Reading time: The Prince of Mist

Currently reading: The Prince of Mist                    

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Spanish Literature
Title: The Prince Of Mist (El principe de la niebla) (Niebla, #1)
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Published: May 2010 (First published: 1986)

Review: Slated

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Romance, Mystery
Title: Slated (Slated, #1)
Author: Teri Terry
Publisher: Orchard Books
Published: May 2012
Read: April 2014
Rating: 4.7 / 5 stars

Slated is a dystopia 2054 version of the United Kingdom, called Central Coalition in this novel. This novel is in the perception of Kyla Davis, a sixteen-year old slated girl.  The Slated are people who had their memories removed; this is a plan devised by the government for the terrorists (or simply, the bad ones) to give them a second chance and all they have to do is follow the rules and they will be free until they are twenty one.

The story starts with Kyla eating chocolates in a hospital. She reveals that she has a Levo; a watch-like band that measures her happiness; she uses the chocolates to boost up her levels. She also reveals that she has been in the hospital for 9 months, which is longer than the usual 6 months, and this is where she learned how to write, speak and read. On that day, she is to be released from the hospital and returned, rather given to a family. She is a wreck, she's afraid that they might not like her. As a Slated, she must do her best for the family to like her.

The story progress as Kyla meets her family, finds friends, and even love. She soon realizes that Kyla is indeed different as she notices that she differs with the way the Slated people think and as she starts recovering memories in her past life. 

Andy's Review: Is it wrong to feel tired after reading a book? That's what I felt anyway.

I've wanted to read Slated for so long, but our local bookstores seem to always be out of stock.. I couldn't wait anymore and decided to risk my eyes and hope it'll be worth it. So yeah, I started scrolling away with my ebook copy; damn, I couldn't stop that I finished it in less than a day.

If I were to describe this book in two words it would be: cool and creepy.

The idea/ plot is so cool, ya know. The economic collapse throughout Europe, the withdrawal of United Kingdom from the European Union, UK turning into CC; Central Coalition, banning of mobile phones below 21 and of course, the Slated people. The government came up with the solution to the overwhelming people in the jail; it would be better if they are to be Slated-- the complete removal of memories for them to lose their 'violent streak' and be productive citizens by giving them "the second chance".

Why creepy? The adults. They creep me out. Some of them willingly give their children to be Slated and some adults are control freaks that they'd do everything to keep you in line as you do what they say. Another factor that creeps me out is that the society, mainly the government, isn't too different from this book! I can imagine it truly happening, which really bugs me a lot, due to the advancing technology that we have... and the shit government.

Well, this book played with my mind. It made my mind weary and tired. As I finish this book, I realized that I have just uncovered 10-15% of the "unknown". It had too many voices, too many creepy smiles, too many consequences, too many revelations, and too many unanswered questions. It was too much, yet I craved for it as deep as the ocean.

Kudos to Ms. Terry! I look forward in reading Fractured (hopefully with a paperback copy this time) and have news regarding Ben! This is killing me!!! But I'm positive that he'll turn into a baddie..... or not. Hope not :(

I am here and you're here? Wow.

Hello there! Somehow you are in my blog. How awesome is that? Kidding, I don't know how you got here but I'm really thankful. Please do bear my crappy English grammar; English isn't my first language. (I know, not a valid excuse) I love reading and writing though, thus this blog is born.

I write when I am: sad, ridiculously happy, and stressed. Writing is just... a form of therapy, I guess? It is my way in coping when I'm facing and after facing difficult situations. It is my way of relieving myself and controlling my emotions.

I read everyday. I love reading too much that my parents are trying to inhibit books in my life. I love reading too much that I'd rather form a living out of books and book reviews. I love reading too much that I consider it as my partner in life; that I'll marry books and adopt a child instead.

I'm that girl: who can't be what you need 'cause she's seventeen, who would rather curl up and read, who would rather spend all of her money on books and not clothes, who prefers smart ass guys, who loves public speaking, who is addicted with bands, who loves blabbering, who loves sociology and history, who loves literature to no end, who likes running but is too lazy, who owns a dog named Maya; a German Shepherd, who is neither an introvert and an extrovert, who sucks in saving money and things, who loves to dance; trained in cheerleading and contemporary, who used to be so fit, who is an international relations student.

I'm going to try read again the books I've read before so I can conjure a proper review. Try.

If you're still reading this: thank you and here is a virtual cookie!