What's Cool? Summer!

What's Cool? is an anytime meme where I feature all the Cool things I got, happened, or blog news.

Yay for my comeback, yay for summer!

Your summer might have just started, but in my country, it has ended and everyone's back in school. Except for me. Technically, this is just the start of my summer vacation. I spent April and May reviewing and preparing for my board exams and now I'm currently having a blast with my books while looking for a job. Wish me luck! :D

So because I've been off for a month, I haven't shared my Cool news and book hauls to you until the four or five books turned into huge pile. Ready?

• Books, books, books!

Bought from Book Depository:

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Unhinged by A.G Howard (Splintered #2)

Borrowed:

Let the Sky Fall (book 1) and Let the Storm Break (book 2) by Shannon Messenger

For review:

The Bees by Laline Paull 

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern (review)

On the Fence by Kasie West

The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor

Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Vivian Divine is Dead by Lauren Sabel

Won:

Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi 

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky #2)

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #2)

*all signed

Bought from National Book Store's Warehouse sale (Superbranch):

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe (Fallen World #1)

On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Traded:

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles #1)

*with THG bookmark (which I LOVED) and cute sticker notes 

For review:
Red Rising by Pierce Brown (Red Rising #1)
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The Truth about Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Won:

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

For review:

The Ophelia Prophecy by Sharon Lynn Fisher

*E-galleys*

For review:
Words and their Meanings by Kate Bassett
Winterspell by Claire Legrand
Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis

Free (from Kindle):
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
So thankful and excited with this one! I haven't read Pride and Prejudice (I know) and I can't wait to! Well, if I found a time. :3

Super thanks to Megan and HarperCollins International, Jennifer and Penguin Random House International, Mimi and Hardie Grant, Alexis and Tor Teen, Flux, Simon and Schuster, Amulet Books, Netgalley, Amazon Kindle, Jas, Bea, and Bluie!

• 2nd blogoversary!

The Escapist celebrated it's second year anniversary last May 27th. Join us and celebrate by checking out the AWESOME giveaway, thanks to HarperCollins International!

WIN ONE OF THESE! ENTER HERE.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.michelletheescapist.blogspot.com/" title="The Escapist"><img src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt52/chimHEARTdanger/2ndbutton-Copy_zps6541100f.jpg" alt="The Escapist" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

• Life of a Blogger

I'm joining a new Cool meme called Life of a Blogger. Here, you can learn more about me outside blogging. I decided to join this meme because I've been posting book-related posts and no personal one. Plus, the topics are so interesting! Don't forget to comment your link (if you also joined) or answers so I'd get to know more about you too! Hosted by Novel Heartbeat, Life of a Blogger is scheduled to post on Thursdays. Check out my first ever Life of a Blogger post on Thursday!

• Book signing events!

National Bookstore is doing it again--being awesome by bringing us amazing authors in our land! 

Jenny Han, the author of Summer series (which I loved), Burn for Burn series, and To All the Boys I've Loved Before (one of my most-awaited books in 2014) will visit Manila for a book signing event! Be at NBS Glorietta 1 on June 21st, 2 pm, or if you're from Cebu on June 22nd, 2 pm, at NBS SM Cebu. This might be helpful if you have questions.

But wait, there's more!

Stephanie Perkins is also invading Manila and Cebu!!!!!!! Oh God, I've been waiting for this forever! *Etienne St. Clair feels!* Hopefully my [future] schedule aligns with the date of event. Stephanie will be at NBS SM Cebu first on July 5th, 1 pm. Then she'll be on NBS Glorietta 1 on July 6th, 2 pm. FAQs here. 

If you have questions that aren't on the FAQs, don't hesitate to tweet or message NBS on Twitter or Facebook! Now my question is...will I see you there? ;)

***

What is/are your Cool stories? Share them below!

(You can also share your In My Mailbox/Stacking the shelves/

Sunday Post/personal meme links!)

ARC Review: Exile by Kevin Emerson

Exile

by Kevin Emerson

Series: Exile #1

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

Published April 29th 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase: Fullybooked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

Catherine Summer Carlson knows how to manage bands like a professional—she’s a student at the PopArts Academy at Mount Hope High, where rock legends Allegiance to North got their start. Summer knows that falling for the lead singer of her latest band is the least professional thing a manager can do. But Caleb Daniels isn’t an ordinary band boy—he’s a hot, dreamy, sweet-singing, exiled-from-his-old-band, possibly-with-a-deep-dark-side band boy. And he can do that thing. That thing when someone sings a song and it inhabits you, possesses you, and moves you like a marionette to its will.

Summer also finds herself at the center of a mystery she never saw coming. When Caleb reveals a secret about his long-lost father, one band’s past becomes another’s present, and Summer finds it harder and harder to be both band manager and girlfriend. She knows what the well-mannered Catherine side of her would do, but she also knows what her heart is telling her. Maybe it’s time to accept who she really is, even if it means becoming an exile herself. . . .

On sale in April 2014, Kevin Emerson’s EXILE is a witty and passionate ode to love, rock and roll, and the freedom that comes in the moment when somebody believes in you, even if you’re not quite ready to believe in yourself.

My Thoughts:

*This review is based from advance reading copy. There might be some changes in the finished copy.

Well, well. Where shall I start? I finished this book last night and I'm still on a book hangover. Mostly because I don't know if I should like this book or not. This is so hard since Exile is one of the books I'm excited to read mainly because 1) It is music-related novel, 2) It's contemporary + romance, and 3) It has BANDS. I love bands!

Catherine a.k.a Summer, knows and can manage bands. Her first band called Postcards were unfortunately stolen by someone on Candy Shell, a recording company. She's now on lookout for a new band to manage--and found Caleb, an exile from his former band. As they work together to build a new band, they also built a relationship, and uncovered mysteries from Caleb's father.

The book was told in Summer's perspective but when I lied down on my bed last night, I realize that Exile's plot revolved mostly around Caleb's life. It would be more appropriate if this was told in his perspective instead. The romance was one of the things I've been disappointed because they kissed the first day we met and then poof! They're like, together instantly. I mean wow, that couldn't be more faster. I would accept it eventually if they had some history crushing each other but there was nothing mentioned. I couldn't also see the foundation of their relationship throughout the book. Summer had been jealous, but Caleb was just there, saying sorry but doing nothing to prevent any further incidences. The second time, I thought it would be better if Exile was told in Caleb's perspective.

What I liked about this book was being into it. I'm so absorbed that whenever there's annoying or irritating part, I can feel my blood boiling. Except on the one I've been furious about (which obviously, is a twist), was the one I could tell. And I was right. So the impact of the revelation didn't produce so much feels from me.

There are so many things that didn't reached my expectations but I'm still looking forward on the next book. Who knows, that one can shock me. (Let me guess, the next book will be called Anthem, and the last *if it's a trilogy* will be called Encore.)

Exile got me with it's interesting mystery and realistic tale about artists and bands. If you're like me, who's into music-themed books and have an undercover vibe, this book is for you.

*Thanks Megan and HarperCollins International for lending me this copy to review! (This book is originally sent to me as a donation for a giveaway. Get a chance to win Exile here.)

Rating:

Blog Tour (Review): Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

Welcome on my tour stop of PH tour for contemporary romance, Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern. Check out the other blogs participating the tour here.

Say What You Will

by Cammie McGovern

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

Published June 3rd 2014 by HarperTeen

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Blurb (Goodreads):

John Green's The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park in this beautifully written, incredibly honest, and emotionally poignant novel. Cammie McGovern's insightful young adult debut is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story about how we can all feel lost until we find someone who loves us because of our faults, not in spite of them.

Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than either ever realized.

When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other's lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.

My Thoughts:

I was pretty excited with Say What You Will because contemporary romance is my "thing" in 2014. Apart from that, I admit that the sentence that sold me was the comparison with The Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor & Park--because I loved both books--including that cute cover.

Amy had a cerebral palsy while Matthew had OCD. Nonetheless, they became closer and helped each other with their weaknesses. The plot was okay, I liked it. I also liked the characters even though I'm not fully connected with them. There was a plot twist--which I love in books--but not that much here. I was hoping for a strong emotional experience but what I feel then was annoyance.

After reading Say What You Will, I can now agree with what they claim as The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor & Park. TFioS in way the characters are made--imperfect yet found comfort and friendship with each other. E&P the way the book was told and the story unfolds. What makes this book differ from the two books was the ending. I'm glad that it didn't frustrate me.

Say What You Will is not as light nor heavy as I think. It is silly and funny in a good way, but can also cause irritation due to the unfortunate miscommunications. Still, this book is worth the read.

*Thank you so much Megan and HarperCollins International for the review copy in exchange of honest review!

Rating:

WWW Wednesdays (63) / Waiting on Wednesday (63): Ensnared

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Hey guys! I'm back with Wednesday post! Gosh, I missed this. Here are my books since where I last left off. :)

Currently Reading:

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern for a blog tour. Tour stop will be on June 4th.

Finished Reading:

The Falconer by Elizabeth May (review here), I Heart Beat by Edyth Bulbring (review here), and Wings by Elizabeth Richards (review here). I also read a non-fiction Christian book during my board exams--which helped me a lot--called The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson. It is about Jabez, a character in Bible. Though he was mentioned once and on short paragraph, his life changed with a simple yet believing prayer. His prayer was explained by author Bruce Wilkinson in this book.

Read Next:

Exile by Kevin Emerson

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on.

Ensnared
(Splintered #3)
by A.G Howard

Expected publication: 2015 by Amulet Books

Blurb (Goodreads):
After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She’s determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves. Even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles... and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world—a parallel dimension filled with mutated and sadistic netherling outcasts.


In the final installment of the Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that’s gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But even if everyone succeeds and comes out alive, can they all truly have their happily ever after?

I've been a fan of Splintered ever since I read it. I love it so much. I have the second book, Unhinged, on my shelf but I won't be able to read it until July because of my to-review books, but I'm already waiting for the last book, Ensnared! And look at that cover! I LOVE IT. *grabby hands*

*If you're a Filipino/living in the Philippines and you love Splintered as much as I do, feel free to follow the Philippine street team I created exclusively for Splintered series: @SplinteredPH If you're not a Filipino, but loves Splintered, we'd also appreciate if you follow and spread the word about it! :D

***

Which books made your list this week? Share them on the comments below!

Happy Wednesday!

P.S I'm currently celebrating my 2nd blogoversary. Check out the awesome giveaway!

Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Ignite Me

by Tahereh Mafi

Series: Shatter Me #3

Genre: YA, dystopian, paranormal, romance

Published February 4th 2014 by HarperCollins

Source: Bought from NBS

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase: National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

My Thoughts:

Warning: Had an itsy, bitsy, little spoiler. Don't read unless you've read the first two books!

Ignite Me is the last installment of Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafi. When I read the first book, Shatter Me, I was awed with the beautiful and promising concept. Everything about it was good--except for Juliette, the female protagonist. I hoped that I'll meet a new Juliette on the second book, Unravel Me. UM was amazing. I liked the flow of the story and the new characters..but Juliette remained the same. I realized I loved Warner--the "bad guy" then--than Juliette, the "good girl". So I was torn! I love the story and everything about this trilogy but the main character--who should be making the story more beautiful--kept hidden on the corner. Scared. Hard-headed. Full of self-pity. Weak. I don't know what I'll do if she won't stand up and fight back; to do the things she kept on saying on the first two books.

Nonetheless, my excitement with Ignite Me was so high. I can't wait to find out how will it end and read more and have Warner feels. Ahh, Warner. *sigh* And this book never failed me to fuel Warner feels. From chapter one til the last, Aaron Warner is all over. But it's not just the feels! I have learned more about him. His past, his thoughts, and his *coughs* soft spot in fashion. YES YOU'VE READ THAT RIGHT, AND I THINK IT'S REALLY CUTE. WARNER + FASHION = TOO CUTE. I met the real Aaron Warner and saw the changes he's willing to make and it made me love him even more. (#TeamWarner all the way!!) I almost think this is about him, not Juliette.

I noticed that there are no strike-throughs anymore (just like I did above) compare to the first two books. Juliette was described as mentally ill girl and Shatter Me contains her thoughts--which is full of counting, repeating words, and strike-throughs. I realize then that the absence of strike-throughs meant she's well and she finally made her decision. To fight back and stop being coward. I liked her new strength and perseverance.

Adam, in the other hand, went downhill. From the knight and shining armor character in Shatter Me, he became the hard guy on Ignite Me. It wasn't Juliette I didn't liked this time. It was Adam. If I've learned a lot from Warner, here I don't think I know Adam at all. Despite being the new cold him, I feel bad for him for everything that has happened to his life.

Now let's talk about my new favorite character. Kenji. Did he became my favorite because he's fun and charming or because I'm curious about him? Maybe both. There are times that I think he's in love with Juliette. Because they grew closer and they're like, hugging each other to the point that I think it's too clingy. I also suspected him as gay. I know it's weird and you're asking why or you want to hate me because you love him too much--but this thought occurred to me because he cared too much about Adam. Or am I just lacking some knowledge about guy friends code? LOL

Though I loved Warner so much and I liked how Juliette transformed, the ending was lacking, for me. It seems like more than 3/4 of the book was spent with romance and transformation but the real action was just told in a couple of pages. It was too fast and too easy to be believable. So if you'd ask me if this book contains action, I'd say yes, but not too much. Just the ending.

Ignite Me showed improvements with the characters and the story as well but I wouldn't say I'm contented how they achieved the peaceful ending. Still, I recommend this book to fans of the first two books and for those who haven't read Shatter Me. Mixed with heart-warming romance and unusual powers, Shatter Me is a dystopian series you'd want to read.

Check out my review of Shatter Me (book one) and Unravel Me (book two).

Rating: