MOVIE TIME!!!

                Hello again everyone!  So I realized the other day looking over my blog and thinking of ways to make it better and post more frequently when I realized that I haven’t done a movie review in a while.  I couldn’t believe it.  The last movie I reviewed was The Host, which is not the last movie I saw by any means.  So this weekend I have seen Fast & the Furious 6 and Star Trek: Into Darkness and I wanted to share that with everyone.

                With Fast & the Furious 6, some are thinking, ‘when is enough, enough’, others, ‘keep them coming’.  Me, I range somewhere in the middle.  I’m all about watching the movies and their sequels as long as they are good.  If you go downhill and are only making a sequel for the sake of making a sequel don’t do it.  I’m also not a huge fan of any sequels that only keep the name but none of the cast, basically a remake with a few plot changes and new characters (Bring it On’s, Step Up’s, Cinderella Story’s, etc I like them but really they are not what I would pay to see each time).  The Fast & the Furious movies have all been with the same cast, if you don’t count #3 Tokyo Drift as it is so out of order with the other movies.  Anyways they all focus on the 1^st original movie and all that followed.

                I really liked this movie; it might even be my favorite one thus far.  All of my favorite characters were in it, Brian, Dom, Letty, Mia, Roman, Tej, Hann, Gisele, and even our latest member, Hobbs.  Plus there was a story to follow.  At first I was concerned, Letty alive.  How are they going to make this happen and be believable?  Well they found a way. 

                It had all the best things of the others, friendly banter and jokes, fast cars, racing, crashing, things going boom, and oh yeah crazy vehicle stunts.  I can’t really say much about it.  If you liked the others then clearly you must go see this one.  If you are concerned it won’t be any good, my recommendation is to take a chance and go.  It was a good time and I can’t wait to see it again.

Rated:  5 Tanks

                Switching gears to another action sequel, only this one is more Sci-Fi, Star Trek Into Darkness.  I was never a Star Trek fan, I only ended up watching the first one because at my old job where me and my co-worker were kept in a small room for 12 hr shifts , she decided she was going to put it on in there and well I didn’t have any other options so thought ‘oh well’.  To my surprise I did like it.  Not enough to want to watch the old series but enough to be excited for the 2^nd movie. 

                So that being said I have no idea if the movie was true to the show.  I had it pointed out to me by a true fan of the show that the first one apparently blew away the space time continuum by blowing up a planet.  So to that I cannot help with.  As for the movie, it followed up nicely to the first one and I liked how they kept the same characters.  Sure I didn’t get little inside jabs that my Trekie counterparts did but hey I still liked the movie.  The story was easy to follow and I was invested in the outcome because I did like the characters.  I did also like Khan, played by Benedict Cumberbatch.  I knew he’d looked familiar from the trailer but I couldn’t place him until the movie started.  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, he is Sherlock on the BBC show Sherlock.  He has that same attitude that he is clearly smarter than everyone and no just because he’s cocky but well because it’s kinda true.  He has a way of pulling it off that I just adore and it transferred over to this as well.  Is he good or evil.  The story line was also intriguing that it was filled with moral decisions and what is really right or wrong type of things and that has always interested me.  Plus you have chases, action, and drama.  All and all it was a good ride.

Rating: 4 Starships

               

                So there you have it!  New movie reviews!  Yeah and coming soon I have just finished my ARC of The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke and will be reviewing that soon (Friday or Saturday I hope) so stay tuned.  As always comments always welcome, tell me what you think!  What would you like to see more of on here? 

Gameboard of the Gods by RIchelle Mead

                My honest review of the ARC Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton.  Thank you!  I have been eagerly awaiting this book since I found out about it, being a huge fan of Mead's already as well as the different takes of Gods and Goddesses, it seemed like heaven.  So when I saw this book on NetGalley I hit request so fast it would make your head spin.  I wasn’t sure I'd be approved but I hoped….then when I got the e-mail saying as much…well let's just say my scream of delight and the jumping up and down I did made my cat run and hide in another room.  I logged on and downloaded right away, happy I had it but sad that I was going to work.  Yep silly day job getting in the way of my reading, how annoying.

                So I got this book and I read it, work or no.  First let us discuss the cover, simple and clean white with a beautiful bit of blue (I'm a sucker for blues), a beautiful face and some type of black birds in the back (not such a fan of feathered demon creatures, ie. anything with feathers, talons, and/or beak).  It didn't give you a lot which can be good or bad, but in this case the title was intriguing and I didn’t need a bunch of other pretty things to distract from that.  Now here is the summary I read on this book from as I'm too worried if I give my own I'll give way too much away:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims.  But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA).  Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military's most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger.  As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead's Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

               

                I have to agree with that last part.  You know me and my views on characters by now, I have to like them to like the book.  Well I loved Justin and Mae.  Sure I wanted to strangle them through the book too but that just means I cared.  The book is told primarily through their points of view, with the occasional view from Tessa's.  I liked this idea because it let me see the world through different eyes.  From Mae we have someone who is always amped up and has lived in a caste as well as in the expanse of RUNA serving her country.  With Justin we have a man who was exiled, forced out of the RUNA he loved and left to live in the dredges of Panama (a province) which is the opposite of everything home was, only making him crave to go back.  With the few parts we got from Tessa, we got not only a look at out two leads through the observant eyes of another but at the world of RUNA from an outsiders prospective.

                Justin and Mae have some serious things to work out, they both had baggage.  They both have secrets and most importantly, they both are very proud.  They have a lot in common even if they don't want to admit it, or even refuse to see it.  Mead again creates complex characters that seem perfect at first but then after the smiling surface you can see that they are anything but perfect, the way no one is really perfect.  They are also very prideful characters who react like everyone else to things and build up walls and act out, much to my displeasure sometimes but I just kept reading hoping things work come to light.  I was invested in them and wanted to know how things turned out.

                If their complicated relationship wasn’t enough for you there was also a marvelous plot unraveling.  Someone or something is killing people in a very ritualistic way.  The only evidence left throws out all scientific explanation.   Yes they are tracking a killer and following leads that put them in more danger the closer they get while uncovering more than they bargained for?

                This book has all the best things I love in other Mead books and more.  I love the mythology aspect of Gods being involved, about mystical forces, it all worked out well.  So I look forward to seeing where this story goes next!  What is next for Justin and Mae?  I have so much more to say but in fear of giving it away. Check out Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead it comes out June 4th!

Runes by Ednah Walters

                Hello everyone!  I have another book review for you, an ARC from NetGalley, of course, and Firetrail Publishing, Runes by Ednah Walters.  This books comes out May 20th, so read on for an early look at this book.

                This is going to be Book 1 in a series so as usual once I got to the end I was upset that I have to wait but what can you say.  The cover for this book is simple, but intriguing with the lines of light on the handsome guys face, who also seems to have a disdain for a shirt, all on a pretty blue backdrop. 

                Rain Cooper is your average 17 year old girl with 2 best friends, a loving yet eccentric mother, star of the swim team, and a huge crush on her best guy friend, Eirik.  She has it all even a missing and presumed dead father, to everyone but her mother that is, and a new neighbor moving in.  Pretty much your typical normal life.  Until she meets her new neighbor and the new exchange students and sexy neighbor Torin saves her life with magical runes on his skin.  Oh yeah not so normal now.

                Even from her first meeting with Torin, Raine is drawn to him, in a way she can't fully explain even when he does nothing but annoy the crap out of her.  She knows he's different right away, but after the whole saving her life thing she dedicates her time to finding out just what he is and what he and his friends interest in the swim team is all about.  Oh and her connection to him, while trying to make the most of finally getting the guy she's been liked for so long.  Who is Torin, and what is he?  hat he is goes back to ancient mythology that she is part of, but can she stop what is coming and save those she loves?

                I really enjoyed this book and will give it 5 Runes right now.  I liked the plot, a mix of paranormal romance, Norse mythology and a good learning to find oneself story.  It made for a fun combination to read.  Once I got started and became invested I couldn’t put it down until the last click of my kindle page where I was left saying "WTF that's it, now what am I supposed to do?"  Yep it will keep you reading and leaving you wanting more, it did for me.

                Now I've never read anything from Ednah Walters before but now that I have I'm intrigued and will have to check out their other books.  Walters made good characters, I liked how Raine was confused and undecided, she is constantly adapting and changing to new information being thrown at her and doing her best to deal.  And her relationship with Cora reminded me of my best girlfriends and our crazy behind  conversations.  Torin is dark and mysterious but also seems tormented, which yes is done many times but clearly it's a winner if done right and I wanted to make him feel better and take away his pain.   Basically I liked the characters and if you have read any of my previous reviews you know how important that is for me.  Good character or its blah and this one had good ones.

                The book moved along quickly and I finished it at work.  I liked being along for the confusion.  When you have wanted someone for so long, then finally get what you have wanted for years only to find yourself thinking of someone else despite your head telling you no.  Maybe its timing or fate, either way I had a great time reading. 

                Runes has many twists and turns and yes even got me a with one or two.  It comes out May 20th so give it a click and check it out.  Share your thoughts below please I love feedback and I want to know what you think!

Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon

                Zenn Scarlett is another ARC I received from NetGalley and the publishers Angry Robot.  This book came out Tuesday, May 7th, I'm a bit behind because of my lack of ability to sit down for more than 30 minutes to type.  But here goes, my thoughts on this sci-fi book.

                The story is about Zenn Scarlett, a 17 year old working to make it through her novice year to become an exovet.  What is this you ask?  Well as they live on Mars (way in the future, terra-forming sections and all way cool), she is learning to be a vet…for alien creatures.  Neat and interesting concept right there, can't think of anything else like it which is always a surprise.  Well things aren't that easy for Zenn with her absent father, helping out at the clinic where she lives with her Uncle Ortha, studying while trying to pass her 3 end of year tests that determine if she will move on to her next year in training to do this one thing she's dreamed about. 

                As if all that isn't enough she also has to combat with a series of inexplicable mishaps on the Cloister grounds that threaten their place uncertain.  Towner, Liam, starts to take an interest in the animals and acting extra friendly towards her, despite everyone else in the Cloister thinking they are all disease carrying, man eating monsters.  Then there is the little part where she might be sharing thoughts with the patients.  Talk about stress!  She must figure out if she is going crazy, pass her tests, and figure out what is happening around the Cloister with the help of Liam and Hamish, the Clinic sexton and huge insectoid who is also in training.

                I really enjoyed this book, I liked getting to know Zenn and all the different creatures, especially Katie.   She hasn't had many friends growing up and has spent her life with the animals and cares for each of them and as an animal lover (all be it more the cute fluffy types) I completely understood her.  Her uncertainty at new situations, her concern she is losing her mind, her fears for her future and everything else.  I also enjoyed Hamish and the way he was written, from a planet a society, where he must ask permission to do anything. 

                The book does start just a tad bit slowly but I enjoyed getting a feel for the new world and understanding Zenn so for me the pace worked for this tale.  It has plenty going on to keep you entertained while you zoon right through it, and if like me get your imagination wandering.  I can't wait to pick up the 2nd book and see where Schoon take it from there.  Again Zenn Scarlett came out Tuesday May 7th, I give it 4 Cute Rikkasets, check it out.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

My first real decorating job!
Pretty proud of it.

I got my signed copy of The Raven Boys for Christmas from a wonderful friend, and sadly I only just finished it (more like last week but I had a family event and a Bachelorette party to bake for).  Though part of the delay for reading was purposeful, me trying to hold off and have less time to wait for Book 2.  I made it what 4 months, that's it, but hey that's 4 less months to wait.

I'm a big fan of Maggie's other works so I was of course ready to check this one out, on past history alone but seeing the beautiful cover and the summary sealed the deal. 

"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve," Neeve said.  "Either you're his true love…or you killed him."

Interested yet?  Well this is made even more interesting because for as long as Blue can remember she has been warned that when she kisses her true love she will cause his death.  Talk about killer cooties!  Still when Blue meets Gansy and his crew of 3, Adam, Ronan, and Noah all four of them, Blue and the Raven Boys, so called because they are students at the school for the local boys private school Aglionby.  This also makes them off limits, not just because of her rule, no boys, but especially no Raven Boys.  But meeting him, after she saw him on the Corpse road, she is drawn to him.

Despite her rule, Blue joins the boys in their quest to uncover something of myth and legend.  A non-seer in a family full of them, she feels left out but strangely perfectly at home with the boys on this adventure. 

                One of my favorite parts of this book as with all of Stiefvater's books, are the complex characters.  Each one has a different personality and motivation for everything not just moving the store along, you feel like they are doing things for a deep purpose.  Gansy, the leader of the pack, beyond rich, privileged, good looking, devoted friends, he has the perfect life yet he is restless always seeking something that to most is impossible.  Then you have Adam, a poor kid from town attending on scholarship working his behind off both in school and work and trying to help in the search, even as he struggles with a rough life and some resentment issues of those with money.  Ronan, is also a rich kid who goes back and forth from anger to despair who has dealt with more than his fair share of darkness.  Last but not least, it Noah, the quite one who doesn't say as much but somehow sees more than anyone else and holds them all together and so much more.

The book centers around their search for the sleeping King and what finding him would mean for each of them.  I don't want to give anything away, but this book is full of mystery, adventure, suspense, magic, and just the right amount of creep thrown in with amazingly complex characters and plotline.  Pick it up and check it out, though be warned you must wait till September for book 2!  I give this book 5 Ravens!