RowLife: Life Update and Long Time No Blog!!!

HIIII everyone!!! *wave hands shyly to you guys* as you guys can tell I have not been active on this blog and god I have so much to catch up for reviews and replies (and deleting and blocking to a few lovely throllers and haters) and all that stuff but anyways Hello people of the interweb I'm back!

If you guys have not been following me on my social media, mostly Instagram I've been traveling a lot this past few months and most of the time I don't have my laptop as I have an ipad to do most of my laptop stuff but also i wanted to travel as light and hassle free as i possibly can so I left my laptop at home.

So where have I been you might ask??? I’ve been to literally almost everywhere on the map both locally and internationally.  

Like the hat ^^ and the flowers and my buddy Andrew Brower (aka the bear :P)

In May I went back to Melbourne for my convocation/graduation with my parents and one of my cuz sis, and mostly was just showing my dad around while I finalized the last of my legal documents and uni paperworks as well as say goodbye to the place i called home for the last 5 years. 

They shot Harry Potter at this castle!! well not exactly this location as the place was huge but at Edinburgh castle xD

June (and later in September) I went to the UK to visit my little bro, help him move out of his dorm this was refreshing as the roles have reverse and its now my turn to help my bro with the move like he used to do when I moved out of my dorm back in Melbourne in my first year) as well as visited Edinburgh and London (this was a bit of a throwback walk down memory lane trip for my parents as they both meet and dated while at uni in the UK). July was a road trip visiting family and friends in Johor and Singapore and as  well as my hometown Penang to visit the rest of my family. 

In between I’m actually working with my family at their KL office just like how I interned for them earlier last year as their office was at one point very short handed though now I’m still working for them part time but from home as they have filled up the empty spaces but still need the help. I’m also looking into some jobs and sending out resumes cause let’s face it I can’t work at my family’s office forever as well as looking into syllabus studying my professional accounting papers (in case you guys don’t already know I got my degree in Accounting).

Speaking of studies… let’s just say that things aren’t going as planned as the Master’s program that I planned to apply for I was not eligible as I needed to sit for the professional papers before I can enroll... this was not what I was sold months ago so I was a little disappointed when I went in person to enquirer about the program only to learn that I am not eligible. Ah well I might look into other Masters courses or wait a couple of years and peruse an MBA. Who knows! I’ll be honest I thought I was done with education once I finished my degree but I still have that craving to learn more and improve myself. We’ll see. Now all I want to do is just focus and get my professional papers done which is what I'm currently doing now that is self-learning my papers.

As for this blog, I’m gonna continue my voltage otome game reviews as I got a lot of positive feedback especially for the Amemix ones. In fact as I’m typing this I’m drafting out another Amemix first impression review as Voltage USA just dropped a new Amemix game called Castaway! Love’s Adventure (Review Coming Soon) so look out for that and get excited as this is probably the most unique themed game voltage has released in terms of story and like all the Amemix games the diversity in this game is BEAUTIFULLY DONE (like the MC is a person of colour, first release cannon dude is an egoistic Korean-American photographer, we have a Millionaire Indian dude, An alpha male Aussie ship captain and the best part is that the female option is a Chinese doctor!!!).

Voltage have also released a new 'social app' called Liar! uncover the truth and I'm addicted to playing this game as the MC has 10 guys who wants to be with her but 9 of them are liars! Its like Life is strange meets Contradiction: Spot the Liar meets meets Ace Attorney blended into an otome game as you have to investigate for clues and interact with the guys to figure out who's lying in each chapter. 

As for the main purpose of this blog that was to share my love for books… I’m slowly getting back into reading and have recently gone to the bookstore to get a few books. I'm still slowly easing back into reading though the books that I've recently completed are mostly new adult ebooks that i got off ibooks or else graphic novels that i plan to share with you guys as soon as i get the rest of the books. 
 

I still can’t seem to get into full swing reading mode which is sad as this blog originally did started out as a place for me to share my thoughts and love for reading but now it has shifted from just focusing on what I’m reading to what I’m playing and loving. I feel like in a way this blog has shifted into a blog where I post about whatever new interest me and I actually feel like I want to change the themes of this blog and even the name of this blog from RowReads to RowLoves or Rambles or something like that.

I’m gonna give it a few more months and see where this blog shifts to but till then I’m hoping to just take it slow, get back into the grove of enjoying typing, blogging and sharing the things I love so if things start to change I hope you guys don’t mind. Like i say i'm gonna carry on posting voltage romantic visual novel reviews but am gonna randomly post some traveling blogs as guess what I'm traveling in a few weeks time again. 

Anyways I’ve been rambling my thoughts and probably boring you guys eyeballs so am gonna go and like edit some actual blog post. Thanks for reading and your support and let me know in the comments if I should change the overall theme of this blog from RowReads to something something something… you guys get the picture loll 

Seriously appreciate you guys's support! 

Till Next Time

RowLife: I'm Really Back, I GRADUATE! Life and blog updates!

Hello internettttttt!!! Remember at the start of the year when made a post after a hiatus that I was back and then I ended up not posting anything until NOW??? Well I really am back and for good! So I was gonna start posting in January but then I thought 'You know what... NO. I'm gonna start posting when I am done with uni and graduate'. Fast forward to a few months and a lot of procrastination later and...

I GRADUATE!!!! YES!! I AM DONE WITH UNI!!!! 

*phew* but you know what... I might not done with education as I'm now in the process of applying for Masters *gulp* and that's scary! loll its like applying for uni all over again.
 

Now for book reviews... I'm gonna take a bit of a break as I have not been reading that many review worthy books this past few months and the ones that I have been meaning to review... I kinda forgot my thoughts so I'm actually planning to get back into the swing of reviewing by rereading some of them but also picking up a few old favorites to get me out of the slump.

Speaking of books... I've kinda been on a book buying ban as I'm saving up for my graduation trip in May, a trip to the UK and maybe Europe in June and I know this is gonna sound childish but I'm actually planning to get a Nintendo 3DS XL when I get back to Aus for the Graduation ceremony.

I know I can live my life without the console and just play games on my PC (which is what I've been doing my whole life lolls) but its kind of a life long dream of mine to own a Nintendo. I actually made a pack with one of my best friend where we won't get the gaming console of our wish till we graduate.

Also it does not help I still have a TBR basket overflowing with books that I need to try and start reading as though I was not reading that much... I still have a problem with book buying which has stop as I mention saving up for other stuffs.

As for what's to come to this blog till I start getting back into the swing of reading??? 

A while back I started a section on my blog called 'RowGames' and 'Otome Reviews' where I post reviews and walkthrough for games that I've been playig mostly with good strong narrative like Life is Strange and the Voltage Inc.'s Otome games.

This genre of games is something I'll recommend to readers and book lovers alike and were some of my more popular posts in the last year. I plan to bring out more reviews especially for the Otome Games since reading and playing Otome has been like my biggest obsession this past few months. In fact by the time this post is up I should have a second Voltage Inc. first impression up (Click Here) if you're interested and I recommend reading the first part of my Voltage Inc. first impression (Click Here) where I get into detail about Otome games, how it works and give a quick review on the games I've been playing. 

Okay peeps I'm really back so look out for more new content filling up this blog! And if there is any book recommendations in particular Aussie YA as I plan to get a few when I visit Melbourne in May please recommend!

Till next time (which will be soon! Promise!!!)

RowLife: I'm back and not dead!!!

Hello people of the internet I miss you guys and NO I'm not dead and very well alive! So its been over a month since I last posted something on this blog and I have a very good reason... EXAMS!!! GAHH!!!

I put almost everything in my life on hold as I have one of the toughest and important exams that I not only needed to pass but also do well in order to do my CPA (if I choose to study it) that is every accounting/ finance students nightmare TAXATION LAW (or any law related subject in general)! I kid you not for the last couple of months I was running on lack of sleep, overdose on caffeine and irregular meals aka I was doing nothing but burring my head in the brick size books and kinda neglecting my health. Anyways all those slaving over the books have finally pay off as I did very well in my finals (a good mixture of A's and B's) and have one more subject to do in summer school and I'm done with Uni!

Unfortunately reading a crap thon of notes has kinda made me fall back into a reading slump as I'm so tired from reading and studying that when I look at a book I feel like flinging it out of the window and play video games or marathon watching vidoes about cats on youtube. But have no fear as I'm going on a road trip soon where 4 hours in a car with no wifi might be a good idea to help me get back into the swing of reading and I have a couple of books in mind that I'm gonna read or finish reading.

I've been lacking on book reviews or content in general on this blog as I actually have a good number of book reviews on the back burner to write up but am either half finish or lazy to write it up. I'll be posting some christmas related blog post on here and am gonna have a new section where I review Otome games as that's literlly what I've been reading or playing when I do wanna read or play a video game.

Other than that I'm actually back in Malaysia for the rest of December so am resting and enjoying time with my family here while waiting for my little brother to come home from the UK. Till then more blog content and review coming your way soon and leave request/suggestion on what you guys wanna see.

Till next time

RowLife: I'm BACK and exam brain fried! Reading slump and currently playing

I'm still alive but I'm barely blogging,

Just exam brain fried with no time for reading,

But I am now done and on winter break,

So I'm gonna get high on The Script and eat some chocolate cake *

*Mind me as I have no idea what to put on that last line but I rhymes :P

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Its been waiting for you :D 

SELAMAT SEJAHTERA SEMUA!!!! I'm back and HOME in Malaysia and have NOT been blogging this last month cause of EXAMS!!!

So now that I'm back you'll have thought I'll be reading an abundance of books that I have been setting aside to marathon without the guilt but WRONG!!!!

Sadly I'm currently in a bit of a book slump and even the ebooks, fanfiction and wattpad books don't appeal to me. Even so I am trying to finish a couple of books that I requested for review but reading them, is not as great as I expected so I might put them down for a bit to re read some books on my shelve that I left at home after I'm done rearranging my shelves.

So I gave into the slump marathon myself trough YouTube videos (since I don't have Netflix) like Sorted Food (Cause I seriously just found this channel!), AllThatGlitters21 (for her June Bloom Series) and MissRemiAshten (for her summer hacks and daily vlogs!)

Also if you've been following me on Instagram or twitter you'll probably know I've been obsessing over this game called 'Life is Strange' and I've been marathoning trough the available episodes since I'm home with a lovely desktop that is compatible (unlike my laptop) for gaming. Will be putting up a review for the game as soon as I'm done with episode 3 for you guys to hear my thoughts. Long story short, PLAY THE GAME or Watch the walk trough on YouTube. Its if YA LIT were to meet a Telltales episodic choice based narrative. If you love YA LIT (which i assume you do since that's what this blog is mainly about) that deals with teen issue like bullying and depression as well as teen angst, great friendship and a sci-fi twist CHECK IT OUT!

A couple of other games I'm currently playing or am gonna play are Emily Delicious series (Think Dinner Dash but with a great plot and cast of characters as well as less repetitive gameplay). There are several games in this series but True Love is what I'm currently playing with my brother and we will probably proceed to the next game in the series once we are done.

Also I just got Her Story, a new puzzle game that reminds me of Gone Girl where the player explore clips of a woman interview by the police over the murder of her husband.

So yah that's mostly what I've been up to apart eating (A LOT OF EATING) from hunting down the Ramadan bazaars for festive goodies and of cause spending time with my family while helping my little bro with his piano exam.

New book reviews and blog content are coming soon!

Till next time

RowLife: Update, Currently Reading, Reading Slump + More!

Heya! I'm BACK!!!

I've been M.I.A for a so long so this blog post to update what's been going on. 

Its been weeks since I last posted a review/post up. Lots of things has been happening which kinda leads me to being in a blogging slump. 

During my summer break, I was on an internship but also learning how to drive I managed to shoot out regular reviews and occasional fun post like Top 10 Bookish Boyfriends and Most Anticipated Movies.

Now that I’m back at Uni, things are busier with assignments and tests to study which leads me to not able to review

I have A LOT of books that I recently finished but just been having a hard time putting my thoughts out which leads me to a blogging block. Gah!

Anyways like I say Lots of stuff have also been happening. 

1) Passing my driving exams

Woo Hoo!! I got my licence *happy dance*! I passed my exams at the end of February. Fast and Furious in real life here I come!

Till then I need a car …

2) Back to reality aka Australia, Uni and studies

One more year of Uni and I’m graduating! I’ve A LOT of assignments this first half of the semester especially since I'm taking subjects that involves more reading and interactions with my group mates. For the first time I'm taking electives in Marketing and Management as in the past I used to stick to Finance (which is my minor) electives. It’s fascinating seeing a side of Business that involves more talking and interaction and less of a calculator.

Its kind of a struggle as I am a bit rusty in the 'writing an essay department' as in finance and accounting  is more on more of math and accounting problems or mid term exams.

Also NEVER leave the essay to the flipping last minute as I had three essay due the week before Easter and being the procrastinator I am I leaved all three essay to the last minute so no sleep but just me typing and rushing out all three essays! Yah I never learn *face palm*

3) Currently Reading

Like blogging I have been in a reading slump thanks to uni but also the last books I read Every Move by Ellie Marney and When You were here by Daisy Whitney gave me a very good book hangover! I rarely get book hangover but I could not stop thinking of the book or even the series so I ended up re reading Every Move.

No joke I now understand the real meaning behind this John Green qoute...

My though are stars I cannot fathom into this constellation is how my brain feels when I was trying to write my review  as its all over the place!

I needed to take a short break on reviewing to be up to date with Uni but also catch up on my thoughts on some of the books that I love cause I read so many books over the holidays my mind is all jumble up and have yet to process come of my recent reads.

Speaking of recent reads, I FINALLY HAVE TIME TO CATCH UP ON READING during my term break! I got some lovely shiny ARCs that I need to get on to reading and reviewing so hopefully I’ll be up by the next week.

The Pretty App by Katie Sise

I love the Boyfriend App (full review here) and was anticipating The Pretty App as we get the point of view of the ‘antagonist ’ in the last book Blake as our main character. Though I was not a big fan of her, she was still intriguing that I wanted to read about her and her history with Audrey. I’m currently halfway trough and gosh I like Blake more than I expected! Also it has a ‘The Selection’ reality TV feel to it which makes it enjoyable as there is lots of drama.

I love drama (shove popcorn into mouth).

We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

I happy danced and skipped back to my dorm from  the post office the moment this was in my hands! I love the concept of it being ‘The Breakfast Club’ meets apocalypse. I read the first chapter of all four characters and so far so good. Gonna read the rest of it as soon as I am done with the Boyfriend app.

In Real Life by Lawrence Tabak

I bought this for my brother's birthday (and I forgot to hand it to him! gah!! I'm a terrible sister) as I wanted a 'guy lit' that he will enjoy but after reading the blurb at the back I kinda want to keep it for myself (of share it with him like the good sister I am) as I love the concept of the book. Its like An Abundance of Katherine took a trip to Korea for a League of Legend Tournament. Though I am not a big 'LOL' fan I live in a dorm where some of my friends are fans of the game that got me interested.

4) Every Move Book Launch

I read Every Breath over the holidays on e-book thanks to ibooks for releasing a bunch of  'first in a series' for free. I love the series and each book gets better and better as it progresses.

It was great meeting the author and getting my book signed but also I got to meet up with some of my awesome Aussie booklover friends! 

Every Breath Review (Click Here)

Every Word Review (Click Here)

Every Move Review (Coming soon)

5) Easter Break!!!

Mum and little bro just left a few days ago after visiting me for the break.

I love it whenever my family visits as it means spending time with the ones I love but also GOOD FOOD! haha sorry sucky dinning hall food. 

No joke if you follow me on Instagram (*cough* link on the side) you'll probably see some lovely food pics.

So yah that's some of the stuff that's been happening in my life. I'll get back to regular blogging in the next week after my mid-terms which ends on the 24th April so look out for my next blog post.

Till next time

October Wrap Up, and Highlights!!

So this month I read a total of 12 books... yes I read a huge chunk of my tbr! Which was replenished pretty fast as I purchased 10 books in to total this month... my TBR is never going to end... lol

Also I took part in my first ever Read-A-Thon which is how I managed to read 5 of the books so if you want to check out a quick short review check out my RYBSAT Read-A-Thon wrap up (here)

Geek Girl (Geek Girl, #1) by Holly Smale 4/5 (Full Review)

13 Little Blue Envelopes (Little Blue Envelope, #1) by Maureen Johnson 4/5 

The Boyfriend App (App, #1) by Katie Sise 4/5

Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes 5/5 (Full Review)

The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner, #2) by James Dashner 5/5 (Full Review)

The Death Cure (Maze Runner, #3) by James Dashner* 4.5/5 (Full Review)

Death of a Superhero by Anthony McCarten 4.25/5 (Full Review)

So I finished 7 books was not for a Read-A-Thon and alot of them were surprisingly very fast reads!

Correction... Addictive reads!

I especially enjoyed The Scorch Trials and Anatomy of a Misfit.

I finished The Maze Runner Trilogy and I am hitting myself in the head for not reading this book sooner as its an epic fast pace series, filled with action, mystery, confusion and just pure awesome! However those books left me a bit brain fried as its nail biting intense so I might be taking a break from action/sci-fi books for a while...

Also Anatomy of A Misfit is my favorite contemporary book this month! Its a great laugh out loud, sassy but also heart breaking reads and one of my new all time favorite contemporary!

Another contemporary I love is Death of a Superhero and its another book that I want to laugh with and cry with! Its another "cancer book" and its a good mixture of TFIOS, Side Effect May Very and Me and Earl And The Dying Girl (*phew! why does all this books have a mouthful of a title?!). Interesting thing about this book is that it came out way before all those books were published (maybe even written) in 2005! I picked it up cause I want to watch the movie and book-to-movie rules... read the book first! 

I started a new series that is Geek Girl and its all I want in a cute, hilarious geeky book! I have recently gotten  the next two books in the series so I'm excited to continue this series!

Overall check out all the books mention as they were really great reads!


Also check out my wrap up vids!

1) 1989 by Taylor Swift

WOOHOO Taylor Swift '1989' Album is out and event though its been out for days I've been listening to all the songs non-stop as they are all amazing and hands down my new favorite Taylor Swift album since Speak Now! I'm loving her transitioning to being a pop singer and I actually think it suits her better!

My favorite songs include Blank Space, How You Get The Girl and Clean but all the songs on the album are amazing!!! 

Check out my review (and fangirling) of the album (here).

2) The Maze Runner

If its not obvious enough I am obsess with The Maze Runner Series since I read the first book and watch the movie! I was lucky to pick up the lovely box set in Kmart for $19 which is a freaking bargain and by destiny it was the very last one they had in the store!

I already ramble enough bout the books in my reviews so I'm just gonna stop here...

3) Celeb Crushes ?!?!

Hello new cuties :P !!! Dylan O'Brine, Ki Hong Lee and Thomas Sangster as my newest Celebrity Crushes!! :3

I love their acting in The Maze Runner movie and have finally checked out some of their other works like Dylan on Teen Wolf... yes I finally watch Teen Wolf and its actually very addictive!

Also a reason why I picked up Death of A Superhero is cause it was turned to a movie and Thomas Sangster stars in it!

Gah I can't wait for Scorch Trials Movie to come!!!

Lol okay I'm now done rambling bout Maze Runner! 

6) Sunny Birthday!

My best friend, dormy and 'annoying little brother' Sunny turned 20 this month! 

And yes there are some cake squash on his face :P sorry sunny boy xD but we were being daunting and smash dauntless cake in his face :P

5) Mama Visit!!!

Saving the best for last! My mum visited me earlier this month! So happy to spend time with her so its definitely a highlight for my month!

So yah that's my wrap up, highlights and favs for the month!