Wednesday, February 26

Movie Review: Pacific Rim

Length: 2 hours & 11 mins
Released: 2013
Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, and Action & Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Directed By: Guillermo del Toro 

Where I Got It: borrowed from library

SUMMARY:
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot and an untested trainee who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

TRAILER:

CAST:
Raleigh Becket - Charlie Hunnam
Yancy Becket - Diego Klattenhoff
Stacker Pentecost - Idris Elba
Mako Mori - Rinko Kikuchi
Dr. Geiszler - Charlie Day
Gittlieb - Burn Gorman
Herc Hansen - Max Martini
Chuck Hansen - Robert Kazinsku
Ops Tendo Choi - Clifton Collins Jr.
Hannibal Chau - Ron Perlman

REVIEW:
Been wanting to watch this movie for a while, but I kept putting it off. Why? I was scared I wouldn't like it. hahaha. Silly reason, but I heard such mixed reviews that I was unsure.

Boyfriend picked this up at the library and we watched it. Too bad I waited so long!

I really liked the idea that humans create a robot that connects to the human brain and the human becomes one with the machine. It was even better when they realized that it was too much for the human brain to handle, so they made it two people. However, the two brains had to sync with one another. I loved that whole thing. It seemed very symbolic to the working together thing. It fell in line with different countries coming together to fight the monsters. The meaning was nice a touch. Work together or die alone. Love it. I would hope if something like this really happened that the governments of the world would indeed come together. However, it wasn't perfect in this movie. The government, like they would, decided to go a different and cheaper route to try and solve the issue. Rid of the machines and build damns. >__> Stupid idiots. Lucky for the people, the people from the programs went underground and decided to continue the fight on their own. Thank goodness. 

Not a bad cast for this. I didn't expect to see Ron Perlman pop up and that was a nice see. Boyfriend is in love with him. haha

There is one thing that is haunting this movie and that is the controversy that it is a rip-off of a anima/manga called Saint Seiya. Never heard of it before boyfriend told me. I can't really comment if this is or is not. From what I've read this is not a "rip-off" 100%, more of a nod to it. IDK though.

In the end, I liked it. It made me think and I like those movies/books that make me think. Which friend of mine would I sync with best? You can't be 100% similar from what it looked like. But you have to be able to work together to move the machine as one unit. After talking about it and thinking about it, I think my friend Reece would be the best match for me. Very similar, but different. Boyfriend says that his friend Sam would probably be the best for him. I think if the world was in danger of monsters/aliens from the core of earth were sprouting out killing everyone I would join the fight. Might as well.

Well, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Re-watch?: yes. 

Favorite Character(s): Raleigh, Mako, Pentecost, and Yancy
Favorite Character(s): No one in particular



Tuesday, February 25

Book Review: The Korean Word for Butterfly

Author: James Zerndt
Title: The Korean Word for Butterfly
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: ebook
First Published: March 27th, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion

"Set against the backdrop of the 2002 World Cup and rising anti-American sentiment due to a deadly accident involving two young Korean girls and a U.S. tank, The Korean Word For Butterfly is told from three alternating points-of-view:

Billie, the young wanna-be poet looking for adventure with her boyfriend who soon finds herself questioning her decision to travel so far from the comforts of American life;

Moon, the ex K-pop band manager who now works at the English school struggling to maintain his sobriety in hopes of getting his family back;

And Yun-ji , a secretary at the school whose new feelings of resentment toward Americans may lead her to do something she never would have imagined possible. 

The Korean Word For Butterfly is a story about the choices we make and why we make them. 
It is a story, ultimately, about the power of love and redemption."


Like earlier stated I was given this book by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I've been DYING to read this book since I first hear of it. I read a few reviews a while back and I was tempted to buy it, but I waited for it to go down in price (I'm frugal...I can't help it). When the price went down, I was about to buy it, but I luckily got asked to review this...so yayy!

This was definitely a good book. I was so absorbed, I could hardly put it down. Of course I'm reading this during moving out and etc, so my free-time was scarce. Sighs. Such is life. When I did have the time, I was reading this. 

The characters were all different with different stories, but they were all connected in some way. I hated Billie, but I did like her story. I liked all the stories, but I wanted to punch Billie in the face. Poor Joe...I know he wasn't as supportive at one point (can't say what), because he was stuck in his own head and grief. It isn't right, but everyone mourns/deals with life issues differently. Billie wasn't AT all supportive of him or even remotely understanding. It was an issue that both had to deal with and make peace with. She was so damn selfish and self-absorbed she didn't care how others felt. Near the end she got better, but still...meh.

I loved Moon. 

It was nice to get different POVs (which are nicely stated when the POV switches). It was nice to see how Koreans see Americans and the American soldiers. Honestly...I didn't know that many hate that Americans are there. When my cousin was stationed there last year, he said the the majority liked the fact the Americans are there. Perhaps it was different years ago (this was set in the early 2000s, so it might have been different). I loved learning more about the Korean culture. It was nice and interesting.

I really liked this book. I'm mad at myself for waiting SO long to actually get my hands on it and read it. I recommend people who like people books to read this. It was a nice change up in my reading. I rarely read anything set in Korea, especially more modern books. The characters and the story were great and well written. Out of five stars I shall stamp this with 5 stars. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Moon, Hyo, Joe, and Yun-ji 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Billie


Tuesday, February 18

Late Music Monday: Odies Edition #5


Gah. I totally forgot to post this yesterday. I got held over at work and when I came home Boyfriend and I had to do some phone errands, because we're moving at the end of this week. All is set....we just got to move our crap now. hahaha. I'm super excited!!!! Buuut super stressed!!!! Hope all of your weeks are going smoothly so far. 





This song has been super true lately. lmao:

Sunday, February 16

Book Review: Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones

Author: Sherry Jones
Title: Four Sisters, All Queens
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 434
First Published: May 8th, 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

"Amid the lush valleys and fragrant wildflowers of Provence, Marguerite, Eléonore, Sanchia, and Beatrice have learned to charm, hunt, dance, and debate under the careful tutelage of their ambitious mother—and to abide by the countess’s motto: “Family comes first.” 

With Provence under constant attack, their legacy and safety depend upon powerful alliances. Marguerite’s illustrious match with the young King Louis IX makes her Queen of France. Soon Eléonore—independent and daring—is betrothed to Henry III of England. In turn, shy, devout Sanchia and tempestuous Beatrice wed noblemen who will also make them queens. 

Yet a crown is no guarantee of protection. Enemies are everywhere, from Marguerite’s duplicitous mother-in-law to vengeful lovers and land-hungry barons. Then there are the dangers that come from within, as loyalty succumbs to bitter sibling rivalry, and sister is pitted against sister for the prize each believes is rightfully hers—Provence itself. 

From the treacherous courts of France and England, to the bloody tumult of the Crusades, Sherry Jones traces the extraordinary true story of four fascinating sisters whose passions, conquests, and progeny shaped the course of history."


After reading Sherry Jones short story 'The White Queen', I knew I had to read one of her full novels. I was not disappointed!

The story has 4 POVs. Each sister gets the luxury of telling her side of the tale. I'm really glad that Sherry Jones did it this way, because there is so much going on, but it made it possible to keep everything together. Major kuddos to the author for announcing when the POV was changing. ^.^ It made me happy. 

I'm really sad, because I liked the Blanche the White Queen in the short story, but in this...not so much. She was a total -excuse my french - chienne. She was rude and selfish and down right mean. Yes, I get she is a Queen and she loves her power and her son, but the first moment she meets Margi she calls her a "countrybumpkin". You don't even know her! She was a young girl forced to marry YOUR son! >.> Throughout the whole book she was a monster to Margi for two stupid reasons: 1) Margi is pretty and Blanche hates pretty girls and 2)Her son really liked her, so she feared that Margi would steal him away for her. I mean c'mon! Blanche convinced her son that it is a sin to lust and love your wife. Stupid. Stupid! STUPID!

Okay...I'm done about my rant on Blanche. 

I liked all the sisters and their POVs. I felt bad for them, because they were born in the wrong time period. They were all strong and had strong hearts. Given the chance they could've had the world, even shy Sanchia who had a horrid fate. Sanchia would have shined if they allowed her become a nun. But no - "family comes first" and she was forced to marry Richard. That did not end well...of course. Poor girl. 

This was a really good book and I loved every second of it. I would have to force myself to put it down and go to work. hahaha. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Sherry Jones has dazzled me with how she writes. It captivated me. I felt like I was there! She brought each world to life. 

I highly, HIGHLY recommend this to those that like Historical Fiction or for those that want to give this genre a try. I shall stamp this with 5 stars. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Margi (I liked all the sisters, but she was my favorite), Beatrice (2nd favorite), Joinville, and Henry (at the beginning, but he ruined it when he became pig-headed *sighs*)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Blanche (she ruined herself for me), Charles, Louis, Richard, and Abraham. 


Saturday, February 15

Book Review: Crash and Burn by Anne Marsh

Author: Anne Marsh
Title: Crash and Burn (The Men of Crash, Fire, and Rescue #1)
Genre: Short Story & Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: June 19th, 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (free on Amazon)

"The marines of Crash, Fire and Rescue wait at the end of the flightlines, racing to the rescue when a military jet crashes. They’re first on the scene. First to put out the flames. And first to fight to pull an injured pilot from the burning wreckage. Dane Roberts loves his job - but he never expected his latest rescue to be a blast from his own past.
Military pilot Laura Jo Dawson hasn't stopped running since high school and her one night with the sexy quarterback. He wanted to hang on; she needed to go. She lives for the adrenaline rush of flying, of pushing herself harder, higher, faster. When her experimental jet crashes and Dane carries her to safety, however, suddenly running looks less exciting. And spending time in the arms of her sexy rescuer looks better and better..."
This was a short story...and I had to keep reminding myself of this. 
Even though this was a short story, I have to shake my head at the quick make-up romance. Dane and Laura had a quick fling in High School. I'm glad that the author had them have a crush on each other beforehand. After this fling, though, Laura Jo ran off without a word. Yes, I get that her father abused her, but it was kinda rude to abandon Dane. He liked her and she liked him. I would have been MAD if that happened to me. I doubt I would be able to forgive her and wanna go back to her. Maybe thats just me....
No spoiler needed....but Dane saved her when she crashed her plane. From there it was downhill...uphill? Depends on how you look at it. They decided to meet in some building on the military base to have a couple drinks. As you know that turns into doing the McDirty (it is a romance and short story). Okay. They are both off duty, but still....someone could walk in. I just don't get it myself. During this Dane was trying to convince her that they should be a couple....why? She should be begging him...not the other way around.
Anyways, this wasn't a bad short story especially for it being free. I get that it is a short story, but things just seemed overly fast and it didn't make sense at times. Dane deserved better. Yes, I know she had issues, but still....meh. I would recommend this to those who like romances and short stories. In the end I shall stamp this with 1 star. 
Favorite Character(s): Dane
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Laura Jo


Friday, February 14

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day. Whether you are in a relationship or single like...a...umm...single thing, enjoy the day! Give yourself some self-love. Stuff your face with candy and watch some horror movies. haha.

I wanted to expand a special happy Vday to my love of my life. *Hugs and kisses*


Tuesday, February 11

Book Review: The Winter Siege by DW Bradbridge

Author: DW Bradbridge
Title: The Winter Siege
Genre: Historical Fiction & Mystery
Pages: 488
First Published: September 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion

"1643. The armies of King Charles I and Parliament clash in the streets and fields of England, threatening to tear the country apart, as winter closes in around the parliamentary stronghold of Nantwich. The royalists have pillaged the town before, and now, they are returning. But even with weeks to prepare before the Civil War is once more at its gates, that doesn’t mean the people of Nantwich are safe.

While the garrison of soldiers commanded by Colonel George Booth stand guard, the town’s residents wait, eyeing the outside world with unease, unaware that they face a deadly threat from within. Townspeople are being murdered – the red sashes of the royalists left on the bodies marking them as traitors to the parliamentary cause.

When the first dead man is found, his skull caved in with a rock, fingers start being pointed, and old hatreds rise to the surface. It falls to Constable Daniel Cheswis to contain the bloodshed, deputising his friend, Alexander Clowes, to help him in his investigations, carried out with the eyes of both armies on his back. And they are not the only ones watching him.

He is surrounded by enemies, and between preparing for the imminent battle, watching over his family, being reunited with his long-lost sweetheart, and trying, somehow, to stay in business, he barely has time to solve a murder.

With few clues and the constant distraction of war, can Cheswis protect the people of Nantwich? And which among them need protecting? Whether they are old friends or troubled family, in these treacherous times, everyone’s a traitor, in war, law, or love.

When the Winter Siege is through, who will be among the bodies?"


Like earlier stated I was given this book from the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion.

This was the first book I've read that was set in the middle of the English revolution during the 1640s. My knowledge on this Civil War is limited. Only small bits and pieces of information here and there. This was book gave me a nice taste of the war. Chaotic time indeed. 

I really appreciate that the author did a different POV. Normally the POVs are in soldiers or dukes or someone of pretend or real historic importance. The main POV of this book is a man named Daniel who is a constable, but he also sells cheese and salt. It was interesting and I liked it. Well, it was interesting when the author went over some historical facts about everyday life and the businesses of the day. It was nice and all that...but it slowed down the book at some points. 

The mystery mixed in was a nice twist too. At first, I was unsure about how it was going to all mix together. I was worried it was going to be cheesy and seem out of place. This worked nicely and it flowed nicely with the historical fiction and war aspect of the novel. Nicely done. Kuddos to the author on that! It's not an easy feat mixing genres, but this was done well. I do have mixed feelings on HOW it ended. Gah...I don't know how to explain it without giving away major spoilers....but I was glad it ended with a sorta a HEA, but I didn't like how Daniel got the answers to the mystery. That's as much as I can say about that...

All-in-all, this was an okay book. I liked it. It was a nice look at a war I have limited knowledge about. Not only did I learn some interesting facts about the war, but about everyday life in 1640s as well. Some points seemed slow, but the characters were interesting and the mystery was certainly a mystery. I wish the how on the ending was a little different, but I'm glad it ended the way it did. I recommend this to those that like historical fiction. I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Daniel, Elizabeth, and Alexander
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Alice



Monday, February 10

Music Monday: Oldies Edition #4


Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend. I sort of did...but I was busy all weekend. Sighs. What can you do? Buuuut it was nice having the weekend off for once. Normally I work weekends, but I got it off. Yayy! Are you guys ready for some music to cheer up the Monday blues?

The first video is a request from miss B. I may not be a Whovian (or whatever they call the fans of Dr. Who), but a few of my friends so I can appreciate it. I also think the actor who plays the tenth doctor is hot. lol Enjoy:



That's all I got for you this week. :) Any requests, leave it in the comments below. 

Saturday, February 8

Untitled Emotions by Carole Rae

As you know I like writing. I found this "untitled" document when I was organizing my folders and etc. I didn't recall writing this, but I looked at the properties and it said it was nearly a year ago that I wrote this. It's just a small little poem. :)

Untitled Emotions
by: Carole Rae


Burning like fire
Veins clustered with ice.
Heart thumping.
Mind racing.

Nerves held on by a wire.
Love is an odd device.
Jealousy is lumping
In my throat, suffocating.

Wednesday, February 5

Book Review: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Author: Randy Pausch (with Jeffrey Zaslow)
Title: The Last Lecture
Genre: Autobiography, Nonfiction
Pages: 206
First Published: April 8th, 2008
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

"'We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.'
— Randy Pausch
A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?
When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave--"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"--wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.
In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come!"
In High School my teacher had read this to us. Every Friday she would read from this book for the last 20 minutes of class. I was so enthralled with Randy's story. I was enthralled by the man himself, mostly. I looked up to him. He was an arrogant ass sometimes, but he was a positive one. He was diagnosed with a death-sentence, but he didn't let it get him down. Sure he had his weak moments alone, but due to all the lessons he learned throughout life he remained positive. He had a family to take care of. 

Sometimes I found myself hating myself. I went through some horrible medical things in my youth and I actually survived. At times, especially in my youth, I find myself feeling sorry for myself. How could I feel sorry for myself while I got a chance to live? And Randy remained positive even though he had 3 to 6 months of good health left and eventually die. 

This book did take on a little more personal tone to it then it did in the actual lecture. He shared more stories of him and his family. It's easier to write about the super personal stuff then it is to say it in the lecture. Plus, in the lecture, he kept it more about childhood dreams. Along with the added personal stories he went into more depth with the stories he shared in the actual lecture. 

I read many, many reviews about this book. Can't help myself. Some reviews really made me mad. It shouldn't, because everyone has their own opinions. Some called it poorly written. I agree it was not the best piece of written literature known to man. It was written by a man who was a scientist. It is going to be short and precise and to the point. No amazing literary revolutions. No stunning similes or metaphors. Nothing. Just his story and the lessons he wants us to remember through our lives.

This book wasn't mind-blowing or revolutionary. It was a simple read and it makes you think. I truly do like books that make me think. There were so many good stories and lessons in the book. However, there was a kind of random one that made me smile and nod my head in complete agreement. The section was titled, "No Job is Beneath You". It is literally about not thinking any job is below you. The head fake lesson here is that you must remain humble and grateful for what you have. 

All-in-all, this was a good book. It has many good lessons. It is by no means the book of the century. It is not revolutionary or the best written novel in the world. A simple book with everyday lessons to help us through life. I recommend this to everyone. In the end I shall grant it 4 stars. I also do recommend to watch the actual lecture. It drives the point home. Click HERE to get to it



Tuesday, February 4

Book Review: My Notorious Gentleman by Gaelen Foley

Author: Gaelen Foley
Title: My Notorious Gentlemen (The Inferno Club #6)
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure
Pages: 360
First Published: July 15th, 2013
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"Shy, warm-hearted Miss Grace Kenwood knows she has no chance of tempting her new neighbor, Lord Trevor Montgomery. Every eligible beauty is swooning over the brooding former spy. Even though he once kissed her senseless, he can have no interest in someone like her. Yet somehow, the seductive rogue unleashes her own inner devil…

Every lady loves a hero, but Trevor has no interest in any of them— except for the refreshingly candid Grace. If he had a heart left, Grace might steal it. She insists he's better than he thinks. He's sure she's absolutely wrong. Until danger threatens, and Trevor rediscovers how easy it is to be a hero…for the right lady."


This is the 6th book of the Inferno Club series. This could be a standalone, but I really feel like you'd be missing out if you hadn't read a book or two before this. 

Well...even though I'm glad the war is over with France and with the underground baddies, I'm a little upset. hahaha. There was such a great tension in the air with all the other books, but this one...was more light-hearted. Sighs. Does that make me a bad person for wanting the tension? 

At first I was really worried, because the first 30 pages bored me immensely. Is that bad to say? There was no real challenges and no real reason why Trevor and Grace couldn't be together at first. However, after page 30 things got better. I'm really glad that the author made it hard for the two to be together. They actually had to work for their love. Thank goodness. I would've been mad if it was easy for them, because they are on different social standings; he is the younger son of lord and she is the daughter of a small town minister. Also, Grace would never marry a soldier and Trevor, well, was a spy-warrior. And also...Trevor was stuck in his own self pity, because two people he cared for betrayed him. It wasn't easy for them.

Speaking of Trevor....was Trevor a named used in 19th century England? I'm not too sure...I feel like that is too modern. I shall have to look it up later on. Its bothering me........

ANYWAYS, I wanted to punch Callie in the face. Good lord she was daft and annoying. Spoiled little brat. Oooooh, *SPOILER ALERT* she falls in "love" with Trevor and catches Trevor and Grace in a compromising setting. She yells at Trevor for "leading her on", even though he did NOTHING but tell her to BACK UP LADY! Then she goes and tells the village and her mommy what happened and how Grace is a harlot. BAH! She did NOT deserve her HEA with George at the end. Nope. George deserved better in my opinion. >__> *SPOILER ENDED*. Stupid, stupid girl. 

In the end, this was okay. It wasn't as good as the other books, but it is still worth the read after you read the other 5 books. Just one more book to go in the series! I'm really upset. I hope that she follows along with this idea of the Inferno Club and does like the next generation. Why I say this is because when Trevor went up the clubhouse (ha), he was surrounded by the next set of kids being trained. Oooooh, I hope Ms. Foley does! That would be AWESOME! Anyways...I recommend this to those that love HR mixed with some intrigue and adventure. ^.^ I shall stamp this with...ummm....3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Trevor (even though I'm unsure of his name), Grace, Sergeant Parker,  and George (little rake, you)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Callie (brat), Jimmy (snake), and Tom Moody (Grr)


Monday, February 3

Music Monday: Oldies Edition #3


Happy Monday everyone! How is everyone doing? I'm so tired. I've been working a lot these last few days. I'm working 7 days in a row. Uuuuuugh. I have today and tomorrow and then I have Wednesday off and then I work Thursday. HOWEVER, I'm getting Friday and Saturday off. Thank goodness! Well...lets have some oldies to brighten up the day.

The first video is in honor of Motley Crue! They are retiring! I SHALL MISS YOU!





That's all I have for you this week! Any requests? Comment below!

Sunday, February 2

Book Review: The Princess of Egypt Must Die by Stephanie Dray

Author: Stephanie Dray
Title: The Princess of Egypt Must Die
Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 26th, 2012
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"Princess Arsinoe came of age in the glittering court of Ptolemaic Egypt. Abused by her ruthless sister, a pawn in the dynastic ambitions of her father, and dismissed by the king who claimed her for a bride, young Arsinoe finds herself falling in love with a young man forbidden to her. She dreams of a destiny as Egypt's queen, but first she must survive the nest of vipers otherwise known as her family."



Like earlier stated...this is a short story, so one has to take that with a grain of salt.


I went through some of the reviews on Goodreads last night, so I ran out of time to write the review. >.< I was astounded by how many people gave this low ratings due to the length. PEOPLE short stories are SHORT! Things will happen quickly and time skipping will indeed happen. 

And I am done with my little rant.

ANYWAYS, I forgot how much I adore Stephanie Dray. I really must catch up in her series; I had read the first one and then got sidetracked with other books. Sighs. Maybe in Feb I'll be able to read a book or two of her books. 

But yes, this book reopened my eyes to Stephanie Dray. She is an amazing writer. Even with the limited pages, she brought Egypt and the characters to life. I felt I was there like Arsinoe's guard or a fly. I prefer the guard personally. I adored Arisnoe; I really seen myself in her. It was great to see her before she became a legend. Like so many of us, she had many flaws. She was weak, but due to losing her love she became strong and vengeful. She took the bulls by the horns and became Queen and a legend. I really like her and I MUST read more about her. 


Well, in the end this was really, really good. It was a good snapshot of Arsinoe in her early years. It was a short story and I do wish it was longer, but Stephanie Dray did not disappoint. Egypt and the characters seemed so real that I was watching a movie, not reading. I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Arsinoe and Arsinoe's mother
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Pretty much everyone else.