She Flies with Faeries Reviews: CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.

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Rainbow Rowell is one of those authors whose works I’d always–ALWAYS–read. And CARRY ON, for starters, is one of those stories that I’ve waited for ever since it was announced that she was going to write it–not just as part of FANGIRL (which is one of my favorite books, ever), but on its own.

Here’s a little backstory, if you haven’t read FANGIRL. CARRY ON is this story that Cath and Wren made a fanfiction of. So, it’s basically a story within a story, which made it so cool and captivating.

You see, CARRY ON is like a mix of Harry Potter and Twilight in its own dreamworld; in its own reality. It’s not trying to pretend to be something else. It’s about finding the CHOSEN ONE, slaying dragons, falling in love with vampires, living in a world full of magic–which definitely made it an easy read. It’s one of those books you’d want to get lost in, especially when you’re feeling like this world is dampening your spirits yet again.

Let’s see. Well, I’d have to say, CARRY ON kind of started out as too “meta” for me. I was like, I’m pretty sure I already know what I’m getting, especially because there were bits of it in FANGIRL. But what’s great about this book is that the author was able to explore its world, and give us more of it in return.

I’d have to admit, there were parts in the beginning where I felt a bit bored–until ta-daaaa this mysterious character suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Oh, and that’s one of those things I like about this book, too, mind you: the fact that it’s told in different perspectives. I always like stories like that because it helps me get in the head of various characters, and not just one of them.

Okay, so, mysterious character started talking and I was like, What fresh hell is this? (sorry, obsessed with Scream Queens right now) and well, it was also nice getting in Baz’s head. That vampire is probably one of my favorite vampires right now–or ever–because he’s sexy, he’s dapper, he’s…well, he could be arrogant, and that’s what makes you like the banter between him and Simon Snow.

I thought there was a lack of banter and connection between the two in the first few parts of the book, which I would have wanted to see. Buildup was slow but man, once it started happening, it just couldn’t end and I swear, you’ll totally swoon (I sure did). Baz and Snow have this unique dynamic. I’m not a DRARRY shipper but I could totally feel them between these two (haha!) and you’d just love to read more. Their arguments are cute, but what’s better is how their feelings for each other unfolded; how we get to see them fall in love, and just get lost in it–while still trying to fight it.

Their love story is complicated, and it doesn’t help that the whole Magickal world is complicated, too–but there in lies the promise. There were betrayals. There were points when you’d feel like Oh god, that was not supposed to happen, and it would break your heart.

Another thing I like about this is that we got to see how each of the characters chose their own endings; how they didn’t just let the world trick them, and we get to understand why they made the choices their made. I guess, this book holds a lot of answers–which is good, considering I don’t know if we’re getting part 2.

All in all, CARRY ON is truly captivating. You’ll swoon, you’ll smile, you’ll laugh…maybe, even cry. But what’s important is that you’ll feel for each of the characters. You’ll root for them. And, well, they’ll help you CARRY ON. 

The Ultimate Harry Potter Tag

So…I’ve been inspired by Fandoms on the Run and decided to do this tag, too! As you know, I’m a big Potterhead so this is pretty much a given :D

1) Favourite book?
Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows.

2) Least favourite book?
Ugh this is hard. Maybe, Half-Blood Prince? I just have not reread it as much as I have reread the rest.

3) Favourite movie?
PRISONER OF AZKABAN!!!!

4) Least favourite movie?
Again, Half-Blood Prince. It just didn’t show the depth of the book. Also GOF was wrong on so many levels. I mean, hello, “CALMLY”….

5) Favourite quote?
“You’re not going mad. I can see them too. You’re just as sane as I am”

Also “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times–if one only remembers to turn on the light” 

6) Favourite Weasley?
The Twins.

7) Favourite female character?
Luna Lovegood, for sure.

8) Favourite villain.
Bellatrix. She IS exceptional. (But I’d never forgive her for killing Dobby)

9) Favourite male character?
It would be a toss between Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. I love my Marauders. <3 Also, I have a soft spot for Bill.

10) Favourite professor?
LUPIN!!!!

11) Would you rather A) wash Snape’s hair or B) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?
Probably just listen to Lockhart (what?! He’s cute lol). I don’t like washing other people’s hair.

12) Would you rather duel A) an elated Bellatrix or B) and angry Molly?
An elated Bellatrix, for sure. She’s easily distracted that way.

13) Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via A) Hogwarts Express or B) Flying Car?
Hogwarts Express. You have no idea how much I’ve fantasized for that for so long.

14) Would you rather A) Kiss Voldemort or B) give Umbridge a bubble bath?
I’d rather kiss Voldy. WHO EVEN LIKES UMBRIDGE?!!!!

15) Would you rather A) ride a Hippogriff or B) ride a Firebolt?
Hippogriff. Not a fan of brooms.

16) Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies?
Ginny. Movie Ginny just didn’t give justice to Book Ginny—and it’s not Bonnie Wright’s fault okay.

17) Is there a movie you preferred to the book?
Azkaban. But I love it just as much as the book.

18) Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore?
I actually like Michael Gambon better.

 

19) Your top thing (person or event) that wasn’t in the movie that you wanted there the most?
PEEEEEVES. Most of GOF. Plus Luna, Ollivander, and Dean in Shell Cottage—more of it. Fleur staying at the Burrow. Fleur and Molly making up. There were just so many things from GOF and HBP that I wished were there. AND REAL GINNY! Oh, and Dudley apologizing to Harry. Well, there’s a floating deleted scene out there that you can watch but I wished they added it in the final cut.

20) If you could remake any of the Harry Potter movies which would it be?
GOF. Definitely.

21 Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of?
Ravenclaw.

22) Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore?
Slytherin, and you know what? I’ve come to understand why.

23) Which class would be your favourite?
History of Magic, Transfiguration, Divination (why not?), DADA

24) Which spell do you think would be most useful to learn?
Avada Kedavra lol jk. Maybe Accio and Lumos/Nox. Also Stupefy.

25) Which character do you think you’d instantly become friends with?
LUNA. NEVILLE. Maybe Ron.

26) If you could own one of the three Hallows, which would it be?
The Elder Wand.

27) Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change?
Probably that Harry should have ended up with Luna.

28) Favourite Marauder?
Sirius and Remus.

29) If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be?
SIRIUS. He deserves a second chance to be happy—and FREE. His death still pains me. ALSO DOBBY.

30) Hallows or Horcruxes?
Hallows. I am not comfortable with the idea of splitting my soul, thank you very much.

Any Potterheads out there? Let’s talk! :) And feel free to do this, too!

She Flies with Faeries Reviews: LEARNING TO FALL by Mina V. Esguerra

Title: Learning to Fall

Author: Mina V. Esguerra

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Grab your copy HERE

“Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.”

Avid reader and art student Steph is participating in a monthly blog challenge to Live Like Fiction, and this was the task for October. When Grayson, former co-captain of her university rugby team, walks into her class, she knows it’s meant to be – she has to go out with this guy. Even if she’s never been attracted to big, hunky, athletic types. With Grayson’s “player” reputation off the field, Steph thinks he’ll be good for one date that’ll be worth blogging about, and that’s it.

But you know how it goes: Soon, it becomes more than just one date – and Steph and Grayson are caught up in “living like fiction.” How long can they keep playing their roles before reality steps in?

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What do you get when you mix a hot rugby player with an artistic book blogger? You get a sexy, scorching combination, that is.

LEARNING TO FALL tells the story of Steph, a book blogger slash Arts student who meets this hot, sexy, and witty guy. Well, hot, sexy, and witty guy is really not a problem, except Steph’s distracted enough already.

However, fate comes into play when she joins this monthly blog challenged entitled Live Like Fiction. What does she have to do? Well, go out with someone who isn’t her type, that is.

I have to say, Grayson is like, one of the hottest love interests I’ve ever encountered in a book. Not to mention, he has the right brand of humor to go along with it. I also enjoyed his banter with Steph: how he almost always catches her off-guard, and how he challenges her to be a better student, and a better person.

Sure, you may have heard of the one date and it’s over trope before, but what makes this different is the fact that Steph is not one of those flaky, weak characters. She is strong on her own, and she knows how to deal with her man. Of course, there were times when her complexities hit her, but that’s just a normal part of life–which is another thing I loved about this book: how it’s almost unreal, and yet, somehow, you feel like it actually could happen.

Here’s another thing: this book will challenge you. I mean, it will keep you thinking about what could happen in your life if you actually take chances that you’re often to shy, or too hesitant to take. It’s not just about blog challenges; it’s about those important moments in your life; the ones that matter, even without looking like it in the beginning. It’ll remind you that in life, you do have to make decisions—your own decisions–because you could actually be in control of your life.

You’re the one who makes your life what it is–and that’s the best thing you could take away from Steph and Grayson.

LEARNING TO FALL certainly ended with a bang. Read it all the way through. Who knows? Maybe, you’d find your own Grayson, too!

Get to know #IncredibleTruths + Launch on the 24th

After a month or so of classes, my classmates and I were able to produce 10 amazing stories set in 10 incredible worlds, making up the #StrangeLit #IncredibleTruths bundle! This is available on BUQO for just $1.99 or P90–for a limited time only! Regular price is P250 so grab it while it’s fresh–and super affordable!

Learn more about the bundle below!

Beware the tale that distracts you with the telling — it’s planting a truth in your mind, and you may find yourself believing in the incredible too. 

Bloodline Maharlika (Anne Plaza)

There’s nothing ordinary about Owenn Magpantay the moment awareness seeped through her consciousness. A demi-goddess born from the line of maharlika and Bathala himself, Owenn is the hope for peace between mortal and the divine. But when the god Apolaki decried Bathala’s love for humans, Owenn became his ultimate target. Together with her half-sister, the bathaluman Mayari, they travel to present day Manila where Owenn must eventually face the evil of Apolaki with the help of Companions descended from the warrior nobility.

Shake-Ups (Elea Andrea Almazora)

Rosie Rivas is, for the most part, unshakeable–as long as she and her father are left alone. But between freak earthquakes, unexpected guests, and even more unexpected family secrets, she finds herself facing a choice:

Will she hold steady, or will she be brave enough to shake things up?

As the Night Ends (Alveel Kaith C.)

C is the one you go to when your life needs saving.

Need to pass an entrance exam? No sweat.

Girlfriend’s birthday approaching and you don’t have a gift? She’ll have it before the day ends.

Sex tape needs to be deleted in boyfriend’s computer? Can you give her something more challenging than that?

C cleans up your mess, and that’s practically all you need to know.

The job was supposed to be simple. Pretend to be a high school classmate’s girlfriend for the weekend, look pretty, and answer all questions appropriately. But then she finds herself awakened in the middle of the night and brought to a clearing where said classmate started spouting words like monsters, redemption, war, and savior.

31st (Cindy dela Cruz)

Beneath the glamour, underground creatures lurked.

Stormy Hollow: The Hunt for the Divine Necklace (LC Mills)

Stormy Hollow, Georgia.

A land filled with willow trees, trellises, and flowers of every kind. Beautiful. Enchanting.
But never what you imagine it to be.
For in Stormy Hallow, witches lives. Witches, who are the descendants of the survivors of the Salem Trial who decided to build their own community and call it Stormy Hollow. They kept it protected from the outside world, but not to their own breed.

The Divine Necklace

Centuries ago, a war ensued over the original batch of witches that prompted them to be divided into two: the coven, and the alliance.
The alliance had the Divine Necklace to protect them—the necklace that’s considered as the most powerful thing in the wizarding world.

Then

Sixteen years ago, members of the coven, and the alliance, had an argument that led to the worst fight they had in years, killing members of the coven, including the Hazels—leaders of the coven, and prompting the survivors to cast a spell on members of the alliance, saying that they’ll never be allowed in Stormy Hollow again.
But Hera Miller, leader of the alliance, cast a curse, saying that by the time the last witches turn sixteen, a new war would ensue. She also took half of the divine necklace with her, without the coven’s knowledge.

Now

Alexandra and Achelois Hazel have finally turned sixteen.
But little did they know that their celebration wouldn’t really be a celebration, but a sign of things to come.
For their birthday marks the new wizarding war.
And nothing is going to stop the alliance now.

A Sky of Wishes (Kristel Ann Cruz)

A world governed by logic and rules does not have time for childhood fantasies like wishing stars, or so we thought. After Stella gets diagnosed with a terminal illness, Aries turned to the sky and pleaded for his mother to be healed. Imagine his surprise when a Star manifests itself to him, willing to give him anything he wishes for. There is only one rule: Everything comes with a price. With his mother’s life on the line, how far could he go? In a battle between fates and wishes, what would Aries be willing to give up?

The Secret Society (SJM Fuertes)

Eighteen-year old, Maxine Drew is in search for the real reason why her dad died 8 years ago. As she begins her journey, she bumps into Seth, a guy from the Modern World who eventually takes her to LocHelm Academy, where everyone has a unique ability to help save the people of the Cosmos from the gruelling hands of the Government. Will she be able to discover herself and survive the future?

Talulikas Chronicles (Clark Feliciano)

For buddies Allan and Isagani, this semester would be just the same as the last. Notes to take, exams to pass and projects to be submitted. Plus of course there was Lillian, who behaved like a diva almost every morning making them rush to class and beat the bell. When Marissa, Lilian’s childhood friend arrives and decides to enroll at the same school, things take an unexpected turn. A warrior, a damsel in distress and an overwhelmed companion. What else could possibly go wrong?

Nexus Book 1: Anathema (Ysa Arcangel)

When the world was young, supernatural creatures walked among mankind freely. Chaos reigned as the supernatural beings sought supremacy. The human race was nearly wiped out of the face of the earth. Dark creatures preyed on the weaker. Demons inhabited human bodies and angels fell in love with them, hence Nexi, the cursed, were born.

Anathema has always seen strange things but never knew exactly why. Despite the pain, misery, agony and suffering it brings her, she has learned to accept her unique ability. As she strives to find out the reason for being able to travel through different realms and being a magnet to spirits of the dead, she realizes how little she knows about the truth of her existence.

When she is thrust in the middle of a war, a war that had been going on since the beginning of creation, she is joined by her longtime friend Alex, and a dark, mysterious stranger named Calix, who seemed to know more about her than she does herself.

Now Anathema must make a choice — one that will save one world and destroy the other. Will she turn her back to the light she had always known and embrace the darkness within her?

Viva Voce (DJ Paguraya)

An immortal man and a quest to protect history from those who dare seek to rewrite it. But when an important information proved that a mythical society is real, the threat to history is more than one man can handle.

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You’ll get all 10 of those stories for just $1.99/P90!  

 Launch is on October 24th at Recession Coffee, 3rd Floor, Eastwood Mall! Apart from #IncredibleTruths, you’d also get to check out 3 other #StrangeLit bundles, too, but you can start buying and reading your copies now! Giveaways await at the launch event, so see you there!