[MPOV] Edge of Divergence (The Alliance #3)

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 5/5

Published: July 24, 2024

Author: Stefanie Chu

Genre: Fantasy fiction

"If judgment is by how I see it, I would plunge your world into chaos."

As tensions rise and friendships fracture, the bonds that once held Mirari and her comrades together are tested to their limits. In a race against time, they must navigate treacherous paths, confront their deepest fears, and commit sacrifices that will determine the future of their world. Will they find the strength to forge a new destiny or succumb to the chaos that threatens to consume everything they hold dear?

In the epic conclusion of the Alliance series, one wrong choice will forever alter the fate of the world.

Finally, I have my closure, so to speak. Edge of Divergence is the third and final Alliance series by Stefanie Chu. It continued where Mirari and the Knights left off in Birth of Resilience (The Alliance #2). Mirari has been hurt and severed ties with Gaven. An old friend (or is it foe?) suddenly appears out of the blue. The Defiant is killing more innocent civilians and The Blessed is getting the blame. The Knights are getting the bad rep and slowly Fangbane's reliability is in question too. How will it all ends?

The world being built so methodically is slowly crumbling down. I'm just glad that it all has to end somewhere and this was just one of it. I was looking forward to finish reading it but when the time comes, I sort of didn't want it to end. I wasn't expecting such ending so I was a little flummoxed and sad. Sigh!

The author has a knack with words as she could write down all those exciting moments especially the fighting scenes and not get lost of the plot! She can just weave her wand easily and her saga is complete 😂 I'm glad as I didn't get lost with the many plots and characters that entails! But the many kingdoms nearly confused me at times!

What an epic fantasy! What an ending! If you like Grishaverse or Shadowhunters, then this saga is up your alley! Thanks to Canari Publishing and the author for this awesome trilogy 😘

During the commute: The raba raba

This is another rant of me taking the public transport, i.e. Star LRT, from office on the way back home. A day after my birthday. I promise to keep it direct and short lah! 

It was crowded since it's during peak hours after 6pm so I had to endure a sardine packed commute just like any other day. However, this evening I have encountered an inconsiderate sloppy looking guy after I have gotten a seat. I was reading on my e-reader when this fella got a seat next to me. As he was a bit bulky, I kept mum when he sat with his legs spread WIDE encroaching into my seat space. After a while, I noticed his arm grazing mine, once and then a second and then a THIRD TIME!!! Like he was looking for something in his pants pocket!!! Honestly, if you are looking for something, you would have looked in both sides of the pocket and not intentionally on one side!!! Also, his arm would have been hitting mine and not grazing softly ya!!! I huffed and cursed him, packed my e-reader and stood up, all the while berating him raba raba my arm!!! Unfortunately, he had his earbud on so he pretended not to have heard me BUT he was damn pissed when a boy took my seat instead of another girl who was standing there. It was damn obvious, the way he looked... annoyed and all!!!

Anyway, when I heard the train's service announcement about sexual harassment, I wanted to laugh. How to lodge a report in a moving train? Also, he could claim otherwise, that I'm over sensitive blah blah blah. His say over mine. I know what I have felt, such incriminating silent mini sexual harassment. When I finally got a seat opposite, I had the urge to snap a photo and shame him but then to what extend? So, I pray and pray that karma will get him soon. Amen to that.

[MPOV] The Language of Thorns

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.29/5
Published: September 26, 2017
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy fiction, magical realism

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times—bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Zemeni: Ayama and the Thorn Wood --

Ravkan: The too-clever fox --

The witch of Duva --

Little knife --

Kerch: The soldier prince --

Fjerdan: When water sang fire

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns. 

This book is so damn good! There are 6 short stories about Grishaverse as mentioned in the summary above. Of all 6, I liked The Witch of Duva best! It somehow resonates with me the most :-) 

Firstly, the lovely art cover caught my eye and then there's Grishaverse mentioned. With Leigh Bardugo, I assumed nothing can go wrong but I did get worried as most of the times, authors tend to drag and drag their popular series extensively until it is high and dry. Thank goodness, this wasn't it. The short stories turned out to be interesting, unique and engaging. I was so into the stories, imagining the fantasy and enjoying it every single bit. 

I totally liked the way it was written, so simple and melodious, entertaining from the start to the end. I do find that the prose here is a little better than Six of Crows duology, the only other books I've read by Leigh Bardugo. Maybe the short story concept differs from the lengthy novels or maybe my mindset has shifted LOL! It sure was a fast read for me! Either way, if you like fairy tale, fantasy and magic, do give this book a chance. 

[MPOV] Whispers of the Wind

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.38/5

Published: May 24, 2024

Author: Jeyna Grace

Genre: Fantasy fiction

Aithan is now the king of Zeruko. He, and his twin sister Myra, ascended the throne after their father had died. According to many, King Daemon—ruler of Tentazoa and archenemy of Zeruko—murdered the late king. Despite the claims, Aithan refuses to believe in his father’s death.

With the desire to bring his father home, Aithan leaves Zeruko in the hands of Myra. Alongside his trusted friend Spion, Aithan travels to the realms of the universe through the magic of raindrops. From the hazardous trip behind enemy lines to the festive East Asian-esque Meihua; from the kingdom hovering above the clouds to the military-driven Bevattna; from the heterogeneous society of a tunnelled realm to Aithan’s duel with the heir of Tentazoa, every step in his journey uncovers a gem of his past, present, and future.

And in one foresight, Aithan learns the daunting fate of Zeruko that recharts his quest and redefines his role as king.

My utmost gratitude for the opportunity to read and review this awesome fantasy! It sure is another eye-opening fantasy that had me imagining a new world.

Twins Aithan and Myra rule Zeruko together after their father's disappearance/passing. However, Aithan does not believe that and decided to look for his father. He visited the many realms according to his father's journal with his loyal guard, Spion. Leaving behind Myra to rule Zeruko on her own, Aithan discovers many truths and secrets unfold. A journey both the twins hadn't anticipated that heralded this exciting novel.

I liked the various realms that was created and made the story more exciting. It sure is awesome thinking of such fantasy and wonders how it will fare on the big screen! This author sure has a huge imagination coming up with such many realms! Some of the realms do sound like the real countries we live in!

It has been written in a straightforward prose which is a huge plus due to the many characters in the various realms. I didn't get confused or lost and I did enjoy the journey Aithan ventured on. I did expect such ending so I 'm glad the author has let it end in such a manner so that she could pick it up and continue if she wants to. Overall, it was a creative awesome adventure!

[Crochet] Amigurumi Kuromi

Finally, I make way to crochet this adorable Kuromi from Mei Li Lee's Hello Kitty Crochet book which I've bought long ago! She now has a second book out and I've just crochet from the first book LOL!

I am happy with the outcome except for the black colour parts. I didn't anticipate the yarn to be a little thicker hence the hood and all are a little bigger than expected. Other than that, thankfully it turned out ok. What I've used:

1. cotton yarns
2. small bells
3. felt
4. cotton filling