How important is good writing to you? In an ideal world, a book would be beautifully written AND have great character development, plot, etc. But in the real world, which do you prefer: (1) Great characters and plot with lousy writing or (2) Middling character development and plot but gorgeous writing.
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In a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "extremely important", I suppose it's around 5 or 6.
When I first read City of Bones a few years ago, I got totally hooked. I really liked the plot (the plot twists are crazy), the characters, and the way Cassandra Clare just winds up your emotions as you read the story. It has lengthy descriptions making the book very vivid and detailed. Some might find it a little too much, or a little too wordy for their tastes, but I was okay with it. In fact, Iimmediately became a fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter books.
I went through the first three books like it was nothing, and I really enjoyed the whole reading experience. But when I picked up and started the fourth book, City of Fallen Angels, all the eagerness to read it was nowhere to be found. I don't know why, but I didn't feel like reading it. This happened two years ago, and up until now I haven't gotten past the first few pages of the book.
I have a few bits of theories as to why I haven't gotten past the third book.
#1 I was (sort of) satisfied with City of Glass' ending. There was an epic battle, characters died, relationships were mended and started, etc... And from what I remember, The Mortal Instruments was originally just a trilogy: City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. I don't know exactly what happened, but the story continued, and the trilogy became a six-book series. I guess my mind never got over the fact that City of Glass is not the last book. It is not yet the end.
#2 This second theory is a little harder to explain, and it's a little weird.
Have you ever felt kinda bored reading about a YA couple? See, I have this girl-boy fictional relationship problem. In my mind, there are stages of a YA Romantic Relationship: (1) the first encounter; (2) the largest and most significant part, the relationship-building and development; (3) the "it's official" stage; (4) the stage of conflicts and misunderstandings; and lastly (5) the "getting back together" stage. That's the normal course of a typical YA relationship for me. I love reading about the first two stages. But a little after the third and the fourth stages are my most hated parts. And guess what stage Jace and Clary's relationship are in? I'm not trying to be judgmental or anything, but I guess that'show my brain works these days.
#3 Maybe I'm just not so into the series anymore. Yes, I am a fan of the series, but I really don't feel like continuing it at the moment.
happiness, and all other intense emotions. Get your copies now.
In time, I will probably be able to read and finish this series. But tight now, I just wish all the fans a wonderful reading experience (prepare yourselves!). And for those tragically broke, or those who are still saving up to buy the book, will the book trailer make you feel any better?
No, I have not seen the trailer.
I do not want any spoilers for City of Lost Souls and City of Fallen Angels.
If you're a book blogger who can't attend Book Expo America and/or the BEA Blogger Convention in New York this May, you don't have to miss all the fun - this virtual convention is the place to be! Watch this space for all the news about daily blogging themes, discussions, giveaways and more! Armchair BEA is scheduled for May 26-31, 2014.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from?
Hello! I am teepee, from Albay, one of the many provinces in the Philippines. I have been blogging for about a year and a half. Now, why did I get into blogging? It's actually just a little experiment. I just wanted to try it out, to experience interacting with people who have the same interest as me. Also, to challenge my next to zero writing skills.
If you want pictures and a little more information, you can check out my Armchair BEA Introduction last year,
Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online.
A cute random mess of anything bookish, with a little bit of movie and music rave.
What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ .
For the past few months, I have been reading a lot of Young Adult Contemporaries. I don't know why, but I am currently drawn to reading realistic fiction these days. And honestly, I do love close to reality stories, and a little cliche here or there.
I love to read because I like getting lost in different kinds of stories, in various worlds and places, and I like to get lost with the characters . I love to read because I like getting lost in the pages of a book.
What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year?
Both books are young adult contemporary novels. One involves a tragic story of friendship and love, with a little bit romance, and heart-breaking bittersweet ending. The other one is a family-centered story (a little sad and painful as well) balanced with a sweet tale of young love.
What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like? (Pinterest encouraged!)
Any of these three reading spaces will make me a very happy girl, but I like the third one the best, minus the framed pictures. It's a little too vintage for my taste, but it looks so comfortable. (Images are from WeHeartIt)
By: Paula Stokes Published by: HarperTeen Release Date: May 20, 2014
Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.
And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they’re sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few “dates”, it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.
What’s a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you’re meant to be with, if you’re still figuring out the person you’re meant to be?
Goodreads Summary: The second installment in our epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.
Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.
Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents. Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion. Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war. The stunning second novel in the Starbound trilogy is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war.
Presenting the cover for the Starbound trilogy's second installment... This Shattered World
Have you met a favorite author and have a picture? Share.
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How I wish I could answer this question with a very big YES. But sadly, I have not met any author yet. If you count school textbook authors, then my answer will be "yes". YA authors or any fiction author, NO.
Expected Publication: Aug. 5, 2014 Publisher: Atria Books
Goodreads Summary:
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows
it isn't love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider
themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an
undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they
realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love; she doesn't have
time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be
surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles
has for her.
Never ask
about the past. Don’t expect a future.
They think
they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.
Hearts
get infiltrated. Promises get broken. Rules get shattered. Love gets ugly.
And finally, the cover of Ugly Love (which you probably saw already)... Drum roll, please.
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
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This will be a cumulative showcase of the new books I got from February until today.
Say "hello" to the cute kitty cat... take a deep breath, and smile.
Now, let's proceed.
I have a lot of things I want to say to every reader and follower of my blog, most of it regarding to my completely long absence from the blogger community and my lack of blog and social media activity.
First and foremost, I would like to apologize. I know I have been MIA for months, and the reason for my unannounced absence is that I have been very busy with school. With the end of the academic year approaching, it has been very hectic these past couple of months - a lot of papers and projects need to be submitted, a handful of exams every week, year-end requirements need to accomplished, and the of course, preparing for the dreaded final exams. This accurately describes what I went through every week of February and April, except for the weekend part which I also spent doing take home school work.
I should have informed everyone beforehand of my upcoming busy school schedule. But I didn't I let every one hanging, and I am really, truly sorry for that. Hope all of you can forgive me.
The next thing I am going to tell you (or you're going to read) might sound a little bizarre. Here it goes...
