consequences

You warned me
I ignored
I was flooded with my imagination
Beliving myself
that I was living my dream
A dream that lead me to nothing
A void dream that give me
hopelessness
Now I am sitting alone
looking at the sky with contrite heart
realizing I have to live with the consequences


~Selene.

The blame game

It is one of your speciality

Blaming other people

Showing them

You are always the right one

You keep blaming me

For everything that happens

It’s always been me

Your favorite words

It’s dancing between us

Rocking us Upside down

Should we put an end

Or resume this game...

~Selene

Game Review : Island

Dear All,

I just finished playing game Island by Frontwing. I can say that I am really happy and satisfied with this game. At first I thought this game is just your typical moege. But it turns out like Himawari Sunflower by Frontwing too. I don't know what kind of genre this game is. It looks like combination between romance and science fiction. Anyway, let start for it. 

Island tell the story about a man named Setsuna that washed ashore at Urashima Island without his memory. With him, there's CD with the tittle Island. In that island there's also a girl named Rinne. What's more there's a sad legend about people name Setsuna and Rinne. They love each other. Unfortunately since they are family, it is forbidden relationship. So, witch curse Rinne and Setsuna have to find way to break Rinne from the curse. Coincidence ?! You have to play the game to find the answer for that. 

I really like this game because it involved time travel and time paradox. I mean I really learn a lot about it whether it is true or not. Anyway, there are several routes that you can choose in this game. You have to finish the first two route which is Karen route and Sara route before you can play Rinne route. After that you can play Winter route. The last, you can play mid summer route to get the True Ending. If I have to choose I really like Rinne route and Winter route. Maybe because it's the most heartbreaking one. 

Anyway, as expected from Frontwing, the story, art, music, and voice acting are top notch. The characters are quite lively. I really like all of them even annoying one like Karen's father. Unfortunately, the ending itself is quite little weak. I mean there are many mystery but at the end there is still things I don't understand. You have to try to understand it by yourself. But maybe it's also one of its biggest strength because it's a mystery. Anyway, I really like this game. It's really heartbreaking and touching. There is one OST I really like. Its name is Power Out of Pain. Unfortunately, I cannot give the link for OST because I cannot find it on Youtube. Hope someone will upload for it soon. 

I really recommend this game for people whom like romance and science fiction genre. But it can be a little heavy because it's quite long. So, for newbie, I suggest to find lighter game first. For information, there is also anime adaption for about 13 episodes. But I don't know which route they will adapt for the story. 

Rating : 9 of 10

Regards, 

Angela

Legend

I want to change fate
Break free from the chains of past
Even when the whole world against us
Shattering me into pieces

I only want to see her smile
Free her from the curse
Wading through thousands of years
Searching for happiness

My hands were tainted
Living an unforgivable life
Trapped forever within past, present, and future
Still this heart cannot give up

Like unreachable stars in the sky
Our long journey is beautiful
With many precious memories

Transcending time and space

Our feelings cannot be broken

We will overcome these trials
We will wait for each other forever
and bring an end to this legend


Regards, 
Angela

King

For a long time,
I carry this burden
And live a tragic life
Discarding my humanity
To protect my country

Therefore,
I only have one wish
Wish to redo everything
Wish to save my country
Even when my country destroy me

Unfortunately,
I cannot save my country
My wish will not be granted
For it is wrong to change the past
And rejecting one own existence

Now I understand,
If I keep doing the right things until the end
I don't need to redo my life
Even if I cannot save my country
I can die in peace


Regards,
Angela

A while

I have to remind myself

for the thousand times

that life is short

This is only a while

nothing last forever

There is an end for everything

Why takes something seriously

if nothing is belong to me

I will leave everything at the end

I should end my tears

Yet I couldn't

life is getting hard each day

I always get what I don't expect

The one that I wanted always hiding

I really need your help to free me 

I should be grateful 

even for only one good thing in my life

Forgive and forget all the bitterness 

-Selene

Book Review: The Chase (2018)

Synopsis: 

Summer drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. Their characteristics are very the opposite. Colin is buddy with her brother and until she need place to stay which her brother put her as Fitz' s rommate.

Review:

Summer is someone that dows not fit in Fitzy' s girl criteria. She is pretty, sexy, brave and always catching everyone's attentions. While Fitzy likes to stay in shadows. while Summer had learning difficulties and her own insecurities of being stupid. Fitzy help her to overcome her problems while he'd also need her to express his own feeling and emotion. Its definitely a must read book of Elle Kennedy. Especially if you are a fan of 'The Deal" like I do.

This book tell the whole a lot story about what kind of university life in America and hockey player as well as Summer's extravagant life as a kid of rich lawyers. The sexual tension between Summer and Fitzy is strong. Somehow I am not so sure if Summer attract to Fitzy because he is a man that hard to get or because she's too drawn to his mysterious attitude. Either way, I hope that as they can make the best out of each other, this good trait is strong enough to make their relationship strong and lasted for the long term.


Rating: 4 stars/ 5.


Regards,


Selene.

Game Review : Fate/Hollow Ataraxia

                                                                  Japanese trailer

                                                                   Last Piece OST


Dear All, 

It has been a long time since I really enjoy playing visual novel games. Today I want to review one of the best game that I play. The game is Fate/Hollow Ataraxia. Maybe you know that this game is sequel from the famous game Fate/Stay Night. I already watch the anime long time ago. I can say that the anime is good. First I want to say that I don't finish the game because I think there's something wrong with the game or with my play through so I cannot continue with the last chapters. Anyway, I only watch the last chapters on youtube so I know about the ending and I can say that I am really satisfied with the endings. But the epilogue itself is ordinary. Spoiler beware. I will try to minimize the spoiler as much as I can.

For the synopsis you can read on Wikipedia. Basically, this game happen half year after the event at Fate/Stay Night. Somehow someone try to reproduce Holy Grail War again but only the first four days, after that the time will come to the first day again. So they are in time loop for every 4 days. Our main characters have to solve the mystery behind it. 

The main characters are still have the same personality with Fate/Stay Night. Emiya Shirou being Emiya Shirou, Rin Tohsaka being Rin Tohsaka. But it was quite refreshing to see the servants become normal human and good guy, especially with their back story, except it was quite strange. One of the servant that I find change so much is (spoiler). I mean how the heck that he can change so much with the personality, age, and appearance. Still he is badass at the end so I can kind of forgive it a little. Anyway, don't expect many action because the SOL really dominate the game. I really mean it. So for people who cannot stand SOL, better to leave this game.

  

I can say the game is top notch from the music and the art. Unfortunately, I don't get the voice acting. I think only the Japanese edition have voice acting or what I don't know. It is big let down because many Slice of life is very boring. I am only interested with the main story but have been forced to play SOL a lot because I am stuck and even then I still cannot continue with the last chapters. The story itself is very good except I still don't quite grasp what's real and what's not real. Some mystery are not explained though. Still I really like the ending. One of the best bittersweet ending that I know and the BGM also amplify it multiple times. Really like BGM last piece. 

I also like the opening. Really catching. I imagine without that kind of opening, I will stop playing quickly. At first I thought it was horror game (unrelated with Fate/Stay Night) but fortunately it is just the opening. For a moment I thought it was Red is for eyes game. Both games have similar feeling for opening. Anyway, sadly you cannot make multiple saves and you also cannot fast forward SOL scene. It is really boring and that's coming from me who like to play visual novel games. Cannot imagine how first timer gamer will survive until the end with that boring SOL. This game also have the same theme with Fatal Twelve which is about defying death and accepting fate; but different ending. Still I like both ending. Both ending really make your heart break (prepare tissue guys). 

Personally I recommend this game for Fate/Stay Night fans and fans of chuunige visual novel. For first timer I suggest play lighter game before to adapt more before playing this game. 

Rating : 8 of 10 (I will give nine if not because of boring SOL)

Best Regards, 

Angela

Book review: All your perfects (2018)

Synopsis:

Two peoples tried to save their marriage regardless of all their flawless

Review:

I am sorry to review this in here later than I did in our bookstagram, if you don't know our bookstagram, you can check this our instagram at @ourpassionforbooks.

Anyway, this book is good as Coho' usual books, the writting keep me going because its so addicted to read. Yet, I find this story is too fairy tale because Graham is too perfect as husband, even he did kissing with other girl, he still tried hard to win Quinn' heart back. Even Quinn is can not give him baby, he still love she as the way she is. It is so touching yet too fairy tale for me.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Regards,


Selene.

Goodbye

I have nothing to say 

But to offer silent words and smile

To convey whats really in my hearts

For we both know the cruel reality

Silence is golden

Because words can hurt so much

You don't need words to express your feelings

Actions speak louder than words

We cannot change what have happened

We can only regret that things don't turn out like what we want

But regret and sadness can be change into happiness

As long as we have the courage to leave the past behind

Everything can begin 

Everything can also end

But that's not the end of our journey

We have to cherish each memories

And move on with our life

Regards, 

Angela

Sin

I want you to know

I am sinner

To fulfill my dreams
I cast aside my conscience
Close my eyes to not see the reality

Everthing I did
I did it out of love
I want you to be happy
Even if I have to live this unbearable life
Suffering until the end

I choose the evil path
Sold my soul to the devil
For my wish to be granted
I wonder whether it's worth it
I wonder what you think about it

Several times I want to stop
Walking this treacherous road
Only to continue
Because I cannot turn back
Stopping is not an option
We don't have that privilege

No one at fault
For not able to live happy life
That's just our fate
Something we cannot control
No amount of regret can change

We do what we have to do
Not because we believe it's right
But because that's what we know
How to continue our life
We live in this world after all

Right or wrong
This is our life
Not an ideal one
Still cannot be left behind
We can only dream for better one
Someday in the future

What goes around comes around
We cannot always be right
Much less win in this life
As long as we do our best
God will do the rest


Regards,
Angela

Book review: Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine (2017)

Synopsis:

Eleanor Oliphant feels everything in her life is fine until she meet an IT officer named Raymond and both of them save Sammy and both of them has a lot to share about.

Review:

I think this book is more about friendship between Raymond and Eleanor instead of romance itself. While in the end, it is clearly that Raymond invited Eleanor to attend the concert together and both of them seem to see each other regularly and completely enjoying each other company. Raymond always help Eleanor for her well being and Raymond always give her emotional support.

This book give me another insight about romance. Romance isn't always about sexual things. Yet, there are a lot of connections we can see between Eleanor and Raymond. How they support each other emotionally and enjoying each other company. How they just make each other life towards better than before. I think that is what love is all about.

I really enjoy this book and I take sometimes to indulge myself in reading this novel and feel hard to say good bye to this book. This book definetly is a must read fiction/friendship book.

Rating: 4/5

Kind regards,

Selene.

Ace Water Spa

Dear All,

It have been a long time since I write my last review. I am sorry for that. It's because of my new job. Hope you guys don't mind. Anyway, now I want to write a different review. I want to review one place that I really like and enjoy right now. Yes, maybe you can guess from the name. It's Ace Water Spa. The location is in Pasig and Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The place is clean and organized. There are guards and you have to use proper swimming attire and caps. So don't worry about out of "nowhere" people ^^. You get 4 hours to play in the water. But for me, it's more than enough. Even if you get over time, the over time price is just 100 php per hour. The price is the same for weekday or weekend. But I suggest you go on weekday so there's less people.  

Ace Water Spa is premier hydrotherapy massage according to their websites. I really like it because it feels like you are going to spa but instead of someone massage you, you use the water to massage you. You can choose from soft, medium, and hard jet pump water to spray your body. Personally, I really like their rainfall accupunture and bubble bed. It's really relaxing. Besides, what I also really like is their hot herbal spa. There are Jasmine, Rose, Mint, and Lavender. The hottest one is Lavender with 40 degree Celcius. It's really hot but at the same time relaxing. It was suggested to use the spa for 1-2 minutes. After that you throw into cold pool for about 30 seconds for cold immersion therapy experience. So, you subject your body to very hot and very cold water in order to make your body stronger. At first maybe you thought it's an unpleasant experience but no, it's really enjoyable. But if you are sick, maybe you should not do this. 

Besides the jet pump, there's also lazy river where you can just lay down with mattress and let the water carry you forward. They also have lap pools for people who want to swim properly. Last but not least, the price itself is not too cheap but also not too expensive. With metrodeal, you just need to pay around 385 php or about $10. For me, it's worth it. Unfortunately, the location itself is quite far from my place, especially with every time surge pricing Grab. The total cost is around $25 including transport. Of course it could be cheaper if you use public transport. 

I just remember that there's Ace VIP card that you can buy for around 1385 peso or about $40. You get many benefits with this card. For me, maybe it's not the right time to buy this card since I don't know how long I will stay in Philippines. But maybe someday in the future because I really like this place. 

Update

If somehow by miracle, I will stay longer in Philippines. I will definitely buy this card. But for now, I think I may have to move to another country. But I will always remember about this place and memory I have during my stay here.



Regards,
Angela

Book review: Turtles All The Way Down (2017)

Synopsis: 

Sixteen year old Aza Holmes together with her best friend Daisy tried to solve the dissapearance of billionaire Russell Pickett. They aim to get the $100,000 rewards for finding the billionaire whereabout. 

Review:

This book is really beyond my imagination, in the good way. I never read John Green novel before and this one definitely my favorite. I watched 'The fault in our stars and that movie also touch me as well. 

Aza Holmes, an anxious high school girl who tried to be best in everything she's done. She wants to be a good daughter, a good best friend to Daisy, a good girlfriend and maybe a good detective too. This book really has a good plot and I really enjoy reading it. Even I was sobbing while reading it. I mean Aza' character will touch your heart because that kind of anxiety really happens around us. I like the love connection between Aza and Davis too. I think the ending implying that two of them somehow will end up together, I hope that too.

This book is definetly a must read fiction book of this year. I really recommend it. I hardly put down this book, because this book just so touching and emotionally deep. 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars.

Kind regards, 

Selene.

Book review: The Fragile Ordinary (2018)

Synopsis: 

Comet Caldwell is ordinary girl who loves book very much and likes to experiment with her clothes. She just feel her life is as boring as she is until she meet Tobias King, who makes her life and her feeling upside down.

Review:

I understand the world of Comet Caldwell, I've been there when I was a teenager. It's like turn back time to where all I was thinking is just fiction books and clothes. Comet always wonder how kisses and hugs and intimate with guys feels like, will those be similar to romance books she read? I think almost every girl has that kind of curiousity.

Since she'd met Tobias King, she felt her world rocked upside down. Tobias befriend with Stevie who is drug addict and his fellows who did the same. They did not care about study and act as rebellious students, like mocking the teachers and made dirty jokes. Since Comet loved Tobias so much, she tried to befriend with Stevie, until she felt that she can't accept the drug habit of Steview, she wants to  cut her friend relationship with Stevie and his crew. Apparently they dislike the act of both Tobias and Comet. So they keep torment both of them with nasty acts and words. Comet and Tobias tried their best to endure their nasty behaviours.

Comet herself has problem with her parents. She felt her mother had jealousy issues towards her and treating her like a stranger. She never care about Comet. All her mother care just her husband, Kyle. Even her parents asked Comet to call them by name directly. So when Comet met Tobias, she felt that he is her source of love, the only one who can fully love her. Until oneday, something bad happens to Steview and they lost him and this changed the life of others who ever know Stevie, including Tobias and Comet.

This book has a good plot and writes the emotion of Comet towards Tobias beautifully. I always liked Samantha Young' writting, including this one. I like Comet's poetries. Anyway, I never see something like Comet' parents issue, where a mother is always asked her husband attention very much and Kyle as her husband follow what she wants and they are very romantic until they forget about Comet. It's sound surreal for me. Most of what we see these days is parents who loved their kids too much until they forget to be together again and become distant with each other.

Overall, this is a good book if you're looking into romance or high school romance books or even just family romance books, you definitely have to grab this one.

Rating : 4.2/5

Best regards,

~Selene.

Oneday

You told me once

You never believe karma

You always believe 

What you do want to believe

Yet I believe 

What goes around comes around

No matter what we did

It's always come back to us eventually

Life is not about showing yourself
Comparing that yourself is highter than others
It means nothing beside your pride
Pride that doesn't benefit others

I hope that oneday
You learnt your lessons
Life isn't always about yourself
Life is about giving and loving

-Selene

Book Review: Eligible (2016)

Synopsis:

The Bennets family had heart attack and this caused all their five daughters to come back to Cincinnanti and figure out their life afterward.

Review: 

This is the modern story telling of Price and Prejudice. I did not quite remember the last time I watched that movie. It's been a while and now there is the modern story telling of the story. Actually the story is quite fairy tale, but the idea of the story is classic and entertaining. The writting itself is good and has good plot to bring you to keep flipping the pages until the end.

Mr and Mrs. Bennet had five daughters, all are looking for better life, because Mr. Bennet had heart attack and it caused five of them to come back to Cincinnanti to help their father. Jane is the oldest, she really wants to get pregnant and she did the sperm insemination program and she's pregnant afterward. Jane later fall in love with Chip Bingley, who appeared in Eligible program. Liz Bennet is the second daughter is the journalist and she never want to have children. She is the financial helper for the family and she take care of all the family members. Liz attracted to the cool and best brain surgeon named Fitzwilliam Darcy. Starting from their hate sex until they become fall in love with each other. Mary is the third daughter. Mary is introvert and secretive. Mary join bowling  league which she always keep it secret even from her family. Mary's doing college seriously and she likes her status single, she's just not ready to share or accept someone to her private place. Then comes the fourth daughter, Kitty. Kitty interest in openning beauty salon, because she likes doing manicure pedicure and even take the short course for that. Later Kitty date Shane, Liz' house agent friend. Shane had black skin and this caused her mother Mrs. Bennet to dislike Shane. Kitty and Mary share their apartment which is paid by Liz in the beginning until they find jobs and settled. The last daughter, Lydia. Lydia dated Hamilton, her CrossFit gym instructor. Later they want to elope after Ham' transgender status known by the family. Mrs. Bennet is depressed and cried for days. She can't accept that her daughter is married to a transgender.

Though a lot of things happen, they keep the family together at the end. Liz is the one that really help her family a lot. She even left Darcy because she need to help her family. Though her love story with Darcy is sweet. The whole story itself is just a fairy tale. yet this book still good for weekend escape. I recommend this book if you're looking into sweet and lighthearted romance. I prefer the story would be more realistic, but it is what it is, it's just the modern story telling of Jane Austen' book Pride and Prejudice.

Rating: 4/5

Kind regards,

Selene.

Book Review: All the ugly and wonderful things (2016)

Synopsis:

Wavonna Quinn is the daughter of drug dealer and addicted mother, She trusted no one, even her own parents. She hardly talk since young age. Oneday she met tattoed ex-con who also her father' thug named Kellen, she felt her whole life changed. She can feel how good his heart and they developed love for each other despite their differences.

Review:

I just finish this book. This book took longer than I expected. This is the first time I read book from Byrn Greenwood. The story is about a little girl named Wavonna Quinn who is the daughter of Liam and Val. Both Liam and Val has abusive relationship. Val is sick and hurt of Liam' cheating and abusive behaviour. Liam is drug dealer. Liam often hit her mother, so Wavy can't trust her own parents. Sometimes she'd been located at Val' sister, aunt Brenda together with her brother Donal.

Oneday, after staying at aunt Brenda place and when she and her brother get return to their home, they find Val and Liam are dead and Wavy herself found naked with Kellen at his desk and her brother Donal went missing. Kellen get arrested because of this and sentenced to six years in jail. Wavy had to live with aunt Brenda and Donal is claimed to be Sean Quin' child, so Wavy had to live without Kellen and Donal, the two persons that she loved the most.

She feel lonely and pain but she'd survived. Until oneday at college, she found out that aunt Brenda never told her about Kellen' last court hearing. After release from jail, Kellen had to report to sex registry in his area and he is banned from seeing Wavy. Yet, Wavy did not give up. She sent letters the to judge requesting to remove the ban, so she and Kellen able to see each other.

I liked the love between Kellen and Wavy and I liked how's the story written, it is beautiful and smooth. I was enjoying reading every chapter, it was told in several character point of view. This book leaves good impression and I think I am interest to read her other love novels.


Rating: 4/5


Kind regards,


Selene.

An Obidient Child

You told me

repeatly

I have to be strong

I have to be independent

Life is very hard

that I need to be tough

I need to be on my own

You keep telling me those

I have my own thoughts

Anything that reverse of what you thought

The underlying basic that always be the same

I want to live simply

There might be oneday

That I can reach my dream

Dreams that beyond your understanding

Because you never understand a single thing about me

I can't be your obidient child anymore

It's weird even to myself

I can't feel sorry anymore

I guess I am grown up more than I know

Who knows

Once upon a time
There are two roads in front of us
Some people say choice is dangerous
Because it means you cannot turn back
Still we choose to be brave
And belive in our hearts
One day we can reach the stars

But all who enter the stars dies
For the truth it belies

We were trapped in fate
Unable to be truly free

Even though our hearts are right

Still we commit the sins
The sins cannot be forgiven
But we can only move on because of that sins.

No words can express the feelings

Not even the fallen tears 

There are too many things to be said

But don't know how to say it
Everythings stay in my heart
But it's okay
Because you can say it

There's no end to sadness
Only an everflowing pain
Pain that we know very well
But will never get used to
Because this heart will never accept nor denied
These shattered feelings
Tear each other apart
Only you want everyone to get along

We want peace
But these hearts won't let go
Our fate cannot be changed
Still we never give up
Chasing our dreams mean suffering
Too many things have been broken
Except you choose to leave the past behind

Still
Can we enter the stars ?
Can we still be alive and achieve our dreams ?
Is this all fate ?
Can our hearts be truly free ?
These lingering questions
And our contradictory life
Our contradictory feelings
Who knows the answers


Regards,
Angela

Destiny

Some people destinied to be a mother
They are blessed with children
Even marriage fall apart
They might not be the best wife
Yet they are very good mother

Some people destinied to be single
They choose not to get married for life
They might have not find the right one
They prefer to focus on their own passion
The purpose of their life

Some people destinied to be a lover
Promising to be there for each other
They bring the best of each other
They just being good together
They connect deeply like soulmate

Just a simple reminder
Whatever your destiny is
The rule of life is
Do not get attached

Anything could be gone
It is not our own life
Because life itself is a gift


~Selene

(Selene is my pen name)

Book Review: Little Fires Everywhere (2017)

Synopsis:

Life in Shaker Heights are meticulously planned. From its road, its house color to the successful lives of its residents. Elena Richardson is one of its resident who's really hold her own rules to live her own life. Yet when her last child, Izzy burned their family house and peoples really talked about it. She and Shaker Heights's residents wonder what behind her daughter' actions.

Review:

This book just uniquely written by Celeste Ng. This is the first time I read her book. As other good fiction, this book provoke thought, yet the feelings are involved too. At beginning of one hundred pages, I started to get bored but after almost two hundred pages, things started to get interesting and what's makes this book good is the mystery that intrigue curiousity to whoever read it and this book has surprised ending.

This book is young adult story. It told many things that happens around us, like free sex, abortion, surrogate and adoption things. I think the main individual of this novel focus on Elena Richardson and Mia Wright. Mia Wright just move in to Winslow house, the asset that belong to Richardson family and having Elena as the landlord at first feel like a blessing because Elena gave cheap rent price because she always want to look good in front of peoples. She rent her asset to Mr Yang and Mia Wright.

Mark and Linda McCullough want to adopt chinese baby who originally named May Ling but they changed the baby' name to Mirabelle. The baby itself was found in front of fire station office and because they don't have baby on their own, Linda really want to adopt May Ling. The Richardsons went to Mirabelle/May Ling first birthday party hosted by Linda McCullough, Lexie was really love Mirabelle, how cute the baby is and gushed over the week after. Mia heard her when she's working at Richardson's house and she remembered her friend Bebe Chow who can't remember her baby. She told her the whole thing and tell Bebe to strive for her baby. Therefore, Bebe Chow pursue this case to local trial. Bebe wants to take her baby back, but McCullough who hired Billy Richardson, Elena' husband won't be easily give up the baby.

Elena Richardson did not this let go easily. With her will power, she tried to find out about Mia' dark background and she even asked Elizabeth her old friend to look the list of abortion patients in case that Bebe went of abortion. This request is illegal and Elizabeth rejected her request but somehow Elena still steal a glance at her computer while she's away and this was break their relationship, because Elena seems to asked Elizabeth to pay back her kindness in the past times. Nothing stops Elena, Elena seems try anything possible to make the case win for her husband and her friend, McCullough. She is an ambitious journalist who didn't give up easily and have her own rules to live her own life. She wants everything to be perfect on her own term, good education, good appearance, good husband, a lot of good children, good house and good life that makes her proud in the community.

As we know, something unpredictable can happen in life. Lexie, Elena' oldest daughter went to clinic and use Pearl' name to cover her. Lexie had abortion and asked Pearl to be her company. Trip, Elena's son was secretly screwing over Pearl. Moody, Elena' third child was Pearl' good friend and was dissapointed because he felt Pearl'd rejected his feelings by secretly dated his brother Trip and then Izzy, the last child that always makes Elena worried. Izzy is the most critical girl in the family. Izzy always fight with Elena because Elena is always restrict Izzy from anything yet give the freedom for the rest of her siblings. Yet Izzy feel connection with Mia and she wants to follow her path to be an artist and live in freedom like Mia did. Izzy know the truth about what happens, what her siblings did to Pearl and what her mother did to Mia. She can't stand the ugliness of her family, therefore she burned down their family house because she wants they all start a new life. After this fire incident by Izzy, their neighbourhood in Shaker Height still talking about it. After Izzy's gone, Elena found that beyond her bad attitude towards Izzy, she'll missed her and as mother' instinct, she determined to find her lost daughter.

This story also reminds me of a mother, however bad she is, she won't ever easily give up for her child. Like Elena, will strive to find Izzy. Like Mia who keeps running to different states just to survive with Pearl, her surrogate baby with Mr. Ryan. Like Bebe, who's sneaking at night at McCullough' house to steal May Ling and comeback to China, her home country. I personally think this book could be the best gift to mother on mother's day which just happens yesterday, this book also for everyone that likes young adult novels. This book really blow your mind with the details and ending.

Rating: 4.5/5


Kind regards,

~Selene.

Game Review : Fatal Twelve

Game trailer

Song

Dear All, 

I am glad that I can play this game when I still can. After all, I doubt that I can play this game in the near future. I already know that I will like this game since I see it on Kickstarter and it really delivers. 

Fatal Twelve. The name really befitting its story. This game tell story about twelve people who died at the same time and now appear in Court of fate to revive once again should they managed to become the last person in Court of fate. One way or another, it was chunige. I know it can also be moege and yuri one though. But since romance is not the theme, I can live with it. 

I really like the graphic. It reminds me of Saga Frontier. It uses hand drawing style instead of computer graphic for the characters. It makes it more lively. I appreciate it. The sound is sad and beautiful. It's not too outstanding but it really emotes the story very well. I am a little disappointed since it is not in extra. Fortunately you can buy the OST as DLC. Cannot wait for it. The characters are great though. I mean all of them have backbone but it was understandable since it was the most important for the plot. Otherwise, the game lost half of its strength. Last but not least, I think the story is the greatest aspect, especially the ending. It was very sad and touching. Prepare some tissues before playing this game. Of course, it could have been better with longer and more complex story. But I think its quite good already. Before I forget, this game reminds me of Sorcery Jokers in term of philosophy. So that's a plus in my eyes. 

In light of my experience playing this game, I really recommend this game for visual novel fans, even for yuri haters. It was really minimum. No sex or kiss or whatever. 

Rating : 9 of 10 stars

Regards, 
Angela

Game Review : Sharin no Kuni Himawari no Shoujo

Dear All, 

At last I can finish this game. It's one of the best game that I have anticipated since I play G Senjou no Maou. It was written and develop by the same company after all. Many people like to compare both games. Now I can write and share my opinion regarding this game. 

Sharin no Kuni Himawari no Shoujo is game located in fictional country. It used special system as punishment. And there are special person to enforced it called Special High Individual Class. Our protagonist is Morita Kenichi, Special High Individual Cadet. As part of his final exam, he have to rehabilitated his childhood friend which is Sachi, Touka, and Natsumi. As usual, between these three characters, one will become his lover or maybe not. Like G Senjou No Maou, there will be some twist here and there. 

For the game aspect itself, I have no problem. The graphic is great, the voice acting too. Unfortunately the sound is below than expectation. Nonetheless, it stills enjoyable. Now the most important part is the story. I really like the unique story. But somehow I feel the epilogue is lacking compare to G Senjou no Maou. Besides, there's no alternate route in this one except for different epilogue for heroines. Still it was much happier than G Senjou no Maou ending. The characters. Personally I like Morita Kenichi better than Azai Kyousuke. Maybe that's my bias because I prefer smart character to happy go lucky guy. 

Anyway, I really recommend this game for visual novel lovers. It is not your usual moege. But at the same time, not too heavy. 

Rating : 9 of 10 stars

Regards, 

Angela

Book Review: Aroma Karsa (2018)

Synopsis: 

Raras Prayagung determined to find Puspa Karsa. When she found Jati Wesi, she had faith that this time Puspa Karsa will be hers.

Review:

This is the latest book of my favorite author from my hometown country, Dee Lestari. This book is written in Indonesian, but I reviewed this in English with hope that this book will be translated to English speaking countries and anyone that's reading this will have opportunity to read this book as I have my own copy now.

This is not the first book I read from Dee Lestari, previously I read her Supernova series, though I am not reading all the series but I liked her since I read Supernova and now this book's done its magic again in better version.

Jati Wesi is someone who's had special abilities with his nose, his olfactory organs is able to smell something very detail and from afar. He later meet Suma, Raras Prayagung' step daughter. Suma has same ability as Jati Wesi. Suma need to take epilepsy medicine to control her smell ability. Jati was picked by Nurdin Suroso and lived in Bantar Gebang where all the garbages from city' going there.
Jati is getting used to smell everything from the garbages. He worked as perfumer at Attarwalla shop, gardener at Graha Royal Bekasi complex, fertilizer factory staff and as Nurdin' staff at his decorative plants shop. Yet all his money never be his, he needs to give all his money to his step dad, Nurdin Suroso.

Oneday, Jati was arrested because Khalil his boss at Attarwala shop was arrested by police because the copyright of perfume of Puspa Ananta by Kemara Company. Police arrested both Khalil and Jati Wesi. Raras Prayagung as Kemara' owner promised to release Jati and Khalil as long Jati wants to work under her. Jati agreed. Later Raras bring Jati to live in her own house and introduce Jati to Suma. Since the first time, Jati arrived at their house, Suma already hate Jati and she keeps complain about Jati to her boyfriend, Arya and her mother Raras. Suma thought Jati was her competitor to get Raras' heart.

Raras still determined to find Puspa Karsa, so she makes the team for it. She collected the members, captain Jindra as security, Lambang the archeologist, Iwan as plant verificator and Jati to find Puspa Karsa with his special olfactory system. Yet, Jati rejected Raras' request. So Raras asked Suma instead. Jati Helped Suma to free from her epilepsy mediciation, she still not really confident enough, so she asked Jati to accompany her during the Puspa Karsa expedition. When arrived at Lawu mountain, Jati suddenly find special small purple fruit which known as manisrejo fruit, he feel the forest around him changed and he suddenly saw the humans who can climb very fast like monkey. Jati learned that they are Banaspati, human with special abilities. He met Empu Smarakandi who tell him that Anung is not his biological father. Jati always believed that Anung who is in jail is his biological father and keep visiting him for about 15 years. His fail admission didn't make him to upset, he come to that forest by himself.

During this visit, Jati learnt that he is banaspati and twenty six years ago, when Raras Prayagung came to the Dwarapala, Anung was captured by her. Anung brought his wife, Ambrik and her own daughter, Suma. Because at that time, its better to let Anung' family gone to protect the whole Dwarapala' community, Empu Smarakandi said that one banaspati had to be released and that banapati is Jati Wesi. Anung, Ambrik and the two babies (Suma and Jati) were running because they can't go back to Dwarapala. Later Anung did the Girah Rudira. Empu Smarakandi once said to them that Sanghyang Batari Karsa already aim Ambrik to incarnate and if they didn't do the Gurah Rudira, Sanghyang Batari Karsa will inherit to their daughter, Suma. So, Anung did the Girah Rudira to her wife, Ambrik. Anung went to jail because of this and Raras Prayagung took Suma with her, with hope that Suma will find Puspa Karsa for her.

Puspa karsa itself is dangerous plant who had special smell to attract peoples to get whatever they wants. Last history said Mahesa Guning who is king at Majapahit era, married his wife who is Puspa Karsa' incarnation. Mahesa Guning attracted strongly to her wife' smell as Puspa Karsa. Mahesa Guning believed that that Puspa Karsa' smell will bring him to be no. 1 king. Later Mahesa is not the the king anymore, he looks like a beggar and he killed his wife as Empu Smarakandi' instruction. The Puspa Karsa' spirit itself is locked in a plant until the next incarnation who is Ambrik and Suma as Ambrik' only daughter. Jati'd fallen in love with Suma and Suma loved him too. He determined to secure Suma from Puspa Karsa.

There are few things I still hope to see in this book, when Empu Smarakandi gave dewandaru pills to Jati for him to pass it to Anung to help his amnesia. I hope to see how far Anung can remember again. One more thing that I wonder how Puspa Karsa' incanation to be succesful after Jati' hard effort to save Suma and hit the Puspa Karsa' center with Kiongkong' poisons.

I really recommend this book, this book just beautifully written by Dee Lestari. I think this is the best book I ever read by Dee Lestari so far.

Rating: 4.5/5


Kind regards,


Selene.

Book Review: The Man in the Black Suit (2017)

Synopsis:

Acacia acts as replacement for her colleague Marcel to serve the most prestigious and attractive man named Nicholas Cassirer. She both irritated and captivated to his charms.

Review:

This is the first time I read Sylvain Reynard' novels. Unlike most novel I read who shows the real name of the author. Sylvain Reynard is just a pen name of anonymous Canadian writer. I can say this novel has a good writting skills and plot. Beside, this novel also tells other things beside love including culture differences, religions, language and thoughts.

Acacia just works for few months as a concierge. When her colleague named Marcel has been attacked, she acts as his replacement. She has to deal with the honored guest Pierre Breckman. She was irritated with his temper. Later when she saw Pierre Breckman covered the lost art, she reported him to her ex boyfriend Luc. Luc brought his agent Brb to investigate further but at the end release Pierre Breckman with the reason its reproduction painting. This incident caused Acacia to be demoted as night shift concierge and threateaned to be fired by her manager. She later meet the work agency and apparently find Nicholas Cassirer as the man behind that. She learnt that Nicholas Cassirer is the real name of Pierre Breckman. Nicholas offered Acacia a job as his assistant which she refused. Oneday, after Acacia night shift' ends, she's being attacked by anonymous man, Nicholas' security saved her and Nicholas insist Acacia' need to get away for a while. While they were in Santorini, both of them falling in love and they started their relationship. Yet their relationship hit the rocky point when Acacia fight Nicholas' urge to kill his enemy. Acacia thought revenge is only open more violent and killing others instead of finding end or peace. Eventually Nicholas understand what Acacia' point of view. They accept the differences between them, Acacia is half jordanian and muslim  , whereas Nicholas is jews. They can accept the differences and stand for their love.

I think the ideas and the problems of Nicholas and Acacia' relationship is pretty matured. I like their love story. This is beautifully written by Sylvain Reynard. I recommend this book if you're looking into deep love story.

Rating: 4/5


Kind regards,


Selene.

Film Review: Downsizing (2017)

Synopsis:

American researchers successfully conduct experiments called downsizing. Humans have choices to be downsizing and have a new life.

Review:

I think this film has very unique idea, where humans have choice to be shrink in size or just having current life. There is new world called leisureland, where downsizing humans can have new life. If in real life they can't afford to buy a house like Paul Safranek and his wife Audrey Safranek. Both of them tired of their stressful life in real bigsize world and wants to enter downsizing world. Apparently when Paul already done the procedures. His wife, Audrey called off in the last minute and  left Paul alone. One year later, they have divorced and Paul stucked in his new downsizing world. Later, he meet disabled viatnemese woman and falled in love with her and they ship together to Norway and he wants to live with her.

The ending of this movie is pretty hanging for me, where Paul brought food for old man at the poor district in downsizing world. I am not sure what the messages of this film. Paul seems happy with his life in downsizing world. Paul was stressful with his real life because he and his wife got the house loan application rejected and they feel frustrated of their job too. So, Paul decided to have new life in downsizing world and he seems happy with the vietnamese lady that he helped and meet later. I don't see the good points of this film, it's just an adventure of human who downsizing and have a life beyond he can ever imagined.

If you look for weekend movie or if you interest in adventure film, you can try this one.

Rating: 5/10


Kind regards,

Selene.

Choice

Once 
I thought I was perfect
Live a good life
Plan for good future
Dream for the star
Everything was simple

In fact
I am just being ignorant
Close my eyes
Choose the easy way
Let others do the heavy work
Ignore the sacrifices

The price of not knowing
The price of standing still
I thought there's none
The truth
I cannot pay for it
I cannot accept it
Ignorance is not bliss

Making decision
One over another
You have to find the courage
To accept the pain and regret
To live with the mistakes



Regards, 
Angela

Book Review: From Lukov with love (2018)

Synopsis: 

Jasmine Santos has dedicated her life for figure skating until she meet Ivan Lukov, the arrogant idiot that made her angry, hated and reconsider everything in her life, including him.

Review:

This is the love-hated love story between Jasmine Santos and Ivan Lukov. This is the figure skating love story that is beautifully written by Mariana Zapata. Jasmine is Ruby' little sister. Ruby' love story can be read in Dear Aaron book that I previously reviewed.

Jasmine is strong, stubborn and strong willed girl who dedicated her whole life to figure skating. She hated Ivan because his arrogant and smug behaviour. One day Jasmine get the chance to be Ivan' skating partner and she accepted it because she wanted to win the championship for the first time in her life. During the process and her heart brokenness because she felt she lost many things because figure skating and still won nothing, she falled in love with Ivan and Ivan loved her as well.

This story is emotional, slow burn love story that is well written and have nice plot as Mariana' writting style. I liked this book. This book tells many things about family relationship like Jasmine and her dad nad her mother. This book will make you laugh too, because Mariana always know how to make joke about something without feeling too much or dry, that's what I liked about her writting style. I can feel her sense of humor in her writting and at the same time still feel the bittersweet love feeling that she wanted to deliver it too. It's just a good romance book that you really should read this year. If you liked love-hate love story, this book definitely should be in your bookshelf.

Rating: 4.2/5



Regards,

~Selene.

Game Review : Himawari Sunflower

You can't forget

Beautiful dream

Dear all, 

At last I managed to finish another great game. I thought I won't find great moege game. Actually I wonder whether Himawari Sunflower is pure moege game. I think it was combination between moege and chunige. Anyway, this is one great game that was published by Frontwing. Well, I can say that Frontwing game is quite great like Sekai Project. 

To be honest at first I thought this is gonna be action visual novel. But it looks like that I am wrong. It was romance game with sad and mystery theme. I supposed this combination is quite good in itself. Especially the way it lay the story. Remind me about Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni in which you will only get complete answer after you complete true ending. It was quite long game but it really worth it. I know for some people amnesia story is cliched but I really like it. It makes you feel there's much more things happening behind the scene. And you kind of anticipate how it will unfold. Well, let's go to the story. 

The story is about amnesia boy name Hinata Youichi. He is the sole survivor of Saionji first passenger test flight. 518 lives died in the accident. It was not explained what caused the accident and how could Youichi survive. But don't worry, you will uncover the mystery at the end of true ending. But I have to warn that it was a sad one. So prepare your tissue guys. Together with side story Komurabi and Kagerou. It can break your heart. Yes the story really that sad but also beautiful. The characters are quite amazing in its own. They are not extravagant but your typical visual novel characters. Still, it leaves deep impression for me. The graphic is quite great too. But I think what makes all of this amazing is the music. It is not very deep and catchy like G-Senjou No Maou and Muv Luv but still very beautiful in its own right. I doubt it will be this amazing if not because of the music. I cannot stop listening to the music. Not to mention the voice acting was done by well known seiyuu like Hoshi Soichiro, Keiji Fujiwara, Ayako Kawasumi, Mikako Takahashi, Katsuyuki Konishi, etc. No wonder, I feel their voice are familiar in a good way. 

Well, it may looks like perfect and good. But I have to admit that it could have been better. I think they can really improve with the ending. I mean basically there are 3 heroines in this story which is Aries, Aqua, and Asuka. According to the walkthrough Asuka route have the true ending. From my experience, true ending should be the most impactful and thorough but somehow I prefer Aqua ending. Or maybe because I have high expectation for Asuka ending after playing Aqua ending. So when it doesn't exceed my expectation, I feel a little disappointed. Last but not least, about the epilogue. It really need improvement. I understand that they want to make an open ending. But I think it's better if they don't because it was done halfheartedly. 

Anyway, this is one great novel. I really recommend it for visual novel fans whether moege lovers or chunige lovers. 

Rating : 9.5 of 10 stars

Regards, 

Angela

Wish

Once I had a dream
Dream that no longer can be fulfilled
Still I wish 
To fulfill my dream

You might have been right
There's the truth in my soul
The mistakes of the past
A path I could never turn back on
As long as I was shackled by ghost of the past
I wouldn't be able to fulfill my wish

I knew from the very start
I couldn't do anything for this girl
Still I wish to save her
To grant her the happiness she deserved
Even if that wish was doomed
I still refused to let go

Even if we are wrong
We should never give up
It might not be the right one
But we cannot always be right
We can only find the resolve to move forward

I know
This life will be paved with misery
It may not lead to the happy ending
But we can walk together
And forgive each other
Even if our dreams remain ever unfulfilled


Regards, 
Angela

Myself

I know
I am really foolish
Keep doing the same things
Keep following the same path
Keep making the same mistakes
I cannot escape

I thought
I can change
The regret
It was trapping me
Unable to break free
I keep hurting myself

I realized
So long ago
I reached my limit
Deceiving myself
Thinking I can change
In fact I am stay still

You know  
I am sinner
Leaving my conscience
Warping my mind
Clouding my heart
Unable to atone
Like shadow in the dark

Still I cannot stop
Everything I did
I did it out of love
Love give me power
To overcome the pain
To live with regrets
To sacrifice my soul
To accept my fate
Forever


Regards,
Angela