Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)

BOOK review

Started on: 9 Maret 2016
Finished on: 15 Maret 2016

Judul Buku : Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)
Penulis : Richelle Mead
Penerbit : Penerbit Matahati
Tebal : 570
Tahun Terbit: 2011
Rating : 4/5

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Blurb

Serangan Strigoi di Akademi St. Vladimir merupakan peristiwa terburuk yang pernah menimpa sekolah itu dan meninggalkan duka bagi dunia Moroi. Begitu banyak yang tewas. Parahnya lagi, Strigoi membawa pergi beberapa korban... termasuk Dimitri Belikov.

Dimitri lebih rela mati daripada harus berubah menjadi salah satu dari mereka, dan kini Rose terpaksa meninggalkan sahabatnya, Lissa—pewaris Dragomir terakhir yang harus selalu dikawalnya—untuk pergi memburu dan membunuh Dimitri demi menepati janji yang telah diminta Dimitri darinya sejak lama.

Kehidupan Rose Hathaway tidak akan sama lagi. Dengan menempuh segala risiko yang harus dipertaruhkan, dan perjalanan ke dunia yang begitu asing baginya, bisakah Rose menepati janjinya? Sanggupkah dia menghancurkan nyawa orang yang paling dicintainya?

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My Opinion

Buku ini memenuhi segala sesuatu yang aku bayangkan berlanjut dari buku sebelumnya. Bisa membuatku menangis. Dan tertawa. Dan kadang-kadang keduanya. Melemparkan harapanku untuk ceritanya jauh, kemudian membawanya kembali pada saat terakhir. Benar-benar buku yang luar biasa. Rose bertemu ayahnya, walaupun awalnya tidak diketahuinya. Kita benar-benar dibawa untuk melihat emosi dari ibunya. Kita melihat Adrian yang benar-benar peduli dan jatuh cinta pada Rose. Dan ada juga flashback adegan yang tidak ada di buku sebelumnya. Dimitri as a Strigoi. A very very evil version of Dimitri. A passionated one, but still evil. He is brutal, he is merciless. He is completely different from the Dimitri we know. And the relationship between him and Rose changes completely. Everything changes. Satu hal yang tidak aku suka di buku ini adalah Lisa yang menjadi "cengeng." Dalam pandangan Rose dari matanya, kita mampu melihat apa yang sedang terjadi di St. Vladimir Academy. I was excited to read this since it might had some more action, which it did, but it wasn't enough to out way Lissa. At the end of the 3rd book, I was disappointed in Lissa and it got even worse in this book. She did get better toward the end which was good. This was by far the most emotional of the series. And I can't wait to see where it goes from here. For once, I have no idea what is going to happen next and I LOVE it! And that's all I have to say about that

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3)

BOOK review

Started on: 29 Februari 2016
Finished on: 1 Maret 2016

Judul Buku : Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3)
Penulis : Richelle Mead
Penerbit : Penerbit Matahati
Tebal : 505
Tahun Terbit: 2011
Rating: 4/5

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Blurb

WHAT IF FOLLOWING HER HEART MEANS ROSE COULD LOSE HER BEST FRIEND FOREVER?

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires - the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

Rose knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa - the last Dragomir princess - must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken...

Then a strange darkness begins to grow in Rose's mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. The immortal undead are closing in, and they want vengeance for the lives Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmares, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most... but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

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My Opinion

Di buku ini masih menceritakan tentang Rose Hathaway dan pendidikannya untuk menjadi Guardian. Rose mengetahui bahwa ada larangan untuk mencintai sesama Guardian. Sahabatnya, Lisa Dragomir, anggota keluarga Dragomir terakhir, harus selalu menjadi yang didahulukan. Tapi sayanganya, ketika berhubungan dengan tutornya, Dimitri Belikov, beberapa aturan dilanggar oleh Rosa. Termasuk peraturan sekolah dan hukum ketika hubungan mereka semakin dalam.

Kemudian kegelapan aneh mulai tumbuh dalam pikiran Rose dan adanya bayangan hantu yang memperingatkan Rose dari kejahatan mengerikan yang semakin mendekat ke gerbang besi Academy. Rose harus memilih antara cinta, kehidupan dan dua orang yang peduli paling ... Tapi akan pilihannya berarti bahwa hanya satu bisa bertahan?

Sejauh ini, Shadow Kiss menjadi buku favoritku dari seri VA. Terjadi banyak peningkatan di buku ini daripada sebelumnya : plot, karakterisasi, cara menulis dan juga kisah cintanya. Ceritanya jadi lebih terasa nyata dan terdefinisikan dengan baik. Hubungan antara Rose dan Dimitri juga ada peningkatan, tidak kekanak-kanakan. Rose menjadi lebih dewasa juga.

Aspek terbesar buku ini adalah klimaks yang super mengagumkan. Dan bahwa TWIST UTAMAnya! Aku tidak berharap sesuatu seperti itu akan terjadi! Tapi hei, dia bisa melakukannya!

Kincir Angin Para Dewa

BOOK review

Started on: 2 November 2015
Finished on: 3 November 2015

Kincir Angin Para Dewa by Sidney Sheldon

Judul Buku : Kincir Angin Para Dewa
Penulis : Sidney Sheldon
Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Tebal : 545
Tahun Terbit: 1989
Rating: 4/5

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Blurb

Sebagai bagian dari gerakan perdamaian yang dicanangkan Presiden AS, Mary Ashley, professor muda yang brilyan dan ibu dua anak, dipilih menjadi Duta Besar AS untuk Rumania. Tapi bahkan sebelum menempati posnya, Mari Ashley sudah ditargetkan untuk dibunuh - oleh sekelompok orang berkuasa, dari Barat dan balik Tirai Besi, yang tak ingin ada kedamaian di bumi.

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My Opinion

The beginning of the novel is exciting. Covert meetings are taking place and the suspense is already building. Sheldon's description of the Iron Curtain countries in the 80's is detailed and chilling. Mary's initial impression of her new undertaking is well crafted and realistic. However, the swift transition from an inexperienced housewife from a farming state to a global figure accomplishing astonishing feats is a little incredulous. It's also a little predictable, though Sheldon's writing style still creates sufficient intrigue with some nice unexpected twists to keep the reader turning the pages.

The suspense tends to overshadow the political aspect as Sheldon places more focus on Ashley's mistrust of her own staff and the belief one of more of them is behind the attempts on her life. In the midst of all the drama is a (questionable) deadly assassin whose true identity remains a mystery (vague to avoid spoilers). The text incorporates several murders and the conclusion is satisfying, though the novel itself never seems to achieve the gritty, heart-stopping level of a political thriller anticipated at the beginning. Perhaps the continual references to Ashley's inexperience in the political arena and her former Middle America background are contributory factors. Overall, it is a well-written and enjoyable read.

Berita Eksklusif - Exclusive

BOOK review

Started on: 29 September 2015
Finished on: 3 Oktober 2015

Berita Eksklusif - Exclusive by Sandra Brown

Judul Buku : Berita Eksklusif - Exclusive
Penulis : Sandra Brown
Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Tebal : 586
Tahun Terbit: 2009
Rating: 4/5

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Blurb

Stop Press : Skandal White House! Barrie Travis tidak terkenal; dia cuma reporter berbakat yang terperangkap di sebuah stasiun TV bermodal kecil. Sampai pada suatu hari, ketika Ibu Negara Amerika Serikat mengajaknya minum kopi,,, dan menawarkan sebuah kisah yang amat istimewa. Istri sang Presiden, yang tengah tenggelam dalam kesedihan karena kematian putranya itu, mencoba memberi isyarat pada Barrie bahwa anaknya kemungkinan dibunuh, dan bukannya meninggal akibat SIDS sindrom kematian bayi mendadak.

Bertekad mencari kebenaran, sepak terjang Barrie untuk membongkar berita eksklusif itu ternyata menguji seluruh etika, rasa patriottisem, dan keberaniannya.

Dan akhirnya, dengan bantuan Gray Bondurant, seorang mantan tangan kanan Presiden yang tampan dan misterius, ia merobek-robek skandal White House yang paling busuk; rahasia yang bila diekspos akan menumbangkan sang Presiden.

Namun usaha mereka tidak mudah, sebab kekuatan besar yang menghalangi mereka hanya punya satu tugas, yaitu memastikan bahwa skandal itu harus dikubur untuk selama-lamanya. Dan itu berarti kematian bagi siapa pun yang berusaha membongkarnya.

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My Opinion

Sandr brown selalu menulis buku yang membuat saya selalu ingin secepatnya menyelesaikannya. Karena ketika satu chapter berkahir, masih menyimpan sebuah misteri yang membuatku langsung melanjutkan pada chapter berikutnya. Kalau kamu belum pernah membaca karya Sandra Brown sebelumnya, and you like an realistic story lines that twist and turn, this is a great one.

Banyak seklai twist menarik di novel ini. Orang yang kamu pikir jahat berubah menjadi baik. Orang-orang yang tampaknya to be on one side flip to the other. Dan akhir dari cerita membawa kamu bertanya-tanya apakah keadilan benar-benar ada.

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)

BOOK review

Started on: 24 Juli 2015
Finished on: 25 Juli 2015

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L. James

Judul Buku : Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)
Penulis : E.L. James
Penerbit : Vintage Books
Tebal : 579
Tahun Terbit: 2012
Rating: 4/5

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Blurb

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

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My Opinion

The appeal of this series—which can be compared to the addictiveness of the Twilight series—is certainly the scorching hot lovemaking. There’s no doubt about that. This is romance at its finest, with a healthy side of kink. The steam is a perfect blend of erotic and romantic, Ana and Christian’s chemistry so palpable and sexy that you cannot stop turning the pages, no matter how hard you try to set the book down.

But the underlying theme and how it is executed in this series, and in this final installment in particular, is what mesmerizes readers from page one. It’s what makes those sexy scenes so effective, spellbinding, and utterly intoxicating.

Writer knows how to connect readers with her characters, how to acquaint them with Ana and Christian so intimately that readers develop a sort of dedicated kinship with them. When Ana and Christian make love—kinkily or otherwise—you feel the same earth-shattering intensity they feel. When Ana cries, you cry with her. When Christian aches, you feel it to your core. When Ana grieves for her “lost little boy,” you empathize with her compassion and want to rescue them both from their plights. The steam is steamier, the love is lovelier, the heartache more potent, all because your experience with the characters is so emotionally charged. To top it off, the humor and wit is off-the-charts funny. Be prepared to laugh to the point of tears.

My favorite quote… Christian grins. “Am I that much of a prize?” ”Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin’s lamp all rolled into one.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!!

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)

BOOK review

Started on: 22 Juli 2015
Finished on: 23 Juli 215

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E.L. James

Judul Buku : Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)
Penulis : E.L. James
Penerbit : The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Tebal : 532
Tahun Terbit : 2011
Rating : 4/5

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Blurb

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.

Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

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My Opinion

Fifty Shades Darker is even better than Fifty Shades of Grey. Hard to believe, but true. Reading this book reminded me of a quote that I love by Alan Cohen, “Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters. Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific. Every negative experience holds the seed of transformation.” Reading Fifty Shades Darker is like witnessing metamorphosis in action.

What I love the most about this book is the way the events and characters change and develop. I love that Christian Grey transforms from utterly immovable to flexible. Every negative emotion he feels eventually becomes something positive, or at least something he can learn and grow from. He learns the delicate balance between give and take. He learns to open his heart and to accept love—and he learns to give it as well. Everything cold becomes warm, and everything hot—well that’s about the only thing that stays the same, still hot.

Ana and Christian are so contradictory and conflicting, and yet complement each other so well. Each trial, every obstacle, every hardship the two experiences are overcome and ultimately strengthen the relationship. This is truly one of the most amazing love stories I’ve read.

I would like to add one more thing regarding a popular misconception about this book. I’ve read a lot of comments from readers saying it is too far out of their comfort zone because of the BDSM elements. I would like to address this because I don’t think readers should shy away from it for that reason. EL James has a way of writing that brings out the heat in a love scene (I literally get butterflies sometimes while reading), but in my opinion she does it in a very tasteful way. I’ve read other BDSM novels and I think these books should really be classified as mild erotica, which contain some MILD elements of BDSM.

This story has a well defined plot with well developed, in depth characters. The romance is both sweet (I love the emails between the characters) and steamy, and to me the sex scenes do not feel gratuitous. It really is just an amazing and beautiful love story, and I think the BDSM elements are an integral element the plot in this novel.

I loved the dialogue and banter between these two characters, especially the emails where they used SHOUTY CAPITALS. It is interesting to note that Ana’s email communications with Christian were uninhibited. The emails allowed her to say exactly what was on her mind. Ana’s inner dialogues with her inner goddess and her conscious were entertaining as well. I found that Ana and Christian were much more playful in this book.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1)

BOOK review

Started on: 15 Juli 2015
Finished on: 21 Juli 2015

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1) by E.L. James

Judul Buku : Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1)
Penulis :E.L. James
Penerbit : Vintage Books
Tebal : 514
Tahun Terbit: 2011
Rating: 3/5

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Blurb

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

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My Opinion

I see that your story is classified as erotica but I’m afraid I do not agree with this and I would class it as romance. Yes there is BDSM in your story and very hot scenes of you and Miss Steele but for me it is a love story. I have read a couple of erotica books before and they are nothing like yours. Unlike the others, which seemed to be just about sex, your book has a plot and a story that needs telling. Have you ever read a book Mr Grey and wished that you had written it and that it was your words on the page? Well that is how I feel about this book, I absolutely love it. I love the authors words and style of writing, it has bewitched me. Could this be the best book that I have ever read? You know what, I think it could be. This book has completely taken over my life, a first for me I must say. I have even listened to Spem In Alium by Thomas Tallis this morning. You know, the music you make Ana listen to when you…well I won’t go into that here.

Hearts Aflame - Bara Asmara (Haardrad Viking Family #2)

BOOK review

Started on: 10 Mei 2015
Finished on: 13 Mei 2015

Hearts Aflame - Bara Asmara (Haardrad Viking Family #2) by Johanna Lindsey

Judul Buku : Hearts Aflame - Bara Asmara (Haardrad Viking Family #2)
Penulis : Johanna Lindsey
Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Tebal : 512
Tahun Terbit: 2011
Rating: 3/5

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Blurb

Kristen Haardrad menjadi tahanan Royce of Wyndhurst ketika pasukan Viking gagal menyerang desa pria itu. Tapi Kristen tak pernah menganggap dirinya sebagai budak bangsa Saxon. Selama menjadi tahanan, betapapun ia berusaha membenci Royce, hatinya berkata lain. Ada kerinduan tak terbendung dalam diri Kristen untuk dimiliki pria itu di ranjangnya.

Royce, sang lord Saxon, menemukan tandingannya dalam diri gadis Viking yang cantik itu. Kebenciannya terhadap orang Viking tak mampu menahan Royce untuk tidak jatuh cinta pada Kristen, satu-satunya wanita yang bisa mengimbanginya.

Keduanya memiliki harga diri yang tinggi, kuat, dan saling memendam gairah yang tak ada habisnya. Sampai, dalam kepasrahan tanpa kata, mereka menyingkirkan belenggu keraguan dan kecurigaan untuk bersatu selamanya dalam keteguhan janji cinta yang membara.

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My Opinion

Kristen Haardrad adalah putri dari pasangan di buku pertama, Fires of Winter (aku belum membacanya). Dia menyelinap di atas kapal laut Viking yang disergap. Karena dia berpikir sang Kakak mati dalam penyergapan tersebut, dia bertekad untuk membalaskan dendam. Sebagai tawanan, dia mencoba untuk menyamar menjadi laku-laki dan bertahan seperti itu untuk beberapa saat. Tetapi ketika dia ketahuan sebagai seorang wanita, dia membuat Royce of Wyndhurst tertarik.

Royce membenci Vikings, sejak mereka membantai keluarganya, menculik dan memperkosa tuanngannya. Dibalik semua rasa sakit itu, dia bukanlah orang jahat, tetapi dia sulit untuk menolak ketertarikan pada Kristen.

Sekarang, aku tidak pernah menemukan pasangan yang lebih keras kepala daripada Kristen dan Royce.The battle of wills is very entertaining and the romantic tension sucks in the moment they meet. Aku juga menyukai bagaimana Kristen yang digambarkan tidak sebagai perempuan mungil, cantik, pirang. Dia tinggi dan kuat, dia adalah pejuang yang terampil dan menunjukkan pada Royce di beberapa kesempatan bahwa she had handle herself.