Comic Books

Today I was waiting for an appointment at the dentist and I was looking at an Entertainment magazine that had an inside look at Comic Con, which I totally wanted to go to with my sister. Anyways while reading the magazine I came upon the picture you see below and I got the brilliant idea to do a post on comic books; more accurately the movies and t.v. series made from these comic books.

While I have never actually read a comic book before, except an educational one for school which I do not count, I love watching Thor, Captain America, Arrow on the CW, the X-Men movies, the Wolverine movies, the Iron Man movies, and so many other comic book inspired movies.

The X-Men Movies:

The X-Men comic books first came out in 1963 and it is a comic book of Marvel. There are currently two versions of the X-Men out in movies, one where the heros and villains of X-Men are younger and the other when they are older. I personally really love X-Men: First Class, the version where they are younger. What can I say, I'm a sucker for Micheal Fassbender and the bro-mance between Magneto and Professor X.

Captain America:

The first Captain America comic book came out in 1941 and these comic books are part of Marvel as well. Captain America is considered the first Avenger and I loved the movie. I have seen the movie about 12 times and I still get anticipation every time I see it. I love the Peggy in the movie because she is such a strong character and doesn't need a man to defend her. Plus Chris Evans is nice to look at, I always go into fangirl mode after he gets the injections and comes out all superhero like.

Arrow:

Arrow is a series on the CW based on the comic books. I absolutely love this series since they started announcing it. The story line is so dramatic and it keeps you in suspense because the writers don't tell you what happened to Oliver on the island all at once but only give you small snippets. Plus there's so much betrayal and lies that I can't wait for the second season to come out.

Don't forget to enter the contest under the comments tab and coming this Tuesday is Classical Tuesday!

Book TV

From one of my past posts you know that books inspire movies but books also inspire shows. Here are some my favorite shows that books have inspired:

(The Vampire Diaries on the CW)

Reasons why I watch the TV show while I already read the books:

1) Stefan!! He is GORGEOUS!! I mean have you seen Paul Wesley?!

2) Klaus!! He is GORGEOUS as well!!!

3) Even though I read the books I'm still surprised by what goes on

4) As my sister and best friend would argue Ian Somerhalder. He's okay but he's just not Stefan

5) I love the romance and drama that goes on in this series

(The Secret Circle on the CW)

Although I didn't read the series my friend, who had read it, told me it was really good, so I decided to see the show. At the beginning I really liked it and kept up with it but as school came into the picture along with all my other shows, such as Suits and Covert Affairs, I just couldn't keep up with the show. Eventually I feel so far behind that the season had ended and I had only watched about 5 episodes. The show got cancelled and I didn't even finish the first series; however, I would like to see it fully one day.

(Grimm on NBC)

Grimm as you can tell my the series name is based on the Grimms' fairy tales. I love this series because it's a new take on the fairy tales that we thought we knew. I also love the graphics that they use for these fairy tale creatures. Plus add action, romance, secrets, lies, betrayal, and I'm a sucker for this show. Plus Nick isn't that bad looking either (hint he's the one holding the axe).

BIDRWTRBRTAALT

I'm pretty sure you're all wondering what all those random letter are and if I've gone crazy. So, after all the anticipation I'll tell you what all those random letters as the title of the post mean because I know you were dying to know. All those random letters are an acronym that I made up and it stands for Books I Didn't Really Want To Read But Read Them Anyways And Loved Them.

1) To start off I'll admit to not wanting to read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. It was a school book and my school usually chooses really religious books, to give an example Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean. It's not that I have anything against religious books it's just that they aren't what I usually read which is YA fiction books. When I first started reading this book I wasn't really impressed but it wasn't until about the 100th or 150th page that the book started to become really interesting. It, like Poison Princess by Kresley Cole had a switching time story line. Also the book is told in Emilio's perspective and I absolutely couldn't wait to find out what his secret was. After a while the story wasn't necessarily about religion and the author's opinion about God. The author actually came to our school and we were able to ask her questions and I really enjoyed her company, she is a very spunky lady and she was very sweet. In all I ended up loving the book and it was actually the first book that made me cry, even thinking about the ending now gets me teary eyed. The story is so unbelievable sad, tender, hopeful, and amazing that I couldn't believe I didn't want to read it in the beginning.

2) I remember when I finished reading Misguided Angel, the fifth book in the series, I couldn't wait for Lost in Time to come out but when it did I didn't get it right away, since I had a hold on it in the library. Then when I finally was able to get it sent to my local library, I didn't pick it up in time and so I didn't read it. Then about a year after the book came out I still hadn't read it and I didn't really want to read it because I had forgotten the specifics of the books. Finally, I just decided to read it one day and as I was reading the book, the specific details of Misguided Angel started coming back to me and I fell in love with the characters and story line all over again. By the time I was finished with the book I couldn't believe I hadn't wanted to read it and then I couldn't wait for the last book in the series to come out. Now the next book in the series has come out and I have yet to read it, so it might turn out like Lost in Time if I don't read it soon.

3) And recently added to this list is Poison Princess, if you've seen my last post you'll know how much I put it off and how much I'm in love with the book, but for those who haven't seen it I'll recap. I had borrowed this book from my local library three times and I kept putting it off, sort of like Lost in Time. Finally, about three or four days ago Figment.com offered the book for free so I decided to read it. Now I'm completely in love with the book, the characters (especially Jackson whom I called dibs on), and I can't wait until October 1st which is when the next book comes out. I guess I didn't really want to read this book because I always had other books that I wanted to read more; however, in a way I'm glad I didn't read it until now because now I have to wait less for the next book to come out than if I had read it when it first came out.

What about you? Are there any books you didn't really want to read but read them anyways and loved them? Leave a response/comment under the new 'Comments' tab!

Poison Princess

Sorry for not being able to post for the past couple of days but it has just been a couple of hectic, painful, and crazy days. It all started with an emergency trip to the dentist in which I learned that I need to have a root canal (insert sarcastic yay) which then turned into me eating almost all the ice cream in the house and ended with me having to do summer homework that was due and that I had yet to start. Anyways, I didn't just post this so you could hear about my horrid day. On to the actual book reviewing post:

I had borrowed Poison Princess from my local library, I would say a total of three times and I had yet to read it until now, that Figment.com offered a free read and I thought why not? Whenever I got the book from my local library I just had other books that I wanted to read more so I just never read it; although from the description it looked like a book I would really enjoy. Now that I finished reading it, however, all I have to say is “Is it October first yet? And if it isn't will it be here soon? God I can't believe I hadn't read this book sooner. I loved it. It had action, romance, jealousy, self-discovery, betrayal, and everything else you could want in a book. I have got to say that Poison Princess has an official spot in my top ten book list maybe even top five.”

Description Provided By Goodreads: Evangeline “Evie” Greene, 16, leads a charmed life until her horrifying hallucinations predict a disaster that decimates her Louisiana hometown. She joins classmate Jack - with his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, bad attitude - and 22 other teens, as an ancient prophesy re-enacts the ultimate battle between good and evil. But who is on which side?

(First, lets start with the cover. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover but look at it, it just begs someone to read the book. Anyways onto the reviewing portion of the post.)

Characters: Jackson, Jack, is gorgeous, rebellious, brooding, protective, and, gahhh, amazingly hot and everything perfect. I'm probably making no sense at all but I just loved his character, I called dibs and yes he's mine and I guess Evies. I'm willing to share (lol). He's first depicted as the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks but as the story progresses we see Jackson in a new light. Kresley Cole makes the audience forget that Jackson is from "the wrong side of the tracks" and instead makes the audience fall in love with his character right along with Evie. He's protective of those he loves and cares about and if you get a chance to read the book you'll  look forward to those moments of tenderness when his walls break down and he reveals what's going on inside that perceptive and gorgeous head of his.

The other character I loved was Evie. I loved Evie's character because she transformed, literally and figuratively, though out the book. She went from a helpless "little doll", as Jackson calls her, to the awesome kickass Empress she was meant to be, as she put it, "the little doll's got teeth. I always love a strong heroine character in books, it makes the story more interesting and it makes girls look less hopeless, and Evie did not disappoint in this book.

Story line: The story line was amazing because it was different from all other books I have read. It starts out in the present and Evie talks about her past and the events leading up to the apocalypse and the days after, that led her to Arthur's house. With this type of story line it constantly makes you wonder, at least for me, what happened to the rest of her companions since in the present she is all by herself telling her story to Arthur? I also loved the story line because while it did switch time perspectives it didn't do it for every chapter which made the story flow better and it made it more understandable. 

Overall: I absolutely love this book and the characters in it. I can't wait for the next book to come out in October 1st. 

Rating: I would give this book a 10, I would go higher but I  don't want to mess with the 0-10 scale.

About the Author:

Kresley COle is the #1 New York Time and Publisher Weekly bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Her IAD books have been translated into seventeen foreign languages, garnered two RITA awards, and consistently appear on bestseller lists in the United States and abroad. Poison Princess is her first young adult novel. She invites you to visit her at thearcanachronicles.com and kresleycole.com

Also: since I didn't post in a while look forward to a surprise under the contact me tab coming really soon (later on in the day).

Books That Inspire

Inspiration can come from anywhere be it a person, a place, or a book. Which is why I've decided to do a post on books that have inspired things and moments in my life.

Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep- While I would love to have a snowflake necklace inspired by the one Logan gave to Gwen sadly I don't.  However what I do have is Gwen and Vic inspired painted nails (as seen on the left). My nails are a violet purplish color inspired by Gwen's unique gypsy girl eyes and one of my fingers, the one closest to my pinky, is a gray color inspired by Vic, Gwen's talking sword. 

There's a scene in the book All You Desire, the second book in The Eternal Ones series by Kirsten Miller, where one of the main characters Iain Morrow bring back bombolinis, an Italian pastry, for the other main characters Haven Moore. The way the pastry was described in the book and how great it tasted made me really want to try it. So, one day while walking at a local market I saw a lady selling Italian pastries and low and behold she had bombolinis. They tasted amazing, better than Krispy Kreme doughnut if you can believe it.

Lastly, but definitely not least is the inspiration from the Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick. I absolutely love this series, it had an twisting and surprising story line, lovable and relatable characters whom I love especially Patch, and a romance that was breathtaking and tender. Overall my favorite series. Anyways, when I got my iPad I had the option of getting it engraved and of course I said yes; however now I had the problem of what to put on my iPad. This had to be something inspirational and quirky. I went through all my saved quotes on Goodreads and yet I still didn't feel as if any of them were the ones, so I went to my book shelf and I found my perfect quote in the Hush Hush series, as you can see on the left. Now no one can call me crazy because I'll just say that I'm creative. Also, I decided to name by iPad Patch after the main character in the series.




What about you? What books have inspired you to try new things in your life and what were those things or that thing?

The Elite

So, I just finished reading The Elite by Kiera Cass about 4 hours ago. Yup I just finished one whole book in less than one day. Not my ultimate high which was three but it was pretty fast anyways; however the way I see it is that the faster I finish the book the faster I can start on my summer homework (yeah right). At least that's what I told my mom. Anyhoo, for the moment you've all been waiting for, the review on The Elite by Kiera Cass.

Description Provided by Goodreads: Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

I have a secret to tell. I read the ending of this book before I had even started reading the book, I just couldn't help myself but am I ever glad I did it. By now it's no secret that America is trying to chose between Aspen and Maxon, so I just had to know who she chose. 

Story Line: I loved the story line because I thought that I might get bored with it just being about America trying to choose between Aspen and Maxon, while Maxon tries desperately hard to get her to be with him and girls would get eliminate while America just cruises along. However, I was shockingly and gladly surprised. I was surprised by America's decisions, boldness, and outspokenness. I was surprised by Maxon's courageousness, boldness, and backup options. I was surprised by the ending and I know that there are  unresolved issued that have to be dealt with in the third but but I can live with that because if there weren't any there wouldn't be a third book.

Characters:  I really enjoyed this book because it showed a different side to the characters that I thought I already knew The Selection. In the Elite we see a different side of Maxon; we see that not only is Prince Maxon a romantic and a charmer but he is also a protector and a progressive, he wants change and he knows how to get it done. We also see that America isn't just going to stand on the side lines when injustice is happening. One thing that I liked about this book is that Kiera Cass makes America, an inanimate book character, seem like a real person through her indecisiveness between Aspen, the familiar, and Prince Maxon, the new and breathless romance; although I think she should just choose Maxon but that's just me. Cass also makes America seem more human with her insecurity towards being fit for being a princess and a leader, although not all of us have to worry about being fit to be the next princess we do experience insecurities in our lives that deal with the ability to live up to something or being good enough for a certain role.

Overall: I loved this book and the surprising turn of event. I loved the characters because they become more human and life like in this book and I got to see different parts of their personalities. I can't wait for the next book, The One, that comes out in May 6th 2014.

Ranking: I would rank this book 9.

About the Author:

I was born and raised in South Carolina, a proud child of the 80's. Also, my dad is Puerto Rican, and my mom is super white. I have neither a Hispanic or Southern accent. No clue why. Growing up, I was awkward. I didn't understand fashion at all (not that I do now) and was never into what was cool while it was actually popular.  But I didn't mind it so much because I had a few really great friends and wonderful outlets. By high school, I was a seasoned dancer, diehard theater buff, and in a chamber choir that at one point was tied for third in the nation competitively...In 2007, my world was shaken by a local tragedy, and I took it pretty hard. Over the course of the following year, I tried a lot of things to get myself together resulting in me sitting down to write a story where my character had to deal with my problems so I wouldn't have to. The distance from my head to the page helped me step back a bit and cope with all the things I was feeling. I ended up not finishing that story because I woke up from a nap with the idea that would become The Siren and HAD to get that written. After I got into the habit of writing, lots of ideas came, including The Selection and handful of others that are waiting their turn.

The Selection

The Selection

I'm just starting to read The Elite which is the second book in The Selection series by Kiera Cass, so I decided to review the first book in the series which would be, you guessed it, The Selection.

Description Provided by Goodreads: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Overall: I would say that this book is like  The Hunger Games, without the fighting, meets The Bachelor, royal edition. The story line was phenomenal, I can honestly say that I did not expect the ending and what came near the ending.  As for America Singer, I liked her character. I got frustrated with her during the end of the book, which I can't give spoilers on why but lets just say that I totally heart Prince Maxon that's why. However, I due have to say that she is a strong character and isn't afraid to speak her mind, which are great qualities that attract me to books and characters. I loved the first book and I'm super excited to start reading the second book, The Elite. 

Ranking: I would rank this book a 9.

About the Author:

I was born and raised in South Carolina, a proud child of the 80's. Also, my dad is Puerto Rican, and my mom is super white. I have neither a Hispanic or Southern accent. No clue why. Growing up, I was awkward. I didn't understand fashion at all (not that I do now) and was never into what was cool while it was actually popular.  But I didn't mind it so much because I had a few really great friends and wonderful outlets. By high school, I was a seasoned dancer, diehard theater buff, and in a chamber choir that at one point was tied for third in the nation competitively...In 2007, my world was shaken by a local tragedy, and I took it pretty hard. Over the course of the following year, I tried a lot of things to get myself together resulting in me sitting down to write a story where my character had to deal with my problems so I wouldn't have to. The distance from my head to the page helped me step back a bit and cope with all the things I was feeling. I ended up not finishing that story because I woke up from a nap with the idea that would become The Siren and HAD to get that written. After I got into the habit of writing, lots of ideas came, including The Selection and handful of others that are waiting their turn.

Book Movies

Movies Based on Books

In between doing summer homework, reading schoolbooks, and taking a movie day yesterday I haven’t been able to finish a book to review. That’s why I’ve decided that for today’s post to do it on movies that are based on books.

The Hunger Games: I read the whole series before the movie came out and the day that the movie came out my friends and I went to watch it. Most people are disappointed after going to see a movie that they had read the book it was based on but I wasn't for this one. I really enjoyed the movie because, I thought, that they pretty much stuck to the book. There were minor details that were off and the ending, which I won't give away incase anyone hasn't seen the movie yet. However, I actually like the ending in the movie better than the one in the book, it's how I would have like the book to end. In all the movie was great and I even bought it in DVD. I will also be looking forward to seeing the next movie soon.

Flipped: I read this book when I was in seventh grade and I loved it. The story, as the title suggests, flips. It's about a girl who likes a boy, who in turn doesn't like her. Then the boy likes the girl but she's angry and over him. I didn't even know that the book had been made into a movie until a while ago and who I saw it in the library I knew I had to see it. This movie came out in 2010 and I seriously recommend you see it, it very much sticks to the book as well. Plus, the ending is great and very unexpected.

The Host: While I read this book I did not see the movie. I really enjoyed the book, more than twilight, even though it had unnecessarily long details. I wanted to see the movie but for some reason or another I just never got around to seeing it. I'll definitely see it when it come out on DVD and I hope it'll live up to my expectations.

Beautiful Creatures: I read the book as well but just like The Host I didn't see the movie. After reading the first three books in the series and Lena still not choosing sides, I felt as if the books were just dragging. This is why I never got around to seeing the movie; however, I would like to see the movie when it come out in DVD. I really hope that it's better than the book.

Significance: When I first got this book I didn't even know what it was about, I read this book because of the guy on the cover. I know, (insert sarcasm) great reason to read a book. However, after the first chapter I couldn't get enough of this book. Yes, it's a little bit sappy and when the movie comes out it might be a chick flick (whatever that is). The book does have some action though and Jeremy Sumpter is playing Caleb, one of the main characters, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie.

Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters: I absolutely love this book. The characters are unique, complex, and have awesome personalities. I have very big expectations for this movie and expectations for the actors and actresses portraying the characters. As the time approaches for the movie, you'll definitely see more posts for this and I encourage everyone to read the book and/or see the movie when it comes out.