Friday, April 25, 2014

54th Diamond: Dark Heroine 2: Autumn Rose by Abigail Gibbs Review




Yes I actually finished this book in 3 days..yepp. (insert derp face here)



As you guys might have read before, I have reviewed the first book of The Dark Heroine series entitled Dinner with a Vampire.It was quite a steamy book considering the many scenes involving sex (3 if I'm not mistaken) and also dark because there were lots of blood. One of the reason why I liked it was because the story is about vampires and they act like vampires. Killing people and other sadistic bloody stuff while not sparkling in the sunlight. Let's not compare this with Twilight shall we.

Moving on...(spoiler alert)

The 2nd book's story took place at a different dimension from the 1st book, however, the events that happened in this book is synchronized. How do we know this? Well because our main character, dearest Autumn Rose Al-Summers (nice name isn't it?) is a seer, meaning she can have visions. Guess what kind of visions she's having. YEPP, about the main character of book one, Violet Lee. And yes the one of the visions are regarding Violet and his vampire boyfriend Kaspar having steamy sex. Oh I forgot to tell you, keep in mind that the first book is rated PG-13. Which means it's kind of for adults. The 2nd book however, I think is more to a general audience. It's not that sadistic and Abigail didn't really put any steamy make out scenes/PG-13 worthy scenes. 

Here's a background to help you with the world of The Dark Heroine. There are 9 dimensions/realms in total. 1st is the world of sages/magicians, where Autumn resides in. This dimension is the one where humans are actually aware of sages and the dark creatures. It is also where the royal Athenean family resides in. The second dimension is where the story of book 1 take place, the world of Violet Lee and Kaspar. It is the world where vampires reside in and the humans are not aware any dark creatures or magic whatsoever. Now the rest of the dimensions, I forgot...I do remember one of them is the world with elves and pretty creatures. Among these 9 dimensions, there is a treaty called the Terra treaty that binds them. Of course, there are rebels who is against the system so the story will be Autumn's side against these Exterminos.

Now let's start the plot review of The Dark Heroine 2: Autumn Rose

The main character of this book would be Autumn Rose Al-Summers, and she is a duchess (a title considered as the highest below royalty) and works in a cafe. Yep. She works. She also hide her identity from the people around her, such as her friends in school and work friends. Why? Cause she doesn't like the spotlight. She lives with her human parents, and received the sage gene that skipped her father from her grandmother. So Autumn is only known as a sage who was told to be a guardian of her school. That's it. Then one day, everything changed.

I did mentioned before that in this dimension, there's the Athenean royalty right? Well young prince Fallon decided to transfer to Autumn's school. How lovely. And this is where the drama kind of came in. The prince, not knowing that Autumn hid her identity, kept calling her 'duchess' in public which results with her identity being exposed. Then comes a time where Autumn was mad at Fallon. And they finally managed it all out and became friends. 

Let's just skip the unnecessary events kay.

The real reason why Fallon moved was because he loved Autumn and also want to get out of the spotlight because her town was quiet. Autumn was actually still traumatized by her grandmother's death until she finally found out the reason behind her grandmother's death, which is for her fate being the so called first heroine. And so as the story progress, Autumn and Fallon grew close, Autumn's power of being a seer grew, attacks by Exterminos are dealt with, and they finally visited Violet Lee to tell her she's also a heroine, then the story progressed. 

After the events of book 1, the whole vampire clan decided to move to the royal city of Athenea. By this time, Autumn was also already living in Athenea because she is now considered a heroine of the prophecy AND she is officially dating Fallon. And so the vampire clan moved. There goes another drama of Autumn being connected to Violet and is feeling everything she's feeling, even the intimate moments with Kaspar. It is also then found out that Violet is a necromancer, which means she can connect with the dead or something like that. ooooooo, creepy. 

Then the last scene of the book is about the Exterminos' seer saying he had found the third dark heroine, and she is a human.

The End


 I am honestly kind of disappointed with this book. The fighting scenes were good, but I kind of have a hard time delving into the world in this book. It's confusing in a bit, but okay. At some point I can see the scene clearly, another scene I can't. I still like how Abigail narrates the story. How most of the chapters are told from Autumn's perspective and some are from Fallon's. If this were to be a movie, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a great movie, although a bit confusing due to the 9 dimensions theory.

I am still looking forward to how the story will continue, but no news have been heard regarding the next book. But really, while reading the first few chapters of this book, I was so tempted to delete it. I'm not shittin you, I'm really tempted. But as I kept reading, it was actually okay. And tadaaaa, I finished it. 

The next book I might be reading would be The Maze Runner or Lord of the Flies. Already downloaded the latter, but haven't started reading. There's also Norwegian Wood...a friend recommended it to me. Maybe I'll start reading The Maze Runner tonight. That's it for this post and thank you for reading! 

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

53rd Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/Sheet Review - Blueberry


Blueberry



Claim: 
A highly nourishing mask sheet containing blueberry extract to help regain skin softness and youthful impression.

This one is definitely one of my favorites! I love it sooo much. The essence is as expected, a lot, and the effect lasts for 2 days. My skin felt really soft and young after wearing this mask and the fragrance was also relaxing. I recommend this mask and the green tea mask the most out of all the series I tried.

I think these would be it for my first haul. Already bought my second batch and will make a review as soon as I tried them on! So expect more beauty reviews coming up soon ;) Thank you for reading and I hope these reviews helped!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

52th Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/Sheet Review - Honey


Honey




Claim:  
A moisturizing & radiating mask sheet containing honey extracts, providing extra glow; helps regain skin radiance and moisture.

I had high hopes for this one as honey is suppose to be very nourishing for the skin; however, I am very disappointed. Sure my face feels soft for the next 2 days, but after wearing the mask, my face feels really sticky. Even though I waited for 30 mins, it still feels sticky. Instead, when I woke up in the morning, it still feels a little bit sticky! I finally washed my face afterwards. 

The fragrance of the mask is also a bit disturbing. It smells like artificial honey.

There is also a lot of extra essence in the pack. The mask is itself is actually dripping with them, but still I am not buying this mask again.

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V 

51st Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/Sheet Review - Rice

Rice


Claim:
A brightening & complexion improvement mask sheet containing rice extract to smoothen and brighten dull and rough skin.

Now this one is a brightening mask, and I expected a lot. But noooo, it does not feel good...I don't really see the effect of the mask afterwards. If it suppose to brighten, definitely not. 

It smells kind of weird for me...the only good side is that it really moistens my face but it feels like its always wet and oily for 2 days...no I am not buying this mask again.

It did have a lot of extra essence. Too much that it's dripping down. Nope, not buying it again.

Next face shop mask review coming up!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V



Thursday, April 24, 2014

50th Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/Sheet Review - Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera




Claim:
 calms down sensitive skin and provides moisture 

Aloe vera itself has a lot of function. It's good for the hair, it's healthy to eat, and it actually make a great face mask as well.


This mask smells fresh and clean which I enjoyed very much. It is also very hydrating and moisturizing. Most of these face sheet masks have moisturizing effects. But other than moisturizing and calming, I think this mask doesn't really have any other significant effects. It works well on sensitive skin though. I still prefer the green tea one better.

If possible, you might consider making a homemade aloe vera mask by yourself. It's really easy and there are lots of recipes all over the internet. Do have fun experimenting! So far I know, aloe vera has a cold base so it can help with irritations or inflamations at times.

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V


49th Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Lemon


Lemon



Claim:
A brightening mask sheet containing fresh lemon extract to brighten dull skin tone while maintaining translucence.

This would be the first face sheet I have ever tried and I'm definitely not disappointed. It smells a little bit like lemon but it kind of smell like those fresh fruit soaps. Not the cheap ones, the nice ones. 

As I applied it to my face, my skin tingles a bit and I felt some urge to just rub my face, but hey, it's still tolerable. It's not the allergic reaction kind of itchiness. I bought his mask twice already and both times, it works quite well. Everytime after I applied the mask, my face always feels hot/warm. Like how your skin and muscles feel after you exercise.

As for the effectiveness, it's definitely effective for me. Everytime I wear this mask, the next day, my face would look bright and feels soft and clean too. This mask is definitely a favorite. It also has a lot of extra essence inside the pack.

On to the next mask!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V


48th Diamond: Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask/Sheet Review - Green Tea


Green Tea



Claim:
A hydrating & energizing mask sheet containing green tea extract to fill dry skin with refreshing and hydrating moisture.

I always use normal face cleanser and tonic before applying the mask. Oh, and don't forget to put the mask in the refrigirator for around 3-5 minutes. It gives an extra soothing effect. To be honest, this sheet is one of my favorites and yes I am definitely buying it again! 

It has a soothing smell, that's not too much and also the face sheet fits my face, unlike Etude House's mask that looks like its made for small round faces. It does not smell like green tea though...

As for the effectiveness of the mask, I must say that it's quite effective. After wearing the mask for 20 minutes, my face feels soft and fresh. 

As for brightening, I can't really see that much effect; however, I did realize my face looks more fresh and healthy. It's either because I ate healthy food and exercised or the mask really did its job. Oh and there is definitely some extra essence left in the pack. Quite lot of them.

I really recommend this mask for those who are searching for relaxing sheets. It truly is relaxing in a way, both for your skin and your brain. More post on Face Shop sheets coming up!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

47th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Yogurt Strawberry


Yogurt Strawberry




Claim:
Soft and moist


One thing I like the most from this mask is the fragrance. It smells really nice and I had to say, it's quite effective as well. If only it's shape fits my face really well, I'll buy this mask again. It smells faintly like roses and it is also fresh at the same time. Definitely relaxing. 

Regarding the effectiveness, my face also feels soft and moist after wearing this mask for 15-20 minutes. I really recommend this mask.

Overall, I personally think Etude House's face sheets are moisturizing and has a lot of different choices to choose from; however, as I have mentioned a lot before, the mask shape doesn't really fit me. Next up would be the Face Shop face sheets haul! I hope the reviews I have been making so far helped. If it does, I'm glad. See you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

46th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Tea Tree


Tea Tree




Because I couldn't find any online photo of the face sheet...I decided to go with this one. Cheers to whoever put this on the internet.

Claim:
Troublecare

So this one is suppose to treat acne and sensitive skin. It smells like the elder flower one, only worse. But the essence feels really light to my skin although it did not treat my acne. 

I recommend this mask for those with sensitive skin; however if you're looking for a mask that treats acne and recedes the irritation, then I won't recommend this mask. 

As usual, expected of these korean brands, they have lots of extra essence in the pack. 

On to the next face mask!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

45th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Elder Flower


Elder Flower


c: goodwillbeauty.com.hk

Claim:
Soothing and moisturizing


The first thing I realized was the smell of the mask. It smells like those traditional herbal aromatherapy, but not the nice one. At least not for me. 

As for the effectiveness of the mask, I must say it is quite effective. I really liked my face for the next 2 days because it's so soft and bouncy. Moisturizing indeed.

Overall, I'd give this mask a 3/5. If only my face fits the face mask shape well...

Something to keep in mind, from here on I'm going to post a lot about face sheets because I have been trying a lot of them and I actually made a really long post but later decided that I should just make a different post for each one. Each post will be simple and fully 100% tested by me sincerely. Hope you'll follow me to the next post!


Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

44th Diamond: Etude House I Need You! Alphabetical Face Mask/ Sheet Review - Bulgarian Rose



Bulgarian Rose


So here goes my first face sheet review. For your information, my skin is the oily/normal type and do keep in mind that every skin type reacts differently to each products. Here it goes. 


I LOVE the cover, don't know why I just love it ;)


Claim:
 Brightening


I had to say, my face does not really fit Etude's mask that well, because I think they are made for those with round small faces and small round eyes. No I am not trying to be racist or anything, 

As for the effectiveness of the mask, it does not brighten my face that much, although it moisturizes it. So I guess it is not really effective

The fragrance though, is not bad. Smells a bit like rose but in a very subtle way. It feels clean and refreshing, but probably because I put it in the refrigerator for 5 min before using them. 

A tip on using masks, if the essence irritates your skin at contact or you feel really itchy while wearing it, take it off and wash your face immediately. It's better to not irritate your facial skin because it can lead to a lot of other things such as acne problems or such. 

That would be it for my first post on face sheets. Don't worry, more posts coming up soon <3


Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

Monday, April 21, 2014

43rd Diamond: Crazy Rich Asians


Here goes a drama story of crazy rich asians


Kevin Kwan, I must say you have a talent in writing books. Crazy Rich Asians would be his first published book and to be honest, I enjoyed reading it. Perhaps it's because I live in Asia to a Chinese background family so some of the things in this book are totally relatable. No I am not crazy rich, but Asians, especially Chinese, have similar worldview and base. Let's just say when the characters in this book judge people by their parents or grandparents, I can totally relate to them.

Now let's continue with the story



Isn't the cover just fabulous! Okay let's continue. Setting:

The story mainly takes place in Singapore, and several scenes in America, Paris, Hong Kong, and a private island somewhere in Indonesia. YES, you did not read it wrong, private island. As for the time, it's in the 21st century. There was a scene of a maid playing with her tablet yelling "Stupid birds!" so I'm pretty sure it's Angry Birds or maybe the oh-so-popular rage game Flappy Bird. I don't get that game, it's so easy yet so hard. WTF.


Plot Overview:

The story starts in New York City, America, with Rachel Chu and her boyfriend Nicholas Young (or  just Nick). They have been dating for a while and Nick, who's family and relatives are in Singapore, is invited to be the best f man of Colin, his best friend. So, Nick decided Rachel should come with him to Singapore to meet his friends and family. Dun dun duunnnnn. After dating for years, Rachel finally gets to meet Nick's family. What does that mean?? I hear wedding bells! Well Rachel thought Nick was about to finally propose to her in the near future, but Nick didn't thought so. He only wanted to introduce her to his family and friends.

Back in Singapore, Nick's family who turns out to be conglomerates along with his uncles and aunts, have heard the news that Nick is bringing home a girl. Of course, hearing this, Nick's mother did what any normal rich mother with one son would do. Panic and stalk the girl her son is interested in, well in this case dating. Words spread really fast and everyone thought Nick and Rachel will definitely get married. Words spread that Rachel is into Nick for the money, etc. Little did they know that Rachel knows nothing of the world she's going into or even Nick's background.



the family tree in this story. Click on picture to enlarge.

A few weeks later, Rachel and Nick arrived in Singapore. This is where the drama gets even bigger. Nick's mom started stalking and using her sources to make sure that Rachel will not marry Nick cause she found out that Rachel did not come from a royal or rich lineage. Some girls who wanted Nick bullied Rachel on Araminta's (Colin's friendly bride to be who grew close to Rachel first thing when she landed in SG) bachelor party. And the list just goes on.

A side story to the drama that's going on (like there isn't enough drama already) is regarding Nick's cousin, Astrid Leong. Astrid was described as the most gorgeous and perfect woman in this story. Her drama was around her husband. She had a husband named Michael and a son named Cassian. The drama is that Michael was intimidated by the lifestyle and Astrid's family that he ends up making up a story that he is cheating on her. Of course, along the book Astrid was shown to be devastated because she thought that her husband is cheating on her. Regardless that, she still wears the most awesome dresses and outfits in every event in this story. As the story comes to an end, Astrid's drama also comes to an end as she got help from a former husband-to-be whom his heart she has broken. Just look at how complicated the relationship and drama in this story is.

Back to the Rachel and Nick story. In the end, through the turmoils and also Nick's mother + grandmother, Nick finally proposed to Rachel. This is after weeks of Rachel not eating and crying in her best friend Peik Lin's house because she found out about her not so dead father that was discovered by Nick's mom. It's kind of a complicated story Rachel's background... So her mom was married to some powerful guy in the government but she bore a daughter (yes it was that important for some families to have a son back then, considering the rule in China that one family is only allowed one child) so the family was about to hurt the daughter in order to be able to have another child. Finding out this, the mother ran away with Rachel. But there's a catch. Rachel's mother's husband was abusive, so she was rescues a lot the neighbor.Now Mr. Neighbor (I forgot his name) was the one who is the real father of Rachel.  

And after that, they live happily ever after.


Fin



Honestly after reading that book, I'm so glad all the drama is over but I am also kind of sad that I have to say good bye to the story. It has an interesting flow and although the drama can get a lil bit too much, I like how a lot of worldviews in the book is relatable. I kind of disagree of how some people choose their spouse only because of the lineage or power but I guess that's how things are in this world. I just don't agree with it. Anyways, if you're looking for a book that is quite long, funny, and contains lots of drama with the setting of a fab life, then I would recommend this book to you. 

As for the next book, I am already reading another book which is the sequel to The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire by Abigail Gibbs. Yep, the sequel is finally out! I've just read 40 pages and honestly, I still have a hard time adjusting to the world of Dark Heroine series again. Perhaps because I've been reading books that are quite realistic lately....yes perhaps that. Or maybe because it's the uncorrected version hahahaha. Don't ask how I get this version, you know I torrent sometimes. 

That would be it for this post. Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V

Monday, April 7, 2014

42nd Diamond: The Kite Runner


Good afternooon



Today I would like to talk about a book entitled The Kite Runner. I was actually assigned to read this book for American Literature class and I had to say, this book is frikkin emotional. I cried and laughed and cried again then laughed again, then cried again. Why? CUZ I'M A SENSITIVE PERSON




The setting of this book is in Pakistan and USA. Our main character is named Amir and his loyal servant/companion is Hassan. This story revolves around Amir's guilt and wanting to retribute for his sins. I would say this book is rated as an adult book, it is definitely not a young adult book. Trust me, I know very well how a young adult book would be. Now let's begin. 

Plot review (spoiler alert)

It all started with a boy, Amir, who lived with his father, called Baba, and his loyal companion, Hassan. Amir can actually be considered as a moderately rich boy as he had a house with a spacious garden and he had servants. Amir however, have never experience the warmth of a mother as his mother died giving birth to him. Because of this, Amir thought that Baba hated him, because he took away his mother's life. 


c: therunkiterfiles.wordpress

The first parts of the book revolves around Amir's and Hassan's friendship. How Amir was always rescued by Hassan, and how Hassan would do anything for Amir. The times they spent together, Amir teaching Hassan how to read while reading him stories, and of course, playing kite. So in Amir's hometown, there is this kite competition tradition. The game was, whosoever cut the last kite flying and caught the kite will win. That's why there are those who were called "kite runners." Hassan was known as the best kite runner in town. While other kids will run around, chasing after the kite, Hassan will just wait in a place and the kite will fall there. He just knows where the kite will land.


c: ncowie.wordpress


One day, there was a big competition and Amir really wanted to win so he can win Baba's heart. All this time, he was jealous of Hassan because Hassan was also given Baba's love. Such as an operation to fix his hare-lip and gifts on his birthdays. Amir also rreceived gifts, but he always felt that Baba is cold towards him. So one the day of the competition, Amir was controlling the kite, with Hassan supporting him. Then when he cut the last kite, Hassan ran for the kite, saying "For you, a thousand times over." As Hassan ran for the kite, he was caught by the 3 bullies hated Amir and Hassan. Hassan was then sexually abused and Amir watched as it happened on an alley. Hassan ran and then late find Amir limping as he was returning to give the kite.

After this event, their friendship started to go downwards as Amir felt really guilty and was mad at himself at the same time; however, he vent it out on Hassan. There was even a scene where Amir threw pomegranates on Hassan. Poor Hassan...not long after that, Hassan and his father Abi decided to get out of the house and went to another place. Of course Baba dodn't agree with them leaving, but there's nothing he can do. 




Then the war came and Baba and Amir had to smuggle themselves out fo Pakistan. They then went to  America. And here comes te second part of the book. In America, a lot of things happened. Amir became a writer, he met his wife, and long story short Baba died out of cancer. But Baba died a happy man. Amir then became a successful writer. Then one day, Baba's assitant, Rahim Khan, called from Pakistan, telling Amir that he might have a chance to retribute for his sins.

The third part of the book focuses on Amir's trip to Pakistan. He searched for Hassan's son, Sohrab, who was lost. He found him, captured by the Talibans and also sexually abused. It turns out that the leader of the Talibans who captured him was Assef. What a coincidence! Amir had to fight to get Sohrab, and he was badly beaten. They would not make it if Sohrab did not slighshot a metal ball into Assef's eyes. Then they ran away and Sohrab was then adopted by Amir and his wife.

Long story short, Amir told Sohrab


 "For you, a thousand times over."


The end




I really love the book. It's really emotional and touchy! At first, I hated the book because it's really tragic and sad and it made me cry A LOT. But when I got to the ending, I find the book really good. I actually gave it a five star out of five on goodreads. This book has a clear and consistent historical background as well as the Islamic culture. I actually learn a lot of things from this book. But nevertheless, I must say goodbye to this story and move on to another book. Wiiii

Yes I did watch the movie. It was good, but just okay. The movie is 6.5/10. 

I am already reading another book right now and it is entitled Crazy Rich Asians. It's a Singaporean book and the drama revolves around Singaporean high socialites. And I do mean the high and regal socialites. The ones that were rich and influential since their great grandfathers. So far, I have reached part 2, and I'm convinced that this is a drama book. Do look forward to the book review. It would most probably come in April. Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Sincerely yours,

Alicia. V