My Book Reviews

  It by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stephen, Stephen.
What do I say?

The main reason I got this book had been because I was going on holiday for a while and didn't fancy going through the trouble of bringing so many books with me. So I brought It and one other book, just in case.

The first 2 or 3 chapters were, I admit, a bit boring. I had a bit of trouble remembering all the characters (I felt that too many characters were introduced within such a short amount of time that I had trouble remembering who was who; especially since King used a surname-basis to describe the initial characters). I was a bit intimidated with the size of the book as well and was apprehensive if I could finish it in time. (I didn't fancy lugging the heavy book back if I could help it, and to save space.)
But about halfway through, things started to get exciting.

I couldn't help connecting It to the Boggart in Harry Potter (hehe), but I wondered how it would fit into the 'real world'.

I expected the ending, both 27 years ago and recent, to be more descriptive in the action; I was doubtful when they confronted It the second time around without so much as a weapon of any sort. I wondered, realistically, what a bunch of kids could do (or rather, hope to do) to destroy something so powerful. The first time they faced It, I wondered if their 'ammo' was sufficient to do any proper damage to It.

And yet, I was satisfied. Satisfied with what happened, and satisfied with the outcome. I felt a bit sad to finish it, and what happens to the group in the end. It was just one of those books where you feel like you've actually lived with the characters, and what happened in the end.. I felt like it was such a waste.
But in a good way.

The way Stephen King does.

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The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all let me just say that I wasn't aware of how different the books and movies were until I read the book. Initially, I started with Scorch Trials, thinking that since I've seen the first movie I didn't want to waste time re-reading the first book. But about 3 chapters in, I realised the stark difference between the movie (I saw the first AND second movie before reading the books) and the book. I was confused with the book at first because I hadn't remembered such a scene in the movie.

So I went back to read the first book first.

Long story short, I think I much prefer the books. There were more 'actions', per se. A LOT of details had been left out in the movie that it could've been a completely different movie with similar characters.

At the beginning of the book, there isn't too much action. Made me wonder about what Rat Man said about the Trials being much harder than the Maze. But when the action started, it literally never stopped until the last page. And even that was left in a cliffhanger.

The part that got to me most had to be the last bit with Thomas & Teresa. I couldn't help but agree with Thomas, and sided him in his justifications (without giving too much away!) I liked how Dashner had me in a constant dilemma as to if we could trust this character or not. It was playing in my head, and I could relate to Thomas' emotion at that time.

Overall this was a much 'heavier' read than the first book, as I think this was because it had more happenings rather than when they were in the Maze, where their main concern had been the Grievers and solving the maze.

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The Shining by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just finished the book and I'm in a daze. It felt like I had personally lived everything with every page I turned.

I must admit that I hated Jack though. I hated how he blamed everyone else but himself for his drinking problem. I hated how he always felt sorry for himself. Oh boo hoo, everyone's mean to Jack and they don't understand him. He has anger issues and most of the time releases it on Wendy.
Which also brings me to my next point: Wendy also annoys me sometimes. Jack has mistreated her for almost as long as their marriage, yet she still loves him and allows herself to be manipulated by him. Yet, she hates him at the same time. Like WTF.

In the beginning of the book, I admit that I initially couldn't see what all the hype about The Shining was. Sure it did have it's suspenseful moments, but nothing out of the ordinary or akin from other such thrillers.

AND THEN IT GOT INTERESTING.

King definitely has a knack for describing scenes in such detail that it actually plays with your head (I know it did mine). Jack's insanity and the fine line between reality and hallucination was gripping. The moment it engulfed him, I swear I was literally flying through the pages in anticipation. The scenes were described in such a way that I was completely absorbed in the book and my surroundings (in this case, my room,) seemed distant.

when the hedges attacked Dick, I was frantically searching my mind as to how the nightmare could possibly end. It seemed hopeless.
Even as I type this, my heart is still racing in my chest in the aftermath of the climax scene.

NOW I see what the hype is all about.

And I must say that I quite like how the last few chapters messed with my mind. It was something new for me in that sense, and it made the reading experience even more real.



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The Maze Runner by James Dashner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok so this turned out to be a lighter read than I had expected. Also, holy crap but there were so many alterations to detail in the movie!
I've seen many movie adaptations, but I think this takes the cake for most improvised. Sure, the main content is the same: They're stuck in the maze, the Gladers all appeared without their memories, and the Grievers. I understand if the movie cuts some scenes out due to time constraint, but... scenes weren't even 'cut' in this case; rather, they were replaced with something else.

Anyway, more about the book. As I should.
I got the set box, and truth be told, judging from the movie (which I saw before deciding to buy the books), I had expected the book to be a bit thicker, or at least the words a bit smaller. In other words, I expected there to be more details in the book.

The story was very 'out there', in the sense that it sort of tells you the story. It doesn't leave much room for guessing what happens next. Or maybe it's because I know what happens already.
However, it was still interesting to read, I'll give you that. It's easy to read as the fonts are fairly big and no complicated words are used.

The story is also paced perfectly; nothing is unnecessarily dragged on longer than it needs be. Nothing else to say, really.


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Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yes I'm finally done. =P

The first book of Kings that I read had been Cujo (you can find my review of that here ), and while it was okay, I admit I never liked it as much as I do Doctor Sleep. (Then again, King admitted to writing Cujo while half-drunk and not remembering most of it. )

The only thing I regretted was that I probably should have read The Shining first. Although Doctor Sleep could be read as a standalone novel, there were still bits of references here and there that didn't really 'sink in' with me I think, because I didn't fully understand the references.

Apart from that, you can't help liking Abra, and of course, hating Rose & Crow. I do sympathize somewhat with the others in the True Knot though, in the sense that some of them were literally brainwashed or blackmailed into joining.

That being said, with how powerful the True Knot claimed to be and all, I was eager to see how the final showdown would go. Rose was very smart, strong, and powerful, and her right-hand men & women were, too. And as powerful as Abra is, she's only a teenager after all. The finale ended fairly quick (as compared to other books' climaxes), however the build-up took some time.

Throughout the book, as you find out how scary Rose can be, her little thwarted plans can be extremely satisfying to read about. Just reading about how she panics and freaks out gave me a buzz of excitement, as if I had been watching it all play out right in front of my eyes. Had anyone burst into my room as I was reading the finale, I would have, very literally, jumped out of my skin.
And you know what they say about a book being able to do that to you... It's a damn good one.

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Unfed by Kirsty McKay
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I admit, I would have probably been able to finish this in a seating or two, but I grew a bit lazy.

Truth is, this isn't some Stephen King novel. I think that's pretty obvious. It's more targeted for the preteen/YA demographics, in my opinion, so I would say that this is a light read.

The story overall is okay, though I admit the finale was good. Otherwise, I think the story moved in just about the right pace.
I hadn't read the previous book ('Unfed' was the sequel) , so there were certain parts that left a blank; but nothing too bad.
Some words that the kids used were too 'bimbo-ish' for my liking, and Alice annoyed me to no end. Personally, I would have let her die. Lol. Her character seemed to be like the typical spoilt-rich-kid, and even when she tried to be sarcastic, it was a poor attempt.

So yeah, I'd call this a light-reading zombie novel. If you're looking for an easy read that packs a decent punch, this book is it.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So yes. I finished it in one sitting.

As if you needed a reminder as to why JK Rowling is THE QUEEN. Honestly.

This book dragged me on an emotional roller coaster, and I mean that in the highest praise possible. It's hard to review this without spoilers, but I'll try.

There were so many moments were I gasped in shock, and felt my skin prickle because I knew from the get-go who was not to be trusted. And I was right.

Many readers said they got emotional within a few chapters in, but I didn't; although the pain described in the book was more than relatable. The part that really got me, however, was the last bit. Harry watching as it all happened. I can only imagine how it must feel like, and couldn't help but cry.
Another scene was in the hospital, the conversation Harry had with the other person. Broke my heart. =(
Almost every single revelation in the book was a shocker. You think you know what it's about, and then *BAM* surpriiiiseeee.
I can't imagine what watching it on stage must feel like, because then everything intensifies and feels more real.

But all in all, if I could give this 10 stars, I would.

Bow down to the Queen that is Rowling, because she's done it again.

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The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HOLY SHIT.

When I got this book I knew that it was supposedly good, but it was far from what I was expecting. The Girl with All the Gifts was fresh and original, and though the main essence is similar to what we've read/seen many times already, Carey puts a fresh spin to it.
More times than I can count, the revelations in the book made me gasp, curse, and literally break out in cold sweat from feeling my heart hammering in my ribcage at the finale. I actually let out a huff of breath when I was done with the book; it felt like I had actually seen it all played out in the pages.

I've read a fair share of zombie novels, and you can almost spot the similarities in them. But this... it fucked with my brain. In a good way, of course.

When I read the title, I wondered what the possible 'gift' could be. And then when I read it, I wondered how what Melanie had could possibly be considered a 'gift'. But you'll get the explanations in due time as the story progresses.
What is amazing about this book is not the average thrill that comes with regular zombie novels. Just when you thought you had something figured out, something else happens to change the course completely. It's like the M. Night Shyamalan of books. My heart is still thumping as I'm writing this now.

It's fascinating to watch (read?) how Melanie slowly learns about what she is, why she's different, and chooses to use it to help. Another thing I was amazed about Melanie was how smart she and all the other kids at the base was. That not only did they have the 'gift' and are able to control it, but that they could actually be taught. And in Melanie's case, her ability to feel such affection (or rather, love,) towards Miss Justineau.

This is definitely one book that I will treasure for a long, long time.

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Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel by Jane Costello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes, this is another book in which I stayed up late to finish.
Because I LOVED it.

Truth be told, the thing that initially drew me to it was that it involved dance being part of it. (That, and it was on sale at the book store.) When I opened the wrapping up, I was hesitant for a while that I may not like the story after all. I couldn't be more pleased to be proved wrong.
I first fell in love with the protagonist because she was so darn clumsy..- like me. I could relate to Lauren's mishaps, and she did things that I would've done too. Halfway through the book, I couldn't help noticing though that the storyline bore somewhat of a resemblance to a bit of what I went through myself. Bits and pieces here and there seemed so uncannily familiar, it felt a bit creepy.
Also, without giving out too much, let's just say Cate's dilemma is the reason why I've never, and never would do what she did; not even in a spur-of-the-moment thing. I'm only too aware of the possible consequences to even dare to attempt such a thing. (That, and I've never thought of myself as attractive enough to even think of doing it).
The little surprise reveal from Emily also had me gasping, because never in a million years would I predict that outcome.
Honestly, it's a hilarious read, and after reading, it's hard not to feel curious about taking some salsa classes. That's all the 'spoiler' I'm going to give. ;)

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The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like all his other books, I love this one. And yes, I am aware that I got into this one rather late, considering this was one of his earlier books. Mitch has the ability to, I feel, make the reader feel contented and assured by the end of his books. Whether you laughed or cried, at the end of everything, you will feel like you're not alone, and that better days are up ahead.
In this, Eddie, who feels like his life was worthless and boring, dies and goes to heaven. But before he steps foot in actual heaven, he meets 5 people that will teach him something about life.
The message I like most in this story is that although you may feel that your life is worthless, you have had in fact affected someone's lives along the way; even if you never knew it. Good or bad regardless, your actions will unconsciously affect someone in their life. It makes you look back at your life and how you're going about at it, which is another trait of Mitch's books.
You may not relate specifically to the story, but the lessons are general. Everyone can relate to them.
The only thing that I felt didn't really leave an impression was the reason given for the estranged relationship between Eddie and his father. I felt that if you've been bitter about your dad for so many years, an event or two won't change that judgement. Well, at least in my opinion.


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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

... Soooo I think it's safe to say that this has been the longest it ever took me to read a book; no less a book of this size!
My reason for doing so is (unfortunately) simple: it was boring.
Just a few notches shy of me actually giving up on finishing it (I came close to it), actually; which is sad because it's a Jane Austen novel!!
As a fan of classical novels, I find that this was rather disappointing. The title of the book is, I find, also rather misleading. The reader would suppose that the main plot of the story would revolve around Northanger Abbey (or at least be a huge part of the story), as the title suggests. However, mentions of the Abbey only came up more than halfway through the book. Compared to the first half of the book (which consisted mostly of Catherine & James Morland and John & Isabella Thorpe's antics in Bath), I'd say that Northanger was only part of the story.
Also, I felt that they left some strings untied; namely what happened to James and Isabella, and what about those contradicting letters that they sent to Catherine?? It may be just me, but I felt like there was no conclusion to it. Who was telling the truth, and why did the other lie?
If anyone has answers, feel free to let me know.

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