Blood Will Out by Jo Treggiari

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The animal torture and abuse part were just some of the biggest disappointment, hence I didn't finish reading this book. There's no outstanding character or part in the story that will awe readers, and the flow of the story is too dragging and quite common. Ari, the main character, is irksome and her point of view is too bland; the conversation between the characters is also quite annoying to read.

I had high hopes before reading this because I was really intrigued by the synopsis; I even pushed myself on finishing it but I just can't seem to find any sense of why should I do it. I should not have set any expectations just because of how I love reading young adult fiction and just because of the plot of the story.

The Golden Maple Tree by Marc Remus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the Magora Series, The Golden Maple Tree, continues the adventure of Holly and her friends in the magical world of Magora. When I was given the chance to read the first and second installment in this series, I can't help but compare it to the Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter series, much more to the latter.

When I've read the term "Unfinished" in this second installment, I reckon that the author's inspirations are the Muggle-born and the dementors in the Harry Potter series ; I distinguished a lot of similarities or sort of influence from J.K. Rowling's re-known book series. Holly O' Flanigan reminds me of Harry because their life story is quite the same and that they have friends who help them through thick and thin. Not to mention that their personalities are pretty much similar because of how determined they are on helping, even if their safety is at stake.

Although that there might have some resemblances to other novels, the books in the Magora series still has its own identity and a quite surprising middle-grade series that will readers find really enjoyable.

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of Marjorie Glatt and Wendell in this graphic novel is quite entertaining to read. While reading this, Wendell reminds me of the famous Casper not only because they are both young ghosts but also for their personality and the way they try to help as much as they can. However, I was torn on the rating between 4 and 5 stars; I am hoping that there would be a second volume because I like how there was a panel that shows that Marjorie and Wendell might have met already when he was still alive.

The story of grief, loneliness, depression, moving on and remembering our departed loved ones were all tackled in this fast-paced story. The colorful illustrations are also highly appealing that makes the story charming and delightful to read. A must-read if you are looking for something that is a light-read yet still captivating.

Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel Vol. 3: Motel Transylvania by Stefan Petrucha

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second time that I was given an opportunity to receive a reading copy of the Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel from the publisher. The 50-page comic book is another amusing installment in the story of Drac and his family. I like how Jonathan, Drac's son-in-law, wants to help his in-law on trying to make it easy for everyone to enjoy the exact pleasure that Hotel Transylvania provides by setting up motels near people.

However, it is not easy to expand a business just like what Jonathan has planned. They faced a lot of troubles trying to provide a good service because of some creatures who always create mischief in the motel. Jonathan may be silly but his unwavering perseverance makes him a good person. There are several funny portions in the story, especially in the latter part of this issue.

The Little Book of Pocket Spells: Everyday Magic for the Modern Witch by Akasha Moon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Little Book of Pocket Spells is a highly recommended read for those who are still new with New Age or Wicca. This 150-page is filled with interesting information and I learned a lot from perusing this small book. I discover about the power of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender; even garlic and onions are also helpful in cleaning an area. Furthermore, some spells were written in this tiny book such as charms for wealth, grief, and protecting a child.

The Boy from Tomorrow by Camille DeAngelis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've watched several movies before that have the same theme just like in this novel, such as the Hollywood movies Frequency and The Butterfly Effect, and Korean movies Ditto and Il Mare. Thus, I was not expecting much when I've asked for the reading copy of this from the publisher.

This book really did exceeds my expectations because of how impressive Camille DeAngelis in writing it. Readers will be hooked once they start reading the story of the incredible friendship of Alec to the Clifford sisters, Josie and Cassie, even there's a 100-year gap. And in spite of the fact that they will never all get to meet at present time, the ending is still absolutely great and heartwarming.

The Boy from Tomorrow may be categorized as a children's fiction or a middle-grade book, but adult readers will surely enjoy this amazing novel — it is a great and highly recommended for light-reading. Lastly, it is so easy to decide that this is one of the books that I can put into my favorites this year because how I really enjoyed reading it.

The Gallery of Wonders: Books for kids: A magical children's fantasy series. by Marc Remus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly O' Flanigan lives with her distant relatives, the Smorall's, in Donkleywood; her parents died in an accident when she was still a baby so she never got the chance to know them. She used to live with her grandfather, Nikolas, but she was taken from him by the government because they perceived that he was unfit to take care of Holly. Instead of a relative, the Smoralls treat her like a maid and they made her sleep and always hide in the attic after she's done with her chores.

Her grandfather is a painter and lives alone in his studio and Holly inherits her grandfather's passion for painting. However, she thought that she is not good because she lacks the skill and talent. Unfortunately, there was a fire in her grandpa's studio and he jumped out of the building. Prior to that, Holly and her friend, Brian, saw a peculiar man and creatures outside. The next day, Holly received a package with a letter and it contains several things: a jar of white powder, a gadget with a funnel-like attached in the side, and a book that is an Encyclopedia of Magora written on it.

Holly's life changed once she received the said package. Unexpectedly, Holly and her friends Brian and Rufus; together with her obnoxious classmate Amanda; and nosy neighbor, Ms. Hubbleworth, they were all transported to Lake Santima in Cuspidor when a painting became a portal in Holly's attic.

The Gallery of Wonders is the first book in The Magora Book Series, and while reading, it greatly reminds of the well-known classic book series of Chronicles of Narnia. Moreover, I can't help but compare it to the Harry Potter series because there's a Cliffony Academy of the Arts, prophecy, talking tree house, and animated creatures such as trolls and griffins in the story. I reckon that Marc Remus' huge inspirations for writing are C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling because of the flow of the story and several similarities in some instances. Despite that, middle graders, young adult readers, and those who are fond of fantasy and adventure stories will enjoy this novel.

The Lion and the Bride #1 by Mika Sakurano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I've requested a reading copy of this manga from the publisher, I knew that the plot might be a just like some romcom TV series. But I what I didn't expect is that even though that it's like that, reading has taken me by surprised me because of how entertained I was on reading the banters between Yua and her stepson/classmate Subaru.

As for me, I think Yua's hasty decision of accepting Ryo's marriage proposal is a big no-no. And I bet that there's no love involved when Yua decided to get married. Meanwhile, Subaru mentioned that Ryo, his father, only pity Yua because she's already an orphan and that no one's there to take care of her. A bit harsh but I think I agree with Subaru's opinion.

In addition, it's quite predictable that there would be a love triangle in Ryo, Yua, and Subaru's setup. But what's not foreseeable is whether Yua and Ryo will divorce in the end because Yua chose Subaru, or Yua will stay with Ryo. And I reckon that is what readers are anticipating in the succeeding volumes to be released in this manga series.

In general, if you like reading the romantic-comedy genre, The Lion and the Bride is a great manga and good for light-reading.