[Novel Review] Demons of the Ocean (Vampirates #1)

Demons of the Ocean (Vampirates #1)
by Justin Somper

Connor: My twin sister and I got separated when we were shipwrecked.
Grace: Connor was rescued by the pirates.... while I landed into the ship belonging to the Vampirates!
Connor: Grace is in danger! I must find her!
Grace: I'm worried about Connor! I must find him!

I love stories involving vampires, but this recent vampire romance craze is making me sick. What a relief I had to read something about vampires again that is not entirely focused on romance! It made me happier that not only are the vampires her not mushy, their pirate traits make them kickass as well. The idea of a vampire and a pirate in one was really cool~

However, it might have been better if the existence of pirates that are vampires as well in the book had been a twist or at least a mystery instead of something that is obvious from the title of the series alone. Actually, not many of the twists in the story had been that surprising, even if it's so action packed and fast paced.

So many things happened in the book in every freakin' chapter yet there are still many things that are left unexplained. It appears that because the story tried to progress too fast that it didn't have time for character development.

Even the two main characters didn't have enough of it. If you think about it, they aren't really that different from what they were at the beginning. I have to admit that it's quite sickening to see Connor being too good in everything even for a newbie in a new way of life (it didn't take him too long to adjust to his new lfiestyle), and Grace being so lucky to be protected and pampered despite her selfishness and uselessness. I prefer seeing Connor having more weaknesses... and for Grace to be truly as smart as how the book tries to portray her to be.

My biggest problem with the twins is that... they're so special yet we don't know WHY. There has to be some explanation or significant clue at least on why our main characters take all the glory on its very first book. Harry Potter was The Boy Who Lived; Percy Jackson was The Son of Poseidon; so Connor and Grace are....?

The problem with the main characters isn't really the worst of it. I had so many other concerns with the flaws of this book but none of them could beat my problem with the setting. I mean, it's set in the future, where everything is supposed to be more advanced and high-tech... YET the main characters don't act like children from the future but some kids in the early 1900's. They didn't have problems in adapting to an environment that lacks technology because they appear to have no experience or idea about it. With that, I didn't see the sense of making the setting futuristic. It might've also been a great idea to have our pirate characters be on a high-tech ship... but they aren't. So the time period seemed pretty pointless.

I admit my disappointment with this series because I really could see it to be much better than what it is right now if only it did more interesting twists and avoided some annoying cliche. Nonetheless, I applaud to this series for its use of vampires: the vampires here are smart people, use a system, and still drink human blood. The sunlight weaknesses made them a little boring though (oh come on, does this mean they could only do battle at night?) unless the author does something about that limitation.

Many of the characters of this series have been charming and interesting in their own way; I love a number of them~ It was very enjoyable to read and had a satisfying ending (Hooray to focus on family love instead of romantic love for a change!). I look forward to reading more from this series.

C (OKAY! Not that great but isn't bad either!)
It's nowhere near fantastic but had several remarkable points~
3.5 Hearts ---> LOVE
I enjoyed reading this and I LOVE LORCAN!!! Hehehehe....

Fangurling: The Hunger Games Trilogy

THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY
by Suzanne Collins

~ Click here for the unbiased and spoiler-free review ~

I was already familiar with the Hunger Games popularity even before the second book was released. Its popularity made me curious so when I spotted it in the bookstore oneday, I read the plot at the back. It sounded so much like Battle Royale, which I didn't appreciate much because of the sexually mature themes. Though I am certain a YA novel won't ever go that far, I still don't think I could appreciate it because of the reality TV thing. I never appreciated reality TV series with the likes of Survivor and Amazing Race, so my interest in the novel's story became even lesser. What made me more convinced that I won't ever appreciate it is because I see a certain author's name among the reviews saying that she's so obsessed with it. Why? I just can't imagine getting hooked to a series that is loved by an author I disliked. I don't care if Stephen King, an author that I like, had praised it despite that. Not all the books that my favorite authors like are what I like anyway. Because of that I've been ignoring this trilogy and paid more attention to other novels (and my other fandom).

During the month of the third book's release, I found out that a close friend of mine is actually hooked to it. Since we have similar tastes, I thought that I might end up loving the series after all because my friend did. It took me a while before I decided to buy the first book already.

I didn't read it at once though. I just left it on a shelf then continued with my daily life. The one night, when I finished a certain novel, I thought of giving Hunger Games a chapter or two.

The next thing I knew was that I was already at chapter 5 in the middle of the night!

Unlike the other YA novels I've read before it, its first chapter was already so terrific that reading it felt like it was saying to me, "Put me down and you'll regret it!". In other words, it's such a page turner... really difficult to put it down because knowing what will happen next has been exciting and seeing the world through Katniss had been interesting.

I think the choice of a novel's narrator is very crucial.... because how he/she narrates the story matters a lot. I mean, it's seriously difficult to appreciate the story if the one telling it is freakin' annoying. Thank goodness Katniss is a likeable character. She uses her brain; she analyzes and observes, formulates strategies and considers multiple options. She's no close-minded idiot who only relies on the others to do the thinking. She also doesn't waste paragraphs in decribing how beautiful things/people are and in agonizing about how unfortunate she is.

Katniss has not only been a decent heroine, but also lovable and admirable. Sure, she may be a little extra special among the other characters.... but at least it's because of her own efforts, even if she did them unkowingly, not out of pure luck or coincidence. She acts stupid at times, but at least she's aware of it... and she faces the consequences and she actually improves herself. I love her skills and limitations, her strengths and weaknesses. I love this girl.

Actually, there's no character that I absolutely abhor in the series, because I find none of them annoying. All of them had been interesting in their own way, whether they're major or minor characters. Yes, even the main villain who's absolutely heartless. I find it better if villains do their role well.... and also those that only hold back for a good reason.

A terrific leading character and a marvelous main villain.... actually that's already enough to make a decent series because they're seriously rare. What's even rarer is that this series managed to give enough character development to most of the characters in this series. I firmly believe that we could've learned even more about the progress and the backgrounds of the other characters if we didn't need to rely on Katniss's point of view. But well, even if we're limited to only seeing what Katniss does, what we get to know about the others is already satisfactory.

Speaking of satisfaction, one of the things that made me so pleased with this series is how it represented love. For one, it didn't focus only on romantic love. I was so relieved that it also puts great emphasis on the love for family, friends, and countrymen. The saying "love conquers all" isn't only applicable to romantic love, you know. I'm so happy that the characters here aren't absolutely blinded with erotic passion.

Another is that the love stories here are heartwarming, sometimes tragic, but overall absolutely beautiful. It's so amazing when he characters express their love, because it's something that you call true love, not to mention it's pretty realistic. They love everything of their other half, no matter what his/her flaws are. There's a reason on why opposites attract. It also showed that sometimes romance is somethng practical: you pick the one you need the most.

The most popular love story here is none other than the main love triangle, which is one of the most decent love triangles in literary history. Neither of the boys had a "forever one-sided love" because Katniss gave love to both Gale and Peeta equally; what she had done one is most likely what she would also have done to the other one if the same thing happened; if ever she didn't, there's usually a good reason/excuse for it... not because she's just being biased to the one she favors more. The boys, on the other hand, showed their undying love for her in absolute obviousness. They were straight to the point. They don't hide their jealousy, but jealousy didn't make them forget about their love nor make themselves angry with the other guy. In fact, they get along well and there had been times where they tell each other that the other will be the winner, not himself. They have a peaceful rivalry, and neither are forcing their feelings on Katniss. I wish other love triangles are like this.

I didn't seriously mind much on who Katniss ends up with, but I admit that I favored Peeta over Gale... simply because he's ranked higher in my favorite characters list compare to Gale, haha! I find Peeta's romance more romantic because he was in love with Katniss much longer than Gale had. I also find find it difficult to compare Peeta's sacrifices for Katniss' sake compare to Gale's.... because Peeta really did a lot more! What I find most remarkable with Peeta is that he managed to protect the girl he loves.... even though he's no fighter type.

He's in fact the peace-loving boy and the artist type. He's such a nice guy and really terrific with words. I don't know how many times i had called him genius! Haha! It made me so sad when I read about the parts when he's in pain. I feel even sadder when I see Finnick and Cinna in pain, because those are the only two characters whom I like more than Peeta.

At first I thought Finnick was just a playboy, but when I found out that he isn't what he seems and is actually a pretty nice guy, I changed my opinion of him. Much more when I found out that he's also awesome and adorable 24/7. Haha! I find it pretty romantic that he's in love with someone.... not mentally stable. I mean, he treasures someone who's very vulnerable... and practically useless. I'm not saying that a kickass dude x helpless girl is my ideal romance.... but the way Finnick loved her... and knowing that this girl used to be a survivor of the Hunger Games... I'm sure there's something more in their relationship. Unfortunately we just weren't able to know more details about it. Ehehe.

Now as for Cinna, he may not have much role in the trilogy, but his little acts and words already gave me so much impact. This guy is BRILLIANT and really LOVABLE in whatever he does. It's like how Katniss got captivated with him.... this guy is just difficult to hate no matter how little he says. He's a stylist, and what he designs aren't just pretty and very creative.... but they also have meanings and purposes. In his own way, he fought for what he thought is right and helped those he had loved.

When something tragic happened to Cinna, however, I didn't cry.... because I already expected it. I honestly didn't cry at all as I read the books.

Why? Simply because I didn't want to make the books wet because... I just borrowed them! Haha! Another reason is because I finished the novels after midnight... and I need to sleep as soon as possible because I need to be early the next day. Crying would only delay my sleep. Only then I realized how good my self-control had been when it comes to that.

But the tears started the next morning, when I was recalling what I've read as I left home. It's embarassing to cry in public so I advise you not to think of the sad scenes of the Hunger Games while outside, okay? Ehehehe.

Anyway, I haven't been this hooked to a novel series since the Harry Potter phenomenon. I highly look forward to its upcoming movie. Hopefully it would be able to live up to the book's glory!

Hetalia World Series - Episode 26

I admit I'm not that hyper to Hetalia recently.... blame it on the Hunger Games Trilogy. Aaaaaahhh!!! I still can't get it off my head xD But ah well, since I've finally finished it, most likely my hype will cool down soon.... at least not until there'll be more interesting information about the upcoming movie *_*

*ehem* Something I've heard that is Hetalia related in real life. The Prince of the Principality of Wy has painted a portrait that looks sooooo similar to Hetalia's WY that a lot of fans doubt that it's just a coincidence ;D Moreover, you could even see Peter (Sealand) in the painting! This is really... wow!

Now onto the episode:

When Feliciano and Ludwig greeted Kiku a happy birthday one day, only then they have realized how old Kiku is.... and how many troubles he's facing because of his old age. The sad faces of the two younger ones upon hearing it is so.... aaaaaaw~

Ludwig thought of helping Kiku out...

He shows his concern by controlling Kiku's diet and having the poor guy more worked out. Kiku's not complaining.... but I don't see his condition getting better either.

Feliciano still has no idea what's going on (only pink flowers are popping out from his head, LOLz):

But it's really cute when these two do some bonding.

Now for the other part of this episode, here's something new: NEKOTALIA!

I didn't expect this to be animated this soon because it only got featured in the manga very recently. It's really amusing to watch the cat versions being so similar to the human versions, hahaha!

I'm still not fond of cats, but this scene of Germouse is iresistably adorable xD:

KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
(I don't know what's with the change of eye color however o_O Or Ludwig, does your eyes change when half asleep? O_o)

Lastly, I just have to fangurl on this because I'm biased:

I. ABSOLUTE. CAN. NOT. WAIT.SQUEE. xD

[Novel Batch Review] The Hunger Games Trilogy

THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY
#1: The Hunger Games
#2: Catching Fire
#3: Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Evergreen: Our country, Panem, is ruled by the Capitol, which controls the twelve ditrcits surrounding it. I live in District 12... and everyday I try to save me and my family from starving to death.
Gale: The Capitol is evil. Forcing each district to send 2 children to fight to the death on live TV every year is wrong!
Effie Trinket: Happy Hunger Games! The girl selected to be this year's tribute is.... Primrose Evergreen!
Katniss Evergreen: PRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM! I volunteer as tribute!

The idea of forcing a group of young people to kill each other until only one of them is left is not something new. Such a harsh phenomenon can be traced back in history. It's sad but it's a reality that humans really have the ability to find enjoyment in watching others bathe themselves in another's blood. In the past, these could only be seen in one area, but thanks to modern technology even those who are far away can witness such horror.

Since the Hunger Games also uses this idea of people fighting to the death, naturally its story would be filled with tragedy and hardships. Moments of peace and happiness are rare; feelings of pain and loss are uncountable and unforgettable. Bloodshed isn't the only horror to be faced in this trilogy for there are also a number of psychological horrors to be encountered. There are things that could be far worse than death and torture.

But even though the main plot is meant to be depressing, it won't be a surprise if you'll be finding yourself laughing or giggling at times as you read these books. Despite the dark themes, the series has a great sense of humor. Its various elements are blended so well that it didn't ruin the main story.

The story is much deeper and more complex than it seems. Not everything that the narrator witnesses is the truth, and neither are everything on the surface is as it appears. A certain action could cause or imply so many things; a certain thing could be defined and used in many ways.

I'm very impressed that forms of entertainment that are considered pretty harmless and wasteful in modern times had been used in important matters in the story. Music saved lives, television has brought inspiration, and fashion sparked a revolution! Not only those who are capable of battle can fight, but also those who can bake, invent, and design clothes!

The trilogy has a dynamic and interesting cast. The characters are different from each other in various ways yet in their own way they could shine even with the simple things that they have done. A lot of them got enough development... and even if some of them seem too skillful to be real, their backgrounds make their capabilities believable enough. Despite of the many amazing things that they could do, I love it that the author hasn't forgotten about their imperfection and limitations; there are times where they would fail or would need to step back. There are times where they rely on others... and how these relationships are formed are beautiful.

I believe it's safe to assume that the trilogy supports the saying "Love conquers all". But fortunately, unlike other novels that talk about love, the Hunger Games trilogy acknowledges that romantic or eros love isn't the only form of love in the world. There's love for family, friends, companions, country, and oneself as well.

Aside from love, the trilogy also teaches the value of other things such as patience, resourcefulness, wits, and guts. Being able to attack others and defend oneself isn't the only way to survive in a deadly arena, but knowing the ways of mother nature is just as important. Mental and emotional strength.... how you'll manage to keep yourself together and retain your positive sides... are also very essential. True victory doesn't just mean managing to breathe for a long period of time in chaos.... what you did matters more than what you won.

The Hunger Games trilogy is a brilliant narrative filled with action, suspense, mystery, romance, and even comedy! It involves discipline, justice, politics, revolution, strategies, war, and survival! Opposite sides of the spectrum are blended well in this as well, such as mother nature and advanced technology, and a city filled with luxury and a city filled with almost nothing, and despair and hope!

The novels are such page-turners that it's so difficult to put it down because of the hunger of knowing what will happen next. If the first book is already incredibly captivating, the succeeding books are even better. It improves and gets more serious in each succeeding novel, yet the excitement and intensity aren't any less.

Like any other novel that has existed, there's no way for this trilogy not to have any flaws. But since it's well-written and has so many fantastic aspects, it's absolutely not difficult to ignore those minor flaws. This is the best Young Adult trilogy I've read so far! It's highly recommended to everyone because finding something this good is seriously rare!

A+ (TOTALLY BRILLIANT! *worships*)
It has been amazing in so many ways. It totally deserves its fame.
5 Hearts ---> OBSESSION
This is my top favorite YA trilogy so far~ I was very very very hooked to it!

Hetalia World Series - Episode 25

Ahahaha... this got a little delayed ^^; Perhaps it's because the Vampirates, Hunger Games Trilogy and many other books are occupying my time right now, teehee.

Alrighty, this episode is filled with Antonio and chibi Lovino goodness that the image above is just so perfect for this episode post xD Squeee~

It continued to when Antonio's boss was scolding him for wasting money for Lovino's sake.

Antonio considers his baby boy precious.... daaaaaaaaaw....

Well, Lovino's not heartless enough not to acknowledge that. He wants to make up for Antonio:

But he's TSUNdere so this is the most he could do to show his appreciation. So it looks like he expresses it by: 1) not minding sleeping together 2) says thank you
He can't avoid saying bad phrases though, haha.
(This makes me more convinced that he NEVER hated Feliciano. Sleeping together = Good terms with Lovino. Though he says he hates sleeping with his brother, he ends up doing it anywayz. Oh I love those two xD I blame the counting sheep series for me being hyper about them xD)

It took Antonio by surprise at first then....

Oh his smile... *melts*

Lovino's little "thank you" was enough to make Antonio very very happy~

Lovino's like a widdle puppy that you can't help patting for beign so adorable xD

Unfortunately, Antonio had pulled something he shouldn't have....

And had to suffer from Lovino's headbutt of doom ^^;

Now to WW2 times... and back to the scene when the two Italians got captured by Arthur:

Daaaaaaaaawwww.... even after all those years, Lovino still calls for Antonio for help xD Oh I wish there'll be more moments of Antonio and grown-up Lovino...... (I'm dying to see the strip with Antonio sick animated xD)

But no matter how much Lovino "plead", sadly, Antonio couldn't help him even if he wanted to:

I honestly didn't know that Spain was having such rough times during WW2 until Hetalia and Shadow of the Wind (I highly recommend it by the way~ well... maybe not to kids and innocents) taught me about it ^^; Hehe.

The episode had more minutes to waste to they inserted a random Roderich-related scene.... this time with Francis trying to mess with him:

He tries to embarass Roderich by taking a picture of the guy... but it got backfired. Haha!
Roderich's amazing.... Francis can't bully him... Ludwig couldn't do it either.... ONLY GILBO CAN!!!! YOU'RE AWESOME GILBO!!!! TRULY!!! xD

But ah well, Roderich still stole the episode with this:

HE SPARKLES!!! SHET!!! xD