#NEWCOMER | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

clonemommy · 29 days ago

Text

The first Look

Summary: Helena and the 13. Sky Corps meet for the first time and receive their first mission.

Words: 4.4k

Author's note: I'm kinda pleased with this - but I'll probably change some things over time. I hope I didn't mess up the logic, but I'm just so tired sooo.. I'll have a look tomorrow

The golden evening dawned gently over the endless skyline of Coruscant; the city lights cast a warm glow on the landing platform of the Jedi Temple. Plo Koon stood quietly and erectly, his hands clasped behind his back, as he looked at Helena standing opposite him. She seemed almost delicate in her light Jedi robes, but her brown-green eyes revealed the moment’s seriousness. ‘Helena, my Padawan,’ Plo Koon began in his deep, warm voice. ‘Even though you no longer bear that title, in my heart, you always will be. It’s hard for me to let you go, but I know the galaxy needs you. You’re ready.’ Helena smiled at him lovingly, her voice soft and full of respect. ’Master Plo... I owe everything I am to you. Your patience and wisdom have made me the Jedi I am today. I won’t disappoint you.’ Plo Koon inclined his head slightly, his eyes radiating warmth and care behind the mask.

‘Disappointment was never an option, Helena. I have complete faith in you. You will go your way, guided by the Force. But don't forget to take care of yourself.’ Helena smiled and nodded, her voice in a gentle, playful tone. ‘I promise you, Master, I’ll take care of myself. But only if you do the same and ensure Wolffe behaves.’ A soft laugh escaped Plo Koon’s lips. “A fair deal. I’ll make sure that Wolffe behaves. Even if that might be a bigger challenge than a fight against Grievous.” Helena laughed softly, her eyes shining with affection. ‘I’m sure you’ll manage, Master. Wolffe needs your patience more than anyone. Tell the Wolfpack that I’m thinking of them.’ A moment of silence fell, broken only by the gentle rustling of the wind. Both sensed the unspoken bond that united them and knew this farewell would stay with them for a long time.

Plo Koon placed a hand on Helena’s shoulder, his voice a quiet expression of paternal warmth. ‘May the Force be with you, Helena.’ Helena looked him firmly in the eye, her voice soft but determined. ‘May the Force be with you, Master Plo.’ She turned and walked up the ramp of the waiting transport ship, followed by two Coruscant troopers in silent watchfulness. Before she entered the ship, she stopped once more, turned around, and bowed deeply to her Master. Plo Koon bowed as deeply, his gesture full of respect and esteem. A last smile flitted across Helena’s face, her eyes shining with unspoken feelings before she entered the ship. The ramp closed with a soft hiss that broke the silence, and the ship lifted off, floating into the golden expanse of the Coruscant sky. Plo Koon remained behind, his hands still clasped behind his back. He followed the ship with his eyes as it continued to move further and further away until it finally disappeared into the distance. Quietly, almost in a whisper, he murmured, ‘May the Force be with you, my Padawan.’

Once in orbit, my gaze immediately falls on the massive cruiser waiting for me, silent and menacing like a lurking predator. The Invictus hovers motionlessly in space, its overwhelming size, yet it exudes an almost serene calm. As our ship approaches, I watch every movement from the cockpit, my eyes fixed on the bridge. As the massive hangar deck opens, we glide into the metal hall. From a distance, I can see a massive gathering of clone troops. And immediately, five familiar colour patterns caught my eye because I had already seen them in the report of the Sky Corps. In the front row are soldiers in black and grey armour. They form a wall that appears almost impenetrable, protecting and preserving what is behind it. They seem to swallow up and absorb all the light in the hanger. Behind this wall, however, four beautiful colour schemes greet me: the left block is like a meadow in late summer, and dark green armour adorns the rows of soldiers. The block beside it shows a stark contrast—ice-blue armour, as cold as the winters on Orto Plutonia. The next block is the complete opposite; the fiery red armour forms a sea of flames and boiling lava.

On the other hand, the block on the far right is completely different from the previous three. A Viollet, as seen on the kings and queens of the finest nobility, stands there in rank and file with a rare elegance. They all look stunning. The colours are unusual, even if they are not the first of their kind in the clone army. The green has a much deeper and darker radiance than the 41st Elitelegion. The blue is much harder and colder than that of the 501st. The red is much more aggressive than that of the Coruscant Guard. And the violet was much more pompous than the 187th Legion. They were fascinating and, in my eyes, beautiful. A moment of pride overcomes me, as I can now call this my troops. Not to mention that my new Commander, Shade, makes me feel it, too. I barely finished my thoughts when the ship came to a stop. The ramp opens. ‘Good luck, General.’ The pilots turn to me one more time. ‘Thank you.’ I say a brief and concise goodbye and then leave the ship. The cool air of the hangar surrounds me instantly, and my bones shake. But I will not show any weakness in front of these soldiers for the sake of mine and theirs. They deserve a leader who can prove himself and does not shiver because of cold air. The ship behind me takes off and leaves the hangar again, and at that moment, I start walking. My step was firm and determined, heading towards the wall of black-grey armour. The ground beneath my feet was firm, and with every step I took, the presence of the Hellfire Legion around me grew. The wall now seemed even more powerful and stable as it stood directly before me. At that moment, behind the troops, a door opened at the other end, and five clones emerged. The one in front, in black armour, walks ahead, hands clasped behind his back. Behind him, on the left side, is green armour; next to it, it is blue, then red, and on the right side, it is purple. All five are equipped with visors, kamas and shoulder pauldrons. In addition, their rank is marked on their chest.

Commanders, no question. Shade is, of course, at the front. As the marshal commander, he is my right hand. However, it could be challenging to teach him that. And behind him: Viper, Frost, Havoc and Hawk. They have been at Shade’s side since the beginning, fighting hand in hand on the battlefield. Each has their unique area of expertise, making them an invincible weapon. They are a team, and I certainly agree that a Jedi would only throw them off track. So that means it’s five to one. The thought makes me feel queasy. Especially when you consider that we are still running towards each other. We are getting closer and closer until we finally... stop. Standing in the middle of the hanagar, we face each other for the first time. Their presence is overwhelming, their posture full of discipline and power. They are a good head taller than I am, and their helmets look down on me. You would think the helmets would protect a shooter from the looks thrown at you, but the helmets alone look at least as threatening—especially the helmet right in front of my eyes.

He was the centre of this place, the darkness in this sea of colours. His armour seemed to absorb even more of the light in the hangar. It was black, almost like the night itself, with a presence that seemed to suffocate even the room. Everything around him was suddenly a bit darker as if his presence had plunged the entire hangar into shadow. His posture was perfect, as straight as a die—an image of severity and discipline.

Then, suddenly, a sharp order broke the silence: ‘Attention!’ In a single, fluid movement, the rows of clones began to form. They were now standing even more attentively. Any order given could set them in motion. Shade is aware of this and has no problem demonstrating it.

‘General,‘ he said with an undertone that almost sounded like a challenge.

‘Commander,’ I replied calmly, without hesitation. It wasn’t a reaction to his tone but an observation of my attitude. His games would not influence me.

Shade seemed to pause for a moment as if testing the waters. But instead of intimidating me, it only strengthened my resolve. I was here to lead and would do so no matter what he tried.

‘General,’ he began in a rough voice that lacked all politeness, ’I assume you’ve already rehearsed your speeches. Spare me the speech.’

His words did not come as a surprise, but their sharpness was impressive nonetheless. I raised my chin slightly to answer him directly: ‘I’m not here to make speeches, Commander. I’m here to ensure that our missions are successful.’

Shade didn't move a muscle. Instead, he lowered his arms only to fold his hands behind his back. ‘Missions, yes. And how many battles have you watched from the bridge of a Jedi cruiser? Or better yet – how many times have you given orders that have cost us our lives?’

I held his gaze, or rather, the blank expression of his helmet. His provocation was challenging, but I didn’t let it rattle me. ‘As many times as it took to win. And how many times did you disobey orders because you thought you knew better?’

His posture stiffened for a moment before he growled softly – a sound almost lost in the hum of the machines in the hangar. ‘Better judgement is the reason my Corps still exists. I take orders that make sense, General. Not because they come from someone swinging a lightsaber.’

The contempt in his voice was unmistakable. I took a step closer and stood directly in front of him. ‘And I suppose that’s because you believe no one could understand what you’ve been through? That only you know what’s right for the men under your command?’

Shade laughed briefly, a bitter, rasping sound. ‘Understand? You, General? You have no idea what it’s like to lose men every damn day because someone in a Jedi Council seat decided that a planet was worth more than we are.’

His words were heavy and charged the room with an almost tangible tension. Nevertheless, I held my ground against his onslaught. ‘You are not the only one who knows loss, Commander. But I am here to make sure that there are fewer of them. Whether you believe it or not.’

He stared at me for a moment, motionless like a statue, before gesturing to his men almost casually. ‘We’ll see. I don’t need promises. I need results.’

Shade turned slightly to the side and nodded at Viper. The Commander in the deep green armour took a confident step forward. His armour glowed like the skin of a snake. Only now have I noticed the matching snake pattern. Scale over scale covered the armour and made him look like he was wearing a snake’s skin as armour. In keeping with this, two large fangs were drawn on the visor of his helmet. Every step he took made the tense atmosphere even more intense.

‘CC-8965, Commander Viper,’ he introduced himself, his voice sharp and concise like a knife blade.

‘The Fang Legion is specially designed for fast and deadly attacks. We are like a shadow in the jungle; when we strike, the enemy dies before realising what happened. We prefer small, highly mobile units that leave no trace.’

I was visibly impressed and let it show: ‘It’s amazing how well these men fit into the Legion in terms of their movements and charisma. It’s hard to imagine how well they fight under your leadership.’

Viper barely flinched, but I could see a hint of pride in his stance as he replied, ‘That’s the plan. Only the best come through with us.

‘The Fang Legion is impressive, but why a snake? What inspired you to choose that motif?’

Before Viper could answer, Havoc, who was standing behind him, mockingly shouted, ‘Because he’s just as venomous as a snake.’ Frost, behind him, added, ‘And just as devious.’

I was surprised by the teasing. On the other hand, Shade seemed less so, as he didn’t want to comment on it. I could hear Viper growl softly before he finally fell into line.

Shade nodded slightly and turned his attention to Frost. The Commander in the ice-blue armour stepped forward, his movements calmer but equally controlled. Here, too, I noticed new details. The pattern of ice shards spread over his armour, almost like a frozen sheet of ice.

‘CC-6347, Commander Frost. The Frostbite Legion requires patience,’ Frost began in his calm, almost monotone voice. ’Our tactic is to wear down the enemy step by step. We favour the long-term attack, in which we weaken the enemy as much as possible until he finally gives in. Our strategy is based on control and precision, not brute Force.’

I listened carefully and looked at the Frostbite Legion. Their armour was also decorated with ice-blue markings that impressed me. ‘I imagine you are very effective in this form,’ I finally said, without taking my eyes off Frost. Frost just nodded and said nothing more.

Then Shade turned his attention to Havoc, who was moving forward slowly. His fiery red armour looked even more imposing up close. The flames on it depicted him as a wildfire. Havoc radiated a hardness shaped not only by training but also by survival.

‘CC-8080, Commander Havoc,’ he introduced himself, his voice deep and powerful. ’The Inferno Legion specialises in operations in the worst possible scenarios. We go where no one else wants to go – and we come out again, no matter what it costs. When you need us, General, you can be sure there’s no other way.’

His words carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. Havocs tone was a mixture of challenge and respect. Finally, he stepped back, folded his arms, and held his ground with the calmness of a man accustomed to difficult situations.

Last to step forward was Hawk. His violet armour is as beautiful as the finest garment, and his movements as smooth as those of a monarch who never bows his head.

‘CC-9142, Commander Hawk,’ he began, his voice calm but not rude. ’I lead the Hawks Talon Legion. We are flexible,’ Hawk explained calmly. ’We adapt to whatever is necessary. A fixed plan should not limit our strategy. We rely on quick reactions and precise attacks tailored to the circumstances. Our strength lies in our adaptability.’

‘I see,’ I said, looking at the Legion. “Your adaptability is remarkable. And I imagine it gives you an advantage.’

‘It is our philosophy,” Hawk replied with a slight nod. ’That is all.’

With that, he, too, stepped back into line, his posture as controlled as before.

Shade allowed a moment of silence to pass before speaking again. ‘These are your men, General. They are the backbone of this Corps, and each of them leads their troops with a precision and discipline that you won’t find anywhere else.’

His gaze wandered over the Commanders before returning to me. "Don’t forget: only success counts here. Every mistake you make reflects on us. And I won’t allow anyone – not even a Jedi – to weaken this Corps.’

It was a blunt and direct warning, and it was clear that Shade had no patience for weakness or carelessness. I took his words with stoic calm and nodded slightly.

‘I expect nothing less than excellence, Commander,’ I replied, my voice calm but firm. “And I will do my part to ensure we achieve every success together. I am here to fight – and lead.’

Shade studied me for a moment before grunting a short, disparaging grunt. ” We’ll see.’

A brief moment of silence fell until Shade finally commanded, ‘Hellfire Legion, attention!’ In the next second, Viper, Frost, Havoc, and Hawk fell into step with me, giving way to the Hellfire Legion troopers of Shade’s Legion, who marched up and stopped immediately before us.

The Hellfire Legion clones were unmistakable – their dark, battle-scarred armour and grey accents made them look like a unit straight out of a nightmare. They stood still, with a discipline that bordered on ruthlessness.

Shade turned to me as he began: ‘This, General, is the Hellfire Legion – my unit. They are not just part of the 13th Sky Corps but the core of our operations. Their reputation precedes them. And yes, they have earned it.’

He paced in front of the formation. ‘These men are the best and most brutal that the Republic has to offer. They carry out what others dare not even plan. If there is a nightmare for the enemy, these men are at the forefront of it.’

‘Everyone in this legion knows that mistakes will not be tolerated,’ Shade continued, his voice darker and more menacing. “And everyone here is willing to die for the success of the mission. Because success is all that matters.’

I raised an eyebrow. ”Results matter, Commander, I’m not disputing that. But a good leader knows how to preserve resources – including soldiers – for long-term success.’

‘Resources?’ He repeated, and the distortion caused by the helmet lent a dangerous undertone to his voice. “You call them resources? Interesting. I wouldn’t have thought that you were so pragmatic.’

‘I call them resources because that’s what they are, Commander,” I replied, keeping my voice firm. ’But I also respect them as people – something I’m not sure you do.’

There was a moment of silence, the other Commanders standing motionless like statues, but I sensed their tense attention. Shade’s posture stiffened a little. ‘Respect will not win us victories, General. Tactics, determination and sacrifice will.’

‘That may be, Commander,’ I said, my voice a little cooler now. “But respect makes the men under your command follow you because they want to, not because they have to. That’s the difference between a soldier and a weapon.’

He tilted his head slightly, a barely noticeable movement. ”An interesting perspective, General. I’m curious how you plan to prove this theory in practice.’

‘And I am curious, Commander,’ I replied, ’how much better this Legion can be when we combine your tactics and my leadership.’

The tension in the air was palpable, but Shade finally took a step back as if he wanted to end the conversation for now. The Commanders behind him remained silent, but I couldn’t shake the impression that they had registered every word – and that this duel of words had more effect than they were willing to admit. I decide to end the discussion.

‘I see men who are willing to give their all. That’s good – because that’s exactly what I expect. I will not fail, and I will ensure that we win every battle ahead of us together. There is no other option.’

And then he took off his helmet. A face like millions of others in this army. Short brown hair, visibly shorter on the sides than regulated, brown eyes, a warm skin colour. A scar adorned his lower lip, curved into a slight, slightly mocking smile. ‘Good,’ he said curtly. ‘Then prepare yourself, General. War waits for no man.’ He saluted. The commanders saluted. The entire hangar saluted. And so did I. My men. My 13th Sky Corps.

A brief moment of silence fell, our words echoing in the cool air of the hangar. Then he turned around and shouted with sharp authority, ’ Legion, prepare!’

The clones moved as one single organism. Black, green, blue, red and violet rows broke ranks, marched with flawless precision to predetermined positions and disappeared into the corridors leading deeper into the cruiser. Shade stopped briefly, then turned back to me.

‘Follow me, General. It’s time you saw what the Hellfire Legion is all about.’

Without waiting for an answer, he started walking. I didn’t hesitate and followed him, my thoughts clear and focused. The confrontation was over, but I knew this was just the beginning. The real challenge lay in the battles ahead of us and the balance between Shade’s ruthless leadership and the ideals I embodied as a Jedi.

As we walked the metallic corridors of the Invictus, I felt the weight of the eyes that followed us. The Hellfire Legion soldiers watched me with curiosity and scepticism, their movements precise and their faces hidden under their helmets. But there was an almost tangible loyalty in their attitudes – not to me, but to Shade.

I was determined not to undermine this loyalty but to use it for the common cause. Because no matter how cold Shade was, no one could deny that his Legion was one of the most efficient and deadly forces the Republic had to offer. And I would learn to work with them.

Shade has already received our first mission that we would lead as a unit. The bridge of the Invictus was quiet, almost eerie, as I looked at the assembled clones before me. Shade stood with his usual posture, almost like a statue, while his eyes moved across the holography. The commanders were standing around us—Frost, Viper, and the remaining leaders of the 13th Sky Corps—all ready to play their part. The room was filled with tension that hung heavily in the air.

I took a step forward, closer to the display showing the planetary coordinates of Vahora III. The map showed a dense, rugged jungle landscape stretching to the coast. The enemy station was nestled between the mountains and the coastal belt. I pointed to the relevant places. ‘The station is located near the coast, protected by several outposts. We must take them out quickly without getting involved in a protracted conflict. Our task is to destroy the communications infrastructure and isolate the enemy.’

I let my words hang in the room while everyone listened intently. Shade nodded, almost like a mechanical automaton, his eyes fixed on the map. ‘The Hellfire Legion will lead the attack on the coastal town,’ he said with his usual coldness, ‘We eliminate the outposts and secure the station. No consideration for collateral damage. Fast, precise, brutal.’

It was his way of saying things. Without mercy, without room for doubt. And yet I knew that his cold-bloodedness was a strength. In such moments, when life-and-death decisions had to be made, only success counted. Everything else was secondary.

I turned to Frost. The man was always calm, almost imperturbable.

‘I will secure the mountain passes in the north with the Frostbite Legion. Should enemy reinforcements try to cross the mountain pass, we will intercept them. No one will escape from there. The road must remain clear for the Legion.’

His voice was calm, almost monotonous, but it had an unwavering determination. Frost was a clone you could always rely on—there was no doubt about his ability to do what was necessary.

Viper stepped forward, his voice sharp and focused. ‘The Viper’s Fang will neutralise the air defences in the east. Once air superiority is secured, we can effectively launch the ground assault with the support of air troops.’

His plan was simple and effective: neutralise, secure, and advance. It was the only way to survive in a war like this without being stopped by the separatists’ air force.

Shade, always the strategist who had everything in view, spoke again. ’The rest will stay on the Invictus. We’ll secure space and support the attack from above. We’ll be in a good position if we need to retreat.’

His words echoed in my ears as I imagined the scale of the operation. The plan was sophisticated, precise, a machine-like sequence in which nothing was left to chance. But something in me – something I couldn’t always put my finger on – wondered if we were prepared to pay the price.

‘What about the Shinies?‘ I asked, my voice a little sharper than I had intended. Shade seemed to have expected the question.

‘Staying on the Invictus,’ he replied coolly. ‘They’re not ready to prove themselves in this chaos. We can use them as a reserve in case we encounter something unforeseen. They're not part of this advance.’

I nodded, a little disappointed, but I knew it was the right decision. The Shinies weren’t ready yet. They were fresh and inexperienced, and this mission was not the moment for a first test. In my heart, I hoped they wouldn’t stay in the shadows for too long. Every clone deserved to prove himself. But not today.

‘Once we’ve neutralised the station, we’ll retreat to fend off reinforcements. But we have to be quick. No delays.’

I knew that the pace of the mission would be crucial. Every moment we waste puts us in greater danger. If we hesitated too long, the enemy could gain the upper hand, and this planet could turn against us.

‘Exactly,’ Shade added, his voice as firm as steel. ’We only have a small window. We eliminate the target and secure the retreat. No compromises.’

I took a last look at the display. The coordinates, enemy movements, and everything formed a clear picture. The destruction of Vahora III was not only a matter of annihilation but also of efficiency and rapid retreat.

‘It will be fast and brutal,’ I said, my eyes fixed firmly on the clones, who were now all taking their places. ‘Everyone knows what to do. May the Force be with us.’

And with that, the plan was set. The attack would begin. I could feel the tension in the air, the unmistakable knowledge that, at this moment, we were all not only warriors but also parts of a precisely coordinated mechanism. There was no choice, only the urge to move forward. Soon, Vahora III would be engulfed in fire and destruction. And only the unstoppable brutality of the 13th Sky Corps could ensure that the plan was carried out.

‘Now,’ I said. ’Execute the mission.’

#clone trooper #clone troopers #clone wars #clones #star wars the clone wars #the clone wars #commander shade #jedi general helena #fanfiction #newcomer #13. Sky Corps #hellfire legion #grumpyxsunshine #the invictus #commander viper #commander frost #commander havoc #commander hawk

6 notes · View notes

casketfortwo · 13 days ago

Text

Curing my reading slump, reviewing book that I read.

(January 2025 Edition)

If you knew me, you know that I've been on a reading slump last year. A very bad one that I don't even remember when the last time I read physical book (maybe that's the whole point; I can only finish physical book and I can't focus reading digitally from my phone).

So this year, one of my goal is to read at least one book every month. I bought several books in January alone, hoping I could read all of it before the semester end.

MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILER!

#1 Newcomer (Keigo Higashino)

I've bought this book at the end of December, then got it by the start of January. I think at the time, I was still reading A Brilliant Madness by Robert M. Drake and I did finished it too (but its been there from last year, so I won't really review it).

First read, my introduction to Keigo Higashino's work and its ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. It's a good start to my journey of curing my reading slump and I'm looooving it.

So, Newcomer talked about the murder mystery of a single-divorced-lady who move to this area called Nihonbashi. The lady is a very kind and generous lady, no one ever thought that anyone could have some kind of motive to kill her—she's like a saint, a very friendly lady. The first one to find her body is her best friend. They're both a translator of some sort. It's shocking because she's new there and like no one knows why she moved to Nihonbashi.

The detective that leads the case is an older man named Uesugi and his assistant detective is the newly-transferred detective to that area named Kaga. It's very interesting because Kaga is a detailed person who got a good interpersonal communication with people. He is a brilliant detective, he pay attention to small details that everyone ignore, for example; a Ningyoyaki (a sweet Japanese dessert) with wasabi in it. A wasabi in a dessert. Who would've thought its actually connected to the murder, eh?

I think this book is a little boring at first (maybe that's why it took me long to finish), but if you give it a chance, it won't be long to suddenly get hooked to it. It's like we're also connecting the dots, you know. Detective Kaga really walked around Nihonbashi and not only solving the case but also resolving problems for his suspects (yes, he resolve it). For all I know, his principle is that even if you caught the culprit, doesn't mean that people won't be doing the same thing. So, for the sake of it, he kindly guide everyone he interviewed to see the light in a different way. For example; resolving a family problem when a man is stressed out because his wife is always fighting with his mother—her mother-in-law. He also unearths the mistaken identity and the victim's reason to move to Nihonbashi. He really understand people and knows when to be open and when to deceive them.

I remember one quote from the book that goes something like; everybody who got saddened and burdened by the case is also the victim and he needed to help the victims. That's what we called wholesomeness in a mystery book with murder in it.

For my first book in January, this book really gave that twists and goosebumps that I needed. Every aspects from the wording, world building, character development, and especially the twist are mesmerizing. I never really expect us, as the reader, to delves deep, not just into the case, but also into everyone's problems. And somehow Kaga manage to resolve everything. His method is not like our fav sociopath, Sherlock Holmes. He is kinder, more gentle, and more human. I love it.

There's no bad words for this except boring at first. I really give this book a 4.5/5 ⭐. Recommended. You should read it at least once in your life. Turn out, I do enjoy reading mystery, YA, dark academia, slice of life, fantasy, and scifi.

#2 Once Upon a Broken Heart (Stephanie Garber)

Holy mother. I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DO THIS REVIEW. I felt very empty now, I needed another two books. Is this what they meant by broken-heart?

God, this book got me hooked since the first read. The way Stephanie build the world and how it looked, it was mesmerizing. I think even if I tried to imagine how the world or the building around look like, I can't do that. Not because she didn't word it well, but because it was too pretty to do so. Like everything I imagine didn't even come close to the way it supposed to look.

Also, you're right. The translated one is a little stiff, but I think my Indonesian brain understand it more (maybe I just needed it in a form of physical book even for the non-translated one). I love how Evangeline's doubt also make me doubt my own judgement for some reason. In a way, I wanted to knock Evangeline's head just so she can be reasonable, in other hand, I can understand why she think and do what she did. Love is blind, yeah? Love makes us do stupid things. Love can make us risks everything. But we'll do anything for love, won't we? I will. I will make even the worse decision for love. Like I already did (I didn't regret loving you).

While reading it, I found many interesting things and good quotes. Like Evangeline's mother who said; all stories are made of both truths and lies, (her mother used to say), what matters is the way that we believe in them.

I think she's right. And I think its not just about stories. Everything is made of both truths and lies. Anything that anyone said, even if its a lie or a joke, there's truth in there. Vice versa.

When I get into the first half of the book, I get many goosebumps. I tried to annotate the book and orange means damn. God, they're dumb. Not just Evangeline, but also Jacks. We all know he put his interest in Eva, hello? Then again, we get into Apollo. I CRIED WHEN EVA CRIED. I think my heart shattered imagining how that simp, that hopeless romantic, somehow almost get his life taken away. His eyes, his beautiful eyes showing how broken hearted he is and I cannot help but also feel it. I'm immersed and that's a good thing.

All expectations met when I read it. Especially because the person I dear most recommend it to me, I have a rather high expectations. But the ending tho. The ending leave me questioned myself AND I can't help but zoned out when I finished it. Again, I felt empty. I understand why you needed the second book immediately when you finished the first one. God, I hope I have the second and third book.

Overall, I love the world-building here. For me, the character developments, the explanation of what everyone did is so well written. Even if there's too many questions in everyone mind, I still love it nonetheless. The only minus here is THE ENDING. WHAT DO YOU MEAN I NEED TO IMMEDIATELY BUY THE SECOND BOOK? (It's actually a good marketing, I just desperately needed more.)

I gave this book a 5/5 ⭐. YES. A PERFECT 5/5. NO QUESTION ASKED. PERIOD.

#3 The Tea Dragon Society (Kay O'Neill)

I remember when my dearest one read this book. I think I still have their excitement and somehow adoration towards this one graphic novel. I think I've read it before as well, but rereading it is fine, right?

I think it's still a good book. It's heartwarming in the middle of heavy rain (it's currently raining when I read and write this). I finished OUABH this morning and I needed more things to read. Actually I was reading Animal Farm, but I guess its a little too heavy, so I ended up reading The Tea Dragon Society.

I didn't really think much of it. It's as simple as a girl finding a dragon tea. It's cute, it's pretty. I love every character in it, especially Greta and Minnette. Somehow reminding me of my dearest one (that I hope is doing well even if we're not talking anymore). It's not sad, it's warm, but somehow I cried. I guess I just missed the past, maybe the flashback gets to me.

Overall, it's a decent heartwarming graphic novel. Tho short and still got more series, I give it a 4/5 ⭐. I love the warmth. It's healing.

#4 Anya's Ghost (Vera Brosgol)

Again with my dearest recommendations of a graphic novel. I remember it still. I think at the time I read it, but not much, just glimpse of it.

Now I've read it and it's a good graphic novel with a good story as well. The way Anya tried so hard to be the typical American teenager who got a little crush on a jock somehow makes me think; did I also tried too hard to be seen by you?

The story is a little bit rushed that I can't feel the angst in it. I'm not really immersed to it, I think we can get to know more of Anya's relationship with her bestfriend while Emily wandering around trying to get some info. Maybe the library scene could explain more about the relationship between Anya and Dima too. It could be better (tho the art, the drawing is really neat, it captured the emotion of their characters).

Overall, for me, Anya succeed in becoming the typical YA novel girlie who got her character development out of a supernatural phenomenon that she experienced. I give it a 3.5/5 ⭐. I like it still.

#5 Animal Farm (George Orwell)

Tho George Orwell have his own political view, writing this book as an opposition and sarcasm for communism especially Stalin regime, I don't think it has a good plot in it. (I'm really glad that they put on a little explanation at the end, deceived as a preface that just been found)

I do see the sarcasm, but I can imagine anything about the pigs and how they suddenly talk? Read? Walk with two legs? Suddenly become friends with human when they're working? Then having a fight with human again?

I get it, George Orwell used pigs as a sarcasm, saying something like 'communism and dictators are pigs'. I get that. I think we needed more understanding of the pigs, not only every other animal. I thought we'll get it, like what the pigs are actually doing or why are they suddenly walks on two legs or anything, really. But no. (And maybe that's the point, but its just too rushed for me)

Maybe its just not my cup of tea. Honestly, I give it a 2.5/5 ⭐ but 3 is also decent since the criticism is actually really good.

#6 Funiculi Funicula (Toshikazu Kawaguchi)

I'm rereading it because I needed those heartwarming stuffs and not so much thinking. For some reason, I get back to this book that my dearest bought me; Funiculi Funicula. I think they bought me this because I really want it but never have the chance to buy it myself and I cannot thanked them enough. It's comforting.

Funiculi Funicula talked about a cafe and its worker who somehow can make you go either to the past or to the future by following some specific rules. They said, if you want to do that, you need to sit on this one specific seat and drink the coffee made by the barista while thinking about the date in great details. Then, you need to do whatever you need before the coffee gets cold.

I think this is one of my comfort books. It's easy to understand and everyone comforts each other well. For me, the pace is nice. Eventho the ending is a little meh, their character development goes on well. No need many words to describe it. I recommend it very much.

Gave it a 4/5 ⭐!

#7 Violeta (Isabel Allende)

It's a history fiction about a girl named Violeta who lived for a hundred-years. It's very... Wow. Mostly all of it is about the pandemic and Violeta's life in a great details. From how her father's died, almost getting raped, having someone proposed before the age of twenty, people's death, and basically Violeta's way to survived with everyone around her. It's a story from 1920-2020, written like a letter for Violeta's grandson.

The main character is Violeta del Valle who was born in 1920, the only girl who born after five sons a.k.a the princess. At her young age, her parents really spoiled her, until her dad had enough and paid Miss Josephine Taylor to be her governess (one from English, Violeta is Spanish). She succeed, obviously. Violeta really goes on great details about her life and the scandals that goes on her family. She went from wealthy to poverty and how her family cope with it.

Overall, it's an intense story. Violeta's bond with people around her are explained in a great detail that it's almost a little boring, honestly. Like if you skip one or two pages, you won't really see the difference. But it's still great.

I gave it a 3.5/5 ⭐. Maybe hisfic is not my cup of tea, but women is (I like Miss Taylor and the way she teaches people).

All and all, I'm pretty satisfied with January's reading. My goal is to read 20 books this year with an hour of read everyday to cure my reading slump. I hope I'll get more fun next month and the month after!

#book review #reading slump #journey #january #once upon a broken heart #ouabh #animal farm #tea dragon society #anya's ghost #newcomer #funiculi funicula #violeta #booklr

2 notes · View notes