Mitologi Nordik by Neil Gaiman || Don't Eat your Kid at Home

Judul: Mitologi Nordik by Neil Gaiman

Penulis: Neil Gaiman

Tanggal Terbit: August 2017

Penerbit: Gramedia

Halaman: 328

Bahasa: Indonesia

ISBN: 9786020367781

16 cerita tentang awal mula penciptaan dunia hingga terjadinya Ragnarok. Thor dan Loki menjadi pemeran utama dalam sebagian besar cerita. Thor, dewa petir yang perkasa dan berjenggot merah. Thor baik hati, tapi tidak terlalu cerdas. Senjata andalannya adalah palu godam bernama Mjollnir. Thor sayang sekali pada palunya. Palu itu selalu ditaruh di dekatnya apabila Thor tidur. Palu itu pernah hilang dicuri, dan untuk memperolehnya kembali, Thor terpaksa menyamar menjadi perempuan, dengan bantuan Loki.

Loki putra Laufey. Loki sangat tampan, lucu dan pandai bicara, tetapi juga sangat licik. Di mana ada Loki, pasti ada masalah. Dia sahabat sekaligus pengkhianat Thor. Gara-gara Loki, salah satu kambing Thor menjadi pincang. Gara-gara Loki, Sif istri Thor menjadi botak. Dan banyak hal menjengkelkan lain yang dilakukan Loki. Namun tindakannya yang paling jahat adalah membuat Balder tewas. Maka Loki pun ditangkap dan diikat, sampai Ragnarok mengakhiri semuanya.

I love mythology. And Norse is a subject I haven't delved further so the need to read this book is huge. Neil storytelling skill is superb as usual, and the character on this Norse Mythology are devilishly hilarious. With all of the jazz combined, reading this book is fast pacing and such an enjoyment.

Read More

The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, #1) by Rick Riordan || Ode of Bacon

Judul: The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, #1)

Penulis: Rick Riordan

Tanggal Terbit: May 2016

Penerbit: Disney Hyperion

Halaman: 376

Bahasa: Inggris

ISBN: 9781484782521

Your fault, Apollo.
Your punishment.

My father’s voice still rings in my ears. Can you believe Zeus blamed me for the god’s battle with Gaea? Just because the earth goddess duped one of my progeny—Octavian—into plunging the Greek and Roman demigods into a civil war that nearly destroyed human civilization. I ask you, how was that my fault?

Now I’m cast out of Olympus in the form of a sixteen-year-old mortal boy, acne and all! Sadly, I’ve been punished this way before. I know I will face many trials and hardships. I can only hope that if I suffer through them and prove myself worthy, Father will forgive me and allow me to become a god again.

But this time my situation seems much more dangerous. One of my ancient adversaries knows I am here and is having me followed. The Oracle of Delphi remains dark, unable to issue prophecies. Most embarrassing of all, I am bound to serve a demigod street urchin who defends herself by throwing rotten fruit.

Zeus could not possibly expect me to fix the Oracle problem by myself. Not in my present weak condition. It’s time for me to drop in on Camp Half-Blood, where I might found some talented fodder . . . er, I mean heroes to help. No doubt they will welcome me as a celebrity! They will bring me holy offerings, like peeled grapes, Oreos, and—oh, gods—perhaps even bacon!

Mmm. Yes. If I survive this, I really must write an ode to the power of bacon. . . .

Honestly, I picked up this book just because it's Rick Riordan's. I'm always in need for sarcastic humors that Rick has plenty to offer in almost all of his book.

Apollo is such a witty character but as he became mortal, he turned into such a sappy teenager boy, and it's hilarious. The mystery on why he became mortal and how to fix it is my motivation in reading this book. But it's just it. A fun book to read but nothing more

Read More

Spells & Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski (Magic in Manhattan #3) || I love you my dear sister

Title: Spells & Sleeping Bags (Magic in Manhattan #3)

Author: Sarah Mlynowski

Date Published: April 2008

Pubslisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 320

Language: English

ISBN: 9780385733885

At long last, Rachel's powers have arrived and she's a bona fide get-your-broom-ready witch! And it's happened just in time. No Manhattan for her this summer—she's spending her vacation at Camp Wood Lake.

But she's having some serious issues:

Mosquitoes in the Adirondacks are incredibly thirsty.

Her stepmom keeps sending embarrassing feminine hygiene care packages.

She accidentally zapped away all her clothes.

And there's a backstabber in her cabin intent on making life miserable.

Good thing Rachel's a witch.

This was a funny book, I really enjoyed it. The theme for this 3rd installment was sibling's jealousy and how to tackle it. It was heartwarming how Rachel adored Miri. For easy and light read. This was good.

Read More

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles #2) || Big Bad Wolf, or nah?

Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2)

Author: Marissa Meyer
Date Published: February 2014

Publisher: Square Fish

Pages: 452

Language: English

ISBN: 9781250007216

Cinder is back and trying to break out of prison—even though she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive if she does—in this second installment from Marissa Meyer.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana.

 The second book of lunar chronicles. I was irritated. I wasn't quite fond of scarlet. I don't know.  It's not as good but how cinder escape was good. Lil bit of a let down.

Read More

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud | Jin Tengil Ketemu Asasin Licik

Judul: The Ring of Solomon

Penulis: Jonathan Stroud
Tanggal Terbit: November 2015
Penerbit: GPU
Halaman:528

Bahasa: Indonesia

ISBN: 9789792289435

Bartimaeus, sang jin luar biasa, terjebak sebagai budak di Jerusalem, di bawah kekuasaan Raja Solomon. Semua ini gara-gara cincin legendaris Solomon, yang membuat pemiliknya memiliki kekuatan tak terbatas.

Namun, dengan datangnya Asmira, gadis pembunuh yang ternyata punya banyak rencana, keadaan mulai… menarik.

Maka Bartimaeus pun berada di posisi paling berbahaya selama kariernya yang panjang dan harus mengerahkan semua kekuatan sihirnya agar bisa lolos dari situasi ini.

Petualangan Bartimaeus yang pasti dianggap seru oleh pembaca lama maupun baru.

Well, sesungguhnya gak begitu tertarik baca ini karena yeah ending dari buku dgn settingnya yg sama.... Tapi pas ketemu buku ini di rak diskonan gak bisa nolak buat gak beli, dan akhirnya setelah bertahun-tahun tertimbun akhirnya selesai baca juga.
Baiklah si Barti ternyata dari awal memang tengil dan menjengkelkan belum lagi gayanya yang sok-sokan tapi sebenernya lumayan loyal bikin penasaran pengen baca sampai akhir.
Rada susah sih karena gak begitu empati sama si Asmira tapi Solomon bagus juga pengarakterannya walau gak begitu diexplore.
Well sepanjang petualangan cukup engaging kok kalau bisa melewati chapter2 awal yang menurutku cukup sulit untuk dilewati. Endingnya sih gak cetar membahana banget tapi cukup lah. Overall, it's a fine book.

Read More

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Judul: A Monster Calls

Penulis: Patrick Ness

Tanggal Terbit: March 2013

Penerbit: Candlewick Press

Halaman:206

Bahasa: English

ISBN: 9780763660659

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting-- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

Suddenly, I have this kind of urge to read Patrick Ness's books and it happened that the first book that I choose is "A Monster Calls". Reading from the synopsis straightly lead me to grab this book. Seems like a dark and creepy adventure. And indeed it is.

I really like the cover and illustrations inside, everything is black and white and have this eerie feeling-pictures. The papers are smooth like a photography book so it's kinda heavy. Typography is easy on the eyes so it's a plus. But the book's size is rather odd, it didn't fit in my bookshelves T.T

The characters are...well quite interesting and frustrating at the same time. Because our main character is in his developing age, so sometimes his idea and actions are reckless and stupid. The story itself has this feeling-like walking in a fog? it's unclear and I have to read the paragraphs a few times to get into it-to understand.

The idea is very fresh and maybe will help in dealing with loss and letting go of something. To help us forgive ourselves and others. It's a wonderful journey and very insightful book. Love it!

Read More

Review Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Judul: Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)

Penulis: Melina Marchetta

Tanggal Terbit: August 2011

Penerbit: Ufuk Press

Halaman: 580

Bahasa: Indonesia

ISBN: 9786029159486

Finnikin dan pembimbingnya, Sir Topher, sudah sepuluh tahun tidak pulang ke Lumatere yang sekian lama diselimuti kutukan dan pembantaian.

Sepupu Raja yang kejam telah menyatakan dirinya sendiri sebagai penguasa baru. Suatu hari, Finnikin mendapat perintah untuk bertemu dengan Evanjalin, seorang perempuan muda yang menyatakan kalau Pangeran Balthazar, sang pewaris takhta Lumatere, masih hidup. Evanjalin harus pulang ke Lumatere karena dialah satu-satunya orang yang bisa membawa mereka kepada sang pewaris takhta.

Dalam perjalanan mereka menuju Lumatere, Finnikin terpesona oleh semangat dan keangkuhan perempuan itu. Lalu, mampukah mereka membebaskan Pangeran Balthazar dan orang-orang yang terperangkap di dalam kerajaan itu? Dan, mampukah Finnikin melepaskan ayahnya yang telah dijebloskan ke penjara dan mengembalikan kedamaian di negerinya?

Have a high hope about this, because Kat said this is one of her best fantasy books. But, alas. We're not meant to be.

If I have no idea that Kat like this book, it's a slim chance that I will grab it. Look at the cover, please. Man, not my style indeed. I am not really digging book with human's face on it, feel awkward...

Move along, the size of the book is not too big (paperback) and not really heavy. So, quite easy to read it. The font's type and size also pretty enjoyable, good for you my eyes! There are no prominent misspelling or grammatical error either.

Now, let's take a deep look into the story. It has a good premise of adventure and epic journey. But, I'm not quite sure whether it lost in translation or what, I can't feel anything from this book. The connection that pull the reader into the story--being in the story--it don't exist.

The characters, their action, the reason why the did it, I don't get it. The story don't have a sense of urgency. It feels like a picnic story. Ah---right, it don't has emotion.

2 stars for this. It's an okay book.

Read More

Review Barkbelly by Cat Weatherill

Judul: Barkbelly

Penulis: Cat Weatherill

Tanggal Terbit: April 2006

Penerbit: Puffin

Halaman: 352

Bahasa:English

ISBN: 9780141318745

Well, actually I bought this book because of an...unplanned book buying on its sequel, Snowbone. I didn't realize until later that I need to buy the first book. So, this happened. Well, didn't I regret it.
This book is so bland, I had to force myself to finish it. Seems like this is not my cup of tea. Usually it does! Feel quite disappointed because I was so sure that I am gonna like this.
The story is entertaining but I don't feel anything for the characters. I don't even like Barkbelly for some reason.
But, the story is full of adventures and exciting moments. So you gotta try it to know. 

Read More

Review The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman || Keyakinan Hati

Judul: The Scarecrow and His Servant

Penulis: Philip Pullman

Tanggal Terbit: Desember 2009 (terbit pertama tahun 2004)

Penerbit: PT Gramedia

Halaman: 200

Bahasa: Indonesia

ISBN: 9789792251463

Suatu malam, hujan badai menerpa. Petir menyambar sebuah boneka jerami, dan tahu-tahu boneka itu Hidup!

Maka dimulalah kisah si Boneka Jerami, yang meski berotak kacang polong, namun punya ide-ide cemerlang. Ia bertemu Jack, anak laki-laki yang setia menemaninya. Berbagai petualangan seru mereka alami:bertemu gerombolan perampok, terombang-ambing di laut, menghindari akal-akalan keluarga Buffaloni. Tujuan mereka adalah Spring valley, tempat menakjubkan yang tertulis di hati si Boneka Jerami.

Ada yang pernah baca karya Mr. Pullman? Ya, dia adalah pengarang Seri His Dark Material dengan buku pertama dan telah diproduksi filmnya, The Golden Compass.

Saat pertama melihat buku ini saya berpikir, Well ayo kembali ke masa kanak-kanak! Karena jelas buku ini ditujukan untuk para anak-anak. Namun, terkadang buku seperti ini dapat menyajikan perasaan dan pengalaman yang murni namun berkualitas moral tinggi. I just missed this kind of feeling.

Buku ini tipis, dengan cover yang dihiasai orang-orangan sawah dan seorang anak lelaki manusia. Apa? Anak itu adalah pelayanannya? Lucu, orang-orangan sawah hidup dan menjadi majikan seorang manusia. Ha ha.

Oke, buku ini adalah fantasi yang bisa dikatakan sangat anak-anak dengan imajinasi liar ditambah masalah nyata orang dewasa di dunia nyata. Paham? Saya pun tidak begitu memahaminya. Maafkan. Orang-orangan sawah ini sangat percaya diri, baik hati, jujur walaupun berotak kacang polong yang sering kali membuat pelayannya, Jack panas-dingin karena cemas.

Jalan ceritanya tak terduga dengan imajinasi yang wow, sangat random dan bagaimana ya, hahaha. Cocok untuk dongeng sebelum tidur.

Garis besar saya cukup menikmati buku ini walaupun tidak meninggalkan kesan yang berarti di hati. Mungkin kami tidak click saat ini--saya dan buku ini ehem.

3 stars untuk buku ini.

Read More

Review Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin || Terkadang Jawaban yang Kau Cari itu Begitu Sederhana

Judul Buku: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Tempat Gunung Berjumpa Rembulan)
Pengarang: Grace Lin
Penerjemah: Berliani M. Nugrahani
Bahasa: Indonesia terjemahan
Penerbit: Atria
Tebal Halaman dan ukuran: 266 + vi
Tahun Terbit: 2010
ISBN: 978-979-024-460-3

Pada dahulu kala, hiduplah seorang gadis kecil bernama Minli dengan kedua orang tuanya di kaki gunung yang hitam dan gersang. Desanya suram dan cokelat karena kemiskinan dan kesulitan yang terus melanda. Saking gersangnya, tidak ada satupun tanaman dan binatang yang hidup di gunung itu. Tanahnya kering dan harus selalu dialiri air agar dapat ditanami. Hanya Minli yang tidak suram dan cokelat, rambutnya hitam dan pipinya merah berseri. Ini karena ayahnya selalu menceritakan dongeng-dongeng yang menarik mengenai gunung hitam mereka yang disebut Gunung Nirbuah, hakim harimau yang kejam, serta kakek rembulan yang mengetahui segalanya.

Hingga suatu hari Minli memutuskan untuk merubah peruntungan di desanya. Berbekal tekad dan keinginan yang kuat, berangkatlah Minli meninggalkan rumah dalam perjalanannya mencari kakek rembulan. Perjalanan panjang nan menakjubkan yang merupakan jalinan kisah dari dongeng-dongeng ayahnya serta orang-orang yang ditemui selama pencariannya.

Pertama kali melihat buku ini, saya langsung tertarik pada covernya yang didominasi oleh warna kesukaan saya, biru. Ditambah lagi ornamen berwarna warni khas negeri tirai bambu, serta gambar gadis Cina yang menaiki naga besar berwarna merah. Melihat judulnya, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”... sepertinya puitis dan romantis, cocok untuk orang melankolis seperti saya. Sekali pandang saya tidak terlalu yakin kalau ini buku untuk anak-anak, ditambah lagi tidak ada sinopsis untuk menggambarkan isi buku. Tapi ini semakin menambah keinginan saya untuk membaca. Akhirnya, rasa penasaran mengalahkan segalanya dan sah-lah buku ini menjadi milik saya.

Memang tidak salah, buku ini indah, untuk kalangan novel terjemahan anak-anak yang biasanya hanya hitam putih, novel ini semi berwarna. Halaman-halamannya, walaupun tidak semua, dihiasi ornamen cina berwarna biru serta ada beberapa halaman yang dipenuhi gambar full colour. Dengan kertas yang ringan dan ukuran sebesar 20cm x 13cm membuat buku ini nyaman untuk dipegang. Lalu, ukuran huruf yang digunakan cukup besar dan spasi antar baris cukup lebar membuat buku ini enak di mata.

Jalan cerita yang ada mudah dimengerti selayaknya buku anak-anak tanpa makna ganda. Kata-kata dituliskan dan diceritakan secara gamblang sebagaimana adanya membuat buku ini mudah dibaca dan tidak membutuhkan konsentrasi tinggi. Cocok sebagai bacaan ringan sembari minum kopi di sore hari.

Cerita di dalam buku ini adalah kumpulan dongeng-dongeng negeri Cina yang saling terhubung satu sama lainnya. Dengan apiknya, Grace Lin bisa membuat alur cerita yang luwes dan mengalir. Melalui berbagai dongeng di buku ini, digambarkan bahwa setiap hal itu berhubungan, bagaikan diikat benang takdir berwarna merah.

Karakter Minli yang optimis dan senang menolong orang membuatnya bertemu dengan banyak orang dan memahami banyak hal. Tentang gunung Nirbuah yang katanya berasal dari hati seekor naga yang patah hati. Naga yang terlahir dari lukisan. Hakim kejam dengan julukan Hakim Harimau yang mencari kertas kebahagiaan. Hingga Kakek Rembulan yang bertugas untuk mengikat benang takdir manusia.

Akhirnya sangat indah dan membuat saya meneteskan air mata karena perasaan sesal atas kelemahan saya sebagai manusia. Ini adalah rahasia kebahagiaan, jawaban atas pertanyaan Minli kepada Kakek Rembulan tentang cara mengubah peruntungan di desanya. Apakah itu? Silakan cari dan baca novelnya. Cukup menarik jika ingin bacaan yang ringan dan penuh dengan dongeng

Rating:4.5/5

 

Read More

Review Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Merissa Meyer

Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publication Date: January, 2013

Publisher: Square Fish

Page:387

Language: English

ISBN13: 9781250007209

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. Because there is something unusual about Cinder, something that others would kill for.

This is the first book in the chronicles that gonna end in book four which will be released in USA on November 10th 2015. I bought it in the wimp when I saw it at my local Gramedia bookstore. The truth is I hesitate to choose between this book or The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, but Goodreads say that Cinder has way more ratings than Mara Dyer. I'm a sucker for public opinion, so don't judge me....please.

This is a tall book like Mizan's one. The cover has this velvety texture, very pretty. A foot with mechanic system inside filled the cover and make it very interesting. Cinder. Cinderella. The notable princess from the ancient time. Right now she retell-ed as a cyborg from this futuristic world. Wow, nice idea if I may say. 

At first, I found the writing style is rather hard to get into. I'm struggling for few pages until the prince introduced, Prince Kai. Kaito. Wow some Japanese-like name, I like it! This book is quick paced, the information is enough so you'll not get bored with the tiny bity itsy. I read it in one sitting hahaha. 

Romance is not the main part in this story but rather Cinder finding herself, her identity, her will. Although some things are bother me, like how free the prince act was, when he is the sole heir of a kingdom whom King is sick in the deathbed. Huft. And how Cinder didn't looked very clever when she supposed to be a famous mechanic. Okay... maybe that's just me.

Overall, the characters are likeable, the story is believable, the conflict is well built and not over the top. I give it 4 stars. 

 

Read More

Review The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw || Diam Bukan Berarti Bisu

Judul Buku: The Girl with Glass Feet (Gadis dengan Kaki dari Kaca)

Pengarang: Ali Shaw

Bahasa: Indonesia terjemahan

Penerbit: Gramedia

Tebal Halaman: 432

Tahun Terbit: 2011

ISBN: 978-979-2268-676

Seorang pemuda yang serba canggung dan berwarna kelabu tinggal di suatu pulau dingin misterius. Disini terdapat banyak makhluk aneh yang bersayap dan tidak berwarna. Namanya adalah Midas. Seperti layaknya kisah cinta, dia bertemu dengan seorang gadis yang mengubah dunianya jadi jungkir balik. Dialah Ida, gadis ceria yang seakan mencoba mengubah warna kehidupan Midas yang kelabu.
Selama ini, Midas selalu memandang dunia lewat lensa kameranya. Namun sosok Ida terlalu berharga, untuk hanya dipandangi lewat lensa kamera. Belum lagi Ida bukannya datang untuk berlibur. Ida sakit, dia terjangkit penyakit misterius di pulau itu dan datang kembali untuk mencari peyembuhan.
Pelan tapi pasti, Ida berubah. Perlahan badannya berubah menjadi kaca, mulai dari kaki. Dan tidak banyak waktu tersedia untuk kedua sejoli ini, Ida harus segera disembuhkan. Atau semuanya akan berakhir saat hati Ida mulai menjadi kaca.

Buku berwarna biru kehijaun ini langung menarik perhatian saya yang notabene adalah pencinta segala yang berwarna kebiruan. Saat membaca judulnya, ah saya langsung teringat pada Cinderella yang juga memiliki sepatu kaca. Namun, sayangnya gadis di novel ini bukannya memiliki sepatu kaca, namun berkaki kaca! Wah, saya langsung tertarik untuk membeli buku ini. Genre fantasi yang dalam dan kental memang kesukaan saya.

Novel ini memiliki 426 halaman, cukup tebal namun ukurannya tidak terlalu besar sehingga mudah dipegang. Walaupun tidak ada satu titik warnapun yang menghiasi lembar buku ini, tulisan serta spasi antar kalimatnya cukup besar sehingga tidak capek di mata.

Genre novel ini adalah fantasi romantis. Fantasinya tidak seheboh novel fantasi kebanyakan, melainkan fokus di kehidupan dan hubungan antar manusianya. Walaupun tidak ada penjelasan yang memuaskan mengenai sisi fantasi dalam novel ini, cerita mengenai emosi dan sifat dalam karakternya begitu kental sehingga membuat novel ini begitu sarat emosi hingga ke babak akhir.

Novel ini diselesaikan dengan sebuah rahasia yang menurut saya indah dan menyedihkan.
Akhirnya ada suatu perkembangan dan penyelesaian positif untuk sang tokoh utama, walaupun tidak semua kisah berakhir dengan happy ending.

Rating: 4/5

Read More

Review The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co., #1) by Jonathan Stroud

Title: The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co., #1)

Author: Jonathan Stroud

Publication Date: January, 2014

Publisher: PT. Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Page: 424

Language: Indonesia

ISBN13: 9786020301365

Setelah gelap, bunyikan lonceng

dan tunggu di luar garis besi.

Actually I had been eying this book for such a long time but never get myself to buy it until a year later. Finally on January this year I bought this book. Well, it's a pretty stunning book with a black cover and the key hole shaped cut. At that time, I really wanted to read something scary because I rarely read horror stories in any shape or form. I'm pretty much a coward for horror. Yes, this is a horror story. Very refreshing and entertaining I might say. Do you see, someone--or something sit on the wooden horse? Shiver on cue. Well the story has nothing to do with that actually, I guess it just for extra creepiness effect.

This book is pretty light, words size and spacing is standard. I trust in Gramedia so it's pretty much safe to say that the book will not lost in translation. There is no color inside, but small illustration decorate each chapter in their representative idea. The book also divided by five parts and glossary at the end, quite useful I might say. The only down side is the cool cut effect on the cover make it so flimsy, it's definitely not so durable. That put aside, the book is my style *wink wink

The story told from first point of view, our female protagonist. Oh yeah, this book is trilogy--maybe. This is the first book in the maybe called trilogy.

Well, what to start?

Characters
Hmm, at first I have difficulty to imagine the characters because there are no description about their age, but Stroud did mention their features, like body shape, face, hair and eyes color. I just didn't know their ages until half of the book, pretty troublesome for me because I like to know and love the characters from the book I have been reading.

There are three main characters from this book; Lucy Carlyle, Anthony Lockwood, and George Cubbins. The story told from Lucy POV. At first I found her bothersome because she is so hot headed and rash but tamed throughout the end of the book.

Anthony is very--careless. He acts based on instincts sometimes rationally but most of the time he is so relaxed like this world mean nothing. I imagined him like little lord from an English aristocratic family. Suave, sly, relaxed, but sometimes really careless and stupid. Interesting combination.

George is the most rational one. He acted based on research and very careful with everything. But he is so dirty and has foul mouth to spice up things between them I guess. He is not in a very good term with Lucy in this first book. Their interaction is very entertaining.

I can't see any characters development that much, but Lucy is more relaxed by the end of this book. I sense she is so tense because actually she just met that two guys, so I think the trust hasn't developed yet at first.

Story
Interesting world and premise. It's not so complex but for me it's fresh and I can follow the story easily, I don't have to wrecked my brain. The world building is actually not very clear, I'm having a little difficulty to imagine what their world look like. Modern or like old English (Sherlock Holmes things)? Beside that I really like the idea.

It's like a ghost buster. Really. Lockwood made a ghost buster agency called Lockwood&Co. and their adventures began form that. They fight and destroy ghosts. There are tension between agencies in England and they fight for domination. Lockwood&Co. is in tight condition because of this one ghost problem and has to terminate ghosts in the most haunted house in England.

The story itself is simple but everything is connected and wrapped beautifully at the end. Their adventure in that most haunted ghost is so creepy and tense. I love it! Oh and don;t forget Stroud sarcasm humor, it still present in this book although not that much (and there is no gennie, ha!).

I just realized this is like Sherlock Holmes in ghost buster edition! This is a good thing for me, very fun haha.

Overall, I really love this book. FIVE GLOWING STARS for The Screaming Staircase.

Read More

Review Girl of Nightmares (Anna, #2) by Kendare Blake

Title: Girl of Nightmares (Anna, #2)

Author: Kendare Blake

Publication Date: November, 2014

Publisher: Mizan Fantasy

Page: 400

Language: Indonesian

ISBN13:9786021306048

Anna berdiri di semak-semak di luar rumahku, menatapku. Sorot matanya kosong dan mati, sama sekali hampa dan tak bisa kukenali …. Sementara aku berusaha mengatur napas, selarik darah gelap meleleh dari hidungnya. Aku kembali menatap jendela, setengah menduga ia sudah pergi, setengah berharap dia sudah pergi—tapi ia masih di sana, tak bergerak.

The sequel of Anna Dressed in Blood and a bday gift from my friend. After reading the first one, I still have a little curiosity to read the final book. Although I don't really happy to read this sequel.

This is a typical print from Mizan which is taller than Gramedia print. It's light, typeface, font size, and spacing is fine. The cover--well it's not my auto buy cover (yes I judge a book by it's cover, don't judge me!), but pretty and scary enough. We can see Anna's face peeking through in this book cover. Like the previous book, there are no illustrations of color inside but there are blood-like ornament on each even pages.

Characters
I didn't find any character development from Cas or the reason why he is so special. About the family history or this whole supernatural aspect are still not well explained in this book. Or maybe there are explanations but it didn't catch my mind to absorb it.

Anna only has scenes toward the end of the book, she has many haunting appearance throughout the book though. She is fine...nothing extra ordinary...I think.

Camel and Thomas have a little conflict in the middle but, not an impact to the whole story. They are fine.

Story
Hmm. For me it's just random stuffs added to fill the gap that the author want to be. So this book definitely less interesting than the first book.

This book didn't has impact or whatever to me. My reluctance to read this series make my review very subjective and not neutral. Sorry. But I really didn't want to sugar coating and digging stuff that I don't want to care anymore. Thank you

Overall I give it 3 stars.

Read More

Review Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Kendare Blake

Title: Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)

Author: Kendare Blake
Publication Date: October, 2014

Publisher: Mizan Fantasy
Page:384
Language: Indonesia
ISBN13: 9786021606995

 

... kakinya terseret dengan cara yang mengerikan.
Rambutnya hitam pekat, bergerak di udara seakan terapung ...
gaunnya... basah dan merah ... aku bisa mendengar gerakannya berdesir di udara...
Dan, kini, Anna berdiri di atasku, laksana Dewi Kematian, dengan bibir hitam dan tangan dingin.

Well, I decided to buy this book because of a booktuber review on Youtube. Actually she didn't do full review, just a statement that this book is amazing. I checked it on GR and the premise sound fun. A ghost buster who fall in love with a ghost, interesting right? The rating is not bad either, 3.9. So after found out that there is an Indonesian edition that is way cheaper than the original edition, I just bought it immediately.

Read More

Review The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner's Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Publication Date: 3rd March, 2015

Publisher: Square Fish

Page: 384

Language: English

ISBN: 1250056977 (ISBN13: 9781250056979)

Well, finally the book I ordered from bookdepository.com arrived after waited for 20 days.
Mint condition and great cover anyway, I read it as soon as possible.

Well, finished it in a day and...well I'm a bit..bit disappointed. I just not attached to the book. I don't love the characters, yet. And I don't really like the politic war thingie in any form or shape. It's ugly and all about betrayal, lie, self sacrifice.
But, this is really a good book. It has logic and strong characters. Just not really my cup of tea.

Afterthought and questions (may contain spoilers).

What: A country colonized by another country. They made the colonized country people slaves. A daughter from the General fall in love with a slave.
Okay, from what i read, i don't really get why she fall in love with the slave. what make the slave outstanding? I don't really believe this part. And why she bought that slave? Because she has sympathy for the Herrani? Maybe. Why she fell in love with him? I don't get this part, did I miss it?

Who: Kastrel and Arin... Me not believing them, making it hard to believe the story. Sigh.

Why: Because of war? Valorian love to war, battle, and winning. Herrani called them wild creatures.
Yes, but how could they not realized Arin make weapons and distributes them through the city? It's a large sum of weapons i guess. How could nobody suspect it? Kastrel is stupid too. She knows Arin clever and whatever, how could she... what so good about him that she want to protect him? If I am her, I will not give a shit to Arin.

When: Somewhen in alternate universe.

Where: Valoria and Herran. Some place fictive. The world building... I don't know, I just imagined Herran somewhat like prince of persia setting. It's unclear. Or maybe I miss it.

How: That is the question. What is their bound. What make Kastrel believe and care for Arin. Arin supposed to seduced Kastrel, not? He needs access and information for his people rebellion. But he did nothing. What so good about him?? Oh my god Kastrel T__T
In my opinion, he should sacrifice something for her, so she undoubtedly feel something for him. But no. Why should Kastrel do the sacrifice? And in the end get betrayed. Silly.
Why Kastrel sacrifice herself and throw herself in that kind of war and game? Yes her father is a general, but didn't mean she has to please him to that extend. Because she feel sorry for the Herrani, feel guilty, sympathy, sorry? But I don't feel it from her. Because she love Arin so very much? But why??? I feel all are half-hearted and unbelievable. :(

Let see the second book. Hope I will get some light for this darkness I feel.
Full review soon. Ha!
I give it 3 stars.

Read More

The Joshua Files Series 1 - Invisible City

Kode :

Original Title : The Joshua Files Series 1 - Invisible City

Title : The Joshua Files Series 1 - Kota yang HilangAuthor : M. G. Harris

Year Published : 2009

Published by : Gramedia, Jakarta

Pages : 384

Translated by :

Date Purchased :

From :

Kau memasuki zona teori konspirasi
Blog ini milik: Josh Garcia
Tentang aku: Aku anak laki-laki arkeolog Meksiko (Dad) dan dosen sejarah Inggris (Mum)
ENTRI BLOG:
Beberapa minggu lalu, aku hanyalah cowok biasa. Cowok yang suka mendengarkan Green Day, Arctic Monkeys, dan Nirvana. Cowok yang ikut kelas capoeira dan lumayan jago melancarkan tendangan putar.
Tapi suatu hari Dad dilaporkan meninggal dalam kecelakaan pesawat, dalam salah satu perjalanannya untuk meneliti reruntuhan Maya di Meksiko. Benarkah itu kecelakaan? Kenapa email-email terakhir Dad sepertinya menunjukkan sebaliknya?

Pertama liat buku ini, gimana ya. Tertarik sama cover dan sinopsisnya. Entah kenapa lagi kepingin baca yang misteri-misteri gitu. Setelah baca, saya kasih jempol deh. Cukup menarik dan seru, dan agak amazing. Yah gitu deh.

Dengan gaya bahaya yang enak, ditambah humor sakartis (favoritku) membuat buku ini gak bisa berhenti dibaca. Jalan cerita yang lumayan sulit ditebak semakin menambah serunya buku ini. Belum lagi pembaca dikasih vitamin mengenai kerajaan Maya yang menarik dan mengasyikkan. Worth it lah.

Read More

The Eyes of the Dragon

Kode : 
Title : The Eyes of the Dragon
Author : Stephen King
Year Published : May 2012
Published by : Gramedia, Jakarta

Pages : 472, 20 cm
Translated by : Rosemary Kesssauly
Date Purchased : July 3rd, 2012
From : Gramedia Pekanbaru

Di sebuah kerajaan bernama Delain, hiduplah seorang raja tua bernama Roland yang memiliki dua orang putra, sang kakak Peter dan adiknya Thomas. Raja Roland sudah sangat tua dan umurnya tidak lama lagi, oleh karena itu, orang-orang mulai membicarakan Peter yang diprediksi akan menjadi penerus tahta berikutnya. Namun, ada satu orang yang sibuk memikirkan cara untuk menyingkirkan Peter dan menjadikan Thomas raja, dialah Flagg si penyihir kerajaan. Kemudian, dimulailah skenario-skenario busuk rancangan Flagg untuk melenyapkan Peter selamanya.

Novel ini disajikan dengan gaya bahasa yang lumayan ringan dengan selingan humor yang menghibur. Tema yang dibawakan pun bernuansa klasik tapi tidak terlalu berat sehingga mudah dicerna. Dongeng tentang raja, pangeran, dan sihir sudah lumayan menjamur tapi novel yang satu ini tidak fokus pada dunia sihirnya melainkan pada hubungan antar tokoh yang ada.

Tidak ada alur yang melompat-lompat, semua bagian diceritakan sesuai dengan tempatnya sehingga ceritanya "mengalir". Mengenai pengembangan tokoh, setiap tokoh memiliki latar belakang yang cukup detail untuk mendukung cerita. Ide ceritanya sungguh menarik, terutama cara Peter membebaskan diri dari tipu muslihat Flagg. 

Dari segi penghabisan cerita, memang kurang dramatis, kelihatannya si Flagg ini tidak bisa sihir yang seperti Harry Potter (haha). Akhirnya kurang epic tapi adil dan cukup memuaskan.

Penasaran? Baca aja, dijamin gak rugi, apalagi yang pro-protagonis.. :D

Read More