BOOK LOVER DISCUSSION: WHY BOOK PUBLISHERS SHOULD REALLY CONSIDER THE MALAYSIA OR ASIA MARKET?

  Hello to my ever energetic readers.

  

  In this article, I would be explaining the cons of being a Book Lover living in Malaysia. This is also my first discussion article that does not entirely involve any specific books. 

  Before any further due, let's go straight into it.

  As far as I could remember falling in love with reading, living in Malaysia and being a total Book Nerd is the definition of a BAD COMBINATION. And here are some reasons why: 

1. Let's admit, we have to wait for ages to read our most anticipated books. 

  Living in Malaysia, I have to wait for a long period of time before finally getting the book I want to read. I remember completely hyped up by the release of "The 39 Clues" books, but they are so difficult to acquire, I had to wait for almost two years to finally purchase them. Imagine being totally excited about the release and the book in your arms, but just because you know you have to wait for years to get them, you don't just lose your love and excitement for the book, you also give up reading them. Living in Malaysia, having Goodread is also not entirely a good thing. I had at least hundreds of anticipated books and had only purchase a small amount of them.

 My current most anticipated books-to-read are "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and the "Ruby Red" trilogy by Kerstin Gier. Coincidentally, all these three have something in common: you can't find them, anywhere.

"Six of Crows" is written by the New York Times Bestselling Author of the "Grisha" trilogy, Leigh Bardugo. "Six Dangerous Outcasts. One Important Heist." Learn more about this book on Leigh's website: http://www.leighbardugo.com/ 

"All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven. All the Bright Places is about two teenagers, Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, wanting to escape their small Indiana town. Violet wants to move away and escape the memories of her sister's death while Theodore continually dreams of dying, but is always stopped from bringing any of his plans to fruition. The two of them meet up by chance on their school's bell tower and strike up a friendship. However, while Violet finds that she's able to grow and somewhat surpass her grief, Theodore's own issues continually haunt him. A film adaptation starring Elle Fanning will be released in 2017. To learn more about this book, click on this link: http://www.jenniferniven.com/

American teen actress, Elle Fanning and author of "All the Bright Places", Jennifer Niven. Elle Fanning is best known for films like Super 8 and Maleficent. The film adaptation of "All the Bright Places" will be released in 2017.

The "Ruby Red" trilogy is written by Kerstin Gier, a German writer. The Ruby Red trilogy follows the story of time traveller, Gwyneth Shepherd, living in contemporary London. Learn more about the trilogy by clicking on this link: http://kerstingier.com/

2. The difficulty of requiring the ideal book cover we want. 

  As we all know, one book could be published with all sorts of covers, depending on the country you live in and the language you are reading. For example, I am constantly in love with the US cover version of books, but because Malaysia is under the commonwealth, I am force to accept the UK cover version of the similar books. Not that I hated them, I just thought the UK cover version would not fit in my bookshelf as much as the US cover version. 

The best example is this book--"Four: A Divergent Collection" by Veronica Roth. This is the US cover version, which I loved and pined for once it was released. Plus, it was in hardback. Four: A Divergent Collection is a collection of five short stories from the Divergent trilogy, written in Tobias Eaton or Four's point of view.

However, I got my hands on this UK cover version of "Four: A Divergent Collection" by Veronica Roth. Not that I hated it, it just didn't quite match with the other books, which is the "Divergent" trilogy, also by Veronica Roth. However, I purchased this book in Foyles when I was travelling in London, so it's not all that bad. 

3. Hardback Vs Paperback

  As far as I know, requiring paperback versions are so simple around here in Malaysia. However, readers might not always love paperbacks, kind of like me or just those who love neat and clean books, and have a big heart of lending books out to the world. Everyone knows hardbacks are so much easier to manage, but not always as portable as paperbacks. But, who are we kidding? As long as we love the book, carrying a slightly heavier book doesn't even seem to begin to be a challenge. 

4. Books sometimes could get a little CRAZY expensive.

  Continuing from my previous point, hardbacks are much more expensive compared to the paperbacks. However, I totally get it. Hardbacks need thicker papers compared to paperbacks, but I am not talking about that. I am talking about the paperback version books itself. In Malaysia, the average price for a Young-Adult paperback cost almost RM 35, which is considered expensive around here. Unless you have really financially supportive parents like mine, getting a 35 bucks book every single time you enter a book store seems a little too much, in the financial aspect, and come on, when do we ever buy only one book?

5. We might have big annual sales, but never half-price book stores. 

  In Malaysia, the four major book stores are Popular, MPH, Borders and Kinokuniya. They are like the Barnes and Nobles of the US, and Waterstones and Foyles of the UK (I have visited both bookstores and I am totally loving them). In Malaysia, book stores might sometimes hold sales, but in normal days, they usually sell nett price books which are usually really expensive. Learning from Sasha Alsberg, a Booktuber on Youtube, they actually have half-price book stores in the US, which we don't, so that is kind of a bummer. 

No money? Well, we can always wait (or more like depend on) the annual Big Bad Wolf book sales at the beginning, middle or at the end of the year, depending on where you live. Head onto their website to know more about their annual book sales' venues.  

5. We could not meet authors and attend book signing events, which is a total buzz kill for book lovers like me.

  The first and only Young-Adult author I knew that came to Malaysia to hold a book signing event was the "Delirium" book series' author, Lauren Oliver, and because she came on a weekday or a typical schooling day for me, I couldn't go, which made me so MAD. And everything was planned out in such a hush tone, no one really knew she was coming unless of course, you are constantly available on Twitter to read her tweets. So, as a Book Lover living in Malaysia, I sincerely hope that in the next ten years, big Young-Adult authors could consider coming to Malaysia to hold book signing events, especially authors like the "Throne of Glass" series and "A Court of Thorns and Roses", Sarah J. Maas, "The Lunar Chronicles" author, Marissa Meyer, "The Mortal Instruments" series and the "Infernal Devices" trilogy author, Cassandra Clare and many more. 

My Heroine and always Inspiration. Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times Bestselling Author of the "Throne of Glass" series and most recently, "A Court of Thorns and Roses". I recently released an official book review on "A Court of Thorns and Roses", so you guys could head over there and check it out. 

The "Throne of Glass" book series by Sarah J. Maas is partly inspired by Cinderella. The story follows the journey of Calaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin in a corrupted kingdom with a tyrannical ruler. As the story progresses, Calaena forms unexpected bonds and uncovers a conspiracy admidst her adventures. 

"Queen of Shadows" by Sarah J. Maas is the fourth book in the "Throne of Glass" book series, excluding "The Assassin's Blade". Like previous books, Queen of Shadows is a critically acclaimed book. However, some book critics said this might be the best one yet.

My first Sarah J. Mass novel--A Court of Thorns and Roses, that instantly swept me off my feet. Head over to this link to read my official book review on this AMAZING book: http://mylittlebookaffairs.blogspot.my/2016/01/bestbookof2015-edition-by-cauldron-this.html

Marissa Meyer is the Brilliant Mind behind "The Lunar Chronicles" book series. The story takes place in a futuristic world where humans, cyborgs and androids all coexist. To learn more about the book series or Marissa Meyer's recent works, click on this link: http://www.marissameyer.com/ 

Each book in "The Lunar Chronicles" book series by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of a fairytale. For example, "Cinder" is inspired by Cinderella; "Scarlet" is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood; "Crest" is inspired by Rapunzel.

"Winter" is the fourth book in "The Lunar Chronicles" book series by Marissa Meyer. Winter is inspired by Snow White and is critically acclaimed like most of the previous books in the same series.

Cassandra Clare is the GENIUS behind the Shadow World. I first read "City of Bones" and "Clockwork Angel" almost two years ago and fell completely in love with it. Her PERFECT writing style and skills just made every single book so fluent and just so BEAUTIFUL. Click on this link to learn more about the shadow world: http://www.cassandraclare.com/my-writing/novels/

The "Infernal Devices" trilogy by Cassandra Clare is a prequel to "The Mortal Instruments" book series. The "Infernal Devices" trilogy follows Tessa Gray, an orphaned teenage girl, who discovers she has the power to shapeshift, but does not bear a mark that shows she is a warlock, and abilities that plunge her into a world she never knew existed. She will have to learn to master them if she wants to find her brother, Nate, and she will have to forge an alliance with Shadowhunters if she wants to survive in this dangerous world. Cassandra Clare has insisted that the series can be read in any order, but I recommend you guys to read "The Mortal Instruments" book series first, just so it would not take away the fun from "The Mortal Instruments" book series. To be honest, there was never one dull moment in the pages of these books. I just love this trilogy so much, I will be doing a full book series review, which I have not done before. 

If you have not yet started with "The Mortal Instruments" six books series, you are missing almost every single moment of EXCITEMENT and FUN. If you have not yet read the books, but really excited about it, you can watch the film adaptation of "City of Bones", which unfortunately flopped few years ago. However, ABC or recently changed to Free Form, a TV Series adaptation has recently been released, so you can watch that.

Almost every single fan of either the INCREDIBLE "Infernal Devices" or "The Mortal Instruments" book series is so EXCITED for this book. "Lady Midnight" by Cassandra Clare is the starting of a new book series, "The Dark Artifices", continuing "The Mortal Instruments" book series, but five years in the future.

6. We could not be more active in a fandom than we want to. 

  Being a Fangirl in Malaysia is probably the worst. Why? Well, because we couldn't participate more into the Fandom than we hope we could. Watching Booktubers on Youtube, they always seem to have merchandises and sometimes able to meet the film adaptation's cast members, but living in Malaysia, there really is no such opportunity. Fortunately enough, I had the opportunity to travel to the "Harry Potter" studio in Leavesden to purchase the merchandises. Only then, I realized what it really meant to be a part of a fandom. 

Because is "Harry Potter"! What else is there to say?!

If you are like me, a HUGE fan of either the "Harry Potter" book series or the film series, you should visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden (like I did).

  These are my personal opinions about being a Book Lover in Malaysia. What about you guys? Are you facing the same problems as me? Do you live in Malaysia like me? Or do you guys live in somewhere else, also dealing with the same problems as me? Write in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you guys. 

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  That's all for now. Thank you for reading this blog post and I'll see you soon.

#BESTBOOKOF2015 EDITION-BY THE CAULDRON, THIS IS THE OFFICIAL BOOK REVIEW OF A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES AND JANUARY TBR PILE

  Happy 2016, my ever so wonderful and energetic readers. 

  This book review officially marks my first post of the year 2016. 

  

  After almost a week, I have finally finished "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas last night and I am literally still in a major book hangover. As of why I took such a long time in writing this book review, I have been extremely busy this week since I am still getting my driver's licence and I'm also applying to college. Just all the hassle and bustle had been keeping me from my reading and it was until midnight that I could finally rest and read. I also did some catching up on TV shows, like I just finished watching Marvel's "Jessica Jones" season 1 and the last scene just killed me. If you guys have been following me on Twitter, you would know why (Kilgrave!!!). The series has been such a bitter-sweet journey for me. I really recommend you guys to watch it, but the contents in the series might be inappropriate for some viewers and the series is really dark, so you have been warned. As of right now, I'm still catching up on "Gotham" season 2 though I'm on the final episode, and I'm just really nervous about it; just the feeling you have when you know you are about to wait almost a year for another season. But, serious guys, I'm really excited about the season finale, yet extremely nervous about it. I'm also planning to watch "Outlander" season 1 once I am done with "Gotham". What about you guys? What have you guys been doing in the holidays? Are you also applying to college? Or are you guys just watching TV shows like I am? Tell me in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you guys. 

  Before we jumped straight to the book review, I just want to say that I have heard of Sarah J. Maas' amazing writing skills and the way she builds strong female characters and the world building. I have never experienced it until I have read "A Court of Thorns and Roses". This book is also my first Sarah J. Maas book, so I had to admit I was quite sceptical at first, but the moment I began reading this book, I just know Sarah J. Maas is one of those authors, who is just going to keep creating sensations in her lifetime. This book is also my first retelling book, which involves the retelling of "Beauty and the Beast", so I have to admit, the story of this book drew me in an instant.

  And before we get to the book review, I just want to say that some contents in this book might be slightly mature than most young adult books, so you have been advice. 

  Without further distraction, let's just jump straight to the official book review.

Book Synopsis provided at the back of the book: 

"FEYRE IS A HUNTRESS.

She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking a life of a magical creature comes at a high price...

Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom. Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked--but his piercing stare draws her ever closer. As Feyre's feelings for Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she's been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows.

FEYRE MUST FIND A WAY TO BREAK A SPELL, OR LOSE HER HEART FOREVER."

(*Spoilers Alert! I will not be doing a brief summary on this book. I might unintentionally give away some spoilers and I will be doing some discussion about the book. So unless you want to be spoiled, I would advice you not to read this because I don't want to take the fun away from you guys.)

OFFICIAL BOOK REVIEW: 
+ The storyline of this book was just so GOOD (*squealing). I just could not put the book down. I literally stayed up really late at night just to finish it, but at the same time, I didn't want to end the story just because I know the sequel of this book haven't been released yet. Yes, we already have the title of the sequel, which is "A Court of Mist and Fury", and it comes out on May 3rd this year (yes, this year, in 2016), but that just means we have to wait for another 5 months, which seems pretty far away even though we're already in 2016. WHAT?! 
+ First, I would have to admit that the starting of the book was a little bit slow for me, but it was not entirely the draggy type. I know there are some books out there that starts off really slow and draggy, and would sometimes contribute to a reader's slump, but not this book. This book may have started off slow, but it really took the time to explain what was really going on at the present time, which I think to be useful sometimes, just so we won't get confused at the middle of the book or at the end. Nevertheless, you will still fall in love with it just like me. I think the slow speed in the beginning really allowed me to gradually fall in love with this book. No, seriously guys, I literally could not put the book down.
+ Second, I have not read any Sarah J. Maas' books before, like the critically-acclaimed "Throne of Glass" series, but I have heard of her spectacular writing style and skills. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" was actually my first book of Sarah J. Maas. And to be honest, this book was just so beautifully written, I cried. It was just so good; the style and the skills of her writing. You could literally feel the exact emotions the characters are feeling at that time, so BRAVO to that!
+ Other than that, I would say that the world building for this book is pretty creative and just AWESOME...Just AWESOME, I really like it. It was unlike any books I have read. I mean, compared to "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo, this world building is the definition of PERFECTION of world building skills. Not that I didn't enjoy or find the world building in "Shadow and Bone" boring and uninteresting, I just felt the world building in this book was more interesting and creative. So, CHEERS TO SARAH J. MAAS, again!
+ As for characters, I know that Sarah has a tendency in creating strong female characters and that she is really good at creating them, but I have never experienced it until Feyre. I have to admit that Feyre is my favourite protagonists as of right now. She just KICKED ASS, especially compared to "Shadow and Bone's" main female protagonists, Alina. I mean, there is literally no comparison between these two characters. Feyre just KICKED ASS. In the beginning of the story, after she was taken by Tamlin, I did find her a little bit whiny. I mean, she was constantly thinking about home and ways to escape. I mean, I totally get it. I would probably do that if I was in her shoes, but luckily, her whining doesn't surpass the first chapter. Later on in the story, her thoughts, decisions, choices and actions just brought a lot of humour to the story as well as a lot of thriller and mystery. Like literally, Feyre is the definition of GIRL POWER. There is really nothing bad to say about her. I just love her. Even though there were times, when her decisions seems foolish, but when you really put yourself in her shoes, you kind of understand why she would do that. I mean, the whole story of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" is about love and what love drives you to do; love is a motivation, so I totally understand it. There was never one moment where I found her annoying, which is really rare, unlike usually, books would have one or a few annoying characters, but Feyre is not one of them. 
+ As for Tamlin (*squealing)...I FANGIRLED him all the way. I am a hundred percent Team Tamlin all the way even though I didn't appreciate those scenes at the end when both Tamlin and Feyre were trapped in the Under the Mountain; the scenes where he tried to avoid and to ignore her. I kind of understand what he was trying to do; he was trying his best to make Amarantha feel like he doesn't care about her to keep Feyre safe and to protect her, but he avoids eyes contact and doesn't look at her, I'm like Really? I totally understand why he would do such a thing. I mean, no one in this book makes any stupid decisions. Like, when you're in their shoes, you totally understand why they would do it, that's why you won't feel like any decisions made by the characters are stupid. So I forgive him even for those scenes. He is a High Fey after all. He is the definition of Perfection. He is my DREAM MAN now. BAE!
+ Now onto the supporting characters. The reason I want to talk about Rhysand first is because he will be replacing Tamlin as the main character in the sequel, so I would say, Rhysand is like a recurring character in this book. I wouldn't completely rule Rhysand as a protagonist yet, I think he is kind of like an anti-hero-ish type of character. But one thing I am pretty sure about him is that he loves to play games, kind of like Sarah playing games with the readers when it comes to writing Rhysand through Feyre's point of view. There is just a lot of darkness in him even though he brought so much charisma and charm and humour to his character, but there is just something about Rhysand that just feels really sad. I also think that there is a reason behind why people does what they did, so I think Rhysand is a pretty mysterious character that I am pretty looking forward to knowing him, especially since the sequel will be a retelling of "Hades and Persephone's" story, so I am looking forward to that because there is something about Rhysand that makes me feel like a foreshadowing to the sequel. I still feel there is something about Rhysand Sarah has not yet reveal even though we know he likes to play games and has a particular interest in Feyre. What made me really fall in love with him is that he is not your average cliché character, unlike many other books.
+ The other thing I just enjoyed about this book is that there is no love triangle. Like from the beginning till the end, it was only Tamlin and Feyre. Although there were readers saying that Rhysand is in the picture now and what not, I still feel the story is about Tamlin and Feyre. Unlike any other books when it comes to love stories or love triangles, Feyre has been focused on Tamlin  and desperately trying to save him from the beginning till the end instead of the typical love traingles where the female characters pine for another guy and gets distracted from the main problem. That was when I realized the huge difference between "Shadow and Bone" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses" when it comes to the way the authors describe the love stories. I am those people who appreciates love stories like this where the scenes are not cheesy or cliché; it's just a pure and classic love.
+ As for supporting characters, I feel every single one of them has a firm purpose in this book. There was not one additional character, whom you think should have been removed. For example, Lucien kind of reminds me of Haymitch from "The Hunger Games" trilogy. He is kind of like Feyre's friend-slash-mentor. He helps her a lot even if it means hinting minor things to her in hopes she could get through the rough patches and saving Tamlin. He also brought a lot of sense of humour and more interesting aspects to the story, so Lucien is definitely an AMAZING character. I really love him. I mean, come on, who doesn't want a funny yet deadly friend like him?
- The only thing that I am disappointed about this book is, surprisingly, Amarantha. Even though that from the way the characters describe her about being this vicious and brutal High Faerie Queen from they way she control these lands, I was kind of expecting more challenging tasks, but I kind of understand that Sarah is trying to keep things more realistic because if the trials get really difficult, it becomes no sense when it comes to Feyre being alive. I just expected something more colder about Amarantha and more antagonistic, but when I was reading about her, all I could feel is that those days where people are so afraid to talk about her is way behind her. It's almost as if she has become softer. Although she is still cruel, it's almost as if she is taking things way too easy, especially for a main antagonist like her who has gauged out someone's eye and took that same person's finger bone. Like those scene specifically portrayed her ruthlessness, but when it comes to Feyre, it's like she is toying with her. The most disappointing scene is probably the ending fight scene between Tamlin and Amarantha. I mean, I understand that her power is now being torn apart and returning back to the High Lords, and that she is weaker than before, I was kind of hoping for her to put up a fight. I have to admit I was hoping for a more interesting fight between the both of them, instead of just you know dying like that. I just hoped the character development of the main antagonist could be more developed. 

My book cover version of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas.

Let us join hands and embrace the upcoming arrival of the sequel, "A Court of Mist and Fury", which is coming out on May 2016. 

My INSPIRATION and my HEROINE. The lovely Sarah J. Mass, who is also the author of this Amazing book, "A Court of Thorns and Roses". 

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEQUEL:
+ More action sequences. 
+ More interaction scenes between Feyre and Rhysand (I just have to put it out there even though I know they will be the centre of attention in the sequel.) 
+ A better main antagonist.


CONCLUSION: 
I rate this book a 4.5/5. 
  "A Court of Thorns and Roses" was just so GOOD. There was just never a dull moment in this book. All the scenes were just really gripping. Although it started with a slow pace, you still feel like it is moving in a right speed, where you're able to absorb all the thrills and all the romance.
  As a conclusion, I totally recommend this book to all High Fantasy lovers or Fantasy lovers. It's just a nearly-Perfect book, especially after reading a disappointing book like "Shadow and Bone", you just need a FANTASTIC book like this as a reading pick-me-up. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" is definitely the definition of PERFECTION when it comes to books. I literally recommend this book to everyone, whether it is your first book or you're just trying for something new or you're just trying to look for an interesting book to read, I literally and totally recommend this book to you all. 

For more information on Sarah J. Maas' past and recent masterpieces or "A Court of Thorns and Roses", click on this link to learn more: http://sarahjmaas.com/

JANUARY TO-BE-READ PILE: 

• How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
• The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
• The Long Road by G. Michael Hopf 
• Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins 
• Tease by Amanda Maciel 
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 

I am currently reading "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff. I was originally drawn by the movie, which starred Saoirse Ronan, one of my favourite actresses of all time, so I am really excited as how the book might turned out. I am currently on the seventh chapter, so fingers-cross this book turns out as great as I had imagined at mind.

The lovely Saoirse Ronan, who also starred in Meg Rosoff's "How I Live Now's" film adaption. And her name is pronounced as Sur-sha like it rhymes with inertia. 

Like always, if you find my blogs, (My Little Book Affairs and Le Blog de Nicole), interesting, do subscribe them by clicking on the buttons beside my blog or you can also read it through your email just simply insert your email address on the column beside this blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@NicoleWong1998), Instagram (CameraStyleMe), Pinterest (Nicolette 'Nicole' Wong) and Tumblr account (NicoleTheGirlNextDoor) for more updated information. I also signed up for GoodRead. You can search my name (Nicole Wong) to follow me there. You can also add me on Snapchat with the username: QueenieNicoleWong and on Vine: Nicole Wong.

  That's all for now. Thank you for reading this blog post and I'll see you soon.

CHRISTMAS EDITION--BOOK REVIEW: THE CHARM BRACELET AND MY PERSONAL CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST AND CHRISTMAS MOVIE LIST

  Merry Christimas to all my forever wonderful and energetic readers. 

  

  Since today is the first day of Christmas, I decided to do a Christmas edition book review on "The Charm Bracelet" by Melissa Hill and to show you guys my personal Christmas Playlist, which you can listen on during the entire Christmas period, and my personal Christmas Movie List, which you can watch while sipping hot chocolate. I chose to read "The Charm Bracelet" by Melissa Hill because the book also sets around Christmas and also because of that, I decided to review this book with a little bit more of a Christmas tune, which is slightly different than all my previous book reviews. 

  Without any more further distraction, let's get right into it. 

Book Synopsis provided at the back of the book:

"Holly O'Neil knows that every charm bracelet tells a story.

Many years ago she was sent one with just a single charm attached. The charms have been appearing ever since, often at challenging times, as if her mysterious benefactor knows exactly when she needs a little magic in her life. 

As a result, Holly's bracelet is her most prized possession. So when she finds someone else's charm bracelet, she feels she has to try to reunite it with its owner. Even if the only clues she has to follow are the charms themselves.

On a search that will take her all over New York City at Christmas, Holly becomes ever more determined to piece together the details of this other charmed life. But what she doesn't know is that her quest may also lead her somewhere she never, ever expected..."

OFFICIAL BOOK REVIEW:
+ This book consists of 41 chapters, which are all completely wrapped around with bundles of joy. Everything in this book was just so exciting and really addictive; so exciting and addictive till the point I just did not want to put the book down. Too be honest, I'm not the type of reader who will jump right into for a genre like this and it was my mother who chose this book for me because she thought I like books with pretty covers and trust me, I always fall for pretty covers. The good thing is most of the pretty books contain an amazing story inside like "A Court of Thorns and Roses", "Red Queen", "The Bone Season" and many others. And it is also a way to keep my bookshelf constantly looking pretty and interesting. However, when I bought this book, it took me a few months to finally pick it up and read, and I'm really glad I did because it was really good. 
+ This book is like a wrapped-up present with beautiful present paper wrapped all over it and a big red bow on top of it (there is literally a red elegantly-tied ribbon on the front cover) and inside contains full of unexpected and full of wonder. And reading this book is really similar towards opening a present and really excited each time you take a peek inside and the joy inside you when you finally see the gift you always wanted.
+ Melissa Hill is officially my most favourite author and "The Charm Bracelet" is officially my top favourite books of all time. Her writing skills are just so wonderful. I just love how she involved fashion inside it because fashion is my first love apart from reading. After completing this book, I really, really hope she wrote the "Gossip Girl" book series because her writing skills and how she sees life really suits "Gossip Girl", not that I don't like Cecily von Ziegesar. It's just, Melissa would have done a better job with them. I also sense a little "How I Met Your Mother" on-and-off in the book.
+ This is by far the book with least annoying characters. I admit I just don't like Karen and Nick from the first moment they appear, like I could already sense that Karen is a gold-digger and a materialistic girl from the way she talks and reacts. Nick, on the other hand, is one of those douche-bags that doesn't realise they lost something precious until he needs them back. However, I'm still glad Melissa created both of these two characters because without the both of them, it really wasn't an appealing story. 
+ I also can't believe that she could make two complete strangers like Karen and Greg, who's lives are completely different, other than the charm bracelet, intertwined with each other. I mean, I knew immediately that these two characters might meet each other, but the way they met was just so beautiful and special, yet a little shocking. And the romantic relationship like Jeff and Christina she created in this book really made me a little envious, but it also made me believe that true love still exists in a materialistic world like this.
- Although I love a shocking ending that will leave me gasping for months, I hoped the ending could be a little more conclusive and I really want to know more about Holly and Greg's relationship and what the future holds for them. Did they went out on a date after that or something? Are they a couple? Most importantly, do they genuinely have feelings for each other? If they do, does Grey mind Holly has a son? Are their lives truly a happy ending? However, I really hope I could have an opportunity to ask Melissa all the questions personally one day. 

My book cover of "The Charm Bracelet" by Melissa Hill.

Another book cover version of "The Charm Bracelet" by Melissa Hill.

CONCLUSION:
I rate this book a 4.3/5.
  Magical. Wonderful. And simply Addictive. Their the only words I can explain about this book or I'll just let the ratings speak for themselves. This is by far the best book I've read this year.
  Overall, if you like Sophie Kinsella's work and fashion or just simply testing the water with a new genre like I first did with this book, I highly recommend this book. (Now, I can't wait to get "Something from Tiffany's", also written by Melissa Hill.) 

For more information on Melissa Hill's recent masterpiece or on "The Charm Bracelet", click on this link to learn more: http://www.melissahill.info/ 

  I am still currently reading two books at the same time while I am still giving my book review on "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas some final touches. I am still currently reading "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff and "The False Prince" by Jennifer A. Nielsen.

  As for my personal Christmas Playlist and Movie List, they are not in any particular order, just some songs I have on my IPod and movies I will be watching during the Christmas period. 

MY PERSONAL CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST:

• Frosty the Snowman 
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town 
• Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
• Somewhere in my Memory
• O Holy Night 

MY PERSONAL CHRISTMAS MOVIE LIST:

• Home Alone 
• Home Alone: Lost in New York 
• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas 
• Gremlins
• A Christmas Carol 
• Batman Returns 

Like always, if you find my blogs, (My Little Book Affairs and Le Blog de Nicole), interesting, do subscribe them by clicking on the buttons beside my blog or you can also read it through your email just simply insert your email address on the column beside this blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@NicoleWong1998), Instagram (CameraStyleMe), Pinterest (Nicolette 'Nicole' Wong) and Tumblr account (NicoleTheGirlNextDoor) for more updated information. I also signed up for GoodRead. You can search my name (Nicole Wong) to follow me there. You can also add me on Snapchat with the username: QueenieNicoleWong and on Vine: Nicole Wong.

  That's all for now. Thank you for reading this blog post and have a Holly, Jolly Christmas. I'll see you guys very soon.

BOOK REVIEW: LANGDOWN MANOR AND MY RECENT ACTIVITIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

  Hello to my ever so energetic and wonderful readers.

  Like promised, I have been trying to post more interesting articles onto my blog more often, so I would really appreciate if you guys could suggest more improvements or suggestions on how I could improve this blog. 

  I know I have promised you guys that I will be publishing my book review on "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas, which I have finished reading some time ago, and I have been working really hard on it, but until it is perfect for you guys, I won't be posting it any time sooner. However, as promised, I will posting more articles and in this article, I would be reviewing a contemporary novel named "Langdown Manor" by Sue Reid. I would also be talking a little bit about my recent activities during the holidays. 

  Before we get to the official book review, I just want to throw it out there: I am officially in love with Marvel. Even though I have always looked up to DC for creating Batman and Joker (my strangely, yet particular favourite), there was also something about Marvel that I just find it interesting. My love for Marvel started to grow when I first started watching Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" then it just kept growing. Coincidentally, the last name of the main character in the book I am reviewing is Fitzsimmons (To all Fitzsimmons shipper, you're welcome. Maybe Sue Reid is a shipper too?). And now, I am OBSESSED with Marvel's "Daredevil" and Marvel's "Jessica Jones"! I guess, I am constantly drawn to darker and more realistic themes, maybe that is why I am so OBSESSED with Christopher Nolan's the Dark Knight film trilogy. What about you guys? Are you a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan too? Or is there something better than the tv shows I have listed above? Comment in the box below. I would love to hear your opinions and thoughts on them. 

My Love for Marvel starts here in Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D". This is also one of my favourite posters of it among the rest.  

Don't forget to catch Marvel's "Daredevil" on Netflix (for US residents only) before its return in 2016.

Don't forget to catch Marvel's "Jessica Jones" on Netflix (for US residents only). However, there is still no confirmation on its release date in 2016, but watch it anyway.

My Two Favourite Gummy Bears--#Fitzsimmons 

  Now, let's get to it..

Book Synopsis provided at the back of the book:

""I felt as if the world was vanishing around me. There was only Fred and me. I could have stood there with him forever. NOTHING ELSE MATTERED."

When Penelope Fitzsimmons arrives at Langdown Manor to live with relatives she's never met, she feels desperately alone and unwanted--until she meets Fred. They are two of a kind: restless, unconventional and daring-wanting more from life than what's expected of them. But she's an upper-class girl and he's a servant. How can they ever be together when society keeps them apart?"

OFFICIAL BOOK REVIEW:
+ "Langdown Manor" by Sue Reid is a good contemporary romance novel that sets in the most critical time during the prohibition of master-servant relationship and the uprising of women's rights.
+ I really love Sue Reid's writing in the book. It's really one of those classic yet cliché romance novel, but with a bit of a modern twist.
+ It also has one of the prettiest book cover. 
+ I really enjoyed Penelope Fitzsimmons and Jess' perspectives about wealth and social rankings. It's just really well-described to make the readers to be more understanding of the materialistic society around them. 
+ I also enjoyed how Penelope expressed her homesickness because at some point in our lives, we will be force to leave our home and to go somewhere far away, so the way Penelope described her homesickness just made it really believable and realistic. 
-However, I did occasionally find most of the characters in this book really annoying, especially Fred and Sarah. I think, if you truly love someone, there really isn't any boundaries between them, but Fred just keeps bringing up the whole "I'm a servant and you're a lady" thing and ends their relationship, but eventually reconciles and this cycle begins again. I mean, yes, the journey would be difficult, but when there's a will, there's always a way, right?
-Sarah, on the other hand, is my least favourite character in the book. From the beginning till the end, all I wanted is to strangle her and say, "He never liked you from the beginning, so find someone else that can eventually treat you right, instead of wasting your time blaming on your best friend for this problem". It was really frustrating! 
-Then, there was the inconvenient ending that just sent me went CUCKOO...if only the ending could be a little more conclusive instead of just leaving a massive cliffhanger. (Thanks, Sue, for leaving such a big question mark in my mind.) There was just a lot of question marks on-and-off in the story like what actually happened between Penelope's mother and her sister, and how did the relationship between Penelope's parents resulted their departure to India to start a new life, and did George really helped Ivy out of sincerity or is it out of leisure?
-I also wish the coming-out ball could be a little longer and more interesting since this is one of the major parts of the plot.
-I was also quite surprised when Sue put the involvement of women protesting for their own rights and the plan of marching into parliament. However, I was definitely disappointed that Sue did not involve Penelope in the protest or even in the happenings of the protest, but I kind of understand that Sue doesn't want to involve those scenes or she'll have to change the book title. 

The beautiful book cover of "Langdown Manor" by Sue Reid.

CONCLUSION:
I rate this book a 3.5/5.
  This book is definitely more than just another pretty book cover. 
  Overall, the story may not be fast-paced or exciting compared to the previous books I've read, but I definitely recommend this novel to fans, who really enjoy the romance genre, or to those who's just searching for a light read.  

For more information on Sue Reid's recent work or "Langdown Manor", click on this link to learn more: http://www.suereidauthor.com/

I am currently reading two books at the same time while I am still giving my book review on "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas some final touches. I am currently reading "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff and "The False Prince" by Jennifer A. Nielsen. I know it is a little bit ambitious, but I assure you guys, the book review will definitely be on my blog tomorrow night, so stay tune on all of my social media for that.  

Like always, if you find my blogs, (My Little Book Affairs and Le Blog de Nicole), interesting, do subscribe them by clicking on the buttons beside my blog or you can also read it through your email just simply insert your email address on the column beside this blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@NicoleWong1998), Instagram (CameraStyleMe), Pinterest (Nicolette 'Nicole' Wong) and Tumblr account (NicoleTheGirlNextDoor) for more updated information. I also signed up for GoodRead. You can search my name (Nicole Wong) to follow me there. You can also add me on Snapchat with the username: QueenieNicoleWong and on Vine: Nicole Wong.

  That's all for now. Thank you for reading this blog post and I'll see you soon.