Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wander Dust

Firstly, if you're looking for the review of 'The Fault in Our Stars', I'm sorry but I haven't finished reading it yet. I've been trying to study for my exams, and I also want to do other things too you know...XD I can tell you though, that it's really interesting so far.

So, this post is gonna be for a book that I read a while ago. It's called 'Wander Dust'. Unfortunately though, this book wasn't particularly my favourite book.

Don't take me wrong, it wasn't bad. It just didn't hook me all the way, so it took me a while to finish it. I actually had high hopes for this book, especially because I really like the cover.

The main summary is that Seraphina realised one day that she had a special power. One that scares her, but could potentialy help her in getting what she wants- to see her mother again. However, she is being followed by the Lady in Black, the Grugy Gang, and a mysterious, yet very handsome boy. One day Sera moved to Chicago where her aunt lives. Her aunt then revealed to her a family secret that led her to an adventure filled with choices and surprises...

Yup, it is a pretty good plot right? That's why I got it out at the first place anyway. I loved the superpower idea because it's not just the cliched ones. I liked how they had to be a team, and how Sera's team members are all so different to each other. The idea of a Protector, a Seer and a Wanderer confused me at first, but I slowly understood it. (If you haven't read it, then you won't understand 'till you actually do). So, those parts intrigued me at least. The characters are alright. I liked them, and I was surprised at the end (I won't write what it is). It is kinda hard to judge each character's true intentions, because there is no clear black and white.

Anyway, what kinda brought the book down for me was the pace of the story. I really hate slow paced books, and this book is one of those books. I understand that some events were necessary to be included, but they could've been simplified, and unnecessary stuff should've been cut out. I don't know if other people who've read this book felt the same way, but I thought that pretty much 1/2 of the book was quite slow. It only got really interesting in about the last 100 pages. For a book of fantasy and adventure, I expected there to be a lot more actions or adventure in it.
However, please don't think that this book is horrible just because I wrote this. If you're interested in these types of stories, then definetly read it! I am looking forward to the 2nd book afterall. Hopefully, it'll be more interesting than this one..

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Fault in Our Stars

I'm so excited!!! Yesterday, my cousin gave me this book as a late birthday present. I've been wanting to read this book, but there are lots of requests at the lib. I'm not completely sure what it's about, only that it has something to do with cancer. I wanted to read it because my friend said that it's really good, and the book has high ratings on goodreads.
Oh and it's also the hardcover copy! I love hardcover books because they last longer and they're just cooler XD

Anyway, this is gonna be a short post sorry, but I'll definetly write a review as soon as I finish it!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Tiger's Saga- Tiger's Curse

This book is one of those books where I've been wanting to read it for ages, but only got around to it recently. I was interested because lots of my friends said that it's a really good series. And I must say, it is pretty good!
 
So, the main plot of the story is that long ago there were 2 Indian Princes. One of the princes, Dhiren was betrayed by his brother Khisan. Khisan was in love with Dhiren's fiancee and he plotted with the girl's evil father so that he can be with her. Dhiren was kidnapped and both brothers were cursed as a tiger. Years later, Kelsey Hayes is spending her summer holiday working at the circus. She became facinated and attached to one of the animals- a white tiger whose name is Ren. One day, a man came and said that he would be buying Ren to India. However, he offered Kelsey to go with them as kind of an experience journey and to spend her summer holiday there. Kelsey agreed, not knowing how much this journey would change her....
 
I really love the characters in this book. Kelsey is an all right character though, as sometimes she can be a bit annoying. However, she likes Shakespeare and that makes me like her! Hehe, not many people appreciate Shakespeare anymore....
Anyway, my favourite character would have to be Ren. He's really interesting and so cute. I guess he really trusts Kelsey as he pretty much attaches himself to her all the time. Not in the annoying way, but guys aren't usually that comfortable around girls. Well I guess, it's also due to the fact that he didn't have much interaction with girls/people before~
I also really like Mr.Kadam as he is very supportive and wise. He's like the missing parent figure for both Kelsey and Ren, and he helps them along the way. I just think that he's a great guy, and well yeah...
 
Another thing I love about this book is the way they used Indian culture. It is very creative, and I love learning about other cultures. The languages and traditions are very interesting and I really enjoyed it!
 
Now, I'm really looking forward to reading the other books. I guess I gotta quickly catch up since the 4th book is already out and I'm only on the 1st book. I have exams soon though, so afterwards....
 
 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Great Expectations Movie 2012

Okay. Right. Please tell me that you know this classic book. If not, you should quickly go and find it at the lib or something. Although, if classic literature is not your thing, then I guess I understand....

But seriously, this is a really good book. It is written by Charles Dickens, who also wrote 'A Christmas Carol', if you're not aware of it. This book is pretty much about a poor, orphan boy named Pip. One day he met Estella who is the adopted daughter of the wealthy Ms.Havisham. Pip grows to like her, but he can not court her because, well....he's poor. Instead, Ms Havisham asks Pip to spend time with Estella everyday. Pip had also saved a convict whose name is Magwitch.Years passed, and one day Pip was offered education, and that all the expenses will be paid. He wasn't told however, who had paid for his education. Pip went and studied hard in order to become a gentleman, and hopes to be able to court Estella.

So, I guess that's a little summary of the book. But, right now I'm referring to the most recent movie. There has been a few movies made based on this book, and I must say I'm really looking forward to watching this one. Why? Well for many reasons. But the main reason is, because it has many connection to Harry Potter, even of it's just small connections. I'll tell you right now, I LOVE Harry Potter. It's like... the best!

Uhh yeah, back to this movie. So, what are these connections?

Firstly, it is directed by Mike Newell. And do you know who he is? He's the person who directed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! See, isn't that just awesome?! And further more, 3 actors from Harry Potter appears in this film. Firstly, Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) as Ms.Havisham, Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) as Magwitch, and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) as Mr.Jaggers. Yup, I was screaming in exitement when I saw this XD
Helena Bonham Carter is such an amazing actress. She's so cool that I ran out of words to describe her...haha. I just loved her performance in all her movies, especially in Harry Potter, and also Alice in Wonderland (The Red Queen). And well, I think she totally suits playing Ms.Havisham. It's just gonna be awesome! ^^  I'm looking forward to seeing Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane too! Although, I'll probably keep seeing Voldemort's face when I see Ralph Fiennes..hehe :D

There you go, that's like my main reason of wanting to watch this movie. I know that they already had the screening in London, but it's only being released in NZ in March 2013. Yeah I know, so....long! But, I'll definetly go and see it when it comes out! I have great expectations of this movie! XD ^^

Here's the trailer:

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

CSI Miami Season 8


So....yeah. I was actually supposed to study today. Ugh yup, keyword there is SUPPOSED TO. Instead, I ended up watching CSI Miami.

I know, I know....that wasn't supposed to happen.
But what can I say, I'm totally in love with crime dramas like NCIS, CSI NY, CSI Miami, the Mentalist etc. And well, CSI Miami is just awesome.

So, I ended up watching the first 2 episodes of Season 8. It's the part where Eric nearly dies. Can you believe it?! He was dying, AGAIN. Just how many times is he gonna be dying!!! They better not kill him... -_-  I don't think they will though. And I also watched 'Bad Seed' where Eric decided to leave CSI.

Yes I said it, he decide to LEAVE CSI! Isn't that crazy?! What about Calleigh? How could you leave her Eric!! Oh man, I know since it's a crime series it shouldn't be focused on romance, but I wish they show more about Calleigh and Eric's relationship. He better comes back to CSI and Calleigh soon.
Well actually, I know that he will since I've watched parts of Season 9.... hehe XD

Anyway, I did get like a tiny, little bit of studying done. Yup, better get back to it soon....

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Steampunk Chronicles- The Girl in The Clockwork Collar

So, I finished reading this book a few days ago. And I must say, it's an amazing book! It certainly is one of my favourite series.

If you don't know, the first book is called 'The Girl in The Steel Corset'. It's a story about a girl named Finley who has a double personality. When she's angry or terrified, her "other side" appears, and she is violent and incredibly strong. One day, her master attacked her and she ran away after knocking him out. She was then found by the Duke of Greythorne- Griffin King. Griffin also has a special power and he helps her combine her two personalities. Other main characters are Sam, Emily and Jasper.

Anyway, in this book, the group travels to New York to save Jasper from a dangerous group. Jasper is held there against his will as the man is controlling Jasper's love interest- Mei. Mei is wearing a clockwork collar (as shown in the pic) which will be tightened if Jasper does anything wrong.

Well, I hope those little summaries did not give the story away. I liked this book because it's interesting and quite exciting. It is also set in the Victorian era, which I totally LOVE! The girl Finley is a strong female character as well. This is good, because I really hate weak female characters who can only plead for help. Griffin is also really cool! In fact, he's my fav character in this story. Even though he's a Duke, he's not overly arrogant in regard to his wealth. Well he is a bit arrogant, but what man isn't? Haha :D  I also love his power. I don't want to give away too much, but it's just really cool! This book particularly, has shown development in the characters. It's like they're on a journey to figure out who they are as a person, especially for Finley. I also love the villains in this book. They are interesting and you can't help but think they're cool even though they're evil. They're not over-the-top evil like in some stories, but they're still evil, if you get what I mean.

Anyway, if you love romance, adventure, and interesting powers, definetly give this book a try. It's totally worth it! I really can't wait for the third book!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Food

I was wondering what to post, and then I remembered I took a picture of some cupcakes I made a few weeks ago. They're vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They tasted pretty good and well, it kinda looks good too if I may say so myself ... ^^
 
 
 
And then, a few days ago was my birthday. It was a holiday, so I didn't really do anything. I just stayed at home, and had dinner with my family. The next day was a Saturday though, and so me and my friends went to the City. We went window-shopping, and I bought this really cool photo album of my fav band- B2ST! Anyway, after that we had lunch at the foodcourt. I was then surprised, when they suddenly presented this really nice-looking cake. It turned out they bought me a small cake as a birthday cake!! I was so~ touched! Here's a picture of it....
 
Doesn't it look really nice?? It tasted delicious as well! It's a mango cake, and you can taste the mango when you eat it. Oh, I gotta go to the bakery where they got it from sometime and buy another slice!  

Blogging

So, it seems like I've gone back to blogging! I've made an account before, but I've forgotten what it is. And well, I guess I made a new one! 

Anyway, not sure what kind of things I'll be blogging just yet....we'll see~
I better not spend too much time on this though, I gotta study!! :D