Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Sorceress by Michael Scott



Summary

Nicholas Flamel's heart almost broke as he watched his beloved Paris crumble before him. The city was destroyed by Dee and Machiavelli, but Flamel played his own role in the destruction. Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel had to protect them and the pages from the Dark Elders.

But Nicholas grows weaker with each passing day. Perenelle is still trapped in Alcatraz, and now that Scatty has gone missing, the group is without protection. Except for Clarent—the twin sword to Excalibur. But Clarent’s power is unthinkable, its evil making it nearly impossible to use without its darkness seeping into the soul of whoever wields it.

If he hopes to defeat Dee, Nicholas must find an Elder who can teach Josh and Sophie the third elemental magic—Water Magic. The problem? The only one who can do that is Gilgamesh, and he is quite, quite insane.


I was so glad when my boyfie told me that finally third book of Nicholas Flamel is being published! I've been waiting for.. rr, I dunno, for a loooong time, so I was so excited, and went find it in hurry! I remember once I've written about the first book. Well, it's pretty recommended to you to read both first and second book to get understand about the story plot.

Sophie and Josh Newman, the choosen twins, come back, after destroying beautiful Paris with their power, in order to against John Dee, and Nicollo Machiavelli. While Sophie had finished learning of the Magic of Air and Fire, they must find someone to teach them other powers. So, Flamel decided to take them to London, where he could find another Elder.

The third book is more twisted and have various character than previous one. It also has more action scenes, and I think you'll be exhausted imagining this book. I wonder if they would like to make movie based on this book, but I don't wanna be disappointed, because I don't think whoever will make the movie, should have no idea how to insert all details in this book. This book details a lot! You can see, for time setting, Michael Scott only set two days. For each book! So, when you decide to miss a scene, it won't be a complete story plot.

However, I don't really like to give you spoiler, but please, who among you are a great fans of Shakespeare?? If you really are, you must read this book, because he's gonna be an important character here! yes, believe it or noooo.. :)And, maybe, have you heard about Billy the Kid? If you haven't, please google, he is one of our newcoming antagonist.

As I told you before, if you feel Harry Potter is less pleasure, and look for more exciting adventures than The Chronicles of Narnia, you should enjoy this ones.
Happy reading!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Galaksi Kinanthi by Tasaro GK



This time, I'd like to recommend an Indonesian novel. Honestly, I rarely read Indonesian novel. Yes, I know, love your country product, but I must say, there are only little Indonesian writer who have similar taste like I have. Am not judging myself too high, but it's more comfortable if I read foreign books.

It was unforeseen coming. I was kinda busy with few books in my hand. It's too hard to pick which one I should read first, among FREEFALL, third book of Tunnels, The Labor of Hercules, one of Agatha Christie's book, latest Detective Conan's comic, and The Sorceress, third book of Alchemist by Michael Scott (by the way, oh my God, I am so exciting, finally this book is published!). Suddenly, last Tuesday, when I met my old friend from college, she offered me a book with interesting cover. It's so unique, because you'll see woman gazes moonlight from cruiser deck, and when you flip undercover, you can see, a man, lay on wide meadow, looking up same moon. My friend said it was great book, containing twisted plot, and rarely found in Indonesia. So, I decide to give it a try, after reading recommendation from Dewi Lestari in its cover.

I could finish it in 3 hours. I must give my two thumbs up for the writer. Standing applause. This book has many things, wrapped up into one story. Kinanthi, young girl from Gunung Kidul, become main role. Like other kids there, she had poor and miserable life. She often get harsh treatment from her friends, only because of her poorness, and her "dirty" blood. Fate brings Kinanthi to Bandung. Her parents trade her with 50 kg of rice. Kinanthi become labor, and sent to Arab Saudi.

Her affliction didn't stop until this. You can read how bad her employer treat her, and what makes me mad is Indonesian Embassy there haven't do anything! They see Kinanthi's case like other cases, just let it be, what a harsh! Well, when i read it, I've been so ashamed being Indonesian people. How could it be? Why can we protect our own citizen?

Curious about its ending? Kinanthi become an American citizen. wait, wait.. why America? You should read the book to know the reason. I don't blame Kinanthi for her shallow nationalism. You can't give deep loyalty to a country, which never do any efforts to protect you while you're in danger.

It's a little picture of what our woman labor feel. They feel alone, none can help them. When you walk abroad, as a labor or TKW, your dignity will be replaced to lowest position. That's what I conclude.

Powerful book. And, I've just noticed that this story is based on true story. Oh, really? Well, I can't imagine it, tough.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Winner

It's late, it's late, I know it! And, I know I shouldn't make any excuses or something for this delay. But, after all, I am pretty busy, I was moving from my last dorm house to new one, and whole packing things kinda make me nervous. I really hate moving. But guess what, I lovd my new place. Larger, cozier, all in a pack!

Enough with mumbling, i'd like to announce who's lucky for my giveaway! Well, kinda hard to pick one ( I mean two ), because all of you are so excited. Anyway, thanks for participating, and don't forget to join my next giveaway.

So, winner for Princess Diaries is...
AULIA! Yes, you are the winner!

Man and Wife goes tooo... FANDA!

Congratulation for both of you, soon email me in yuliadeladacrea@yahoo.com your name and address. And, for those who still unlucky, don't be sad. I'll arrange another giveaway, and you'll be priorited!
Ok, see you soon!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Deeper by Roderick Gordon


Summary

After digging through the subterranean world of modern-day London in search of his father, fourteen-year-old Will Burrows ended up on the run from the diabolical Styx army with his best friend, Chester, and his newly discovered brother, Cal.

As they travel deeper into the earth, they find dangers none of them ever dreamed possible. And the worst danger of all is the one from Will's murderous sister, Rebecca, who is leading the Styx army in an evil plot that threatens to wipe out those living above ground.

But with their lives at risk far below, can Will and his small band of friends stay alive long enough to save those above?

Remember Will Burrows and his best friend, Cal, who discovered underground life while searching of Will's missing dad? After facing suspense ending in Tunnels, the first book, they come back in Deeper, sequel of Tunnels.

It's hard to say, which one is more interesting between Tunnels and Deeper, but I found many mistery revealed in second book. Here, Will meet his mom, I mean by-blood mom, it will be very exciting and miserable meeting. i can't hardly wait to tell you, but it'll be better if you read it by yourself. And, you'll find another secret about Rebecca, Will's sister, who apparently have a twin! Yes, thay are two people, and both of them have similar evil mind.

Honestly, this book reminds me to Journey to the Center of Earth movie. Remember? Brendan Fraser play his act well, and I was fascinated with its idea, how life can be in deep down there. But, instead of dinosaurus or other ancient animal, there are people living underground in Deeper. People, like us, they build their life, their own mine, shops, home, even government. And, in Deeper, we discover that Colony (it what underground people called) also have caste in society. Styx, as their government, occupy highest position, while they can rule Colony citizen whatever their way. Below Styx, there are Colony, people who live as citizen and must obey all Styx rules.

Deeper tell us, there is another place which is deeper than Colony location. People live there, called Corpolite, working like slave for Styx. They never be reputed as human, even by Colony themselves.

Interesting, I admit. There are many aspects of life, their new philosopy about Topsoil (yes, it's us, people), and you can see how they are living with malice and hate for Topsoil.

Well, the point, it's good book to read. I am on my way reading third book, Freefall, and of course hardly can wait to share my review here!

PS. And, you know what?? This is the last day for my giveaway!!!! I'll inform the winner tomorrow!! And, it's not to late to join!!!

PPS. Well, some people assume me as Vixxio Book Store owner. No, I am not. I am only one of its fans. If you wanna know further, visit its owner in http://bukufanda.blogspot.com. And, don't forget to visit this amazing store in http://www.vixxio.com.

Hope you have enjoyable Monday!! Toodles!