Waiting on Wednesday #8: If I Should Die

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

For my eight WoW and 2nd WoW of 2013, I give you...

*drumroll*....If I Should Die!

Book-iography

Title: If I Should Die

Author: Amy Plum

Published: May 7, 2013

Publisher: HarperTEEN

Type: Series (Revenants #3)

Bookshelves: Paranormal Romance, YA

Links: Goodreads

Blurb:

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Thoughts! :'>

The COVER...uhmm...is absolutely Photoshopped! UGH. They could have done better!! It looks like it was hastened to finish. .____.  COVER DESIGNER, kindly edit it! :) You have more like 5 months to make it look better! ^.^

Anyway, I love the blurb of the three books! I like the concept, but I haven't started reading it because I was waiting for this final installment. I don't want any cliff hangers to ruin my mood, so yeah. I'd rather wait for 5 more months to read the complete series than to weep in anguish while waiting after a cliff hanger. OR NOT. :P

Have you read the other two books? What are your thoughts? :)

God bless you! ;)

laurice-with-love ♥

Book Review: Widle's Meadow #3 (5/5)

Book-iography

Title: Wilde's Meadows

Author: Krystal Wade
Published: November 5, 2012

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Format: E-book

Pages: 225
Type: Series (Darkness Falls #3)
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Read: October 31-November 1, 2012

Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 

What can I say?

I can't believe I'm still crying! *sob.sob.sneeze.sob.again*

It's been 4 days since I finished the final installment of the Darkness Falls series and yet, I still can't get over it! *sob.sob* Reading the Darkness Falls series is by far the best action-packed Paranormal Romance I've read in 2012!!! Oh yes. It is breathtaking, magical, astounding, jaw-dropping, tear-jerking, heart-pounding, bone-breaking, hair-falling, book-throwing (READ.IT.NOW.AND.YOU'LL.KNOW.WHY). Oh, look at that. I run out of words to describe it!

Wilde's Meadow is the best book in the series! I hardly finished the book because of the twist at the near end, but I was deceived. It was stunningly a series of twists and it was GREAT! I can't stop crying when it ended because the book was well-thought of! Every detail has a meaning or symbol or story attached to it.

I'll definitely miss Arland. *please give me more tissue.sob.sob* He's the man any girl would want to have. I know that in God's perfect time, He will give the man for me and he will be better than Arland! *AMEN!* Anyway, sorry girls you can't have Arland. He's already to married to Katriona, who indubitably deserves him. :)

Speaking of Katriona, she's the best heroine that I've encountered! She endures anything. She sacrifices for the common good. She committed herself to the greater good. She loves her family. Oh, you'll love her!

Wilde's Meadow picks right up where Wilde's Army ended. Katriona and Arland are preparing to leave for the most awaited battle in Encardia: the battle to kill Dughbal. The preparations for the battle was epic! I didn't see it coming! Sorry, I can't explain what "it" is. You'll just have to read the book, but "it" involves portals, weird spells, and vomiting. Lots of vomiting. Anyway, I just thought that the roles of the creatures from the portals were not fully emphasized. I was also surprised that killing Dughbal was...that easy. You read it right: easy. I was expecting for something different. The deaths--oh yes, death with "s"--were heartbreaking. Why did they have to die? *sob.sob*

HOWEVER, don't you worry because it didn't make the book anything less than marvelous! In fact, the deaths were nothing but ASTOUNDING. The meaning behind their deaths were so perfectly knitted. I'm not sure, but it seems like an allegory. I mean, I believe the whole series is an allegory! An allegory of the sacrifice of Christ. Because of the sacrifice of someone, the curse was broken and they were given life that will never last. It was awesome, but I'm not sure if Krystal Wade meant it to be like that. :)

I don't know how to put my emotions into words. This book blew me completely. I'll have to read it again...and again...and again.

Thank you Krystal Wade for this awesome series! Thank you Curiosity Quills Press and NetGalley for my copy! :) You guys are awesome! :)

Come and visit my reviews for Wilde's Fire (Darkness Falls #1) and Wilde's Army (Darkness Falls #2)! :)

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! :)

Major Lessons Learned

I learned a lot. A LOT. I can't just write it because it's too many. I'll just share the best lesson that I got from the story. I still believe it's an allegory of Christ's sacrifice. :)

1. Accept the gift and it will be yours.

I guess you're all wondering what gift I'm talking about, but it's a gift for everyone. A gift that was paid thousands of years ago by Jesus Christ who died on the cross. He gave His life to pay the price for our sins. Do you remember? I hope you can help me browse the Bible in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Because of our sins, we are bound to die and to suffer eternally. However, there was someone who took the price at the Cross of Calvary. He was innocent, but He bore all our sins that we may receive the gift...the gift of salvation...the Gift of Life. Unfortunately, many have not yet received God's gift because they failed to acknowledge it. 

Wilde's Meadow reminded me of this truth. As soon as Katriona embraces who she really is, she accepts the gift given to her. 

The gift of salvation is right there in front of you. You just have to embrace who you are. Do you know who you are? :) You are "fearfully and wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:14). You are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). You are made to enjoy an eternal life (John 3:16). All you have to do is to confess your sins, believe and confess with your mouth with all your heart that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and you will receive the Gift of Salvation.

If you did this, CONGRATULATIONS! You are now a citizen of Heaven. Don't forget to take care of this gift. Don't throw it. Don't waste it. SHARE IT! :)

laurice-with-love <3
Find this review on Goodreads!

Book Review: Auracle (5/5)

Book-iography

Title: Auracle

Author: Gina Rosati
Published: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Format: E-book

Pages: 304
Type: Stand-alone
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Read: October 26-28, 2012

Links: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

I wonder how come this book only got a 4.08 rating when it is definitely a terrific one!

The story is cool because Anna, the protagonist, can astrally project out of her body! What's even cooler is that she can visit awesome places from different parts of the world without even paying her plane fare! She simply thinks of the place and *poof* she's there. She does it every time: while sleeping, during boring classes, and uhmmm, anytime she feels doing it. Good thing, she has Rei, her bestfriend of all time. Rei is the only person that knows about Anna's gift and he knew it since they were kids.

I love Rei! He's so protective of Anna in a good way. He plays the guitar. (Oh. LOVE.) Who wouldn't fall head over heels with a gorgeous guy who aces every exam, composes songs, plays the guitar, loves his best friends, and does his best to protect the love of his life? <3 *OUCH!* Ooops, sorry about that. I fell. Teeheehee! :))

Anna and Rei have another friend in the group: Seth. Unlike Rei, Seth is a carefree soul who doesn't bother much about his studies. All he wants is to be with cars, machines, and muscle building activities. Seth goes into trouble when Taylor, a mean-girl topnotcher, dies. Taylor is madly inlove with Seth, but Seth ignores her. He doesn't want to get involved in any of the troubles that accompanies Taylor. Unfortunately, his time comes.

Taylor steals Seth's phone and leaves a note in his locker that if he wants to get it back, he must meet her by the waterfalls at four in the afternoon. Anna and Rei offer to accompany him, but he insists to go there alone. Anna astrally projects out of her body and goes to the falls to check on Taylor and Seth. Meanwhile, Rei goes to his aikido class. Taylor tries to seduce Seth, but he does not give in. Taylor walks backward until she falls, but Seth catches her. He tries to save her, but nothing more can be done. She falls and dies.

Anna sees it all and when she returns to her body to tell Rei everything that happened, she can no longer get her body back. Someone is in her body. Taylor is in her body. She tries to hit Taylor, push her, and all other stuff, but she can't push Taylor out of her body.

Taylor wants revenge and she will use Anna's body to testify against Seth. Then Seth will be accused of the murder that he didn't commit. Taylor asks Rei that if he goes out with her, she will no longer testify against Seth. Anna will be left without her body...forever. Who will Rei choose? Anna, the love of his life? Or Seth, his best guy friend? Will Anna get her body? Or will Taylor forever haunt them?

I thought that this book is pretty typical. A girl can go out of her body. Someone takes her body. Fight. Fight. Fight. Then she gets it back. HAHAHA! :)) But I tell you guys, this book has a lot of cool twists to offer that you'll never expect! :) Congrats Gina Rosati! :) I enjoyed this book big time! :)

Hope you enjoy, too! :) God bless you! :)

laurice-with-love <3
Find this review on Goodreads!

Waiting on Wednesday #4: Black City

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

For my 4th WoW, I reveal my fourth most anticipated book everrr!

And that would be...*drumroll*....Black City!

Book-iography

Title: Black City

Author: Elizabeth Richards
Published: November 13, 2012

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Type: Series (Black City #1)

Bookshelves: YA Books, Dystopia, Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads 

Blurb:

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Thoughts! :'>

Hellooooo! Did you see that??? It's both dystopian and paranormal romance! How cool is that?! Please tell me you saw that! Well, one thing is for sure. MUST.HAVE.IT.THIS.NOVEMBER. I just hope that it's going to get published in our country. You know how some books never reach our bookstores. T.T Oh well, I'm really looking forward to reading this! :) 

laurice-with-love <3

Book Review: The Night Circus

Book-iography

Title: The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern
Published: September 13, 2011

Publisher: Doubleday

Format: Paperback

Pages: 506

Type: Stand-alone

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance

Read: August 27-28, 2012

Links: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

I AM SPEECHLESS.

I finished The Night Circus a week ago, but I couldn't put my emotions and thoughts into writing. The book is just too amazing, too incredible, too indescribable, and too spectacular to put into words! *sigh*

First of all, Erin Morgenstern is a literary genius! :) The writing. The plot. The sequence. The characters. Aww. She's a genius. Have you watched Ladder 49 by Jay Russell? That man's a genius, too! The sequence they both did is not linear; it's cyclical. Ladder 49 starts with the present time and builds the movie with flashbacks, but The Night Circus is, should I say, a lot more confusing but fantastic. It's plot jumps from the present to the past to the present to the future to the present again and so on. Yeah, what a ride. Other readers find this setting difficult, but if you get to the end, you'll see how brilliant the plot is! It's like weaving many movements into one grand musical piece!

Second of all, she's truly a genius. :) Who among you dislikes third person? That would be me! Wait,  wait, I see more hands. Oh! You, too? Well, I have news for you all. The Night Circus is written in third person. Eeeek. Before you return this book back to your shelves, give me a minute to defend it. :) I assure you it won't bother you. :) Haha. Lame. :)) Besides, it's written in many POVs. You'll get confused if Erin used first person. :) 

Now, on to the story. It all started with Hector Bowen (a.k.a. Prospero the Enchanter) and Mr. A.H--'s (a.k.a. Alexander) little game. Since time immemorial, the two illusionists would have their proteges compete in a game. It's a game of power, endurance, and strength. And it won't stop until one protege dies. But unlike any other game, it's not a physical duel. They weren't trained to use their talent--which simply put is "magic"--to fight their opponent. Instead, they were to prove that their "magic" is way better and stronger than the other. In the previous game, Mr. A.H--'s protege won and it meant that his strategy was better than Hector's.

This time, Hector is convinced that he would win because Celia his daughter has innate talent for magic. He started giving Celia practical training at the age of 6. On the other hand, Mr. A.H-- got a 9-year old orphan and gave him theoretical training for years. After 12 years of training, the game began. Marco knew from the very beginning that Celia was his opponent, but Celia knew it only 8 years after the game started. 

The venue of the game was the circus. It was a magical circus, but it won't be as magical as it is without Celia and Marco. In fact, the circus will cease to exist if any of them dies. The circus was founded on Celia and Marco's magic. It was the venue where they displayed their power by building amazing tents and magical circus-features. Both Celia and Marco were amazed by each other's works. As the game lasts longer, the deeper their love for each other grows. The deeper their love, the more complicated the game becomes. 

Celia and Marco love each other deeply, but one has to die. The circus exists because of Celia and Marco. If one of them dies, the circus ceases to exist. If they both live, the game will never end. How will they end this endless battle? Will either Celia or Marco sacrifice himself/herself to end the game? But if they die, will Le Cirque des Rêves or the Circus of Dreams remain?

Journey to The Night Circus is a wonderful reading experience. <3 Erin Morgenstern weaves everything perfectly into place. :) 

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! ;)

P.S. My biggest THAAAAANKS to my very good friend, Joane, who gave me this book as a birthday present! :)

laurice-with-love <3
Check this review on Goodreads!

Book Review: Spark

Book-iography

Title: Storm

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Format: E-book from NetGalley

Pages: 432

Type: Series (Elemental #2)

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance

Read: August 21-22, 2012

Links: Goodreads 
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

Okay....This is hard. First of all, I give Spark a rating of 3.5 stars. (It's my first time to give a half star! Yey! I'm just not too sure whether it's good or not. One thing is for sure, though. I'm being generous with my stars! HA! :'>)

Second of all, please let me warn you that this is simply my analysis of Spark and the series as a whole. Please don't get mad at me. :) Heehee. :">

Okay, so here goes nothing. To be really, really, really honest with you guys, I've been trying hard but I just couldn't get into the series. I know everybody loves the Elemental Series or at least more or less 90% of the reviews said so, but for some reasons, I wasn't allured to join the bandwagon. I know, I know. You're all wondering what has gotten into me. :| Sorry guys. I've tried and TRIED and still failed. Probably, it has something to do with the story. It could be more convenient if it was condensed into a 200-page book since the gist of the story is at the last 50+ pages. I think we could do away with the other 100+ pages. Haha. Just sayin'. Sorry :'>

Anyway, moving on to Spark...I should say it is better than Storm! :) It drives a whole lot of emotion from its readers. You would really feel for Gabriel Merrick--his pain, hurts, irritation, agitation, and what have you. It's heartwarming to know that beyond those muscles of strength, anger, and rejection,  there's a loving twin who wants nothing but the safety of his family and loved ones. I bet many would fall head over heels with Gabriel. Sad to say he's taken. Haha! =))

It's quite a good book, but I just had a couple of issues with it. First was Nick. Whatever happened to Nick? >:(< The last time I checked he was a good twin. *sobsob* What happened? *sobsob* And what did I miss in Storm that I didn't see Nick and _____ coming together? I even thought it was Gabriel and ____! Well that was what I got from Storm. Anyway, second was Becca. Whatever happened to Becca? Err. She seemed different. And Layne? Yeah, is she Elemental? No idea--not answered in the book. T.T

OH! Before I forget, the half-star goes to....*drumroll*.....Gabriel! :"> His love for his brothers is simply heroic. :)

laurice-with-love <3

See this review on Goodreads! :)

Book Review: Storm (Elemental #1)

Book-iography

Title: Storm

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Format: E-book

Pages: 418

Type: Series (Elemental #1)

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance

Read: August 9-12, 2012

Links: Goodreads 
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

Please forgive me. Am I the only who isn't screaming "AMAZING! FANTASTIC! WHOOOOA!"?

Oookay. Please don't get me wrong. I enjoyed reading Storm, but somehow it didn't penetrate my "inner-self" that deeply. There was too much unsettled issues and ill-defined stand. I was really confused :( I mean, Becca, herself, IS confused.  Sorry, but it pains me so much to love Chris because I don't want to get my heart broken in the end. :( There wasn't a clear path who's who or which is which. Chris? Hunter? Chris? Hunter? Chris? Hunter? Oh please. The book ended without any "clear" answer. :( Sure the ending was a major "awww <3," but I'm too scared to even give in to that. :P And Oh! One more thing: it's 3rd Person POV. :/

BUT take heart Storm-lovers. I actually DID like the mind-bending suspense that Brigid Kemmerer built in determining the Guide. HAHA. I enjoyed that part. :D It left me and my mind wracked. :)) BTW, a Guide  is a Fifth Elemental. He controls all the other elements (Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth). The Guides are sent to destroy the Pure Elementals, those who have full control on one of the elements. However, Pure Elementals are sought to be dangerous and aren't allowed to live. When one is discovered, a Guide is immediately sent to destroy the Pure Elemental. Unfortunately, Chris and his three other brothers are Pure Elementals and nothing can truly satisfy their enemies than to see Chris and his brothers...dead. X| Anyway, that's where the Guide, Becca, Hunter come to the picture. So it will be:

Chris + Becca + Hunter + 3 brothers + Guide. 

The most interesting part is the Guide. :) Is s/he one of them? O.O You'll never know 'til you read it. :) 

Many questions and issues will be left unanswered. Let's just hope for the best that Spark (Elemental #2)--which will be released on August 28--has the answers. :)

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! ;)

laurice-with-love <3
See this review on Goodreads! :)

Book Review: Wilde's Army

Book-iography

Title: Wilde's Fire

Author: Krystal Wade

Published: July 4, 2012

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Format: Ebook from NetGalley

Pages: 140

Type: Series, Darkness Falls #2

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal

Read: August 7-8, 2012

Links: Goodreads

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

What can I say? What can I say?

I am DEFINITELY LOVING this series!

Remember my review about Wilde's Fire having substance? Yeah? Well, there's more! This book doesn't just have substance, but values as well! I should say, this book is very decent! I seriously recommended it to all ages! Trust me, it won't give you an eerie feeling when reading that part (you'll know what I mean when you get there :P).

Wilde's Army picks up where Wilde's Fire ended. Everyone is gone, even Arland. They've all been taken away by the daemons, but Kate is left in Watcher's Hall, unharmed and protected. Someone hid her from the daemons, but who? Then Perth, the Ground Dweller whom Kate is forced to marry, sees her. She isn't alone after all. Kate doesn't love Perth, in fact, she doesn't trust him at all. Everybody in Encardia doesn't trust the Ground Dwellers because they are evil. They use their magic against nature. But Perth offers to help Kate save everybody else. How come Perth wasn't taken by the daemons? Can Kate trust him? Or does Perth have any hidden motives for his actions? 

The tension rises when everybody gets to Willow Falls. Their stay there can make or break the future of Encardia. While Arland and Kate are destined to be Bound (a.k.a. married), Perth's father, Dufaigh, will do everything in his power to stop it. Dufaigh thirsts for power that only Kate can give. And Kate's marriage to Perth is what he needs to prevent Arland from being the High Leader and to secure the position to Perth. So once they reach Willow Falls, Dufaigh will rush everybody for Kate and Perth's marriage. Aaaah! And the problem doesn't even end there. Once Dufaigh learns that Kate is in love with Arland and not with this son, he won't let a second pass without Arland's cold body in his hand. *creepy* 

Ookay. There's still another burden to carry. Kate has to unite everybody: the Light Lovers, Sea Dwellers, and Ground Dwellers. Given the fact that the Light Lovers and the Ground Dwellers are in war for centuries, uniting them is close to impossible. Will Kate be able to unite Dufaigh (the man who wants to use her for power), High Leade Maher (Arland's father who keeps something from them), and Murchadha (the Leader of Sea Dweller who lies to Arland)? Or will she face the Darkness alone?

Krystal Wade amazes me once again in Wilde's Army! :) Brace yourself for a creepier, more exciting, and more heart pounding paranormal romance! :) I can't believe Wilde's Meadow won't be out 'til Novembeeer! O.O I can't wait! @.@

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! :)

MAJOR LESSONS LEARNED

1. Save yourself for marriage! ;)
True! When you save yourself for marriage, the bond is truly pure and intact. Just like Kate and _______, their bond isn't like any other. It's so strong, so pure, and so powerful! I believe the same thing applies in real life. Love that transcends bodily desires is so pure that the bond between the couple would be unbreakable. :)

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." 

-Hebrew 13:4

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

-Mark 10:9

2. Don't just conform with the general trend. Stand up for the truth!
A lot of the Draiochtans, Light Lovers and Groud Dwellers alike, have simply conformed with the majority. Centuries have passed, yet they allowed Foghlad and Dufaigh to take over them. They allowed fear to take control. They did nothing, though they knew they were treading the wrong path. But Kate is different. With all the courage she has, she stands up and fights for the truth!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

-Philippians 4:8

laurice-with-love <3
Check this review on Goodreads! :)

Book Review: Wilde's Fire

Book-iography

Title: Wilde's Fire

Author: Krystal Wade

Published: May 13, 2012

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Format: Ebook from NetGalley

Pages: 146

Type: Series, Darkness Falls #1

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal

Read: August 3-6, 2012

Links: Goodreads

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

This book is F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.!

Honestly, I liked this book. Though I've read a lot of typos and negative reviews about it, it didn't stop me from reading and enjoying Wilde's Fire! :) 

When I read YA books, I read it like I'm reading Shakespeare! I delve into the words until I get its meaning, significance, and implications in the real world. And to tell you the truth, THIS BOOK HAS SUBSTANCE! :)

This story reveals us the true identity of Kate and how her life can save her world.

Kate goes camping with her younger sister Brit and bestfriend Brad in Goat Ridge, their "secret" camping site. Along the hike, Kate experiences five of the weirdest things on earth. First, she sees another dream. This is just one of the thousands of dreams (or should I say, nightmares) she has been experiencing for the last six years. Most of her nightmares show horrifying creatures killing Arland, the love of her life whom she hasn't met. Will Kate hold on to Arland even if she sees him only in her dreams?

Second is Brad's actions. They've been the best of friends since childhood. He hasn't shown any interest in Kate, but during the hike, he's been acting differently. He starts to show signs that are new to their friendship. Will he finally confess his love for Kate? Will they be a couple?

Third is the yellow light. While on camp, Kate sees a yellow light. She ignores it because others won't believe her. At midnight, the yellow light shows up again. This time it leads Kate to the swimming hole. Can she trust the yellow light?

Fourth is the portal. When Kate, Brit, and Brad go to the swimming hole, the yellow light appears again. It directs them to what appears to be an underwater cave. Unfortunately, it's not. It's a portal connecting two worlds: Earth and Encardia. 

Fifth is Encardia. Darkness has subdued Encardia for almost 20 years. It kills everything that has life, destroys nature, and hides sunlight. What will you do if all your nightmares are true? The monsters, the people, the killings...they're all true.

What will you do if 20 years of your life was only a lie? If you discover that you're the only one who can save your own world? If your family and bestfriend are in danger? And if the only key to rekindle your power is unknown?

Wilde's Fire is a hair-raising-fast-paced-fantasy-action that will make your heart pound like there's no tomorrow! So visual was the writing that you will feel the terror of the war creep through your senses! I can't wait to read the sequel!

Enjoy reading! God bless you!

Major Lessons Learned

1. Learn to value Nature and things of little or great value before it's too late. 

The two worlds gave me this insight. Encardia was under the power of Darkness for almost 20 years. Everything that has life died: the trees, the insects, even the people. The survivors had to protect and value everything that was left. They saw the food as if it were the last drop of water in the desert. 

A complete opposite of this was life on Earth. Here, we have everything we need for survival: the sun, the rivers, the trees, the air, the animals, the fishes, the people.....and the list goes on. But we squander it all like we have an unlimited resources. We exploit what natural resources we have! 

I pray that we don't have to experience the same suffering in Encardia before we realize how blessed we are for our Nature! Let's start to value our environment. Little actions count!

2. Pure love is the key.

[If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3]

Even if you have all the riches and powers of this world, but if you don't have love, it will be nothing. We should remember that from pure love springs forth justice, peace, forgiveness, unity, and joy. But we must surrender ourselves to the source of Pure Love, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, just as Kate submitted to source of True Light and Love.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."

Philippians 4:8

laurice-with-love <3
Check this review on Goodreads! :)

UPDATE! What Kills Me Sequel

Surprise! Surprise! XD

I just got a confirmation from Ms. Wynne Channing this morning. Guess what! It's confirmed!!! She's now writing a sequel for What Kills Me! :D Yeeepee!

To those who haven't read Book 1, go ahead and log in to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords! You're missing a lot of action men.

If you're still not convinced, please read my book review for What Kills Me (click me). :)



Enjoy reading! God bless you!

laurice-with-love <3

Book Review: What Kills Me

Book-iography

Title: What Kills Me

Author: Wynne Channing
Published: June 6, 2012

Publisher: Jet & Jack Press

Format: Ebook

Pages: 254

Type: Stand-alone

Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance

Read: July 16-17, 2012

Links: Goodreads | Amazon
 Smashwords | Barnes&Noble

Rating: 

What can I say?

Brilliant! Thrilling! Breathtaking!


Honestly, these are understatements. They don't at all give justice to this noteworthy piece of literature! Let's use them nonetheless, for lack of a better term. 


When I was reading through its first chapters, I was surprised that it was Twilight-ish. To tell you frankly, I was disappointed--not that I didn't like Twilight (I actually did), but c'mon, we're looking for originality here. 


As with Twilight vampires, vampires here also drink blood (What was I thinking? Of course they do); their senses are intensified; they are completely destroyed through decapitation; and they are also affected by the sunlight, but that's where all the similarities end. It turns out Wynne Channing has a whole lot of BOLD, BRILLIANT, and BREATHTAKING ideas for us! 


One is Axelia (a.k.a. Zee). She's a seventeen-year-old Canadian who went to study in Rome only to never return home again. Poor Zee. The first time she violates a command she encounters death. She falls into a deep sacred well filled with the Ancients' blood--the first and the most powerful vampires--and dies. But Zee's existence doesn't stop there. When she wakes up, she's a beautiful, flawless, and powerful VAMPIRE. She's probably even more powerful than expected because the Ancients' blood runs through her veins. Her rebirth is unacceptable and unwanted, causing the Empress to summon the best of her army to go after her and all those who try to help her. They believe that she's the one in the prophecy: a vampire, born from unconventional means, will restore order by killing the entire vampire race. Seriously? The Monarchy fears this and wants Zee dead before she causes harm to the vampire race. Those who loved The Faeriewalker Series will love this just as much because it'll remind you of the Seelie and Unseelie Queens.


Zee escapes the Monarchy and finds refuge in the family of Noel, Lucas, and Jerome. Noel is such a lovely father, rich with love and virtue. The same virtues are passed on to his son, Lucas, who'll do everything he can to protect Zee. Others like Samira, Kinman, Nuwa, Uther, Lettie, and other more will also try to protect her against the wrath of the Monarchy, but they all have to pay the price. Will they stand against the strength and skill of the Monarchy's army? Will they survive? If the prophecy is true, will Zee exterminate the entire vampire race?


This slashing-beheading-burning-action-filled fiction will keep your hands and eyes gripped on your e-readers because you'll never want to miss what'll happen next! :) Is there a sequel? No news so far, but there should definitely be one! :]

Major Lessons Learned:

1. Don't let apathy destroy a country. 

Have you noticed that nowadays people become more and more apathetic towards the surroundings? A lady's picking up her fallen groceries and other people will simply pass through her as if she doesn't need help. There are times when an old lady or a pregnant woman enters a train, but no one stands and offer their sit. Other people tend to be blind about the crime they see. There are also instances that people throw their garbage on the streets because it's not their street. In every circumstance, people grow more and more apathetic and it's scary. 

I learned this from Zee and Noel. They risk their lives for people they hardly know not because they'll get any benefit from it, but they know that it is right and it is good. Remember that as long as we're able to help, let's go out and make a difference! :)

2. "Courage, my child, is not the absence of fear. It’s the triumph over fear. It’s how you handle yourself in these times, and these times are not for the weak of heart." -Nuwa

The quotation is self-explanatory. Whenever you face a mountain of problems, take heart. Muster all the courage and strength that you have and believe that God makes everything beautiful in His time. The world won't offer "sugar, spice, and everything nice." You have to be brave to face the world, but you can't do it alone. Surrender your fears to God and He will lead you every step of your journey in life. :)

3. You don't have to be dead (or a vampire) in order to see the beauty of God's Creation. God has given us the senses and intellect to behold the beauty before us. Appreciate everything around you before it's too late.

"I wished I had my camera; there was so much life to capture. I wanted to touch everything."
-Zee
"At least I had a life. I had a family. I was going to go to university and get married."
-Zee

When Zee becomes a vampire, she admires everything she sees--people, nature, life--and hopes that she might experience them again. Don't wait until it's too late. Love your family. Love your friends. Love yourself. That's right. God has given us 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to marvel upon the beauty of God's Creation. Have you thank God for your life? your family? your friends? Thank God for every little or big blessing you have right now. Cherish them. Treasure them.

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! ;)

laurice-with-love <3


Find this review on Goodreads!:)