Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole Let's Talk contains spoilers THIS REVIEW WILL BE SHORT AND SWEET I DID NOT LIKE THIS BOOK
1 star
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes her hallucinations are actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening.
But she can’t do either alone.
Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate, the gorgeous and dangerous Jackson Deveaux, for help.
As Jackson and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call and discover that Evie is not the only one with special powers. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and as the battle between good and evil intensifies, it is not always clear who is on which side...
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What in the actual fuck did I just read?
I had so much hope for this book it was just one of the worst things I've read in so long. sadly
This book was awful. First of all, that apocalypse they're talking about in the synopsis? Happens at 50%.
If there's one thing I can't stand it's when the synopsis spoils the book.
My main problem with this book though was the characters. So poorly written. Evie couldn't do shit for herself and is completely useless besides knowing that this apocalypse was gonna happen. Majority of this book was just her being indecisive about Jack.
Also gotta say this 'wrong-side of the Bayou boy' (like who the fuck approved of that for the synopsis ahaha) was one of the worst male leads I've ever read in YA. He was controlling, dominant, and rude. I will never erase from my head the moment when Sabrina enters and Jack says to Evie: "Maybe you're not the only girl left for me." Like excuse me? So we are supposed to root for a guy who doesn't even actually want this character, only because she's the last decent looking chick? In this books defence it was written at the time when dominant males were totally hot, but I will say that it's just written wrong. Dominant males can be sexy, but there's a time and a place in books for it. Jack directly telling Evie she is useless does not make me want them together, and I'm sorry but did it make ANYONE want them together?
No?
Didn't think so.
Overall, this book had a lot of promise. Rich story ideas that just fell short and sidetracked by irrelevant, sexist romance. Tarot cards are cool, but I suggest just looking into the story of that rather than read this shit.
Rating: 1/10 Parental Rating: (I'd suggest just don't) 16+
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Let's Talk contains spoilers
4 stars
Synopsis (Goodreads):
In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.
I want to start off with the things that I loved about this book. Cause there's a lot.
The constant references
80s obsession
The OASIS (literally everything about it - the way they describe it, the places in it, the ability to be who you want, wizards, the contest etc.)
The adventure/quest aspect
ALSO LET'S TAKE A MOMENT TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOVIES REFERENCED (considering this is a movie blog anyways):
WAR GAMES
HEATHERS
HIGHLANDER
SUPERMAN
BACK TO THE FUTURE
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL
MAD MAX
TRON
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
EVIL DEAD
(over 45 film references made)
Guys this novel is every single geeks wet dream on a silver platter with cherries on top. Holy fuck.
THEY LITERALLY WENT INTO THE MOVIES AND HAD TO REENACT THEM! LIKE WHAT THE FUCK CAN TECHNOLOGY PLEASE KEEP UP I WANT TO DO THAT I LOST MY FUCKING MIND THATS THE COOLEST THING IVE EVER READ IN A BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now this book was nearly a five star one for me. My edition was almost 560 pages long. And I managed to read the first 250 in one night because it was just so exciting and enjoyable. But unfortunately, around that time is when the book started to lose me.
I have absolutely no issues with female characters. But Art3mis... I couldn't stand her. And it wasn't necessarily that I couldn't stand her, more that I couldn't stand the way Parzival (Wade) reacted to her. I was totally on Wade's side for the novel until he decided that the contest wasn't really necessary anymore and he instead decided to spend his time fighting for Art3mis's attention and love.
I myself am a romantic but honestly dude. I am not interested in the love life section of this story I would much rather see what the next quest is or at least you could show a tiny interest in it please.
I mean, this whole section makes sense with the ending of the novel. In the end, he meets Art3mis (Shannon) in real life and he sees the scar on her face and realizes why she never wanted to meet in real life. But he states that he finally feels like he doesn't necessarily need to return to OASIS because his real life is finally not that bad.
AWWWW
All sweet and dandy but I, myself, was really not feeling the romance. By the end of the novel I was pleased for him but I just feel like the novel lost something it really had going for itself. And that really really sucked because it was fantastic until that point.
ANYWAYS
Otherwise I really enjoyed all the different characters. Shoto and Daito, Aech, and Parzival. The little twist with Aech was cool but I still can't unsee her as a male haha. Shoto and Daito were cool as hell but when Daito died that was sad as fuck. I believed they really were brothers and when we learned that Daito's name had been swipped off the board I figured his avatar killed and that depressed me so much but then you later learn that he was actually murdered by Sorrento and the Sixers. This is when I started to find the book cool again - ya know when they kind of need to run for their lives. Also how cool was it when there was the Pac Man easter egg extra life?! That blew my mind! OKAY NOW I really need to talk about a few things in the book that bothered me.
We know our society is obsessed with the past (the nostalgia) - we always have been. But you're meaning to tell me that this novel set in 2044 they still think the 80s is the best it got? I mean, I agree that the 80s is pretty damn cool but as of right now in 2017 I say that. It would make more sense to assume that in 2044 they're obsessed with the culture that is going on right now or went on in 2000s. NOW WITH THAT SAID it is important to note that Halliday is older and he grew up near the 80s hence his nostalgia and with grunters wanting to win they will themselves obsess with the 80s. But still some reference to the 2000s would've been kinda cool...
Wade's obsession with Art3mis (already discussed this)
The way the book falls off course when Wade moves into his own apartment
Let's actually talk about Wades new apartment for a second. I feel like this is when I started to lose interest and that's probably because it got too sci-fi new age for me. As much as I feel like the 80s isn't the best it got to 2044 I still loved this novel because of its obsession with the 80s. So when he moved into his new apartment and he bought new equipment and became the best and had all the high tech stuff, I lost interest.
When he became the rich kid and stuff, I felt I couldn't connect as much to him anymore and without finding it interesting I felt disconnected to Wade.
Actually, let's also talk about Wade for a second.
I wanna say I loved his character but he didn't really have a character.
- he enjoys 80s
- he is a grunter
- he doesn't blame his parents for their issues, rather society
- he's poor until he's not
Yeah... I mean, I loved this book so much I'm totally willing to ignore the non-existent character that is Wade.
Anyways, all in all such an incredible book I highly recommend for anyone like myself who is into 80s films and video games or just a geek in general. You will not be disappointed.
ALSO FRIENDLY REMINDER THIS WILL BE A FILM SOON HERE'S THE TRAILER:
GUYS IM LITERALLY SO EXCITED SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS FILM IS AS GOOD AS THE BOOK (although we all know it won't be :(
Leave a comment below, let me know what you guys think of the novel or the film adaption!
Wes Anderson is one of my favourite film makers and recently I have decided to watch all his feature length films. Currently (July 2016), he has 8 feature length films: Bottle Rocket (1996); Rushmore (1998); The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); The Darjeeling Limited (2007); Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009); Moonrise Kingdom (2012); and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). In this list I will order my favourite Wes Anderson movies as well as my favourite scenes from each film. Please comment below and let me know which is your favourite and why. These are listed in order of which movies I enjoyed watching the most. My favourite scenes would be ordered differently; but these are my favourite movies in order! :)
THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR EACH FILM BELOW, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
WARNING: The YouTube clips may contains profanity and/or violence.
8. Bottle Rocket (1996) Not that this film wasn't a gem, honestly I loved it. But I did go into the film previously having seen four other Anderson films, so my expectations were quite high and I expected the bright colours and the cinematography I'd previously seen in his newer films. But with all that being said I did enjoy this film. I loved the story (I love crime films) and the acting was decent for new actors Owen and Luke Wilson. I found it difficult sometimes to follow the character of Dignan but I enjoyed his character a lot. My favourite scene was the ending when Dignan ran away from the cops. It showed the Anderson style of going from normal to slow motion in a scene.
TRAILER:
7. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) The Life Aquatic was awesome! Can I just say how difficult it was to rank these films? They're all amazing! Anyways, Bill Murray was amazing as Steve Zissou. The beginning of this film was brilliant. To put it as a film and then to show how they're continuing the film. I loved it! I was very interested in the story and the visuals were absolutely stunning! The animation portion of this film was also very, very good! I was mesmerized, especially by that end scene. A brilliant film. The more that I think of this film, the more I like it. My favourite scene was when Steve forced the pirates to leave his boat (as well as the scene with the abandoned hotel because of the beautiful visuals).
TRAILER:
6. Rushmore (1998) Rushmore was good because not only was it amazing visually, but it was a coming of age story. The acting of Jason Swartzman was incredible especially since this was his first time acting. The story was a bit strange, student and students much older friend both fall for the same teacher. But I liked the story telling and I liked the interactions all the characters made with each other. Seeing all the extracurriculars Max did in school, the way the director told us was incredible. But, my favourite scene was when Max and Herman took turns trying to sabotage each other.
TRAILER:
5. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) As we are talking about coming of age films, this one does it excitingly, making me regret that I truly didn't run away in my youth. Since much of this acting was done by very young children, it was very, very well done. I enjoyed this film very much and the story. Anderson always does a superb job mixing enough comedy and drama. I like how the children in this film are all acting as adults. My favourite scene was when Sam beat up the search party that had found him in the woods. It was highly entertaining to watch. Also, I like how Suzy defends Sam and I just loved the relationship between Suzy and Sam.
TRAILER:
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Anderson's newest film, also nominated for an Oscar, The Grand Budapest Hotel is just that: grand. It is beautiful to watch with wonderful colour choices and amazing acting. There is a great cast and a great story line. Zero is the center of it; the new Lobby Boy. Ralph Fiennes also does an amazing job playing M. Gustave; the concierge at the hotel. There are so many memorable scenes in this film; it's great. My favourite scene, though, is when Zero and M. Gustave are chasing Jopling down the ski hill on a toboggan and the way it is filmed is fantastic. I also like the scene when M. Gustave escapes from prison.
TRAILER:
3. The Darjeeling Limited (2007) There was something about this film that just truly caught my attention. I connected with the characters and the way they acted. This has a huge part to do with siblings. I have quite a lot of them including a twin. I know how siblings act together and it was a meaningful and funny experience to see the true way siblings act; they could kill each other, but they'd kill anyone who hurt their siblings. I completely fell in love with Jason Swartzman's character; Jack. I don't know exactly what it was but his character was awesome! And I liked Peter a lot too. Francis was a bit crazy, but he's what makes the family work. The whole film was mesmerizing, especially the first and last shots where the characters run onto the train. My favourite scene was when they all saved a kid from the river (except Peter). It was moving and really brought forth the real problem the characters were facing about their fathers funeral.
TRAILER:
2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) I didn't expect that The Royal Tenenbaums would have such an affect on me. It was brilliant and gave me so much to think about. I immediately connected to the characters. It is a dysfunctional family that, in Anderson style, takes it to the extreme. But I found it easy to connect to the situations and characters. The acting was amazing and the interactions of the actors was great. My favourite scene is one that must pop into most peoples minds when thinking of The Royal Tenenbaums. Richie's suicide attempt. The way it is filmed; the haunting song "Needle in the Hay", and the way he speaks when he says he's going to kill himself. It was beautifully done.
TRAILER:
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) This movie is fucking fantastic! When I went into this film, I certainly did not expect to love it as I do. This film is exciting and funny and meaningful. It shows a family with a misunderstood teen; the perfect cousin; a father who truly wants the best but will go too far to get it; and the mother who always has good advice. Guys, this film has it all. Amazing actors, meaning, and a great storyline. And the fact that it is stop motion really allowed Anderson to play around and get the desired effect that he wanted. An all star cast with instantly recognizable voices and humorous dialogue. I have a few favourite scenes from this film, but one that stands out for its wit is the cussing scene. It's a children's movie, and Anderson never forgot that.
One of my favourite lines: "I understand what you're saying, and your comments are valuable, but I'm gonna ignore your advice."
TRAILER:
Thanks so much for checking out my list. I hope you enjoyed, and I strongly encourage you to check out Wes Anderson's films. They're very good and enjoyable all the way through. Comment below and let me know your favourite Anderson films! I'd love to hear it! Also comment if there's any Anderson film you want me to do a full review on. Thanks for reading!
This month was a very good month for me. I was in the Bout of Books read-a-thon and am halfway through the Beat the Heat read-a-thon. This month was really great for me! So, without further ado: August Read: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 5 stars
99 Days by Katie Cotugno 2 stars
Frostbite by Richelle Mead 4 stars
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead 4 stars
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead 3 stars
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead 2 stars
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West 3 stars
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy 3 stars
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead 2.5 stars
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski 4 stars
Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington 3 stars
Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington 1 star
IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
The world building and writing continues to amaze me! I can say that any book this author writes, I'm willing to try!
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Great start to a series! Unfortunately, it goes downhill. But the world building and thought into all the characters and 'species' is amazing! I'm willing to check anything by this author!
September TBR:
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
BOOK CLUB PICKS (Square in Wonderland - link here):
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
Thanks for reading! Comment and let me know what you read this past month!
Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by Gena Showalter Let's Talk contains spoilers
3 stars
Synopsis (Goodreads): Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly, they've got mine... Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong. After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things. She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her...from everyone. Now, with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness. But the clock is ticking...and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.
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The second book in the Alice in Zombieland series. I enjoyed this one, but I liked the first better. Honestly, there is so many cute couples in this series I love it. I think that it would be awesome to see their POV, too. I would just love to see what goes on in Bronx's head. I understand that this series isn't tied to Alice in Wonderland. It was made abundantly clear in book one. I wish that it was clear so that the author would stop making these ties to Alice in Wonderland because in all reality it makes me roll my eyes. I mean, when Z-Ali started ticking: tick-tock all I could do was roll my eyes and laugh. They are trying desperately to tie it to Alice in Wonderland. The other big issue for me was how each book ends in a way that you could stop reading it. I mean, I want there to be at least a semblance of connection or cliffhanger. They happen to solve every problem that arises in the book by the end. This sounds good, right? But they solve every single problem. It is annoying. Oh and when Ali became Zombie Ali and she had that whole vision with Gavin about licking his neck was I the only one to assume that she did it under the influence? I mean, am I some genius or is everyone else too dense to think of it. I understand that as a third party and not actually witnessing it is different, but come on. Ali convinces Cole she isn't going to. But he refuses to believe her. And then stupid Veronica come in and tried to take my Ali's boyfriend (Jokes, guys! Bronx is my guy!). And the big revelation about the glowing hands? [I thought that it was cool. But I feel like everyone is trying to get a happy ending --> Now Cole's dad can fight too? I mean, it was fine with me that he wasn't fighting. (hide spoiler)]I thought that it was cool. But I feel like everyone is trying to get a happy ending --> Now Cole's dad can fight too? I mean, it was fine with me that he wasn't fighting. And Ali's tattoos? I thought that was cool, but I'm so sure that the tattoo artist just allowed her to go along with it. Can I also say finally Reeve is in on it! I felt bad for her because Ali and Kat were just kind of closing her out for too long in my opinion. All she wanted was to be included and given a real reason for why she can't be with Bronx. And also, I have a crush on Gavin! He's just so hunky! Anyways, the ending was kind of rushed, but still good. They all got Zombie Ali out because of their glowing hands? O-kay... I just wished they explained this a bit more. I mean, why does it just heal people? Rating: 6/10 Parental Rating: 13+
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Tuesday September 1st
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Wednesday September 2nd
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Thursday September 3rd
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Friday September 4th
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Saturday September 5th
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
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Sunday September 6th
Number of pages: N/A
Total pages read: 215
Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Currently Reading: N/A
Books read in Week Two
Sorry guys, I know I failed this week. I had to do some shopping and then I attended FanExpo 2015 in Toronto (which was a blast!). Thanks for reading! Comment below and let me know where your update page is!
This is a list to help myself out. I am listing author last names for books I need to read. This is books I own so that I can cross them off the list. A- Catch Me If You Can by Frank W Abagnale Next Summer by Hailey Abbott Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto Crewel by Gennifer Albin Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson Feed by M T Anderson Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L Armentrout Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard D- Tales of the Slayer Vol.1 by Doranna Durgin The Iron King by Maurice Druon Stalk Me by Jillian Dodd Lessons in Love by A Destiny Never Too Late by A Destiny Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Skin by Ted Dekker Adam by Ted Dekker The Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker Wither by Lauren DeStefano The Maze Runner by James Dashner Crave by Melissa Darnell House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski E- Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols F- This Side of Paradise by F Scott Fitzgerald Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey I- N/A J- yolo by Sam Jones Possession by Elana Johnson N- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven O- This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Opal Envy by Gregg Olsen Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler P- Starters by Lissa Price Thirteen by Tonya Pines Any Christopher Pike book Wings by Aprilynne Pike Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult The Visitation by Frank E Peretti The Gift by James Patterson Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige Q- N/A T- Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor The Bane by Keary Taylor An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir U- N/A V- N/A X- N/A Y- Blood Red Road by Moria Young The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Z- The Book Thief by Mark Zusak Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin I know this doesn't help much for viewers, but it helps me. Hopefully if you are participating in this challenge, you'll get some ideas from here. And please if you have any recommendations for ones that I have empty, let me know! :D
