have refrained from attending that many book discussions and also remained inactive in the book club I'm in. 

Recently, I came across this Instagram post by Revitalized Books about a Community Book Sharing event. This is something new for me as we can attend the session without having to read the said book first! The host will share some details and excerpts from the selected book based on a theme for that session. I was intrigued by the mechanism so when I saw the theme for April was ''minimalism'', I just had to attend it! The selected book was Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki. Coincidentally I have read that book lah but if I haven't then I can considered it as ''completed" for my Goodreads challenge at the end of the session! It sure beats reading the full book, right?! Also, the book sharing sessions here are for non-fiction titles which is a plus for me as I rarely reads non-fiction!

Overall, after attending this session last April 3rd, here are my 2 cents:

1) I saved time trying to read the book as there are too many books with too little time to read it all

2) I can rent the book from Revitalize Books (they are an online book rental shop) or borrow the book from the library if I really want to read it so I can save more trees

3) I can complete my book reading challenge faster!

4) I made new friends with like-minded interests

5) I can destress and enjoy the session with some light refreshments

6) This event is held every 2 months once so it is less taxing and more enjoyable this way

Here are the themes for the rest of the sessions:

5th June: Creativity

7th August: Rest / Sleep

2nd October: Happiness

4th December: Mental Health

The event is held at The Hatchery Place, a cozy in-home coworking and coliving space in USJ 11. It costs a mere RM20 for each session. If you are interested, you can follow Revitalized Books' Instagram for more deets:

Revitalize Books 🇲🇾 (@revitalize_books) • Instagram photos and videos

Here are some photos of the session:

The host and owner of Revitalize Books, Ai Jou, explaining about the session

Group photo!

Yummy light refreshments!

[MPOV] Lies that blind

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 4/5
Published: October 19, 2021
Author: E.S. Alexander
Genre: Historical fiction, Asian literature

Lies That Blind is eighteenth century biographical fiction set in the East Indies, based on a true story. Narrated by Jim Lloyd, a young aspiring journalist, the story is set around the life of Captain Francis Light. He was a British pioneer who created the settlement of George Town on the Malay island of Penang.

Malaya, 1788:

Aspiring journalist Jim Lloyd jeopardises his future in ways he never could have imagined. He risks his wealthy father’s wrath to ride the coat-tails of Captain Francis Light, an adventurer governing the East India Company’s new trading settlement on Penang. Once arrived on the island, Jim—as Light’s assistant—hopes that chronicling his employer’s achievements will propel them both to enduring fame. But the naïve young man soon discovers that years of deception and double-dealing have strained relations between Light and Penang’s legal owner, Sultan Abdullah of Queda, almost to the point of war. Tensions mount: Pirate activity escalates, traders complain about Light’s monopolies, and inhabitants threaten to flee, fearing a battle the fledgling settlement cannot hope to win against the Malays. Jim realises that a shared obsession with renown has brought him and Light perilously close to infamy: a fate the younger man, at least, fears more than death. Yet Jim will not leave Penang because of his dedication to Light’s young son, William, and his perplexing attraction to a mercurial Dutchman. 

I would like to thank the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC. After having read books about Penang from authors like Tan Twan Eng and Tash Aw, I was excited when I heard of this novel. So here is my honest review......

Overall, this is a well-written novel based on Francis Light's friendship with James Lloyd, his assistant. I am amazed at how well it was written, with perfect punctuated English and explained in detail especially of the surroundings, of the flair or plots, trying to bring us, the readers, into the world of James Lloyd.

Unfortunately, as I continue reading it, I do find the prose to be monotonous and eventually it fell flat for me. At some point, I did speed read as I just want to finish it and also to know how it eventually ends. There were a few key plots revolving around James Lloyd implicating Francis Light, his wife, his son, a Dutchman, a Nakhoda and a Sultan with an unexpected twist. All in all, I liked how it has ended though I wasn't expecting it to end that way.

If you are looking for some historical Asian lit to read, this can be an interesting choice as the author did provide lots of background details in order for readers to understand the era way back then.

[MPOV] The Tale of the Hostage Prince (Absolution #1.5)

My rating: 5/5

Goodreads rating: 4.20/5
Published: April 14th, 2022
Author: Anna Tan
Genre: fantasy, magical, historical fiction

Yosua wears an uneasy crown. Although he is now Raja of Bayangan, he still longs for the land of his birth where everything was much simpler…and less deadly.

But peace doesn’t come easily, not for a twenty-year-old servant playacting at being king.

With his parents brutally murdered and his uncle bent on revenge, Yosua must decide where his loyalties truly lie. With his only remaining relative and the kingdom he has claimed? Or with his best friend Mikal and the sultanate that raised him as a hostage?

I'm glad to be given the opportunity to read and review this awesome novel! Unfortunately I took a while to complete it as work and family got in the way, as usual...

After reading the first book, Amok, I was hoping to read from Yosua's point of view as he seemed like an underdog, someone less favourable since he was born and raised as a servant but is now the king! It did intrigued me on how he would behaved and managed Bayangan, whether his people would give him their full support or otherwise since his religion and belief are Mahan and not Bayangan. 

Like a rags to riches story, Yosua is now the king of Bayangan but he is having an identity crisis due to his upbringing as a Mahan. When his parents were killed, he sought his Uncle's help to find the killers and also assistance to rule Bayangan. However it was an unwise choice as his Uncle turned on him and framed Yosua as a traitor instead, ousted him to be left for dead in the middle of the sea. As luck would have it, Yosua's boat reached Mahan soil and Mikal gladly welcomed him as his esteemed guest.

Was it luck or was it Kudus' blessing that brought Yosua to Maha? Yosua has to embrace his beliefs and be true to himself, as how he was brought up by his parents. He has to also decide on his next course of action as he slowly realized his Uncle's true colours. With the help of his loyal supporters, he gained the kingdom's trust and revealed his Uncle's unworthiness to the whole of Bayangan.

I truly enjoyed how the author build this imaginary world and made it sounds so real! I am honestly a fan and follower of this Absolution series and I can't wait for the next chapter on Mikal! This is definitely a breath of fresh air, unlike other conventional fantasy fiction and the localized content is a plus for me! Even though it's historical, the context is still relevant and current. The ending was expected but it was tastily done and I can't wait to catch the next Absolution especially after reading the epilogue!

If you are interested in this series or other books by Anna Tan, you can check out the author's website:

Teaspoon Publishing

My sincere thanks the author and publisher again for both e-ARC and ARC! I truly apologize for the delay in finishing and reviewing this. I truly loved the beautiful cover art!