I don't like sticking with one hobby, and I feel like I only show my book loving side on this blog. Books are wonderful in every way, but I want to spice things up a bit, and because of the holiday season, I've been slacking on reading, and been a movie watcher instead.
Today, I'm going to tell you about La Belle et le Bete. If you didn't already know, that is the original Beauty and the Beast film. The film that became a huge success when France was in the World War II depression. It sounds wonderful and all, but if you've never seen it then you will be in a ride for yourself.
The movie is completely in French-there are English subtitles-as far as I know there is not a dubbed version, so don't count on it. If you are a French loving speaker, like moi, the movie is not too hard for beginner in French. I have only taken one and a half years of French classes myself, and I catch most of the words without reading the subtitles.
Over this month, one of my favorite bloggers/twitterer, Bethany Myers wrote a short story on Wattpad, and I was like okay lets see what this girl got?. I don't think I can recommend Cursed enough, because the story made me extremely giddy and I think all of you would love a quick, easy, EXTRAORDINARY read.
Bethany has an easy flow to her writing, and in my opinion she can make any scene feel magical. Now, because Cursed is a fantasy, feudalism, and fairy tale kind of story I think that's important that she can make the reader be in the setting, with interesting, timeless dialogue, and not have the need to think too much.(if that made sense, then you're awesome) Another thing I really loved about her writing was that she made a huge plot in seven chapters, with about two pages each chapter. You can do the math, seventeen pages, to have a beginning, middle, and happy ending is quite a task. Lastly, there was tons of joy going on to have so many loose ends, and scenes that I didn't think have such a huge role, piece back together.
Tess was a very distinct character because she is the princess charming, going on this journey to save her prince from a dragon, so that was a very fresh idea that I adored. Her courage, and wit never ceased to make my eyes go wide. Along side her a crow named, Sebastian, whom I loved from the beginning is the perfect character whom you know, but has this mysterious side that you can't wait to find out the secret. (Also I always think Sebastian is a butler's name, and who wouldn't want a butler named Sebastian?)
The dragon riddles were one of my favorite parts of the short story. I don't read a lot of fantasy novels, so I don't know the basic, always there plot points in fantasy, but the dragon in Cursed reminded me of the one in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I think it's because I've had this weird idea of all dragons are like the Dragon Tales show, since it's really the only way I was introduced to dragons. So now that I'm introduced to these dragons that trick you and play riddles with your life, they all are the same to moi. Anyways, I'm a horrible riddle solver, so whatever riddle it is, I'm like, "Oh my GOSH!!! I could never have thought of that!" *slaps cheek with wide eyes* So if you're like me, be prepared to have your mind blown, because I know you're going to read Cursed. Right? Right.
If you didn't notice, this review wasn't the best I could have written, because I find it hard to write about something or someone that I kind of know. It's strange, because I do this all the time, but when I know the author will read this, it's like I want to hide under a rock. Btw this review, didn't have any criticism in it because I couldn't find anything that I could/would critic. This review probably made Cursed sound like a perfect story, but you be the judge of that. If I met you at the library at this moment, then I'd give a head nods, thumbs up, and smiling like there's no tomorrow. (5 out of 5)
I was very interested in a new world to explore the past week and I found this in an ARR program. Pedro L. Alvarez is a debut author that I think we should all keep an eye on. The story he lays out for the reader is amazingly detailed and well thought out. Dragon Fire is a mixture to me of a coming of age/romance/dystopian like world.
If there is not enough reason that you should get a bow and arrow well here's another book. Lately that's been the trend I've found. For example, Faelorehn by Jenna Elizabeth Jonhson, The Hunger Games Trilogy, and a few weeks ago I saw Brave form Pixar. Not that I don't have anything against bows and arrows but I wanted something different. Maybe something new and unheard of.
Pedro L. Alvarez has the most beautiful way of telling a story that amazed me while I was reading. Though his writing isn't filled with complications making me re-read constantly, it had an old timey feel. I felt very sucked into this world he created and the characters that joined in. I don't know how to say this because this is a very tricky review for me to write. I love his writing, but the story didn't make me want to read more. I really wanted to like this but I couldn't. It's not bad or anything, but I just could not go into another coming of age story. The genre is incredibly gigantic and I did not feel like anything was special.
Jessica is your average high school student, intending her senior year in high school to be the best time of her life. A mysterious guy shows up on her first day of school calling her by her birth name, Anastasia. Jessica soon finds out that he is a vampire and also her fiance. The rationality dissipates in Jessica, after a difficult time accepting that she is also a princess. Being the one to save lives in return for a horrible life, is the decision she has to make, whether she likes it or not.
I have to applaud Beth Fantaskey's writing. Her distinct style from writing in Jessica's point of view and then Lucius writing to his uncle creates an in depth perception of the two main characters, that I just love. Like most young adult novels out these days its a paranormal romance. Since the explosion of Twilight, dark vampires have been popping up every which way. Jessica's Guide does follow basic plot line of most of a mysterious guy has a huge secret and the protagonist isn't as she seems. Unlike most female protagonist, Jessica resist the guy besides falling head over heels with some monster she shouldn't.
While reading the book, I caught myself invested in the characters and wanting to read it all night. The direction of the book had really caught me off guard and I wanted to know more and more. Absolutely sucked into this book ironically, I felt completely sad when I read the last page to find that nothing was next.
Jessica's Guide is a quick read with funny moments here and there, but dangerously dramatic impacting scenes. Not intending the fondness I have of this book I will read the second in the series.
I don't like sticking with one hobby, and I feel like I only show my book loving side on this blog. Books are wonderful in every way, but I want to spice things up a bit, and because of the holiday season, I've been slacking on reading, and been a movie watcher instead.
