Wednesday, May 9, 2012

I'll be back in June

Hi everyone!

 After weeks of not posting, I felt like I had to post something today.

 My excuse for the lack of updates? It's the same old excuse, life. I'll start posting regularly again in June because currently I'm stuck with loads of work to do. Thank you all for sticking with me. I promise I'll make it up to you.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

In My Mailbox (7)




In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.


For Review

Broxo by Zack Giallongo
House of Night #1 (House of Night: The Graphic Novel #1) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast, Kent Dalian
Tune by Derek Kirk Kim


Bought

365 Manners Kids Should Know by Sheryl Eberly
Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones
Clara and Mr. Tiffany: A Novel by Susan Vreeland
Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell
Down the Rabbit Hole (Echo Falls #1) by Peter Abrahams
Northanger Abbey  by Jane Austen
Palladio by Jonathan Dee
Poke the Box by Seth Godin

What did you get this week?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Adaptation Releases: The Lucky One, Think Like a Man

The Lucky One

Based On: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Director: Scott Hicks (Other movies include Snow Falling on Cedars and Hearts in Atlantis)
Screenwritter: Will Fetters (Other works include Remember Me)
Stars: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner
Release Date: 20 April 2012 
A Marine travels to North Carolina after serving three tours in Iraq and searches for the unknown woman he believes was his good luck charm during the war.
Nicholas Sparks said in an interview that The Lucky One is a novel he is very proud of. I don't know. The trailer makes it sound a little creepy. Whether the movie does well or not (most likely it will) Sparks must be very happy. He has a movie coming out every year now.




Think Like a Man


Based On: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey 
Director: Tim Story (Other works include Taxi and Fantastic Four films)
Writers: Keith Merryman and David A. Newman (Also Collaborated writing Friends with Benefits)
Stars: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart
Four friends conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey's relationship advice against them.
I really want to see this movie! I've been curious to read the book for the longest time, and it would be really interesting to see how a non-fiction book is adapted to screen. I don't understand how it "stars Chris Brown" though. He's not even in the poster. I just think it's a little weird.



Sunday, April 15, 2012

In My Mailbox (6)





In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.


I haven't done these in a while. I got those books in the span of the last three weeks.


For Review




Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Vol.1 by Gene Luen Yang
Dollhouse Vol.1 by Andrew Chambliss
Empowered Deluxe Edition Vol.1 by Adam Warren
Gary Gianni's Monstermen and Other Scary Stories by Gary Gianni

I'm a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender so I was excited to read this. I already did and it's a good addition. Too bad it's only going to be three parts.

Bought

The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
The Surrendered by Chang-Rae Lee
Jazz by Toni Morrison
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Bliss (The Bliss Bakery #1) by Kathryn Littlewood
The Women by T.C. Boyle
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
The Crimson Portrait by Jody Shields


What did you get this week?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

J.K Rowling's New Book Title and Synopsis Revealed!

Are you as excited as I am about Rowling's new project?



Finally after years of ending her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling is back with a new book intended for adult audience. While this one won't be about wizards, having Rowling's name on the cover is a good enough motivation for me to rash to the book store and get it. And Luckily, I don't have to wait for very long.

The new book titled The Casual Vacancy will be released on  September 27 of this year. This is more than I've ever asked for because when they announce on Rowling's new book, I assumed it would be released later in 2013. No cover is revealed yet, but I'm assuming a picture of it will be up soon.

This book is officially my most anticipated release of the year!


Summery


When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Add it on Goodreads!
Pre-order it on Amazon!



Comic Review: Ratfist


Title: Ratfist 
Author: Doug Tennapel (Author, Artist), Katherine Garner (Author)
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Pages: 176 pages
Buy the Book: Amazon
Source: NetGalley

Summery

Earthworm Jim creator Doug Tennapel is publishing his Webcomic Ratfist, a vigilante-in-tights that satirizes comics, politics, philosophy, and even Tennapel himself Featuring a forward written by MST3K/RiffTraxx''s Michael J. Nelson, and pin-ups by Ryan Ottley, Scott Kurtz, Christopher Hastings, and Ethan Nicolle.



Review

I usually like superhero stories. I even like satires. Ratfist has both of those things so it should be a fun read, right?

Unfortunately, I was let down. I can't really say that Ratfist was bad because it really wasn't. It's just that I'm obviously not the target audience for it.

I don't read satire that often so going back to it in a comic format was an interesting experience. However, like I said before, I'm not the intended audience for Ratfist. People who read superhero comic books and those who have a little interest in politics will more than likely enjoy this comic. I personally have no interest in either of those things which I think the reason why I wasn't impressed by this comic.

I think the biggest flaw of Ratfist is that, in my opinion, it fails to grab different kinds of audiences. It has funny moments, but only those who are hard-core comic fans will really get it. I don't usually get bored reading comics, but unfortunately I bored with reading this comic. I thought the story dragged on for too long mostly because it had too much text which I don't take as a good thing in comics. I understand in some parts it was done on purpose and it was funny when I understood it.

I didn't understand what the story was satirizing which is why I felt that the story overall was a huge mess Yes I know in most superhero stories thing don't always make sense, but here I thought it was a little bit too much. I thought some parts of the story was too stupid, like the tail thing which was a little bit too silly. Again, I know it supposed to be, but it didn't quite work for me.

I didn't enter this expecting a compeling superhero story. I wanted something entertaining and at some parts I was entertained. The art is unique in its own way, but in the end nothing special.

In the end, I found this book an interesting read despite its flaws. I think it's a shame because Ratfist could have been so much better if it had the appeal for a wider audience. I'd say if you're a hardcore comic book fan, you should check this one out.

In fact, if you want, you can read it here right now.

Final Rating


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Waiting for Wednesday (8)




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted Jill at by Breaking the Spine.




Breaking Beautiful
by Jennifer Shaw Wolf


Publisher: Walker Childrens
Pages: 368 pages
Release Date: April 24, 2012

More About the Author



Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.


When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Abusive relationship? budding romance? I'm In!

I've been so drown to YA contemporary fiction especially this year. Although they may not always turn out the way you expect, I love how books in this particular genre almost has something to say. YA contemporary fiction is what I consider my comfort zone and I'm dying to get back to it.


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (7)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted Jill at by Breaking the Spine.




Insignia (Insignia #1)
by S.J. Kincaid 



Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 400 pages
Release Date: July 10, 2012

More About the Author


More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible. 


Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him? 


Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.

I'm not crazy about the YA dystopian trend that goes on right now, but the premise of this one is interesting. Besides it has a male main character, which is refreshing. I really miss those. Most YA books I come across nowadays feature female protagonists and it's not always pleasant. Dystopia is one of my favorite genres so these books are hard to ignore.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books To Read In A Day


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

Being the slow reader that I am, I rarely sit down and read a whole book in one day. And if I do they would be short books. I honestly can't imagine myself reading a 500 or so pages book in one day. I really envy those who can do that >_< The books on this list are books my-slow-reading self finds manageable to get through in a day. If you are a slow reader like me, you may want to check this out ;-)

Anyway, on to the list. Those are in no particular order.

1- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
This book means alot to me. I will never get tired of it. A good relaxing  afternoon read with the good old memories...

2- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A Very short book with gorgeous illustrations. Probably it will keep you up all night. I'll let you know once I do read it but I heard from multiple people that it's very terrifying

3- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
This book is featured in alot of my lists. I can't help it! It's so enchanting.

4- For One More Day by Mitch Albom
If you want to cry, read any of Mitch Albom's books.


5- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

I read this book several times as a child. Baum is not the best storyteller, but he had a wonderful imagination.

6- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I never get tired of this story.

7- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
If you want a book that can touch your heart in a short amount of time, read this!

8- Coraline by Neil Gaiman

9- Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

10- Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen



Let me know what's on your list :)

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Book vs Movie: The Time Traveler's Wife


Minor spoilers.

I like discussing movie adaptations because I always find it interesting to see the story in a new light. Telling that story in another format sometimes can even improve on the original material.

When it comes to writing these reviews, I try to keep it spoiler free. Sometimes I might add minor spoilers, but that’s about it. I want to keep it simple so that people who haven’t read the book or watched the movie can still read it.

Today we’re looking at The Time Traveler’s Wife.



I was really looking forward to see The Time Traveler’s Wife movie especially after reading the book. I’ve been avoiding it since it came out back in 2009 because I wanted to read the book first. And I’m proud to say I’ve succeeded.

Although I really wanted to see this adaptation, I had no expectations going in. After I finished the book and saw the trailer, I immediately thought that the movie wouldn’t do the book justice. In some aspects, I was right.

First, I want to clarify that this is NOT a bad movie. In fact, it was much better than I expected. I was surprised by how faithful it was to the source material. The Time Traveler’s Wife is not an easy book to adapt. Turning a 500-page book into a 90 minutes movie requires talent. There is no way anyone can fit in everything in the book with that amount of time. I understand that  a huge amount  will cut out from the movie, however it has to be done well.

Here’s my first problem with the movie, it cut out too much. I said in my book review that I had problems with the pacing of the book. As for the movie, I had the opposite problem. Things moved too quickly. You don’t get enough time to spend with these characters and care about their relationship. We don’t spend merely enough time with Clare as a child as we do in the book.  It's more focused on of Henry’s side of the story.

I don't have a problem having Henry be the main main character, but it almost feel like some parts of the story is lost. I think what made the relationship so good in the book is that you get to see both sides of the story. I'm not saying that it's the script's fault. I thought the screenwriter did a great job adapting the story. I'm just saying that this movie should have been longer. If this movie was over 2 hours long, it would have been a much better adaptation that could stand on it's own against the book.

Speaking of standing on it's on, The Time Traveler’s Wife movie... it doesn't do that very well. Because I didn't get to see Clare's side of the story from when she was a child (in the movie), I didn't exactly get why she fell in love with Henry in the first place. I didn't feel how much of an impact he made in her life as a child and as a teenager.

You definitely have to read the book in order to appreciate this movie. There's nothing wrong with that. The filmmakers knew going in that the movie wouldn't be as good as the book, based on the behind the scenes interviews I saw. Those who haven't read the book will look at the movie as a pleasant yet forgettable romance. That also explains why the movie didn't gain the popularity it should have being based on a well-beloved, very popular novel.

In conclusion, the winner is obvious. The book is so much better. It's more complaining, complex and an unforgettable read. The movie is also very good. I advise you to see it if you are a fan of the book. It's a much simpler take on the story, but it's a very faithful adaptation with incredible performances from both leads.

Winner: Book

Friday, March 23, 2012

Book Review: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger




Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Publisher: MacAdam/Cage
Release Date: September 9th 2003
Pages: 560
Reading Group: Adult
Buy the Book: Amazon
Source: Bought


Summery

When Henry meets Clare, he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. Henry has never met Clare before; Clare has known Henry since she was six. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. Henry and Clare's attempts to live normal lives are threatened by a force they can neither prevent nor control, making their passionate love story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable. The Time Traveler's Wife is a story of fate, hope and belief, and more than that, it's about the power of love to endure beyond the bounds of time.

Review

This book has been haunting me for two years screaming for me to read it. Only back in January I felt this overwhelming desire to pick it up and read it. I know I’m late in joining the bandwagon, but it’s always a good thing because you get to open the book with an open mind.

I found some difficulties writing this review because I couldn't think of something that hasn't already been said about The Time Traveler's Wife. Everyone read this book and loves it. I'll try not repeat what anyone said, but forgive me if I ended up doing that.

The Time Traveler’s Wife is an engrossing love story that will make you believe in true love and the power of destiny.

This is a love story that chronicles the lives of Henry and Clare and how they deal with their abnormal situation. How does it feel to be the one left behind? how does it feel to be the one who always have to leave and powerless to control it? How does it feel to know things ahead of time but can't do anything about it? The book answers all these questions by showing us how can love survive against all odds.

The story is very well-crafted and cleverly put together. This is the kind of book you have to read over and over again in order to put the pieces together. I just finished the book and I already want to read it again. You can sense that the author spend so much time planning this book, and I admire her for that.

What makes the story so wonderful is its characters. The two main characters, Henry and Clare, are very well-developed and you get to see them grow throughout the story. We get to see the story from both sides and how each of them deal with the situation. It's easy to feel for these characters and what they're going through. As any couple, there are good times and bad times, but they stay together no matter what how awful things are sometimes.

Although this is the story of Henry and Clare, I'm glad that the side characters shine as well, which what I didn't expect. The side characters are great with each having a significance to the main plot. In fact, they are part of the puzzle pieces that put the story together. I have to say my favorite out of all of them was Kimy, Henry's caretaker.

The book made me appreciate how precious the time you spend with your loved ones because you don't know what might happen tomorrow. You don't know when they will disappear. Love is not easy. The only way to survive through the difficult times is your inner strength. Only a strong person would tolerate waiting for Henry and still love him.

Of course, this book does have its problems. For one, it has pacing issues. Although it's an easy read, it's a very long one. The author gives you even the little details about the lives of those characters that I felt could have been cut out. I consider this a minor complaint because I appreciated these little details when I finished the book. However, impatient readers might be turned off by the slow pacing.

Another issue I had with the book is the writing. It wasn't bad, but it was filled with grammatical errors. I don't usually notice these things so I don't think it's a good sign that I was able to spot these errors multiple times. Also there's the thing with the dialogue. Although it was very enjoyable to read, I found it unrealistic sometimes. As I was reading some parts, I thought; "No body talks like that!"

In the end, I think The Time Traveler’s Wife is deserving of all the hype that surrounds it. It has its problems, but the good parts do more that enough to keep the reader engaged. It's a clever story with a sweet touching romance and well-developed characters. If you love romance, you more than likely will devour this book. I personally think every couple, especially married couple should read it. It's a great representation on how love works and what it means to love another person. The Time Traveler’s Wife is a book that I'll never forget.

Final Grade

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish for those who love doing lists. 


This week's topic is naming you top ten books in your TBR spring list. It can been new releases or books that have been already out. 


Here's my list in order:
1. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury: I'm reading it for school. It's good so far.

2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: Also for school.

3. The Writer on Her Work by Janet Sternburg: I'm borrowing this one from the library. I feel that I should read more books about writing. I'm taking my time reading this book.

4. The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry: I can't wait to get more into the steampunk genre.


5. Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers: I can't wait to read this one. I'm in for any stories about writers.

6. Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe by Shelley Coriell: This one looks like fun.

7. Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame (The Enchanted Attic #1) by Lisa Samson, L.L. Samson

8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: I've been wanting to get to this book since forever!

9. Solitary (Solitary Tales #1) by Travis Thrasher

10. Out of It: A Novel by Selma Dabbagh: This one is really interesting. I already met the author and she seems really nice.


What are the books in you TBR list? Are you planning to read any of these?



Sunday, March 18, 2012

Adaptation Releases: The Hunger Games, The Deep Blue Sea

In this feature, I highlight the book-to-movie adaptations that are being released each week.

The Hunger Games


Based On: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Directed by: Gary Ross (best known for directing Seabiscuit)
Screenplay Written by: Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins (also author of The Hunger Games)
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Rating: PG-13  
Release Date: March 23, 2012
Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.
We all know it. We all have been waiting for it. I can't tell you how excited I am for this movie! I've been waiting for it since last year. So far, I like everything I saw. I heard some people say they wish they didn't see the clips because they spoil the surprise. I think that's true for those who haven't read the books. For me, I had no problems watching them because I already know what happens.

Every trailer and TV spot made me only excited and they couldn't have cast a better actress to play Katniss. Jennifer Lawrence embodies the character perfectly and I can't wait to see her in the movie. I'm rereading the first book right now, so I should have a review of it soon. I'm also gonna review the movie depends on when it's going to be released here. I'm guessing the beginning of April, but I hope it's sooner. I'll be looking forward to it.

And since I'm sure you all saw the trailer, I'll put the latest TV spot that has been released this week. You should check it out. It's awesome!


-----------------------------------------------------------

The Deep Blue Sea



Based On: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan (play)

Directed by: Terence Davies (also directed The House of Mirth)

Screenplay Written by: Terence Davies
Stars: Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and Ann Mitchell Hemsworth
Rating: R
Release Date: March 23, 2012
The wife of a British Judge is caught in a self-destructive love affair with a Royal Air Force pilot.
This movie was released back in 2011, but according to IMDb, it will open in NYC and LA this weekend. As a person interested in the process of plays moving to the big screen, I want to check this out. I like to see how something that's meant to be a stage play can work on screen. Maybe after I read the play first.




Are you as excited for The Hunger Games as I am? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In My Mailbox (5)


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.

I usually go crazy whenever I put myself to a book buying band. I guess it didn't last long. It doesn't help much that my local bookstore has been having huge sales for a while now.

For Review




Between Gears by Natalie Nourigat
Mumsi Meets a Lion by Kimberly Y. Stegall (Amazon Link)

Bought



Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
I'm collecting all of her books.
Savvy by Ingrid Law
I'm been wanting to read this for a while since it was a Newbery honor. I was glad to find it cheap in the bookstore.
Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts and Laura Park

I'm not a really big fan of James Patterson, but Middle School sounds really funny. 

Dancing Jax (Dancing Jax #1) by Robin Jarvis
I've never heard of Dancing Jax. It has such a creepy cover and an intriguing premise. besides it was cheap, so I got it. 

The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

Storyteller: The Life of Roald Dahl by Donald Sturrock
As a fan of Roald Dahl, I couldn't resist. It's an authorized biography so that's always a good think. I'm not a big fan of unauthorized bios.


61 Hours (Jack Reacher #14) by Lee Child
I've been meaning to check out this series. I got 2 so far: Die Trying (book 2) and Worth Dying  For (book 15). You don't have to start at book one with this series. You can started it from anywhere among the 15 titles that are currently released with the exception of books 14 & 15. According to my friend who's a fan of the series, those two books are direct sequels, so I had to get 61 Hours (book 14) so I could read Worth Dying For which I already own.
Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
I really felt the need to try a book by John Irving, so I was glad I found this.

A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern
Sounds like a cute read. "Sometimes it takes losing everything to truly find yourself." when I read that line on the back of the book,  I had to have it. I'm also considering to collect Ahern's books.

What did you get this week?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted Jill at by Breaking the Spine.


Storybound 
by Marissa Burt




Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 416 pages
Release Date: April 3, 2012

More About the Author
Website / Twitter


In the land of Story, children go to school to learn to be characters: a perfect Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They take classes on Outdoor Experiential Questing and Backstory, while adults search for full-time character work in stories written just for them. 
In our world, twelve-year-old Una Fairchild has always felt invisible. But all that changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, opens the cover, and suddenly finds herself transported to the magical land of Story. 
But Story is not a perfect fairy tale. Una’s new friend Peter warns her about the grave danger she could face if anyone discovers her true identity. The devious Tale Keeper watches her every move. And there are whispers of a deadly secret that seems to revolve around Una herself....  
With the timeless appeal of books like A Wrinkle in Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound has all the makings of a new classic. Brimming with fantastical creatures, magical adventure, and heart-stopping twists, Storybound will leave readers wishing they too could jump through the pages into this enchanting fairy-tale world.


I love middle grade fantasies. This one looks so charming! I can understand how this is compared to Inkheart. The way it uses storytelling elements is somewhat similar to that book. For me, I feel this book has some of the classical elements I love. I can't wait to read it.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted Jill at by Breaking the Spine.




For Darkness Shows the Stars 
by Diana Peterfreund




Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 416 pages
Release Date: June 12, 2012

More About the Author
Website / Twitter



Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him.
But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever.
Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.



For Darkness Shows the Stars is a dystopian novel that's inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion. Any Jane Austen fan wouldn't resist. The novel seems like an ambitious project. I just hope this is not part of a series. I think this book's potential to be a fantastic novel would be higher if it was a stand-alone. Imagine the possibilities the author could do with such premise! I'm not crazy about the cover though. It's gorgeous, but this girl-in-a-dress cover trend is getting old. I certainly don't want my shelf to be filled with these covers in the future.

What books are you waiting for?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish for those who love doing lists.
This week's topic is selecting your favorite covers.

There are many beautiful covers out there, especially right now. If I could remember them all, this list would be much longer. I'd name the ones I could think of right now. Those are in no particular order.




The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
It's so creative and enchanting. I love illustrated covers the best. It made me want to grab the book right away. Fortunately, my brother got it for me ;)

Wither by Lauren DeStefano:
I won't be surprised if this cover made it to everyone's list. Just look at this thing!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith:
I love the creativity of this one. Honestly, it fits the book so well.



Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Of all the covers that have a person taking most of the space, this one is my favorite.

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
One of my favorite covers. There are two versions of this one. Each with different color, red and blue. If you ask me, I prefer the red.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
I wish I could draw like that. The picture is stunning.



Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Also one of my favorite covers. It is really its own thing. One of the best thing about a book cover is how it stands out. You don't find that a lot these days.

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This cover is so lovely! I haven't read the book yet, but I really hope this scene is in the book.



Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
One of my new favorite cover! I had no interest in reading this book before this cover was revealed. I thought it would be similar to The Daughter of Smoke and Bone for some reason. I love how this cover sets it apart from that book. I really want to read it now (as well as to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone)

Eon by Alison Goodman
This cover has a personality! I love how Mulanish it looks, if you know what I mean ;)


Tell me about your favorite covers.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Adaptation Releases: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen


We only have one movie to talk about this week.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen




Based On: Salmon Fishing In The Yemen by Paul Torday
Directed by: Lasse Hallström (Other movies include Chocolat and Dear John)
Screenplay Written by: Simon Beaufoy (Other works include 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire)
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Amr Waked
Release Date: March 9, 2012

A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik's vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible.
This looks like a sweet novel, even though I'm still not sure about the way it portrays Arabs though. I'm judging from the trailer. I haven't see the movie yet. I do however love Emily Blunt so I'm checking this movie out sometime. Besides, it does look really good. The concept is interesting.




Sunday, March 4, 2012

2012 March TBR Pile


I'm positive I'm not going to get through all of these, but I'm definitely planning to get through as much as possible.




The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (currently reading)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (currently reading)
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Solitary by Travis Thrasher
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (currently reading)
Spontaneous by Joe Harris and Brett Weldele
Who is Jake Ellis? Vol.1 by Nathan Edmondson, Tonci Zonjic
Dotter of Her Father's Eyes by Mary M. Talbot and Bryan Talbot
Ratfist by Doug TenNapel and Katherine Garner
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Of course!