Book Review: Tamora Pierce's Emperor Mage

I want to begin by saying it felt so good to have a Tamora Pierce book in my hands again, as she is my absolute favorite young adult novelist. I read a lot of YA and I'm breaking into adult fiction, so there are competing authors for my favorite author over all, but she does out rank most. I mean Borders is going out of business and I bought 10 books and 9 of them were Tamora Pierce.

This book is the third in a quartet where a girl is gifted with "wild magics" as opposed to the "Gift" that is more common and more academic. I think one of the reasons I love her books so much is that she has many series but they all take place in one of two worlds. This one takes place in the Tortall Universe, which includes Allana, Numair, and many other of her lovable characters.

In this book they venture to their neighboring country of Carthak, to start peace talks after subtle attack over the past couple of years. The talks start very nicely with everyone being a little more then cordial to everyone. However things take a turn for the worst when the Emperor Mage decides that the talks are over.

The characters were slightly weak for me, most I already knew but they had no development...the book went very fast and the only character I saw development in were Daine and Kit the Dragon. I like the characters that exist and I know that Tamora is good at characterization, but this book seemed more like a vacation away from people. Which goes with the entire theme of the series I suppose.

Lots of amazing displays of magic, and a good bit of mysticism. If you like good soft high fantasy this is a series for you. All I want to say is DINO RAMPAGE FTW!!!

Book to Movie Review: I am Number Four...

Ok. With the entirety of the James Frey controversy aside, I did venture to read this book. The book was good, it was a good story, with good characters, and a decent amount of fantasy and reality. Over all a good book. However the movie...yea, the movie...well it was a good movie. BUT - I had to throw my expectations out the window, after about 20 minutes.

I am known for being a purists, most of my friends don't like going to see book based movies with me, because I will scoff in the movie and rant afterward. This movie I did my best to not to do that. I already knew based of previews that they had done things and added things that weren't in the book at all. Im generally okay with a little creative liberty, but this movie essentially a new rendition of the story, separate from the book.

There were many things in the book that happened, that I was really looking forward to seeing, but were left out. This saddened me. However, I think that element was redeemed by the appearance of a lovely little Beagle named Bernie Kosar. This dog is not only friend but a dog with a lot of bite as well. I loved him in the book, and was super excited that they kept true to his character.

The characters were decent, they didn't stray to far from the true characters. Henri and John's relationship was off, but I guess the strife works better for movie characterization. I'm not sure I agree with the actor choices, other then beauty the main couple leave a lot to be desired. Diana Argon play's Sarah, she also plays Quinn in GLEE....she should stick to glee. I didn't care much for her acting in this movie.

Taking most of this into account I think it would be a great movie to go see if you haven't read the book. My friends that I saw it with, loved it, and even I enjoyed it. If you have read the book, go to see this expecting something different from the book. Convince yourself that its just a coincidence about the names of everything.

Peace

If you would like to read about the Controversy over this book please CLICK HERE

Movie Review: No Strings Attached

Part of me feels like that I may be in the minority when I say that I really enjoyed this movie. Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman play their characters very well, and the story is original. I like to think that in each of us there is a physical side and an emotional side, and love is created when we find the person that we bond wonderfully with on both levels.

In this movie the two main characters are drawn to each other over the years, and begin a purely physical relationship. Which is cool, more power to them, but its not enough for either one of them. Someone start falling for the other, and then the proverbial shit hits the fan as their comfortable boundaries become blurred.

If you like Natalie Portman's cold strong personality, she keeps it up in this movie. As does Kutcher retain his lovable idiot persona. They were both great, and seemed really into the roles.

I will say that there were ups and downs, as with most movies. I thought the movie was being dragged out and kinda dumb at one point, but toward the end there comes a climax. There is one line...one solitary line...that makes the ENTIRE movie worth watching. If your going to be love cynic, and complain about the reality of the situation please spare yourself the annoyance and save the time. However if you are a romantic of any extent, then waste the 7 dollars and go see this movie, for you won't be disappointed.

Book Review: Betrayed.

It took me longer then normal to read this book. This could have been due to school, or the aggravating switch in style that is seen in this book. I may have missed this style in Marked, just because of the novelty of the series to me. However I don't think I did. Marked was decently written with a good story and characters that could be believable. Yet Betrayed veers into a wall of annoying.

The main character Zoey, seems to have changed to me. I started reading and she had a new since of arrogance and pride, despite her resolve to be self sacrificing. It was very jarring to read her new character. I couldn't get the thought "bitchy teen girl" out of my head, or loose that voice as she narrated in my head. I am aware that P.C. Cast co-wrote this book, yet it felt like P.C. wrote the book and then handed it to her daughter saying, "make it teen like".

The book is written in first person, which means that the narration is the stream of consciousness with very little editing. A new writing...technique, for want of a better word, is added in this book. Being first person she shouldn't have the need to interject thoughts in parentheses, with in the paragraphs. (It was really annoying). The language seemed to be affected here as well. In Marked, Zoey seemed to be pretty neutral in regards to female stereotypes. It was Erin and Shaunee, two of her cohorts, who were using the stereotypical teen girl language. Yet in these moments where the author, which ever one did it, interjected her thought into her...thoughts she took on that same voice. Using "Hello" out of the context of greeting someone. Hello, thats really dumb....

With that little rant aside the book takes a turn about three quarters of the way through. It seems PC went back to her old style here, and the book renewed itself in my eyes. I was done with the series after dealing with Zoey and her thought interjection, but the end was decent enough to make me want to at least pursue the continuation of the series. It easier since I already own them all. Thanks Mom! Haha

Book Review: Jim Butcher's Dresden Files Book 5: Death Mask

Another well done Jim Butcher novel for the win. Death Mask is not my favorite but in this novel you get more hints of a past and family Dresden may not even know about. Demons and angels are not something I often see done well. (No I didn't enjoy michael, city of angels, or insert movie) However Jim Butcher touches nicely on the idea of the Fallen and their role in this war. Throwing out names that I recognized and others I didn't, any fanatsy or myth buff will enjoy that aspect.

As a key player Susan, Harry's vampire infected love interest, returns with more wit and charm then usuall. She doesn't come alone or under good terms. I was nice to have them reunited if only briefly. She is one charcter I'm counting on returning over and over.

You get to learn more about the Knights of the Cross, and I love that entire thread of the story. One of them happens to be Atheist, which as contradictory as that may seem, is phenomenal. Each Knight has his own sword and his own history, much to the surprise of Harry. They are unique and inseparable from the story as a whole. It is vital that these figures be what they are and they are amazing characters.

My only complaint with the novel, and this could be true of most mystery based novels, that there is a pattern of sudden realization and then what seems like hasty exposition to reveal all of it. Being in first person helps to lessen some of this as you are stuck with only Harry's perspective. Which means you can't get clues he doesn't.

Many new charcters and a few old, creating an ever growing network of family and friends....and enemies. If you like personality, you will find this book and series very fulfilling.

Movie Review: Season of the Witch

A movie set in the mid 14th century it follows two knights on their journey away from the crusades, to falling back into the church's service. Reluctantly they agree to escort a young girl, who is being charged of witchcraft and seemingly scapegoated for the plague that is destroy humanity.

As the movie progresses you begin to see the girl's true nature, and it gives you bait to sway you. Is she truly evil? Or she is just a powerful and strong girl who is being accused wrongly.

I did not dis like this movie. I can't say that I loved it, and will not grace my shelves. However the movie was worth seeing at least once, and I would watch it if I were looking for something on the tele.

I think there is something to be said for the characters, despite their mild development, only one will remain with me for awhile. Kay, pronounced Kai, is a young boy who's father was a knight and that's his dream. The kid can read Latin and rock it out in both the church and on the battleground. Played by Robert Sheehan of the British television show Misfits, I instantly liked him. I missed his Irish accent, but he is still quite the capable actor.

Worth going to see.

Book Review: The Maze Runner

The maze runner opens with anticipation and keeps the suspense going through the entire book. Some parts feel rushed, and some parts seem to drag by but each part is carefully placed into a puzzle. It works for this book. You feel the pain of being trapped and the excitement of the escape.

Thomas wakes up in a box. Thats it, just him and the dark. He knows his name and thats it. With vague feelings of memories tickling his conscious he joins a ragtag group of people that are working to solve a monstrous maze. The enemy has no face, the monsters are creepy and deadly, and friends are never who they seem to be. As memories starting connecting to things, they have to fight their way into the maze and out again.

The book overall was well written, the characters are memorable, and the situation is very unique. It is a new spin on "Lord of the Flies" and takes a creates its own dystopian society very well. James Dashner crafts his world specifically to set you up in confusion, you will never know more then the main character, and thats nice.

Thomas was annoying at first, a jerk. I didn't like him but he grew on me, when took his situation and lack of access to memories into account. I felt sorry for him and proud of the person he was letting himself become. He is a fierce leader and good at what he does.

Overall the book is definite addition to any YA fan's bookshelf. I look forward to picking up the sequel. I have read that they are making a movie as well, however the director of the first Twilight movie being in charge could be a double edged sword.