The beginning of the end?

Great news! For my birthday I got $300 worth of book vouchers, for Angus and Robinson, Dymocks and Borders. I was incredibly excited, since I have a year to buy as many books as I want-virtually for free! 'The power of Six', 'City of Fallen Angels', 'Everfound', 'Nevermore' and 'The bridge of Clay'-just to name a few that are not yet released. Thats ignoring all the fantastic books already out there! 

Now, some bad news... Borders and Angus and Robinson are being liquidated. They are closing down, so my book vouchers are no longer valid. 

My heart = broken. 

I still have $30 to spend perfectly at Dymocks, but still...  

Fortunately, my mum told me that I can still use my vouchers-as long as I pay that sum in cash as well. So, say I have a $20 voucher-I can still use it, but I will have to buy two books in order to do so. So really it is like a half price coupon. 

Knowing that thee bookshops are due to close soon, I went into Rundle Mall today and went on a buying spree! Here are the books I brought: 

'Delirium' by Lauren Oliver 

'The Forest of Hands & Teeth' by Carrie Ryan 

'The Gurnsey, Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shafer 

'The Maze Runner' by James dashner 

'The Last Days' by Scott Westerfield 

'Wings' by Aprilynne Pike 

'Her Fearful Symmetry' by Audrey Niffenegger 

'The Spooks Apprentice' by Joseph Delany 

Plus, my brother and mum brought three books each. This leaves me with about $100 left, which I will spend either tomorrow or Friday night. 

I am incredibly excited to read all of them-especially the first two! 

However, I do have a troubling question. Is this the end for bookstores. Due to kindles, e-readers and cheap websites like The Book Depository, will all bookstores close down for good? Many people seem to think so. It is rather upsetting, since I love being able to browse the shelves, and flick through the pages. I seriously hope book stores keep going strong for ages into the future... 

What do you think? 

Have you read any of those books I purchased? 

'Peeps' by Scott Westerfeld

science-fiction, 312 pages 

Published 2005 by Penguin

Dont have sex, because you will turn into a vampire, and die. 

Thats the message I picked up on in 'Peeps'. Funny, because Westerfelds other book, Uglies, the message was dont pollute the environment. A bit of a difference in moral there...

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It wins the 'Weirdest book I have ever read in my life' award. Scott Westerfeld has created a fantastic urban-fantasy, set in modern day New York. It is weird and strange, but utterly creative and highly unique.
Basically, vampirism is an STD, which the protagonist, Cal, has caught from a girl named Morgan, when they were....well, you know.
This makes Cal a carrier. He has the disease, but not the negative symptoms. He is a one in one thousand case. This means he doesnt crave human flesh all the time, but he can see in the dark and run super fast.
Unfortunately, every girl he kisses or has sex with, he infects, and turns them into a vampire. It is his job to hunt down all of those he has infected, and put them into custody.
But that is all backstory. The actual plot of this book is him trying to catch Morgan-the girl who infected him.

it is a weird book. Creepy and gross and times, but still very, very good. The author thought this through magnificently well. Let me say this: I prefer Scott Westerfeld's blood-thirsty, horny vampires in Peeps, over the sparkling ones in Twilight or the paranormal-love obsessed ones created by Richelle Mead. Ugh.

No words can do this book justice. I cant praise it more, because that would mean including spoilers. All I will say is this: I definatly encourage fans of  The Uglies Trilogy to try this book. Also, if you are interested in vampires and want to read a completely wacky take on the ancient creatures, read this!
Now I will go into repetitive mode: Scott Westerfeld thought this through very well! He explained why vampires and scared of the sun, why crucifixes ward them off, why they break mirrors when they look at their own reflection.
Plus, this is just 100% weird. In a great way. Its a perfect blend of adventure, action, horror and scientific education :)

I will end with my favorite quote from the book: "I lost my virginity to the apocalypse!" 

Top 5 fictional characters of all time

This is a quick countdown of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Wether they be from a book, Tv show or film-my all time favorites are here: 

Starting the countdown, at number five: 

5) Euphegenia Doubtfire-Mrs. Doubtfire film

Robin William's best role, ever. He plays a divorced father, and the only way to see his kids is to get a job as their mum's housekeeper. To do that he need a house keeper disguise. He names the disguise Mrs. Doubtfire, and commence thousands of hilarious antics  :) Its amazing. If you haven't seen the movie, go buy it right now. Euphegina is hilariously funny and immensely quotable. "My first day as a woman and i'm already getting hot flashes!" (whilst on fire). 

4) Skulduggery Pleasant-Skulduggery Pleasant books 

Whats not to love about a skeleton detective, who is not only super smart, but also kicks-butt, has a fantastic fashion sense, amazing super powers, and is full of more hilarious and snappier remarks then Jace Wayland? The answer: Nothing.

3) Haymitch Abernathy-The Hunger Games books 

From the moment I met him I was head over heels about Haymitch. He's both the comic relief, and serious mentor. I love every thing about him, from his attitude to his backstory. Haymitch is amazing, and if he is not portrayed my Robert Downey Junior in the upcoming film, I will be devastated. 

Sue Sylvester-Glee TV series  

Amazing. Hilarious. Sensational. Brilliant. She should be at #1-I debated long and hard wether or not to put her there. The internationally respected cheerleading coach has me in stitched every time she opens her mouth, with her subtle humor and insults. For your enjoyment, here are some of my favorites: 

"I dont trust a man with curly hair. I can't help picturing small birds laying sulfurs eggs in there and I find it disgusting!" 

"I will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty cat. And then in some cold, dark night, I will steal away into your house and punch you in the face!"

Severus Snape-Harry Potter books/films

Is Snape not the greatest character ever? For the first three books we are convinced that he is pure and utter evil. Then in the fourth and fifth, we being to question him, change our judgment of him and even give him a second chance. Then in the sixth book, we detest him more then anyone else we have ever read about. Finally, at the end of the seventh book, after just one chapter of his life story-he is an all time favorite. We know why he did what he did, we find out about his lost love and how he was an ultra awesome double agent. I could write an essay about him. Dark, mysterious, deep, amazingly cool. We'll leave it at that. Severus Snape is a legend. My favorite character EVER!!!!

School goes back for a new year in less then 24 hours. 

I will be starting year ten, which is both exciting and nerve racking. On the upside I am in a class with my three best friends for the first time since 2008. On the down side I will have to wake up at 6:30, go to bed earlier, pay attention, wear uniform and worry about my appearance every morning. All are things I haven't done for the past nine weeks.  

Because I am so gloomy, I thought I would share a song with you: 

It is called 'Volcano' by Damien Rice, featuring Lisa Hannigan. I am sharing this for three reasons: 

1) It is amazingly awesome 

2) I am too gloomy about school tomorrow to do anything else 

3) Out of the six/seven songs on my writing inspiration playlist, this is number one. I listen to this to get in the 'writing mood'.  
Just listen to that cello at the beginning and tell me that not utterly beautiful. I dare you.  

I guess you dont have to listen to it. Not by any means. But if you did, what do you think?

January Awards

Okay-so I noticed I picked up a few more followers recently :) Thank you for following! 
Anyway, I am borrowing this little feature from Amelia's blog: Imagination in Focus. Basically, its a summery of all the books I read in January: 

Books finished: Five
Favorite book: I am Number Four, with City of Bones at a very close second
Least  favorite book: Reckless
Favorite character: Isabelle Lightwood, City of Bones. If she was real, we would be the very best of friends :) I can tell.
Best villain: The Government in The Running Man 
Story world I wish I lived in: City of Bones
Best idea: The Running Man- a much darker, scarier and more thought through version of The Hunger Games 

Movie adaption I'd love to see: The Running Man-done correctly, this would be AMAZING! There is a movie version already, though the whole plot has been changed :(. 'City of Bones' would make a terrific film as well. 

Favorite cover (my editions): Reckless. The book sucked, though the cover is great :)

Ratings:  

Reckless by Cornelia Funke: 2/5

The Running Man by Stephan King: 4/5

Extras by Scott Westerfield: 3/5

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore: 4/5

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: 3.5/5 

Final rating for January reads: 3.5/5

Dream Cast: The Hunger Games

Recently, I have been doing A LOT of thinking about the upcoming film adaption of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. 
It is a fantastic book, full of magnificent characters which deserve the right portrayal. I have been brainstorming which actors would suit the roles. If I was the casting director of the film-here are some people I would defiantly get in contact with: 
(*Note* For Peeta, Gale, Katniss, Prim, Rue and all other tributes, I want unknowns to be cast. However, for blog purposes I must choose proper actors.)  

  Effie Trinket: Amy Poehler

 I really think she looks the part with out costume. Just imagine her once they give her pink hair and make up! I think she could do a fantastic job acting wise as well-she can defiantly pull of crazy. (She was in 'Blades of Glory" amongst one or two other feature films and was a voice-actor in quite a few as well.)   

Haymitch Abernathy: Robert Downey Jnr.  

 I was tossing up between RDJ and Hugh Laurie for a long time. In the end I chose Robert, simply because he looks the part more. He is also a magnificent actor, he could play Katniss and get away with it. If he is not cast in the actual movie, I will be so upset. 

Ceasar Flickerman: Andrew Hanson

He is unknown overseas, but in Australia he is almost a household name. His personality is perfect for the bubbly interviewer, and with a bit of make-up and hair dye, he would look perfect as well. 

He is naturaly bubbly, happy and funny. 

 I was tossing up between Andrew, Rove McManus and Jim Carrey. 

I would have cast Carrey, but he is too bigger name for such a small role.

Prim Everdeen: Avalon Robbins

To tell the truth, I'd never heard of her before one of my friends mentioned her. The second I saw her image, I knew she would be perfect for the role!  She looks so young and innocent, like Prim should. 

 Since im crazy-busy, I'll see if I can post more tommorow, but for the time being this is the only part of the cast I am really happy with. 

Review: City of Bones

'City of Bones' by Cassandra Clare 

Fantasy, 442 pages 

Published 2007 by Walker Books

Jessica, you seriously need to stop developing crushes on gay boys. First Neil Patrick Harris, then Chris Colfer, and now Alec Lightwood. It needs to stop.
The Lightwoods-Alec and Isabelle-were definitely my two favorite characters. They were so elegant and fascinating, I loved them both. If Isabelle was a real person-we would for sure be best friends. She reminded me so much of myself :)
I would say her and Alec would make a cute couple, but they are brother and sister, so that would be creepy. Really creepy...You know who else im thinking of, right?

Having said I loved Alec and Isabelle, you may have worked out by now that Jace Wayland was not my favorite character.
omg! Gasp and point at possibly the only girl on this site who isnt head over heels about Jace.
However, I did enjoy the hundreds of one-liners he came up with. A few of them even made me laugh out loud.
But seriously, I got so sick of reading about his 'fine locks of golden hair' every second page. Almost as sick of reading through all the similies...oh my goodness, the similies!

Besides from the fact that parts of this were borrowed from other books, and that it took me ages to read, and the fact lots of the story seemed forced and wooden, I enjoyed the book. I really, really enjoyed it.
I thought it was written quite well, and the characters were all fascinating in their own quirky way.
I gave 'City of Bones' four stars, though it probably didn't deserve that many. However, it deserved more then three, and half ratings are not aloud, so....

The Mortal Instruments bandwagon is at my doorstep, millions of fans calling me to jump on board.
Whilst I am tempted to, I will politely decline the offer for the time being. It was good, very good in-fact, but not 'amazing', like everyone said it would be.
The bandwagon can return to see If I want to be on board once I finish 'City of Ashes', which I have already started devouring.

I will end with a quote from my good 'friend' Amelia: 'If you've already read & loved Harry Potter & the Chaos Walking series...this will be fun, but not nearly as impressive.' 

'I am Number Four' by Pittacus Lore 

Science fiction, 358 pages 

Published 2010 by Penguin

A few years ago I heard about a movie called "District 9' The majority of people I spoke to seemed to love it. One day my dad brought a copy home from the DVD store, and against my better instinct decided to watch it. I firmly believed that-being about aliens, spaceships and full of action-I would hate it. I thought it would be a 'geekish' movie, but none the less decided to give in to my dads pestering and watch it.  
Aliens are really not my thing...112 minutes later, the movie had ended and I walked from the room with a giant smile on my face. Turns out I completely misjudged the movie. It wasnt bad or geekish, It was amazing. I added it to my list of favorite films, and decided to never judge sci-fi movies again. 

Skip forward to early 2011. 
I had received a copy of 'I Am Number Four' for Christmas. I had my eye on this since September, but when I found out about the main character being an alien, and having a lot of backstory about a sort of space-war, I wasnt so sure. 
But remembering 'District 9', I decided to try some space/alien books, hoping it would be a similar experience to to the previous said film. 
And it was. 
It was amazing. 

Okay, enough bad movie comparisons, onto the proper review: 
WOW! My mind was blown. I loved this book! Pittacus Lore-whoever he is-did everything right. 
The pacing was perfect, I cared for the characters, the style was perfectly readable and the scenery was wonderfully visual. 
Firstly, I am going to rant about the good stuff, and at the reviews end I have a tiny complaint. But first, the characters: 
Number Four/John Smith: He is my favorite character all year. Mind you, the competition is fairly weak 'Reckless', 'Extras' and 'The Running Man', but still... 
He is a pretty cool. And I liked his personality. I agree with one of my friends reviews, he would make a good boyfriend :) 
Sarah Hart: I loved Sarah :) She was so likable! The whole time I was reading, I kept picturing Dianna Agron as Sarah. Later, whilst watching the trailer I am pleased to see Dianna Agron! They cast her as Sarah! PERFECT CASTING MOVE! Whoever was behind that deserves a pat on the back. 
Henri: Possibly my favorite character, at least in the top two.He was the awesome, kick-but, protective, chilled back father figure. I kept imagining him as a cross between Stanley Tucci and Henri Leconte. 
Number Six: I liked her appearance, but would have loved some more information on what she has been doing for the past 10 years, where she has been hiding, how her guardian was killed etc etc. BUT, I saw that in the film's cast she will be portrayed by Teressa Palmer. This is awesome for a number of reasons: 
1) She is Australian. Like me. 
2) She is from Adelaide, South Australia. Like me. 
3) She went to the same school as me :)

But I digress, moving on: The pacing. As I previously mentioned, this was spot-on perfect! 
The book starts with a short, well written addicting hook. Then we are filled in on the characters and their lives, and presented with a problem. For a hundred pages or so, their is a focus on a cute relationship between characters, whilst the suspense of being hunted down rises-and we learn important facts about the main character. Then comes a 50 page block of suspense, and a bit of action, which is a small preview of what is to come. Then there is a crisis-important stuff happens (cant say or it would be a spoiler!), and finally there is a big-epic-awesome climx where all the shit hits the fan. 
There was not a dull part, and Mr. Lore did a fantastic job at writing the fight scenes.

The writing style was great. Descriptive scenery, suspenseful prose , and surprisingly sweet romantic scenes. 
I could clearly see the the small town-John's house, the school, the forest. All wonderfully written-or maybe it was just me over imagining things? 
Oh, and John and Sarah were incredibly cute together :) 

Now, onto a few problems I had with the book: 
-Characters. I know I said that this book has had the best characters ive read about all year-but they still need work. They still need some more depth. Especially Sam, Mark and Number 6. The battle was almost hard to read with these characters involved, since they seemed so darn flat. 
Hopefully we see all the characters develop in the highly anticipated sequel 'The Power of Six'. (The title either means we see loads of #6-the character-Teressa Palmer making us Adelaidian's proud!-or the remaining 6 Lorien kids reunite, which would be totally awesome! (I wish I had a dollar for everybody who just though of A Very Potter Musical) .  
And their names should have been better. I understand #4 wanting a common name, but all the others? Sarah, Mark, Sam? The author should have chosen better names...-Plot holes. Okay, so this is the main thing that holds this book down from 5 stars. 
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS TO FOLLOW* 
I never found out WHY The Mogadorians wanted to kill Number 4? We are told that the Mogadorians Lorien and killed most of the Lorics dor their resources, and they want to do the same to Earth. But WHY do they need to kill the numbered Loric kids? Cant they just let them be? Roam on Earth until its destroyed? And even if the numbered Lorics (cant think of anything else to call them) return to Lorien, then they would be killed anyway, by the thousands of Mogodorians already there? Even if all nine of their Legacies had developed, it would be no match for the thousands of Mogadorians who had fought thousands of Lorics (also with developed Legacies) years before. 

Oh yeah, and the Bernie Koaler (sp?) twist didnt surprise me. I did see it coming. 
*END SPOILERS* 

All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I cared for the characters and loved every second of reading it! 
Highly recommended to all (except for those who have an un-dying, sever hate for aliens). 
The movie trailer looks mediocre, but maybe they are just aiming it at the wrong audience?, iI still want to see it though. Fingers crossed its amazing :)


Oh yes, And I feel lots of awesome fan-fiction coming on. Stay tuned.  

My Bookshelf!

So recently I was on my American friend Amelia's blog: Imagination in Focus, and I saw a post about her bookshelves. 
After a long time staring at them and checking out the unusual overseas covers, I decided to make my own post: So here it is! My Australian bookshelves! 
(with plenty of room remaining!)  

 The bottom seems to be cut out. But its just school assignments, folders holding sketches and story ideas and some magazines.

 

                                                             So thats my bookshelf! 

Lots of different covers. Did you spot any REALLY different ones? 

Review: Reckless by Cornelia Funke

 

Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Fantasy , 345 pages 

Published 2010 by Chicken House

Oh dear....
What a disappointing book. The very pages stunk of mediocrity. 
The main issue with 'Reckless' lies solely with the characters: Cornelia Funke plunges us right into the middle of the story, with no detail on the characters what-so-ever. Jacob, Will and Clara are possibly THE WORST leads in a novel I have ever read about. There is absolutely no chemistry between them. I couldn't care less about what happens to them. 
I imagine Cornelia Funke's brainstorming of these characters was a lot like this: 
Cornelia: Kay, so: Jacob is the main character, Will is his brother and Clara is Wills girl friend. Getitgotitgood, now onto the story...
Editor: No, wait a second Corny, I think you need a bit more detail.
Cornelia: Really? Okay, ummm...Will and Clara met in a hospital and fell in love
Editor: FREKIN' PERFECT! 
Im not even kidding, that is all the information we got on these characters. And WIll and Clara, the couple who is 'head over heels desperately in love', never show any affection for each other. Ever. 
The plot of 'Reckless' is basically this: Will gets turned into a Goyl (a species of monsters made out of stone who are evil for the hell of it) , and Jacob and Clara have to save him. 
The problem (one of trillions) is this: Will gets no page-time before the transformation. His first scene his him turning into the Goyl. This means that the reader doesn't care for him, and I couldn't give a rats ass weather he is saved or not. 
Oh, and for the majority of the 345 pages, everybody treats Will like his is a baby. Just because he is the younger sibling) doesn't mean he needs to be treated like a two year old, when he is, in fact, graduated from high school. 
The characters are so annoying and less one-dimensional (or more, I guess...) then: 
 

Also. the un-named world-behind-the-mirror seems like a cheap, much less thought through version of The Inkworld in Inkspell and Inkdeath also by Cornelia Funke. 

Normally, I love Cornelia Funke-she is in my list of favorite authors, along side Stephen King,J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl. The 'Inkheart trilogy' are some of my favorite books, and The Thief Lord is sensational. 
Maybe I just had super high expectations for her new book. I had, after all, been following Funke's blog updates since she announced the idea for 'Reckless', eagerly counting down the days to its release. 
None the less, this was really not enjoyable.