The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Goodreads Summary: Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Why I Read This Book: I had never read a fey novel before, but I read A Midsummer's Night's Dream in university. I had read some good reviews of this series, so I picked this book up.


Review: I actually really enjoyed this book. As is the norm with paranormal series lately, it did take awhile to get into as the 'world' needed to be explained, but Meghan is likable, and I thought Robbie was cool. The book was exciting, but the "rules" we a little confusing. I'm still not sure I have them all straight. Otherwise, it was great. I liked Kagawa's writing style, she is descriptive while still getting to the point of what she is saying, and I liked all the characters (or didn't like if that was what she wanted!) I can see how this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I liked it and look forward to getting to the next one!


Rating:

Reading and Watching Wednesday

Hello all!
I'm sorry I missed last week. I was really good and wrote a post to come out on the Wednesday  I was away on vacation, but I didn't take into consideration that I got back on a Tuesday and was too exhausted to think about blogging for about a week. NYC will definitely do that to you, especially if you try to see EVERYTHING in 3 days like I did!

Anyway, I had a great time, but hopefully I can get back to business as usual. This week I will be comparing the book version against the television version of The Sookie Stackhouse Novels / True Blood in honor of the new season starting soon (who else is WAY excited?!)

Admittedly, I have only read the first 2 Sookie Stackhouse books, and have seen all 4 seasons of True Blood that have come out. When I read the first book, I had already started watching the show as well. When I started the book, the biggest shocks were Tara and Layfette considering book Tara was the polar opposite of show Tara, and without giving too much away, Layfette's story line goes a lot differently in the books. There is definitely some minor character differences as well, but they are less noticeable. And as always, the characters physical descriptions aren't completely accurate, but they are good enough in most cases. Book Sookie seems to be a more voluptuous Southern girl than Anna Paquin is capable of portraying, but she does a good job. 

Since, as I mentioned, I had watched the show first, and the book seemed to be playing true to the show for awhile, I found I kept waiting for things I new happened in the show to happen in the book, and this never did. I guess since the book is short, the TV show had some filler added to make a whole season.

For the second book and the second season, much of the story line has changed, and much like my review of the Vampire Diaries book vs show, I think that they are going to be completely different, and almost incomparable. For this reason, I think I will continue reading the books (otherwise I honestly think I would stop reading them).

Verdict: Show is definitely better than what I have read so far, but I'm going to keep giving the books an honest chance and maybe they will get just as good!

PS: I found this link and thought it was good too :)

http://www.tv.com/news/10-reasons-why-true-blood-is-better-than-the-books-its-based-on-26101/

Hana by Lauren Oliver

Goodreads Summary: The summer before they're supposed to be cured of the ability to love, best friends Lena and Hana begin to drift apart. While Lena shies away from underground music and parties with boys, Hana jumps at her last chance to experience the forbidden. For her, the summer is full of wild music, dancing—and even her first kiss. 

But on the surface, Hana must be a model of perfect behavior. She meets her approved match, Fred Hargrove, and glimpses the safe, comfortable life she’ll have with him once they marry. As the date for her cure draws ever closer, Hana desperately misses Lena, wonders how it feels to truly be in love, and is simultaneously terrified of rebelling and of falling into line. 

In this digital story that will appeal to fans of Delirium and welcome new admirers to its world, readers will come to understand scenes from Delirium through Hana's perspective. Hana is a touching and revealing look at a life-changing and tumultuous summer.

Why I Read This Book: I wasn't going to read this originally, but after I finished Pandemonium I kind of just felt "why the hell not?" about it.


Review: This was a pretty short story and I read it in 2 sittings. I orginially wasn't planning to get it, because I didn't have a huge Hana attachment. However, while reading Pandemonium I realized I had sort of forgot some of Delirium's events, so instead of doing a re-read (I have way too many unread books to re-read things) I though this book would help to remind me of some of Delirium's event which I had maybe forgotten. It definitely worked, which was nice. The book's language was a little too flowery and descriptive for my tastes. I did really enjoy reading Hana's perspective of one of the more exciting events, although it was too much imagery and not enough of wtf actually happened. Anyway, I think it's worth a read for fans of this series, and it made me appreciate some of Hana's actions which made her look like kind of a jerk before.

Rating:

Reading and Watching Wednesday

For this week, I'm going to compare 'Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging' with the movie 'Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging'

I read this book a number of years ago on a complete whim purchase from the book store, and it has ended up being one of the most LOL series' I have ever read (and I still have only read the first 5-6 of 10 books). Then, about 4 years later I had a roommate who had the books as well (before book blogging, I had never met someone else who knew about them) and she asked me if I saw the movie.

Hold up - There's a Movie????

Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie!!!!!!!

So, I watched this movie, and it was only kinda funny. It was also only kinda funny because I had relatively no expectations about it, because 5 mins after I found out it existed, I was watching it. If I had had more time to become even remotely excited about this movie, I think I would have hated it.

Some notable difference are:

-They make Robbie younger in the movie (which is maybe a good thing).

-They make Georgia and her friends less awkward 14-years-old funny, and more OMG shoot these people in the face annoying.

-The ending is different, there is a big birthday party at a club or something like that (it's been awhile, and I can't be bothered to Google for a memory refresh)

The main difference though is its sort of missing that Georgia narrative charm that made the books so amazing. The main stuff is there, its just not the same as real time acting as it is in Georgia's journals.

This is a 10 book series, and to the best of my knowledge this is the only movie made, and its probably for the best.

Verdict: The book is better by a long shot. The books are such quick reads that it not even worth the time to watch the movie, just grab the book.

April Wrap Up - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge

So, this is a wee bit late, but such is life sometimes.
I had a super busy April, with final exams, travelling for work, and home renos as we get ready to sell our house! So, I didn't get much reading done. I read 3 books, but only 1 counted for this challenge! The other two were Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver, and an ARC that I reviewed.

The only book that counted was Book 1 of the Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (which rocked, but you know that already, because the review is here).
Slow month, but hopefully there is a lot of reading in the sun in my near future, and May already looks like it will be a better month for reading!

This month's wrap up post is being held by Bonnie from Words at Home and there is a fun little challenge that goes along with it.

The rules are, you need to make a Spring word with the first letter of the title of some books. I have all my books packed away as we are moving in the near-ish future, but I still wanted to participate, so scouts honor these are books that I DO actually own.

My spring word is: CLEANING because I am doing a ton of Spring Cleaning these days!!



And there we go! Most of these books I have reviewed recently, Ender's Game and All Quiet I had to buy for school (Ender's Game ended up being one of my fav books to this day) and Guyaholic I bought at the discount table at the book store and was pretty mad when I signed up for Goodreads and found it it was actually a sequel! I HATE when that happens!!! Good thing Goodreads exists now!!

Anyway, happy reading all, hope you have a productive May!

Reading and Watching Wednesday

Hello All!

Before I get to my weekly feature, I thought I would give you a little update on what's up these days. I have started some new series' which I have been wanting to get around to, namely The Infernal Devices and The Iron Fey. I'm still reading the Iron King but I'm about half done. I'm working on 4 books right now, and that has me sort of feeling overwhelmed (my own fault, I know). But the thing is, I started reading The Scarlett Letter, and I'm just not feeling the older style language right now, I'm about 30% done it, and I'm not even sure I have a clue what's going on... Probably not a good sign. I also started reading Modelland by Tyra Banks, which is so bad it's hard to not finish, but god is it ever LONG. I have the ebook so I didn't realize, but it just keeps going on and on and... well, you get the idea. I also have a paper book that I'm working through, and that's fine, I always have one on the go for when I am flying or my ereader dies, and it's The Debutante Divorcee and it's okay enough, and finally I'm reading the Iron King as I mentioned. And I'm enjoying that one, but do you ever feel guilty when you have books outstanding? I started Modelland and The Scarlett Letter before I started Clockwork Angel, now I have that finished and posted about, and now I'm half done The Iron King and I still haven't finished those 2! I want to just keep reading The Iron King, but I feel bad for the other 2! Does this ever happen to anyone else?! Maybe I'm crazy, haha. Anyway, I'm going on vacation on Friday (a big road trip) so hopefully I'll knock out both Modelland and The Scarlett Letter then, and be able to read only awesome stuff for a little while.

And, now on to the book vs. movie!
This week we're going to take a look at:

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants is one of my favorite book series' and I had high hopes for the movie when it first came out (some time in 2005). I went to see it in theaters, and I Was really disappointed... at first. They changed so many things in this book. Some things that I can remember that really stood out as different are the fact that Perry (Bridget's twin brother) was missing, Tibby and Bailey meet differently, Kostos and Lena's relationship with each other and their families is different, Eric is Mexican in the book (not a boy-next door American), and Brian was not Asian in the book. I never understand why they have to change such simple details like these. Why can't you cast people that are some what similar to how they are described in the book? And why make it an apple when it's supposed to be an orange, know what I mean?

Other difference that I can actually understand why they were different (too complex, time issues, etc.) are things like Lena going to visit Bridget in Baja, Tibby's depression over Bailey, how the pants were actually found, how Carmen's father's wedding played out, etc. These changes I noticed, but didn't really bother me.

As for the 4 main girls, I thought the casting was great. At first I wasn't thrilled with Carmen and Lena's actresses, by in the movie they were perfect. They had such chemistry as friends, and after awhile I grew to love the movie for different reasons than I love the book.

Verdict: Book is better, but movie is great too :) However, don't ever let me start talking about the 2nd movie, because THAT was a piece of trash.

Anyway, I am hoping to get one of these scheduled to come out next Wednesday while I'm away, but time is short, so we'll see!

Happy Reading :)

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads Summary: Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still. 

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Why I Read This Book: This is popular in the blog world, and I really loved the sound of the synopsis. I kept it at a distance though, because I was never sure whether to read this first or City of Bones. Anyone who knows me, knows I stress over reading things in the wrong order. After a bit of research (and reading several times that it actually doesn't matter) I decided to read the Infernal Devices first for a few different reasons 1) This series will only be 3 books, and The Mortal Instruments is 6, so I can read these ones faster and move on to TMI (even though the 3rd TID book isn't out yet) 2) This book pre-dates TMI period wise, and is something of a prequel. So, without any further stress over the matter, I dove in!


Review: I really enjoyed this book a lot! I'm not sure it was completely what I was expecting, but I think it was even better! The book was a little slow to start for me, and it was somewhat confusing while I learned all the "rules" (as I like to call them) of this books land. Once I got the Shadowhunter and Downworlders and everything else straight, I was hooked. I stayed up foolishly late to finish it. It was exciting and mysterious, all while feeling a little bit real which I loved! I adore the characters, and can't wait to read Clockwork Prince! The only thing that kept it from being a 5 star was the slightly slowish beginning.


Rating:

Reading and Watching Wednesday

For this week's Wednesday post I am going to compare the television/book versions of The Vampire Diaries (not a movie, but still something you watch!)

I didn't read The Vampire Diaries Books when they first came out (I still haven't finished The Return books). I only started reading them because I wanted to watch this show. So, its important to put the books into perspective when you read them if you do it as late as I did. These books were written awhile ago for YA's and it really shows. Things aren't as shocking or risque as they are in today's literature, and Smith's writting style is much more descriptive then I find today's authors writing styles to be. But, I mean it hasn't been that long, and the books are still good. I read Book 1 and started watching the show. This, in hindsight was probably not the best idea. Book 1 was decent, but then I started watching the show, and I like it a lot more. Book 2 seems boring. Then Book 3, 4 and The Return series as sooo drastically different from the show they are almost incomparable, but I'll try :)

This photo sums up one of the main differences in the two, Elena:

The book Elena is also very superficial in the beginning, slightly malicious, and very into herself. I never really got that sense from the show Elena.

For the show, they almost COMPLETELY change Elena's family and friends as well. In the book, Elena has a little sister. She has an Aunt Judith (who is oldish) and a Uncle Robert. She has a redhead, pale friend named Bonnie, who is a wimp, and a strong willed friend Meredith. Her frenemy is Caroline. Not really like the show, hey?

Another biggie is that the show and the book don't even take place in the same town?! What is the point of that?! What was wrong with Fell's Church?!

And, Stefan and Damon are actually Italian in the books, the Katherine bit is very different (although she is in there) and some other things were just changed for no real reason as well, some better, some pointless, some worse. Like Caroline's last name, making Vicki Matt's sister, etc.

The verdict: I like each of them for their own reasons. At first I didn't think the books were going to live up to the TV series, because I love that, but again, they are SO different that it's like the books are just as good as the TV show in a completely different way. So, I feel like I can't even decide! What do you guys who have read/seen both think??

Although, one huge bonus the books can't provide: VISUAL STIMULATION!!

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

Goodreads Summary: Emmy is newly single, and not by choice. She was this close to the ring and the baby she's wanted her whole life when her boyfriend left her for his twenty-three-year-old personal trainer -- whose fees are paid by Emmy. With her plans for the perfect white wedding in the trash, Emmy is now ordering takeout for one. Her friends insist an around-the-world sex-fueled adventure will solve all her problems -- could they be right?

Leigh, a young star in the publishing business, is within striking distance of landing her dream job as senior editor and marrying her dream guy. And to top it all off, she has just purchased her dream apartment. Only when Leigh begins to edit the enfant terrible of the literary world, the brilliant and brooding Jesse Chapman, does she start to notice some cracks in her perfect life...

Adriana is the drop-dead-gorgeous daughter of a famous supermodel. She possesses the kind of feminine wiles made only in Brazil, and she never hesitates to use them. But she's about to turn thirty and -- as her mother keeps reminding her -- she won't have her pick of the men forever. Everyone knows beauty is ephemeral and there's always someone younger and prettier right around the corner. Suddenly she's wondering...does Mother know best?

These three very different girls have been best friends for a decade in the greatest city on earth. As they near thirty, they're looking toward their future...but despite all they've earned -- first-class travel, career promotions, invites to all the right parties, and luxuries small and large -- they're not quite sure they like what they see...

One Saturday night at the Waverly Inn, Adriana and Emmy make a pact: within a single year, each will drastically change her life. Leigh watches from the sidelines, not making any promises, but she'll soon discover she has the most to lose. Their friendship is forever, but everything else is on the table. Three best friends. Two resolutions. One year to pull it off.

Why I Read This Book: I read this book for a chick-lit fix, and someone lent it to me. I liked some of Weisberger's other books as well.


Review: This wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't a good book either. The characters were kind of flat, it lacked any sort of exciting plot as well. It didn't make for a very entertaining read as I had hoped. Some elements of the book were amusing, such as Emmy's pact, and a few of the scenes but overall it came across very stereotypical and the characters main points were overdone and annoying. For example, Brazilian Adriana was extremely self centered, loved herself and her looks way too much, and if I had to read the word "querida" one more time I was going to throw the book through a window. I was surprised that this book was basically a flop, because The Devil Wears Prada was a book I really enjoyed. I guess, it wasn't horrible, I did however supplement it by reading other books while I was reading this one at the same time. I probably wouldn't recommend it to my friends, but I wouldn't go out of my way to trash it to them either (unlike my current read, which you will hear about if I ever manage to finish it!!)

Rating: