What I am reading - Even Silence Has an End

Born in Bogota and raised in France, at the age of thirty-two Ingrid Betancourt gave up a life of comfort and returned to Colombia, a country devastated by violence and corruption, to become a political leader. In 2002, while campaigning as a presidential candidate, she was abducted by the FARC, a brutal terrorist guerrilla organization. She spent sex years imprisoned in the jungle – often chained, sometimes by the neck – dreaming of escape and trying to move beyond the pain of the moment and find a place of serenity.

’For all is horror and injustice, the experience of the political prisoner held in inhuman condition has often been transformed into compelling literature: think of Solzhenitsyn of Dumas and Arthur Koestler. Now Ingrid Betancourt joins that distinguished company’ – New York Times

’An astonishing story. Betancourt was beaten, underfed, forced on epic marches and threatened with a bullet in the head at all times. Far from undermining her faith in human nature, it confirmed her belief in man’s “endless thirst for happiness”’ – Guardian

The last installment - Dragonseed

The dragon empire finally succumbed to the relentless up rises. Humans are once more free from the tyranny of powerful creatures, their fate being left in their own hands.

Finished the last of the three books finally, truly an exhilarating journey of the imagination.

As dragons and arrows met with underspace and science, a fantasy beyond my expectations unfolded with vivid details. Unexpected twists in the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, eyes affixed to the magical words, and fingers glued to the pages.

What I am reading - Dragonforge

The second installment of The Dragon Age trilogy by James Maxey.

Powerful dragons have ruled the land for an eternity. Following the events of Bitterwood, their supremacy now hangs in the balance. Although the oppressive King Albekizan is dead his attempted genocide cannot be forgotten. The humans seek vengeance and they will stop at nothing to achieve retribution, Radical prophet Ragnar leads a rebellion that seeks to overthrow the dragon leaders and reclaim the kingdom.

Though there are those that fight for justice, peace and a land where humans and dragons can live in harmony, they are fast becoming outnumbered and their ideals forgotten. When all out war erupts, legendary dragon hunter, Bitterwood, must face his own personal demons and decide where his loyalty truly lies.

Leading a simple life

To enjoy life, it is alright to indulge ourselves in little pleasures.

I have no objection in wasting an evening listening to live music in a small bar, or browsing through galleries. I have always imagined myself staying in a bohemian-styled apartment (a colonial one will be good too) in some small European town, hopping from one flea market to another, far far away from where I am now. A cottage located in the outskirts or perched high on a mountain sounds equally dreamy. Should I be staying in the city, a walk on the streets against the chilling breeze can be as delightful.

I need not the extras, I just want to experience true living.