Top Ten Tuesdays: Stay Tuned

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP TEN BOOKS TO MOVIES ADAPTATIONS COMING SOON

Room  (book by Emma Donoghue)

Written under the voice of a five-year-old living in captivity, the novel is downright heartbreaking. Aside from bringing a pile full of tissues, and waterproof mascara, you might consider avoiding this very late at night or downloading that virtual companion app to walk home safely.  

Mockingjay Part II (book by Suzanne Collins)

The poster alone says we are in for a visual treat. After the three first movies, Mockingjay seems more than apt to provide that crazy farewell conclusion with a hoopla of expensive explosions. And lots of Peeta scenes!! 

Pride Prejudice and Zombies (book by Seth Graham-Smith)

The novel was way more humorous than gory, and although, I get the feeling that the film will remain faithful to that version, I still want to see it. Mostly for the lavish gowns. 

A Monster Calls (book by Patrick Ness)

The movie poster is not out yet, but the film is a done deal. This book is heartbreaking, five star worthy, please-hug-me material, and my advise is that whatever you do, don't go watch this alone. 

The Little Prince (book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

So the movie didn't make it to Quebec Canada (the trailer did though, go figure), and I'm still waiting to see what became of this pretty adaptation. 

The 5th Wave (book by Rick Yancey)

Aliens return to the big screen!! Did I mention that they look hot too?    

Victor Frankenstein (book by Mary Shelley)

Daniel Radcliffe. Enough said!

Batman v Superman (DC Comics)

The wait is long with this one. All the way until March. Christmas better go by fast.

Alice Through the Looking Glass  (book by Lewis Carroll)

The teaser trailer appeared last week, and the film looks good. The cinematography was great with the first one, and I'm certain Disney will put in as much effort this time around. 

 And finally Allegiant 

What movie adaptation are you looking for?

Review: Chemistry

"This is what happens when I fall in love. It's poisonous. It's deadly."

Claude Frollo can be described as judgmental, arrogant, and manipulative. He grew up unloved, going from a foster home to a church sanctuary where he finds solace in Valentine, a disabled teen that resides with him. Together, they dedicate themselves to their high school studies. Until Esmeralda appears. If only she would see how perfect Claude and her could be together. He must have her no matter the cost. 

Of all the characters in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Claude is the least charismatic. It was entertaining to see the author give him the stage light and focus this YA retelling with an antagonist in the lead. The closer Claude got to Esmeralda, the more problems he created. His selfishness always prevailed, but his childhood background helped us understand why he would do such things. Regardless of the one sided instaloves in the story (Phoebus is also present), the novel remained entertaining, keeping the reader wondering how low Claude could go to keep Esmeralda by his side. 

Loved it! 

Review: A Thousand Nights

"Good men fall to monsters everyday."

Lo-Melkhinn might be a rich and powerful men, and yet, he struggles to keep a woman. All three hundred of his wives passed away within the first week of marriage. Ever since, girls everywhere are terrified of him. But Lady-bless moves in willingly to the castle and becomes his latest wife. She does so to protect her beautiful sister, and deep down, because she believes herself dispensable. Can her spirituality protect her or will she succumb to the beast?

Like all fairy-tales, there's a duality theme through the novel of good vs evil (god vs Satan to be exact). Although, I do believe that Lady-bless' sacrifice for her sister came from the heart, her lack of self-confidence soon emerged. Her sister was the fiery one, the gutsy, the beautiful, the one whose mom dad loved best, the best seamstress... (yup, the list is long). Every time Lo-Melkhinn tries to talk to Lady-bless she brings her sister into the conversation. Even during sex!

"My sister does her rituals too, proper ones, far from the city walls," I said to him, though I could not say how I had seen it. "She prepares for her wedding." 

And then the plot twisted. When Lady-Bless started seeing herself as someone who could give back (like sowing with the other women of the palace) she became aware of her spirit, and finally gave us the badass female that was needed to handle Lo-Melkhinn's possessed soul. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Hello Quick Fix

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: If you could re-write a book, which one would it be and what changes would you make?

So many series endings could be modified without me putting up any resistance. Requiem by Lauren Oliver comes particularly to mind.

The whole book concentrated on the rebellion, with fight scene after fight scene. This wasn't supposed to be a WWF match. It's a book. What happened to the dialogue? The love triangle that had been woven in the sequel?

Rubbish.

I would make sure Lena chose on of the two boys, and make the subplot with Hana a lot more suspenseful.

Which book do think deserves a make-over?

Review: The Indigo Spell

Sydney is all grown up

It appears the Alchemists are hiding crucial information from their members. Sydney would never dream of going against her kind, but when this information threatens to place Jill in danger, all bets are off. Not only does she become a spy for Marcus, but she also turns to Magik as a form of defense. Now that she is changing her beliefs, will Sydney finally admit her love for Adrian?

Although I loved seeing this new Sydney, strong and filled with confidence (other than in intellectual matters), the majority of the book was slow paced. From her taking lessons to running errands, Sydney just wouldn't stop working. Then every time she would get some time off, the environment was tense(sexual tension between her and Adrian, and group tension between her friends). Also the climax was solved way too easily.

Not my favorite of the series.

Bloodlines (Book One)

The Golden Lily (Book Two)

Review: Wolf by Wolf

"She-wolf. An interesting choice."
"I didn't choose it," she told him. "It chose me."

Back in 1944, Yael was selected for an experiment in a Nazi camp. She received hundreds of injections to turn her into a perfect Aryan girl, and erase whatever Jewish traits she might have. The experiment left her physically transformed. But the memories of the camp and the loss of everyone she held dear left her traumatized. The only thing she could do after such tragic events was kill the Fuhrer.

Graudin did an incredible job at mixing both the past and the present (from 1944 to 1954). Yael might not make the sweetest decisions -- from kidnapping and usurping Adele Wolfe, a famous athlete, to putting Wolfe's family at risk -- just to join a race around the world and get closer to Hitler. But Yael remains nonetheless a brave female character. The other members of the race were well balanced. And a semi-love-triangle was formed. 

Prepare for a twist at the end.

Don't miss The Walled City also by Ryan Graudin 

Review: Black Ice

Love can be as dangerous as black ice. One false illusion that everything is safe and boom, next thing you know, you can't even remember who you are anymore. 

David lost his virginity to Kris, a loner who refuses to see him as anything other than a friend with benefits. He tries courting her with dates, including a weekend at a chalet, but Kris remains unmoved. So David turns to his pals, booze and drugs (just like after his parents divorce) and sets forward some crazy set of events. Can he rescue Kris from her haunting past? Is he willing to kill for her?

Author Stephen Tesher twisted this new-adult contemporary novel into a thriller about a love gone wrong. Although, it was impossible to identify with David's rising anger or some turns of events, the dialogue kept the story flowing. It was realistic; harsh at times when David and his friends talked about girls. 

I'm glad the author ended the story with a lesson. Not all relationships can have fairy tale endings.

Review: I Crawl through it

Far more surrealistic than Alice in Wonderland

Gustav flies an invisible helicopter. Stanzi has a split personality. China's inside out. And Lansdale is a hairy female lie detector version of Pinocchio. Together, they are a time bomb waiting to erupt. It's just a matter of time.

Although, I'm no expert in magical surrealism, I am reader. A curious one! Who was waiting for an Ah-ha moment through all this chaos (like in We Were Liars). But instead, this book just concentrates on adult/teenager relationships. Gustav's dad doesn't care if his son vanishes, Stanzi's parents mourn everyone else's child but their own, Lansdale's dad could care less about how outrageous her behavior is and China lives with active BDSM parents that clean their sex toys in the sink. These issues are bound together by loose treads and odd characters (man in the bush, newsman...)that take away from the story even more.

Read at your own puzzling risk.

Cover Reveal: Convergence

A FUN THRILLER FANTASY FOR LOVERS OF MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION!

It was the first day of school and anxieties were running high. For certain​ ​there was the excitement of moving up a grade, but there was also the dread of anything and everything that could go wrong. Not only were the possibilities endless, they were totally out of your control. Whether or not you were accepted rested squarely on the shoulders of the popular kids. Suppose you were too short or too tall; too smart or not smart enough; too rich or too poor; or just plain different?

These thoughts were fresh on the minds of Otis, Chandler and Marissa. Three pre-teens whose paths had never crossed, although they lived in the same town in Connecticut. Their backgrounds were so diverse they may as well have lived worlds apart. That was all about to change when on their way to school a series of bizarre events lump them together. Literally!

Born and raised in Connecticut, Hayes still calls the Nutmeg State home. The oldest of two children, she remains close to her siblings. When Hayes is not writing or managing her business, she dedicates her time to other creative outlets and artistic pursuits. Feel free to follow Hayes via her Website and Twitter.

Caught my arrow #47

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Looking forward to some Historical-Fiction this week thanks to Hachette Book Group Canada.

Received from Publisher

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 6 Oct. 2015 à 5h44 PDT

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Borrowed from Library

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot

What are you reading this week?

Feature and Follow Friday: No, I don't want a dud

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Name a book you hated?

You can read my review of Me being Me is exactly as insane as You being You for ampler details on the plot and twists of the story.

The reason why it made my bottom list this year, is the format (all lists), the unreliable characters and the length (a long story is okay as long as it doesn't drag on purpose). Too bad we didn't click.

Which book do you consider a dud?

Book to Movie Adaptations: To change an ending or nah

Tokyo Fiancée 

Author Amélie Nothomb wrote the book with the same title based on her life experience in Japan. Although, the film maintained a similar script as the novel, with Amélie meeting Rinri at a coffee shop for French classes, to their dates and courting process, the heartbreaking ending was entirely changed to provide the viewer with something easier to stomach. It's even more magical to look at the Japanese customs and scenery on the big screen than on my eBook, but I have to admit that above all else this new ending pleased me even more. A great move.

Paper Towns

John Green's Paper Towns film adaptation was long awaited, casting Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne. The novel centers around the disappearance of Margo Roth Spiegelman, and Quentin's lustful obsession to find her. Their relationship felt odd throughout the book, and I was sad to see the movie pursue this script. But thinking things true, Green had an important lesson about it taking two people to carry on a relationship, and not just one imaginative mind. Although, I would have loved a romantic ending, I'm glad that the film remained faithful to the novel and kept such lesson.  

Review: Half Wild

Kept pausing during this book, a clear example of what happens when short chapters work against you

A lot has changed since Nathan got his magical gifts. He can now transform into a wild animal and rob his preys of their memories and gifts. But Nathan doesn't want to admit he enjoys his new powers. After all, his heart belongs to Annalise, a white witch. Will this new revolution against Soul and his team of hunters bring these two love birds together or tear them apart forever?

With the first book, Half Bad, so well received among YA readers, it was clear that Sally Green had a lot of work on her hands. Although, I enjoyed the precise recap and animal action, I found the travelling scenes between Gabriel and Nathan confusing (couldn't he just drink a potion), as well as the love meter too borderline corny at times. 

"I can't walk ten paces away from you without it hurting me. I treasure every 
second with you. I'll help you with each breath I take and I'll stay with you."

Um, obsess much?

Alliances and relationships were rekindled in ways that didn't make much sense. Perhaps humans have bigger egos than witches, who knows. Prepare for a cliffhanger ending.

Feature and Follow Friday: Love and Hate

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Pick three book characters... Kiss? Marry? Kill?

As long as it stayed between us, (I don't kiss and tell) I would definitely pucker up with Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey to see what all the fuss is about. I mean, he even got is own book lately. That might inspire me to read it.

Marry a vampire? Just imagine becoming Mrs. Ivashkov. I would need to hit my head ten times before saying no. Adrian from Bloodlines is funny, can be a great travelling and party companion, and best of all, he can read my mood!! Who could ask for anything more?

I'm no killer, but if I had to condemn anyone to such a horrible ending it would be rapists all over the world like Room's Old Nick. The movie is coming out this October. Check out the trailer below...

Which book character would you kiss?

Review: A Million Miles Away

We always hurt the ones we love the most

Kelsey never meant to hurt Peter. When her identical twin sister, Michelle, passed away in a car crash, Kelsey was resolved to tell the "widowed" boyfriend the truth. But when she saw him through Skype, facing the war in Afghanistan, she couldn't. Why cause him more anguish? He seemed so happy to see Michelle's face. 

To be honest, the beginning captures the interest at once. The loss hit the family to the core; Kelsey finding a way to distract herself from the issue by corresponding with Peter, while her parents formed a grieving club in their living room. But then Kelsey goes too far (could she go any lower than impersonating a death person) by lying to Peter's family and friends, cheating on her own boyfriend and worse lying during intimacy. 

On top of all these crazy shenanigans brought on by her grief, Kelsey refuses to be a mirroring effect around Peter and actually becomes Michelle. She subscribes to Michelle's art classes and memorizes a heap of information on many painters just to sound like her dead sister. Even considering all her mannerism. When Peter plays her a song:

"Kelsey thought of Michelle, and remembered to clap."

All in all a good plot. Too bad the main character lacked depth.

Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

Love meets circumstances

Clare and Aidan are the perfect high school couple. They share numerous pleasant memories and most importantly they "dove" each-other (John Green would be pleased that more teens are giving the word love a personal touch). But now, Clare wants to break up. Tonight! It's logical that separate colleges will cause them to drift into a long distance relationship, and it's far better, to break up in good terms than later on when they are miles apart. But can these two say goodbye without resenting the other?

It's impossible not to feel a pang of sorrow when reading this book. They are not ending their relationship because someone cheated, or simply stopped caring. Aidan knew from the start what college to apply, and Clare had no choice due to some rejection letters. Sometimes you need to let someone go for your own good and theirs. 

However, despite their good reasoning, Aidan took out his anger with his best friend Scotty and Clare was far too self absorbed, that even her friend Stella had to mention it (in case we hadn't noticed)

"You've been asking me why I'm too busy for you. Why I haven't been there for you. You haven't once asked me where I've been."

All in all, a realistic situation but with characters too into themselves to relate.

Review: Final Orders

Can Anton be stopped once and for all

In this final installment of the series, Anton must face his rivals, as they attempt to stop his dictatorship. To know how to get rid of him, we must face his past and so Anton's education (including a glimpse of his mother) is demonstrated. Why is he so possessive and abusive towards woman? Seeing them as sexual objects more than humans? Who will end his tyranny?

It seemed cruel at times to see how bittersweet the characters got when meeting dead ones in other dimensions. But through it all, Helenowski passed on the message to let go of those "what could have been" questions of our past that haunt us and concentrate on the present.

Caught my arrow #46

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Got a variety of genres to entertain me for this week. The weather is amazing this weekend in Montreal, and I will certainly be enjoying reading these outdoors.

Received from Publisher

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 15 Sept. 2015 à 5h38 PDT

Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Borrowed from Library

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Received from Author

Black Ice by Stephen Tesher

What are you reading this week?

Review: Jesse's Girl

Could you resist one of 50's Most Beautiful People?

Maya didn't think she'd fall for Country Superstar Jesse Scott when these two are paired up during a career spotting activity for high school class. But with Maya's musical talent put on display, Jesse lets down his guard and shows her an entire different side of himself. Vulnerable, caring, family oriented... Jesse is amazing. Regardless of the fact she's falling hard for him, can Maya risk her heart?

Catching Jordan's writer returns with yet another romantic story worth swooning for. The dialogue sounds genuine, the sex advice is worth noting, and best of all, the climax is not love triangle based. The book also includes LGBT themes. 

A great uplifting romance, free of tears.

Cover Reveal: Magic Brew

A NEW ADULT URBAN FANTASY 

They call me Edge, and I’m the only supernatural in New York City with Djinn powers. My gang is known as the Forsaken. We’re the throwaways of our kind, despised by purebloods for being mixed breeds. Banishment, rejection and abandonment bind us. Yet our differences are what make us powerful, and close to unstoppable. Until today.

We’ve been double-crossed. The one person we trusted above all others, lured us into a trap set by a gang of warlocks. They’ve crippled my powers and tried to enslave me for the rare magic pumping in my veins. I gave them the slip, but now there’s a price on my head and the road home is blocked by gangs of shifters, witches, vampires, demons and deadly fae. Odds are good we won’t all make it back alive. But you can be damn sure, me and my crew won’t go down without a fight.

T. Rae Mitchell is the author of Fate's Fables. Feel free to follow Mitchell via her Website, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Review: Summer by Summer

"People say a heart can't be broken. But they forget the rest of the organs. How your mind spins trying to undue what was done. How the lungs ache with each new breath."

To break away from her grief, Summer leaves for Belize, where she'll work as a nanny. The job is like a breath of fresh air, until Bray arrives. He's absolutely pretentious and gorgeous. Of course, he hates Summer (she looks like a librarian). Will getting stranded on an island with her change his mind -- and most importantly, will this new adventure help Summer heal from an empty heart?

To be honest, the story had great potential. Summer and Bray established a dislike from one another at the very start. Then as soon as she adds highlights to her hair and starts wearing a bikini, Bray goes gaga and Summer swoons. Sure, it's nice to be admired (wait he doesn't know her) desired by a hunk, but to call it love is a huge mistake. This is nothing more than an infatuation and to rush into conversations about marriage after mere days of knowing each other is a dangerous way to ruin your life. Even Christian dating has months of courting. Marriage is no joke.

But rushing is all the book would do. Summer would rush into tears at almost every chapter, the action felt rushed (from a deserted island - to abandoned houses filled with food - to a criminal island - to a place where families camp...) and then of course, there's the crazy brokenhearted coma. 

Too bad, because it was nice to have two different point-of-views that sounded genuine.

Feature and Follow Friday: So far from mediocre

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Undiscovered talent: tell us about a book you loved but no one else seems to have heard of.

Haven't seen many reviews for The Truth About Us even though it was released in April. I enjoyed the romantic/contemporary theme of two lovebirds torn apart by their families.

What book would you recommend?

Review: Ms. Marvel

She's no ordinary girl

Kamala (a.k.a perfection as her dad puts it) feels like a blank canvas. She yearns for more parental freedom, eat a BLT sandwich (bacon goes against her Muslim beliefs), and above all, be accepted by the in-crowd. But when she disobeys her folks and sneaks into a party, Kamala comes at an impasse. It appears Captain America, Captain Marvel and Iron Man believe she has what it takes to play a significant role in society without reinventing herself entirely... just a few supernatural powers will do the trick.

I loved that, like Spiderman, Kamala does not come off as a natural born superhero. She is petite, brunette and interrupted during crazy fights by a call from her mother. She's also the first Muslim comic girl I've seen. Which made me pause! Not because I didn't want a Muslim superhero (I'm all for girl power) but because I didn't want it to be a gratuitous add to the plot just to say "hey, I included diversity." 

Instead, the author did a lot of research on the Muslim background (she is a Muslim herself) and even included a brother who used religion to his advantage, visits to the mosque and religious holidays. 

A great new series!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Blank Space

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP DYSTOPIAN SERIES I HAVEN'T FINISHED YET

Too many books, not enough time. Or did I simply loose interest?

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

I was about to read the third installment, when I heard a fourth book came out. For some reason, this put me on pause. 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Read two out of three. Not that bad of a score.

Eve by Anna Carey

Love the first book of the series. Being searching for the other two, but every time I go to the bookstore my eyes drift. 

Escape from Furnace series by Alexander Gordon Smith 

The author always finishes each book with a crazy cliffhanger. Had to stop to catch my breath for a little while. 

The Selection by Kiera Cass

What am I waiting for to finish this series!!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Ordered The Scorch Trials online today. Only a few days until the movie hits the theater. Don't know if I'll make it.