tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47053003254645195042024-03-18T17:48:03.766+08:00ZirevMostly books and films, covering things in between.Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-70675406056515568502021-11-09T21:00:00.005+08:002022-03-02T01:16:54.371+08:00I answered ThoughtCatalog's "50 Questions To Ask A Girl If You Want To Get To Know Her ASAP" and it was nuts.So I saw this in my notes drafted on 2017 and I just thought I might just as well finish it (and perhaps other notes too).
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgoSrQfugBY/YYprEUDBXdI/AAAAAAAAFkY/10Xz6-43cpkgp6W5pKLheTAXJF7MVdlGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Lolipop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgoSrQfugBY/YYprEUDBXdI/AAAAAAAAFkY/10Xz6-43cpkgp6W5pKLheTAXJF7MVdlGACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Lolipop.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/category/food-and-drink.html">from DepositPhotos</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>What's one thing that's happened to you that has made you a stronger person?</li>
I was a victim of extortion when I was nine. In a snap, Vegeta of Dragonball Z became my spirit 2D-character that I have become so skeptic and unapproachable as a person, and that made me tenacious along the way.
<li>What’s one thing that’s happened to you in your life that made you feel weak?</li>
My sister has Borderline Personality Disorder. I was the only one who saw it (my mother won't believe me when I told her how crazy my sister was). She's a year older and a head taller back when I was a kid. Until I was fifteen, when she would feel down because of her irrational feelings, she would take that ill feeling on me and hit me on the head until I'd lose my consciousness. Those were the times I feel so small and weak. My home should be a safe place, but my own family are the ones hurting me.
<li>Where is one place you feel most like yourself?</li>
Maybe just anywhere that could make me feel comfortable wearing goth lolita outfits without being judged, so perhaps back at my university.
<li>Where is your favorite place to escape to?</li>
Karaoke at a mall so I could scream my lungs out with some rock songs. Too bad, this pandemic sucks. Establishments for amusement are closed.
<li>Who do you think has had the largest influence on the person you are today?</li>
Nobody in particular, but I somewhat emulate a few select traits from anime villains in my pre-teens.
<li>If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?</li>
I wish I don't have mental problems.
<li>If you had one day left to live, what would you do first?</li>
Even if I dislike my family, just to be practical, I will tell my mother details of my bank accounts and life insurances.
<li>What decade do you feel you most belong in?</li>
2000-2009.
<li>Who are you closest to in your family? Why?</li>
Nobody. My heart is just full of resentment.
<li>Who is the one person in this world who knows you best?</li>
I have no idea.
<li>What is your favorite quality about your best friend?</li>
I don't have a best friend.
<li>When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?</li>
Scientist.
<li>If you could identify with one fictional character (from a book, show, or movie), who would it be?</li>
Uchiha Itachi. XD
<li>Do you easily accept compliments? Or do you hate compliments?</li>
I'm neutral.
<li>Is your favorite attribute about yourself physical or nonphysical?</li>
Nonphysical. I don't look visually appealing to begin with.
<li>What is your favorite physical attribute about yourself?</li>
Again, I don't look good, so I'd make myself look good. I love body modification. For now, I love my asymmetrical ears with multiple piercings.
<li>What is your favorite nonphysical attribute about yourself?</li>
Used to be my two types of clairvoyance, but I lost access to them, so I would like to say just being intelligent.
<li>Do you believe in love at first sight?</li>
As a teenager, yes. But as I get older, no. You need to know the person first.
<li>Do you believe in soul mates?</li>
No. There was a study (I think in Stanford) that by biochemistry alone, each one of us is compatible with at least 1,500 people. It's just a matter of who you meet first, who you have shared interests with, who you can relate to due to similar experiences. It's up to you to choose who you want to be with.
<li>How seriously do you take horoscopes?</li>
I don't.
<li>Have you ever been in love? How many times?</li>
Yes, at least thrice.
<li>What makes you fall in love with someone?</li>
For the last two, the first factor is the voice. I have a voice complex. Some details came later on. Okay, I thought they liked me first. When one expressed that he's happy being with me (on an online game), somehow, that tugged at my heart. I woke up the next day finding myself reciprocating his feelings (or so I thought).
<li>What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?</li>
I'm a very insecure person. Just about anything can make me vulnerable. I also have depression, anxiety, and bipolar personality disorder. Anything could just upset or trigger me.
<li>What’s one thing you’re scared to ask a man, but really want to?</li>
As a very curious person, I'm never scared to ask anyone about anything. And yes, I get blocked and unfriended a lot because of my tenacity in asking people questions. I've been called out for being insensitive. But damn, no one can be honest with me. If I'm not met with lies, I would meet a wall.
<li>If you were a man for a day, what would be the first thing you do?</li>
Jack off. I would like to know how it feels like for a man when he reaches 0rgasm.
<li>What do you find most attractive about each sex?</li>
Just the voice. Like I said, I have a voice complex.
<li>What’s one thing you’d love to learn more about?</li>
Some stuff that's banned on search engines. There's a term for that thing but I forgot what it's called.
<li>What is something you’ve never done that you’ve always wanted to do?</li>
Exploring the world.
<adsense></adsense>
<li>Why haven’t you done it yet?</li>
Lack of money and lack of friends to accompany me. I'm only 4'9" in height. I may be in my 30s, still, it's scary traveling alone. With my small stature, if I fall down, anyone could just trample me.
<li>If money didn’t matter, what would your dream job be?</li>
Scientist.
<li>If you had off from work today, what would you do?</li>
Just chill. And that's only if my mind is not whirring from negative thoughts.
<li>What was the last thing that made you cry?</li>
Just thinking about my resentments in life.
<li>What was the last thing that made you laugh?</li>
Watching MrBeast's videos.
<li>What is your favorite memory?</li>
I was late in the train for appreciating The Lord of the Rings. Still, I reminisce the feeling of happiness when I read anything about the films, leafing through the magazines as I read about the behind the scenes.
<li>What’s the last thing that REALLY embarrassed you?</li>
Nothing in particular. Maybe saying something that would make me be perceived as stupid.
<li>What is your biggest fear?</li>
To die early.
<li>Do you have any regrets? What’s your biggest one?</li>
A lot. Being a dropout in college would be the biggest one.
<li>Have you ever broken a law? If you haven’t, what is one law you’d love to break?</li>
I haven't broken a law yet. But I would love to overspeed, which would mean that I have my own car and more importantly, that I have gone past my fear of handling myself when it comes to roads (crossing the road, driving). I have a great fear in crossing roads. I avoid roads. I basically go out of my neighborhood once every two months. There was at least half a decade that I was on the road for only five to six times a year. I only go out every month now since I have braces, just to get to my dentist's appointments. We're on fortunate times, we can just shop online for everything.
<li>What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?</li>
Unplanned rock hopping and climbing. I love it. I ruined my friends' vacation in the process. They unfriended me after that.
<li>Would you have a conversation with a stranger?</li>
Yes. I do a lot in queues.
<li>Would you tell a stranger they have toilet paper hanging from their shoe? Or their dress tucked into their underwear? (Or anything else that is embarrassing to be seen in public)?</li>
Yes. I myself experienced having my dress tucked into my safety shorts.
<li>What’s your favorite joke?</li>
Puns.
<li>Are you a dog person or a cat person?</li>
Definitely a dog person.
<li>If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?</li>
Wolf, so I can run fast, stalk a prey, then bite. Eagle, so I can fly high up in the sky.
<li>What’s one show, movie, or book, you’re embarrassed to admit you enjoy?</li>
Ugly bastard hent@i shows.
<li>How do you think your parents would describe you as a child?</li>
Mother: problem child <br />
Father: scary child
<li>If you could go back to any age or time of your life, what age or time would it be?</li>
Fifteen, just as I entered college, that time when I'd be turning 16 in a few weeks' time. I wish to not mess up my college life again.
<li>What’s something you believe in that not everyone else does?</li>
That we live in a multiverse.
<li>What’s one thing you would say that makes you unique from other people?</li>
I don't believe in uniqueness. You can group a lot of people in different ways. Someone always belongs in a group, so nobody is unique.
<li>What is one thing you feel your life is missing?</li>
Love life. People don't like me. :(
</ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-25657894131085073872021-05-08T17:23:00.008+08:002021-05-15T18:25:04.833+08:00Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint by Singshong Book Review<div id="overview">I felt giddy, I cried, I laughed, and cried some more. It's a truly heart-wrenching story. I felt myself spread thinly as I read the novel for two weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O53kKdc5sSc/YJZU25slkpI/AAAAAAAAFdU/1P9NcukklvMzwbs6XZ6h7Z34SSgjjGqVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Omniscient-Readers-Viewpoint.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="483" height="400" itemprop="image" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O53kKdc5sSc/YJZU25slkpI/AAAAAAAAFdU/1P9NcukklvMzwbs6XZ6h7Z34SSgjjGqVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Omniscient-Readers-Viewpoint.png" title="Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" width="286" /></a>
</div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Singshong?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Singshong</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">January 6, 2018</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Munpia?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Munpia</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Fantasy</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Science%20Fiction?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Science Fiction</a>
</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">light novel</span><br />
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</span>
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<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta content="5" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
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<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43802732-omniscient-reader-s-viewpoint-volume-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>
Prologue - Episode 36
</p>
Only I know the end of this world.
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One day our MC finds himself stuck in the world of his favorite webnovel. What does he do to survive? It is a world struck by catastrophe and danger all around.
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His edge? He knows the plot of the story to the end. Because he was the sole reader that stuck with it. Read his story to see how he survives!
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</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><taddictive></taddictive><tamazeballs></tamazeballs><tapocalypse></tapocalypse><tcreative></tcreative><tfantasy></tfantasy><theartbreaking></theartbreaking><twellwritten></twellwritten></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>The story opens up with this prologue:
</p>
</span>
<blockquote>There are three ways to survive in a ruined world. Now, I have forgotten a few, but one thing is certain. The fact that you who are reading this now will survive.</blockquote>
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That is obviously meant for the reader. That paragraph is contained in the novel "Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World", shortened as <i>Ways of Survival</i>. In its feature-length that spans 3,149 chapters, a sole reader read it from the 100th chapter till the end. That sole reader is named Kim Dokja, which is apt since Dokja in Korean means only son or reader.
<br /><br />
What happens to a story when the story already left the author's hands? It breathes, it comes to life when a reader reads it. Characters will play out the roles they're portrayed as and act out on their own in the gaps of pages that the author didn't get to write.
<br /><br />
The day after <i>Ways of Survival</i> was concluded, Dokja has no idea that the novel he faithfully read for over 10 years would become real, and he gets to live in that world. When 7:00 PM struck, his world transformed into that of <i>Ways of Survival</i> with video game-like setting. A furry cotton-candy shaped Dokkaebi named Bihyung appeared out of thin air and gave everyone a scenario that they have to clear. The first scenario is that of a Battle Royale where they have to "kill a life form" to proceed to the next scenario. Failure to do so means death.
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<adsense></adsense>
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The story is powered by fables. Known people of history gets to become historical-grade constellations. Heroes with more known stories became fable-grade constellations. Beings known as gods in various cultures became myth-grade constellations, the most powerful among constellations.
<br /><br />
These constellations who've lived hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands of years live through fables. They quench their boredom by participating in scenarios. People are now become known as incarnations and constellations get to sponsor them when selected. The more powerful a story gets germinated during a scenario, the more incarnations and constellations alike get stronger.
<br /><br />
A dokkaebi is a story-teller and the events he covers are shown in the <i>Star Stream</i>, the universe where constellations regurgitate stories as if consuming the shows they watch on live television.
<br /><br />
As Dokja is the only one who knew the entire story of <i>Ways of Survival</i>, he's basically ahead of everybody. He knows everything that's going to happen, knows where hidden scenarios are, knows where to collect items that will help anyone to get stronger.
<br /><br />
Of course, Kim Dokja wasn't the only one knowledgeable in this new world. The protagonist of the novel he read would step in. Yoo Joonghyuk, a man towering over everybody with a very handsome face to boot, is a regressor. He regressed 1,863 times in the novel. Currently, he's on his 3rd regression.
<br /><br />
Shackled by the fate of regressing after death, Joonghyuk gets to revive back to the first scenario. Along the way, he collects his comrades. He loses them, he dies. After countless of times with people dying around him, he realizes he couldn't save everybody. With this torment, he decides not to care for anyone who isn't originally his companion on the earliest memory he remembers. Anyone who gets in his way, he instantly kills.
<br /><br />
That's how Kim Dokja remembers the favorite hero he so badly wants to emulate as a child. That guy eventually turned into a psychopath hell-bent only on achieving his goal, that is to reach the end of the scenarios. Inadvertently, Kim Dokja got hold of the companions that were originally Joonghyuk's and gathered people of his own, some of which are not characters of the novel he so loves. He even turned the evil ones to his side.
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That sounds about long-winded. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, designated by fans as ORV, spans 551 chapters. It has a handful of lovable characters. You'd cheer for them, you'd get angry, and then you'd ache for them. A character I felt repulsed by initially turned out to have a pivotal role in the end.
<br /><br />
Three characters, Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, and Han Sooyoung, the leader of the "Apostles" who gave up reading the novel, are bound by fate. In a nutshell, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint is like Ethan Hawke's film, <i>Predestination</i> in terms of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff. No matter what they do in the expansive universe, the result will give life to a cause and the cause would yield to a result.
<br /><br />
The story is very intricate. Various known figures are utilized, from localized historical figures in Korea, to famous characters in Chinese literature like <i>Journey to the West</i>, to Olympian gods like Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. Thor of Asgard wasn't even spared.
<br /><br />
Characters get to earn skills along the way depending on their initial talents and characteristics. Incarnations could inherit stigmas provided by their sponsor Constellations. Coins could also be a medium of success. Various cliches and tropes get mentioned, the novel even pokes fun at the trends in the light novel world.
<br /><br /><hr /><br />
There's so much going on that it's hard for me to end writing this review. What lasted with me were the characters' comradeship, the feeling of longing for someone you've lost, the pain when someone misunderstands and makes the wrong decision, that nice feeling when you expect some good news. When they all finally get to be together is all you'd yearn for till the end.
<br /><br />
The authors are a married couple. The fact that they develop this story long before their previous work just shows how much they want to perfect this masterpiece. There's no plot hole. Everything is well‑thought and the things that transpire are laid out well. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint is one of the best masterpieces there are in the world of literature.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-11299468198704903652021-01-01T23:56:00.004+08:002021-01-09T20:34:18.256+08:00A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson Book Review<div id="overview">Perhaps it's just me. Somehow I couldn't stand reading about warfare in a book. Still, I read other series in the past with battles aplenty and I was thrilled. Here, I'm just bored to death. I mostly suffer through while reading the book. Still I give this book a perfect 5 since Brandon Sanderson finished writing this book with a flourish.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5anJ_0jO8pI/X-9DFFElA2I/AAAAAAAAFZk/wkjBb4QfdM0J0l4MxO7S6nOF6FcQ9R5YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/A%2BMemory%2Bof%2BLight.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Memory of Light" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5anJ_0jO8pI/X-9DFFElA2I/AAAAAAAAFZk/wkjBb4QfdM0J0l4MxO7S6nOF6FcQ9R5YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/A%2BMemory%2Bof%2BLight.jpg" title="A Memory of Light Book Review" /></a>
</div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">A Memory of Light</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Robert%20Jordan?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Robert Jordan</a>
</span>
</span> and
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Brandon%20Sanderson?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Brandon Sanderson</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/The%20Wheel%20of%20Time?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">The Wheel of Time</a> #14<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">April 09, 2013</span> (first published January 8th 2013)<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Tor%20Books?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Tor Books</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Fantasy</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Epic%20Fantasy?&max-results=12" rel="nofollow">Epic Fantasy</a>
</span><br />
<b>ASIN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">B00BMKDTNC</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">1025</span><br />
</span><!--end of schema:Book-->
</span>
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta content="5" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16031812-a-memory-of-light" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>‘And it came to pass in those days, as it had come before and would come again, that the Dark lay heavy on the land and weighed down the hearts of men, and the green things failed, and hope died.’ – From Charal Drianaan te Calamon, The Cycle of the Dragon.
</p>
<a name='more'></a>
In the Field of Merrilor the rulers of the nations gather to join behind Rand al’Thor, or to stop him from his plan to break the seals on the Dark One’s prison – which may be a sign of his madness, or the last hope of humankind. Egwene, the Amyrlin Seat, leans toward the former.
<br /><br />
In Andor, the Trollocs seize Caemlyn.
<br /><br />
In the wolf dream, Perrin Aybara battles Slayer.
<br /><br />
Approaching Ebou Dar, Mat Cauthon plans to visit his wife Tuon, now Fortuona, Empress of the Seanchan.
<br /><br />
All humanity is in peril – and the outcome will be decided in Shayol Ghul itself. The Wheel is turning, and the Age is coming to its end. The Last Battle will determine the fate of the world . . .
<br /><br />
For twenty years The Wheel of Time has enthralled more than forty million readers in over thirty-two languages. A MEMORY OF LIGHT brings this majestic fantasy creation to its richly satisfying conclusion.
<br /><br />
Working from notes and partials left by Robert Jordan when he died in 2007, and consulting with Jordan’s widow, who edited all of Jordan’s books, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson has recreated the vision Jordan left behind.
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><tfantasy></tfantasy><tmagic></tmagic><tepic></tepic></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>
</p>
</span>
All the dialogues don't sound right to me. They felt forced and corny. Elayne's battle speech fell flat to my ears and doesn't command awe. Basically, the characters' voice just sound off to me. Like Moiraine's exchanges with Rand, I just feel like Moiraine doesn't add anything helpful.
<adsense></adsense>
Things that had strong impression on me (spoilers hereon):
<ul>
<li>I already like Talmanes as a character, so early on, I asked myself, "Why do we have to lose him?" He suffered a hit by a Myrrdraal with their poisonous sword. I already lamented his impending death only for him to be Healed by Nynaeve. He's just a minor character but just imagine how much of an emotional roller coaster did Brandon Sanderson put me through. And that's just the beginning.</li>
<li>Elayne to lead the war while pregnant? While it's commending that a woman is going to lead a battle, having a six-months-pregnant woman ride to battle at some point is just worrisome.</li>
<li>We already know how infuriating Gawyn could be from the previous book, but he'll be even more so in this book. Gawyn is really stupid for using the Bloodknives' ter'angreal. Doesn't he know that if he dies, Egwene will have gone into a vengeful rage or sorrow that would ultimately kill her?</li>
<li>I thought that Gawyn was stupid for challenging Demandred in a sword fight, but after he died, Demandred was like, "Who's next?" It turns out Galad and Lan would do the same. *Rolls my eyes*</li>
<li>Vanin and Harnan, darkfriends? Again, I'm fond of Mat's men already. And then turns out they just had a misunderstanding.</li>
<li>Alanna's purpose is to die so Rand will be driven mad. Nice thought by the Dark One.</li>
<li>After bonding each other, Pevara and Androl could switch talents.</li>
<li>Siuan dead.</li>
<li>I love how when Mat died with Rahvin's lightnings during the attack on Caemlyn (The Fires of Heaven), it has broken his link to the Horn of Valere so someone else can blow it.</li>
<li>Mat finally had good use of people from Hinderstap. So funny.</li>
<li>Past comes in full circle. Since Mat survived the poison he got at Shadar Logoth, he became immune to the mist or Mashadar attached to Padan Fain.</li>
</ul>
<br/>
<br />
Chapter 37 is so long that according to a Reddit post, it contained 81,200 words, much longer than the entirety of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's stone at 78,000. Sanderson replied that he wanted the readers to feel as if they're on a marathon and by the end of that journey, they'd also feel the exhaustion felt by the characters in the book. This chapter with its long-winded writing is the reason I felt I was bored to death.
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<br />
Anyhow, the story ended nicely (the epilogue was written by Robert Jordan which was already in the notes handed to Sanderson) giving you lots of thoughts that are open for speculations which abound the internet like while Rand could no longer wield Saidin or access the True Source, he could just will things to happen.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-70702382319258975302020-12-12T22:23:00.011+08:002020-12-12T22:40:25.277+08:00My Marie France Experience 2020<p>This year, I finally decided to receive treatment for my mental problems. After about two follow-ups, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Personality Disorder. The medication sure does something. It makes me oversleep. My body just feels heavy after my alarm goes off and I can't help but fall right back to sleep.</p><p>I didn't really notice a change in my body until I decided to splurge on milk teas every day. On my Instagram archive, I noticed that I still fit my skirts and my pants (that I use to go out) but after six weeks, none of them fit. Luckily for me, I still have five dresses that I could wear.</p><p>Basically, in that six weeks, I noticed I gained about 7.2 kg from milk tea and oversleeping. I was so alarmed by what happened that I decided I want to take a short cut in losing some fat. That's why I turned to Marie France. It turned out that for 2020, they have a one-time promo package of 5 FMS Elite treatments + 3 Plasti Dermi Treatments for just Php 8,000.</p><p>I've always wanted to try Marie France's services so I head to their branch in Cebu located at the 8th floor of 2Quad Building at Cebu Business Park near Ayala Mall.</p><p>This is how Marie France looks like:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbb0-TCKogc/X9TK326LWwI/AAAAAAAAFUE/aZcNcfrGuVEeudnuKhpimAVtjhplL2NOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marie%2BFrance%2BCebu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marie France Cebu" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbb0-TCKogc/X9TK326LWwI/AAAAAAAAFUE/aZcNcfrGuVEeudnuKhpimAVtjhplL2NOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Marie%2BFrance%2BCebu.jpg" title="Marie France Cebu" /></a></div><p></p><p>They will provide you with a robe since you only have to be in your undies and bra. You can see the Plasti Dermi machine in the background.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA4zDNA5cuM/X9TLLc8RK3I/AAAAAAAAFUM/HV-V7DvWfHMeqLsBv4m9Zb0pQJuuO-n1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marie%2BFrance%2Brobe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marie France robe" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA4zDNA5cuM/X9TLLc8RK3I/AAAAAAAAFUM/HV-V7DvWfHMeqLsBv4m9Zb0pQJuuO-n1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Marie%2BFrance%2Brobe.jpg" title="Marie France robe" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are also towels and a pair of slippers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wONoS1ou9s/X9TLx6yriII/AAAAAAAAFUU/8UV4ej6qOb8OZTHw2WYNOnSJysU8Z2j_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marie%2BFrance%2Btowels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marie France towels" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wONoS1ou9s/X9TLx6yriII/AAAAAAAAFUU/8UV4ej6qOb8OZTHw2WYNOnSJysU8Z2j_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Marie%2BFrance%2Btowels.jpg" title="Marie France towels" /></a></div><p></p><p>What happens is you get an appointment every other day and you can only ask for a complete schedule good for one week. In one whole session, you go under Plasti Dermi first then the FMS Elite right after.<br /></p><p>Marie France's Plasti Dermi was so painful. I know the adage in the fitness world, "Pain is gain." While the gain there was meant for muscles, it also applies here. If you want to lose fat, you need to endure pain. The entire time, I just thought that I'd rather exercise for an hour with burpees, planks, spider and various tummy-fat-losing exercises than lay there helplessly while the nurse "tortures" you with the suction from the machine. Obviously, I have found out that I have such a low pain tolerance. With a setting from 1 to 6, I could only endure 2 at first. By the second session, I braved the 4 setting for my tummy. <br /></p>
<adsense></adsense>
<p>This is the FMS Elite machine:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSsBG8FKP0E/X9TMEXHvf7I/AAAAAAAAFUc/cNWnrSScSN0fFQwvhu2XfuQi8JNIYk1OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marie%2BFrance%2BFMS%2BElite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marie France FMS Elite" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSsBG8FKP0E/X9TMEXHvf7I/AAAAAAAAFUc/cNWnrSScSN0fFQwvhu2XfuQi8JNIYk1OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Marie%2BFrance%2BFMS%2BElite.jpg" title="Marie France FMS Elite" /></a></div><p></p><p>Again, like with Plasti Dermi, I also have bad feelings with the FMS Elite. The temperature is set to 10°C. While it's only for 30 minutes, it was like hell. I would always ask to turn off the lights when the nurse leaves. And as someone with depression and anxiety, it's terrible to be left with your thoughts alone because you have nothing to do. It's not like the kind of coldness you'd get when it rains and you're lulled to sleep. This is the time when I overthink on a lot of things. If I'm lucky on a room where you can hear music from outside, I'd just focus on it and count till it reaches seven songs or something.<br /></p><p>Me at the end of all the sessions:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5kR2999X3Y/X9TMcjoqNLI/AAAAAAAAFUk/0XxiQmFxbs0Wu8or2tOjBwYe7gDUbaDTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marie%2BFrance%2Bwith%2BZirev.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5kR2999X3Y/X9TMcjoqNLI/AAAAAAAAFUk/0XxiQmFxbs0Wu8or2tOjBwYe7gDUbaDTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Marie%2BFrance%2Bwith%2BZirev.jpg" /></a></div><p>Before your first session begins, you are measured everywhere, on top of taking your weight measurement. They'd measure the circumference of your biceps, hips, butts, thighs, etc.<br /></p><p>I wanted to take a shortcut so the only change I made was I stopped my medication and continued on drinking milk tea every day. I didn't exercise and I didn't change my diet. I first received my medication for depression on February in which I weighed 39.5 kg. My diagnosis changed on July and I weighed 40 kg. My clothes still fit me on Oct. 17. By November 30, I weighed 47.2 kg. My height is 4'9" so my BMI is fine but I don't look good. My waist had gone up 29 when it used to be 26.<br /></p><p>In the end, what happened was I lost nothing. 😂 Nothing changed basically. Despite this, while I didn't reach my goal, I had a nice experience. The staff were all nice. I had a fun chat each time with the nurse for 9:00 AM. The consultant at the beginning (before you can avail a package) was also a good conversationalist. She'd make you feel good talking about yourself since they wanted to know why you wanted to avail any of their services to begin with. Like most things consultation-wise, they'd ask what you're doing (your job, hobbies, relationship). They basically ease me into it.</p><p>Going to Marie France is an experience I could never forget. I learned that exercising is lesser pain.<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-34689948966815482472020-10-24T19:36:00.005+08:002020-10-25T01:30:53.528+08:00Shopping at Dark in Closet and Shipping to the Philippines<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZ1d2IdQ1w/X5QGxzLbXeI/AAAAAAAAFRE/L8u0SY5fKRgPm1vq7hcSIYK00BZCmSF2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/dark%2Bin%2Bcloset.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shopping at Dark in Closet and Shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZ1d2IdQ1w/X5QGxzLbXeI/AAAAAAAAFRE/L8u0SY5fKRgPm1vq7hcSIYK00BZCmSF2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/dark%2Bin%2Bcloset.png" title="Shopping at Dark in Closet and Shipping to the Philippines" /></a></div><p><br />
So a month ago, I decided to buy yet another set of goth items in an online shop. I wanted what would pass for Lolita fashion. Since I love Punk Rave so much, I was convinced to buy from <a href="https://www.darkincloset.com">Dark in Closet</a> as suggested by some YouTubers.
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I basically just bought one winter woolen coat, a headdress, and two masks (against the 'Rona, ya know). I know there's no winter in the Philippines, I just want to wear one for a pictorial.
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Unfortunately, a day or two later since hitting the buy button (last week of September), I received an email that the coat and headdress were out of stock. I was given an option to change my order with an amount + $12 higher than my sold out items plus a free cloth. After back and forth email exchanges (most of the items I inquired about weren't available either), we settled to an agreement. I would still get the woolen dress that I originally wanted but I will have to exchange my headdress with a pair of cuffs.
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I was told to wait till mid-October before my package gets shipped (approximately more than two weeks). By the 14th of October, my package was indeed shipped and within the week, reached me via TNT Express.
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All in all, from ordering to shipping, it took three weeks.
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Here are the items:</p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVy7m_Ay5sw/X5QOiOVBv_I/AAAAAAAAFRQ/utmm7nurDlkbyvt9jAryLpjRKPnCm6XtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BLolita%2BFur%2BWorsted%2BCoat%2Bfor%2BWomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punk Rave Lolita Fur Worsted Coat" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVy7m_Ay5sw/X5QOiOVBv_I/AAAAAAAAFRQ/utmm7nurDlkbyvt9jAryLpjRKPnCm6XtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BLolita%2BFur%2BWorsted%2BCoat%2Bfor%2BWomen.jpg" title="Punk Rave Lolita Fur Worsted Coat" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So heavy!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Just in comparison, this is how it looks like (Punk Rave Gothic Lolita Fur Worsted Coat for Women):</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUyp7TI5mqE/X5QRTi7pTtI/AAAAAAAAFSE/3NpsCpwEvZk9cV0B6S-9C5_f9_P5zb2kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s531/punk-rave-black-gothic-lolita-fur-worsted-coat-for-women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punk Rave Gothic Lolita Fur Worsted Coat for Women" border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUyp7TI5mqE/X5QRTi7pTtI/AAAAAAAAFSE/3NpsCpwEvZk9cV0B6S-9C5_f9_P5zb2kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/punk-rave-black-gothic-lolita-fur-worsted-coat-for-women.jpg" title="Punk Rave Gothic Lolita Fur Worsted Coat for Women" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from: Dark in Closet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Punk Rave Black Gothic Embroidered Mask for Men:
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skTWHU983qE/X5QPFwPJSYI/AAAAAAAAFRc/bXY-Z6kQM2oeBvn2jcqK3Tb4jkgsfvhGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BEmbroidered%2BMask%2Bfor%2BMen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punk Rave Black Gothic Embroidered Mask for Men" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skTWHU983qE/X5QPFwPJSYI/AAAAAAAAFRc/bXY-Z6kQM2oeBvn2jcqK3Tb4jkgsfvhGACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BEmbroidered%2BMask%2Bfor%2BMen.jpg" title="Punk Rave Black Gothic Embroidered Mask for Men" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best! Solid structured mask.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Devil Fashion Black Vintage Gothic Unisex Mask:
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17vKcD9PGLo/X5QPADDE2II/AAAAAAAAFRY/fMexgViP1AoIzNQ7v5NlY8JG3nmknL09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Devil%2BFashion%2BBlack%2BVintage%2BGothic%2BUnisex%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Devil Fashion Black Vintage Gothic Unisex Mask" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17vKcD9PGLo/X5QPADDE2II/AAAAAAAAFRY/fMexgViP1AoIzNQ7v5NlY8JG3nmknL09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Devil%2BFashion%2BBlack%2BVintage%2BGothic%2BUnisex%2BMask.jpg" title="Devil Fashion Black Vintage Gothic Unisex Mask" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flimsy velvety mask<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Punk Rave Black Gothic Lolita Gloves
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOGkh3rCBcE/X5QP-pX0DMI/AAAAAAAAFR0/m1QMPZOfUr0Sh_wYeLYOpx2ec_LG1afNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BLolita%2BGloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punk Rave Black Gothic Lolita Gloves" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOGkh3rCBcE/X5QP-pX0DMI/AAAAAAAAFR0/m1QMPZOfUr0Sh_wYeLYOpx2ec_LG1afNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Punk%2BRave%2BBlack%2BGothic%2BLolita%2BGloves.jpg" title="Punk Rave Black Gothic Lolita Gloves" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Lolita Cuffs<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>And the free "cloth" was a headband:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-1UikOvlg/X5QQcA67mYI/AAAAAAAAFR8/T6CNSe3cKgcx1YDsArVUZo-tdb4mdnh4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Gothic%2BHeadband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gothic headband" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-1UikOvlg/X5QQcA67mYI/AAAAAAAAFR8/T6CNSe3cKgcx1YDsArVUZo-tdb4mdnh4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Gothic%2BHeadband.jpg" title="Gothic headband" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-38035534240037198832020-09-19T21:30:00.004+08:002020-09-19T22:00:19.701+08:00Shopping at The Gothic Shop UK and Shipping to the PhilippinesI'm already 30 years old and I haven't had clothing from famous Goth brands so I decided to head to a bunch of Gothic sites. I found designs that I like with no available sizes. Scouring the internet, I found myself at the doorstep, so to speak, of the <a href="https://the-gothic-shop.co.uk/">https://the-gothic-shop.co.uk/</a>.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzGATjegBBw/X2YBWVrDk2I/AAAAAAAAFOs/Mu_HA3Kyq_oZ4eVmpIdTIXNAkDu52w-KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s769/gothic%2Bshop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="769" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzGATjegBBw/X2YBWVrDk2I/AAAAAAAAFOs/Mu_HA3Kyq_oZ4eVmpIdTIXNAkDu52w-KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/gothic%2Bshop.png" title="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to Philippines" /></a><br /></div><p>
Of course, resellers have the same items to sell. So what makes the difference? Apart from a slight difference in pricing, the deal breaker for me would be the shipping fee. The Gothic Shop charges €9 for the first item and an additional €1 each for other items. Since I ordered 3 products, I was charged with €11 for shipping overall.
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The package is handled by Royal Mail Airmail International Signed For (International Signed For delivery normally within 5-10 working days).
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I officially created my order on the site on August 18, 2020 and received a text from my local post office to claim my parcel on September 17, 2020 (and also got it that very same day). Basically, it took a month from ordering to actually holding the package on your hands.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3IhXFiP6c/X2YBqcrTtMI/AAAAAAAAFO0/agY9C6W8ZpofHLodxoKKgWVdVWXkbhMGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s641/the%2Bgothic%2Bshop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK tracking" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3IhXFiP6c/X2YBqcrTtMI/AAAAAAAAFO0/agY9C6W8ZpofHLodxoKKgWVdVWXkbhMGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/the%2Bgothic%2Bshop.png" title="The Gothic Shop UK tracking" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQrjnCrHnXQ/X2YLbXGlsHI/AAAAAAAAFP8/8ktyEr9pqW8k8J3D_RNYn6yzlKkgyI6CACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Gothic%2Bpackage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shopping at The Gothic Shop UK" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQrjnCrHnXQ/X2YLbXGlsHI/AAAAAAAAFP8/8ktyEr9pqW8k8J3D_RNYn6yzlKkgyI6CACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Gothic%2Bpackage.jpg" title="Shopping at The Gothic Shop UK" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such flowery packaging!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p>With a bonus candy:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu-9tSoX4Vg/X2YEVcco1YI/AAAAAAAAFPI/8w_G-fxnMgI6irui_OgIu-sRZjQ_BiacwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200917_162910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu-9tSoX4Vg/X2YEVcco1YI/AAAAAAAAFPI/8w_G-fxnMgI6irui_OgIu-sRZjQ_BiacwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_20200917_162910.jpg" title="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to the Philippines" /></a></div><br /><p>What's inside the package?</p><p> A Witch Black Gothic Knitted Sweater by Punk Rave:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJn1LYydF6w/X2YFUNtkJzI/AAAAAAAAFPU/e52ZZJMCM2oFR98G3ZHvjDkIGP7hYRNRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200917_163111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJn1LYydF6w/X2YFUNtkJzI/AAAAAAAAFPU/e52ZZJMCM2oFR98G3ZHvjDkIGP7hYRNRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_20200917_163111.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Waterfall Slits Gothic Top by Spiral Direct:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD0Ojc_GWKI/X2YF93cCfkI/AAAAAAAAFPc/S3HXwkSzjyMr1FdOoUdjTgH50IBgR9BJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200917_163329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD0Ojc_GWKI/X2YF93cCfkI/AAAAAAAAFPc/S3HXwkSzjyMr1FdOoUdjTgH50IBgR9BJACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_20200917_163329.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>Tinsley Black Velvet Corset Heart Gothic Dress by Dark in Love:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbn3Qcc1b00/X2YGzZkLF9I/AAAAAAAAFPo/t3iLb0y_WEw48TW43a3mFQuENzNdsFMmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200917_163031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbn3Qcc1b00/X2YGzZkLF9I/AAAAAAAAFPo/t3iLb0y_WEw48TW43a3mFQuENzNdsFMmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_20200917_163031.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Me trying it on:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMAmUeQCWY0/X2YHs6xoLsI/AAAAAAAAFPw/e0Kc2osRu74FknqiGOBcXvOa58lWKzIoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200919_062555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gothic Shop UK shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMAmUeQCWY0/X2YHs6xoLsI/AAAAAAAAFPw/e0Kc2osRu74FknqiGOBcXvOa58lWKzIoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_20200919_062555.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-10195105858482714562020-09-05T01:43:00.001+08:002020-12-15T02:14:33.201+08:00The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time #12) Book Review<div id="overview">I never thought that this book would be so engaging.</div>
<br />
<span itemprop="itemReviewed">
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np4uVMOQuLM/X1J3aeU8hBI/AAAAAAAAFN8/Q1RpR3nHvtU9Yl4Gzgqq0WOPiViEONsXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/The%2BGathering%2BStorm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np4uVMOQuLM/X1J3aeU8hBI/AAAAAAAAFN8/Q1RpR3nHvtU9Yl4Gzgqq0WOPiViEONsXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/The%2BGathering%2BStorm.png" alt="The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan Review" title="The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan Review" /></a>
</div>
<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">The Gathering Storm</strong> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Robert%20Jordan?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Robert Jordan</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/The%20Wheel%20of%20Time?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>The Wheel of Time</a> #12<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">October 27, 2009</span> <br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Tor%20Books?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Tor Books</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12">Fantasy</a>,
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Epic%20Fantasy?&max-results=12">Epic Fantasy</a>
</span><br />
<b>ASIN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">B003K15O3E</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">861</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
</span>
<span style="line-height:2;" itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta itemprop="ratingValue" content="5" /></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8260859-knife-of-dreams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
</p>
Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready.
<br /><br />
The final volume of the Wheel of Time, A Memory of Light, was partially written by Robert Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, and now Stormlight Archive, among others, was chosen by Jordan's editor--his wife, Harriet McDougal--to complete the final volume, later expanded to three books.
<br /><br />
In this epic novel, Robert Jordan's international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward--wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders--his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.
<br /><br />
Egwene al'Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower--and possibly the world itself.
<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><Tfantasy></Tfantasy><Tmagic></Tmagic></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>
I had confusing feelings when starting this book. The new voice feels off. The way Rand's thoughts run just feels wrong. The way Min's voice was described is wrong. The word breeches, which was usually used, was replaced with trousers. There aren't those ridiculous little idiosyncrasies with Aes Sedais anymore, like straightening one's skirt. Aviendha's perception feels off with the little changes she subconsciously embraced while in the company of Elayne and now that she's back with her Aiel people. Furthermore, Aviendha would never openly use the word "honor", she'd just say <i>toh</i>, but not in this book, for Aviendha put emphasis on honor.
</p>
</span>
Furthermore, Rand has a sudden change of heart regarding Aes Sedai. He now acknowledges that he needs them and must not avoid them and is now accepting to seeing visions of Perrin and Mat whenever they both cross his mind. Then later on in the book, he'd toss that all aside and become vindictive of them.
<adsense></adsense>
Everything just screams Brandon Sanderson. With the narration, it feels like I'm not reading <i>The Wheel of Time</i> anymore. From the usual 35-37 chapters, the book now runs at 50 chapters. Small wonder each chapter feels short.
<br /><br />
And then...
<br /><br />
I get it. Rand has such hard resolve now. That night when he lost his left hand on the previous book has changed him forever. And I won't talk about the taint that stayed with him and is the reason why he has become antagonistic with everyone around him.
<br /><br />
Eventually, the narration grew on me and find it easier to grasp than Robert Jordan's.
<blockquote>
A husband needs to know his wife is jealous, otherwise he won't realize how much she cares for him. You guard that which you find most precious.
</blockquote>
<br />
At times, I find Rand's dialogue anachronistic. He'd sound like an exec officer when he says, "I only expect result."
<br /><br />
My mind was frayed when reading this book. As someone still suffering heartbreak, how I wish I was like Rand who's able to steel his emotions in an instant. Well, only sometimes since he'd lose control of his emotions and he'd go on an rampage... with Balefire.
<br /><br />
I can't seem to write paragraphs so just hear out my musings.
<br /><br />
Why are there so many Darkfriends everywhere? I trusted many characters. It's so disappointing. Light!
<blockquote>
Respond to demands with silence, respond to challenges with questions.
</blockquote>
<br />
Damn you, lower your pride one bit!
<blockquote>
"We shall see" or "Perhaps we can" or "I will consider what to do." Never a firm commitment.
</blockquote>
<br />
I feel so attacked! Why can't you commit?
<br /><br />
There may be a change of hands when writing this book, but at least, Mat's narration is still funny. Brandon Sanderson really got a hold of this book.
<br /><br />
Egwene's part is so action-packed. She's so dedicated on being the Amyrlin. She's no longer the soft girl when she now learned to behead members of the Black Ajah.
<br /><br />
Egwene has a knack for raising former Mistress of the Novices as Keeper of the Chronicles.
<br /><br />
Now that I'm getting the hang of this new kind of narration in the series, I think reading the remaining two of the books in the series would be smooth-sailing.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-32282934307804346572020-08-30T16:37:00.003+08:002021-01-01T23:47:48.259+08:00Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time #11) Book Review<div id="overview"><br />It's finally pumping some action.</div>
<br />
<span itemprop="itemReviewed">
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aad_2gIfVew/X0tX0eiVeMI/AAAAAAAAFNY/i3wLTMDB1EwPHzqPbO6XYBhY_b1e4HxawCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/Knife%2Bof%2BDreams.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aad_2gIfVew/X0tX0eiVeMI/AAAAAAAAFNY/i3wLTMDB1EwPHzqPbO6XYBhY_b1e4HxawCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Knife%2Bof%2BDreams.png" alt="Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan Review" title="Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan Review" /></a>
</div>
<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Knife of Dreams</strong> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Robert%20Jordan?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Robert Jordan</a>
</span>
</span> and
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Brandon%20Sanderson?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Brandon Sanderson</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/The%20Wheel%20of%20Time?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>The Wheel of Time</a> #11<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">August 24, 2010</span> (first published October 3rd 2005)<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Tor%20Books?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Tor Books</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12">Fantasy</a>,
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Epic%20Fantasy?&max-results=12">Epic Fantasy</a>
</span><br />
<b>ASIN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">B000SEH2NG</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">886</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
</span>
<span style="line-height:2;" itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta itemprop="ratingValue" content="5" /></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8260859-knife-of-dreams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
</p>
Unbeknownst to Rand, Perrin has made his own truce with the Seanchan. It is a deal made with the Dark One, in his eyes, but he will do whatever is needed to rescue his wife, Faile, and destroy the Shaido who captured her. Among the Shaido, Faile works to free herself while hiding a secret that might give her her freedom or cause her destruction. And at a town called Malden, the Two Rivers longbow will be matched against Shaido spears.
<br /><br/>
Fleeing Ebou Dar through Seanchan-controlled Altara with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, Mat attempts to court the woman to whom he is half-married, knowing that she will complete that ceremony eventually. But Tuon coolly leads him on a merry chase as he learns that even a gift can have deep significance among the Seanchan Blood and what he thinks he knows of women is not enough to save him.
<br /><br/>
In Caemlyn, Elayne fights to gain the Lion Throne while trying to avert what seems a certain civil war should she win the crown...
<br /><br/>
In the White Tower, Egwene struggles to undermine the sisters loyal to Elaida from within...
<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><Tfantasy></Tfantasy><Tmagic></Tmagic></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>
Finally, done with the slow-going pace of <i>Crossroads of Twilight</i>, we're now getting some action here in <i>Knife of Dreams</i>. While things are still picking up especially in Egwene's part, we finally get to see some gore action on Rand's part. Things happened so fast on that one, it's as if Rand and company killed thousands of Trollocs and Myrddraal at a snap of a finger. Well, it's actually Lews Therin who takes the reins in embracing saidin and shows how things are done. And the way the author wrote how the "Blossom of Fire", "Deathgates", and "Arrows of Fire" shows his background in Physics.
</p>
</span>
Those attacks are cool yet really scary. Anyway, we get to see more of Daddy Logain and by more, just a tiny bit in the book's length, but at least he finally graced us with his presence.
<br /><br />
There's more spanking happening among the Aes Sedai on Tar Valon which a lot of you might not like. The way spanking is administered is like hazing on fraternities as a form of discipline. It is so old school but I just put the whole thing off my mind and focus on what Egwene was trying to achieve in her "captivity".
<adsense></adsense>
What really grinds my gears was when Rand thought Lan has had enough of Nynaeve and left her. The gall! Lan knows how Nynaeve behaves, accepts her temperament, and he sees her strength. Nynaeve and Lan have differences and they compromise to make their marriage work and they're happy. Needless to say, Lan tolerates Nynaeve's quirks and difficult personality. Still, to Lan, duty comes first and his duty is to march to Tarmon Gai'don.
<br /><br />
However Lan decided to march through Tarmon Gai'don, Nynaeve doing everything she could for the safety of her husband makes me want to weep. How she planted seeds for the Malkieri to gather that would make them eventually follow their uncrowned king someday (we don't know which book yet) is just amazing of her.
<br /><br />
Though not his strong suit, Perrin finally managed to make schemes of his own. And with the Seanchan! Whatever his party have taken from Masema's camp has finally been put to good use.
<br /><br />
I'm mostly excited for Mat's development with Tuon and how both of them are going to play a role in dealing with Rand as the chosen one. I mean, everyone is after Rand and implying that they should handle Rand to win Tarmon Gai'don. The Seanchan is more about control and putting a leash on Rand seems to be at the forefront of their agenda. But first, they want to capture the whole kingdom of the world of The Wheel of Time, as if they deserve to take it.
<br /><br />
Anyway, Mat's perspective is always the funniest in the series and I always look forward to his chapters. I love how he gets everybody to be surprised with his actions. It's his POV that ended the book, discounting epilogue.
<br /><br />
The book ended with so much action and unexpected losses from all sides that you'd have to think for the characters with, "Is this just where their roles are leading up to?" Yeah, Robert Jordan is finally pulling a Game of Thrones on us.
<br /><br />
And now the reality hits me, this is the last book that Robert Jordan wrote all on his own. The next three books are completed by Brandon Sanderson. It's really saddening. And this,people, is why die-hard fans are urging George R. R. Martin to finish his <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i> ASAP or he might pull a Robert Jordan on us with his family's propensity for heart failure.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-52243676224541789032020-08-19T11:29:00.008+08:002020-08-19T12:35:19.912+08:00Shopping at Adidas Philippines Online Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZJP0MgS8pY/XzyhQsxP4fI/AAAAAAAAFMo/s_deRHOjdm4a5_Au8_ufhyBmaJn4DSEMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1747/Adidas.com.ph%2BReview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas Philippines Online Shopping" border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1747" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZJP0MgS8pY/XzyhQsxP4fI/AAAAAAAAFMo/s_deRHOjdm4a5_Au8_ufhyBmaJn4DSEMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1747/Adidas.com.ph%2BReview.png" title="Adidas Philippines Online Shopping" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>So, we're in the midst of the Coronavirus lockdown and the whole thing is getting on my nerves for various reasons despite me being an online freelancer to begin with. I just thought I'd go back to exercising again and get on a splurge to start my workout comeback.
<br />
<br />
My Nike and Adidas items are still functional after 10 years. Still, 10 years is a long time and I need an overhaul. So I'm starting with 3 items in mind. That is, one set of a functional outfit: sports bra, T-shirt, and a pair of leggings. I figured I liked the sale items on Adidas.com.ph better than the ones on Zalora so I gave it a go.
<br />
<br />
I ordered three items worth all-in-all ₱3,310 since the delivery fee is free for orders above ₱3,000. Otherwise, you'll have to pay ₱200+ for delivery. Just look at how much I was able to save:
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvlmPPM3k8w/XzyYdZr6IrI/AAAAAAAAFK8/u_mbPyESqlkEka8w81SH-XWKWjNJP3cSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Adidas%2Bitems.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas Philippines Online Shopping" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvlmPPM3k8w/XzyYdZr6IrI/AAAAAAAAFK8/u_mbPyESqlkEka8w81SH-XWKWjNJP3cSQCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Adidas%2Bitems.png" title="Adidas Philippines Online Shopping" /></a></div><p>
<br />
I ordered on August 09, 2020. My items were shipped on August 13, 2020 and arrived on my doorstep in Cebu on August 17, 2020. So that's four days each from ordering to shipping, and finally, to delivery. My package was delivered by Entrego (owned by Ayala and also handles Zalora PH) so the courier is a trusted one.<br /></p><p> This is how the box looked like upon receiving:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKEGyVd5dJA/XzybRoCuv_I/AAAAAAAAFLI/KTDyRCYAT0ktY3fAA_h0RauycU_E0ueEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Adidas%2Bbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas Philippines Shopping Online" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKEGyVd5dJA/XzybRoCuv_I/AAAAAAAAFLI/KTDyRCYAT0ktY3fAA_h0RauycU_E0ueEwCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Adidas%2Bbox.jpg" title="Adidas Philippines Shopping Online" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Opening my box:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBy8EMarKg/XzyboTlU_QI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/b1RkGTOKMQ039yYeMhr1cxgAj5CrkfYiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Adidas%2Bitems.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas.com.ph Philippines Online Shopping" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBy8EMarKg/XzyboTlU_QI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/b1RkGTOKMQ039yYeMhr1cxgAj5CrkfYiACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Adidas%2Bitems.jpg" title="Adidas.com.ph Philippines Online Shopping" /></a></div><p>And my three items:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72he1xvuCPc/XzybzBIgAHI/AAAAAAAAFLU/pKXVSZ3-t8MYXKRO7qYJWGVfnY-U7lhxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Adidas%2Bitems%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas.com.ph Philippines Online Shopping" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72he1xvuCPc/XzybzBIgAHI/AAAAAAAAFLU/pKXVSZ3-t8MYXKRO7qYJWGVfnY-U7lhxwCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Adidas%2Bitems%2B1.jpg" title="Adidas.com.ph Philippines Online Shopping" /></a></div><p>Here's my Adidas Don't Rest Branded Sports Bra:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqJp_rqHoEk/XzycEm4_WzI/AAAAAAAAFLg/TCzg02knIGUe8U1sADSXCTcKj68faVltACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Adidas%2BDon%2527t%2BRest%2BSports%2BBra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adidas Don't Rest Branded Sports Bra" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqJp_rqHoEk/XzycEm4_WzI/AAAAAAAAFLg/TCzg02knIGUe8U1sADSXCTcKj68faVltACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Adidas%2BDon%2527t%2BRest%2BSports%2BBra.jpg" title="Adidas Don't Rest Branded Sports Bra" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com0Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines10.3321417 123.9357136-17.978092136178844 88.7794636 38.642375536178847 159.09196359999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-23386260584908438252019-12-23T17:19:00.000+08:002020-02-14T22:49:11.922+08:00Netflix's The Witcher ReviewThe Witcher is finally out on Netflix last Friday and like what the advance screeners had said, it is a great adaptation. The sword fight scenes are indeed onto another level. The story is so amazing that I watch it in one sitting. The first season of <i>The Witcher</i> is composed of 8 episodes with each episode spanning from 47 minutes to an hour.
<br />
<br />
I haven't gotten around to playing the games even though I have both The Witchers 1 & 2 games on my GOG library. On the other hand, I watched gameplays on YouTube for The Witcher 3 in the past, so I definitely know some of the characters. Of course, this Netflix adaptation is straight out of the books since the games have gone a different path. Still, the games have the books' base story.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, first, let's talk overall about some of the characters and then I'll share what I think about each episode. This isn't a conventional review as I was merely taking notes as I watch each episode and this write-up is mostly emotionally-driven.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj57VEkxis4/XgCF6kSNBSI/AAAAAAAAFBs/g-mIiEmtUdAvo1KiSPx_V8xXjzvi6rKKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BWitcher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Geralt of Rivia The Witcher on Netflix" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj57VEkxis4/XgCF6kSNBSI/AAAAAAAAFBs/g-mIiEmtUdAvo1KiSPx_V8xXjzvi6rKKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BWitcher.png" title="Geralt of Rivia The Witcher on Netflix" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Geralt of Rivia</b>
<br />
<br />
Henry Cavill did an amazing job in bringing to life Geralt's character. His portrayal is a mix of stoicism, dry wit, and brooding. He copied the voice actor's style of talking in the games (perhaps to appease the gamers who might not approve of him as Geralt).
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<br />
The script did amazing for Geralt's character. His banter and cutting sarcasm with both Yennefer and Jaskier are just so funny.
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<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-LD9AUxH7g/XgCGIhFePZI/AAAAAAAAFBw/ub2RUVZNLdc4J5PvKFeoE7KZHZJtIcEhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Yennefer%2B-%2BThe%2BWitcher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yennefer - The Witcher on Netflix" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-LD9AUxH7g/XgCGIhFePZI/AAAAAAAAFBw/ub2RUVZNLdc4J5PvKFeoE7KZHZJtIcEhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Yennefer%2B-%2BThe%2BWitcher.png" title="Yennefer - The Witcher on Netflix" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Yennefer of Vengerberg</b>
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<br />
Albeit short, Yennefer has a great story arc. We would see how she'd transform from a sapless girl into a strong iron-spined woman.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xct2geXCc74/XgCGTWAKIDI/AAAAAAAAFB4/Lr_qE56ZA2gx-4eiw9YWr1Sc4OPFxQNCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tissaia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tissaia - The Witcher on Netflix" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xct2geXCc74/XgCGTWAKIDI/AAAAAAAAFB4/Lr_qE56ZA2gx-4eiw9YWr1Sc4OPFxQNCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tissaia.png" title="Tissaia - The Witcher on Netflix" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tissaia the Rectoress</b>
<br />
<br />
When the trailer came out, her character was the one who stood out to me the most. She intimidates me on screen. Later on, that scare factor will turn into respect and admiration. I love MyAnna Buring's portrayal of her. Both her looks and acting did amazing for the character.
<br />
<br />
<b>Triss Merigold</b>
<br />
<br />
Her casting had been one that many gamers have openly expressed disappointment and that's mostly because of her looks. In the games, Triss is a delicate-yet-fierce-looking redhead. I have no knowledge of her characterization but my takeaway for Anna Shaffer's portrayal of her is that she's so delicate. Her chaos has a strong affinity to nature so that's her strong suit, but otherwise, she has such a sorrowful look about her. I don't know but she came out to me as a weak witch.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, here are my notes as I watch every episode. I apologize if I sound all over the place.
<br />
<h2>
Episode 1</h2>
This is an action-packed episode. A castle gets attacked on the get-go. The sacking looks terrible and gruesome. Very lovely indeed.
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<br />
I also love how in a very short amount of time, they were able to show that Geralt fell in love with Renfri. I felt that on my very small screen actually (I was on a smartphone to save data). It reminds me of <i>Doctor Who</i> series. It was so obvious that the Doctor fell in love with her companion. The Time Lord is always accompanied by a human who gets to be his companion and never fell in love, but for 2005 version, it just happened.
<br />
<br />
I don't know if it's with the acting, the script or cinematography that made me feel the love even if the two characters only saw each other for a brief moment. The scene really translates well on the screen. I don't know about you, but perhaps I was just so emotionally vulnerable. I'm quite taken with any matter of the heart.
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<br />
Emma Appleton crushed the role of Renfri. Her presence on the first episode is so strong. The writers' intention for her was so obvious: to create a strong impact so viewers would want to continue to the next episode.
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<br />
Overall, I love the sword action. The fight scenes between two characters are so convincing in that they look like they definitely know how to wield a sword. In the end, all I can say is that it's a sad episode.
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<br />
When the coming of Lilith was mentioned, I can't help but think of this trailer:
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0SSYzl9fXOQ" width="560"></iframe>
<h2>
Episode 2</h2>
I cried when Yennifer uttered, "Four marks." Anya Chalotra has such a sweet voice that will make you soft for her. Her acting is superb. Her insecurities really rubbed off on me. I felt her self-pity and desperation. Or perhaps, that's only because I have depression. Anya did great in portraying that across the screen.
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<br />
<i>I just feel the evilness of this episode.</i>
<br />
<h2>
Episode 3</h2>
Geralt has a soft spot for broken things like him. And by broken, I mean mutated and cursed humans like him who never had a choice on what they had become.
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<br />
Quotable quotes:
<br />
<blockquote>
Victimhood is not your color.<br />
<br />
So is heroism yours.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
No amount of power or beauty will ever make you feel worthy of either.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
For all it brightens, love casts long shadows.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<adsense></adsense>
<h2>
Episode 4</h2>
Sexist king hired an assassin to kill the wife who'd only spew female offsprings. Very sad episode.
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<br />
Bards are either a burden or comic relief in books (and role-playing games). Sure enough, there's an addition to the main cast in the series, Jaskier, a very funny one.
<br />
<h2>
Episode 5</h2>
Finally, Geralt and Yennefer crossed paths. There's an intelligent conversation in the bath tub. Well, in the games, we always see them together talking with Geralt in a tub. I feel more chemistry between Geralt and Renfri than between Geralt and Yennefer.
<br />
<h2>
Episode 6</h2>
I thought Witchers aren't supposed to have emotions. Geralt is just so emotionally vulnerable. It's obvious he has a thing for unusual people just like him. First, there was Renfri and now, Yennefer. It is implied that Geralt love Yennefer but I really couldn't feel it.
<br />
<br />
It's a sad thing about endangered species. Just because it's exotic doesn't mean it needs to be killed. In this episode, they're on a journey to kill a dragon. The path is perilous but not as perilous as how I imagined it to be. <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> really ruined things for me. I can no longer appreciate an adventure when the setting/scenery isn't as detailed and as ominous as how LoTR has portrayed things.
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<br />
I stayed with the ending to hear Jaskier sing or more like hear the song he was composing at the beginning of the episode in full. His falsetto is always off-key, which makes me think the actor must have ruined his voice at some point in his life.
<br />
<h2>
Episode 7</h2>
I could relate to Yennefer's first love so much. You distract yourself with work to forget about your sorrows, to forget about missing someone, and remember about your priorities before you met the person who changed something about you.
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<br />
I've never mentioned Queen Calanthe but she's a real badass. The actress is amazing. Oh, and also Eist, her second husband.
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<br />
<h2>
Episode 8</h2>
Damn, this is the longest one hour I've experienced in a series for a long time. Simple setting for Sodden but the battle reminds me of <i>The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers</i> somewhat.
<br />
<br />
There are lots of effickery in the story but I love how they're all tied up as a finale. Of course, there are plenty of loose ends. There are six books for a reason.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-11451831044028848052019-11-23T02:56:00.000+08:002019-11-23T03:03:25.937+08:00My SMART Bro Postpaid Plan Outstanding Balance Journey: Paying my Debt in Response to Amnesty LetterI know I don't have any excuse on why I was delinquent on paying my monthly bill via Smart Bro postpaid plan except for one stupid reason. I was oblivious of the term <b>data</b> when it came to internet memory back in the day. I never really had a care on how much data I was consuming. There was <b>Unli Surf</b> offered by Smart Bro back then that you could essentially avail of unlimited data (especially if you love to download movies) at a snail's pace.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vakIdazMHj0/XdguVj_iv8I/AAAAAAAAFBA/3bd5zBeTiB8ZA-_Dk-JaI-VjxMiYVAhSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Smart%2BBro%2BAmnesty%2BLetter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smart Plan Amnesty Letter for Delinquents" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vakIdazMHj0/XdguVj_iv8I/AAAAAAAAFBA/3bd5zBeTiB8ZA-_Dk-JaI-VjxMiYVAhSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Smart%2BBro%2BAmnesty%2BLetter.jpg" title="Smart Plan Amnesty Letter for Delinquents" /></a></div>
<br />
And then 2013 hit. (Or was it 2014?)
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<br />
<b>Unli Surf</b> was phased out. In its place, came Flexi Time (which got phased out too, come August 2016).
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<br />
I thought my old USB plug-it kit became obsolete (turns out it was indeed obsolete since Windows 7 but otherwise, still functional with the newest version of Ubuntu) so I decided to purchase Smart's Pocket WiFi LTE, offering speeds (that's what they said) of up to 48Mbps. I was saving on the ₱3,500 one-time fee that I opted for Plan 999. I just kept saying <b>yes</b> on the guy handling my subscription, ignorant of the forced Big Bytes plan of 6GB Sharable data. Of course, 6GB of data nowadays will get you nowhere especially if you're using a laptop. I could consume that in 4 days!
<br />
<adsense></adsense>
I was stupid, I know.
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<br />
For 6 months of usage, I was paying ₱3,000 monthly (with the additional ₱2,000 of Flexi Time add-on). It's okay to be delayed in paying for a month for as long as you pay on the second month. I went on a vacation and missed my window on paying an outstanding balance of ₱5,000 (which I think was the maximum although according to the website, the maximum credit limit was ₱1,500).
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<br />
I was just angry with the whole thing and got lazy on paying.
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<br />
Well, the reality was I got an ailment the month after the vacation and was out of work for 5 months. Thus, making me incapacitate to pay.
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<br />
I just put that at the back of my head and just forgot about it.
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<br />
Of course, I wasn't cutoff from the internet. True, my Postpaid Plan was disconnected but that doesn't mean my gadget no longer worked. I just bought a Prepaid LTE SIM, and voila! While Flexi Time was gone, there's Giga Surf. For ₱50 a day, I was able to avail 1 GB of data + 300 Mb for YouTube. I'm already good with paying top-up ₱1,500/month worth of load. If only I realized how cheap I could get early on, I wouldn't have wasted money on any of Smart's Postpaid plans.
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<br />
Since I kept loading, I was able to earn points via Smart Perks and slowly paid off my outstanding debt with some points (just ₱300 all-in-all). By December 2017, Smart's Consumer Credit & Collection Management offered me a <b>Worry-Free 50% discount</b> for my unpaid balance, with waived interest and collection fees so that I could avail of Smart's services again.
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<br />
It said that I should just bring the letter to the nearest SMART Retail Store or any accredited payment channels to avail of the one-time promo.
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<br />
Of course, the plan's contract was for 12 months and I only used up 6 months. While I only had ₱4,700 of billed credit left, I still have to pay for the remaining 6 months. All-in-all, I had a discounted balance of ₱5,863.99, which isn't really bad.
<br />
<br />
Right now, I'm not thinking of availing any of their services again. They seem to find ways of maximizing what they can get from their consumers. I mean, why offer add-ons like Surf Max, All Out Surf and <b>terribly useless</b> Big Bytes when you can just have Giga Surf? Just browse http://store.smart.com.ph/addons/ and you'll know what I mean.
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<br />
So I went to the nearest Smart Retail Store, talked to the same guy that approved my postpaid plan, and paid my 50% discounted balance.
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<br />
I'm not sold by the discounted balance. I paid because this was what got me:
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<div class="alert alert-warning">
<ul class="fa-ul">
<li>
<i class="fa fa-exclamation-triangle fa-li fa-lg"></i>Based on its mutual agreement & undertakings with CMAP (Credit Management Association of the Philippines), SMART is authorized to submit the names of its delinquent or non-paying subscribers which names shall be included in a delinquent file list shared with other Credit Agencies through CMAP. Inclusion in the delinquent file list may affect a person's credit standing and/or may result to disapproval of any bank and loan applications.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
By 2019 (or perhaps, 2020), I expect Facebook's ISP to be available in the Philippines already. I will subscribe there eventually. At this point, I'm not sure if I'm already blacklisted on CMAP but considering the offer is open until January 31, 2018, then it stands that we, <i>delinquent consumers</i> still have a fighting chance of not being put up there until then, by paying our dues. But if I'm already on the list, perhaps, Smart will clear my name. It is said that CMAP cleans its database every 5 years.
<br />
<br />
Well, whatever the case, I'm just glad I no longer have any outstanding debt anywhere.
<br />
<div class="alert alert-info">
<ul class="fa-ul">
<li>
<i class="fa fa-info fa-li fa-lg"></i>After dusting off my list of drafts, I find this. This was written on January 17, 2018 and had only gone live now since I don't want to put to waste my effort then in writing this. Until now, I have no idea if I was put on CMAP's delinquent list. Facebook's ISP project has been shelved.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com1Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines10.3402623 123.9415518000000710.215298299999999 123.78019030000007 10.4652263 124.10291330000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-22088180402673740502019-11-21T20:17:00.000+08:002019-11-21T20:17:31.844+08:00Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBVwAz4wZCQ/XdZ7gXjkTnI/AAAAAAAABBc/atEdY10lkyolXlqAYgS84v35_gAAy1n7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Watsons%2BPhilippines%2BOnline%2BShopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping" border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1080" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBVwAz4wZCQ/XdZ7gXjkTnI/AAAAAAAABBc/atEdY10lkyolXlqAYgS84v35_gAAy1n7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Watsons%2BPhilippines%2BOnline%2BShopping.jpg" title="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every Filipina's favorite go-to beauty store (let's just assume) launched as an online shop recently. I haven't really taken the bait until <b>11.11 Sale</b> went online. Watsons was pushing for online shopping that only those who would order online could avail of exclusive discounts. So I have no choice but to order online it is.
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<br />
I haven't downloaded the app yet at the time and tried ordering at the Watsons PH website at <a href="https://www.watsons.com.ph/">https://www.watsons.com.ph</a> using my smartphone through a browser and had lots of failed attempts. I don't want to talk about the nitty-gritty of things, so I'd like to say in conclusion never to shop online this way. Instead, what you have to do is to shop online through either:
<br />
<ol>
<li>On a laptop or a PC and visit watsons.com.ph</li>
<li>On your smartphone through the Watsons app (highly recommended)</li>
</ol>
<br />
Ordering online is quite straightforward and it's much advantageous if you are a Watsons member (you can buy a card on a physical Watsons store).
When registering online through the app, it is imperative to fill out every box for the Address. For <b>unit number</b> (the first box to be filled), I just put <b>Blk.</b> (which stands for block) since we don't have a specific unit, and then filled out the rest of the boxes (for Street name, Village, Barangay, City, Zip Code).
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<br />
After registration, you can now start shopping!
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<br />
After putting your items on a cart, you can then proceed to Checkout where you could choose 2 delivery methods: <b>A)</b> Home Delivery or <b>B)</b> Click & Collect.
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<br />
<span style="color: red;">Click and Collect</span> means choosing the nearest physical Watsons store and collecting your package there.
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<br />
As for payment methods, Cash on Delivery, Use of Debit/Credit card, and Bank Transfers are available.
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<br />
Anyhow, my package arrived after 5 days (and I'm from Cebu). And this is how my package looks like:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaZYwh6IYTk/XdZ6AyjdlPI/AAAAAAAABBI/NRcYoKSgyng1XeVLJfqSysGbSZPTtdqxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Watsons%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Review" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaZYwh6IYTk/XdZ6AyjdlPI/AAAAAAAABBI/NRcYoKSgyng1XeVLJfqSysGbSZPTtdqxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Watsons%2Bbox.jpg" title="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Review" width="640" /></a></div>
The courier note that sits on top of the box:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww1dWI9pi3w/XdZ6RXpktyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/xhFzebtL-AIV6bwxEn1SdnPEGGX4UQBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Watsons%2BDelivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Delivery" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww1dWI9pi3w/XdZ6RXpktyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/xhFzebtL-AIV6bwxEn1SdnPEGGX4UQBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Watsons%2BDelivery.jpg" title="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Delivery" width="640" /></a></div>
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I opted using Paymaya for my payment method (as a debit Mastercard) and Home Delivery. Receiving my items was a breeze. I didn't have any hiccups. The problem was I was alarmed when 5 hours after ordering, my order history looks like this in the app:
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGVVaedzrqw/XdZ_wOIi71I/AAAAAAAABCI/p5q7zPM2hnEXc3-x6Zy0TjSJClr1aK6dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Watsons%2BNote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Review" border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGVVaedzrqw/XdZ_wOIi71I/AAAAAAAABCI/p5q7zPM2hnEXc3-x6Zy0TjSJClr1aK6dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Watsons%2BNote.jpg" title="Watsons Philippines Online Shopping Review" width="484" /></a></div>
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I mean, come on, I haven't received my package yet, why is it already "Order Completed". But anyway, don't fret. As you can see, my package did arrive. And just like any online shop, you would get a text when your delivery is ready.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-7801305885506560762018-03-10T03:02:00.000+08:002018-03-15T01:52:32.088+08:00Tomb Raider 2018 Movie Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HtoZHalHU/WqLZzYwlieI/AAAAAAAAA3I/lUMrKUO1whQOeE7dnZLkhfOEmyACrJqtgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomb%2BRaider%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tomb Raider 2018 leaderboard poster" border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HtoZHalHU/WqLZzYwlieI/AAAAAAAAA3I/lUMrKUO1whQOeE7dnZLkhfOEmyACrJqtgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomb%2BRaider%2B2018.jpg" title="Tomb Raider 2018 leaderboard poster" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: TombRaidermovie.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tomb Raider is a decent origins story. We follow into how Lara Croft came to be: from fighting for play to killing for survival. Alicia Vikander did a pretty decent job and she did it with grace all on her own. Alicia Vikander's portrayal of Lara Croft was rather good, contrary to the majority's expectation. The plot will also take you in, it was solid and well-conceived. The movie has its own plot and doesn't take too much from the game that even gamers will be surprised. It's a satisfying film if you watch it with a clear mind.<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: This review practically has no spoiler and might be vague for those who haven't played the game.</b>
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<br />
About two weeks ago, Square Enix had a sale on Steam's Publisher Weekly sale. Out of all games on sale, <cite>Tomb Raider</cite> (2013 reboot) is the only one that's cheapest with a ton of overly positive review. I thought I'd never be snubbed of what little I'll have to give to avail a very decent and rave-reviewed game. Fine, it's more on the fact that it's one of the few good games that my laptop could handle when it comes to system requirements.
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<a name='more'></a><br />
And so, I played for 40 hours because I'm never a good gamer and I hate shooter games. I love stealth (like <cite>Assassin's Creed</cite>) and I can't quite manage the sophistication of having to press so many keys at once (don't even get me started with the mouse, especially having the need to use the middle button) but <b>Lara Croft</b> has to use everything on her arsenal: a bow, an ice ax, a rifle, and a shotgun. I'm a clumsy gamer so I can't always make Lara Croft opt for stealth and add to the fact that there's no other way for Lara to proceed forward but to keep shooting at the enemies, which she never got to do on the film.
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<adsense></adsense>
The film feels so short. It runs at 2 hours and 10 minutes and it felt rushed. Of course, 2 hours got nothing on 12 hours of gameplay. There are times on the film that Lara could have salvaged a weapon or two from her enemies but chose a different path instead. In the end, she just grabbed a particular someone's set of bow and arrows which she got to use for a very short time.
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Because I just recently played the game, the feeling of immersion in the game feels so fresh. There's one particular sequence in the game that made it on the film which made people around me on the cinema fidget on their seats and verbally express their fear for Lara. I guess it's suffice to say that they got so immersed on the film, too. Even though I already know what's going to happen next, I actually appreciate how much I recognize that sequence on film. It's one of my hated sequences on the game. As uncomfortable it is to watch on the screen, it's so much worse when you have to be the one to navigate it on the game.
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Obviously, <i>Tomb Raider</i> 2018 film is adapted from 2013's game reboot. The new Lara Croft has a palpable general makeover: she's skinnier but not as skinny as the new actress to play the role. Alicia Vikander's figure is the sole reason gamers and pseudo fans of the original films got them moaning against. We can all agree that Angelina Jolie was the perfect person with the perfect body (thicker build, thick pouty lips, and boobs) to ever portray the role, but let us not forget that she's also the sole reason <i>Tomb Raider</i> never pushed for a third film and never made it to become a film series empire that it could have been.
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Angelina Jolie simply refused to make a third film. Meanwhile, you can never hear Milla Jovovich complaining of reprising her role that made Resident Evil run for a six-film series. Jovovich even started with filming the last film two months after giving birth to her daughter. That's such dedication. <i>Yes, I'm that salty.</i>
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<br />
Sans Alicia Vikander's body, I got nothing to complain about her. She's good, like a really, really good actress. Like in the rebooted game, Lara Croft is emotional and she never hides it. She's tough but she never acts tough. Alicia Vikander was able to elicit that. Despite the very dark setting, her emotions truly shines on the screen (eyes glassy and all).
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There's one thing I would definitely complain about the film, it's so realistically dark. It would have been better if the filmmakers thought of putting the setting on a full moon. But alas, it has to be with just a bit of moon. I think for this part, it would have been better if I watched the film on 3D. It would pay off, I swear. The cave was a different issue though.
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In a quest to find her father, Lara Croft finds herself drifting in the Devil's Sea where the island of Yamatai finds her. The film then goes forth with the story of finding the tomb of Himiko, supposedly the first queen of Japan who was relegated to a small island in the Dragon's Triangle. Yes, we get to see Yamatai but not in its full glory like in the game. The film is so time-constrained that you don't get "to explore the island". The plot rather takes on a different path. Instead of going paranormal, it went so scientific. Perhaps, if this reboot gets to become a series, the new series will most likely not touch the paranormal. I like this new take though. It's so tangible in real life.
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<br />
This saddens me a bit though. I really want to be scared. I thought I was going to see the scary things I'd seen from the game, but instead, not only did the film do a different take, it was so subdued that it was rated PG. It's not as lacking as it felt with <cite>Hunger Games</cite> though. There are just certain presences that went absent in this film.
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I was anticipating for something similar to this:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvkWeJ64f8Y/WqLZV8uVsvI/AAAAAAAAA3E/YnPMs3dH1w8d1oUdiccQeF2rnkF6FQExACLcBGAs/s1600/himiko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tomb Raider 2013 Himiko the Sun Goddess" border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="840" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvkWeJ64f8Y/WqLZV8uVsvI/AAAAAAAAA3E/YnPMs3dH1w8d1oUdiccQeF2rnkF6FQExACLcBGAs/s1600/himiko.jpg" title="Tomb Raider 2013 Himiko the Sun Goddess" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, I wasn't satisfied.
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<br />
Because there's a new plot, there are new things that you can only see in the film. For one, there's this amazing puzzle. No, not the one to open the entrance to the tomb, it's one of those booby traps inside. I rather like the ingenuity of that one. That just goes to show that there's so much that the creators of <i>Tomb Raider</i> could come up with. Had that been in-game, I wouldn't even bother to think, I'd just scramble (like I did with the underground puzzles in <cite>Assassin's Creed III</cite>).
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<br />
While that puzzle to the death was amazing, the journey through the cave was rather short. I expected more. But even with over two hours, there's just so much you could squeeze into. I had to think about the film so much. Was the intro too long? It was not. It felt short too. I get it. Lara Croft simply refused to accept that her father is dead even after seven years. I saw her struggling to get by in life. I saw her grief. You can see the effort the filmmakers did to build upon her story. While her adamant refusal to take over her father's empire felt tacky, it was so funny when she finally did a 180. The audience had a laugh.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-47677492352501291342017-12-22T00:07:00.000+08:002018-03-10T03:15:10.871+08:00H&M Online Shopping and Shipping to the Philippines Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piSTC9mlX0Y/WjvAR4jWBKI/AAAAAAAAE3M/4Nb2Qt01ps8VYEx2WD6afCp170FVDzv6gCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BShopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="H&M Online Shopping and Shipping to the Philippines Review" border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1075" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piSTC9mlX0Y/WjvAR4jWBKI/AAAAAAAAE3M/4Nb2Qt01ps8VYEx2WD6afCp170FVDzv6gCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BShopping.jpg" title="H&M Online Shopping and Shipping to the Philippines Review" /></a></div>
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I'm crazy over suede clothing. Suede is my staple fabric, not that I have tons of it, I just want it for every type of clothing item. I have suede pants, shirts, dress, bag and a premium pig skin short. I'm just lacking on skort and skirt. Googling suede skirt, I came up with this cute one from <b>H&M</b>. It's hard looking for a suede <b>skort</b> (perhaps I can get one soon) and this suede skirt with lacing almost pass for one. As you can see, it's double-layered on the front which is characteristic of a skort.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykYw_-uqeNY/Whni8CQT7QI/AAAAAAAAE1k/DU6HlceJGVAt0iZg1BfNUNUaGyUob3hxwCLcBGAs/s1600/suede%2Bskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="H&M delivery or shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="435" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykYw_-uqeNY/Whni8CQT7QI/AAAAAAAAE1k/DU6HlceJGVAt0iZg1BfNUNUaGyUob3hxwCLcBGAs/s1600/suede%2Bskirt.jpg" title="HM.com delivery or shipping to the Philippines" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_asia5/productpage.0568556001.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HM.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I head over to a local store and found it absent from the shelves. Asking for help from an employee resulted to nothing. I had no choice but to order it online as local H&M stores are adamant about online shopping.<br />
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Mandaue City is known for its outstanding courier service and I'm no stranger to shipping from abroad. But that's entirely a different story. Shipping from China is quite different from shipping from a well-known brand in the UK. I was afraid I'm going to lose my items through tariff issues (not that I'm purchasing something so expensive) for after all, my <b>$8</b> item got stuck on the post office before and this skirt costed me <b>P1201</b> including shipping. Had I not talked to my <i>suking</i> delivery guy then, I would not have known that my parcel got held. Anyway, for this one, I just hoped that H&M partner in the Philippines will do its best.<br />
<adsense></adsense>
<br />
By the way, since April 2017, a package that falls below the amount of <b>P10,000 is nontaxable</b> already. That is, there's no longer any tax-handling fees and I expect that my item will no longer be held at the post office (again).<br />
<br />
I was planning to buy at least three items but my fear got the good of me. Screw the <span style="color: red;">P249 shipping</span>, I just had to have this one. Good thing there's a 20% discount on Black Friday so that neutralized the cost. I ordered on the 25th of November and received my package on the 21st of December. That's 4 days short of a month!
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<h2>
Tracking</h2>
<h3>
From H&M UK to the Philippines</h3>
H&M uses wnDirect courier to deliver items from the UK warehouse to the country of destination. As you can see from the image below, my order was entertained and packed on the 28th of November, 3 days from the day of ordering which is pretty common in international online shopping. My package left UK on the 1st of December and reached the Philippines on the 9th. Once the package reaches the country of destination, another courier is tasked on handling the package and therefore, a separate tracking system is used.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zvCXhGIc6g/WjvCTawRY4I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/s1tt9cMfaKgkyEmwEmas7UWhiPYSU7CbQCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BTracking%2Bwith%2BwnDirect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="H&M Online shipping to the Philippines Tracking" border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="970" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zvCXhGIc6g/WjvCTawRY4I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/s1tt9cMfaKgkyEmwEmas7UWhiPYSU7CbQCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BTracking%2Bwith%2BwnDirect.jpg" title="H&M Online shipping to the Philippines Tracking" /></a></div>
<h3>
From Mandaluyong City Hub to Consignee Address</h3>
Quantum Solutions is the courier handling packages from H&M within the Philippines.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjR1YJoMr1M/WjvFFp1OrMI/AAAAAAAAE3k/IXzqDwJ7nWgp747KMCaUrgaYcb3WDWx8wCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BTracking%2Bwith%2BQuantum%2BSolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1335" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjR1YJoMr1M/WjvFFp1OrMI/AAAAAAAAE3k/IXzqDwJ7nWgp747KMCaUrgaYcb3WDWx8wCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline%2BTracking%2Bwith%2BQuantum%2BSolutions.jpg" /></a></div>
On the 9th of December, the updated location was on Mandaluyong City, Philippines. So basically, H&M's hub in the Philippines is located on Mandaluyong and as far as I'm concerned, H&M has a stall at SM Megamall which is located at Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. You really only have to start worrying about your package once it reaches the hub. The transit would be slow-going from there.
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From the main hub, it took 6 days for my package to reach the hub in Cebu City and another 6 days for it to be delivered to my doorstep. Yeah, really slow-going. If you don't have the patience for it, I advice for you to shop elsewhere or else, just buy whatever you can grab from the physical stores. Well, a month of waiting is nothing next to 2 months when you order from China. And yet, shopping from Korea would only take a week.
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The delivery man called me on the day of the delivery at an odd hour. The time was close to 5:00 PM and most courier would be done of their job by 4:00 PM. I told him I'm using a faulty phone and that the best way for us to communicate is through text. He complied.
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This is how my parcel looked:
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgP_ooGW0eY/WjvIeLOqj_I/AAAAAAAAE3w/57Hx6V273KMkGrz3WONk1EUya1Fw8l2xACLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="H&M Online shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgP_ooGW0eY/WjvIeLOqj_I/AAAAAAAAE3w/57Hx6V273KMkGrz3WONk1EUya1Fw8l2xACLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2BOnline.jpg" title="H&M Online shipping to the Philippines" /></a></div>
And finally, my skirt.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdlzyjdC1SE/WjvI6_BvveI/AAAAAAAAE30/RSSGMHA9qM03GpsCxRDKK9guQeRu4aPXQCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2Bsuede%2Bskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdlzyjdC1SE/WjvI6_BvveI/AAAAAAAAE30/RSSGMHA9qM03GpsCxRDKK9guQeRu4aPXQCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2526M%2Bsuede%2Bskirt.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
It's stupid of me to fear that my package is going to be held at the local post office and it has nothing to do with it being shipped from a known brand in the UK. It's the fact that a known brand would have its own private courier, duh. And again, <b>it took 26 days for my package to arrive at my doorstep from the day I made an order.</b>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com38Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines10.3402623 123.9415518000000710.215298299999999 123.78019030000007 10.4652263 124.10291330000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-25506962930347058712017-12-21T19:39:00.000+08:002018-03-10T03:15:32.027+08:00Althea Korea Review: Shipping to the Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcexKwhMxNc/WjuYCJrkWjI/AAAAAAAAE28/q9bTu4vItbIWQEal-UX66fGtOY4si3WhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BKorea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Althea Korea Review: Seamless Shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcexKwhMxNc/WjuYCJrkWjI/AAAAAAAAE28/q9bTu4vItbIWQEal-UX66fGtOY4si3WhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BKorea.png" title="Althea Korea Review: Seamless Shipping to the Philippines" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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We know all the hype of the Korean Skincare, their 10-step routine and whatnot. And that's how I got hooked to it. Originally, I was looking for a facial sunscreen and that led me to Etude House's Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF 50+ PA+++. It was not available upon visiting the nearest local Etude House store that I just thought I'll look for it online.<br />
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My online journey led me to <i><b>Althea Philippines</b></i> (<a href="http://ph.althea.kr/">ph.althea.kr</a>), an online shopping site selling Korean products and shipping directly from Seoul, Korea! Thus, every product is 100% authentic. Moreover, <b>you never have to worry</b> about tariff charges (<b>NO tax-handling fee</b>). If your order is already paid, courier partners like LBC and RAF will deliver your package. If it's COD, NinjaVan will be the courier that will deliver your package and collect your payment.
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<b>Things to note about Althea Philippines</b>
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<ul>
<li>There's free shipping for orders above ₱999.</li>
<li>Cash on Delivery (COD) is available for orders below ₱2,000.</li>
<li>There's one free giveaway for every order (limited to one per customer). If you want to order again, just wait until a new free giveaway is available.</li>
<li>Every product is highly discounted (when compared to the retail value on local stores) since the product is directly sold to you.</li>
<li>For new members, you can use the code <b>WELCOME-PH</b> for a minimum order worth ₱1,500 so you will have a discount price of ₱150 and a rebate amount of ₱150 that you can use on your next purchase on the website.</li>
<li>You can get ₱200 off your first purchase through this link (minimum order worth ₱1,500):</li>
<span style="color: red;">
<a href="http://share-ph.althea.kr/x/I7arLp">http://share-ph.althea.kr/x/I7arLp</a><br />
</span>
<li>There are tons of discount codes on the website depending on what Althea has to offer (especially during the holidays).</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Let me talk about the FREE GIVEAWAY</h2>
To avail of the free giveaway, you have to visit the product page and <span style="color: red;">add that product on your bag</span>. Otherwise, you will never have that product. Now, there's a bit of a bug on the website. Sometimes, the price of the free giveaway is not automatically deducted from your order. There's only two things you can do:<br />
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(1) Keep on refreshing the page (which I don't recommend), or<br />
(2) Revisit your bag some time later to see if the deduction reflects on your order.
<br />
<adsense></adsense>
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Be always on the lookout to see that the free giveaway is part of the discount!<br />
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You should see something like this on the checkout page (assuming you use the WELCOME-PH code for discount):<br />
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<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td>WELCOME GIFT (₱150 PFF)</td><td>-₱150</td></tr>
<tr><td>Free Giveaway</td><td>-₱300</td></tr>
<tr style="background: gainsboro;"><td>discount</td><td>-₱450</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Also take note that most of the time, the free giveaway gets sold out. Now, this doesn't mean that you will never be able to avail of the free giveaway. Just visit the website again the next day. I notice they restock sometime between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. If you visit Althea on a hot sale period (like the holidays), by 12:00 noon, the free giveaway gets sold out again.<br />
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If I don't like the current free giveaway, I will usually wait till they have a new product giveaway. Based on my observation, a product would last as a giveaway for a week (less if there are tons of orders that week).
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<h2>
The Items I ordered</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mE0QR-J8v0/Wi45rK6CBLI/AAAAAAAAE14/ssxPFHy4dY4vw_VBVnr_Qc1D6RJwJ5JAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BPhilippines%2Borders.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Althea Shipping to the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="701" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mE0QR-J8v0/Wi45rK6CBLI/AAAAAAAAE14/ssxPFHy4dY4vw_VBVnr_Qc1D6RJwJ5JAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BPhilippines%2Borders.png" title="Althea Shipping to the Philippines" /></a></div>
<br />
I used the December 2017 B3FREE1 code (since it's more practical during this period) which means that if I order at least four products, the cheapest item would be free (excluding the free giveaway). As you can see, the cheapest product I ordered was valued at ₱420. Add that with the free giveaway of ₱200 and I get the total discount of ₱620.
<br />
<br />
I only used the code <b>Welcome-PH</b> for my second box. For the third box, I'll be using the code which I won from the Special Christmas Box.
<br />
<br />
As you can see also, in the end, I didn't order an Etude House product. (lol) There are just tons of products to choose from that my mind was just racing for what to buy for 2 weeks! Prior to ordering, I recently bought Celeteque's Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with SPF 30 and it was great so far. I no longer feel the need to buy another suncare product. Well, that Matte Fix Cushion by Chica Y Chico already has SPF 35 (SPF 50 usually for other cushions).
<br />
<br />
At this time also, I was following two YouTube channels using cushion and I just love the aesthetic of the cushion, not the effect of the product on the skin but the product container itself! Yes, I'm like a kid discovering a new toy. I just have to scratch that itch so I bought Chica Y Chico's Matt Cushion since it's black (my favorite color and I only wear black), it has tons of reviews, and it's very cheap compared to other cushions.
<br />
<br />
I'm a stickler for nice skin so the ones I ordered are focusing on that. I hope they'll do what I expect of them.
<br />
<h2>
Delivery and Tracking</h2>
As mentioned, if you choose Cash on Delivery, NinjaVan will be the courier that will collect your payment. I love NinjaVan. They were so efficient. What's important with delivery is communication. On the day that your parcel is going to be delivered, they will text you. They'd ask you for landmarks so they won't get lost and in about two hours, they will be right at your doorstep to deliver your package.
<br />
<br />
Here's the tracking info: I ordered on the 11th of December, got my order shipped on the 14th, packaged arrived on 18th in the Philippines (and cleared by customs), package sorted in Manila on the 19th, packaged shipped to and sorted in Cebu on the 20th, and was delivered to my doorstep on the 21st. It was a 7-day process from the time the package has been shipped then delivered to Cebu, practically 5 days only for Manila.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ts5f0PV6ps/WjuE-Pi4_oI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/c4vq3wENihMmFdfonHe924KoBV5YYpdFACLcBGAs/s1600/althea%2Btracking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="745" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ts5f0PV6ps/WjuE-Pi4_oI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/c4vq3wENihMmFdfonHe924KoBV5YYpdFACLcBGAs/s1600/althea%2Btracking.png" /></a></div>
<h2>
Althea Box</h2>
Here's how the delivered parcel looks like:
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43khcgIm3X4/WjuGgd2rWII/AAAAAAAAE2k/2Xm3u_jnhuAFfatAtfyw_PwyP9PL64KxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BParcel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43khcgIm3X4/WjuGgd2rWII/AAAAAAAAE2k/2Xm3u_jnhuAFfatAtfyw_PwyP9PL64KxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BParcel.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since I ordered on a Christmas season, I got a special Christmas Althea box:
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcSgM0YSL8w/WjuHPE20k4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/pABGtiISHhsj1OnOAuEPdHuG3C0QNUFDACLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BChristmas%2BBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcSgM0YSL8w/WjuHPE20k4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/pABGtiISHhsj1OnOAuEPdHuG3C0QNUFDACLcBGAs/s1600/Althea%2BChristmas%2BBox.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<center>
Again, if you want automatic discount of ₱200, you can use my referral link:<br />
<b><a href="http://share-ph.althea.kr/x/I7arLp">http://share-ph.althea.kr/x/I7arLp</a></b>
</center>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com6Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines10.3402623 123.9415518000000710.215298299999999 123.78019030000007 10.4652263 124.10291330000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-43653801277927359122017-10-29T11:41:00.000+08:002017-10-29T11:41:40.266+08:00The Witch and the Werewolf by Michele Hauf Review<div id="overview">
<i>The Witch and the Werewolf</i> started so good for me and it just fell bad. In the end, I just couldn't connect with the characters.</div>
<br />
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB-BQ4H03Pk/WaUCrHvxMuI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DLrwHwsj9AsY4--FdJmNileNi2-WKy8EgCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BWitch%2Band%2Bthe%2BWolf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" alt="The Witch and the Werewolf by Michele Hauf" border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB-BQ4H03Pk/WaUCrHvxMuI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DLrwHwsj9AsY4--FdJmNileNi2-WKy8EgCLcBGAs/s400/The%2BWitch%2Band%2Bthe%2BWolf.png" title="The Witch and the Werewolf by Michele Hauf" width="252" /></a></div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">The Witch and the Werewolf</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Michele Hauf
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Publishing Date: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">November 1, 2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Harlequin?&max-results=12">Harlequin</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12">Fantasy</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Paranormal?&max-results=12">Paranormal</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Romance?&max-results=12">Romance</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781488031311</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook (I got a digital ARC via NetGalley for an honest review)</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate1></rate1>
<b><eta content="1" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p><b>The werewolf's fate rested in the witch's hands…</b></p>
Mireio Malory is a quirky witch who's on a quest to complete a dark spell that will grant her immortality—at the expense of a live vampire's heart. She's ready to conjure that dangerous and life-changing spell when she meets a lone werewolf and beekeeper.
<br /><br />
Lars Gunderson has secrets of his own. His alpha allure is obvious, but Mireio senses that there's something more to him than his raw sexiness. When Lars entrusts her with a devastating revelation, Mireio has to make a choice. Will she sacrifice the most potent magic she's ever worked on to be with the man she loves?
<a name='more'></a>
</synopsis>
</div>
<br />
<center class="booktags">
<Tarc></Tarc><Tromance></Tromance><Tmagic></Tmagic><Tbeast></Tbeast><Tsnoozer></Tsnoozer></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>The beginning of the story was so intriguing. The whole "accidentally saw you naked" fiasco was titillating. The problem was the complication. Suddenly, a baby entered the picture. That slowed the whole process for me. Perhaps for both the witch and the werewolf, it hastens the courting process, but for me, it dampens my relationship with the book. If the protagonists weren't ready facing the baby issue, it's worse for me. I didn't expect it.</p>
</span>
Putting both the words witch and werewolf together in a title gave me an impression of a badass romantic plot. I didn't know it was all flowers and butterflies, and in this book's case, bees. Everything is so mushy and cheesy, I almost couldn't stomach it.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
Mireio is a fluttery mermaid (she identifies herself as a mermaid) and I prefer my witch sassy. Lars is a shy and softee giant of a man and I prefer my werewolf ass-kicking. I couldn't stand them both. Screw them being paranormal, it just doesn't work for them. They're way too normal and vanilla to me. I didn't like the all-too-homey plot.
<br /><br />
The first steamy scene wasn't even steamy because I already had a foul mood. It was at this point that I was about to DNF the book but I really want to get a 100% approval-to-reviewed ratio in my Netgalley account so I had to see this book through and judge it for its entirety. But seriously, if you don't have a good relationship with a book from the get-go, you will only suffer it through. And boy did I suffer.
<br /><br />
This book was rooted so much on reality that you never get sensual things done. It's all so frustrating. If the baby wasn't enough, a beer keg had to burst open and Mireio had to run to their shop to clean up the mess while she and Lars were in the middle of heat. And there will be more drama later. For those real masochist at heart, this is for you. That is, if you don't mind souring your mood all the time.
<br /><br />
This book is supposed to be emotional but the delivery was sloppy at best. The author has written so many books but she failed at eliciting what she intended towards her readers. This could have been beautiful but all of the items laid out just didn't mix well.
<br /><br />
There was something painful about the plot. It was supposedly painful. Supposedly because it meant nothing to me, I didn't grow love for the characters. I felt like a voyeuristic sociopath watching the story unfold and not caring but understood that it should evoke emotions, for which I'm seemingly lacking. What was painful to me though was reading all the intimate scenes. If the book couldn't stir emotions in me, much more so with sensuality. I'd always heave a sigh of relief after the deed is done. They're nothing but running words to me as I have to read those parts fast.
<br /><br />
Due to his circumstance, I could understand how Lars came to be tame (or appear so) when as a werewolf, he's supposed to be an alpha. But still, the author could have done him justice. She was just not able to convey well the character that he's supposed to be. Yes, he's showed how prideful he can be at his weakest spot but that showing of pride is ill-placed.
<br /><br />
Perhaps, the author should have built more on the romance between Mireio and Lars, you know, exclusive giddy encounters between the two before the baby was introduced. That's how the book has ruined it for me and I was not able to recover. I usually get redemption from other books but unfortunately, this one just failed. The baby was part of the journey but it was not even the driving force of the story.
<br /><br />
This is only one book of an ongoing series. From what I've read, I don't think I'll be delving more.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-48270582195855359732017-10-17T13:41:00.000+08:002018-05-25T01:14:53.279+08:00Siege Line by Myke Cole ReviewSiege Line is an action-packed book with a male lead you would care for and a thrilling plot that will make you thrilled to the bones. There's a strong military element in the story and if you like DC and Marvel comics, this book offers a visual knockout narration that could go on par with the Superhero powerhouses.
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<br />
<span style="font-size:0.9em;" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGp-ePb1rjo/WaUDhsXimzI/AAAAAAAAA0I/ChdxBjtL-vw5EpYIwLO1nXCMXxWNnM3-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Siege%2BLine.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" alt="Siege Line by Myke Cole Review" border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGp-ePb1rjo/WaUDhsXimzI/AAAAAAAAA0I/ChdxBjtL-vw5EpYIwLO1nXCMXxWNnM3-gCLcBGAs/s400/Siege%2BLine.png" title="Siege Line by Myke Cole Review" width="247" /></a></div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Siege Line</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Myke%20Cole?&max-results=12">Myke Cole</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/Reawakening?&max-results=12">Reawakening</a> #3<br />
<b>Expected publication: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">October 31,2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Berkley%20Publishing%20Group?&max-results=12">Berkley Publishing Group</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12">Fantasy</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Science%20Fiction?&max-results=12">Science Fiction</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Military?&max-results=12">Military</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Urban%20Fantasy?&max-results=12">Urban Fantasy</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9780425269664</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">paperback</span> (I got a digital ARC via Netgalley for an honest review)<br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">432</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta content="5" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29847146-siege-line?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<a class="buyamazon" href="https://www.amazon.com/Siege-Line-Shadow-Ops-Gemini/dp/0425269663" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>
In Myke Cole’s latest high-octane, action-packed military fantasy, the fate of undead Navy SEAL James Schweitzer will be decided—one way or another...
</p>
The Gemini Cell took everything from Jim Schweitzer: his family, his career as a Navy SEAL, even his life. Hounded across the country, Schweitzer knows the only way he can ever stop running, the only way his son can ever be safe, is to take the fight to the enemy and annihilate the Cell once and for all.
<br /><br />
But the Cell won’t be easily destroyed. Out of control and fighting a secret war with the government it once served, it has dispatched its shadowy Director to the far reaches of the subarctic in search of a secret magic that could tip the balance of power in its favor. Schweitzer must join with the elite warriors of both America and Canada in a desperate bid to get there first—and avert a disaster that could put the Cell in control.
<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><Tkickass></Tkickass><Turban></Turban><Tscifi></Tscifi><tarc></tarc></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph">
<p>This is the only second book written by Myke Cole that I've read and I can see a great difference from his writing of <a href="//www.zirev.com/2015/01/gemini-cell-by-myke-cole-book-review.html">Gemini Cell</a> and this one. His writing has definitely improved. I can't really pinpoint how, it's just that the narration this time is fluid and will hook you instantly.</p>
</span>
On the get-go, you would just say, "Wow," as you read the words across the pages. Or perhaps, the only reason I don't have that awed feeling in reading Gemini Cell was because I hated the fact that Sarah, James's wife, dealt with her grief by shacking with James's best friend. That's a total ew factor for me. It's one thing when your neighbor does that when her husband's only a week cold on his grave and quite another when you have to deal with that premise as your main protagonist's background.
<br /><br />
Yes, I haven't moved on from that. And so does James Schweitzer. That thought of his wife cheating on him crossed his mind about three times in this book.
<br /><br />
Back to Myke Cole's writing. I have been following him on Goodreads and like Michael J. Sullivan, he engages with his readers (though not as active as Sullivan). By engaging, I mean he replies to their comments on his posts. He has some posts on Goodreads and they're quite profound, and so were his replies. His intellect is palpable in his words. He's very articulate that you'd wish you'd get a piece of his mind. And by that, I mean that you'd like to have his thinking process and gain that ability to parse words that will elicit your strong feelings about something. He goes quite political in some of his posts.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
That intellect and engaging writing ability finally permeates well in Siege Line. I had never checked his background while reading Gemini Cell and that book gives off an amateurish vibe in a way that it sounds ambitious and you'd wonder whether the author could pull it off. I did write a very positive review about it but I just really didn't have that really, really strong wow factor that I have for this book. Siege Line so far, is the best book I've read of Myke Cole's though this is my only second book from him.
<br /><br />
Speaking of politics, there's no getting away from that in this book. The CIA is already involved along with a senator who was responsible for funding the Cell project. And that's not enough. With the death of the previous "necromancer" (let's just put it that way), the enemies have to find a replacement and it just so happens that they no longer have to look far (because as far as I can remember, the previous necromancer was extracted somewhere in Middle East). The bad guys caught a whiff of information for a prospect necromancer in Canada. And now, the Canadian intelligence (let's put it that way, again) and military force get involved. It was a difficult process.
<br /><br />
James Schweitzer and the Americans (let's put it that way) have assembled a team to deal with the problem (that is, to exterminate the Cell and prevent it from getting bigger than it already is). The first squad had to be kept in the dark. Operators have to do their job and all they know is that they have to kill their targets, not knowing what they are in the first place. While that's bad enough, the same has to be done to the new team assembled for Operation Canada (let's put it that way, again).
<br /><br />
As you can see, there are two major settings in this story. The Gemini Cell facility in Colchester and then the Canada setting. In the Cell setting, James's team wanted to exterminate the undead while they're still hibernating. The <i>Director</i> (the undead overseeing the success of the Gemini Cell) got wind of that, screwed their operation and escaped in the process.
<br /><br />
Wanting to see his project through and aiming for a new goal, The Director is hell-bent on getting his hands on his perceived new necromancer and James's team is out again to intercept that.
<br /><br />
The plot is almost too simplistic but it's the journey that counts. Myke Cole's narration has gotten so good, you'd feel you're part of the action.
<br /><br />
Obviously, James Schweitzer couldn't pull everything all on his own. He needs major help from those who are capable of doing things. That's how the CIA got involved. Eventually, he has to get acquainted with the SAD (Special Activities Division), a division within CIA in charge of covert activities. And then we get to meet the SAD director, Ghaznavi.
<br /><br />
All I could think of Ghaznavi is Amanda Waller, the director of A.R.G.U.S. from the TV adaptation of the Arrow series. They're both fierce and they give off this classy intimidating vibe, and they're both the head of their special division. They may not be physically as strong as operators but it's their mind that matters and the fact that they have authoritative power.
<br /><br />
Now, at this point, I got nothing much to say but here are the ones that stood out:
<ul>
<li>Midway in the book, they pulled this Star Wars trope, and I thought it was a joke until the truth hits. And boy did it hit hard.
</li><li>
The only problem I found in this book was the cover. They put a teenage-looking androgynous person on the cover which I presume to be Mankiller (the badass Sheriff, granddaughter of the prospect necromancer), who by the way, is way over 30. I don't mind the androgynous part, just the misplaced teenager look. Mankiller is more manly than most men you'd ever know.
</li><li>
I love how James Schweitzer has grown some humor.
</li>
</ul>
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-31485574776387715102017-09-23T12:24:00.000+08:002018-02-24T10:07:12.316+08:00Misadventures of the First Daughter by Meredith Wild, Mia Michelle Review<cite>Misadventures of the First Daughter</cite> started out sizzling hot and fell bad after the first "contact". There wasn't that much tension-building after which I eventually found boring and their romantic activities feel tacky. In the end, I don't see any real conflict in the story and that's what makes for a bad plot. Plus, the female protagonist doesn't have a real spine.
<br />
<br />
<span itemprop="itemReviewed">
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPTGGoRD5Lc/WcUi2w9xlEI/AAAAAAAAA1k/t-0E5stvvEQZXruDZxt9PfjODRBc2lZiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Misadventures%2Bof%2Bthe%2BFirst%2BDaughter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" alt="Misadventures of the First Daughter by Meredith Wild, Mia Michelle Review" title="Misadventures of the First Daughter by Meredith Wild, Mia Michelle Review" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPTGGoRD5Lc/WcUi2w9xlEI/AAAAAAAAA1k/t-0E5stvvEQZXruDZxt9PfjODRBc2lZiwCLcBGAs/s400/Misadventures%2Bof%2Bthe%2BFirst%2BDaughter.png" width="297" height="400" data-original-width="536" data-original-height="722" /></a></div>
<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Misadventures of the First Daughter</strong> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
Meredith Wild, Mia Michelle
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/Misadventures?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Misadventures</a><br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">October 30, 2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Waterhouse%20Press?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Waterhouse Press</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Erotica?&max-results=12">Erotica</a>,
<a rel='nofollow' href="/search/label/Romance?&max-results=12">Romance</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781943893454</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">Hardcover (I got an eARC via NetGalley for an honest review)</span><br />
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<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34356929-misadventures-of-the-first-daughter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>
Charlotte Daley is the daughter of the newly elected POTUS. An only child, she’s both spoiled rotten and entirely neglected by her powerful family. She’s been forced to eat with the right forks, smile at all the right times, and be the picture of perfection for months. Now that her father is in office and too busy to know she exists, she’s determined to exercise her new freedom before she heads back to college in New York.
</p><p>
Zane Parker has one job—to protect the President’s daughter, all day, every day. But she’s been on a partying spree since the inauguration, heading down a dangerous path that threatens to ruin her reputation and cause a major scandal for her father. Zane will lose his job if he can’t get her under control. Except he wants to sleep with her as badly as he wants to set her straight. She needs discipline. And he might be just the one to give it to her.
</p><p>
When unexpected circumstances tie Charlotte to D.C. for the foreseeable future, Zane makes her an offer that’s anything but honorable. He’ll give the first daughter all the thrills she’s seeking in exchange for one thing… Her obedience. Fascinated by Zane’s dark promises, Charlotte agrees. Submission has never felt so good. But as Zane brings her deeper into his forbidden desires, enemies surface and danger lurks…
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<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
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<center class="booktags"><Tromance></Tromance><Tadult></Tadult><Tarc></Tarc><Tsnoozer></Tsnoozer></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>I really like the idea of a "bodyguard and his charge" romantic story. It's being tagged as taboo on other books, and I thought that was hot. I remember a favorite local author touching on the very idea and amped up the forbidden factor by making the bodyguard at least twice the age of his guardee (for a lack of a better word; I just don't know the term) and the daughter of his friend. That author has only written a few books and since I've forgotten the title, couldn't find it even on Amazon.
</p>
</span>
Yes, I love the concept of a taboo-like relationship between a bodyguard and the woman he's supposed to protect yet somehow, I couldn't bring myself to buy an ebook tagged as such. Most of the ratings are just terrible. Then finally, I found this on NetGalley and thought to myself that I wouldn't be wasting some money and the early reviews are terrific. Unfortunately, I don't have the same standards with them.
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<blockquote>Goddamn, I've missed this place.</blockquote>
<br />
So do I, Zane. I miss dominion clubs in my reading materials. It's good to be finally back. I didn't even know there is such a scene in this book. It's a delightful surprise. But then I waited for some delightful scenes... and none came. The authors put a dominion club but you will never see real dom activities. There was a sneak peak for the background characters but I didn't perceive that with Zane. The authors put some things but they didn't stir me a bit.
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Don't bother looking for real kinks here. Everything's just vanilla.
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<adsense></adsense>
I don't know the specifics of the Secret Service but Zane is way too young. 25. Really? Because of his youth and in my eyes, lack of experience, the book fell short on making me like him. Somehow, knowing his age was a huge turnoff.
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As an online freelancer, I rarely go out of the house. Socializing is the least of my agenda. I know social cues, of course. But anyway, I guess there's a strong emphasis on a couple's "playing house". Is it really a big thing when a guy cooks dinner for the two of you at your own kitchen? The book tries to imbibe to me that that scenario is sweet and here I am, frowning about it. Fine, it must be sweet.
<br /><br />
The book's conflict was not as threatening, it was lame. There's no substantial motive on the bad guy. Whatever was his goal was just intangible. What's more lame? There was a part in this chapter about Zane near the end that has been italicized. There was no point. The chapters were written with the character's POV so there's no point emphasizing their thoughts when you were just reading their thoughts to begin with. It was not even a flashback, for eff's sake.
<br /><br />
And those incriminating photos? How the eff did they suddenly land on the enemy's hands that fast? The lackey must be <i>The Flash</i>. If not, I can just imagine how hard the lackey's life must be, worse than the agents' in that particular errand.
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I really tried to love this book. I really did. Why have I fallen out of liking this book after Charlotte and Zane's first tango? Was it because Zane has already tasted the forbidden fruit early on? I really thought hard about it.
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And then it hit me.
<br /><br />
Charlotte was a typical damsel in distress. Heck, weak girl can't even put up a fight. I hate it when the female character has to always rely on the male character's protection. You would have thought that because her parents were ALWAYS in the politics business, they would have the decency to have their ONLY CHILD trained with anything. Perhaps, a little bit of martial arts. She doesn't even need to have a high-ranking belt. She could also use a bit of marksmanship training. But no, the First Family were just a bunch of stupid people. At least some actors in real life did better for their kids. They had them trained.
<br /><br />
Speaking of actors, at least Olivia Munn (Psylocke of <cite>X-Men: Apocalypse</cite>) has a black belt in Taekwondo. She's one strong woman whom I prefer.
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I hate a weak female protagonist. You can be vulnerable but you must have the capacity to defend yourself even just a little.
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My total disconnect with Charlotte is the major factor I don't like this book.
<br /><br />
Anyway, here's a passage that I love:
<br /><br />
<blockquote>I wish I could stay home and linger in the memories we made last night, but real life is calling again.</blockquote>
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That's how I feel about reading books. I just want to keep on reading and not give a care about bills.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-62266025786565231302017-09-17T20:00:00.000+08:002019-10-04T04:03:22.830+08:00Why I read Romance—13 Books that got me all Romancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAam4Kim9BM/Wb04fuOSjTI/AAAAAAAAA1I/lBF5X9sO1m4rz-6Csp5Tt_lGyEpTIObxACLcBGAs/s1600/books_got_me_romancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt='Why I read Romance—13 Books that got me all Romancy' title='Why I read Romance—13 Books that got me all Romancy' border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAam4Kim9BM/Wb04fuOSjTI/AAAAAAAAA1I/lBF5X9sO1m4rz-6Csp5Tt_lGyEpTIObxACLcBGAs/s1600/books_got_me_romancy.jpg" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="768" /></a></div>
I have a love-hate relationship with romance. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't, but I will always have this episode of craving for it. But then that's it, just sometimes.
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I'm a self-proclaimed selective antisocial if that helps for an explanation. I don't have "normal" feelings just like most people. It's why I couldn't make friends easily. Add to the fact that I'm so choosy. But when I'm out in the public, I'm a very civil person that you would not be able to tell I'm antisocial. If it could be of any more help, I'm an INTP-A <i>(I noticed it became imperative to point out your Keirsey Personality or your Myers-Briggs Type on most thought-based websites)</i>. Furthermore, because of my straightforwardness, all of my closest friends so far have unfriended me. Everyone will always have a last straw after n years of friendship. It's not the first, not the second, heck, not even the third time that a "best friend" cut off all ties from me. I'm not considerate, I just don't buy into people's BS.
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<br />
Why am I saying these things on top of trying to answer "Why I read Romance"? It's <b>Women's Friendship Day</b> and I'm participating in Parajunkee's <i>Romance-Tastic Challenge</i>.
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<h2>
Why I read Romance and my highs and lows with Romance:
</h2>
<i class="fa fa-thumbs-o-up"></i> I read romance because I lack romance in my life.<br />
— Not that I'm looking for any. I'm also an idealist that I couldn't bring myself to be in the company of others.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-down"></i> I don't like romance sometimes because I couldn't relate to women's feelings of insecurities and I would constantly roll my eyes with their irrationality.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-o-up"></i> I read romance because I want to feel since my feelings are lacking.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-down"></i> I don't like romance because the characters appear shallow as if romance is their only care in the world.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-o-up"></i> I read romance to know what it's like to yearn for someone.<br />
— That will always be just a fantasy to me.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-down"></i> I like conflict and tension-building but some romance books only have cheese and romp that it gets sooooo boring.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-o-up"></i> I read romance because I want to ache for love.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-down"></i> I don't like romance when the plot is bombarded with so much drama. I love conflicts, not ugly-cry drama.<br />
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<i class="fa fa-thumbs-o-up"></i> I read romance to feel wonderful when the characters get to be together.
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<h2>
Here are 13 Novels/series that gave me the most/best:</h2>
<h3>
Romantic Adventure</h3>
<a href="/2014/01/princess-bride-abridged-by-william.html"><cite>Princess Bride</cite> by William Goldman</a>
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<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrrKzwCHTjc/Uud97kTbwhI/AAAAAAAABDs/nZ10KS38sk8/s1600/Princess+Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Princess Bride" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrrKzwCHTjc/Uud97kTbwhI/AAAAAAAABDs/nZ10KS38sk8/s200-c/Princess+Bride.jpg" title="Princess Bride" /></a></div>
I don't like the bland Buttercup but Westley is such a great swoon-worthy guy. Buttercup does not deserve him (let me not talk why, it's for you to find out) but Westley loves her anyway. The Princess Bride is an action/adventure romantic story set in a medieval world with sword-fighting, pirates, ROUSes (Rodents of Unusual Size), gradual-drinking-of-poison-to-build-resistance, and many other tropes that this book has probably started. The film adaptation of the same name is now an occult classic. Make sure to look forward to throwing peanut at the screen (when you do watch the film) and scream, "Inconceivable".
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<h3>
Swoon-Scenes</h3>
Lothario Series by Eve Montelibano
<br />
<br />
It's a contemporary romance series of 14 novelettes produced by my country's local publishing house on 2003. Each guy gets to have two novelettes, so there's a cliffhanger before the happy ending. I love Blue's story the most. Lothario series is my entry point to erotica. It's not erotica but it's a steamy erotic series nonetheless.
<br />
<h3>
Fairy Tale Romps</h3>
<a href="/2012/11/the-claiming-of-sleeping-beauty.html"><cite>The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty</cite> by Anne Rice</a>
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<br />
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55HWtndNF-E/UJUjjWxt4nI/AAAAAAAAAbg/XysDWQRFxxM/s1600/The+Claiming+of+Sleeping+Beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55HWtndNF-E/UJUjjWxt4nI/AAAAAAAAAbg/XysDWQRFxxM/s320/The+Claiming+of+Sleeping+Beauty.jpg" title="The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty" /></a></div>
I'm not a fairy tale baby. I came from a poor family and was on my late teens when I first watched Disney adaptations of romantic fairy tales. My first exposure to fairy tale was <i>Hansel and Gretel</i> from a Regional Girl's Scout activity at age eight. To quote <i>Boss Baby</i>,
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
Let me get this straight, the story is about cannibalism and burning people alive. No wonder kids are so messed up!</blockquote>
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I don't really feel the romance in <i>The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty</i> but boy did I feel the brutal romps. The sexual acts are so torrid, one reviewer claimed she wants to have her eyes bleached. I added this book here because of two terms: fairy tale (which this book is adapted from), and romp (which this book is delightfully saturated of). It's because of this book that Anne Rice was crowned the queen of BDSM books. Yes, she held that crown first before she got the crown for vampires.
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<h3>
Empowerment</h3>
<cite>Jane Eyre</cite> by Charlotte Brontë
<br />
<br />
It's a timeless classic that exudes strength on the female protagonist, Jane. Her job is what we could equate today as a private tutor since female teachers are not yet legal in her time. It's not her having a job that makes her strong, it's her strength in mind and spirit. She's a powerful woman who knows how to command her heart and control Mr. Rochester's.
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<h3>
...Feels</h3>
<cite>Fallen</cite> series by Lauren Kate
<br />
<br />
For a time, I was so crazy about angels. Of course, it's easier to make a plot out of fallen angels (as what I observed) than the classic angels, and this series was the first that took me emotionally away.
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<h3>
Emotional Destruction</h3>
<a href="/search/label/Love%20Me%20With%20Lies?&max-results=10">Love Me With Lies by Tarryn Fisher</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCXSKzlVjM4/UjF_wDfy_iI/AAAAAAAAA2E/HBVlYE1LMN4/s1600/The+Opportunist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCXSKzlVjM4/UjF_wDfy_iI/AAAAAAAAA2E/HBVlYE1LMN4/s320/The+Opportunist.jpg" title="The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher" /></a>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O46hmp7mC4/Urp5_Jxja3I/AAAAAAAABCY/_yb_-3gUi0g/s1600/Dirty+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O46hmp7mC4/Urp5_Jxja3I/AAAAAAAABCY/_yb_-3gUi0g/s320/Dirty+Red.jpg" title="Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher" /></a>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh43UJO64kg/UrqBP9G5MKI/AAAAAAAABCo/giaMudESt4U/s1600/Thief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thief by Tarryn Fisher" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh43UJO64kg/UrqBP9G5MKI/AAAAAAAABCo/giaMudESt4U/s320/Thief.jpg" title="Thief by Tarryn Fisher" /></a>
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<div style="clear: both;"></div>
This series is full of lies, deceit and manipulation. Tarryn Fisher will make an emotional masochist out of you after reading the series. You will go through pain and torture not because a character is dying from cancer (sorry, I've never read a Nicholas Sparks or John Green) but because of sheer emotional brutality. The series is about the romance between Olivia and Caleb as told in three books. The first book is written in the perspective of Olivia, the second in the perspective of the female nemesis, and the third of Caleb.
<br />
<h3>
Happily-Ever-After</h3>
I've read some HEA, none I could say is best. This one is reserved because I couldn't think of any. Have you got any recommendation that I might like?
<br />
<h3>
Kick-butt Female(s)</h3>
<a href="/search/label/Penryn%20and%20the%20End%20of%20Days?&max-results=10">Penryn and the End of Days series by Susan Ee</a>
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<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q0M7xSnNTM/UjdKE9ZFhXI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/n2LnID-tAmk/s1600/Angel+Fall+-+Susan+Ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Angelfall by Susan Ee" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q0M7xSnNTM/UjdKE9ZFhXI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/n2LnID-tAmk/s320/Angel+Fall+-+Susan+Ee.jpg" title="Angelfall by Susan Ee" /></a>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4hNUFZu-kY/UpC8F7vMXQI/AAAAAAAAA-g/VWCBTsCp8c0/s1600/World+After+-+Susan+Ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="World After by Susan Ee" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4hNUFZu-kY/UpC8F7vMXQI/AAAAAAAAA-g/VWCBTsCp8c0/s320/World+After+-+Susan+Ee.jpg" title="World After by Susan Ee" /></a>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa9mW8aiaF4/VWQWwrdTVCI/AAAAAAAADiA/ctiUikwhm9Y/s1600/End%2Bof%2BDays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="End of Days by Susan Ee Review" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa9mW8aiaF4/VWQWwrdTVCI/AAAAAAAADiA/ctiUikwhm9Y/s320/End%2Bof%2BDays.jpg" title="End of Days by Susan Ee Review" /></a>
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This is another entry about angels. This time, we're not talking about fallen angels, not even an ordinary angel, but an Archangel no less. What sets Archangels apart from other angels? According to the bible, they're the special kind. They're directly addressed by God to exact his plans in the world. They're the generals of all angeldom.
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<br />
Anyway, we follow Penryn, a tiny 17-year old girl hell-bent on surviving and protecting her family in this apocalyptic world where angels thrive and human civilization fell into disarray. Angels play politics and get to become scientists... in their angelic ways. Raffe is one hot angel (the Archangel Raphael) with a humor to match. Penryn and Raphael's banters are what you'd always look forward to. That, and a potential romp. Don't even hope for the latter.
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<h3>
...Thrills</h3>
<cite>Vampire Knight</cite> manga by Matsuri Hino
<br />
<br />
Not really a book but it gave all the romantic thrills set in a vampire world. We follow Youki, an ordinary 16-year old girl who... well, let me backtrack. She's a prefect like that of Percy Weasley (because he's the only prefect we always see in the Harry Potter films) whose job is to enforce discipline on the Day Class students while looking out for the Night Class students. Unknown to the Day Class students, the Night Class is made up of vampires. Because vampires are vampires, it's natural for humans to fall prey into their charms. Her job isn't simple and so is the story.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, two hot guys are vying for her love. One is Zero, her co-prefect and the other, Kaname, the head not just of the Night Class but of the pure-blood Vampires. I'm on Team Kaname through and through even though the story got me seesawing between yearning for him or hating him (because he got me seriously scared at times). The anime adaptation on the other hand has a totally different take. Nothing was added but boy did the producers focused more on scenes that will get you hot for Zero. It's small wonder Zero made a lot of following and Kaname only has a fanbase from the manga.
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<br />
<h3>
...Chills</h3>
<cite>Twilight</cite> series by Stephanie Meyer
<br />
<br />
The first time I felt romance being associated with vampires was not this series, it was of an anime film, <i>Vampire Hunter D</i>. Anyway, this series has taken me by storm because of the author's excessive use of metaphors. The plot was lacking all throughout but you will never notice it because of the way the narration will get you carried away emotionally. It gave me such magical feelings of love, regardless of the terrible plot and cardboard characters.
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<h3>
Escape</h3>
<cite>Gakuen Alice</cite> series by Higuchi Tachibana
<br />
<br />
Another manga on the list. It's a school life manga in which characters have supernatural abilities called Alice. I forgot how old the characters started. If not nine, then 10 years old. It's full of tragedy and full of feels. I think of it as an escape because there's a strong romance between two characters and they're both just kids! I'd love to think of having a childhood romance like that. I read the manga in my teens and back then, I love to imagine being a kid dealing with my supernatural abilities (you see, most strong people with power in stories are adults, how about having that power as a child?) and have romance as the strong determining factor to save lives. Look how these kids do french kiss, even some adults (*coughs*) get none of that:
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wUS2HuJ8Ro/VIdQ3tW0zrI/AAAAAAAADDE/n_n1afLGAJ8/s1600/Natsume%26Mikan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wUS2HuJ8Ro/VIdQ3tW0zrI/AAAAAAAADDE/n_n1afLGAJ8/s1600/Natsume%26Mikan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">DeviantArt by xybolic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Um, I know that's not french kissing right above but you got at least three panels of different lip movements on the manga so...
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<h3>
Emotional Roller-Coasters</h3>
The Dark Duet series starting with <cite>Captive in the Dark</cite> by C.J. Roberts
<br /><br />
Caleb, a man full of darkness, is bound to get his revenge on something he's built up for years. It's time for him to kidnap the perfect girl for this last mission. The girl so happens to be named Olivia. If you haven't noticed, we got the first pair of Caleb and Olive from above. Scroll back up if you've missed that.
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Tags associated with the series: BDSM, erotica, non-consensual, kidnap, rape
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<h3>
Book Boyfriend(s)</h3>
There are many books or series worthy of book boyfriends that I could not pick a special one. The books mentioned above already have leading men worthy as book boyfriends, why should I go looking for another? Anyway, I'd like to mention Runners-up for book series: Neighbor from Hell series by R.L. Mathewson and Wicked Lovers series by Shayla Black.
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<br />
That's it. How about you, what books had got you all romancy?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-39737481921491310382017-09-14T22:31:00.000+08:002017-09-15T03:26:47.894+08:00The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti ReviewWelcome yourself into a heavy-with-feels book and have a glimpse into the tedious life of failed marriage and widowhood. That's what was instilled on me from the get-go. <i>The Blackbird Season</i> was so gloomy and depressing, the darkness will even follow you in your sleep (if you're an adult). The <i>Stephen King</i> books I read were not even able to infiltrate my dreams. With that, I give this book a lifeless set of eyes for stealing the light out of me for three days (the last day being after reading the book, just me huddling on my bed, moping). I closed the book with a heavy heart and grief that I couldn't place. This book is for the emotional masochist who wants to plunge into the world of intrigue, mystery and thrill. You will not be disappointed.
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<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">The Blackbird Season</strong> by
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<a href="/search/label/Kate%20Moretti?&max-results=12">Kate Moretti</a>
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<b>Release Date: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">September 26, 2017</span><br />
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<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
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<a href="/search/label/Atria%20Books?&max-results=12">Atria Books</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Mystery%20%26%20Thrillers?&max-results=12">Mystery & Thrillers</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781501118456</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">paperback (I got a digital ARC via Netgalley for an honest review)</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">352</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span style="line-height:2;" itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta itemprop="ratingValue" content="5" /></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32895536-the-blackbird-season" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<a class="buyamazon" href="https://www.amazon.com/Blackbird-Season-Novel-Kate-Moretti/dp/1501118455/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491453766"></a>
<a class="buybarnes" href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?EAN=9781501118456"></a>
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis>
<p>
Known for novels featuring “great pacing and true surprises” (<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>, starred review) and “nerve-shattering suspense” (Heather Gudenkauf, <i>New York Time</i> bestselling author), <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Kate Moretti’s latest is the story of a scandal-torn Pennsylvania town and the aftermath of a troubled girl gone missing.</p>
<i>“Where did they come from? Why did they fall? The question would be asked a thousand times…
<br /><br />
Until, of course, more important question arose, at which time everyone promptly forgot that a thousand birds fell on the town of Mount Oanoke at all.”</i>
<br /><br />
In a quiet Pennsylvania town, a thousand dead starlings fall onto a high school baseball field, unleashing a horrifying and unexpected chain of events that will rock the close-knit community.
<br /><br />
Beloved baseball coach and teacher Nate Winters and his wife, Alicia, are well respected throughout town. That is, until one of the many reporters investigating the bizarre bird phenomenon catches Nate embracing a wayward student, Lucia Hamm, in front of a sleazy motel. Lucia soon buoys the scandal by claiming that she and Nate are engaged in an affair, throwing the town into an uproar…and leaving Alicia to wonder if her husband has a second life.
<br /><br />
And when Lucia suddenly disappears, the police only to have one suspect: Nate.
<br /><br />
Nate’s coworker and sole supporter, Bridget Harris, Lucia’s creative writing teacher, is determined to prove his innocence. She has Lucia’s class journal, and while some of the entries appear particularly damning to Nate’s case, others just don’t add up. Bridget knows the key to Nate’s exoneration and the truth of Lucia’s disappearance lie within the walls of the school and in the pages of that journal.
<br /><br />
Told from the alternating points of view of Alicia, Nate, Lucia, and Bridget, <i>The Blackbird Season</i> is a haunting, psychologically nuanced suspense, filled with Kate Moretti’s signature “chillingly satisfying” (<i>Publishers Weekly</i>) twists and turns.<br />
<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><Tarc></Tarc><Tmystery></Tmystery><Tthriller></Tthriller><Tsuspense></Tsuspense><Tcrime></Tcrime><T1></T1></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<div class="paragraph">
<p><i>The Blackbird Season</i> was riveting, it will pull you right through the veneer of serenity and into the murky depths of an insular town in Pennsylvania. <i>What happens to a little town when its source of income for middling people crashes down?</i> People will salvage for leftovers until nothing is left. Else, seek for greener pastures and start from scratch.</p>
</div>
The reading process was a bit of a work. It tires me a bit, yo-yo-ing between dates. The events were not written in chronological order so the whole book is a hodgepodge of flashbacks. The good thing about this multiple POV is that I could also yo-yo from being an adult into an unsure teenager. I love the change in voice. I love the frustration when you're supposed to be an adult but has no control over things happening in your life (and your environment) and both the uncertainty and wonder of the eyes of a teenager.
<br /><br />
The story is told through the eyes of four narrators: <b>Nate Winters</b> (the accused), his wife <b>Alecia</b>, his co-teacher and friend <b>Bridget</b>, and his student <b>Lucia</b> whom he's supposed to have an affair with. One of my problems with the characters is that Alecia and Lucia sound so alike, I got confused in the beginning. Yes, I'm terrible with names.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
Here comes Alecia, a miserable <b>B</b> of a wife all because for years, she's in denial that her son is autistic. Everything would have been easier if from the beginning, she has her son evaluated at two as a female psychologist suggested. But no, she's so stubborn, still wanting that perfect image of a family, however construed her bias is. I could bitch about this <i>bitch</i> all day and I still will not run out with words. But please, indulge me.
<br /><br />
Alecia's routine is stressful and tedious. She practically lived under a rock because she chose to (turns her cheek around from social media; come on, she's not that old). Life is hard on her because she herself is hard on herself. She doesn't give herself a mental break (that I hope she'd have a breakdown) and just won't light up. Seriously, there are tons of parents out there with an autistic child and she's treating herself as if she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders already. She only had one child, she didn't even have to juggle her attention between kids. I don't even understand how Nate ended up with such an unhappy and insecure person when Nate is a generous and outgoing one.
<br /><br />
I have no idea how they become a couple, they basically have nothing in common. Okay, you'll find out how in the book. Now, let me skip to the setting.
<br /><br />
I can totally relate with the remote setting. I grew up and lived in different cities but my mother's relatives from the province would come to our place and rent a room for a time. Different relatives from the same island, similar stories. In the province, it's almost as if people have nothing to do to quench their boredom but gossip about their neighbors' lives. The things you hear are just terrible that I'm convinced I would never live in a rural/insular area. Well, you get the picture.
<br /><br />
I love how initially, Bridget doesn't like Lucia. Every time Lucia is in the same room as her, she's like a dirt trying to cloy into her skin and yet all throughout the whole town affair, Bridget is the only woman who truly cares for Lucia.
<br /><br />
When Lucia went missing, women (mostly old wives) chose to help for search and rescue in the thick of a forest. I just love how the imagery there felt so real (the thousands of acres of land, the interactions of people, the nuances of the search), as if I was smacked right dabbed in the middle of the events (this was in Alecia's perspective).
<br /><br />
Now back to my favorite B. Nate deserved someone better than the miserable SOB that Alecia is. Damn, how much I hate insecure people, how people just can't come to terms with the concept of aging. I love Alecia's character development at the end though: as if a bright light suddenly shown straight up her face. But still, at the end!
<br /><br />
There's a general feel in reading this book. The mood is so similar to that movie <i>Anna</i> of 2014. Like Anna, Lucia is a pretty girl (in Alecia's eyes: white-haired weirdo sex bomb). Apart from being poor (with her dad absent in her and her brother's lives for months), she has a problem of fitting in the school crowd. The jocks (with its king) are attracted to her though like a fly to a midden-heap (because she's poor but a very hot poor girl). But Taylor, her best friend since primary school, has become her beacon of light that got her in the baseball king's crowd.
<br /><br />
Nate is a math teacher and the baseball coach of the school. The whole town seems to be fawning on him, with his open heart and <b>*coughs*</b> primarily with his good looks. He's toting his golden boy, Andrew Evans to earn a scholarship in college and to eventually make it to Pro baseball.
<br /><br />
If I were to see this Nate in person (if only he's real), I think I will fall in love with him instantly too with the way people describe him.
<br /><br />
Bridget:
<br />
<blockquote>When he looks at you, it's like you're all that matters.</blockquote>
<br />
Lucia:
<br />
<blockquote>She watched the boys in the dugout vie for him, just for a second to feel the heat of his eyes, so intense, cut you right to the center like you weren't fooling anyone, to feel the thrill of being called out on your own bullshit... His eyes twinkling, like something out of the paperback romance novels she saw at the library, where every man's eyes sparkled and twinkled like they were all made of glittery icing or pure goodness, and that's what she started to think about Mr. Winters. That he was made of goodness.</blockquote>
<br />
The bad thing about Nate is that he's self-incriminating by lying. Sometimes, I think his viewpoint is unreliable (like everyone's favorite B from <i>Game of Thrones</i>, Daenarys).
<br /><br />
The book ended in a way that I never expected. The author was good at surprises. There's the dénouement itself and there's the what-I-assume-is-the-epilogue like an after-credits part of the book. I just love how Kate Moretti wrote this riveting story.
</span><!--end of itemReviewed-->
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-62388357958733416782017-09-04T02:19:00.001+08:002017-11-15T04:08:53.671+08:00Song of Edmon by Adam Burch ReviewSong of Edmon is a highly thought-provoking read with a myriad of modern-day issues soaked in a fantastical setting. I feel like there's so much shade in this book. There's just so much parallelism to the real world that I thought this book is just a backdrop to the author's political and ethical views.
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<br />
<span itemprop="itemReviewed">
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bms-27Z-DHA/WaUEcdSL3qI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/iGN0MPAKE6gX2o2yvEZZcEuif9FBcEytQCLcBGAs/s1600/Song%2Bof%2BEdmon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" alt="Song of Edmon by Adam Burch Review" border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bms-27Z-DHA/WaUEcdSL3qI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/iGN0MPAKE6gX2o2yvEZZcEuif9FBcEytQCLcBGAs/s320/Song%2Bof%2BEdmon.png" title="Song of Edmon by Adam Burch Review" width="216" /></a></div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Song of Edmon</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Adam%20Burch?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Adam Burch</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/The%20Fracture%20Worlds?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>The Fracture Worlds</a> #1<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">September 1, 2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/47North?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>47North</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Fantasy</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Science%Fiction?&max-results=12" rel='nofollow'>Science Fiction</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781477805350</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">Paperback (I got a digital ARC via NetGalley for an honest review)</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">444</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
</span>
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate5></rate5>
<b><eta content="5" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34213598-song-of-edmon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<a class="buyamazon" href="https://www.amazon.com/Song-Edmon-Fracture-Worlds-Burch/dp/1477805354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>
In Adam Burch’s thrilling series debut, a young man must choose between violence and peace in a distant world divided between those who thrive in endless sunlight and those who survive in eternal darkness.
</p>
The isolated planet of Tao is a house divided: the peaceful Daysiders live in harmony while the pale Nightsiders pursue power and racial purity through the violent ritual of the Combat.
<br /><br />
Edmon Leontes, the gentle son of a ruthless warrior noble and a proud Daysider, embodies Tao’s split nature. The product of diametrically opposed races, Edmon hopes to live a quiet life pursuing the music of his mother’s people, but his Nightsider father cruelly forces him to continue in his bloody footsteps to ensure his legacy.
<br /><br />
Edmon’s defiance will cost him everything…and spark a revolution that will shake the foundations of Tao. His choice—to embrace the light or surrender to the darkness—will shape his own fate and that of his divided world.
<br />
<a name='more'></a><adsenselink></adsenselink>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags">
<Tarc></Tarc><Tscifi></Tscifi><Tfantasy></Tfantasy><Tgrimdark></Tgrimdark><Tootw></Tootw></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>
Edmon, the main protagonist of the story, is very intriguing. I like the way how the eggshell thing was reversed. Yes, Edmond appears to be hard on the outside but definitely soft on the inside. The process was reversed on the beginning on the book. We get to read just how unsure he is of himself, his fear of the eventuality of facing the emperor. We open the book with his narrative sounding so insecure and yet when he was finally the one on the hot seat pounded with questions by the emperor, he sounded fierce and full of fight. To the audience, he's an impudent strong boy of nine that we readers are caught by surprise.
</p>
</span>
I can't help but think of Edmon's spirit as like Rhaegar Targaryen of <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i> series.
<br /><br />
In a short amount of time, I found myself having a lot of expectations that I almost put Edmon in a pedestal. When he finally gets to meet with the Nightsiders his age, he easily outmaneuvered them. Basically, I love the depth of characterization in this book. It's not just about Edmon, it's also about his childhood friend, Phaestion Julii. Although Phaestion is a genetically-enhanced individual and his traits are almost programmed, he still has something uniquely humane about him.
<br /><br />
There's just so much going on in this book, I almost don't know where to start. Like how I would usually do with heavy SF/F books, I would ditch writing a review and just carry on. Alas, I have a responsibility towards Netgalley and I just have to muster the best that I can in writing a cohesive review.
<br /><br />
I find <i>Song of Edmon</i> a very fascinating read with a compelling and complex plot. There are so many nuances and movements layered together, from familial yearning, physical melioration, sense of belongingness, identiy and purpose, to political ideologies. Adam Burch has shaped Edmon so well, not just with his physical prowess and his emotional struggles but with his genuine love for music as well. I'm reading this book with <b>Two Steps from Hell</b>'s <i>Enchantress</i> on repeat and found myself never annoyed by the music no matter how many times I listened to it on the background. The music is good and more importantly, the story is equally awesome.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
I had to accompany this book with music since the character has a strong love for music. He's a great singer. I have yet to feel a great impact for his love of singing. His singing has a role in the book but I didn't really feel the effect. If I didn't feel the impact of his singing in the greater scheme of things, I did feel it with his emotional journey, his sense of self. When the going gets tough and he's in the midst of combat, aria and theatrical songs would play in his head that's apt for the current situation he's in. The author's theatrical background shows in this regard.
<br /><br />
Plot-wise, <i>Song of Edmon</i> is a very grand book, with impressive word-building and masterful character development. There's never a dull moment, it grabs the attention and never let go that I had a hard time prying my eyes away from it. If my brain could only wrap solidly with the story, I would have finished the story in one sitting. Alas, I have other things to attend to and this book is quite heavy and complex in its own way, I have to moderate my reading and savor every detail each time I visit. I'm guilty of reading three other books while reading this one. There's just a lot to take in from this book. This is Adam Burch's debut novel and he's already a master storyteller.
<br /><br />
I find it funny that the upper class of Tao (let's refer to it as both the planet and its people) have this notion that they come from perfect natural evolution when in truth, they were all products of genetic manipulation from thousands of years past. The planet of Tao is essentially divided into two groups: the Nightsiders on the Night side of the planet and the Daysiders on the Day side of the planet. Due to a comet, the planet no longer rotates on its axis. The Nightsiders basically look like the elves of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> except that they are so tall and buff. They have golden hair and light-colored eyes, which is odd for Phaestion who uniquely has red hair. On the other hand, the Daysiders are characterized as having sun-kissed skin and dark hair.
<br /><br />
Tao is governed by a government body called the Synod which encompasses the great houses, for which each house is governed by a Patriarch. The Synod manages the planet's resources including culling the inhabitants themselves. The Synod thinks that the Nightsiders are perfect people and the Daysiders are inferior to them. It is said that the Nightsiders came to planet Tao and thought they own it. Likewise, the Daysiders thought they're the first inhabitants of the planet. Tao practices strict adherence to human perfection that anybody born short of imperfection is killed during a ritual called Pavaka.
<br /><br />
Let me backtrack a little bit. The overall setting for the story is universal in scope. The story is basically set in the future, like ten thousand years from Earth zero time. In Tao's time, the Earth has long gone unless you travel through Einstein's wormhole. There's this matrix-like traveling network where anything in space connects. There's also the <b>Fracture Point</b>, basically a wormhole that opens to other places in the universe and changes position around Tao. A great house's influence on the government slightly depends on the positioning of the Fracture Point which opens to the worlds of the Nine Corridors. Tao is a very isolated planet that the noble inhabitants become so big-headed. We only see a limited glimpse of aliens throughout the narrative.
<br /><br />
Tao is a dying planet. There's limited resources that each house hungry for power and vying for the top position shapes their influence by finding the best way to maximize production and constraining trade by way of monopoly.
<br /><br />
<blockquote>Every time there was conquest, it brought trade, new ideas, and inventions. They made civilization evolve to new heights. Humans soar on the wings of our violent nature. There's no other way.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>The ability to kill someone doesn't make you a leader, and it doesn't make someone great. There's nothing great about dying or taking a life.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>Is that what you are going to do when someone tries to take your life from you? Or the lives of your family? Yield and hope that they take pity on you?</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>Humanity's savageness is what makes it civilized. Technology, trade, computers, space travel. All are products of competition and conflict.</blockquote>
<br />
We follow the story as Edmon grows into a man. When he was a child, he sought for his absentee father's love. When he realized how terrible his father was, he no longer aimed of pleasing him but of exacting revenge from all of the hurt he caused. There's a great political agenda in the story. Edric Leontes, Edmon's father, has risen from the bowels of the lower-class Nightsiders into becoming a scion of a noble house by becoming a Combat Champion twice. He had to enter the arena twice so as to win the love of the Nightsiders. Human perfection is not only measured by mental prowess but also by physical strength. You have to best everyone in the arena by killing them. Showing the opponent mercy is besmirching the honor of one hailing from a noble house. Edmon's father had at least dishonored a noble-born opponent twice and killed many.
<br /><br />
Edric Leontes had upset the noble class not just by killing their heirs in the arena but also by becoming one of them, a power that has been granted to him by the Emperor himself, who does not have a male heir. Yes, a male offspring is preferred over a female offspring. It is conspicuous that the Emperor is rooting for House Leontes to replace his line. Edmon Leontes originally was his father's heir but was disinherited right from the get-go. Showing his mental tenacity to the emperor earned him the hand of the heiress. So basically, you have three complications from this point: (1) the eventuality of Edmon falling in love with another when he's betrothed to the Emperor's daughter, (2) his complex feelings toward a younger brother who replaced his honor as an heir, (3) proving his worth in the eyes of the Nightsiders when he's half a Daysider. It was also at this point when Phaestion of House Julii entered the picture, a nemesis to his house.
<br /><br />
I love this high-technology age laced with medieval culture. But instead of kings and their respective kingdoms, we have an emperor and the great houses. There's just something grand about that, especially when each house is vying for control. We see that game of power in <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i> and <i>The Wheel of Time</i> series. The book is a real political and social commentary, all right. It's not just about Edmon's journey into becoming this strong man. There are lots of societal issues being tackled in this book, from misogyny, racism, xenophobia, prisoners turned into laborers, rape in the prison, conquering other places to exploit their resources, to the government turning to entertainment to allay the problem of dwindling resources.
<br /><br />
<blockquote>You expect to shut that feeling away? No, I ask that you feel it more. There's no other way to stand over your enemy and cut out his heart. Accept your hatred and you won't be rash or stupid, you'll be cold. Don't quiet the storm. Become the storm.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>Blind risk is stupid, but calculated risks are worth taking.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>Fear is no crime. But acting from fear is. Know that you're going to lose everything one day, whether you fear to lose it or not.</blockquote>
<br />
The prison was the best part for me. It's always the case that when a character goes to prison, he'd meet a master of a secret martial arts and be taught of it. Anything that has to do with being imprisoned and breaking free reminds me of the story of <i>The Count of Monte Cristo</i>. I don't have any more words to say about Edmon's experiences in the prison. All I have to say is that to me, Edmon's imprisonment is the best journey in the book.
<br /><br />
Betrayals. Betrayals everywhere. Manipulation is a constant thing in this book. Just when you thought there's a grand ending to a particular chapter, of course Edmon has to go from one FUBAR to the next, and still come out alive. He's broken in a way. He's alive but the things he has gone through is worth your food be thrown up for. I love how grim this book is. There are things here that are shocking to the core (if I have to think hard about them) but I'm somehow desensitized already. I love how no matter how idealistic you are, chaos is always present and will always ensue no matter which part of the universe. Each planet has it's own issues. Edmon has his own fight to fight while the rest of the universe have their own troubles.
<br /><br />
I've already tackled so many and still missed so much. Lest I forget, the action sequences are really, really impressive. The author holds a Black Sash in Wing Chun Kung Fu and his mastery in martial arts shows in this book. This is why I love authors with genuine background, their narration feels so real.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-51115045693799587832017-08-26T15:36:00.000+08:002017-09-04T07:46:49.863+08:00Nascent Shadow by Matthew S. Cox Review<div id="overview">
Nascent Shadow is a very fun and engaging read. Armed with inventive items and awesome action sequences, it got the captivating goodness of a fantastical story set in a contemporary world. The protagonist, Brooklyn, was a genuine ass-kicking character who knows how to hold her own, not because she's half-demon (let's just put it at that) but because she's a feisty lass with a heart.</div>
<br />
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGrARX1yAws/WaEjMHTKyaI/AAAAAAAAAzw/zbBRFkUUBXgSg8ewgA0BO8Rp4qzpEuC5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nascent%2BShadow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nascent Shadow by Matthew S. Cox Review" border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="536" height="400" itemprop="image" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGrARX1yAws/WaEjMHTKyaI/AAAAAAAAAzw/zbBRFkUUBXgSg8ewgA0BO8Rp4qzpEuC5ACLcBGAs/s400/Nascent%2BShadow.png" title="Nascent Shadow by Matthew S. Cox Review" width="263" /></a></div>
<b class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Nascent Shadow</b> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/search/label/Matthew520S.%20Cox?&max-results=12">Matthew S. Cox</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/search/label/Temporal520Armistice?&max-results=12">Temporal Armistice</a> #1<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">August 31,2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/search/label/Curiosity%20Quills%20Press?&max-results=12">Curiosity Quills Press</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/search/label/Fantasy?&max-results=12">Fantasy</a>,
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/search/label/Paranormal?&max-results=12">Paranormal</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781974281251</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook (I got a digital ARC via Netgalley for an honest review)</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate4half></rate4half>
<b><eta content="4" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35712101-nascent-shadow?ac=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<a class="buyamazon" href="https://www.amazon.com/Nascent-Shadow-Temporal-Armistice-Book-ebook/dp/B074BDVHY7/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>
Brooklyn Amari knew not to get in car with a stranger; when a man tried to lure her―she killed him.
</p>
As if taking a man’s life at the tender age of ten wasn’t bad enough, her childhood home burned to the ground two years later. She doesn’t remember how she survived, but she’s felt a pull toward the conflagration ever since. After a troubled patch in her teens, she’s become a respectable firefighter, rushing again and again into the inferno that almost killed her. A routine sweep-and-clear during a hotel blaze takes a deadly turn, but also explains how she escaped death eleven years ago: she’s probably a demon.
<br /><br />
Brooklyn had always enjoyed having psychic abilities, but wings?
<br /><br />
She’s still trying to come to terms with what she might be when she gets a vision of an arsonist planting a magic bomb. The Fire Marshal’s office is ill-equipped to handle magic, and since she’s the most paranormal thing they’ve got, they offer her a temporary promotion.
<br /><br />
Unfortunately, she soon finds herself neck deep in an investigation that goes straight over her head.
<br /><br />
And oh yeah―she’s supposed to destroy the world.
<a name='more'></a>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags">
<tarc></tarc><Tkickass></Tkickass><Tparanormal></Tparanormal><Tcliffhanger></Tcliffhanger></center>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph">
<p>I was a bit let down with how tedious the protagonist's life was at the beginning until 10% into the book. Brooklyn turns out to be a real badass. If you have an inner sociopath in you, you'd love this.</p>
</span>
When an enchanted meth lab exploded two trailers down her home when she was 12, Brooklyn survived for some bizarre reason. She thought that was the catalyst why she eventually became a firefighter. As it turns out, she's just a half-Shaar'Nath. Just take all the descriptions of a demon except that demons don't exist. Nor angels. Such beings exist but not in the context that humans put in them. Simply put, there's no heaven or hell, just two worlds eternally at war with each other. Think of all the descriptions put into an angel and you'll get an Elestari.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
When Brooklyn got caught up in an arson case because she turned out to be psychic, she was temporarily absorbed into the Fire Marshal's Office where she gets to do some investigation. When suspects won't answer her properly (when she can read their minds), she'd stare them in the eyes and let her eyes glow like that of a White Walker; that is, with an odd bluish glow. It's Elestari's eyes that glow crimson red.
<br /><br />
Brooklyn is like a female version of Lucifer in the TV series, <i>Lucifer</i>, when her wit's end is concerned which I find funny. She'd pretend to be a real demon (again, they don't exist) in a way that humans perceive to get the information that she wanted.
<br /><br />
<blockquote>Someone owes me a soul, and if I can't find him, you're next on the list.</blockquote>
<br />
And the poor victim would spill the beans.
<br /><br />
I love how the book wasn't front-loaded instantly with information that the world the character exists in isn't entirely vanilla or modern. Mages and magic do exist alongside humans, just not entirely embraced in a way that puts mages in a more advantageous position. I was surprised to find that magic-wielders don't have to hide from normal humans, so do bizarre magical creatures (they could register themselves). The world-building sounds as normal as it is until shit hit the fans.
<br /><br />
Everything in <i>Nascent Shadow</i> screams how far we can plausibly go with technology even without the magical element, like spatial and photo recognition attached with the GPS function (still in development in real life). If you happen to go into a portal and stand on an unknown place on the other side, you merely have to take a picture on where you are and your phone app will tell you.
<br /><br />
I engulfed this book practically in one sitting (with eight hours of sleep before finishing the last 10 pages). Nascent Shadow is just so funny to boot.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-37541698178111338202017-08-12T16:39:00.002+08:002017-09-04T07:49:31.204+08:00Starfire: A Red Peace by Spencer Ellsworth Review<div id="overview">
<i>Starfire: A Red Peace</i> is an intense read set in outer space with a plethora of characters that will either surprise you with their hidden badassery or shock you with their sudden demise. This isn't for the faint-hearted which is surprising when compared to other grimdark books.</div>
<br />
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dn8NW1IMZtE/WY69SIniwiI/AAAAAAAAEtI/mk60igmAwvccRe5-EyPzjX2aS71xHTAVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Starfire%2BA%2BRed%2BPeace.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Starfire: A Red Peace by Spencer Ellsworth Review" border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="536" height="400" itemprop="image" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dn8NW1IMZtE/WY69SIniwiI/AAAAAAAAEtI/mk60igmAwvccRe5-EyPzjX2aS71xHTAVwCLcBGAs/s400/Starfire%2BA%2BRed%2BPeace.png" title="Starfire: A Red Peace by Spencer Ellsworth Review" width="247" /></a>
</div>
<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Starfire: A Red Peace</strong> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Spencer%20Ellsworth?&max-results=12">Spencer Ellsworth</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/Starfire?&max-results=12">Starfire</a> #1<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b><span itemprop="datePublished">August 22, 2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Tor.com?&max-results=12">Tor.com</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Science%20Fiction?&max-results=12">Science Fiction</a>,
<a href="/search/label/Space%20Opera?&max-results=12">Space Opera</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9780765395726</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">ebook (I got a digital ARC via Netgalley for an honest review)</span><br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">163</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate4></rate4>
<b><eta content="4" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33383059-a-red-peace?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<a class="buybarnes" href="//www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starfire-spencer-ellsworth/1125315288?ean=9780765395726" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
<br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p><i>A Red Peace</i>, first in Spencer Ellsworth's Starfire trilogy, is an action-packed space opera in a universe where the oppressed half-Jorian crosses have risen up to supplant humanity and dominate the galaxy.
</p>
Half-breed human star navigator Jaqi, working the edges of human-settled space on contract to whoever will hire her, stumbles into possession of an artifact that the leader of the Resistance wants desperately enough to send his personal guard after. An interstellar empire and the fate of the remnant of humanity hang in the balance.
<br />
<br />
Spencer Ellsworth has written a classic space opera, with space battles between giant bugs, sun-sized spiders, planets of cyborgs and a heroine with enough grit to bring down the galaxy's newest warlord.
<a name='more'></a>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags">
<tarc></tarc><tootw></tootw><tscifi></tscifi><tgrimdark></tgrimdark></center>
<adsenselink></adsenselink>
<br />
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>Starting off this book, I was lost. And then just when I think the young female protagonist got good things going (she met a boy), everything goes suddenly dark. Turns out, there's no romance after all. If Starfire were a film, it would be film noir. As the book that it is, this is totally grimdark.</p></span>
As disorienting this book was, I was able to keep my attention by remembering the feelings I had when watching the anime <i>Cowboy Bebop</i> when I was 13. I could not remember the plot (and especially the plot twist that shookt me on the last three episodes) but I could vaguely remember the feeling. Each episode comes up once a week so the feeling of awe and wonder lasted for months. That's what was happening as I was remembering all that in reading this book, I made the feeling last. Well, that was intentional when I started; finishing the book was quite a different experience altogether.
<br /><br />
Why <i>Cowboy Bebop</i>? This book is also set in outer space. The original Earth civilization died (the solar system itself, if not the galaxy, has gone kaput). Humans thrive across the whole galaxy (or perhaps, intergalactic system as it's possible for people to travel at light speed) along with other celestial beings or aliens. For Starfire, a sinister celestial entity eats a whole star system called the Shir, like Dormammu in <i>Doctor Strange</i> (until it probably has eaten an entire galaxy) and what once was a beautiful galaxy (or whatever, the whole damage was not determined) turned into a Dark Zone.
<br /><br />
The Shir... I could remember that evil thing inside the Ways in <i>The Wheel of Time</i> series.
<br /><br />
<adsense></adsense>
There's three trillion of humans scattered across the empire. There used to be aliens called Jorians, who could jump from one galaxy to the next using nodes (let's just say Einstein's wormhole) and they could access Starfire, the believed to be this energy that connects souls and having a touch of it could possibly bring back the dead.
<br /><br />
I easily noticed the reason why I find this book hard to follow. The author has used different terms to denote words that we normally use. I like how he uses a bit of realism. Language changes as time progresses. Of course, characters would use different words that are apt for their time and not because <i>Starfire</i> is a fantastical science fiction book.
<br /><br />
Starfire: A Red Peace is a colorful book. As you fly from one setting to the next, the scenery changes, so does the characters. It also reminds me of those steam punk Japanese anime films with giant robots during the '80s.
<br /><br />
I can't help but think of the game, <i>Fate II</i>. The first game, <i>Fate</i>, was basically medieval fantasy, having that middle ages culture laced with magic. By <i>Fate II</i>, it's still magical but then suddenly, aliens from outer space (not just one kind but many) came into the picture. The author has this nice way of describing the characters without you actually paying attention to their physique. Color and size don't matter, skill does.
<br /><br />
I was actually struggling in reading this book. I just couldn't catch on the world-building initially. Plenty of things happen here and there as if you're grasping for straws or picking up up scraps of something and trying to put it back together. 70% into the book, I finally got a hold on how things run in this book. Needless to say, I got used to the narration and that's when I only started appreciating the book.
<br /><br />
I really got nothing to say about the characters, they're all pretty dynamic. The main voice, the female protagonist Jaqi, is this special person that needs to eventually spread her wings and soar high. Meanwhile, Araskar, the male protagonist, needs to realize his full potential. I would love their character development in the next books of the series.
<br /><br />
Like I said about feelings, there's always something about the image of space that will creep on me even in my sleep. After reading the book, some of the plot visited me in my dreams. What's more? When I woke up, it's all I think about. I couldn't believe that the story would linger in my head. <i>Starfire: A Red Peace</i> sneaks on my subconscious and whatever it elicits on me lasted. This is one of those books that you thought you wouldn't really give a care the moment you open it but will stay with you long after you close it. Simply put, the story was surprisingly exceptional.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156645134553997395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-30327475108497584102017-07-30T08:39:00.003+08:002017-10-10T21:04:31.697+08:00Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan Review<div id="overview">
If you thought you will never cry for the series, you will in Age of Swords. A flood of tears will be shed for the least likely conception of a menacing creature in The Riyria Revelations. Age of Swords will improve upon the plot that the Age of Myth was built. Heroes will be born in the most unlikely way when women show perseverance, tenacity, resilience and truest of intentions. It's a fantasy read that's unlike your traditional fantasy read that it's a refreshing one. You'll be engrossed in ways you least likely expect.
</div>
<br />
<span itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Book">
<div class="book-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWciNxIuhpo/WX0mieH6Q2I/AAAAAAAAAzI/MM0OeoUtE78aKIgyxD7w6eFrRDNZpTzgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Age%2Bof%2BSwords.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" alt="Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan Review" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWciNxIuhpo/WX0mieH6Q2I/AAAAAAAAAzI/MM0OeoUtE78aKIgyxD7w6eFrRDNZpTzgQCLcBGAs/s400/Age%2Bof%2BSwords.png" title="Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan Review" width="265" /></a>
</div>
<strong class="booktitle" itemprop="name">Age of Swords</strong> by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Michael%20J.%20Sullivan?&max-results=12">Michael J. Sullivan</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Series: </b><a href="/search/label/The%20Legends%20of%20the%20First%20Empire?&max-results=12">The Legends of the First Empire</a> #1<br />
<b>Date Published: </b><span itemprop="datePublished"> July 25, 2017</span><br />
<b>Publisher: </b>
<span itemprop="publisher" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">
<a href="/search/label/Del%20Rey?&max-results=12">Del Rey</a>
</span>
</span>
<br />
<b>Language: </b><span itemprop="inLanguage">English</span><br />
<b>Genre: </b>
<span itemprop="genre">
<a href="/search/label/Epic%20Fantasy?&max-results=12">Epic Fantasy</a>
</span><br />
<b>ISBN: </b><span itemprop="isbn">9781101965368</span><br />
<b>Format: </b><span itemprop="bookFormat">Hardcover</span> (I got a digital ARC via Netgalley for an honest review)<br />
<b>Pages: </b><span itemprop="numberOfPages">512</span><br />
</span><!-- end of schema:Book -->
<span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" style="line-height: 2;">
<rate4></rate4>
<b><eta content="4" itemprop="ratingValue"></eta></b>
</span>
<br />
<a class="ongoodreads" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32337902-age-of-swords?ac=1&from_search=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br />
<div id="wallee">
<synopsis><p>The gods have been proven mortal and new heroes will arise as the battle continues in the sequel to <i>Age of Myth</i>—from the author of the Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles series.</p>
n <i>Age of Myth</i>, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan launched readers on an epic journey of magic and adventure, heroism and betrayal, love and loss. Now the thrilling saga continues as the human uprising is threatened by powerful enemies from without—and bitter rivalries within.
<br /><br />
Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long-standing enmities dividing the Rhune make it all but impossible to unite against a common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess makes the Fhrey indistinguishable from gods?
<br /><br />
The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feels nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid—a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits—an enemy as surprising as it is deadly.
<a name='more'></a>
</synopsis>
</div>
<center class="booktags"><Tepic></Tepic><Tfantasy></Tfantasy><Tmagic></Tmagic><Tgore></Tgore><Ttearjerker></Ttearjerker></center>
<adsenselink></adsenselink>
<highlight><span class="hl">Review</span></highlight>
<span itemprop="reviewBody">
<span class="paragraph"><p>Dhal Rhen has fallen to devastation after the latest attack by the Fhreys using Grenmorians (giants) and so, Clan Rhen travels south in a mass exodus for a safer home and in preparation for war. With the threat of a war between the Rhunes (human) and the Fhrey (elves), Persephone has called for a council of all Rhunes, from the Rhulyn-Rhunes of the south to the Gula-Rhunes of the north in a bid for a <i>keenig</i> to rule them all.
</p>
</span>
The thing I love about my poor memory is that it would seem to me as if the story is new. There are tons of names here (by here, all of the books released in <i>The Legends of the First Empire</i> series so far) that should be familiar to me. It took me until finishing <i>Age of Swords</i> to realize that indeed, the Nyphron of Instarya was the founding king glorified in the kingdom during <a href="/search/label/The%20Riyria%20Revelations?&max-results=12"><i>Riyria</i></a>'s time.
<br />
<br />
<adsense></adsense>
There's this kid in this book named Tesh. Apart from Raithe, he's the only other Dureyan survivor so far. As Persephone's people travels south, Tesh went with the group. I haven't read the <i>Riyria</i> back. I could remember some "Teshlor" there (supposedly the ancient weapon martial art passed down from generation to generation until Hadrian Blackwater). So yeah, it was Teshlor, I guess (and not Tekchin). Hadrian Blackwater descended from the Teshlor knights while the beautiful Pickerings, I presume, descended from Tekchin and Moya. That's why the Pickerings are known (in Hadrian's time) to be the most beautiful clan in the kingdom for they inherited Moya's beauty. The Pickerings are also badasses because Moya is a badass woman while Tekchin is a badass Fhrey.
<br /><br />
I'm still a bit confused but anyway, I'm not going to reopen Riyria. I will just wait this one out until the fifth book of the series as some revelation to the past. Yes, I love <i>Aha!</i> moments when I least expect them but hate my confusion. Nevertheless, based on what we'd read from <i>The Riyria Revelations</i> series, we can foretell what's going to happen to the characters in the series. Nyphron will marry Persephone, and Moya will be married to Tekchin.
<br /><br />
Thus far, Raithe has not shown any remarkability worthy to be called a hero. He has a lot of letdowns in this book and his only achievement in the first book is being the Fhreyan pawn. Nyphron can't kill another Fhrey (he wished to go their elven heaven after death) and so, somebody else has to do the killing for him. Raithe is pivotal to that role. Yes, he's a noteworthy warrior but Malcolm has always catalyzed everything. If he has not achieved much as yet and he's obviously the first character the author pushed on our faces, then he might be the greatest hero there is by the end of the series, that only Brin and her readers will be privy to. I can't wait for his development.
<br /><br />
For readers of <a href="/search/label/The%20Riyria%20Revelations?&max-results=12">TRR (<i>The Riyria Revelations</i>) series</a>, we know how Mawyndule has destroyed the old kingdom (Nyphron's empire). And from this book, as Nyphron is a Fhrey and therefore will live for thousands of years, Nyphron will tell a different tale of how his kingdom came to be and all of the heroes in this series will be left forgotten. Brin will be the hero of that as she will soon discover how to write a book. People might tell a different history in the future but our heroes' memory will live in the famous, <i>The Book of Brin</i>.
<br /><br />
What I'm trying to say is that there's a high probability that Raithe will die. He won't have Persephone (unless he marries someone else) and he can't be Hadrian's ancestor if Tesh will be the one who will establish the Teshlor knights (unless he'll maintain unremarkable until the end and Tesh will achieve more than him). Sure, Raithe and Hadrian have the same physique, both tall and big-built but there's not always a happy ending for everybody just like what happened to a lovable character here.
<br /><br />
I can't parse my paragraphs well when I've got so much to say. So from here on, pardon me if it aggravates you with me starting my sentences with "I love" or "I hate".
<br /><br />
I hate Artax x Atreyu moments. Always. <b>*cries with a pool of tears*</b> Who would have guessed that the menace that <i>Riyria</i> had to face through had a very nice back story? That creature will produce other heroes in the future and is monumental to the birth of a new and better kingdom. Its creation is the most devastating part of this book. I won't tell anything more. I won't spoil and I'm still very sad. The thing I found funny was that no matter how much you destroy it, it turns out it will just respawn in time. That sure turned out problematic for the <i>Riyria</i> but now that I know how it came to be, I'm not mad on the idea that it will be summoned back without further sacrifice (or isn't there?).
<br /><br />
I love Michael J. Sullivan's skill at writing alternative history to discovering vocabulary, weapons, tools and a bunch of other stuff. When Gifford can't pronounce "r", he'd exchange words with r for his invented words and voila, new vocabulary! In a short span of time, Roan will invent and improve all these new tools, weapons and a whole bunch of stuff I was talking about. It's a bit weird though when Sullivan is pulling a bit of like how Rand created the "Randland" in <a href="/search/label/The%20Wheel%20of%20Time?&max-results=12"><i>The Wheel of Time</i> series</a> with all these alternate history stuff.
<br /><br />
Learning to use magic in this book felt much like learning to weave in <i>The Wheel of Time</i> too. Actually, I'm not mad, I find that cool as it will no longer give me headache to understanding wielding magic even though it's just fictional.
<br /><br />
War does hasten things. The characters are at an age where everybody is learning new things at once when time is of the essence, much like how a bunch of technology sprouted due to World War II (computers, satellite, Internet). At a time when the wheel and axle were invented (or in this case, discovered by humans with a bit of help by dwarves), the idea of preserving knowledge through physical means come alive.
<br /><br />
I love the quest into defeating Balgargarath, a giant demon, who was trapped by the Dhergs (dwarves) for six thousand of years in a merry chase, got it lost in the huge and deep labyrinth that is the heart of Neith, the cradle of Dherg civilization.
<br /><br />
I was awed at first as the group entered the entrance to the underground city of Neith. It reminds me of that huge cavern that the Fellowship of the Ring took as shortcut in the Lonely Mountains and that of the labyrinthine <i>Ways</i> (again, another shortcut) in the Wheel of Time. What's more? The monster that is Balgargarath reminds me of Balrog in the same manner that they are both giant monsters trapped in a complex giant cave. I love adventures like that.
<br /><br />
The problem was, I suppose the author meant to paint the place where Balgargarath was trapped to be so deep and the underground path intricate (as described with the <i>Riyria</i>'s adventure) but the author failed in doing so. The delivery was sloppy. He should have been more descriptive and should have made the readers feel as if we too, walked a very long way going under. Even the fall didn't feel that long. The Deep Shaft (the passage in Neith that leads to the bottom of the city, according to the glossary of terms) was just not impressive. The author could have built more on that.
<br /><br />
I just love the conspiracies among the Fhrey tribes. While the accusations aren't 100% true, there are perceived intentions that did match. Overall, this book has ironed out the kinks in <a href="/2017/07/age-of-myth-by-michael-j-sullivan-review.html">Age of Myth</a> and provided answers to some whys in Royce's and Hadrian's time. While the world is still starting to be developed and the primitive ways are very much alive, in Elan's world, this was still the best time there ever was. Discovery of wonderful things and being able to wield something in mastery that I've noticed nobody else has done (yet) are just truly amazing. Suri is the best thing that happened here. She's a true genius in the Art.
<br /><br />
Reaching the acknowledgment, I have learned how to describe myself using the author's words. I too am a solitary curmudgeon.
</span><!--end of reviewBody--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705300325464519504.post-78259449355052106322017-07-28T22:59:00.000+08:002017-08-12T18:45:24.414+08:00Foodgasm: Leona Cakes and Pastries SM City Cebu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avvkUwpPFso/WXtQuop3IJI/AAAAAAAAErY/GnR0Vi0tswQbzMPKzn1X-BLJqiRicp32wCLcBGAs/s1600/Leona%2BCake%2Band%2BPastries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leona Cakes and Pastries" border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avvkUwpPFso/WXtQuop3IJI/AAAAAAAAErY/GnR0Vi0tswQbzMPKzn1X-BLJqiRicp32wCLcBGAs/s1600/Leona%2BCake%2Band%2BPastries.jpg" title="Leona Cakes and Pastries" /></a></div>
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My classmate was celebrating her 35th birthday and she posted a photo of her beautiful cake slices. I can't help but be awed by the beauty of cakes. They all look so delicious! The only problem was that I don't have a sweet tooth and am not fond of cakes. Still, that didn't stop me from venturing on a cake hunt.<br /><a name='more'></a>
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Scouring the internet, I found that there's this cake restaurant that's only exclusive in Cebu and has been around for 15 years (they tried to expand more but closed some shops eventually). There's a branch on the North Wing of SM City Cebu and so, off I went along with my siblings to finish all the cakes since I only wanted to taste them.<br />
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Compared to easily accessible cake shop like Red Ribbon, Leona Cakes & Pastries' cakes are cheap! Well, their cheesecakes cost more.<br />
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I really wanted to try their beautiful-looking Mango Jubilee (and mango's my second all-time favorite flavor, next to raspberry) but I didn't see it on the shop. What I did find though was Blueberry Cheesecake (which was not available on their <a href="http://leonacakespastries.com.ph/" rel="nofollow">website</a>)! So now, I don't have to go hunting for a blueberry cheesecake.<br />
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These are what I ordered:
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5FHC7gwVC/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I don't have a sweet tooth & I also don't like cakes but I got cravings from Vicky Ang's 35th birthday cake plunge so here I am w/ my sis and bro. I was only taste-testing these beautiful pieces while they ate the rest. They're all yummy! (I'm still not fond of cakes though.) #cakes #foodcravings #leonacakesandpastries #tastetest</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:08:17+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:08am PDT</time></div>
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Let's discuss the drinks first. The sencha (Japanese style green tea) was bitter but not as bitter matcha according to my bro. I haven't tasted other green teas so I can't really compare. I love the green tea since it neutralizes the sweetness of the cakes (I don't have sweet tooth).
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5FXkdAOVw/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Sencha (Japanese style green tea) @ P35 only. #leonacakesandpastries #greentea</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:10:32+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:10am PDT</time></div>
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Meanwhile, their chocolate smoothie is nothing but iced cocoa powder (perhaps, with some condensed milk). I haven't tasted it but that's what my bro said. For the price, I think P95 for it was too much considering that you can buy cocoa powder at a very cheap price regardless of the brand. Anyhow, perhaps it's harder to prepare than their cakes.
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5F5VjAYiH/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Chocolate Smoothie @ P95. Gi-ice-an ra ni nga sikwate, not worth it nga price. #leonacakesandpastries #chocolatesmoothie #chocodrink</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:15:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:15am PDT</time></div>
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For their cakes, I have nothing to complain. They're all tasty! Every penny is worth it. The slice is just the right size too (typical of cake slices).
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5GR4sg2O_/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Chocolate Mocha Mousse @ P43 only! #leonacakesandpastries #chocomousse #cake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:18:30+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:18am PDT</time></div>
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Mango Sansrival is definitely my favorite. If you've tasted Negros' famous mango sansrival before, Leona could rival them. In fact, Leona's mango sansrival tasted better. It's more creamy and the abundance of nuts added to the surprise crispy factor. I love the marriage of grit and creaminess.
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5G2kog_U2/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Mango Sansrival cake @ P66 only. #leonacakesandpastries #cake #mangosansrival</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:23:30+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:23am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5HPJBA9KM/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">RedVelvet Cheesecake @ P73. #leonacakesandpastries #cake #redvelvet #cheesecake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:26:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:26am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5Hc5mAvj0/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Blueberry Cheesecake @ P77. #leonacakesandpastries #cake #blueberrycheesecake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:28:44+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:28am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5Hw72gXOw/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Strawberries n'Cream @ P49 only. #leonacakesandpastries #cake #strawberrycake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:31:28+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:31am PDT</time></div>
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<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5IC7lApTd/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Oreo Cheesecake @ P71. #leonacakesandpastries #cake #cheesecake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:33:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:33am PDT</time></div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5InQ1gnoW/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Ube cake @ P35 only! Any sarap ng icing! Sobrang sulit! Fave part ko lagi sa cake yung icing. #leonacakesandpastries #ubecake #cake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:38:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:38am PDT</time></div>
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<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BW5I9VZgX7K/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Frosty Mint cake @ P46 only! #leonacakesandpastries #mintcake #cake</a></div>
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A post shared by Zi Ruiz (@liezlruiz) on <time datetime="2017-07-23T14:41:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 23, 2017 at 7:41am PDT</time></div>
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Leona Cake and Pastries is located on the first floor of the North Wing of SM City Cebu, along the block of Forever 21.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXePkiAuhVA/WXt3vZgezpI/AAAAAAAAEro/SvKqORgMs8UgqShbz_4N0KF_8O68H6FtQCLcBGAs/s1600/Leona%2BCakes%2Band%2BPastries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leona Cakes and Pastries SM City Cebu" border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1506" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXePkiAuhVA/WXt3vZgezpI/AAAAAAAAEro/SvKqORgMs8UgqShbz_4N0KF_8O68H6FtQCLcBGAs/s1600/Leona%2BCakes%2Band%2BPastries.jpg" title="Leona Cakes and Pastries SM City Cebu" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />You're reading from <a href='http://www.zirev.com'>www.zirev.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/_Zirev">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zirev">Facebook</a></div>Liezl Ruizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159322468577655244noreply@blogger.com0