Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat, Work Better #KitKatBreakMovement

(credits to the owner)

I think everyone agrees with me when I say that no one wants to work. And yet we have to. Some work for their jobs, some work for school like me. And when that work has a deadline you could just feel your head become full to bursting from all the pressure and stress. I know I have. Especially when you have to finish multiple things at once, like when the hell week of the semester strikes and the requirements keep piling up. I give myself a break during these situations. And sometimes just have a Kit Kat as the motto suggests. 

But what if that chocolatey and crunchy piece of heaven is not your ordinary chocolatey and crunchy piece of heaven? What if it had the power to unlock a skill that you want/need? I, for one, have an answer to that question. I want to unlock the skill of efficiency under pressure so I can stay focused on my work and make the most of it. And to help you visualize how it would happen, I have created a very professional and intellectual rage comic (irony intended). Enjoy. 

And there you have it. How about you? What skill would you want to unlock after a Kit Kat Break? Let me know in the comments! Arrivederci!

Book Review: Proxy by Alex London

How's it going, people? As some of you may know, National Book Store will be hosting a book signing event on August 30 featuring the author Alex London. And since I've always wanted to go to a book signing, I decided to read his books. And boy, did I make the right decision! Why, you ask? Let's find out.

• Title: Proxy
• Author: Alex London
• Genre: young adult, dystopia, sci-fi, thriller, 
• Pages: 384 pages (hardcover)
• Published: 18 June 2013
• Series:  Proxy #1

"Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.

Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid."

I actually had high expectations for this novel because of what I went through to find it. (Insignificant life-sharing ahead) I had to go to THREE NBS branches before finally securing a copy! What was weird was that the Saturday after they posted about the event, there were still lots of copies left but when I returned 1 week later, they were all GONE! Apparently when an author is scheduled to have a book signing event, his/her books magically vanish from the stores. Which sucks. Especially for people who need to save up first before buying (like me!).

Anyway, now that I got that out of my system let's head on to the review. In the first few pages, you are introduced to a totally advanced world-a world where human blood is like a program and could be patched whenever you want to change something on your body. The first few chapters themselves are a great kickstarter for the novel because of how action-packed it is. And I loved how Proxy did not have dull moments. You either enjoy the action or find yourself wanting to know what happens next because of the suspense and mysteries. It is hard to put down.

SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!

I would want to tell you something special about Proxy and I want you to know that I do not want to offend anybody and that I am trying to write without offending anyone the best way I can. Proxy's protagonist, Syd, is gay. However it does not turn the novel into a Gay YA novel. That's just a part of his identity. It does not play a major role in the story but it turns out to be a pretty good way of introducing/promoting the gay community to younger audiences like me. I loved how it wasn't such a big part of the story and that you won't consider it as a big deal when reading Proxy. Even though I'm straight, I read Proxy comfortably and enjoyed it. I mean, what's the matter with him being gay? He's a sci-fi action star! Not that I'm saying that there's something wrong with being gay. It's just that some straight people tend to be uncomfortable or worse: narrow-minded when it comes to these kinds of genres. But I think they are just being too overwhelmed with the difference between straight people and the lgbt community. This novel is perfect for those people to understand/accept the gay community without being too overwhelmed. 

What I loved most about Proxy is that you get to really see character development. An example is a character who is selfish and irresponsible at the beginning but will get to know the true meaning of responsibility as the story progresses. Although with good things come the bad. I thought that the ending was just too tragic. But that's just an emotional opinion! But really. It was too sad for them. Someone dies! The good thing is that since Allegiant, I grew indifferent to book deaths. Scumbag Allegiant. Hahaha. If you've read it you get what I mean. 

So for all those things this is my verdict:

Proxy is definitely a must-read! For my Pinoy readers, you better read it now if you want to attend the book signing on August 30! I hope you liked my honest review and I am encouraging you to comment your thoughts below. Adios!

IANF The Lost Files: Hidden Enemy by Pittacus Lore is Here!

source: I Am  Number Four OFP

Calling all IANF fans! 

The third collection of The Lost Files is finally here! This bind-up of the e-novelas that were released beforehand features three e-novela titles and these are Five's Legacy, Return to Paradise, and Five's Betrayal.

So for bookworms who prefer reading real books instead of e-books (like me), this is definitely a treat! And what better way to wait for The Revenge of Seven than to read Hidden Enemy and refresh on the series before The Revenge of Seven hits bookstores on August 26. I just can't wait! All aboard the IANF hype train! 

Book Review: The Magician by Michael Scott

What's up! As some of you may have read, I was a bit disappointed with the first book of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. The Alchemyst  just doesn't seem to pack a punch for me. But for The Magician, it was the complete opposite. Every page was action-packed! Warning: Obnoxious raving ahead. Now without further ado, let's get down to business. 

• Title: The Magician
• Author: Michael Scott
• Genre: fantasy, thriller, mythology, fiction
• Pages: 464 pages (hardcover)
• Published: 24 June 2008
• Series:  The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

"Ashes to ashes...

California:
In the hands of Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders, the book of Abraham the Mage could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. The most powerful book of all time, it holds the secret of eternal life — a secret more dangerous than any one man should ever possess. And Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power.

His only obstacle? Josh and Sophie Newman — who are eight thousand miles away.

Paris:
After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris. The City of Lights. Home to Nicholas Flamel. Only, this homecoming is anything but sweet.

Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is growing clearer and clearer. It's time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic.

Fire Magic. 

And there's only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel's old student the Comte de Saint-Germain - alchemist, magician, and rock star. 

Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first."

(SPOILER ALERT!)

Two words. Action. Packed. Or one word, if you combine them with a hyphen (action-packed). Whatever. Every page is filled with excitement and action that will leave you wanting for more! I almost finished it in one day, if it weren't for the other more important things I had to do e.g. eating, sleeping, taking a shower, etc. In this book, we get to see the magical world in the romantic and ancient city of Paris. We also get to meet more heroes and baddies and guess what. More mythological characters and creatures! But that's not all! Apparently Michael Scott did not limit his characters to be only from mythology. We get to meet some historical people as well! (Think: famous French heroine.)

Also, it was as if Michael Scott saw my review of The Alchemyst and read about my hatred of scarcity of dialogue because The Magician was full of 'em! Because of this I got to know more about the character's personalities and traits. It also helps in seeing the characters develop and grow. Speaking of which, we get to see more of Sophie's capabilities with her newly Awakened powers. Plus someone else gets to have his powers Awakened! But with good things come the bad. We'll be losing one hero in this book. But he/she doesn't die. She just disappears and she won't come back until the end of the book. Oops! I didn't mean to say that. 

One of the best things about The Magician is that in this book we get to know more about Perenelle! I mean she was cool in The Alchemyst but in this book, she evolves from being cool to just being completely bad-ass. I got a glimpse of how powerful she could get and how dangerous of an enemy she could be. Even the baddies are scared of her and wanted to get rid of her before she kicks their butt! But they can't get rid of old bookseller Perry that easily. I hope I get to see more of Perenelle and the role she will play as the story progresses. She is turning out to be my favorite character. 

My Rating:

The Magician gets 4 stars! I was so into the book that I found myself flipping through every page non-stop! Every page packs a punch and the action leaves you wanting for more. I enjoyed every chapter and I can't wait for the next book. I would have given 5 stars, if it weren't for Scatty's disappearance. Oopsie. 

Event Alert: Alex London Book Signing Event

What is going on, guys? 

National Book Store will be hosting yet another book signing event! That's right! And this time I'm actually going! National Book Store will be bringing to the PH Alex London, author of the young adult dystopian (woohoo!) novels Proxy and Guardian. Event details are in the photo above but I'll just say it here again 'cause that's the way it is haha. The event will be held at SM Aura on August 30. Registration starts at 10 AM and the event itself will begin at 2 PM. 

I'm really EXCITED since this will be the very first book signing event I am going to! I wanted to attend the past book signings hosted by NBS although the authors who did book signing events last time were authors of (correct me if I'm wrong) the chick lit genre, a genre of which I am not into. I wanted to go to the one with Ransom Riggs although I haven't read his books yet when he came. 

Anyway, I was really happy when I saw the venue of this event because SM Aura is only a 5-minute FX ride from my home! Talk about convenience! I mean literally, there are FX's passing our kanto so I'll just make lakad to our kanto and make hintay of the FX. Owmaygash, I'm so conyo! Hahaha! Kidding! I can't even say a single English sentence without stuttering. Nano-nosebleed ako. XD My English only kicks in when I write. I suck at speech. 

Although I'm already babbling about my excitement, I am honestly not sure if I will be able to go. Who knows? Something college-related could come up during that time that could hinder me from going. Luckily I have no classes during Saturdays, so the chances of me going is higher than the chances of me not going. I'm really determined to go, too. I want to meet fellow bookworms and book bloggers alike. But being the socially challenged awkward penguin that I am, I may need some practice making friends. So if you spot the not-so-tall chubby guy with glasses that has obviously not conquered pubertal acne, you can make kalabit (here I go again) and say "Hey, Jude!". I don't bite. Unless you sing that "Hey, Jude" song then Imma bite yo' face. I kid. 

See ya! #AlexLondoninPH

Book Review: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

How's it going, everyone! It's back to book blogging business for me! After a month-long read, I have finally finished The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. I would like to apologize for that book review hiatus, by the way. Since it's July already and there is just a whole month to go before my 4-month-long vacation ends, I will try my best to blog actively within this month. I'm more than sure that when I go to college I'll have lesser time to blog. Now without further ado, let's get down to business.

• Title: The Alchemyst
• Author: Michael Scott
• Genre: fantasy, thriller, mythology, fiction
• Pages: 375 pages
• Published: 22 May 2007
• Series:  The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

"Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on 28 September 1330. Nearly seven hundred years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty and Nicholas Flamel lives. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects - the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. And that's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time."

Quick info: I have actually read The Alchemyst about a couple of years ago although I did not really enjoy it that much since I was reading it along with another couple of books. But this time I was able to focus on this book more. My first impression when I saw this book (and yes, I still remember haha) was "Bummer, no pictures". Just kidding! (On a totally unrelated topic, am I the only one around here who's getting tired of the YouTube ad with that lady who goes: "Wanna hear a cat joke? Nevermind. Just kitten."? I always end up skipping that ad on the "Meow you doin'" part haha. Just wanted to get that off my shoulders. Now back to the review.) I was amazed by the cover itself. The cover is intricately detailed and there is a bunch of symbolism sprawled all over the front. On the down side though, it does not have anything that can help you visualize what you are reading. But who cares. I've enjoyed lots of other books with no graphic art of a scene/character on their covers. (e.g. Hunger Games, Lorien Legacies) I am just saying that the cover helps a lot.

Now before I talk about the content, I'd like you to know a couple of things about me. 1. I despise long narration. Especially when dialogue could have replaced it and it would have been much better. 2. I tend to freak out when a character does something out of human nature (or at least my nature). For example, in horror movies the person who clearly feels that something wrong is going on in his kitchen still proceeds to go into the kitchen. Alone. Unarmed. If I was in his place, common sense would make me run the hell out of my house and call the cops. Did you get number 2? Number 2 is about my "If I was in his place" thoughts. But lucky me, The Alchemyst managed to annoy me with these two things. 

What I disliked about The Alchemyst was its never-ending supply of narration. Or the opposite. Its supply of dialogue is seriously low. This contributed to the reason why it took a long time for me to finish the book. I was getting tired of all the narration and the descriptions and the narrator's voice that I was imagi-hearing in my head. (For this book, my narrator sounds like an old Hugh Grant. I don't know why.) The old Hugh Grant voice in my head was putting me to sleep every time I came across a dialogue-less page. On the other hand, I found some characters to be a bit out of human nature. SPOILER ALERT! A normal human who just witnessed a battle between two powerful magicians would freak out and go as far away from the battle as possible, right? Heck, they would not believe what they are seeing at all or would want to have nothing to do with it. Our main characters, Josh and Sophie, did the opposite thing. They went to the battleground, helped a magician out, and in return were forever doomed of the dangers of the magic world. If a person would introduce himself to me as the immortal Nicholas Flamel, I wouldn't trust him right away, even if he shows me his powers. I would go away and contact my therapist. 

What I loved about The Alchemyst was its mythology. This is a mythology-lover's book. Everyone is here! Not just the Greeks or Romans. Everyone! We have Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Norse was cited, and there could be a lot more! This is just the first book after all. I simply loved how all kinds of mythology was put together in this book, being a fan of mythology and all. Also, even though I ranted about long narrations, I appreciated how Scott describes everything vividly. I think that caused his over supply of narration. He was busy describing every little detail for us to visualize. 

My Rating:

I can honestly say that I did not enjoy The Alchemyst that much. Although it was very interesting. It is definitely worth a shot. Who knows, maybe it gets better with every succeeding book. I'm reading The Magician right now and I am getting hooked! From the first few chapters it's a lot better than The Alchemyst for me already. I'm thinking that The Alchemyst was just a taste of what we will experience throughout the series. Way to make a good first impression, though. -_- But seriously, The Alchemyst is worth a shot.