Prose // Booklog

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Isle Witch by Terry Brooks
"When the body of a half-drowned elf is found floating in the seas... an old mystery resurfaces... The rescued elf carries a map covered with mysterious symbols only one man can decipher. That man is Walker Boh, the last of the Druids. But one other... understands the map's significance - the Isle Witch, who wields a magic as potent as Walker's own... And thus begins the voyage of the... Jerle Shannara. The company chosen by Walker must face unknown terrors while the Isle Witch and her dark allies follow, waiting to strike." - Excerpt from the back cover summary.

After hearing numerous praises on the Shannara series, I couldn't help but be curious over this fantasy series. The name alone drew me to it. The only series currently available on the bookshelves are those of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, so Jerle Shannara it is.

I got a little confused reading this because I haven't read the earlier books yet, but as soon as I understood and picked up the names and terms, I got along just fine. Since this is the first book about the voyage, it has to instill the characters and places taking part of the journey. There are a lot, and the actual voyage doesn't begin until the later chapters. However, it's worth the wait, as many of the characters are woven with so much depth and mystery. The events before the journey will keep you filled in until the take-off, the journey itself will keep your seat warm, and the book's ending will leave you begging for more.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings will enjoy this book. It has many things reminiscent of the trilogy: elves, dwarves, sorcerers, magic trinkets, a gruelling journey, and a deep, dark plot - minus the hobbits and 1,000+ pages.

Overall, I liked this book very much. It has everything you could want from a fantasy story, and I can't wait to get my hands on the second installment, Antrax.

Genre: Fantasy

The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto by Pico Iyer
"...Pico Iyer... returns to Japan to spend a year in the beautiful city of Kyoto. A place of temples, monks and ancient ritual, Kyoto is somewhere to seek tranquil contemplation... But even living in a monastery, Iyer finds distractions and unsettling contradictions. ...Then he meets Sachiko... she is in her way the essence of modern Japan. Through her, Iyer's affair with... her country blossoms into a romance of a special and very different kind." - Excerpt from the back cover summary.

I've always had an interest in Japanese culture, not just because I'm an anime/gaming fan, but also for its intricate and elegant traditions. This book lets me see them through the eyes of a foreigner. While this is more of a day-in-the-life type of novel, there are some very interesting aspects on the Japanese culture such as their affinity for the moon, the innocence of the woman, and their submission to the sad emotion. Some didn't like this book very much, and it is somewhat inaccurate in places, but I enjoyed it. I assume that they were expecting a no-frills, textbook-type of overview of Kyoto, and they looked at the wrong book. Like I said, this book is more of a day-in-the-life account of the narrator and the people he meets on the way.

I read this over 6 months ago, so I can't really remember the sharper points of this book. But it is enjoyable, and I'd love to read more of Pico Iyer's works.

Genre: Travel
Side note: Pico Iyer also wrote Video Night in Kathmandu and is an essayist for Time magazine.


Various site updates: I edited the waiting list and cancelled some pending reviews. I also added a FAQ page in case you're curious. ^_^

Twisted 6 by Jessica Zafra
I can't think of a proper summary for this book, not that it had a solid plot anyway. Jessica Zafra runs the newspaper column, "Twisted." This book is the sixth volume of her collection of articles, and my first Twisted book. Upon reading, my first impression of her is: witty, sarcastic, and hilarious. Okay, that last adjective may not be completely accurate - she certainly doesn't pass as a comedian, but hey, she makes me laugh.

Her articles make a great light read, and I agree with many things that she said. There's a lot of snide political remarks especially at Edsa II (which took place at the time she wrote the articles) - I find them very entertaining because I myself am a cynic when it comes to the subject. She also writes about the usual - the Philippine SMS obsession, pr0nography (filtered to prevent spambots), the politicians' plain stupidity, and I can't help but agree. She has such a way with words that you just can't seem to think she's wrong.

But despite her enjoyable pieces, some can be quite a bore, namely those dealing with her own life. I'd rather read her pieces that take a jab at something. I was personally hurt by one of her movie reviews, but I had to agree with her point anyways. Speaking of movie reviews, does she have high standards. Movies that would normally appeal to the masses get crunched down to bite-size pieces. On the other hand, the somewhat obscure movies that the masses wouldn't take a second look at get praised. I'd personally like to watch those movies myself. :)

All in all, her book is a great choice to feed yourself with intelligent yet sarcastic but oh-so-true viewpoints. Though her articles are outdated, you should read them anyways.


Well, this has got to be my most informal review. ^_^ I'm not sure what genre this book falls on. If you know, please tell me!

The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer
Cosmo Hill is a 14-year-old boy living at the Clarissa Frayne Institute for the Parentally Challenged Boys in Satellite City - an orphan dump to be precise. The orphans in the institute are treated as guinea pigs, testing dangerous products that often lead to their deaths. If Cosmo doesn't escape, he too will die soon. Opportunity strikes, and he soon finds himself part of a group called the Supernaturalists, a band of youngsters with the ability to see Parasites - creatures that live off of humans' life force. They round the city, terminating the Parasites. But a shocking discovery and a new obstacle shakes the entire group, and now the Supernaturalists must depend on the Parasites for the welfare of the city!

Yay, another Eoin Colfer book review! I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Colfer very much indeed owns me as property. The Artemis Fowl series was obviously in my very-special-books corner for a long while, but The Supernaturalist just blew me away! I loved the story's characters and the way its seemingly simple plot just twists and morphs into a complicated conflict as you flip through the pages, resoluting into a bittersweet ending.

Teenage fangirls would definitely get a kick out of this book with the angsty-but-oh-so-cool Supernaturalist leader, Stefan Bashkir. And of course, we can't forget the rest of the Supernaturalists: Cosmo Hill, the hero from Clarissa Frayne, Mona Vasquez, the mechanic expert from Booshka, and Ditto, the Bartoli baby who's much more than meets the eye. I adore these characters very much. They're not "recycled" characters (characters directly derived from other books by the same author), I'm glad Mr. Colfer didn't make that mistake like some other authors. The setting is also very surreal: a tormented city solely powered by the Satellite - nothing similar to our world today.

What else to say? Well, I read this book in less than two days. ^_^ The rush of excitement I felt as I read, and the feeling of yearning right after I finished... Argh, I'm out of words. My point is you should definitely read The Supernaturalist if you don't want me to post death threats at your door. Go! *shoves*

Genre: Young Adult
Side note: By the ending, I think it's safe to say that a sequel is definitely coming up!

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss
The Robinson family finds themselves stranded on an uninhabited island after a raging storm destroyed their ship. Without losing hope, they adapt to the island and turn it into their new home - building their own lives with their resourcefulness. Through many challenges and adventures, the Robinson family manages to live in peace and harmony in their new abode, which they christen as the New Switzerland.

A pretty basic summary above, but that's all I know of the plot. I wasn't too impressed with the book. Maybe it's because it was an English assignment and I had to hurry the reading along, but I didn't enjoy it very much. The storyline was tedious and oftentimes boring. It wasn't horrible... nor was it enjoyable. I don't know what else to say, I literally had to keep myself awake through the pages.

At least the ending, if not predictable, gave it some justice. That was the only part that I paid actual attention to. Maybe I just need to re-read this at a better time, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. If you really want a shipwrecked type of story, Robinson Crusoe would be a much better choice.

Genre: Classic
Side note: The Swiss Family Robinson was originally inspired by Robinson Crusoe, so if you've read the latter (or vice versa), then you've practically read both. :P

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl Senior has returned to the Fowl household. A new man, he has decided to change the rationale of the Fowl family to live as noble men. Meanwhile, Artemis Junior has secretly devised a powerful computer that far surpasses the human technology called the C Cube. He makes a deal with Jon Spiro, a powerful businessman of Spiro Co., to market the Cube in twelve months time. However, trouble rises when Spiro steals away the C Cube and Butler's life was put into grave danger! Only the underground fairies can help Artemis as his final adventure ends in an exciting conclusion.

What can I say? This books takes the cake. Undoubtely, the best among the series! Your eyes will shrivel, your hair will burn, your joints will stiffen, your voice will go hoarse, you haven't lived if you haven't read this book yet! Okay, maybe not. But that's how I see it, it's that good. And just the first chapter of the book will magnetize your eyes straight into its pages and won't let you put it down, and everytime you have to put it down is like a painful blow banging against your head because you just have to know what happens next. You just have to!

Back to the review... finally, the ingenious Artemis meets his match. In this sequel, Artemis continues to change with all the new challenges he faces. In my opinion, change is the basis of this book. A lot of them are clearly shown. The reunited Fowl family, Artemis's first failed scheme, Butler's newly-aged condition, Juliet's final test, and that one important agreement between Artemis and the Fairies. So many unexpected things come up in this story... it leaves you on the edge of your seat. All these things come up to one great ending that will leave you craving for more, more, more! One other thing I'd like to point out is the humor. The past two books were funny, but I enjoyed this even more with the addition of two comic relief characters, Pex and Chips. Those two have never failed to make me smile.

I greatly admire Eoin Colfer's writing. Not just for his creative plots, but also for his writing style. In a way, he doesn't just narrate, he seems to "involve" himself in the story. At certain parts, he'd add in a little of the narrator's thoughts on the story. His writing isn't too uniform either. He doesn't use too many "bookish" terms, but is still able to paint a vivid picture. In my opinion, it should be that way since this book is for children. Plus, I hate tedious timelines. :P

Long story short, The Eternity Code is one of the best books I've read in a series, if not ever. A thousand thumbs up!

Genre: Young Adult
Side note: The Gnommish codes have returned! It's on the front cover this time. Too bad it's only one sentence. ;_;


I apologize for the lack of updates. I haven't been able to catch up on my reading and waiting lists due to school (and laziness). But I promise I'll try to update this booklog at least once a month!

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl, now thirteen and attending boarding school, receives a mysterious message from Russia revealing the possible whereabouts of his missing father, held hostage by the Russian Mafiya. In a quest to rescue his father, he joins forces with his past nemeses, Captain Holly Short and the LEPRecon Police Unit. But it's not so easy when a mysterious alliance between a human and the B'wa Kell wreaks havoc underground and stands in Artemis's way...

Following the success of the first Artemis Fowl book, this sequel was no disappointment. I'd even go about saying that it outshone the first (which is rare among sequels). The one thing I liked about this book was that it doesn't take Artemis to a different saga with new characters, a new setting, and the like. Holly and the Fairy Police are still there, and so we see a bond form between Artemis and the fairies. Not only does the story progress through, character development is also evident. In this book, the author portrays Artemis no longer as a cold and overachieveing villain, but as a lonely boy who just wants to be with his father. Of course, there's also the exciting and nerve-wracking plot full of twists as Artemis struggles to rescue his father!

I liked this book even more than the first, and I loved the first book! So go read the first Artemis Fowl and read this one immediately. And when you're finished, brace yourself for the third book...

Genre: Young Adult
Side note: If you want to buy a copy of this book, pick the one with the shiny cover. It's so sparkly and pretty...


I put up a new template. My booklog now looks more organized and professional. Do tell me what you think! :)

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a genius and the youngest member of the infamous Fowl dynasty - a criminal mastermind. To retrieve a lost fortune, Artemis kidnaps a fairy from underground. But Holly Short is no ordinary fairy, she is the Captain of the LEPrecon police force. What follows is a resuce attempt by the fairy police, a goblin raid inside Fowl Manor, and a blue-rinse that could kill Artemis and his entire household!

This review will probably consist of nothing but "OMG! I love this book so read it or die!!!" and other such babbles. I have nothing but praise for it. It was wittingly written with a cracking and refreshing plot that's funny and touching at times. And even though Artemis is the bad guy of the story, his sharp intellect and attitude will leave you rooting for him anyways. The fairies are different, too. They're not dressed in ancient clothing waving a magic wand around. They wield guns and possess fairy technology that far surpasses ours! (And they don't pollute. Take that, humans.)

All in all, Artemis Fowl is two thumbs up. So, uh... read it or die! :P

Genre: Young Adult
Side note: Crack the codes at the bottom of the pages. It's very addicting.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherill
"...We must tell people that no pit is so deep that He is not deeper still. They will believe us, because we were here." - Betsie

The touching story of Cornelia ten boom, a Christian woman and member of the anti-Nazi underground. With her family, she takes into Jewish refuges in her home at the risk of their own lives. With God by their side, they struggle to live in a world full of fear and terror.

I laughed. I cried. I did everything in between. Corrie narrates her life story in great eloquency, so much that I felt her experiences, her pain, and her happiness. Each chapter always has a provoking message that will leave you thinking, and there is not a mundane moment. The most moving part of the story is during Corrie and her sister Betsie's imprisonment. Read it to find out what happened...

This is a truly wonderful book that will strengthen your faith and open your eyes. Corrie and her family's strong faith in God has taught me many values that I now strongly believe in. I learned to love my enemies, for only love can win over them. I learned that only God can give us perfect love - to share with others. I learned to be grateful for any situation I may be in, for it can only get worse. I learned that He is always looking after us, carrying our burdens with and for us. And I learned that when the darkest time comes, He will give us all the strength we need.

The religious aspects of this book are very deep, but I advise you to read it anyways. It's not something that enforces you to change your beliefs, rather it teaches you the most important value you can ever have - selfless love. It's just wonderful.

Genre: Biography/Religion