From the shelf: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

Title: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 21, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Backtrack: City of Bones, City of Ashes

I suppose this would be the last book of the Mortal Instruments trilogy. As a tradition of last books, everything would be gradually revealed. Promises, Vengeance and Betrayal...I've seen them all. It was always a mandatory formula in any fantasy series. I've always had this feeling that Jace and Clary weren't siblings and of course I was right...as to the how and the why, I was fairly satisfied. The battle didn't really take place long enough for me to have this feeling of anxiousness and never-ending palpitations throughout and that a little part of me yearned for more. As for the answers I was seeking at the last book, I'm glad that the author answered them all. Magnus Bane is now totally one of my favorite book characters. I loved Jace and Clary's romantic tension but I think it lacked something but in contrast, I loved Jace's witty remarks and of course Simon's. I do really hope Simon and Isabelle get together and I'm so happy for Jocelyn and Luke. What I wanted to know now were two things: What happened to Sebastian AND Why did the Seelie Queen desperately sought a favor from Clary.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)

Title: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 19-20, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Backtrack: City of Bones

Thus, the sequel to the Mortal Instruments Series. I must say that this reeled me in deeper...although most of the scenarios were already familiar to me. Faeries, demons, warlocks, vampires and werewolves...I've read them all. This also has that level of angst that the second book should have. I always find it weird that the second book of any series has darker characters and decisions that could change the course of the character's lives. I find Clary too cowardly and whiny here but I can't blame her. After all she was pushed into a world she didn't know existed. Well, the tension between Jace and Clary is so wrong since they are siblings but I wasn't surprised (not because my sister already told me about it...well, sort of) if they aren't, at least I want to know the back story. There are lots of things I want to know especially the unbelievable turn of events on Simon's condition, the truth about Jace and Clary and the inquisitor's last words to Jace which I hope would be all answered in the third book. 

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 18-19, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Finally, after my sister constantly nagging me to read this series, I finally obliged. Shadowhunters. I must say it is a very unique description in a world often tapped by fantasy authors. Being in a world of werewolves, vampires, faeries, fey, wizards, warlocks, witches and demons isn't new to me so what could reel me in is, how would the author play with the world I'm familiar with. I've always said that the first book of the series would be the make or break point for me and I can attest that this installment did fairly well. I was a bit confused at first, yes, but the elements that could grip you are present. I was a but disappointed at Clary's cowardliness but at the same time was sympathizing with her having that knowledge all at once. Of course who would forget a character that would always be the center of humor for the group? I love Simon and Clary's friendship like it could keep her grounded with everything happening so fast. Jace is obviously going to be a big part of her life along with Alec and Isabelle. Shattering revelations are in this book and I want to now how they would act on them. I can't wait to read book 2.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 3

Title: Diary ng Panget 3
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: September 16, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Let's backtrack: Diary ng Panget, Diary ng Panget 2

Okay..let's see here. First I need to remind myself why I wanted to read this book. Yes, I was curious and yes, I loved the bickering. But so far, this is my least liked installment. Why? Though I love the bickering I hated the fact that it is dragging on. It's like Eya is going round in circles with what she's feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that Cross finally told her he liked her (Hallelujah) but I hated the fact that the lines were beyond sarcasm. But of course, I would read the last installment to this series and again as I always said during the last two books, my teenage self would've like this better...sort of.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Free Falling

Title: Free Falling
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★ (3/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

They say that your school years are supposed to be the best years of your life, and that you should make the most of them because you’ll miss them when you’re all grown up. Up until Maisie Preston’s senior year, she would have totally agreed with that statement. Life was great, she had everything going for her, excellent grades, great parents, an annoying yet caring twin brother, and an impossibly sweet boyfriend.

Everything was perfect - that is until the arrival of Zach Anderson. A misfit delinquent that seemed to bring with him a lot of bad karma. Is it just a coincidence that his arrival marks a significant change in Maisie’s life? Up until senior year, life was perfect, but things seem to be going downhill fast.

This is a companion novel for ‘Always You’ — though this novel stands alone so there is no need to read Always You first.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This book kind of redeemed my faith in Kirsty Moseley's writing expertise. Its nowhere as good as The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window but at least it isn't as bad as Always You. Imagine my surprise seeing those characters in this book and a new generation of characters. This story is about a mistake and a love gone bad. Though I felt sorry for Luke, I was more into Zach's character.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Always You

Title: Always You
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 13-14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Riley Tanner has a best friend, the best friend a girl could ask for. He’s supportive, loyal, honest, trustworthy, kind, and thoughtful. He’s also the biggest player in school.

Their relationship has always been easy and affectionate, but after Riley’s month long vacation, things become a little strange. She starts to look at him in ways that go way beyond the ‘friend zone’. Add in her best friend’s rival, and things become a whole lot more complicated.


My Review: (also in goodreads)

Let me start by saying, there are so many things wrong in this book. I am not hating and I definitely am not turning into an anti but I expected more...much, much more. After reading The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window, I was so touched by Liam James that I expected the next male protagonist to be the same and maybe more. But I was wrong. I can't count how many times I cringed and skipped parts of the book. This seems rushed and the hype in me died down severely as the story dragged on. All through out, I was like looking at how I constructed stories when I was a teenager. The foundation of the plot was there, but the execution and the ability to attract readers? Not so much. It's sweet when friends especially best friends get together in the end but how they got together was wrong. You don't kiss your best friend and lust after them at the same time expect everything to be the same. You can't demand everything then say you are just friends. For me this was like a desperate resurrection of the reason why readers TBWSIMBW. I liked the first novel and because of that I'm giving the other book a chance; and that is why maybe I gave this 2 stars instead of 1.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window

Title: The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 11-12, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair.

Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer? Find out in The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This would be one of those romantic, coming of age books that would have made an impact to me. Yes, it would be the interesting plot but mostly because of another book boyfriend that I could add to THE collection: Liam James. I don't know what Amber did in her past life but I think she did something holy for her to be sort of lucky in her life now. Liam is an epitome of a knight and a prince charming rolled into one...a flirty one but still. As I read further into the story, I could feel that Amber is too damn lucky. And the book seemed like something out of a fairy tale. At least they had the father issue to balance it all out and pull them back to reality. All in all, I loved the book especially the parts where Liam was trying to be smooth with his one-liners.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Title: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8-10, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the the last installment of the Starcrossed trilogy following Starcrossed and Dreamless. This reveals the consequences regarding the decision of freeing the furies. Betrayal and realization is basically the theme of this trilogy's conclusion. I wanted to slap Matt but he realized that the fates were doing this cycle all over again. It broke my heart to see friends in conflict and families apart in this installment, especially the sudden death of one well-loved character. I liked Hades than Zeus here but I guess its the author's way to prove a point. Every decision made had consequences and even though everything is temporarily halted, there was still the threat of the higher beings clouding above them.

Till the next read..

From the shelf: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

StarHearts, as fans of Josephine Angelini call themselves, will stay up all night reading Dreamless, the second book in the bestselling Starcrossed series. The saga mixes mythology, romance, action, and intrigue in a completely original way.

Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.

Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the second book of the Starcrossed trilogy. After being bound by Starcrossed, I was compelled to read this especially with my curiosity bothering me. I even thought that this would be a second book slump since trilogies sometimes have bad, confusing sequels but I was wrong. There was more action and a quest that could change the order of things. I read reviews of this and they are suggesting a third party coming along but I didn't see it that way. For me, Orion is like the friend Helen needed that came at the right time. There would be confusion which was natural but I think that it wouldn't be pursued. Hector is one character a reader would love very much. He is like this brother you wanted to have and it was depressing to think that he is an outcast. I also have this itching feeling that Daphne has something planned all along but I guess I have to read the last installment to find out. Whatever the consequences would've made with the united houses, the freeing of the furies and the Olympians would be answered in the third book. I sure hope so.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 3-6, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This was recommended to me as I was scanning available reads on Good Reads. Being someone entranced with mythologies, I decided to give it a try after the series being on my 'to read shelf' for almost a month. At first I thought that this would be another book and since I started I should get through with it but it did really reel me in. Basically by the fact that Helen's true nature peaked my interest. It took me halfway through the book having the question 'why' hanging over my head. I, of course for a fact knew that she was different (of course they all are) that was definitely a 'duh' moment. But what reeled me is the way things were revealed. I also expected the prophecy, they all had one, but I still want to know how everything unfolds in the end. Bound by betrayal, deception and destiny I guess Helen and Lucas have to work everything out on their own.

Till the next read...

Welcome bibliophiles and readers alike!

You have finally crossed this threshold, this quiet corner of a blog...

I am Dawn.

Blogger of Tea, Books, Crannies and Nooks.

I have been blogging since 2011 on my personal take on books but it is only in the last 2 1/2 years where I tried to concentrate on building this book blog.

I love to read (obviously) since I was young.

Instead of Barbies, my favorite gifts is either stuff toys or books. 

I remember my first interaction with books through the children's book 'Milton the Monster'. And I definitely loved the fact that Milton's tummy was squeaking. Yes, I was that child endlessly squeaking Milton's tummy for fun. I was sad that my book was gone when we moved to another city. I hope anyone knows that book.

During my grade school years, my love for the mystery genre begun: Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy, Hardy Boys, Tin Tin to name a few. I did enjoy the occasional Baby Sitters Club, Sweet Valley and Archie comics. Greek and Roman mythologies are also fun to read. Yes, I was that kid who stays in the library if I have time to spare during lunchtime. I was a nerd...still am.

High school years opened my world to Harry Potter (Slytherin!), the classics starting with Pride and Prejudice...well, everyone fell in love with Mr. Darcy and the rest is history.

Genres I love to review:

I am a broad reader but I particularly love...

Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense/Crime genre, thus my current love affair with  the the following series: Bones, Castle, How to Get Away with Murder, Hannibal, American Horror Story. All dark? I too enjoy Empire, New Girl, The Mindy Project and who doesn't love F.R.I.E.N.D.S., How I Met Your Mother, Will and Grace, Dharma and Greg, Charmed...there I go blabbing again.

YA novels! I love reading every sub-genre of the YA world. I don't only read dark things, everyone. Balance...everyone needs balance.

For romance, I do enjoy the Historical Romance sub-genre because of my mom's Barbara Cartland collection.

I love to read and review from authors known and especially those new ones. It may surprise anyone but there is an abundance of gems...so give them a chance. The only sad thing is that I only have ebooks...I like to have a physical copy! That would go well with my library...very pretty indeed. I live at the other side of the world *forever crying*. They should have those in the local bookstores!!! Yep, I have that list: 'buy the physical copy list'.

I love to babble, talk, gush about everything....but in the real world I am an introvert. My geeky job is my real world and this is my alter ego. I feel like a superhero and I love it.

After reading me talk on and on above, its time to hear from you! Bibliophiles, readers and the first timers...especially those who finally found the love of reading, I hope that this blog will help you find a new good book to love and immerse you into the world unknown.

You may catch me at:

Twitter: @hikarulibrary
Email: dawnlanante@gmail.com
Bookstagram: @hikarulibrary

Music. Dramas. Series. Movies. Manga. Anime. Books. Book Reviews. Travel Diaries. Stories. Blogs. Fandoms. Part Geek. Part Nerd.

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 2

Title: Diary ng Panget 2
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read:August 18, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I suppose this would be the sequel to Diary ng Panget. Though, I think that it was just a continuation of the story, that it could be mashed up together. Again, as usual this is an easy read...the author had this quirky, hilarious one-liners and bickering between the protagonists. And again, I'm consistent in saying that my teenage self would've enjoyed it better. A great way to pass time and I guess I'll be reading part 3.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget

Title: Diary ng Panget
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read:August 17, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Mahirap at panget si Girl tapos magnet siya ng mga poging mayayaman na boys? YES! Cliché? YES! So what makes this book special? This story has made a lot of people online laugh, as in hagalpak talaga with matching headbang pa! This is Eya's diary, a girl who believes she's ugly and will meet Cross Sandford, the most annoying nilalang ever. Samahan natin si Eya sa nakakaloka niyang adventure sa Willford Academy! A Cinderella story with a twist katatawanan! A story na pwedeng-pwede sa mga kabataan at pati na rin sa lagpas kabataan, para sa kababaihan, kalalakihan, binabae, o pusong lalaki. A very funny and kakilig story.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Jumping into the bandwagon, that's what I'm doing. I had to read this story especially if everyone is gushing about it. I began to become curious when it was in the popular section of local bookstores. Sure enough, I finished it in one day. It was sort of funny....hilarious even. But I think my teenage self would've enjoyed it better. Cross and Eya is that typical tsundere couple...add in Chad and Lory and it is a party. This book might be predictable, at least its edge is that...its a breeze to read.

Till the next read...