On My Wishlist (2)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too. If you want to know more click here.

This week my Wishlist list, consists of my guilty pleasure historical biographies! I am a history student, and if it is one thing I absolutely love is always being able to broaden my horizon of historical knowledge of a few special individuals. Even though I adore the Medieval Era, these books below involve individuals before and after that time. Enjoy! 

(all synopsis' are taken from www.goodreads.com)

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

"Her life spanned fewer than 40 years, but she was the last Egyptian pharaoh and one of the most influential women of the age. She married twice, each time to a brother; she poisoned one and waged a war against the other. To this day, the life of Cleopatra VII (69-30 B.C.) intrigues us. This adept biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff tells us why it should. The true story of the woman behind the myth."

Pearl of Chine: A Novel by Anchee Min

"In the small southern China town of Chin-kiang, in the last days of the nineteenth century, two young girls bump heads and become thick as thieves. Willow is the only child of a destitute family. Pearl is the headstrong daughter of Christian missionaries—and will grow up to become Pearl S. Buck, Nobel Prize-winning writer and activist. This unlikely pair becomes lifelong friends, confiding their beliefs and dreams, experiencing love and motherhood, and eventually facing civil war and exile. Pearl of China brings new color to the remarkable life of Pearl S. Buck, illuminated by the sweep of history and an intimate, unforgettable friendship"

the Tudors: the Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty by G.J. Meyer

For the first time in decades, here, in a single volume, is a fresh look at the fabled Tudor dynasty, comprising some of the most enigmatic figures ever to rule a country. Acclaimed historian G. J. Meyer reveals the flesh-and-bone reality in all its wild excess.

"In 1485, young Henry Tudor, whose claim to the throne was so weak as to be almost laughable, crossed the English Channel from France at the head of a ragtag little army and took the crown from the family that had ruled England for almost four hundred years. Half a century later his son, Henry VIII, desperate to rid himself of his first wife in order to marry a second, launched a reign of terror aimed at taking powers no previous monarch had even dreamed of possessing. In the process he plunged his kingdom into generations of division and disorder, creating a legacy of blood and betrayal that would blight the lives of his children and the destiny of his country. The boy king Edward VI, a fervent believer in reforming the English church, died before bringing to fruition his dream of a second English Reformation. Mary I, the disgraced daughter of Catherine of Aragon, tried and failed to reestablish the Catholic Church and produce an heir. And finally came Elizabeth I, who devoted her life to creating an image of herself as Gloriana the Virgin Queen but, behind that mask, sacrificed all chance of personal happiness in order to survive."

SO, what is on your "guilty pleasure" Wishlist?

in My Mailbox (2)

So this week I have reunited with the local Library and have picked up right where our love hate relationship left off. The books I want are usually taken out or have 2 or 3 holds on them so I must be very patient but I am anticipating many good reads are going to be in my future. Although for this week the library has not failed me in a quick response to my requests for some books that have been on my wish list for quite some time!

"Eon has been studying the ancient art of Dragon Magic for four years, hoping he'll be able to apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. But he also has a dark secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been living a dangerous lie for the chance to become a Dragoneye, the human link to an energy dragon's power. It is forbidden for females to practice the Dragon Magic and if discovered Eon faces a terrible death"


I've been waiting to read this book for quite some time! The type of Asian orientated storyline is really intriguing to me and the fact the main character is a women really draws me to this novel as well, I love a good heroin in any novel. And of course the dragons; I absolutely love the thought of dragons, so mystical and beautiful but fierce. A truly oriental myth. 

"Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone."


Now this novel takes me into my own historical compass of Kings and Queens from the Medieval Era (one of my favourite era's). This novel takes a different type of storyline following the niece of the King not one of his own children. It has all the magical aspects of any good medieval tale hinting at a budding romance between Katsa and Po. Once again a strong heroin orientated novel; should be a spectacular read!

"Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?"


I am currently reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, so when I had received an email from the library to tell me City of Ashes was ready for me I could not withhold my excitement. The first book I can not put down right now, I am hardly able to write this post! Although when I read what this book was about I sort of had an inkling about her father but no inkling about Jace being her BROTHER! Ah! Totally thought they were going to become and item! But there is still another book so I'm hoping all will be explained. Cassandra Clare once again has enchanted my mind off into the Shadowhunters world, and I must admit I am in love with it! Fabulous!

MockingJay

"My name is Katniss Everdeen

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead ... "

Wow, what can I say about this final book in a fabulous series. I must admit I was a little hesitant to start this series at all, but my one good friend suggested I read cause it is absolutely excellent. I was blown out of the water when I first read the first book. It was nothing I had expected, and the series continued to amaze me. From my previous reviews for anyone that has read them you can obviously tell I am 100% a Peeta fan. I am a die hard romantic so when he first confessed his love for Katniss I was absolutely hooked, even though it could have been an entire act to win the Hunger Games, it still made me weak at the knees. SO of course in the last instalment we the reader finally get to see who Katniss is going to choose. Although we did have to wait until the last and finale chapter, it was worth it! I will not divulge any details for those who have not read it yet but I was slightly irritated but also very content with the ending of this fabulous series. Usually series never end the way you want them too or you’re disappointed because the characters never end up together the way you want them too, but in my opinion this series definitely did not disappoint!

In the last book, Catching Fire, we left our characters in the middle of a dire situation, being hover crafted off to some mysterious district 13. Lies, deceit and heartbreak all happened in the ending of our last book, and Katniss as anyone could assume is not handling it well in her recovery in district 13. Katniss in my opinion is one of the most developed characters throughout the novel, she has come a long way in her relationship with Gale, her mother, and Peeta, but with the rebellions and President Snow’s attempts to threaten her to back down she has finally shown some weakness, and think that this is something that she needed to experience before she could involve herself with becoming the “Mockingjay”.

Gale has come a long way as well in his character development. In the first book we just knew him as Katniss’ very close friend, we could possibly see a romance evolving throughout the books but you could not really tell at first. After the first book and second book we see Gale has some unrelenting feelings forwards Katniss’ and Peeta’s so called “relationship” that are better worked into the rebellion against the Capitol. Gale reminds me of the male equivalent of Katniss, full of fire, and anger driven towards the Capitol for had happened to both his and Katniss’ father, although Gale has this scary other personality of a soldier as well, which I found attractive but also kind of annoying when him and Katniss could not agree on certain situations.

Overall Gale and Katniss, grew substantially as characters through Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Now Peeta, oh Peeta, my heart went out to him in the last novel. There was not a lot of information about what was going on with him right away within the book but as it progressed, and things started to happen within the rebellion and then we finally found to what happened to him. I will not tell you anything that has spoilers in it, but lets just say as a die hard romantic and Peeta fan my heart was breaking for him AND Katniss (surprisingly). That is all I can say about Peeta without giving too much away abut what actually happens to him, but I feel like Collins definitely did a 180 with his character and I am not fully sure I liked it either.

The book as a finale installment with a trilogy on the other hand was absolutely spectacular! I could not put it down once I started it. I finished it 23 hours, now I did go to sleep but once I started I just had to finish it to see what happened in the end. Who would Katniss end up with? Would the rebellion work? Who could Katniss really trust? What happens to Prim and Katniss’ Mom? So many questions needed to be answered in the Mockingjay and Collin’s did not disappoint! She put us on an emotional rollercoster and would not let go until the final chapter.  was physically exhausted after I had read about ¾ of the book; everything that kept happening to Katniss, Peeta, Prim, her Mother good god! I was in tears have the time and giddy the other half! But I was expecting no less from Collins. She has had two amazing books to lead up to this climax ending. I found the only thing I had a problem with was how the story of the rebellion unfolded, it seem to be that it was a little slow paced at first and then BAM! it just happened and I felt like I missed some parts but no (I went back and checked) I did not it just happened all of a sudden. But if that short fall I did enjoy how the theme of the Hunger Games hung in the air even though there was no hunger game. It seemed that Katniss would never be able to escape her horrible nightmare of the Hunger Games, and neither can Peeta, which even then I find that their relationship starts to connect a lot more then when they were trying to fake the “star-crossed lovers” act. I feel Peeta and Katniss finally are on the same level with their relationship even though a horrible event has happened and Katniss is the one that needs Peeta more than he needs her.

Overall Mockingjay was the explosive firework display this trilogy needed as its ending. It have everything the reader was wanting, expecting and much much more. Suzanne Collins if I could I would give you a standing ovation, and this book 6 stars out of 5. If you have not even read the Hunger Games I implore you to do so! This is not just a great YA novel it is also my first ever dystopian novel and I must admit I am a huge fan ! They really make you think about how different the world could be. Mockingjay you have stole my imagination and run wild with it, amazing.

Catching Fire

"I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I was finished, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it ... The Hunger Games is amazing"

- Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight Saga

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the second book in a trilogy about a very dystopian world of Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the 74^th Hunger Games, along with fellow winner and star-crossed lover Peeta Meelark. At the beginning of the novel we pick up right where we left off, only a couple months later. Prim and Katniss’ mother have moved into the new housing in Victory Village where all the families move to who win the Hunger Games, alongside Peeta and Haymitch the only other two winners of the Hunger Games from District 12. Although the reader quickly realises not everything is as it should be with Katniss, her long time friend Gale has been avoiding her, she no longer hunts as often as she would like and she is not as happy as she thought she would be with her new found popularity; as well as the ever looming annoyance of trying to keep up the star-crossed lovers act when the cameras are on her and Peeta. As the book progresses so does trouble for Katniss, unexpected visits and threats from the President about rebellions that are rising in some of the districts and how Katniss is to blame from how she acted and disobeyed the Capitol with her stunt to win the Hunger Games. She not only has to convince the rest of the districts she is still madly in love with Peeta and they are going to get married, she must convince President snow, also while dealing with mixed emotions about Gale and then as fate would have it the announcement for the 75^th Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, is announced it seems that President Snow isn’t quite done with Katniss yet. I will not divulge any spoilers for those individuals not yet that far but let’s just say it’s a doosey of a twist.

As a second book in a triliogy I had a very hard time getting into it. I found that a lot of the beginning of the novel was recap, and filler, up until about half way through when things get really interesting with the start of the Quarter Quell and the introduction of new characters. Although after the rough patch in the beginning of the book it was one hell of a read! I could not believe how many twists this book took with Katniss, and Peeta but also with Haymitch and the new characters. I felt there was a lot more emotional growth with Katniss as she decided who she loved, who she could with stand to lose, and who she would eventually have to say good bye too. Katniss as a character in Catching Fire grew substantially, and I found I enjoyed reading it more as the reader grew with the character.

I do have some objections though. As from my previous review about the Hunger Games everyone who has read it knows I am a HUGE Peeta fan! Like no word of a doubt he is one of my favourite characters. Though in the second book I found that Katniss kept throwing her mind into these states where she thinks Gale is right for her but then she cannot stand to live without Peeta, in more ways than one. Peeta understands everything she went through in the Hunger Games (he was there). There were moments between the two of them that she could not describe. Moments when they kissed and she felt it wasn’t acting. But then there is a long standing relationship with Gale, where she could see herself running away with him. Gale and her both went through the loss of their fathers in the mining accident and they both have each other’s back either when hunting or not hunting. There is so much conflicting emotion that I found it very annoying because all I wanted as a reader was for her to choose Peeta in the end (which in this book that is not revealed who she chooses).

That is the only annoyance I found within the book the fact she was very confused and conflicted about who she would have to choose in the end but as an author I think Collins was onto something by doing that because I couldn’t put the book down. I couldn’t stop reading because so many things were happening all at once and you did not want to miss out on anything! Catching Fire was the perfect climatic novel for a fantastic trilogy, it had everything you could possibly want in a second book to a fantastic first one. Explosion of passion between Katniss and her two boys Peeta and Gale, a spark of rebellion within the district's and a cliffhanger that will blow you out of the water! I have said it once and I am going to say it again, this series is a MUST read for anyone. It is absolutely amazing!

Clockwork Prince: Cover Art

Just wanted to share with everyone what the art work for the highly anticipationg "Clockwork Prince" is going to look like. May I just say, not what I expected for Jem to look like (if this even if Jem; but then again I think we all know it is due to the walking stick, the hair and his charming cultured looks).

Fabulous cover! I am even more excited now. I'm always a sucker for beautiful cover work.

On My Wishlist (1)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too. If you want to know more click here.

This is my first ever "On My Wishlist" post and I am new to the whole blogging and meme world, so I am hoping that I do this correct and everything works out. If anyone would like to correct or comment anything I've done wrong, be more than happy too! I'd appreciate it!

These books I've chosen are a few on my goodreads.com account that I think have absolutely stunning covers and they are a must have to my collection of books! What does everyone else thing?

Juliet by Anne Fortier

"Twenty-five-year-old Julie Jacobs is heartbroken over the death of her beloved Aunt Rose. But the shock goes even deeper when she learns that the woman who has been like a mother to her has left her entire estate to Julie’s twin sister. The only thing Julie receives is a key—one carried by her mother on the day she herself died—to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy. This key sends Julie on a journey that will change her life forever—a journey into the troubled past of her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei. In 1340, still reeling from the slaughter of her parents, Giulietta was smuggled into Siena, where she met a young man named Romeo."

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

"Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love."

 

 
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
 
"In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch…. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them."
 
These are on my wish list ... So whats on yours ??
 
Synopsis are taken from GoodReads.com

in My Mailbox (1)

So this is my first ever "in My Mailbox" post and I am not entirely sure if I am posting this right, but I am going to give it go anyway!

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary. Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... "


I happened to order "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare about two weeks ago after I had finished reading its prequel "Clockwork Angel" which was absolutely fabulous, I couldn't put it down for two days straight. I thought well I loved this one so much so why not fill my time reading City of Bones while I happily wait for "Clockwork Prince" to come out September 2011.

By chance I also happened to have a little extra cash on me and picked up the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy, " Mocking Jay" by Suzanne Collins.


"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year."


This series has been one of the best series I have read in full in a long time. It was nothing like I expected and as one author has commented it is both beautiful and haunting all at the same time. I cannot wait to see what the third book has in store!

Castle

Seeing as it is taking more than usual to finish my current book I’m reading and write a review, I thought I would share my thoughts on a new show I currently started watching this past week when I was sick with the flu.
My one friend Natalie, blogger extraordinaire, has been previously raving about how great the show Castle is. Its funny, has a great story line, the main character is great and of course it is all about writing and literature. Any book worm would love this show, even though it is a cliche cop drama it is still an absolute thrill to watch. Below is a synopsis of what the show is all about.

“Wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion, "Desperate Housewives"), who is bored with his own success, learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Rick is soon questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic, "The Spirit"), a very bright, aggressive detective who keeps her investigations under tight rein. Rick and Kate's styles instantly clash, yet sparks begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle steps in to help find the killer. And once that case is solved, he and Beckett build upon their new relationship as they look to solve strange homicides in New York - as much fun as one can have with death & murder.”

I must say I was a little skeptical about the show at first due to the fact that it seems every other TV channel has some sort of cop drama involving a corner, or detective, or criminologist as the protagonist, but what truly peeked my interest that one of the two protagonist is a best seller author. Rick Castle, charming, charismatic and rich is anything but ordinary for this type of TV show, but it works! His partner is Detective Kate Beckett, a tough, work-a-holic type detective who secretly adores Castle’s bestsellers. Together they are a unique mismatched pair of detectives; one who is actually a detective and is concentrated on solving the murders, and Castle … well he’s there to help in what ever literary way he can.

What I find truly unique about this show is that Castle is a well connected guy. He knows about anyone and everyone in New York City for a bestseller novelist and sometimes those connections come in handy when solving an investigation that requires a little more “pizazz” than usual. One of my favourite quotes from the first season,

Esposito: (about Castle) The man's got the Mayor on speed dial. The rich really are different.
Kate: You want him? He's yours.
Esposito: A control freak like you with something you can't control? No, no, that's gonna be more fun than Shark Week.
And this actually ends up being true, the duo between Castle and Beckett add a great mixture of humor, and of course hormones as they grow into their love-hate relationship.

One of my favourite parts of the show is when Castle has these impromptu poker games, and in the first episode you get a taste of what I’m referring too when he is sitting there with three authors from the Bestseller List such as James Patterson! Other authors make appearances as well throughout the first season as his poker buddies, usually talking about writers block or Castle’s new steamy novel about Nikki Heat, taken after the one and only Kate Beckett.

Overall, the first season is a MUST watch even if you’re slightly interested! It only has 10 episodes in it, and I am positive they will spark your interest!

Movie: Thor

“The son of Odin and Jord, the earth goddess. Thor the strongest of the Aesir, the collective name for the principal race of Norse gods; the who lived in Asgard, and with the All-Father Odin, ruled the lives of mortal men. Known as the god of Thunder …  Thor, they say, presides over the air, he governs the thunder and lightening the winds and rains, fair weather and crops … If plague and famine threaten, a libation is poured to the idol Thor”

This is the original “myth” of the God of Thunder and anyone who has ever studied Norse Mythology or Mythology in general would know that “Thor” the movie just released this month portrays this image more or less at the beginning of Thor’s well known existence throughout Norse Mythology.

The movie starts with Odin (Anthony Hopkins) explaining to his two sons how the Ice Giants were defeated and set into a common neutralism set down by himself. Instantly you can tell between the two younger versions of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who is who. Thor being the eagerly anxious young boy ready to fight like his father did, and Loki being the sensible intellectual type wanting to know more about the Ice Giants themselves rather than how they were defeated. It is a touching yet good introduction into one of mythologies greatest stories for those individuals who have not a clue about it.

As the movie progresses showing us the quirky duo of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and Darcy Lewis (Kate Dennings) and of course Jane Fosters long time friend and professor (I believe) Eric Selving (Stellan Skarsgard) the audience can start to tell how this very old myth will be brought into the 21 Century with the introduction of Worm Holes and the studies of other Dimensions done by the character Jane Foster.

At first I could not understand how a God as arrogant and self righteous as Thor would fall in love with a plain overly eager scientist like Jane, but their differences and the mysterious nature of their meeting brings them closer together than one would think. I will not give anything away, but as Thor is banished from Asgard for a very teenage style disobedient act against is father it becomes extremely interesting and humorous as Thor becomes accustomed to be an average (very good looking and god like) individual who Jane accidentally hits with her mini van … twice! The first time it happens, is the first time Jane and him meet in the middle of New Mexico desert, although the second time it is a very heart warming but also funny moment as she goes looking for him and ends up backing into him at the hospital parking lot where she had originally left him.

As the movie reaches the climatic parts, Thor has come a long way from his previous arrogant self. He has become aware that he may not be going back home ever, and learns that perhaps the life he currently has fallen into is not so bad even if he is a God. He learns the meaning of being all powerful, and not having to use that power ALL the time. As he settles into his odd friendship with Jane, Darcy and Eric his four friends (Hogan, Fandral, Sif, and Volstagg - the Warriors Four) appear on earth to warn him of the on coming danger to this little town. He decides that he will face this danger even though he no longer has his power, hammer or God immortality. It pulls at your heart strings as he protects Jane and his little misfit family he has grown to admire. When Thor finally falls the audience gets a sense of that old movie comfort of knowing that he has become once again worthy of his power and Hammer. Even though he has defeated the current evil on Earth he learns the truth of the attack and must go back to Asgard.

His farewell with Jane is as any other goes, although he is very courteous and chivalrous Jane is not. After he is done promising he will return and find her, making all the girls in the theatre sigh in unison, Jane decides that isn’t good enough and pulls him in for a very long prolonged kiss. As returning to Asgard to fix what damage has been done while he has been away, Thor must make a heart breaking choice, and destroy his only way back to earth to ensure all the dimensions are safe, having to break his promise to Jane as the audience now realises.

In the end the evil is thwarted, all is right between Thor and his Father, and he will become the All-Father of Asgard once his father steps down from the position. Everything Thor has ever wanted from the beginning of the movie is now coming true, but Thor himself has changed and no longer wants any of it. He takes a walk to the Gate Keeper of the bridge that he himself had destroyed, and asks him if he can see Jane on earth, the Gate Keeper can, and she is continuously looking for him (Thor). This brings hope and a smile to Thor as he knows one day he will return to earth.

Overall as a super hero movie this movie is by far one of the best for plot, and character development. You have a great plot at the beginning and end, leaving the audience with a feeling of wanting more, and knowing there will be more. The audience isn’t left by saying it was a disappointment or that it was the best thing since sliced bread, but it was enjoyable as movies are suppose to be. The actors that were chosen were superb in my opinion, and they did a relativity good job in making the myth and the movie coincide with one another (which is a huge thing for me because I am a history student and hate when they try and make a movie out of a myth and get it ALL wrong … Clash of the Titans … just saying).

The other aspect of the plot I found very interesting as a personal interest is the storyline between Jane and Thor on a scientific aspect/ Jane is studying other Dimensions and Worm Holes and Thor explains how he got here through something called "Bifrost Bridge portal" (he describes it as a Rainbow Bridge). And also how there is proof of other dimensions through the description and myth of the Nine Realms, unified by the world tree Yggdrasil. It is a very creative way of connection the two story lines of Jane and Thor through her studies which also appear to be something Thor can relate too seeing as he grew up learning about it although in a different context.

If you haven’t seen this movie I recommend that you spend the money and go and see it. It is a fantastic movie, the story line is great and stays in track and if for any other reason Chris Hemsworth is a fabulously attractive man and is the perfect choice for the God of Thunder!

the Hunger Games

"What happens if we choose entertainment over humanity? In Collins's world, we'll be obsessed with grooming, we'll talk funny, and all our sentences will end with the same rise as questions. When Katniss is sent to stylists to be made more telegenic before she competes, she stands naked in front of them, strangely unembarrassed. “They're so unlike people that I'm no more self-conscious than if a trio of oddly colored birds were pecking around my feet,” she thinks. In order not to hate these creatures who are sending her to her death, she imagines them as pets. It isn't just the contestants who risk the loss of their humanity. It is all who watch."

--Publishers Weekly, Megan Whalen Turner, STARRED REVIEW

What could I possibly say about this book that so many other people haven't already said. My good friend Natalie (blog writer extraordinare of Browsing Bookshelves on Blogspot.com) recommended this book to me and at first I was a bit hesitant because it isn't something I would usually read, but right from the get go I was trapped in this very dystopian world of Katniss Everdeen. In the beginning you get a feeling of a very powerful although lonely heroine Katniss; her world has been turned upside down of the division of North America into 13 Districts, hers being the 12th, and to boot every year the Capitol holds something (sort of like the Olympics in my mind but much more deadly) called the Hunger Games. After that has been described to you within the book you think "Oh well she's obviously going to be chosen to contend in the Games" but that is not at all how it happens. I won't reveal what happens but she does eventually go to the Capitol to contend in the Hunger Games with her male contestant a very average, mediocre village boy named Peeta. But little does the reader and Katniss realize this boy is about to throw her world upside down.

I must admit at first I was a little annoyed by Peeta he really didn't turn out to be the "love" interest I thought would be chosen for Katniss by the author but by the end of the book I was totally attached to him. Throughout the Games he proves time after time that he is truly meant for her although she is too thick skulled to actually realize it right away. And at the end of the book she starts to realize it and the reader is left with this uncertain feeling that perhaps she is finally getting that he actually cares about her. But by that point she is also thinking of her long time friend back home Gale, who if you're a Peeta fan throws a wrench in Katniss' and Peeta's relationship. The author leaves the book with a great (yet annoying) little cliff hanger at the end begging for the reader to continue right into the second one without a pause (which I am about to do!).

Overall this book was nothing as I expected. It has all the rebellion and action you would expect from a Dystopian novel, and yet more romance then I personally thought I would find. The author (Suzanne Collins) does an absolute superb job of getting the reader hooked first with Katniss and her harsh yet delicate personality and then continues that addiction with adding in her friendly partner in crime, the tempting Gale, BUT ALSO then throwing in the average but bewitching Peeta. What's the poor girl to do !!

The writing is fantastic with never a dull moment, and the first book leaves you wanting more and more once you're done. I would suggest everyone at least read the first novel of this marvelous trilogy if not for the budding romance but at least for the action filled, on the edge your seat, tantalizing Hunger Games. 

Divergent

"A taunt and shiveringly exciting read! Tris is exactly the sort of unflinching and fierce heroine I love. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough"

Melissa Marr,

New York Times Bestselling Author of Wicked Lovely

If you have not already gone and bought yourself a copy of this book I would for sure go do it NOW! Divergent has everything you could possibly want in a Young Adult read. It has romance, it has adventure, and it definitely has life changing obstacles that make you want to cheer on the main character (Beatrice or Tris).

The two main characters Tris and Four, are absolutely fantastic together! You get a first glimpse at both of them after Tris makes a drastic decision to change her entire life style; for the better? that is what she has to find out through multiple of challenges friendships and a blossoming romance. She starts out as a shy, “selfless” individual who knows deep down that she is special and as it turns out come her “Test” day she finds out how different she is. At the beginning she is a little frightened of her new life but she is determined to show everyone that she is different. Her path through her changes would light an underdog fire in any individual and the sparking romance with the mysterious trainer “Four” make it all the more exciting, to the point of not being able to put it down!

If anything read this book just because of “Four”. He is a mysterious “transfer” into the same faction as Tris. He pushes her to her ultimate limits making sure she succeeds as best as she possibly can. Although there is an undertone of attraction through his mood swings, and they way you can feel him watching her throughout the book. He is every dream boy you could possibly come up with: charming, mysterious, romantic, pushy with a bit of attitude that wants to make you scream at him but also fall head over heels for him as well. He is absolutely perfect for the story line, the romance, and Tris.

I expect that as fabulous as this book was, the next one will be even better. The ending left me wanting more and more (preferably now ! haha). Veronica Roth has definitely gained another awe struck fan! Superb job!!

Clockwork Angel

"Compulsively readable . . . Packed with battles, romantic entanglements, and tantalizing foreshadowing, this will have readers clamoring for the next installment."

Booklist

Oh my good god!!! This was an absolute fantastic read ... I cannot say how much I have fell in loved with this author and Clockwork Angel. Where could I even begin ... Jem (James)? Will (William)? God lord these two could make the entire book by themselves! I wont spoil anything for any other readers that want to read this book, but may I say this is an absolute MUST read for the 2011 summer. The storyline draws you in instantly and continues to do so with the rollcoster of emotions that run throughout the book. The characters are developed so intensely with their own stories and secrets you're dying to uncover the truth you just have to keep reading. Between Charlotte the young but powerful head of the "Institute", her genius husband Henry and his wild inventions, or the beautiful (but selfish) Jessamine the story delivers on action, adventure, secrets and love. The tension that rises between Tessa and Jem and of course Tessa and Will drive you absolutely mad! Who will it be? Jem or William? 

James who is the gentlemen between the two, has mysterious silver hair and eyes and a strange way of drawing you in when he speaks or even looks in your general direction, he draws you in like a moth to a flame. Although William, secretive but devilishly handsome has drop dead gorgeous blue eyes that change ever so slightly with his wild emotions. He is the bad boy this book needs, and the partner in crime to Jem's gentle side. 

If all of that doesn't draw you in then the absolute fabulous Steampunk theme that runs through the book will. I absolutely adore the Victorian Era and this book brings all that and more !! The colourful language, the luxurious dresses, the romance, and of course the advanced technology just illuminates all the brilliance of this novel.

For a first time reader of this author I must say that Cassandra Clare you have drawn me in and hooked me, you have a life time fan !