The One (The Selection #3) by Kierra Cass Book Review

 "The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

 

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!" - Goodreads

 

 

The One 

by Kierra Cass

It has been over two weeks since I finished this awe-inspiring blockbuster and thenceforward I can't seem to start a new one! I tried reading few novels already but I just can't go on with anything! Guess I haven't had book hangover for quite some time. I have rhapsodized over a number of good books I've read this summer but this is the only one I had hangover with since uhmm.... ugh can't even remember.

  

The One is the third and final book in the Selection series and as soon as it was released I read it right away. I've been biting the bullet for this and when I finished it I swear I was staring out in the empty for like half an hour. I was happy and sad at once. Actually, I didn't know what my feelings were doing to me then. I until now, can't believe it's over.

The first two books went very well obviously, making them bestsellers. The story centered on Illea and the Selection, the competition between the girls, Maxon and America's budding relationship, the love triangle etc etc. Whereas, The One's packed and heavy with twists, history and revelations. The political side of the story was uncovered and emphasized. As the last book in a smash series, it draws a profusion of expectations and can be sooo daunting. It's like your fate depends on it, whether you'll be tearing the book into millions of pieces with a face like a wet week-end or be dancing on cloud nine. And that's exactly the reason why this book is pure loooove. It ends with a satisfying conclusion just like what everybody's hoping for THOUGH Kierra still made it sure to sweat readers out from anticipation all the way until the very last pages. Cass did a fantastic job kicking readers' heart rates up a dozen notches in so much anxiety about who's gonna be Maxon's happily ever after like I swear I had tachycardia towards the last quarter because man up til then, I still haven't got a clue.  And so as it ends I say a silent hallelujah! Had Kierra ended it otherwise? I'll be damned for sure.

As to the characters, America still got me shouting at the book for being so unyielding, stubborn and stupid at times when it comes to Maxon and for being so hard on him mygawd -.- However, I also believe this positively augment the anxiety and suspense in their love story. The progress with America as she became certain with what she feels both towards Maxon and Aspen and the life she wants was gladdening nonetheless. Her bullheadedness definitely helped her do what she believes is right even if it'd mean the King in her way. I was also nervous as hell as to when Aspen and America will finally be caught with all those sneaking around and secret meetings because they cant just slip like that forever!  As one in Team Maxon, Aspen really got on my nerves. The change of heart in the other girls is also warming. Lucy's fate surprised me, I didn't see that comin y'all.

The trilogy isn't as creative and advanced in terms of storyline in comparison to other dystopian novels. It's in fact a royal and book version of the reality show, The Bachelor, but it draws readers to the story and get them lost in it making it deserving of 5 noble stars. What more can you ask for in a book than a hangover ayt? It ends beautifully and rightfully leaving readers with a smile of satisfaction and an empty hole in the stomach for having to go back to reality mehe <3

Favorite Quote:

“Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.” Maxon to America

THIS. BROKE. MY. HEART. dem feeeels~

❤

Liebster Award | My First Blog Award

Big thanks to Molly of Splashes of Fashion Adventure for nominating me! I’m pretty flattered and flustered as my blog’s only 3 month’s old and I never really thought of other bloggers discovering and recognizing my little dump here.

The Liebster award was basically created to acknowledge and/or discover new bloggers and welcome them to the blogosphere. In the digital world of the internet, this equates to a nice gesture.
This award's also given to bloggers having less than 200 followers and whose blogs have a lot of potential. 

MECHANICS

1. Mention the person who nominated you with a link to their blog
 

2. Answer the 11 questions asked

3. Nominate 11 other bloggers

4. Create 11 questions for them to answer

5. Notify your nominees

 HERE ARE MOLLY'S QUESTIONS

    1. Do you like your hair tied up or not ?

It depends. At home on my lazy days, I often wear my hair in a bun. Outside, I prefer it hanging freely.  

2. What made you start blogging ? 

Firstly, I was inspired to start a blog by a lot of youtubers. After all, most of them are bloggers too. I originally wanted to film vlogs but considering how awkward I look on cam, I resolved to blogging. I 'd discerned as well that with blogging, I'll be able to document happenings in my life and improve my writing so there.
 
3. Are you satisfied with the look of your blog atm ?

Absolutely not! Sadly, I’m not as graphic savvy (whatever you call it) and creative as most bloggers out there. I have no taste in whatever involving the arts. Sucks ass man can somebody teach me how to spice up my boring little web space??? Lol

4. Do you watch beauty gurus on Youtube like macbarbie07 ?

As I’ve mentioned earlier YES! That’s what I do practically every time I’m not busy. Not a fan of macbarbie07 though. My favourite’s zoella. Go check her out ;)

5. What are your 3 must have beauty products?

My three must have’s as of the moment would be foundation, sunblock and powder. Foundation because zits are feasting on my face right now so if you want me to be able to get out of the house, never steal my foundation. Sunblock because I don’t like it when I get dark and everyday use of sunblock prevents the appearance of wrinkles and premature skin aging. I apply sunblock all over my body whenever I go out even if the sun's hiding behind the clouds because people, radiation can still seep through those puffs. And powder because I can’t stand the feeling of oil and sweat on me. Putting powder on my face and neck somehow makes me feel refreshed. 

6. How did you decide on the title of your blog ?

"As nowhere as I could be" is a phrase I read in a book. It appealed to me at the time and since I’m still clueless as to what I really want in life (like really frigging clueless), I put it as the title of my blog. Lol 

 
7. Which blogs do you check daily?

I do not check blogs daily. I take breaks from the blogosphere every now and then. That’s how lousy I am as a blogger. But when I do, I always stop by Aian's and Shekinah's

8. Heels or Flats ?

 Heels :))

9. Do you have a pet ? If so do you dress them up ? 

As for now, none but I'd love to have a dog! and I would definitely dress her up. I'll make her the fanciest dog in town.

        10.When and What age did you started blogging ?

         I had my first entry Feb of this year and since I  just turned 19 six days ago then that makes me 18 when I started. Nice math I did there lol

        11. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you've written   

         so far? Give us the link. 

           This is sooo hard to answer. My posts are mostly utter balderdash but my favorite one hitherto is  a photo diary dedicated to my bestfriend. Click Here.

NOMINATING:

Andrea of overloadstories
Aprielle of Chut Je Reve 
Regina of Regina Orozco 
Arlene of Arlene's Fashion Closet 
Gladyssia of skinny kinssy 
Jenny of Suprajen888 
Alexa of An Insight to my Insides 
Gwen of Dollified Dreams 
Gaby of Casual Indulgence
Jianine of Definitely Screaming 
Diana of Didianadi 
Coco Cami of Coco Cami 

 

HERE ARE MY QUESTION FOR YOU:

   What’s your biggest pet peeve?

 

   What’s one thing you would never ever do?

 

   What did you learn today that you'd want to tell your younger self?

 

   What’s a terrible thing that happened to you that you wish would never happen to 

   anybody else?

 

   Math or English?

 

   Curly or straight hair?

 

   Movies or books?

 

  What makes you so insecure?

 

   What’s your most embarrassing moment? (very slumbook-ish but I genuinely want to know! haha)

 

   What are the three things you can never leave your home without?

 

   What's the sweetest thing a guy had done to you? 

 

❤

Chili's

Chili's is an all-American casual diner and has always been a favorite among families and friends because of savory foods and quality service. So for my birthday, we decided to satisfy our my unquenchable appetite at Chili's.

Chili's chock-full every time considering their eminence so don't raise your eyebrows if you find yourself in the waiting line. At any rate, the staff's attentive and hospitable and all smiles you wouldn't really mind. They seem so genuinely nice that I didn't hesitate to talk to them or ask for assistance. And one thing almost impossible to miss is the fact that the waiters/waitresses and hostesses are all good-looking! That's a plus again! hahaha  Kidding aside, they offer the best service ever. T'was like every single person in their team asked me if the foods were okay, if the service was okay, if we needed anything else and blah blah blah. They also handed us a piece of paper for feedback and comments. Very nice.

 

THE FOOOODS

 

 

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE

 Special chocolate frosting blended with Vanilla Ice cream and milk

This smoothie was literally a melted ice cream. My soul cannot restrain to feel like they should transfer this from the beverages section to the desserts'. It has very thick consistency and I didn't perceive any crushed ice in it. Correct me if I'm wrong but a smoothie's a combination of crushed ice and ice cream ayt? hahaha. I absolutely slobbered on it though it wasn't really what I'd expected it to be.

  

BOTTOMLESS ICED TEA

 Their bottomless beverages are iced teas, lemonade and fountain drinks. We opted for an iced tea.

 

MANGO FRESH FRUIT MIST

For the fruit mists, you can choose among: ripe mango,watermelon, dalandan and cantaloupe. Mango always sounds great so.

tostada chips

cheese dip

SKILLET QUESO

Cheese dip with seasoned beef. Served with warm tostada chips

Yummiest cheese dip evaa! Just the perfect snack. And the best thing about this is it also came with another bag of chips that we got to take home. Cool beanssss.

Chicken Crispers

Egg roll

Buffalo Wings

 TRIPLE DIPPER

 A combo of the three favorite appetizers. generous portions of Chicken Crispers, Wings over Buffalo and Southwestern egg rolls with sauces for dipping.

Triple dipper's the sweetheart in the bunch. Obviously, this was the most belly filling and each of the appetizers were ambrosial. The chicken crispers were the best ughhh most especially when dipped to the sauce, just heavenlyy. The wings were oh so good as well but they were spicey so I had to drink every now and then. I certainly don't have strong tolerance for spices.

 

Amid the three appetizers were three different dips. (Not so sure what each one is called) Thumbs up to these dips, they made the appetizers more delicious than eva. ~drools~

 CAJUN CLUB SANDWICH 

A traditional club sandwhich with a kick, stacked high with grilled chicken, topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and mustard dressing.

The cajun club sandwhich was served in four slices and was surrounded with homestyle fries. This isn't the best-tasting club sandwhich I've tried. T'was too dry for my liking. I want my sandwhich dripping with dressing lol. and considering the chicken and bacon in it, I believe it's just rightful to spoil and pimp it with enough dressing.

BEAUTIFUL AND SUPER FRIENDLY STAFF. EXCELLENT SERVICE. DELICIOUS FOODS 

 ❤

Someone's celebrating her birthday!

So last May 15, I celebrated my 19th birthday woohoo! I have been dreading my birthdays for the last 3 years now as I really don't want my teenage years to be over. If it were only me, I want to be 16 forever! Guess I'm having some serious Peter Pan Sydrome hihi. Conversely, I look forward to it as well. Bonding with friends, family and special someone can never me paralleled.

Here's the highlights of the day.

❤ I thought Mom wasn't going to prepare foods for my birthday so I had a movie date with my boyfriend instead. We were torn between The Godzilla and The Amazing Spiderman but since both of us haven't watched Spidey yet, we gave the latter a go. Yes we were sooo late I know. We were as a matter of fact, spoiled already. It came as no surprise to us when Gwen Stacey died given all the fuzz on Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes, Internet sucks. Anyhoo, I still cried like apeman cray cray. Actually Andrew and I both cried HAHAA. Such cry babies. But is it just me or this one's a lot less action-packed than the previous spidey movies? And oh! May I just say that Dane Dehaan's such a cutie? He reminds me of some models I see in magazines with that hairstyle. Just wuv <3

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Cookie Crumble Gelato Shake

Spaghetti Al Pomodoro,

❤ We had dinner at Amici. I opted for a spaghetti and a chocolate shake. Andrew had carbonara, his all-time fave. Honestly, it took all my willpower to finish my food. The serving was so large I felt bloated and nauseous afterward. I didn't even find the spag appetizing. The shake was delightful and refreshing though.

Andrew and I on our way home ^^

 ❤ I was ruminating how I'll go straight to my room and crash on my bed when these two materialized before my eyes as I open the door. It was probably around 10 pm already when I got home so my mind really ground to a halt and I was completely staggered. They were having a little chitchat with  my mum while nibbling on the foods she prepared. I didn't even know we had foods that day! Nonetheless, my sleepiness ebbed away with this mini reunion. It's been a year since the last time the three of us bonded. Ohmygosh, I never laughed so hard in a year! They stayed for an hour and a half more before they left since twas approaching midnight albeit we did catch up on fairly a lot of things.

LOL for this pic. :DDDDDDDDDD

My super sweet bestfriend opening her gift and reading her birthday message written at the back of this paper bag lol.

 

❤ My 30 year old aunt made my day. She's developmentally challenged and just before I was about to sleep, she went to my room and hand me a twenty peso bill saying happy birthday. Isn't that sweet :")

❤ The next day, Mum and I ate at Chili's so we could celebrate my birthday alone. Chili's a fave diner among families and friends. The place was full to the brim that particular day but it was worth the wait. The food's great and the service and staff were very nice and lovely. I'd never seen a team so passionate and dedicated in delivering quality service to their customers!

❤ Before going home, we stopped by Watson's not knowing we'll leave the store empty-handed! hahaha. Two sales ladies had done a great job talking us into purchasing this derma wand, a miracle cream and a miracle soap. I've been having a TERRIBLE break out for more than 4 months now after drinking gallons of milk everyday that I've become overly conscious about my face. I believe, it's affecting my confidence already. The only reason I look decent enough on pictures is that I wear BB cream, but without it? ohmy NVM. I may be reviewing these all after some time to see if they'll yield significant results. I just hope so because dang! They're so expensive. You guys have any thoughts about these products?

Jamba Juice, Cafe Bene, Fail Mom's day gift

  I may be a little late for gift hunting for Mom's day but it's better late than never. I went out with Arma to buy presents for both Mom and Gran and to stuff our tummy silly.

We had dinner at Bon Chon first and devoured on our favorite fried chicken ever. Then head over to Bench for a quick and impulsive purchasing of gifts.

 I ended up buying a blouse for Gran and a little body spray for my Mom.

 

This floral blouse with kerubin designs easily caught my eye and right there and then a smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as it dawned on me that this would be the perfect top for my granny. It looks very regal and fancy. The fabric's silky, reminding me of the Chinese traditional clothing. I even thought of buying similar one for myself. I was a bit skeptical with the size. I really suck at choosing the right size when I pick clothes for others. I got it in medium anyway.

Unbelievably stupid of me, the top was way too small for Gran. How come I didn't know this wouldn't fit her. Sucks ass. I might have to return it soon for a replacement.

 On the other hand, Mom was pleased with this little body spray I bought for her. I myself, really wanted this as I'm in love with any green tea scent. It's just so refreshing and mild. I just hope it comes in a larger size as well. For a body spray, this is definitely small.

We haven't tried Jamba Juice yet and I don't have any idea what they offer aside from a hint of some kind of drinks. My stomach does a little hoola performance at the sight of their menu. YOGURT EVERYWHERE! Their menu's mostly fruit and yogurt smoothies, yogurt parfait, oats and some bread though they do not have wide selection of baked goods. I wanted something solid but the few pastries offered me very limited choice. I settled for a yogurt parfait.

  

 

Banana Berry Smoothie Medium

Thumbs up for this healthy drink. The yogurt, berries and bananas go along well inside my mouth. Yummy!

Chunky Stawberry Topper Yogurt Parfait, Regular

Slobbered over this delish yogurt layered with banana slices, strawberry chunks, some cereals and peanut butter.

Chillin at Jamba Juice's al fresco area.

Change location: Cafe Bene

Dolce de Leche Gelato

Caramel Banana Waffle

You know what. Cafe Bene's breads and pastries are sinful! (But I like sinful so <3 hahaha) This one's glazed with a lot of syrup and whipped cream. Wew. I'm pretty sure this waffle's a bit smaller for the price but I couldn't blame them, it was soooo sweet, like overwhelmingly sweet that you would regret desiring it larger. Be sure to have a glass of water by your side haha. The waffle on the downside, tasted quite flour-ish for my liking.

<3