Fuck 2017: Top 5 Best Films of 2017

2017 was a pretty good year for films. It was certainly better than 2016.

Of course, atrocities like "The Mummy", "The Emoji Movie", and "Fifty Shades Darker" were still present to ruin a moviegoer's day however, I found this year's offerings much more varied and creative than the previous years. Who starred in the films or what genre they were practically didn't matter. 2017 saw greater acceptance to all kinds of film as long as it was made well and likewise  entertained, challenged, and touched the lives of the audience.

The five films below are what I found to be the best 2017 had to offer. It made me love the art of film making even more (if that was even possible) and genuinely did touch me to the core. I was obsessed with these films and found every reason I could scrounge up to talk about them constantly with my friends and family even if they had no idea what I was talking about. It kept me up at night, thinking of nothing but the characters, the dialogue, and the themes they presented. And in all honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

It was quite difficult to narrow down the films I've watched in 2017 to the top five best. There were three in particular films that I adored but were unable to make the list. However, they still deserve to be recognized for their own incredible creativity and lasting impacts.

3. SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

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Spider-Man: Homecoming is directed by Jon Watts and stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The film follows Peter Parker as he struggles to balance being an ordinary high school student and being an established crime-fighting superhero as The Vulture, a new supervillain, appears. 

I really admired Spider-Man: Homecoming for simultaneously being a coming-of-age story and an action film and doing it so well. The result is a movie that was very much enjoyable to watch while still being relatable and emotional. This is the third reincarnation of Spider-Man on the big screen in the last 17 years however it felt fresh, it felt like this was the one that perfectly captured the essence of a very young Peter Parker trying to grasp where his place is in the world and how he could make the best out of his situation. The movie does a really good job in making you invested in Peter Parker and make you root for him as he faces his problems and insecurities. Aside from Peter, the other characters were also really great due to the good script and fantastic performances. I really want to highlight Vulture, however, because Adrian Toomes is by far the most interesting villain Marvel has put out since Loki. You understand his motivations and even feel sympathetic towards him like you would do the protagonist. And also, because Michael Keaton was just terrific in the role.

Overall, Spider-Man: Homecoming was a simple but solid movie with great performances and action. It's definitely a fresh and delightful addiction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2. BABY DRIVER

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Baby Driver is directed by Edgar Wright and stars Ansel Elgort as "Baby", a getaway driver who gets coerced by a crime boss to do another heist that threatens his life and freedom.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Baby Driver was the most fun I had watching a film in 2017. You've seen heist films before but none as innovative and ingenious as this. The various action sequences were stunning and jaw-dropping, the music playing such a huge role in making it exciting and lively. The plot of the movie was simple but was elevated by a great and witty screenplay as well as the outstanding performances given by the actors most especially Ansel Elgort and Kevin Spacey. Also, I got to say I didn't know where this movie was going to go which made the movie-going experience tense and exhilarating. Baby Driver is playful, stylish, and gorgeous and is undoubtedly one of the best works of  Edgar Wright.

1. WONDER WOMAN

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Wonder Woman is directed by Patty Jenkins and stars Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, an Amazon Princess that comes to the world of man to help end the war that she believes is caused by the god, Ares.

I was not a huge fan of the three DC films that came before Wonder Woman. There was always something that put me off, whether it was the lackluster execution, convoluted story, or the underwhelming characters. There hasn't really been a reason for me to expect anything more from Wonder Woman. However, I was pleasantly surprised walking out of the theater that not only did it deliver but it exceeded any of my expectations and became a film that I would readily devour again and again.

Wonder Woman was just a good movie. It was a generally a well-paced, well-acted, and well-executed story of a woman trying desperately to end a war while discovering things about herself and humanity along the way. Maybe because it was set almost a hundred years before the first DC film (Man of Steel), it was able to stand on its own and not worry about being connected to any of the other films or set up anything. I was invested on Diana's journey every step of the way. I empathized with her and rooted for her which is largely due to Gal Gadot's spectacular performance. Her character was layered and likable which made all the terrible revelations and circumstances more painful to see. The same could be said with the other supporting characters in the movie but really, Chris Pine's Steve Trevor shined the most out of all of them. It was easy for Steve Trevor to be a boring and stagnant character, to exist simply because it was required for Steve Trevor to be part of the Wonder Woman lore. But he managed to make the character so interesting and as likable and layered as Diana herself. This is one of Chris Pine's best performances along with Hell or High Water (a film you should really check out if you haven't already). Wonder Woman is not a perfect film, the third act going back to the very overused and generic explosive climax and has areas of predictability. But overall, it was a genuinely heartfelt and uplifting movie that does justice to the iconic superhero and is undeniably an important cultural phenomenon.

TOP 5 BEST FILMS OF 2017

5. A GHOST STORY

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A Ghost Story is directed by David Lowery and stars Casey Affleck as a man who, after a fatal accident, comes back as white-sheeted ghost to see his wife only to discover that he is can only passively watch as time moves on without him.

It is so easy to think of A Ghost Story as nothing more but a boring and pretentious film but there's just something about it that genuinely affected me as a viewer. Yes, Casey Affleck being under sheet for around 90% of this movie sounds ridiculous but you quickly brush aside that fact to focus on what this movie is trying to convey. This movie is not a horror film, contrary to what the title is implying. It's not made to scare you but it may haunt you as it did to me. It was surprisingly deep and sad, making you question yourself, your existence, and if anything at all has meaning. I can tell you guys honestly that after watching the film, I immediately had an existential crisis. That's how much this movie affected me. It does require patience and open-mindedness to be able to see pass the intentional slow and silent nature of the film. But if you can suspend all initial reactions and immerse yourself in Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara's raw and captivating performances, it can be a deeply moving and lovely experience.

4. GET OUT

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Get Out is directed by Jordan Peele and stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, a man who gets invited to spend the weekend with his girlfriend's family upstate. However as the weekend progresses, Chris learns that the family's overly accommodating attitude has nothing to do with his interracial relationship with his girlfriend. It is with something much darker and twisted than he could ever have imagined.

Get Out was probably the biggest surprise of the year. I did not expect it to be as exhilarating, suspenseful, and smart as it was. This movie was not only well-executed, well-acted, and well-paced, but it was also satirical in a way that it critiques our society and how it still propagates racism and injustice despite changes in time and norms. Get Out is the type of film that I would watch over and over again not only because of how enjoyable it is but you can also find new meaning and metaphors present in lines or scenes that you were not able to see before. It entertains and challenges you to think and analyze at the same time. It's fresh, original, and meaningful. It's a film I would definitely recommend to anyone.

3. LOGAN

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Logan is directed by James Mangold and stars Hugh Jackman as James "Logan" Howlett. In the year 2029, an aged and weary Logan cares for an ailing Charles Xavier in a hideout near the Mexican border. However, Logan's routine with Charles as well as his plans for the future get disrupted when they cross paths with a young mutant in need of their help.

Logan was simple. It was a deeply personal story about consequences, redemption, and family. It might sound cheesy on paper but the way it was executed was far from it. The movie felt raw, displaying characters that were all grounded in realism. Although this is a movie wherein two of the main characters had adamantium claws and the third one had the power to literally wipe out an entire city with his brain, it felt real. This was all due to the excellent story telling of James Mangold, the director and co-writer. He made these people tangible. The R rating may be fun for some viewers because this we got to see Wolverine and X-23 as depicted in the comics but the rating was mostly due to the story. The problems they faced, the consequences of their actions, and the characterizations were very mature and should not be for children. It was appropriate for this movie to be entitled "Logan". The whole movies was about James "Logan" Howlett regardless whether he has claws or excellent healing powers. It was about the character Logan, not Wolverine

Aside from the fantastic story telling and themes, the performances really elevated it into a whole new level. This is Hugh Jackman's best performance in his history of playing the character and is arguably his best performance ever. You can tell he gave it his all and the result was astounding. You felt Logan's guilt, his anger, and his pain. It was truly magnificent. Sir Patrick Stewart was as phenomenal as ever as Professor X, his performance heartbreaking and raw. However the real breakthrough performance of this film came from Dafne Keen's performance as X-23. She did a lot of nonverbal acting and it didn't feel at all forced or over-the-top. She convinced me of her capabilities as an actress and I absolutely cannot wait to see more of her.

Overall, Logan was a refreshing take in the superhero genre that was starting to feel stagnant and gave us the perfect swan song to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. The hype that surrounded this film was met and far exceeded the expectations of anyone.

2. Dunkirk

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Dunkirk is directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Harry Styles. The film tells the story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from the Dunkirk beaches and harbors after being surrounded by the German army during World War II.

I am a huge Christopher Nolan fan. Each and every one of his films, from Memento to Inception, has immersed its audience in outstandingly told stories with substantial and important themes and are also very entertaining to watch. I was very excited going in to see Dunkirk even though it was a breakaway from the SciFi stories he has been telling with his last few films. And I was not disappointed. Dunkirk is quite simply a masterpiece. Like all his other films, Christopher Nolan immerses you into this story and makes you feel like you're experiencing the hardships that these soldiers were facing. It had very little dialogue but the movie didn't need it. The lack of dialogue was compensated by fantastic visuals that showed you everything you need to know, the extraordinary soundtrack from Hans Zimmer that kept you on your toes, and sensational performances from all the actors that made you feel their fear, dread, and pain. This film was not a character piece. You hardly knew any of the characters and their backgrounds. However, the film is meant for the audience to, in a way, experience what it was like being in Dunkirk all those years ago and it succeeded in its mission beautifully. The film was told in a nonlinear format but somehow Nolan managed to tie it all together in a way that made complete sense. Dunkirk was suspenseful but at the end of it all managed to make the audience feel uplifted and hopeful. This is why Dunkirk is legitimately one of the best films of 2017.

1. Call Me By Your Name

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Call Me By Your Name is directed by Luca Guadagnino and stars Timothee Chalamet as Elio Perlman, a 17-year old boy living in Italy for the summer who gradually finds himself drawn to the handsome American, Oliver (played by Armie Hammer) who is staying with them for six weeks as an intern for his father.

After seeing Dunkirk last July, I thought I would never see another film this year that would replace it as my top film of 2017. However, after watching Call Me By Your Name a few days ago, it was impossible for me not to put it as my number one. Call Me By Your Name is a film that celebrates first love, sexual awakening, first heartbreak, and the power of nature and desire. It explores these themes in the most sensual, graceful, and raw way possible which makes the film feel real. It felt like I was a first-hand spectator to these people's struggles and not just simply watching a movie which had set dialogue and scenes. This film was breathtaking, every shot so beautiful but with meaning that would allude to the overall themes it was trying to convey. Its pace was deliberately slow, adding to the sensual and laid back atmosphere of the story as well as made you invest more and more on its characters, particularly Elio. The actors' performances in this film were also spectacular. The supporting roles of Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg added so much life and emotion in the film however Timothee Chalamet in particular was a gem. His performance was not only convincing, it completely captivates you to his character and makes you utterly care for him and support him. He has the ability to show clear emotions on his face without saying a word. An entire monologue can be summed up in just five seconds of looking at his face. He was genuinely a site to see and deserving for all the praise he's been getting. The final scene alone which showed off his range as an actor alone is enough to get him all the awards. 

Overall, Call Me By Your Name is simply phenomenal. The story so magnificently told and so emotionally devastating with deeply impactful performances. No other film has affected me more than Call Me By Your Name has which makes it a no-brainer as to why I absolutely adore it and why I consider it the best film of 2017

So there you have it! My top five best films with some honorable mentions for those that didn't quite make it. I wasn't able to watch all the films released in 2017 which is why critically-acclaimed ones such as "The Disaster Artist", "I, Tonya", "Lady Bird", and "The Shape of Water" (just to name some) are not in the list. Those, and many more, would have to wait for 2018. But overall I was really satisfied with the all the films that I got to watch this year. This year was a good year for movie fans because of the wealth of material that we can all analyze and review for everyone else to see.I really can't wait for what the 2018 movie slate has in store for all of us. I hope it would be as good, if not better, as what 2017 gave us.

New (and more defined) Ratings!

If you have been following this blog, then you know I do reviews quite a lot. I always have a score at the bottom of each review post depending on how much I liked or disliked a certain book, film, or episode in a series. However, I've never actually expressed how I rate them. I just give out a number and that's it. A few weeks ago, Lyka Cali and I over at Wander Reads decided it was time to clearly define our ratings when we do reviews. A new way of rating would clearly describe our thoughts on a certain material and would cause less confusion for us and our readers. This new rating will take effect after this post. I won't be changing my ratings in my previous reviews anymore. I sincerely hope this clears out any confusion any of you might have when reading our posts from now on!

Special shout out to Lyka Cali for creating this cute illustration! 

Breaking Glass Ceilings: The Captive Prince Trilogy

Arguably, "glass breaking" has become more frequent in this day and age than ever before. Men and women from around the world have been sharing and promoting genuinely ground-breaking and important ideologies and beliefs in various mediums. This can be especially felt in media platforms where it is easiest to connect with an audience. I think sometimes we underestimate the effectiveness of media and its capability to propagate messages especially when its something that's been long overdue. I can go on for a million years about the films, television shows, comic books, and songs that I feel deserve to be acknowledged for exceeding expectations, but for this collaboration with Lyka Cali, we agreed to focus on literature only. After thinking long and hard as to what to feature, I finally settled on a series: The Captive Prince Trilogy by C.S. Pacat.

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Now to be fair, there are literally thousands of books that can be hailed as a glass breaker and be featured in this post. However at this point in time Captive Prince sticks out among the rest for me, not only with it's fantastic story and characters but as how it got made in the first place. 

The story of Captive Prince's rise to popularity is actually pretty incredible. It all started with C.S. Pacat yearning to write books that she wanted to read. Books with love, fantasy, escapism, sex, and sexuality that's not exclusive to heterosexuality as a queer woman herself. I, as well as all of you, know books with those themes are extremely difficult to find, and is usually depicted with many contemporary social biases and discriminations that the LGBTQ community face. She did away with that trope and focused instead on crafting a story focused on the characters and personal stakes. She published first on her blog for free in a serialized manner, which encouraged interaction among her readers on the internet. Good word of mouth from across the online community made it possible for Captive Prince to have over 15 million hits. Towards the end of writing Prince's Gambit, she thought about publishing her books after overwhelming support from her online following and requests for physical copies. At first it was a challenge, no company wanted to publish Captive Prince with the belief that there is no existing market it. Eventually, she decided to self-publish on Amazon using her 10,000 dollar loan. Captive Prince proved to be a worthy investment because it shot to the top of Amazon's charts and in the end, Pacat was able to get a three-book deal from one of the biggest publishing houses in the world, Penguin.

There is no question that the odds were stacked against C. S. Pacat. As she said herself, what she wanted to write "did not exist" and publishers tend to really consider the popularity of a genre before contemplating about making a deal with the author. She had to deal with the stigma that comes with online publishing where there are actual people who believe it is not legitimate and finally, her characters and the world they live in are very open-minded and loose in regards to sexuality. Normally, you would expect this kind of project to fail considering the world we live in is very prejudiced and unfair place but it did not. It rose to the occasion, blew everyone's minds away for how good it was, and gave readers great joy to finally see a fantasy series that was thrilling, mind-blowing, and filled with representation. 

This book series broke so many glass ceilings in one go and it deserves to be recognized for it. I feel fortunate that I managed to stumble upon the title of the first book while scrolling down my Tumblr dashboard on an ordinary Thursday night and decided it was a worth a look. I feel grateful for this series' early fan base for ensuring it's success and, of course, C.S. Pacat for writing the trilogy and for being an inspiration for readers and aspiring writers everywhere. 

(Read Lyka Cali's version of books that broke glass ceilings here )

Fuck 2016 Episode 5: My Most Anticipated Releases of 2017

It's only fitting to publish the last post of Fuck 2016 on the very last day of the year and what better way to end this bookish marathon than to talk about the books we are most looking forward to in 2017?

I must confess that I don't really know much about the upcoming books being released in 2017. I only know about the sequels of the books I really enjoyed reading in 2016 and the new books/series some of my favorite authors are putting out in the coming year. Given this, my list won't be much. No doubt as the new year goes on, I will be able to learn more about the 2017 book releases as their publication date draws nearer and I can't wait to be able to know them and read those that catch my interest. Until then however, these are the books that I am terribly excited about and would absolutely get the first day they are on sale.

1. A Court of Wings and Ruin ( A Court of Thorns and Roses # 3) by Sarah J. Maas

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

You guys have no idea how anxious and excited I am for A Court of Wings and Ruin. A Court of Mist and Fury was simply a phenomenal book and it's ending just left all of us hanging, desperate to know what happens next. So of course I am looking forward to the third and final book of this amazing series and there is absolutely no world wherein I don't know how Feyre's story ends.

2. Untitled (Throne of Glass # 6) by Sarah J. Maas

I can't share any photo right now on the final installment of the Throne of Glass series because Bloomsbury hasn't released any teaser photos of it but nonetheless it's still on the list.

I, along with millions of fans around the world, am desperate to know the title of this book, how much more desperate can we be with the actual book? Empire of Storms ended very grimly and I just really want to know how our heroes will be able to overcome the millions of problems they have to face.....if they even succeed. IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE POSSIBILITIES. I'm just praying Sarah J. Maas will have mercy on us and won't cause THAT much damage.

3. The Dark Prophecy (Trials of Apollo # 2) by Rick Riordan

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

I absolutely love anything Percy Jackson and if you read my The Hidden Oracle Review, then you would know that I viewed it as a great and refreshing introduction to the Trials of Apollo series. I am itching to continue reading more about Apollo's journey back to godhood with the help of characters we have grown to know and love from the previous books. The stakes are high, and they're running out of time. I need to see how they all deal with this and of course how Apollo's character will develop even more compared to the last one. No doubt, this will be another enjoyable ride.

4. The Ship of The Dead (Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard # 3) by Rick Riordan

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

It seems only yesterday we were getting the announcement that Rick Riordan was writing a new series inspired by Norse Mythology....now it's coming to a close. 

I really enjoyed myself reading both Sword of Summer and Hammer of Thor (the latter being the best out of the two in my opinion) and I have no doubt I will enjoy myself just as much, if not more, with The Ship of The Dead. Those first two books have been leading up to the events of this final novel and I can't wait to see how everything plays out. The problem of Ragnarok starting feels much more real going in to this book because of the events of Hammer of Thor. How our heroes will get out of this one, I don't know but I have so much faith in this book that it will deliver. It's Rick Riordan after all.

5. Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

I love superheroes. I love DC Comics. I love Wonder Woman. I love Leigh Bardugo.

When I heard that DC hired Leigh Bardugo to write a YA novel about Wonder Woman, one of my favorite superheroes of all time, I was ecstatic. Leigh Bardugo is one of the best YA authors living and if you don't believe me, just read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom (SPOILER ALERT: They are absolutely incredible). The woman has got some serious skill in writing and world-building. What better way to introduce Wonder Woman, the most famous and revered female superhero, to the YA audience than through here? I am absolutely confident that she will bring us a bad-ass, heartfelt, and awesome coming-of-age story about Diana that I and a lot of readers will enjoy.

6. King's Cage (Red Queen # 3) by Victoria Aveyard

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

If that image of a crown made out of bones and that ominous tag line doesn't make you nervous for what will happen in King's Cage I don't know what will.

Glass Sword's ending pretty much ripped the rug from under my feet. It's another shocking and painful ending from Victoria Aveyard that left readers everywhere reeling. I desperately want to know what happens to Mare now that she is in this horrible situation. I need to see her sane and safe. SOMEBODY SAVE HER! Cal? Kilorn? Farley? ANYONE? I honestly don't know what will happen in the third installment of the Red Queen series. I just hope we won't be left standing in shock by the end of it although I'm quite sure we will....let's just prepare ourselves, shall we?

7. History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

The interesting and captivating premise and cover as well as Adam Silvera's credibility are the reasons why History Is All You Left Me is in this list. I was completely hooked once I read the premise. I immediately wanted to read it. I have yet to read Silvera's debut novel, More Happy Than Not but I do have a copy of it already and I have heard numerous people say it was incredible. I honestly can't wait to see and experience Adam Silvera's work myself. I have the utmost confidence that I will enjoy and love it. Thankfully I won't have to wait much longer to get my hands on History Is All You Left Me. It will be published in a few weeks. I am curious to see how his second novel will play out.

Like I said, this was a very short list but I do hope it will expand soon. I am not a very picky reader. I don't keep to specific genres and standards when I buy and read books. I like to keep my options open because in that way, I get to discover spectacular books. There are numerous books coming out in 2017 with great potential just waiting for readers to give them a chance and I intend to seek them out. 

And on that note, Lyka Cali and I's Fuck 2016 bookish marathon is now officially over.

Thank you so much for letting us end 2016 with a bang with posts about books. It was a really fun and thrilling thing for me to do and I am sure Lyka feels the same way. Feel free to let us know if you'd like us to do more collaborations in the future in the comments below!

It's hard to believe that tomorrow, 2017 will officially start. The previous new year doesn't feel too long ago and yet it has and it's time to start over. I don't know what will happen in 2017, no one does. All we really can do is hope for the best and try to succeed. If books taught me anything, it's that anything is possible. The unexpected can always happen. We don't what's going to go down, yes, but we can at least be prepared. Plot twists are exciting to read about but when it happens to you, it's less than pleasant. Let's start the year right. Let's make 2017 worthwhile. God knows we don't need another 2016.

Fuck 2016 Episode 4: The Best Books I Have Read In 2016

2016 has been a good year for me when it comes to reading

Sure I have read some bad books on the side but that is totally outweighed by the amount of good ones. This year, I have discovered numerous books that I now hold close to my heart and will always be treated as favorites. I'm not saying all of these books are the shining examples of literature but they are the ones that, personally, I really enjoyed and loved. You may not agree with my list and that's totally fine but nonetheless I thought these books are pretty sweet and I definitely recommend them to anyone who's looking for new books to enjoy.

Unlike my previous lists, this one will be arranged by date I read them simply because it's easier and because it doesn't give me a migraine over choosing which one is the absolute best.

1. Six of Crows (Six of Crows # 1) by Leigh Bardugo

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

Six of Crows is part of the list because of a technicality. I started reading this book a few days before 2015 ended and finished it January of 2016 so technically it's still a book I read in 2016. But technicalities aside, this is without a doubt one of the best books I have read, not only in 2016, but in my entire life.

I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was. Reading it felt like an actual blessing from God. Everything about it is just amazing. The plot was interesting, action-packed, and flawless. It had some cunning and mind-blowing twist and turns that I mostly did not see coming. The pacing and transition were great as well but the thing I loved the most were the characters. All six of them, Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper, and Wylan, are all great characters. You invest in them and root for them and they all have distinct personalities that you will never mix up or forget. The crew elevated the story even higher up when it was already on a high platform from the plot and writing alone. This book left me speechless and in awe. A warm round of applause is in order for Miss Bardugo. She has written a masterpiece.

Side Note: For my list, I am only considering the books I have read and really thought about. I am currently making my way through Crooked Kingdom which means I cannot include it on my list yet. I'll let you guys know by way of review here on my blog if it deserves to be on my list (I'm pretty sure it does since I am loving it so far).

2. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is another book I did not expect to like as much as I did. What I can really say for sure about this book is that it was effective. It was effective on telling a story revolving around this suicidal and depressed boy that feels real. You really feel bad for Leonard and you start to hate the situation he's in as much as he does. You understand why he is being this way and the gravity of his situation. Sometimes in books like this one, they end up being too over-the-top and slow but with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, that's not the case which I really appreciated. It even had some comedic moments. Although it's the cynical kind of comedy which I personally like. What makes this novel so effective and genuine is because of the way it was written so kudos to Matthew Quick for his outstanding skill. Overall just a good book that truly made me feel.

3. Glass Sword (Red Queen # 2) by Victoria Aveyard

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

Glass Sword is a great continuation to the Red Queen series. The plot was good. It had twists and turns like the previous book, it raised the stakes to great heights, it was action-packed, and the characters continued their journeys in compelling ways. I guess from now on this series will have a reputation for having excruciating and mind-blowing endings. The ending of Red Queen had me falling off my seat and so did Glass Sword's. As much as it pained me to read the ending, I loved it and it gave us a promise of exciting adventures to look forward to in the next book. You can definitely bet that this series is now one of my favorites and that I will be getting my hands on King's Cage when it's released.

Side Note: To view my INITIAL review of Glass Sword, click here

4. Anna and The French Kiss Series by Stephanie Perkins

(Photo from: www.whatsarahread.com)

I read the three books in the Anna and The French Kiss series in three different times but I thought it was better to talk about them in one go than separate them because the qualities that I loved in the first one show up in the other two. These three books are consistent with one another. They were all amazingly fun to read. The plots may be simple but it was done in a way that elevates it to something greater. The characters were all worth investing in and were quirky, charming, and charismatic. This series would be nothing without its leads. The writing was as quirky, charming, and charismatic as it's characters. Stephanie Perkins truly has a gift in writing these kinds of stories. Yes, there are some really cliche moments but the difference between this and the other romance books out there is that it was executed well so you end up forgiving it. Personally, I liked Anna and the French Kiss the best mainly because of Anna and Etienne, their separate characters and their relationship, but you can definitely have the others as favorites. It's totally understandable since they are all great.

5. The Hidden Oracle (Trials of Apollo # 1) by Rick Riordan

(Photo from: www.riordan.wikia.com)

The Hidden Oracle was everything I wanted from a Rick Riordan book. It was refreshing, entertaining, and captivating. You think after ten books and a thousand companion books Riordan won't be able to find anything to make the Percy Jackson world feel new again but he did by telling the story from the eyes of the god-turned-mortal, Apollo. The great writing is the number one reason why this novel worked as well as it did. I shouldn't be surprised at how well-written this was considering Rick Riordan wrote it but I am. The writing benefited the execution of the fast-paced plot and it benefited the amazing characters in the book. Apollo is as lovable as his old self in the other Percy Jackson books but this time we get to see his character deepen and develop which is such a pleasure. I can't wait to see more of him. The other characters such as Meg, Will, Nico and many more all added to the story in their own way. It was a joy to read them. The Hidden Oracle made me smile, laugh, cry, and rage. It was so good! I can't wait to get my hands on The Dark Prophecy and continue reading Apollo's journey to godhood.

Side Note: To view my FULL review of Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle, click here

6. What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler

(Photo from: www.harpercollins.com)

What We Saw is one of those books that tells a compelling story but at the same time is telling an important message that absolutely everyone should heed. It revolves around a rape case in a small town and the corrupt way it's being handled. This book doesn't hold back. It tells the story as it is even the graphic parts. I appreciated Hartzler not shying away from this because this is something that needs to be seen in the way it really is in reality. The book's mysterious and tense atmosphere doesn't let up until the very end which adds to the gravity of the situation. All characters in the book were written well. They also played their parts successfully. They depict what really happens in a community and the different sides people take whenever there is a rape case; even the ugly side. The story played out excellently and I was blown away at how good it was when I turned the final page. I just absolutely loved it. It's not only a fantastic book but it was a well-needed lesson. I definitely recommend it.

Side Note: To view my FULL review of What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler, click here

7. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

This book was incredibly hyped for me because some of my friends read it first and told me how good it was. Of course, their good remarks raised my expectations and I am glad to say that this book met them. All The Bright Places was a simple story elevated by it's two main characters, Violet and Finch. Their two different yet interconnected lives are incredibly painful and sweet. Most of the emotion really comes from Theodore Finch and his story and it's just profoundly sad. I remember crying my eyes out by the last act of the novel. Theodore and Violet are the furthest things from one-dimensional and they are just so easy to latch on to. It never felt too slow and before you know it I was done. The whole thing was worth the time it took me to read it. Truly a genuine and lovely book.

Side Note: To view my INITIAL review of All The Bright Places, click here

8. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

U.S. Editions of the Throne of Glass series
(Photo from: www.playbuzz.com)

I can't believe I only discovered and read this series this year because how can I miss something truly incredible? The Throne of Glass series is simply spectacular. This is how a fantasy series should be written. The world is captivating yet simple enough to grasp. The different plots of the different books are all very good and well written. The good writing extends to the amazing characters within the series. All of them, from the characters we met from the first book until the characters we met in the fifth book, are entralling and fun to read. They all have their personal journeys that contribute nicely to the overall story. The twists that the books took are mind-blowing, the kind that makes me scream my lungs out. You have no idea how much I felt like throwing the books as hard as I can while I was binge-reading the series because I was so overcome with emotion. As for favorites, Heir of Fire is my favorite so far. It was where Maas really peaked with how she wrote her story and how it played out as a whole. Let's see how the final book turns out when it comes out next year then I'll give you a definite answer for my favorite book. But nonetheless you can absolutely have any one of them as your favorite because they're all stunning. This series is just so good I don't know how I can express my love for it without taking up a lot of your time..... and discussing some serious spoilers. Bottom line is it's glorious and you if you haven't read it yet, THEN YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD.

Side Note: My official and full review of the Throne of Glass series will be up soon. But if you want to view my INITIAL reviews of Throne of Glass up until Queen of Shadows, here are the links:

- Throne of Glass

-Crown of Midnight

-Heir of Fire

-Queen of Shadows

9. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

(Photo from: a-vigilant-muse.blogspot.com

It looks like Sarah J. Maas can't write a bad book, can she? The first two books are absolutely phenomenal especially A Court of Mist and Fury. It was an enjoyable and beautiful retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale but it does have it's own mythology and rules around it that makes it entirely it's own. Both books are page turners. You can't stop reading once you start it. You immediately want to know what happens next after every chapter because of the different incredible scenes with its spectacular characters. Feyre is a great protagonist to follow. The writing really makes me understand and feel her joy, pain, loss, and grief. I don't know how much details I can give about the other characters without spoiling the surprise because there are so much stuff that happens to each and everyone of them. It feels like a whiplash. But rest assured, they are all very good and very easy to invest in. And of course, since this is Sarah J. Maas we're talking about, it has some twists that left me shocked out of my mind. 

As much as I loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury was the one that really made me love the series. It made my entire year. OH GOD HOW I MUCH I LOVED THAT BOOK. I can only hope that the third one will be as good, if not better, as A Court of Mist and Fury but knowing how Maas writes, I have complete faith in her. I am so excited and scared for A Court of Wings and Ruin but you can all bet I'll enjoy every minute of it.

10. The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

(Photo from: www.twirlingpages.com)

I absolutely regret not reading this the first time I heard about this a few years back. WHY DID I TURN MY BACK ON THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES? But I guess the important thing is that I indeed read them and loved them. 

If I had to choose the top series that made me feel all kinds of emotions, especially pain and sorrow, it's got to be The Infernal Devices. This will also be my prime example of characters elevating the story. I know I say this a lot with other books but with this series, without the characters, it would suffer a sever downgrade. I'm not saying the plot is terrible, it's nice actually with surprising and action-packed moments but the characters were just wonderful and made the story into something worth remembering. Tessa, Will, and Jem are untouchable. They will forever be precious and lovely and part of my favorite characters list. The other supporting characters such as Henry, Charlotte, and Jessamine are all good as well but nothing will surpass the three. Everything that was set up in Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince came together in Clockwork Princess and it was simply splendid. The time it took to put every piece together was worth it since it all played out so well. Clockwork Princess is without a doubt the most emotional I have been in my life reading a book. UNTIL NOW I CRY OVER IT and I am not even exaggerating. Ask Lyka Cali for confirmation if you want to. This series was such a great reading experience. It reawakened my interest in the Shadowhunter Chronicles and as a separate entity, will definitely be loved for a very long time.

Side Note: To view my FULL review of The Infernal Devices series, click here

11. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

(Photo from: www.simonandschuster.com)

Aristotle and Dante is probably my favorite contemporary novel of all time. There's just something about it that I absolutely love. It has a sort of purity, innocence, and authenticity that I never felt from other books before. It was simply beautiful. It doesn't necessarily follow a specific plot but follows Aristotle's life throughout the year starting from the summer he met his best friend, Dante. It follows his quest to understand himself, his family, Dante, his surroundings and many more. On paper, this may seem boring but it's not. His thoughts, theories, and beliefs are intriguing and relatable. Aristotle as a whole is totally relatable and so is Dante. Both of them distinct, understandable, and real. They're easy to invest it. This is a book that genuinely made me smile because of joy and peace. Aristotle and Dante is definitely a high bar to top. It's just that good. All the hype around it is well-deserved.

12. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

(Photo from: www.rainbowrowell.com)

The award for the most moments that I squealed in because of a ship goes to.... CARRY ON! But seriously this book gave me ALL the magnificent feels. I bought this book around the time it officially came out last year yet it took me a year later to actually read it.... what the fuck is wrong with me? Seriously? 

Carry On was just great and, no, I am not only talking about the main couple. Reading it felt like a treat. As a long time Potter fan, it's obvious from the first chapter that Carry On is inspired by Harry Potter so seeing all the parallels was really exciting. The plot was executed well enough and it was fast-paced too. It didn't feel like it was more than five hundred pages. I just flew right through it, excited to more. Another thing I really liked about this book were the spells. On paper and without context, it would be too silly to take seriously but Rowell explained it enough to actually make sense in the world the story is taking place. The characters are once again taking the center stage here because they were all so good and entertaining to read about. What can I say about Simon and Baz that would encompass my love for them? Either separate or together, they are both so thrilling to read about yet real in terms of being believable characters, not caricatures. Penelope, Agatha, The Mage, and Lucy were also interesting in their own right and essential to how things went along. The book won't be as strong as it is without them. In the end, Carry On was simply delightful to read and I love it with all my heart. I frequently find myself rereading some chapters when I need something to cheer me up or simply because I miss my magicians. It's definitely worth checking out.

13. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

(Photo from: www.madelinemiller.com)

If you have read my The Song of Achilles review, then you would know how much I love this book but since I have no problem gushing about one of the best books I have ever read in my life, I'm going to rave about it some more. 

To put it simply, The Song of Achilles was spectacular. If you know what happens in the Iliad (which I am assuming most of you do because it's the Iliad), then you essentially know what's going to happen in this book because it does follow the classic tale's events. So why bother reading it you ask? Because even though you know what will eventually happen, the way Miller wrote her novel was just breathtaking. It was heartwarming and heart-breaking. Tragic and hopeful. Fearful and joyful. The magical and mystical world of the Greek gods was made more intimate and human through Patroclus' eyes. He grounded the story to make it more understandable, relatable, and worth reading. You root for him from the very first chapter. You feel his loneliness, pain, and happiness as he grows older. You just invest in him right off the bat which is important if you're going to see through him the entire book. Achilles was also grounded. In the Iliad, he was this arrogant and angry character that you most probably disliked. In this, you see his formation, his years growing up, and his motivations for being what he is when the Trojan War actually starts so you get him. You don't just understand him, you like him as well. The two of them together is just lovely to read. All kinds of emotions can be felt when you read a scene between the two of them. The other supporting characters were all good and played their part for the story in impressive ways namely Odysseus, Briseis, Agamemnon, and Thetis. If Madeline Miller ever published novellas concerning the four them, I will definitely pay to read it. I will pay for anything Madeline Miller because she has proven her talent and skill in writing with The Song of Achilles. I just love this book to pieces. Everything about it is a gift from the gods.

Side Note: To view my FULL review of The Song of Achilles, click here 

I am actually surprised at how many books I thoroughly loved in 2016. No matter how much crap I give 2016 for being pretty bad, I can't deny that it was a good reading year for me. Earlier this year, I aimed to read around fifty books for my Goodreads reading challenge. And although I won't be able to reach fifty by the time 2016 ends, I can't make myself be totally upset since I mostly read good books. After all, its better to have been able to read in small amounts and for all of them to turn out great rather than have a heaping pile of terrible books. I hope to God that 2017 will again be a good reading year. I'm not sure how much I will be able to read since 2017 will probably be the busiest year of my life yet but I'm still looking forward to the new year...if only for the books. With so many books I am personally anticipating in 2017, it's practically impossible not to feel hope.

Side Note: Once you're done reading my list, check out Lyka Cali's over at her page!

Fuck 2016 Episode 3: The Best YA Book Covers Ever

We're done talking about the worst. It's time for the best.

If you have been following our blogs lately you would know that Lyka Cali and I have been doing a little bookish marathon. So far we have talked about stuff we, to put it kindly, did not necessarily like. But now it is time to flip the coin and talk about the things we really enjoyed and liked starting with this "episode", THE BEST YA BOOK COVERS EVER.

Back in Episode 1, we talked about some of the most atrocious book covers out there and we felt like it was only fair to write about the best ones too. There are some pretty amazing book covers out there and we have got to give credit to the artists for their work. It attracts readers when they go visit book stores therefore giving them good first impressions when they pick them up. I am not saying a book is automatically good just because it has a great cover but it does give the buyers some optimism when starting it. That has certainly been the case for me in numerous occasions. This is why it is essential to not take book covers for granted because they truly do have an influence on the reader. My list below covers some of the books that I felt did a great job at capturing the readers' interest because of their aesthetic and because it goes hand-in-hand with the story inside.

As always, this list is in no particular order.

1. Red Queen (Red Queen # 1) by Victoria Aveyard

(Photo from: victoriaaveyard.blogspot.com)

Red Queen's cover is just beautiful there is no doubt about that. It is simple, yes, but it still gives off a strong and elegant aura that is quite hard to find sometimes especially if the book focuses on royalty. Usually they crowd the cover with symbols and pictures that mean power but Red Queen proves that  a minimalist approach is enough. The crown and the red blood dripping from it conveys enough of the premise that it intrigues you. The tag line at the bottom adds a lot of impact too. The whole thing together is just a formidable and pleasing sight which is good since the book itself deserves it.

2. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

(Photo from: www.rainbowrowell.com)

Carry On is a good example of covers that give you a feel of the book. The two silhouettes that take up most of the cover let you know immediately that their relationship will be important in the novel which is indeed true since those two are Simon and Baz. The silhouette of the castle is of course indicating where the book will be mostly based at. It doesn't only give you a good feel of the story but it also is quite simple and good-looking as a whole. The colors don't clash and the font looks good with the other elements. Basically it's another good cover for a deserving story.

3. The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

(Photo from: www.freeiz.com)

Say what you want about Twilight and how it's a blemish to literature and all that bullshit but it's got some damn good covers. It's another set of simple covers (I think you guys can guess that I love simple covers) with a specific image in the middle. The images are all metaphorically significant to the story, more specifically to Bella. The font compliments the design and the colors are lovely, more potent because of the contrast. It was awesome when I first saw it, it's awesome 'til now and I'll probably think it's awesome until the day I die.

4. Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

(Photo from: pentatwine.blogspot.com)

God these covers are absolutely gorgeous! I am pretty sure no one can disagree with this statement. The majestic crow, the wonderful font, the splendid colors and the way it contrasts with each other, and the background all come together to make extraordinary covers. Six of Crows drew me in the first time I saw it and the same can be said with Crooked Kingdom. The vivid colors of the pages also adds to the stunning aesthetic of the books. No disagreements here when I see this duology in others' best covers list.

5. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

The All The Bright Places cover is composed of things that have a significant role in the story itself arranged in a way to make the product look really pleasing. It's really clever and simple and just beautiful. There's something about the cover that gives off an aura of authenticity and purity that I think really conveys the book as a whole. The cover is elegant, and lovely, and a "bright place" for every fan of the sweet book.

6. What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler

(Photo from: www.harpercollins.com)

The cover of What We Saw is composed of a simple picture of a slightly opened door but the way it was edited elevated it to the next level. The lighting as well as the blurred background immediately adds a mysterious and tense atmosphere which is appropriate since the book itself has this all throughout. This plus the powerful tagline produces a strong cover that captivates you immediately. Truly an effective cover for an important book.

The "Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover" is very easy to abide if the covers are as gorgeous and as full of impact as the books above. They all did their duty of being aesthetically great and being closely related to the story. There are many more out there but these six really are the top books I think about when I think of the best. There are thousands more out there and I am glad when I see them because not only do I see investment in the books themselves but I see that they know the importance a cover has because whether we like it or not, it does have a effect. A surprisingly big and essential effect. Lord knows I never want to see another cover wherein a teenage girl is staring blankly ahead with her hair blowing in the background. Do you?

Fuck 2016 Episode 2: The Worst Books I Have Read In My Entire Life

Previously on Fuck 2016...

Last December 21, Lyka Cali and I published our first posts in the Fuck 2016 marathon featuring what we think are the worst young adult covers ever made. Now it's the day before Christmas and it's time to bring you guys the second "episode" to this bookish marathon, THE WORST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

I consider myself pretty generous when rating books, I try my best to really look at their good points. But there are just those particular few which barely have good in them that I couldn't deny anymore how truly BAD they were. I know when a book just didn't hit it for me whenever I feel like it was a waste of my time to read it also when I am very frustrated with it. The kind of frustration wherein you question that book's very existence and meaning. Disappointment is also a key indicator. It's when I expect a particular book to be good because it has a good premise or had a huge amount of hype around it only for it to not meet my standards.

I am sure that the authors who wrote these books are very lovely people and I have nothing against them. I am only rating their books and nothing more. If any of you liked or even loved the books on my list, feel free to like them. I wish I had your experience but I simply did not.

Also, like my last list in Episode 1, this list is in no particular order.

1. If I Stay (If I Stay # 1) by Gayle Forman

(Photo from: www. amazon.com)

If you have read my If I Stay Review, then you know I absolutely did not like this book. It was boring, underwhelming, and pointless. The pacing was all wrong. It was mostly very slow until the last few chapters wherein it rushed to tie everything up. The characters were also minimally interesting. Those who managed to capture some my interest aren't even the main characters! They were just side characters! What was more frustrating was that it had a pretty interesting premise but the interest I had in it quickly diminished after the fist few chapters where nothing remotely exciting was happening. I read the last word of the entire book feeling very irritated and unsatisfied which should never be if you just read a great book.

2. Playlist For The Dead by Michelle Falkoff

(Photo from: www.goodreads,com)

Oh God I was so so so disappointed after reading this book.

Playlist for the Dead has a very cool premise. It's the type I am definitely drawn to so when I heard about it for the first time earlier this year, I bought it the first chance I got. I even bought the hardbound copy of it. After reading the book, I regret spending so much money on it. It was just really bad. Like If I Stay, it was pointless. Everything that was set up didn't have a pay-off that was worth the time and energy spent on making it seem essential. I'm telling you guys it set up so much stuff but in the end nothing really happened. The playlist wasn't even much of a player in the book! The book was named after the something that didn't even matter much until the very end! The disappointment I felt after reading this book was unlike any other.... at least unlike any other but one. But that's later on in the list. The point is I expected so much more from this book but it just let me down.

(To view my initial review on Playlist for the Dead, click here)

3. Save Me, Kurt Cobain by Jenny Manzer

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

Another book I regret spending so much money on because I bought the hardbound version of it.

Save Me, Kurt Cobain took me TWO weeks to finish and it's not even that long. If that's not an indicator at how boring this book was I don't even know what is. This book tried I can give it that. It tried to be thrilling and mysterious but it just didn't work. I guess that time spent trying to be thrilling and mysterious added to how boring this book turned out. It took too long setting things up that I found myself losing interest in it. It ended up being a real job just to finish this book and that should never be the case. The main character, Nico, was really rash and glum that it made it really hard to invest and root for her. Also, the million Kurt Cobain facts did nothing but distract me from the story. It would have been fine if kept at a minimum instead of it popping out every two paragraphs. Like Playlist for the Dead, I expected so much more from this book but I ended up disappointed and frustrated. 

(To view my initial review on Save Me, Kurt Cobain, click here)

4. Soulmates by Holly Bourne

(Photo from: neverjudgeabookbyitscovers.blogspot.com)

This book definitely did not need to be as long as it was.

I don't mind reading thick books don't get me wrong but as long as it was necessary for that book to be long. The length of this book was not necessarily. I bought this book because I wanted to read a twisted version of soulmates, not to read a girl's life with her friends and crush. I have read millions of books with that premise, I don't need another one. The big difference was I knew those books were about a girl's life with her friends and crush. I signed up to read those books. This book failed to mention that it was mostly going to be a normal contemporary novel. I feel like I bought something different from what I expected. If it was going to focus more on the life of the girl rather than the supernatural aspect of soulmates, at least make it worthwhile and interesting but it was not. It was cliche. In the end, it made me feel nothing major. It left no impact. I just turned the last page and set it back on my shelf.

(To view my initial review of Soulmates, click here)

5. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Harry Potter # 8) by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

(Photo from: www.hypable.com)

I said above that Playlist of the Dead disappointed me like no other book did except for one. Cursed Child was that book.

I am not sure I can express my disappointment enough. I LOVED the Harry Potter series. There was not one book that I did not love. The story, the characters, the action, and everything in between were amazing and unforgettable and I will always be thankful to Rowling for creating the magical world of Harry Potter. So of course, I was super excited when I heard about Cursed Child and how it was going to be the "eighth" story of the Harry Potter franchise. After actually reading it, I tried my best not to think about how it was canon.

Where do I even begin? The characterization of most of the original characters were inconsistent with the other seven books, especially Harry fucking Potter. The stuff he did in this book/script were stuff his character would never do. It tried to tell a mind-blowing and massive story but in the end, it just created more confusing plot holes in a world where there are already more than enough plot holes. There were also things in Cursed Child that were clearly just convenient plot devices. If you think about it really carefully, it does not make sense. The Malfoys were the only bright spots from this story and nothing more. You would be crazy if you were a Potter fan and you didn't have expectations going in to this book. My expectations were missed by a long shot to say the least but not only that. I was disappointed out of my mind.

If you read my initial reviews of Playlist for the Dead, Save Me, Kurt Cobain, and Soulmates, you would notice that I liked them better there as compared to here. I guess the more time away from them has given me perspective on how bad they really were as stories so I don't regret putting them in this list. That said, I am actually quite surprised on how this list turned out. I thought there would be more. I have come across blogs and vlogs alike with numerous books on their most hated list. But then again, shouldn't I be thankful that there are only a handful of books that left a bad taste on my mouth? It's inevitable that I will encounter much more terrible books eventually but I guess I can look at it this way. Without them I wouldn't be able to gage terrific ones as well as separate and value the books I really love. You guys can look at it that way too if you keep on feeling overwhelming hatred towards those specific books you have read that really got on your nerves. It's better than them being the banes of your existence and paperweight after all.