Book Review: Pandora Jones: Reckoning (Pandora Jones #3) by Barry Jonsberg

Goodreads Description: 

Pan blinked. Something strange was happening to her mind and body. She felt relaxed, but at the same time, acutely aware of everything. She remembered the Professor's words: she was the cause of the destruction of humanity. And she felt the truth of those words.

Pandora Jones's problems appear insurmountable. She must convince her team that nothing is as it seems and that they must escape and expose The School to save the world from the plague she unwittingly inflicted on it. The only thing Pan has on her side is her gift of intuition, and her belief in the people she cares about.

But with the clock ticking, can she find a way to stop the plague, and should she do it at any cost?

Pan and her friends face off against the might of The School as the final pieces fall into place in the hugely compelling Pandora Jones series.

Title: Pandora Jones: Rekoning
Author: Barry Jonsberg
Genre: Sci-Fi, survival, paranormal, apocalyptic, YA, 
Format: Paperback
Pages:312 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from the publisher

Warning: This review might spoil evens from Book 1: Admission (Review Here) and Book 2: Deception (Review Here).

This is one of my most anticipated books of the year and like every last book in a series I'm excited yet scared on how its gonna end and thank goodness Reckoning did everything right on ending a series!

The third and final book of the Pandora Jones series picks up immediately where we left off in Deception. In this book the truth behind the school, Pandora and her friends reason for being there and most importantly where did Pandora's powers come from is revealed.

I savored the story not wanting it to end yet wanting answers for all the cliff hanging questions in the previous book and this book delivered, tying in all the loose end in ways i didn't expected with a nice little bow. While I still was not a fan of Pan's inner captain obvious thoughts, I'm now at a point to where I'm used to it so it didn't bother me as much as it did in the previous books. The pacing in this book was slightly slower pace but I preferred that as it gives me a breather to process what's going on. Also like the previous books the action and suspense were nothing but nerve wrecking and epic to the point I'm on the edge of my seat hoping they'll be okay (spoilers... not really).

The scientific element is wicked and easy to follow and I also like how they talk about the ethics and morals of science and health. Lastly the way the book concluded was fitting and perfectly done! Prior to the released of the book my over thinking theory brain could not think of a 'happy' and satisfying way for this series to conclude but gosh did the author did a great job of summing up the series!

The character and relationship building in this book was probably the best in the series where we not only explore more of Pan and Jen's friendship that was established in the previous book but we also get to know more of the other characters aka their group mates like Wei Lin, Sanjit, Sam and Karl where in the short time we manage to get more of their backstory and their strengths, weaknesses and secrets which will all be important for the later part of the book. Mostly I enjoy how this diverse cast of characters interact with each other as they work together to try and crack down the secret behind the school.

Pan's relationship with Nate was surprisingly bittersweet and though Nate was such a hit/miss character for me through the series, his fate was the saddest part of this book. I seriously was rooting for Pan and Nate to be together especially with how he redeems himself ( comparing him to Theresa in Maze Runner AT LEASE HE TRIES TO REDEEM HIMSELF which got me to emphasis for his character) and the surprise of his relationship with a certain school faculty member.

Lastly the truth behind Pan's powers was kinda confusing but surprising. I had to re read that whole scene a couple of times but I like what they did with her finding out the truth and also answers some questions I had of another character in the previous book. Also from what I gather, Pan 'unlocks' a new level or ability with her power in each book which is really cool as we get to see her developed and adapt to her 'gift'.

Overall the Pandora Jones series is seriously one of the best and unique apocalypse/sci-fi theme YA I've came across as well as one of the more underrated Aussie YA out there. I highly recommend this series for its diverse cast of characters, epic and fast pace action and plot twisting story line.

Book Review: Every Move (Every #3) by Ellie Marney

Goodreads Description: 

The sequel to Every Breath and Every Word.

After the dramatic events of London, a road trip back to her old home in Five Mile sounds good (in theory) to Rachel Watts, with her brother Mike in the driving seat. 

But when Mike picks up his old buddy – the wildly unreliable Harris Derwent – things start to go south. Back in Melbourne, Rachel’s ‘partner in crime’, James Mycroft, clashes with Harris, and then a series of murders suggest that the mysterious Mr Wild – Mycroft’s own personal Moriarty – is hot on their tail. When tragedy strikes, Rachel and Mycroft realise they’ll have to recruit Harris and take matters into their own hands…

Title: Every Move (Every #3)
Author: Ellie Marney
Genre: Conteporary, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Romance
Format: paperback
Pages: 340 pages
Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
Source: purchased from Dymocks

WARNING: Mild Spoilers for Every Breath (Review Here) and Every Word (Review Here)

My heart is not the same after reading this book.. or series...

One heart attack after another, this book has my emotions flying all over the place! I need a moment as I lost count how many times I held my breath.

Its been about two months since the event of Every Move. Rachael and Mycroft both suffer the aftermath of being captured and tortured by Mr Wild's men. Long story short, they are both very mess up as Mycroft has not been eating and Rachael suffers PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) like being overly alert and jumpy with her surroundings and sleep deprived as she is afraid of the nightmares.

The plot drove me off the edge! I was in a crossroad between devouring the book as fast as possible and taking my time and enjoying this last installment! I love how it once again throw us instantly into the action, one WTF moment after the other! Its darker, more sinister and definitely more dangerous. I'm not kidding as A LOT OF THINGS KEEP HAPPENING! BOTH GOOD AND BAD! Also I enjoyed connecting the dots and was mind browned with how the clues all adds up! 

I sucked into the book from the prologue! Also I love how each Every book starts with a prologue and where Rachael compares life on the farm with what's currently going on with her life (also very random but I keep thinking of the show Dance Academy as each episode starts with the MC comparing her life in the country and where she is now.. yes I love that show... ALL THREE 
SEASONS!). 

The writing is one of my favorite things about this series! Its beautiful and witty yet a roller coaster or feels! Ellie Marney's writing rips your heart apart and slowly put them back together.

I love how we get see Rachael pick up from the events of 'Every Word' where she is not only trying to be stronger mentally but physically for the coming events. She's one of the most realistic characters I've read as we watch her fall and struggle and slowly raise and build back herself to be more confident and kick-ass than before. 

A way to sum up my though about Mycroft in this book is that some stuff he does I'm like 'stupid!! stupid!! why?! WHY?!' and then I'm like 'what?! that does not make sense! what the?! how?!' and then he explains all the mad scientist genius stuff in his head and I'm like :

James Mycroft you are both an IDIOT and a GENIUS. Its a good thing that he's tall, dark and sexy (especially when he goes on a tangent on science!). 

Also feels! lots of them! Mycroft finally has closure to his parents death and can properly grieves  which is something he has been holding back trough the whole series. I was brought to tears and feels when we got to know the truth about Mycroft's parents! Poor Guy! I want to give him a hug!

Watching both Rachael and Mycroft recover from their London ordeal was slow and steady as well as realistic. It humanizes them especially Rachael as we watch them both broken and slowly pick themselves back up. 

Also their relationship hits a bumpy road in this installment. They are trying to work out their relationship which has already been establish and grown from your 'just friends turn romance' in Every Breath to something more. I love their romance and its one of the best paced out romance in a series I've ever read. It took its time to build to a point where its believable and that you not only care for their characters but their ship! The best way to sum up their romance in this book is that its way past the 'sweet innocence' we saw in the first book but along the lines of passionate and deep. Grab your popcorn guys and get ready to swoon and giggle *hint *nudge *wink.

Like every book we not only see familiar characters but are introduced to new ones.

In this book we are introduced to Harris, Mike's best friend from Five Miles who comes back with them to the City as well as teaches Rachael self defense. I have a bit of a hit and a miss with him as he was messing with my ship but he manages to redeem himself in the end. 

As always I love the cast of side characters!

Rachael's brother Mike was awesome! Like I mentioned in the previous book reviews, I love the sibling elements and interaction which is one of the best that I've read.

I was happy to read more about Mai and Gus in this installment and how they help Rachael and Mycroft! If I could ask for another book about any characters I'll love a book about Mai and Gus as I adore them and won't mind reading a whole book of them!

I liked reading about Rachael and her Mum's relationship as after her spontaneous trip to London caused their relationship to be a bit rocky. Even so seeing how they resolve their relationship was a great side story of Rachael trying to win back her mum's trust. 

Like each installment, this book brings Rachael and Mycroft to a new location. Apart from Melbourne, we get to see Rachael's home town Five Miles. I like reading about the place and where Rachael grew up. Its bittersweet especially when Rachael talks about her now empty house and the memories.

Overall Every Move well wrapped up ending! This contemporary series with a crime, thriller and romance twist is one of the more unique and refreshing YA's not to mention have a special place in on my favorite shelve!

The Every series is an addictive, heart gripping, mind blowing and swoon worthy series that I devoured and seeing the series end is rather bitter sweet. I'm happy and satisfied with the ending of Rachael and Mycroft's adventure and hugged the book like I'm hugging an awesome friend when I was done with that last page with a huge smile on my face.

 

My current state after reading Every Move... I have no idea how to move on as I can't stop thinking about this book... yes I got a book hungover and just finished re reading this book!

Long story short READ THE EVERY SERIES!

 

Book Review: Every Word (Every #2) by Ellie Marney

Goodreads Description: 

James Mycroft has just left for London to investigate a car accident similar to the one that killed his parents seven years ago...without saying goodbye to Rachel Watts, his 'partner in crime'.

Rachel is furious and worried about his strange behaviour - not that Mycroft's ever exactly normal, but London is the scene of so many of his nightmares. So Rachel jumps on a plane to follow him...and lands straight in a whole storm of trouble.

The theft of a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, the possible murder of a rare books conservator, and the deaths of Mycroft's parents...Can Watts help Mycroft make sense of the three events - or will she lose him forever?

Sparks fly when Watts and Mycroft reunite in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen sleuthing duo.

Title: Every Word (Every #2)
Author: Ellie Marney
Genre: Conteporary, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Romance
Format: paperback

Pages: 340 pages
Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
Source: purchased from Dymocks

 

If you have not read Every Breath (Full Review) warning as there are spoiler!

My thoughts for this book is all over the place! Prey that I make sense in this review!

Its been 8 weeks since the event of Every Breath. Rachael parents are keeping under 'house arrest', a murder that might be link to Mycroft's parents death has occur along while the Shakespeare Folio that the murder victim, a librarian was looking after is missing. When Mycroft suddenly leaves to follow Professor Walsh to London to investigate the murder, Rachael, worried for her boyfriend rushes to catch the next plane to London to find him before more trouble can occur.

The last book was set in Melbourne. This time we follow Rachael and Mycroft around London. I love how the author describes London and the places they visit especially the Sherlock museum!

The premise of the story was great and paced out really well! Its one of those books where it churn your braincells connection the dots, figuring out the mystery. The suspense and action sequence were a heck lot better compared to Every Breath. I love how the big 'WTF' moment came sooner instead of later and left me I was on my edge of my seat at 2 am reading it!

 
If you guys read the book or attended the 'Every Move' launch, three fingers Ellie... THREE FINGERS!!! I have read alot of book, played some games and seen a lot of show/movies intense and the intensity of this book has made it to my top three list along with Telltale's Walking Dead Season 2 video game and James Dashner's The Scorch Trials!  IT WAS SO GOOD BUT AND SO FLIPPING INTENSE!

The writing, no words to describe apart from how well written it is (I am terrible at discription!). Its darker and intense, not a bed of roses though there were some sweet heart warming moments. Also I love the book is well researched and reading the science aspect of the book.

I love the character development in this book! While we briefly meet Rachael's parents and friends Mai and Gus, we get some great character and relationship building from out main duo along with meeting some new and familiar faces.

Rachael was such a great, kick ass and strong minded character though like in the previous book she makes some decisions that makes shout 'NO! STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!' she has her reasons and her quick thinking manages to get her out of trouble.

Mycroft... my feels for this boy are all over the place! There were times where he was just out of control that he needed to get his SHIT together and there were times where I wanted to hug the poor guy! He is an angry character with A LOT of issues and baggage. We get to know more about his past, his parents and the accident seven years ago. We also learn the reason of his obsession for forensic. Though insane, there is this charm in Mycroft that makes me swoon! I keep thinking of him as a darker version of Augustus Walters from TFIOS mixed with the Tenth Doctor from Doctor Who. I swear he is gonna grow to be a charming but mad scientist/doctor!

I looked forward to reading more of Rachael and Mycroft's relationship in this book and the development of their relationship is to a whole new level though sit tight as its a bumpy ride! I love how their relationship takes a lot of twists as they sort out their emotions and feelings for each other in the early stage of their relationship. I naww at the sweet moments between them and devoured the moments when things starts to heat up! This is one unique duo and partner in crime! Opposite yet similar, they balance and keep each other sane!
 
I love reading Rachael and her brother Mike's relationship even though it was brief, its still as strong as the previous book. As mentioned in my Every Breath review, this is one of the best and realistic brother-sister relationship! I need more YA with relationship like this!

In the last book we were introduced to Alice, a nurse at the hospital that Mike now works at and also his girlfriend. I love reading about Alice and her relationship with the Watts siblings (in two totally different ways). She was very sweet with Mike and a great 'big sister' role for Rachael! I kinda want a story on Alice and Mike. *hint *nudge *wink to the author 

The 'Big Bad' aka Villain of the book caught me off guard! Not gonna say much but as I mentioned IT WAS INTENSE!

A couple of things that I was not a fan of in the book, Rachael managing to get a ticket THAT CHEAP hours before flying off to London... I had a hard time believing that so I had to knock my head and remind myself its fiction! Also I find it convenient the fact that Mycroft and Rachael coincidentally have all the tools they will need to make that big *boom* moment or the part where they manages to find a van and the key is conveniently there.

The book ended with a BANG literally. I like how it wraps up the London arc nicely without any loose ends and cliffhangers and has a great set up for the last book Every Move!

Overall the Every Word was gripping and addictive! A great story where crime and mystery meets swoon romance!

 

I just finished reading Every Move aka the final book in the series and will have a review of that up soon! All I can say is FEELS! A LOT OF WTF MOMENTS AND I DON'T WANT THIS TO END!

My feels are on a rollercoaster! Nuf say.. JUST PICK UP THE FLIPPING SERIES!

Book Review: Every Breath (Every #1) by Ellie Marney

Goodreads Description:

Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist Mycroft when he wants her help investigating a murder. And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion's den - literally.

A night at the zoo will never have quite the same meaning again...

Title: Every Breath (Every #1)
Author: Ellie Marney
Genre: Conteporary, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Format: E-book

Pages: 335 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: free of itunes

Thanks to Miranda of Bookss101 and Ebony of DarlingDemsel as watching and reading your rave made me read this! :D

I love Sherlock and have watch many adaptations like the the Robert Downey Jr movies, the  Steven Moffat BBC adaptation and my personal favorite, MidSomer Murders (especially the Tom Barnaby and Ben Jones arc!!!)! 

This is one of the best and unique adaptations. Sherlock meets YA set in Melbourne!

Follow Rachael Watts who's family moves from the country to Melbourne befriends her neighbor Mycroft. Together the neighbors, best friends and partners in crime investigates the murder of their friend Homeless Dave while Rachael finds herself falling for for her mysterious friend. 

I liked Rachael from the start! Quick thinking, tough and tomboyish, she's a country girl trying to fit in and adjust to life in the suburbs of Melbourne. Though she is mature, there were times where she makes some stupid decisions though thanks to her quick thinking she manages to get them out of the situation. 

Mycroft... where can I get me one?! I love reading more about Mycroft as he is so mysterious and has some mess up secrets and past which makes him kind of insane. He has a lot of issues that got me a bit frustrated at times bout once I understand him I empathize him. Also I love reading about his passion or forensic science and though I don't understand the jargon at first it was still fascinating reading all about it! 

Also did I mention he is British? Hello sexy British accent!

I love reading the diverse cast of side characters! Mai and Gus, Rachael and Mycroft's classmates and best friends were great to read especially Mai and her knowledge for Legal studies.

Also I love the family element of Rachael and her family! Though she's angry with her parents for moving to the city, she is still supportive and does not make a fuss about the move. 

I also love her relationship with her brother Mike as I RARELY see YA with a good, strong and realistic brother-sister relationship! In fact THIS how a brother-sister relationship should be written (I know as I have a little brother and the way Rachael interacts with her brother is how I interact with mine).

I enjoyed the plot and how it throws you straight into the action without giving the readers a heart attack along with the pacing though I found the first one third of the book a bit hard for me to click with the story. There was a good air of mystery which made the book a page turner as I want to know what happens in the end! 

I like how we slowly got to know a bit about both Rachael and Mycroft and their past trough the book. I also like the suspense and gripping moments of THAT climax as I was on the edge on my seat reading it! There were some good plot twist though I kinda foreshadow the big WTF event the moment I got enough evidence though it came out totally different from what I expected.

Though I've read a couple of Aussie YA's that is set in Melbourne (which has been my second home for the past 5 years) its still refreshing and exciting to read a book set in somewhere familiar and was great picturing them taking the tram/train and going to some places that I've passed by or am familiar with.  

One thing that made the book for me was Rachael and Mycroft's relationship! As the book progress they developed a 'more than friends/neighbor/partner in crime' relationship and boy was the tension between them gripping to read! 

They keep insisting they are 'just friends' but the more the story develops the more I wanted to shout 'OH JUST GET TOGETHER ALREAD- oh.... ohhhhhhhh xD' 

I love when the two of them bilker and watching the tension between them build and though it took a while for the romance to build but ITS WORTH THE WAIT! Best friends turn romance is one of my favorite kind of romance and I love how once they established their mutual feelings its not dragged for the rest of the book!

Also when they are together expect alot of swooning as the romance is cute and HOT!

Overall this is a great and solid start to the series! Its well written and researched, great cast of characters and refreshing plot! Rachael and Mycroft are one of the best bookish duo's I've read!

I just purchased the whole series and am currently reading Every Word! This is a great YA Mystery & Crime Romance and Sherlock with a twist! 

Check out this book (and series) and get lost in the mysteries! 

Now to get back to my copy of Every Word as I NEED MORE WATTSCROFT !!! 
 

 

Book Review: Laurinda by Alice Pung

Goodreads Description:

'Nothing has a stronger hold over a girl than the fear of the thoughts of her peers – thoughts that change five times in a day. No wonder things are so complicated with teenagers.'—Alice Pung, Laurinda

Laurinda is an exclusive school for girls. At its hidden centre of power is The Cabinet, a triangle of girls who wield power over their classmates – and some of their teachers.

Entering this world of wealth and secrets is Lucy Lam, a scholarship girl with sharp eyes and a shaky sense of self. As she watches The Cabinet in action, and is courted by them – as she learns about power and repression – Lucy finds herself in a battle for her identity and integrity.

Few genres are more enthralling than the school story. In Laurinda, the acclaimed Alice Pung tells an involving, original story that captures the drama and pain of school life today, as well as revealing much about the choices of young women.

Title: Laurinda
Author: Alice Pung
Genre: YA, Coming Of Age, Contemporary
Format: Paperback

Pages: 336
Publisher:  Black Books Inc
Source: Received for free from Goodreads Giveaway

In a nutshell, this is Mean Girls set in Melbourne.

Set in the 90's, told in letters written to Lucy's friend Linh as she shares her experience after winning a scholarship to an elite privet girl's school in Melbourne. Lucy's family immigrated to Australia from Vietnam where her dad works the night shift at a carpet factory and her mum works in the family garage sewing cloths and looking after her little brother Lamb. 

We follow Lucy as she transitions from the familiarity of Christ Our Saviour, the Catholic school she attended where she was accepted as herself to the 'foreign lands' of Laurinda Ladies College where she tries to fit in and changes herself to suit the school. 

There she encounters 'The Cabinet', a trio of racist, self centered and privileges mean girls who have the power to influence and sabotage those in their way including the teachers. Lucy finds herself in an internal battle of identity and morals while catching up with the demands of Laurinda but also balancing the expectations from her family.

I love the story and connected with if from page one! Its rare and refreshing, reading a High School YA that was familiar with my high school experience.

It touches on high school topics like 'mean girls', boys, friends, adjusting to a new school, bullying and stereotypes but also topics that I rarely see in YA like culturally challenged, being the odd kid in the class/school, abuse of power and social prejudice. 

The narration was a bit confusing at the start with the letters addressed to Lucy's friend Linh who we assume is a friend from her old school.

Which we later learn that Lucy was writing a letter to herself and that Linh is actually her middle name. This I kinda foreshadowed from the start as Lucy's mum called her 'Linh' at the first part of the book.

I liked the pacing of the book and how its split into schooling semesters which reminds me of how Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl was paced out. The writing was sarcastic, honest, poetic and moving. There were also some great quotes in here, my favorite is "All teenagers are drama queens inside their minds, even the mousiest of us".

At the end of the book I was overwhelmed with emotions and happiness at the same time happy crying which is a first as I am rarely a book crier and can count the number of books that brought me to emotional tears on one hand. 

This story is not picture perfect but it feels real from the way Lucy parents talk to how we watch Lucy struggles and copes with her school life.

Lucy was an emotional roller coaster of a character to follow! At the start she was out spoken, confident, feisty yet down to earth and compassionate girl who looses herself as she struggle to fit in with the school while balancing her believes and culture. She gives into 'peer pressure' of The Cabinets and ends up being the 'quiet Asian girl', insecure and not standing up to what's right. She eventually learn from her mistake and stand up to The Cabinets in probably one of the best and most sophistic ways to make them 'BURN' as well as identify with herself and who she is.

I like Lucy from page one and though I wish she handled her problems differently or even opened up to her parents, she's a tough and smart girl and know how to climb back up with grace.

I love the family dynamic and though it was hard for her parents to understand the stuff she has to do in/for school like buying new tailored uniform or having 'friends' with drivers and mobile phones, they were still very supportive and helpful to Lucy trough the book. Lucy's dad was hilarious to read about and reminds me a bit of my own dad. Her mum was a great indirect voice of reason to Lucy's problems and like Lucy faces some issues of fitting in.

The Cabinets (Chelsea, Brodie and Amber) were a real piece of work! Catty, self cantered and power hungry, they used Lucy as their little 'pet' to gain more power! The more I read about the spoiled brats the more I wanted to slap them and cringed as it brings back memories to me biting my tongue when I hear the snobby kids in school talk. 

But wait if that's The Cabinets, wait till you read about their mothers! No joke I don't know which is worse, generation 'Offspring' Cabinets or generation 'Mummy' Cabinets! Gen Offspring's play with their peer's and teachers weakness with pranks, manipulations and bullying anyone in their way! As for their Mum's, a lovely donations is all that it takes to shut the school up!

Yah long story short, hated them the more I read about them!

I like some of the side characters especially Richard which I wish we got to read more about him.

Overall Laurinda is one of the best books I've read! Its realistic, smart, sarcastic, sophisticated and familiar. The ending leaves me smiling from ear to ear at the position Lucy is in and I kind of feel like there could be room for a sequel (*hint *nudge *wink to the author).

Its an honest and nostalgic picture of high school and yes its scary but its only for a few years.

Check out Laurinda is you want an Aussie YA take on Mean Girl.

Also if you like Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, you might like this as like Fangirl its a coming of age story of trying to adjust to the new schooling environment and being true to yourself. 

This is one of the most relatable and familiar books I've read in ages! While I did connected with Lucy at many levels there were some stuff that I didn't relate to.

Relate:

1) I went to an all girl school similar to Christ Our Saviour (aka a Convent) for most of my schooling years and though it was not a privet school it was still very 'elite'. 

Its one of those schools where if you mention its nickname everyone will go 'WALAO! YOU GO TO THAT SCHOOL AH? VERY FAMOUS YOU KNOW!'  yah that's how manglish sounds like.

Just for laughs check out the 20 mangilsh slangs Malaysians love to use and yes, I use them quiet often (my fav is abudin) (Click Here)

2) Like Lucy I've witness and received my fair share of being bullied for my race and discrimination. It also happen in Asia.

3) I'm Chinese like Lucy though she's Chinese born Vietnams and I'm Chinese born Malaysian.

Didn't relate:

1) I didn't need a scholarship as I went to a government/public school.

2) My family don't have to work as hard as Lucy's family and I am bless that my parents can afford to send me overseas for Uni.

3) My family didn't migrate to Australia and I will probably stay in Oz till I'm done with Uni.

4) I am thanking my guardian angles that I didn't have to encounter girls like 'The Cabinets' in school. Even if there were girls as such, I probably was not aware of it.  

5) She gets nicer, more 'posh' uniforms! I dare you to Google 'Malaysian Secondary School' uniform and see the lovely 'apron' (I wore the pinafore, never the Baju Kurung) I have to wear in high school... yah it was the reason why I loved my PE uniform and Koperasi Polo shirt more. (sorry to the teachers who might be reading this... not a fan of my uniform but I still wore them!)