Book Review: Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Let's just skip right to my summary because all the Goodreads "synopses" are not legit at all..
Liana's Summary: Macbeth, originally thane of Glamis, has been promoted to thane of Cawdor. Three witches told him a prophecy that said he would eventually become king-- this troubles him. He actually becomes king, and that is the start to his ultimate downfall.

Rate(1-10): 6.5

Book Review: Ash by Malinda Lo.

Ash by Malinda Lo.
Book Summary: Cinderella retold

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

Liana's Summary: When Ash's father dies, she is in the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her stepsisters. They treat her like a mere maid and makes her do all the dirty work. The day that Ash meets Kaisa, her heart starts to feel true love, despite that Sidhean has already claimed her.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

I have this thing for retellings. Like, it's the same but only different. It's unique and original at the same time as it was adapted. I've been meaning to read this for a long time, and i think the only reason I brought it up to the top of my TBR list is because Malinda Lo is coming in for an author visit! How exciting. Anyways, I've already read her newest novel, Adaptation, and it was really good! She's a good writer!

Ash was a Cinderella retelling, as all know, with a lesbian twist. I don't know why, but I was kind of disappointed that she had spoiled that for us that Ash was actually a lesbian. It would have been a really cool twist. 

I don't think I hated her stepmother as much because I just hate all stepmothers in Cinderella retellings, so it's just like an instinct, you know?

When I first got my hands on this book, the first thing that came across my mind was that it was smaller than I had ever anticipated. It was only 260-something pages. Despite that, it was still a pretty nice and short read that I enjoyed thoroughly. Ash is sometimes an annoying little brat (despite her being 4 years older than me) and sometimes dislikable. Just a warning for those who hate annoying protagonists..

The romance was pretty good, between Ash and Kaisa, but one part of me wishes that she had ended up with Sidhean.. I mean, he loved her and everything!

Quotes~

"I am to have a stepmother, and two stepsisters,"

And this is when everything starts

"Stop it-- don't say that!"

Why is she so annoying

"..like he was worried."

AW HE'S WORRIED

"..despite the fact that he was twenty years older than her."

Ew... reminds me of Paris and Juliet LOL EW which brings on a whole other level of speculation of how it would be like if Juliet ended up with Paris

"You have no respect for me or what I have done for you,"

What have you done for her really

"It is agony,"

Poor Sidhean it's ok we all love you -sobs-
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That's it! What do you think of this review?(:

Book Review: The Glass Swallow by Julia Golding.

The Glass Swallow by Julia Golding. 
(Companion to Dragonfly) 
Book Summary:Rain
She designs exquisite stained glass for the windows of her city. But the law is clear — it is forbidden for girls to be part of the glassmaker's guild. To keep her secret hidden, she leaves home and travels to the strange new country of Magharna.

Peri
When he witnesses Rain's capture by a gang of bandits, both his fate and his heart becomes tied to hers. They escape the outlaws, but Peri and his family of falconers are untouchables who are scorned by all, and Rain is not allowed to be part of their lives.
Can Rain and Peri's love survive the prejudices against them? And with the city on the brink of disaster will they be able to stop their world from smashing apart?

Liana's Summary: Rain Glassmaker sees an adventure as an adventure, not a dangerous endeavor to a foreign city. But, when she faces a bandit attack, it's all up to her to make the decisions-- after all, she's the only one they left alive, only due to the brave Peri Falconer. As the two slowly find romance, the city is already this close to destroyed- so will the romance last? Will Rain and Peri work well together, to find out what to do next?

Rate(1-10): 7.8

There I go, with the decimals again. I dunno, I don't really think it deserves a 7 or an 8, for that matter. It's too good to be given just a 7.5.. Well, you see my logic.

Anyways. Since I liked the first book lots, I had decided that I wanted to read the companion book. And no, I was not disappointed at all! In fact, I liked it a lot, although it wasn't as good as Dragonfly.

I'm glad that this wasn't exactly continuing Ramil and Taoshira's story, because they don't really deserve to go through any more adversity after all they've already been through, and I'm just glad to say that they lived happily ever after.

So, Rain, the protagonist, is a stubborn and adventurous character, and independent, and realistic. She's insecure sometimes and a whole chunk of defiant. She shows that, in a sexist world, women can do something that matters and that's pretty amazing. 

Peri. I got excited when he first came to be introduced to the story because I knew that he was the character that Rain was to fall in love with, or at least, meet, but knowing Julia Golding's writing style, I knew there was gonna be at least a little romance, right? Peri is a great guy. He gets angered easily, although I feel like it's sorta a version if irritated worry. He worries too much, LOL. I find that somewhat annoying and somewhat cute. His exterior is calm, however, like I said, he's always worrying for the people who he cares for. 

The romance is so cute. It's not really love at first sight and it's not too strong like I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'D DIE FOR YOU. Actually, I'm a fan of that hardcore strong romance, but Julia Golding romance is just FLIPPING TOO CUTE TO HANDLE. 

The setting is absolutely perfect, I love it.

You can tell I loved this book. 

Quotes!
Note: Quotes may not be perfectly identical to the ones in the final print version, since the version I read from was an ARC copy.


"The poor boy's in love with you--"


D'awww LOL.

"She'll have to marry one of us,"


AIN'T NO COUSIN OF YERS WANNA MARRY YAH

"Cousin, would you do me the very great honor of entering into a betrothal with me?"


SAY NO

"..but will always need a man to shield you."


HOW SEXIST. This is why I like Rain so much. She proved that sexism does nothing to stop her, or discourage her from anything she wants to do.

"I'm sorry you have to touch me,"


it's okay, when you two get married you're gonna touch each other all the time (THAT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE DIRTY OMG)


"It didn't help that he was still the most attractive Magharnan she'd met."



-giggling in a corner creepily-

"Why must you find this girl?"


Because, MOTHAAAR, of true love

"Do you trust me, Rain?"


This is so Aladdin I'm about to cry

"..and stole a kiss,"


YES YES LOL

"You are not fighting,"



It's because she's a girl innit

"Oh, don't stop. I was enjoying that."


I can't help but laugh so hard at this quote. Oh Peri, you're so q.

"Listen, sweetheart,"


AWWWWWW THEY CALL EACH OTHER SWEETHEART OMG THEY'RE TOO CUTE I CAN'T

"I think I want to kiss you again,"


Then do it

"You're wrong."


You tell him, girl!
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That's that! What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Crown of Embers by Rae Carson.

 Crown of Embers by Rae Carson.
(Fire and Thorns #2)
Book Summary: In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.

Liana's Summary: Elisa's enemies may have been put back, but only temporarily. She knows that she's in danger-- her country's in danger-- and the ones she care about are in danger as well. She can't afford to lose anyone else, after she's lost so much already. No one trusts their new queen, though, as she is a woman and only 17 years old-- except for Hector, the commander of her royal guard. But, will it develop into something more than trust? Rae Carson writes a breathtaking second novel to the Fire and Thorns series.

Rate(1-10): 9

Well, when I saw this at the library I was just like, hey! I need to read the second book of Fire and Thorns! So, despite my crazy TBR list, I picked it up and checked it out to read. Yep, the first book was just that good.

I read Girl of Fire and Thorns a few months ago, and I have to admit I forgot some of the important details. But I remembered most of it. 

One of the reasons that this book deserves such a high rating is because of the wonderful storyline, the way everything is plotted out. Despite the stereotype about the second book in a series to always be boring, this book turned out to be great. Another reason, though, is because the main character is so authentic. She has many flaws, but she still tries her hardest. She's one of the most authentic characters I've ever met, and I like that. She sets a good example for not only the people in the book, in her life, but also for her readers as well.

I stayed up last night to read, LOL. I think I'm finally speeding back up! Finished in one day. (; That's what happens when I tell myself to get away from the computer. Now I'm super pumped for book 3! For some reason, I have this feeling that it'll be the best in the series! After the semi-cliffhanger here, ugh. Definitely, book 3 will start out great, and hopefully, end great as well!

"My life has ever been yours, Elisa."




"Always."




"I am wholly and irreversibly in love with...."



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Yeah, I'll just use the excuse I use every time I have less quotes: I got overexcited and didn't bother putting much! LOL.
What did you guys think of this (shortshortshort) review? (;

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
Book Summary: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Liana's Summary: Celaena Sardothien is a dangerous assassin. She's been hired by the prince as his Champion to compete in the Test. She doesn't want to do that- so why do it? One reason: Her freedom. She has the skill to kill and run away, but she'd rather earn her freedom the right way, with no people hunting her down day and night. Just win, wait four years, and she's free- forever. Celaena is grudgingly trying to cope with everything-- meanwhile, Sarah J. Maas is brewing a pot of romance..

Rate(1-10): 9

 I've been wanting to read this book for quite some time now, and when I saw it at my school's library I just was like, ERMAHGERD and I immediately checked it out. (Even if I had this huge stack of books I needed to read) And no, I was NOT disappointed! I liked this book a lot.

Character discussions.

Celaena- The protagonist. Covergirl. She's a good one. It's been a while since I met a good protagonist. I mean, I like her, but then again, not really. She's really tough and I know she can fight for herself and fight for what's right. She's got killer fighting skills, (pun intended, ahem) and that's what I LOVE about her. But, on the other hand, she's arrogant, feisty, and pushy. Wouldn't really wanna be her friend. But yeah, really strong. She does a lot of speculation, which is kinda annoying. "I could snap his neck right now." "These idiots don't know what they're doing, giving me access to these weapons." "I could peel off his skin with my bare hands." etc, but the thing is she never takes action. It's just some crazy serial killer speculation. But I think the author did it on purpose... Wow. SJ Maas did a good job.

Nehemia- I feel bad for her. At first, I thought that I was destined to hate her, but it turns out that she's not half bad. I actually like her more than Celaena, except I got to know Celaena better. Nehemia is a great friend and the type that would never perform a betrayal (unless there's a huge turn of events.. isn't there always?)

Dorian- He's such a prince. LOL. Um, I really don't know what to think. He's a very.. princey guy. He seems pretty useless though. But he's pretty cool. He reminds me of one of my friends which is just kind of awkward. Cerian. Doraena. Celaerian. CELAERIAN. I SHIP IT

Chaol- I imagined him as an old guy. But it turns out he's not as old as I thought he would be. He's a good guy. I like Chaol.


The romance in this book is just so sad I don't want to even talk about it. Sad as in barely there and a small amount. That sad. Not sad as in Nicholas Sparks tragedy sad. Because if it were like Nicholas Sparks tragedies then I would be screaming right now. But yeah, it's the other sad. It was so weak I was like.. ugh. I expected more to happen but there were only a few kissing scenes and I was severely disappointed in this one aspect that I look for in every book. Don't get me wrong. I don't like erotica. But this just wasn't enough.

And now the title. I think it makes some sense, but it's not the most important thing in this story. I would have felt better if the title was Ardalan's Assassin, because that's what she is and she's also on the cover. Tbh, the throne of glass in this book is the throne that the friggin king seats his icy butt on. But that's it. It has nothing to do with Celaena at all. It took me a while to pull together enough details to understand the title, and I was just like, okay.. this doesn't really have anything to do with the whole story.

This story reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games-- like, a lot a lot. Like, a medieval version of THG. 

Overall, the story was fantabulous and I am far from disappointed.

Quotes!

"Turn around, and let me view your back."




The prince crossed his long legs. "Leave us,"




"The library."




"You like to read?"




"I didn't know assassins liked to read,"


Well, now you do.


"There were twenty-four of them--"


Why is it always 24.

"A wicked smile spread across her face."




"Are you that arrogant?"


Apparently.

"..picking up the skirts of her dress and blowing them behind her."






"You're not about to inform me that you wish to marry for love, are you?"


WHY NOT

"There she was."




"..she was beautiful."




"Perhaps if we had a private lesson in your chambers," he said smoothly. "Tonight."




"She sort of wanted to kiss him."




"Well, she still very much wanted to kiss him."




"A shriek of rage ripped from her throat,.."




"Do you like him?"



"No fair maiden should die alone,"




"You're beautiful."




"If you'd like to unwrap me," he said, lifting the large wicker basket onto the table, "We still have an hour until the temple service."


LOLOL I LOVE DORIAN

"I'm not interested in court ladies,"




"Still, he watched, watched until she sighed and went inside. She never bothered to look below."




"You're a girl?"




"..Celaena began laughing."




"I knew you'd win the moment I met you," he whispered, and her heart writhed as she understood what lay before them.



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The remarkable thing about Sarah J Mass is, well, she published her first draft when she was 16. I don't want to wait until I'm in my twenties to become a published author. So yeah. That's that.
What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.

 Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.
Book Summary: When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it's not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.

Liana's summary: It's now Petunia's turn to be the main character- the heroine in this last book of the Westfalin series. Years ago, Galen sealed the gate between the world of Kingdom Under Stone and their world with a silver chain. It is now breaking. The dark princes are trying to come out once again. So it's up to the princesses to defeat them once and for all. But will they fail? Or be victorious? Will everything be alright? Or will things fall into disaster? And meanwhile, will Petunia find her love?

Rate(1-10): 10

Just. Wow. For starters, I thought that this book was fabulous. I loved it!

And I have to say that JDG's covers attract me like crazy. I love her covers. Especially the covers of the Westfalin trilogy. When I first heard of this, I was like, YAY! The third book of the series! The antagonists most likely die! I'm not gonna spoil anything, just going to say that I was happy with the outcome.

It has been brought to my attention that people didn't really like this book because they had no idea it was the third in a series and they were all lost, blah, blah, blah. Well, clearly, it isn't the author's fault that they didn't know. If they didn't know they should have just stopped reading it, not give it a low rating just because.

So, I would have been really happy if Jessica Day George wrote 12 books for each princess in this series, but I guess that's too much to ask and too much to read. LOL. But still. It would have been entertaining! But then there would have been a case of why-aren't-the-antagonists-dying-yet.

I am a huge fan of Jessica Day George and I just love her books. Reading this book reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading her writing!

Out of all three girls, Rose, Poppy, and Petunia, I like Rose the best. She seems really mature and she is really responsible and strong. Poppy was alright, I liked her. But then Petunia? I liked her well enough, it's just that she didn't really seem strong but she was trying to be strong. That's all. Sort of like an insistent tomboy that says she's a boy but still acts like a girl.

Okay, so the main male role, Oliver. I just KNEW that he was going to be the lucky one. THE lucky one. That was to fall in love with the girl? Yep! I LOVE OLIVER. Like he's so fabfabfab I can't believe it. Great character, and definitely worthy to be the main male role!

This book has parts that make you double over and laugh, parts that make you want to cry, parts that cause readers to smile because of their romantic cuteness, and parts that you have to resist the urge to flip tables. Yes. Quite some twists.

And now. It is time for the quotable quotes.

"What's she doing? Simon's voice was hushed.

Oh my goodness. They're watching her pee. This is just...

"Petunia?" Oliver snorted. "Like the flower?"



Duuuuh.

Oliver just looked hurt.



Petunia turned and pushed his chest, nearly sending him onto his rump with surprise. "Run, you fool!"



"..Poppy took the arm of her bethrothed, a tall blond young man.."

Christian!

"Then she was once the lover of the first King Under Stone,"



"Poooooppppy," moaned her sister.

You can't really emphasize Poppy without making the word look like "Poopy." LOL.

"Bloody hell,"

It's Ronald Weasley time isn't it.



Petunia struck Kestilan across the face as hard as she could with the grimy silver hairbrush.

Oou, snap!

"Halfway here, Petunia saw a rosebush in full bloom and tried to pick some of the flowers."

Oh my goodness Petunia.



He leaned around, and her heart started to thump. He was going to kiss her.

Oh my god! (: Yay! It's about time.

But before he could..


------------------
And, that's it! Hope you enjoyed this review! (:

Book Review: Dragonfly by Julia Golding.

Dragonfly by Julia Golding.
Book Summary: Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal. And he's not too pleased, either. She is used to a life of discipline, ritual, and splendor. He is used to hunting and carousing. They hate each other on sight. But both of their countries are under threat from a fearsome warlord, and the only chance of peace is to form an alliance. When Tashi and Ram are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape--from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure--including a circus strongman, a daring rebel leader, a sinister master of spies, and the best female fighter they have ever seen--help them or betray them to the enemy?

Liana's Summary: Princess Taoshira is stiff, formal, and everything but her true self. But she doesn't know that. Prince Ramil is stubborn and very used to his own leisure activities. Determined to marry for love. But when the kingdoms want to ally with each other, Taoshira and Ramil find themselves in a stage in which they have to marry each other. Neither is pleased. It's true hate at first sight. However, when both of them are abducted, they realize that there may be no other way to get out than to get along with each other.. and at the end, they might even end up falling in love.

Rate(1-10): 9.5

First of all, this book was recommended to me by my friend Cindy @ In This World of Books.. and she was like, crazy over it.

So then, of course, she's right 90% of the time when she says specific books are good. Fortunately, I decided to listen to her in this recommendation! (: It was great. I loved it.

So, first of all, I thought Taoshira, the protagonist, was Japanese. But then they said she had blonde hair and I was like, nevermind. She's Blue Crescent. I guess that's a race. Anyways, she changed a LOT from the beginning to the end, for the good! At first, she was a stiff and formal princess with panda-looking makeup. She like, paints her whole face white and outlines her eyes in kohl.. It's very awkward. And then she changed. She turned into a more realistic version of herself, showing the doggedness that she probably didn't even know she had. And thank goodness she stopped painting her face.

And then, when I first got introduced to Prince Ramil, the dude assigned to marry Taoshira, I have to say I felt worse for Taoshira. Because he was a total spoiled jerk-brat. For example, she attempted acquaintance and friendship and gave him her trust by making him an origami dragonfly, her symbol. It shows that the paper is very fragile- and so is her life, and by giving it to him, it's like entrusting him, with her life. And you know what he does? Unfolds it and turns it into a squashed paper dart. And gives it to her. And makes her cry. And not only that, he takes her for horseback riding, and he rides purposely fast. Like, what a bully. However, when they are both abducted, he changed as well. For the better! I liked him a lot more after that.

They make such a cute couple like omg. So, Ramil looks a lot like Rick Riordan's Carter Kane from The Kane Chronicles. Just to give you all an image before you pick this book up. (;

Anyway, this book reminds me a lot of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and William Goldman's The Princess Bride combined. Mainly because of the adventurous adventures.

On the back of this book, it says for Ages 12+. I would totally change it to 10+. However, I the only thing that's keeping it from a 10 is the vocabulary. Otherwise, the appropriateness is so appropriate you can hardly believe it. It's not even bad. Just a few kissing scenes. Oh yeah, which reminds me:

A Note on the Romance: I LOVE the romance. It's perfect. It's not love at first sight. It's not porn. It's not so horrible that you just want to cry. It's not awkward or slow. It's PERFECT. It's hate at first sight, and then slowly getting to know each other, starting the romance. (;

Anyways, I guess it's time for quotes!

"..standing stark naked in front of her attendants.."



"And I ran for it."

Cowaaard.

"Prejudice for the strange people of the Blue Crescent ran deep in Gerfal--.."


"Sorry, Briony, lesson canceled."

What kind of prince is he. Usually, princes I know don't leave until they get their way.

"I hate you, Father."



"The message was dispatched by carrier pigeon."
Yaknoe, I've always wondered how those pigeons knew where to go.

"..her face paint retouched."

She looks like a freaking panda. Literally.

"I was only trying to tell you that you are going the wrong way. The castle's over there."
What. A. Bully!

"..relieved its bladder in a powerful, stinking jet of urine."

Oh ew.

"I will stay with the Princess!"
Yes you will.

"You think me an ignorant boor."


"Boys, sit on him."
At first, I didn't think he meant this literally. LOL.

"She's to be my wife."



"Come here."




"Call me Ram."
Ram. Seriously. Ram.

"..you disgust me."


"Ramil repressed the urge to wipe his mouth on the back of his sleeve."



"..but you are coming with me."



Using lots of Dean Winchester gifs. But he makes the BEST reactions. LOLOL.

"Ramil felt an urge to kiss her sweet, sad lips,.."



"..but I'll fight for my friends."
That is so cheesy. omg.

"I told them you would separate them from their manly pride if they squeaked so much as a word."



"I would hate to see that on you. Your skin is beautiful--the color of milk."
That's racist.

"Kissing is nice. It's fun,"

The awkwardness of this coming from a guy.

"I'm afraid I sat on it."



"..to pat Yelena condescendingly on the rump."


"May I say that your wife is a treasure?"



"I killed him."

Straight up.

"I want lots of children.."

Oh. Um. The awkwardness.
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And, that's it! What did you think of this review?(;
Yes, this is a recommendation! Everyone, go read it!