Monday, March 30

Book Review: Watch the Shadows by Robin Winters


Author: Robin Winter
Title: Watch the Shadows 
Genre: Mystery, horror, & Sci-Fi
Pages: 175
First Published: April 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

In the college town of Isla Vista, California, small, odd things start happening. Science-geek Nicole notes the crows are leaving.  Meg Burdigal can’t find her tabby cat, Schrand. Brian the postman feels uneasy at the rustlings, the shadows he’s seen at the edge of his vision on his delivery route in town. Now Nicole sees fewer and fewer homeless in the park. Using her knowledge of biology and forensics, Nicole searches for answers—but will anyone take the horror she finds seriously?


Took me forever to read. I mainly blame work and school for that. Also, it is a book you need to take small dosages of. It's like wine. You can't take it all in at once; you must savor it. However, the last 20 pages I flew by! I could NOT put it down. 

There is something creepy happening in Isla Vista and only a few people are noticing. Especially Nicole. She is a teenage science nerd (blame her science nerd parents), who is seriously a lot like Sheldon but who swears a lot. WHICH why have the authors of contemporary books lately been making ALL teens super potty mouths? I get that swearing is becoming more of a thing with this youth, but it seems over-the-top in books lately. The author of this one didn't do too bad, but it still seemed like a lot (I don't mind swearing at all, but it does seem like a lot ever for me).  

ANYWAYS

The postman also is noticing odd things happening, but he only does because he has been delivering to the same neighborhood for years. Then there is Meg, who volunteers at the homeless shelter and notices that many of the homeless are disappearing. Oh dear.

LOTS OF CREEPY STUFF! That THING grossed me out. I will not explain what it is or how it looks. But good lord...if I seen that THING in real life I think I would move off this planet. Evil, gross, bugger. 

I really want to see this turned into a movie! I think it would go well with the right actors and screenwriting. It would be a nice creepy Halloween film. It is not necessarily "scary" or "horror"-y, but it is indeed creepy. Sometimes creepy is worse (in a good way) then flat out blood and guts horror type films/books.

There was a dry spell at the halfway mark. It honestly felt like filler to me. I totally skimmed...I was losing interest. After the 30 page filler part, it got better again. Thank goodness! I was going to be really bummed if it flat-lined. The author saved it though with a certain event. *wipes sweat from brow*

In the end, this was a fun book. Super creepy! There was a little bit of a lull and the teens are swearing away like sailors, but the rest was fun. I would really be excited if this became a movie. I want to see what the creators would do with that THING. Bleurgh. It's creepy, but I want to see it on screen (not real life - Earth would need to be blown up at that point).
I totally recommend this to those that love mystery, a touch of creepiness ("horror"), and Sci-Fi. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. More like 3.4, but I don't do decimals. :) 

Favorite Character(s): Jake, Brian the postman, and Nicole's mom (she made me smile)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Meg (mmm), Karen (I wanted to punch her), & Dwayne (creeper). 





Sunday, March 29

Joint Review: Most Truly & Almost Persuaded


For this post, B and I will be reviewing two P&P short stories. :3 




Author: P.O Dixon
Title: Almost Persuaded 
Genre: Historical Romance & PP variation
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Mary King admired George Wickham from the moment she first set eyes on him. Handsome and charismatic, he satisfied her every notion of what a consummate gentleman ought to be. She longed to garner his affection. He, on the other hand, never once looked her way. What happens when Mary becomes an heiress of ten thousand pounds? As the adage goes, be careful what you wish for. In this engaging coming of age story, will Mary learn the meaning of this sentiment the hard way?





Kitty Bennet has found happiness. At Pemberley, she has improved herself and formed true friendships with her sister Lizzy and Georgiana Darcy. Kitty is captivated by the gentlemanly Colonel Fitzwilliam. But she will not be silly over a redcoat again, and she will not risk her happiness—or his family’s displeasure—for his attentions. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, Lizzy, and Georgiana have their say, and Kitty learns a new lesson—love will find you at Pemberley.



B::) Let’s start then
Sounds like a plan. Right then, what did you think about Mary King from Pride and Prejudice?


C:At first I liked her...but…...then she made me mad. I am glad she got her only little story though!


B:I was not a fan, she was such a silly thing. Ohhh Wickham SUDDENLY likes me, duh, you just become an heiress you stupid thing.


C:Ugh I know. I liked her friend Anne who was super sensible. I kinda wish that Mary will end up alone and Anne gets the cousin. ;)

B:Ha, you are bad! But I like that, Anne should get the nice guy, Mary can go make another mistake.


C:I hate dumb characters who can’t see that they are being used. It was SO obvious! Plus, it took him being married to Lydia for her to finally get over him. Remember that scene when she saw him with Kitty and Lydia on his arms while she was in the carriage? SHE WAS STILL IN LOVE WITH HIM AND KINDA DEFENDING HIM! UGH!


B:Ok so I know the author does not have much to go with, but make the story more interesting. Do not make her so stupid! Get a drama plot why she was with Wickham. Not, that….


C:Agreed. I wish Mary was a stronger and smarter character. I totally get her being the wallflower and in love with someone and then he pays attention to her. It’s hard for her not to want his attention. But she was a total TSTL character. :( ANd I had high hopes for a fellow wallflower lmao


B:I wished for more too, and now it just fell apart for me. I was not that interested in this story. Mary was Mary, and seriously what does Austen have against peeps named Mary?!


C:Maybe she knew a Mary...who she disliked. hahaha So the ending...did you like it?


B:Eh, sure, maybe she will see reason, I still do not like her and wish that other thing.


C: She seemed to “grown up”, but I still wish Anne will get the cousin. Who knows? The author left it open-ended. Which I am not a fan of those. >__<

Carole's conclusion: It was meh for me. I liked it a lot at first, but Mary ruined it for me. I get being naive BUT C'MON!!! Ugh! I hope there is another Mary story out there that gives her more of a backbone. Out of five stars, I stamp this one 2 stars.




Author: Reina M. Williams
Title: Most Truly (Love at Pemberley #1) 
Genre: Historical Romance & PP Variation 
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Colonel James Fitzwilliam is home. The war has left him weary, battle-scarred—and a free man of fortune ready to find a wife. He travels to Pemberley, his second home. There he meets Kitty Bennet. Her unexpected charms soon have him questioning his familial duty and his expectations. A fight looms on the horizon when his aunt—Lady Catherine de Bourgh—and his parents arrive with their own plans for his future.



B:Let’s just move on to the next one shall we ;) Kitty’s story! YAY


C: So, what do you think of the match between Kitty and Fitzwilliam? I was shocked...I never read a PP that those two get together.


B: Loved it! I hate when he ends up with Georgiana, I am always all euwwww, he is your guardian, he is like your brother! Not to mention your cousin. So this was such a good fit. And I like books where Kitty grows up and becomes sensible.


C: I’ve read ones where she grows up, but this is my first one centered around HER. I am torn if I like them as a couple. I secretly want Mary and Fitzwilliam to get together. I don’t know why.


B: Really? I could not see that, he is too, no, not a good fit. I could have seen her with that new brother of his though. A nice calm fit.


C: I could see that as well. (He wasn’t mentioned in the Austen book was he? I do not remember that name). But I am not opposed to Kitty and James together. It took me by surprise I shall admit!


B: But that is good :D I like a good surprise. I went all yay, good! when I read it ;) And no, this new younger brother was not mentioned. That was the real surprise for me, he and Anne, I was all..ok.


C: That is what I thought. I did not like that couple though...I felt it was a cop-out to remove Anne as “competition” for James, so it would be easier to get past Lady Catherine for James to marry Kitty. LAME. I wanted a complete and utter blow out and fight over this coupling, because Kitty does have a bad history as being a flirt.

B: Williams writes caaaalm books. But yes a big fight wouold have been cool. All I LOVE HER!!!!!! Ha.

And the Anne thing, hey here is another brother, ugh. No, Anne seems to have some serious health issues, why do they always marry her to someone. That girl is surely dying.


C: I think she is faking it half the time. haha James even mentioned that, “I think she’s doing it for attention.” haha I had a good laugh at that. I do wanna read more books by Williams. I loved her writing style (even tho I wanted a huge verbal fight haha).


B: I think Anne has TB and someone should just have the courage to kill her off….evil *coughs*
But yes Williams has a lovely style. I read Georgiana’s book last year, and would love to read Mary’s :)

C: And you call ME evil xD I nearly choked to death on my water! If she does have TB they should do the humane thing and take her out of her misery.
But I have to read Miss Georgiana’s book. I love when they give her a HEA. SHe totally deserves it.


B: LOL. Oh I just saw that Maria Lucas got a novella too. With Denny!


C: Oooooh. That shall be interesting.
So...what did you think of the ending? I thought it was a nice throwback to Austen’s novel. I am glad Mrs Bennet got to make an appearance (she makes me laugh).

B: I liked the ending, sweet and nice. And that is why I liked the other story I read by her :) So this one was a clear favorite over that one for me.



C: It is on my TBR list now. :D
Anything else you wanna throw in?


B: I love PP variations!!!!! I cannot get enough. The end, now I should go back to cleaning, blergh.


C: Back to homework for me. Boo. Good job! I sneaked in some cookies for this review *hands over plate*


B: Awww you know me so well *eats them all!!*


C: :D

Carole's Conclusion: I loved it. :) I really need to read more by this author. At first I was unsure if I would like James and Kitty together. I am still on the fence, because I am a James and Mary fan, but I totally seeing it working out well too. The author does have a great writing voice! I do wish there was more verbal fighting over the "ill match" between James and Kitty. But I am a sucker for drama. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.






Saturday, March 28

FitReaders #13



This challenge is organized by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog & That’s What I’m Talking About

Saturday: 1 mile walk 
Sunday: 2.5 mile walk 
Monday: 30 mins Zumba & .5 mile walk 
Tuesday:  15 mins yoga & 50 crunches
Wednesday: Nada
Thursday: .5 mile walk
Friday: Nada
Conclusion: It's been forever since I had done Zumba! I totally missed it! :D An okay-ish week. I started my new job this week, so I was brain-dead and lazy. XI 











Friday, March 27

Book Review: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier


Author: Tracy Chevalier
Title: Girl With a Pearl Earring 
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 233
First Published: 1999
Where I Got It: My shelf (Used Book Store)

With precisely 35 canvases to his credit, the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer represents one of the great enigmas of 17th-century art. The meager facts of his biography have been gleaned from a handful of legal documents. Yet Vermeer's extraordinary paintings of domestic life, with their subtle play of light and texture, have come to define the Dutch golden age. His portrait of the anonymous Girl with a Pearl Earring has exerted a particular fascination for centuries--and it is this magnetic painting that lies at the heart of Tracy Chevalier's second novel of the same title.
Girl with a Pearl Earring centers on Vermeer's prosperous Delft household during the 1660s. When Griet, the novel's quietly perceptive heroine, is hired as a servant, turmoil follows. First, the 16-year-old narrator becomes increasingly intimate with her master. Then Vermeer employs her as his assistant--and ultimately has Griet sit for him as a model.

This has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time. There was a lot of dust on it! 0.o I got it a while back because the movie had come out and everyone was raving about the book. Plus, I like that particular painting, so a nice little fiction about it would be fun. 

So why did I wait so long? I have no idea. I am glad I finally got myself to read it.

It was good. I had never read a book by this author (but I own two of her books), but she is beloved in the HF world and I can see why. She has a way of bringing the world alive. She draws up in from the first page and doesn't ever let you go. There isn't a lot of description, but it isn't really needed...the characters she writes about makes the world. I could see the houses and Griet's path every Sunday from the painter's house to her little shack with her parents. I loved it.

At first, though, I was having a hard time emotionally connecting with Griet. She rarely showed emotion to anything...even when a certain event with her sister happened. She seemed to show the bare minimum of emotion. It was annoying! However, as the story progressed you get to understand Griet more and understand she bottles everything in like me. The only thing that escapes is through her eyes, which is why her master (the painter) wanted to paint her. 

WHICH! They are suppose to have a "romance" of some sort, but I did not see it. Yes, they gave each other a couple looks and he touched her cheek once, but that was it. There was no kissing, embracing. She was just a muse to him for a hot second. The love and wanting of romance was all on Griet it seemed. When she couldn't handle it anymore she would run to her "fiance". FRUSTRATING! 

In the end, this was good. I am mad at myself for not reading this sooner. I still don't understand why I waited FOREVER to read this. Now, I must watch the movie even though the main character is played by an actress I think is totally overrated. Meh. ANYWAYS, I wish that there was more of a romance between Griet and the painter; like one kiss? Over all, though, this was a good book for any Historical Fiction lover. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4. 

Favorite Character(s): Griet (even tho it took a few pages before I connected with her) and Maria Thins 
Not-so Favorite Character(s):  Cornelia (little freakin' brat who needed to be shoved into the river)






Thursday, March 26

Movie Review: RoboCop (2014)

Length: 1 hr & 15 mins
Released: 2014
Genre: Action/Adventure, drama, & Sci-Fi
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: On Netflix

SUMMARY:
In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years - and it's meant billions for OmniCorp's bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy - a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit - is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance to build a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.

TRAILER: 




REVIEW:
It has been many years since I watched the 1980s version. I remember only a little bit of film. I'll have to re-watch it, so I can compare to this version.

I do remember the effects were crap compared to this version (of course...2014 compared to the '80s). I must give lots of kuddos to the makers of this film for the amazing effects and the awesome scenes with RoboCop kicking ass and taking names. Fantastic. I especially loved the battle with the huge security robots. I was soooo nervous for him, but it was awesome how the fight ended. I cannot say how he bested the security robots, but it was nice and it made me smile. 

Now....the acting.....it was okay. The main guy was alright, but I felt when he was trying to show emotion (especially before he became a robot) was forced. I feel that they may have filmed the "non feeling robot" scenes before the "feeling robot" or the "human" scenes. He was awesome at no emotion. It was kind of scary how good he was at it. I hope he isn't like that in real life.

Gah! I felt so bad for his wife and kid....they suffered horribly with him being on the streets and being a robot under someone's control. So crappy...if I was his wife I would demand they turn him off. I could not live that way. I rather him dead. I need to feel loved...and even with him having some sort of feelings as a robot, it cannot compare to 100% human feelings. There will always be a part of him that she can never reach (like doing the nasty...nope...never happening again). 

LOVED, LOVED Samuel L. Jackson. Whenever he pops up in these nerdy films, he always makes me smile. 

The rest of the crew was meh. Like the main baddie. Which is odd, because I have seen him in other films and I have liked him. Not his best AT all.

The film did seem to drag on near the beginning, but once THE event happens then it got better. 

I always have to laugh and roll my eyes when a movie is set in Detroit due to the crime and poverty issues. I really wish Detroit had a RoboCop....that would be nice. Clean it up and bring it back to its former glory.

I usually ignore or don't mention other reviews/ratings about movies and books, but I do have to question why this received such low ratings. I thought it was pretty good! Was it the best movie ever? No. It was a nice Sci-Fi action flick for a lazy night. It had drama, fight scenes, robots, and a controversial issue at play throughout the film. I read some of the reviews and I think people are expecting TOO much out of a film like this. It is a nerdy type film that is action-y. I think people are too much in love with the old film to give this a chance. Boyfriend liked this film a lot and he is the reason that I actually watched it.

ANYWAYS

This was a fun ride. I really need to re-watch the old film. It has been EONS since I watched that. From what I remember, this is a good remake of the old film. Way better effects. Some of the acting was MEH, but some of the actors did a good job like the always fabulous SLJ. Love him. I totally recommend this movie for those in the need of a Sci-Fi with some kickass action! Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4. It's more like 3.5, but I rounded. 




Favorite Character(s): The wife, Pat (even tho I did not like his character, I love the actor and he did awesome - like normal), and Tom (he made me laugh) 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The main baddy & Chief Karen Dean (I wanted to punch her)
Re-watch?: Sure




















Tuesday, March 24

Guest Post:The Best Robot Science Fiction

I would all like you to give a warm welcome to my guest here at CRR's! She is going to be giving us a 3 part series about Science Fiction! She is an awesome writer and she has some great insight! 

Maria is a writer interested in comic books, cycling, and horror films. Her hobbies include cooking, doodling, and finding local shops around the city. She currently lives in Chicago with her two pet turtles, Franklin and Roy. You can follow her on Twitter @MariaRamos1889.

Here is part 1 of Maria's posts about Science Fiction. :) 

******


So many of the science-fiction trends that are popular today can be traced back as early as the fifties. Recent films that use science-fiction as a vehicle for social commentary (such as District or even Pacific Rim) owe a tremendous amount to cold war era science fiction writers.

Writers from the past mused about an age when robots would surround us. We’ve arrived at the dawn of that age — today, artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses everything from the satellite-based GPS mode in cell phones that help people navigate, to the automated home security systems sold by ADT in Durham, to the surgical robots presently in use at hospitals in Houston.

For every useful application of modern AI, however, we must remain alert. Whether AI and its development into more and more complex forms will ultimately help or hinder the human race going forward is often a point of debate and contention, and it’s also a theme which links the following novels that, although written over the span of the past 70 years or so, are often considered among the best in robot science fiction.

  1. I, Robot (1950) by Isaac Asimov This "novel" is actually a series of short stories which revolutionized robot fiction by providing us with "The Three Laws" of robotics the short story Runabout. Asimov’s “laws” establish a basis for exploring the relationship between humans and robots throughout not only Asimov’s work, but science-fiction in general. Not only did Asimov continue to explore the psychological and sociological implications of human dependence on artificial intelligence in the form of robots, but he set the foundation for other authors to do the same. 
  2. Cyborg (1972) by Martin Caiden — This one formed the basis for the 1970's television The Six Million Dollar Man, starring Lee Majors as Steve Austin, the novel's main character, a former astronaut turned “bionic man” who was injured in a test flight that should have killed him. However, while the television series focused mainly on his life after receiving all the cybernetic implants (both legs, one arm, and one eye), the novel explores the issues of the man dealing first with the devastating injuries and then with the existential crisis of living as a man/machine hybrid. There is also a reboot currently in production that will star Mark Wahlberg.

  3. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) by Philip K. Dick — As relevant today as when it was originally published, this novel explores the meaning of humanity by contrasting humans and robots of higher intelligence. It does so through the story of a bounty hunter sent to deactivate and destroy a set of androids that have escaped their owners and are now on the loose in a futuristic and dystopian earth. The novel was the original source material for the Ridley Scott movie Blade Runner.
  4. The Soul of the Robot (1974) by Barrington J. Bayley — This is a simpler tale that nonetheless sticks to the theme of exploring what it means to a machine to be human. It is the tale of the only robot with consciousness, or a soul, if you will, and his struggles with what to do with it and how to prove that, although machine, he is at least the equal to the flesh and blood humans all around him. It’s quite similar to a story that Asimov published two years later, The Bicentennial Man, which was made into a film in the nineties starring Robin Williams.
  5. Neuromancer (1984) by William Gibson — Hardcore cerebral sci-fi, this gem comes from the author who first coined the phrase "cyberspace," a concept used liberally in this novel. The basic plot follows a has-been computer hacker/drug addict who is recruited for his nefarious skills by a less-than-reputable party. From there, the characters physically travel in and out of cyberspace and the matrix, and the reader is taken in and out of the consciousness of several characters, a consciousness that is found to also be eminently transferable to said cyberspace and mingled with superior artificial intelligence, blurring the lines between humanity and AI.


Regardless of whether you follow the debate over artificial intelligence and whether it will be the salvation or doom of mankind eventually, the above novels each provide entertainment mixed with food for thought, making them as relevant today as the day they were first published.

Monday, March 23

B's Monday: The God Collector by Catherine Butzen

Blurb:
Theodora Speer loves her job at the Columbian Exposition Museum designing murals, but a sense of movement—in her art and in her life—eludes her. She meets the museum’s enigmatic donor Seth Adler while working on a new exhibit: a strange cache of shabtis, or clay funerary figurines, accompanying a prize mummy, and something sparks.

Seth Adler’s interest in the Egyptian artifacts and in Theo goes deeper than patronage, but he can’t tell her that. A series of robberies has everyone on edge and when the Columbian is hit, Theo and Seth are implicated. Someone thinks there was more to the ancient Egyptian funeral rites than meets the eye and wants the mummy and his grave goods.

Seth and Theo are forced on the run, and it may be too much movement for strict realist Theo to keep up with. But the man—and the mummy—are more than she realized. And if she can’t reconcile the past and the present, she and Seth may have no future. 

My thoughts
I think the thing I liked the best in this one was the whole mythological aspect. Lots of potential there. The whole thing of how, and Gods and I just can't mention it in more detail cos spoilers darling. But that was fascinating.

I also liked to hear about Theo's work, who know painting at a museum could sound so fun. I'd totally take her job, but sadly I draw like a 5 year old.

The whole intrigue part was good too. Why was stuff stolen? (again spoilers). And then the hunt to find answers.

But there was one part that I actually thought could have been done better. I never felt the romance. Did they fall for each other? Eh, did not feel it. Hey even raw passion would have worked then. But I did feel like they had a lack of chemistry.

Still, the mythology part...I liked that. I would read more of that. But then I like myths and Gods.

ebook, 296 pages
Published March 10th 2015 by Samhain Publishing
Romance /paranormal
Netgalley

Sunday, March 22

Book Review: Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta


Author: Jessica Dotta
Title: Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege #1) 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Mystery, & Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly. 

How on Earth was this a Christian Fiction novel? It was SOOOO dark and a wee bit depressing, because Julia has a lot of bad things happening to her. And how on Earth do I stumble upon these CFs once in a while and not realize that they are CFs? Why do I keep reading when I learning that fact? Okay...I have found a couple good ones in my life, but overall I cannot stand them. They normally end with a character finding God and all is fixed. However, I must pat this book on the back, because this was not the case. Which thank goodness, because there was too much at play in this novel for a simple "I found God" to fix it. Especially with a psycho named Mr. Macy running around. 0.o 

I really wished I could say I liked this book. It sounds SO good in the summary, but alas....this almost ended up as a DNF which is rare with me, because I am a creature of torture and I cannot stop myself from reading even the most horrible of books. Oh you can bet I skimmed and skipped like a crazy kid, but I have the hardest time giving up on a book. Again, I must obviously like torturing myself.

The characters...meh. I did like Mr. Macy oddly, because he is a psycho and so complex that I had no idea what he is playing at. 

Julia...grow a back-bone. And why the Hell did you think marrying Mr. Macy was a good idea. Really? *sighs*

Edward...you confuse me.

Elizabeth...you are to blame for everything pretty much. You need a punch in the face.

Henry...you are little better then Elizabeth.

The only real redeeming part of the book was the last 75%-98% of the book. It was great and I was enthralled! However the beginning and middle lost me...and the last 2% annoyed me. This is part of a series. Nothing was really resolved and nothing really gained. Edward and Julia are back at square one and have no idea what to do. It was a huge cliff-hanger (but a calm one...hard to explain) and I did not like it. Why? Why drag this story on more then it has to? WHY?!!!! UGH!

I shall stop my rambling now.

This was...a total let down. Yes, a small section of the book was enthralling and I am so glad that when the character "found God" nothing was really solved, but the rest...meh. I recommend this if you want a book full of idiots or are looking for an Amazon freebie. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 1 star.  
Favorite Character(s): Mr. Macy & Churchill (the only one making sense in anything) 
Not-so Favorite Character(s):  Everyone else pretty much






Saturday, March 21

FitReaders Week #12



This challenge is organized by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog & That’s What I’m Talking About

Saturday: 1 mile walk & 15 mins Yoga
Sunday: 2 mile walk
Monday: 1 mile walk 
Tuesday:  3 mile walk (walked around the rock & roll Hall of Fame!)
Wednesday: 2.5 mile walk (walked around the Federal Reserve Bank Museum and around Cleveland) 
Thursday: .5 mile walk & 20 crunches
Friday: 1 mile walk & 15 mins yoga 
Conclusion: Much better this week. I am feeling loads better, but I still have a tiny cough left over. My long time best friend, Kait, and I went to Cleveland, Ohio for a couple days. We went to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to the Federal Bank Museum (its a museum about money - I am a nerd...yes) and just walked around. It was a lot of fun. 











Friday, March 20

Movie Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Length: 1 hr & 53 mins
Released: 2010
Genre: Action & Adventure, Romance, & Comedy
Rating: PG-13 
Where I Got It: Borrowed

SUMMARY:
Based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's Oni Press comic book of the same name, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World follows the eponymous slacker rocker on his colorful quest to defeat his dream girl's seven evil ex-boyfriends. Twenty-two-year-old Scott Pilgrim may not have a job, but rocking the bass for his band, Sex Bob-omb, is a tough job unto itself. When Scott locks eyes with Ramona Flowers, he knows she's the girl he wants to grow old with. But Ramona has some serious baggage; her supercharged exes rue the thought of her being with another man, and they'll crush any guy who gives her a second glance. Now, in order to win Ramona's heart, Scott will do battle with everyone from vegan-powered rock gods to sinister skateboarders, never losing sight of his gorgeous goal as he pummels his way to victory.

TRAILER: 






REVIEW:
Okay, okay. I admit it. I remember skimming through the comic and not really caring about it. However, years later Boyfriend introduced me to the video game and I fell in love with the game AND the story. I just recently watched the movie though. It took a while, because I was not sure if it would live up to the game (because I remember not caring much for the comic), but I finally got myself to do it.

It was better then I thought it was going to be.

I was not a huge fan of the guy playing Scott. He did okay, he totally had the awkward down, but meh. I kept waiting for Juno to pop up and kick his ass. He can only play ONE type of character: the awkward geek who can barely talk. Yes, Scott is totally a nerd and geeky, but not Cera geeky. I wish the guy who played Lucas or Young Neil was Scott. That would have been way better (plus they are hotter ;]). 

I also wasn't a fan of the girl who played Ramona...am I being too picky? Meh. 

The rest of the cast was PERFECT! I especially loved Knives (I always play her in the game...while Boyfriend always plays Ramona - it's kind of funny because they both like Scott). WHICH why is everyone in love or had been in love with Scott? Especially since he has little social skills and the actor is dumpy and nerdy? *shakes my head*

ANYWAYS

The fight scenes were good; a touch cheesy, but good still. It was a nice reference to the game/comic. Loved it!! I especially loved the last scene with the last evil boyfriend: amazing. I was bummed how the "fight" between Scott and evil Scott went. LAME! Super lame. *slams head on counter*

Overall, it was okay. I liked it more then I thought I was going to! I actually want to give the comics a second chance. Since I adore the game and the movie was okay, perhaps I'll like the comics. Older mind, perhaps? I totally recommend this those that need a romance with some fight scenes and comedy. If you haven't read the comics or played the game, I still recommend giving it a go. It's a nice film to watch when you have nothing better to do with life. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Knives, Scott's sister (haha), Kim, Young Neil, & Lucas
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Envy
Re-watch?: Sure. :) It was fun