Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Great Gatsby Movie Review



There are some inaccuracies in the movie in relation to the book, including the end where our narrator Nick Carraway (Toby McGuire), claims he was the only one who showed for the funeral of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). In the book though, Gatsby’s father shows up and the man from the library early on appears at the burial. This is a slight inaccuracy, probably chosen to show just how alone Gatsby was supposed to be portrayed to be, however what is the point of recreating a classic if they cannot get the small but crucial things correct?Everyone has heard of the Great Gatsby; whether it is in school where it was a reading assignment, or alluded to in other books (The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) or even songs (Take “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel”). In one way or another, we all know of the controversial work, which has now been brought to the big screen for all to see e. The real question is, is this movie worth all the hub bub it is receiving? Well the answer is yes and no.

The cast was a breath, whether it is of fresh air or of your best friends locker with who knows what living in there and god knows what died in there. DiCaprio makes an amazing Gatsby, portraying thick, gut wrenching emotions when need be, or throwing amazing parties where he blends in with his guests.  McGuire, making a great Carraway with his outward view on the whole story just helping a friend, for example as he replies to Gatsby about the vast number of flowers he has brought to his house saying “I think it’s what you want.” Though there were times he could have put a little more pizzazz into his role. The role of the lovely Daisy Buchanan played was taken by storm by English actress Carey Mulligan. Her beauty is all that I imagined for the role, yet sometimes she doesn’t show that emotion, that power and attitude that one could only associate with Daisy. Following up the rear is her husband Tom (Joe Edgerton). I wish I could tell you the man did a smashing job of playing the man we all love to hate, but now I just dislike him as the actor for the role. He was nothing like Tom was described in the book, and throughout much of the movie it seemed as though he didn’t really put his all into the part of a very important character. Finally, on Daisy’s left we have Ms. Jordan Baker. Played by Elizabeth Debecki, Jordan stands at a tall height of 5 ft. 9, making her seemingly intimidating at first glance (okay maybe the next 10 or so as well). Thought she didn’t have much to do in the 2nd half of the film, she did her job very well as best friend though they should have tried to turn a little focus on her unhonesty that is highlighted in the novel.


The soundtrack for the film blew me away, having heard it before the movie was released. I fell in love with the mixture of the 20’s with current day, with the album featuring well known artists such as Jay-Z, Will. I. Am, Lana Del Rey and Florence and the Machine. The songs were integrated almost seamlessly into the film, there being parts where the songs were probably just thrown in there to make sure it’s heard. All in all, this movie will blow you away with the parties, the plot, the cast and everything else you could think of. There may be some inaccuracies but the book is still there for you to now watch. So what are you waiting for?

Indie Author Love


Prince of Wolves (The Grey Wolves, #1)

For those of you who don't know, an indie author is an independent author. They do not have book publishers, having to do everything themselves. There are some amazing indie authors out there such as Elle Casey, Quinn Loftis, Jessica Sorensen,  Kira Saito, the list stretches on. One thing that people don't understand is that their success is based off of the love of their fans, people who them and their work and will help them succeed. We have to be the ones to help get them out there so everyone else can love them too. Some of the best book covers I have seen appear on their books with even better stories on the inside. So what are you waiting for? Go out and support your favorite indie authors by buying their books. They really appreciate it ^.^



Some Great Indie Books:
You can get a ton of these first books in the series free! You will fall in love with them and purchase the rest when done, trust me I have been there.



Other Books:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12249184-elemental
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11378691-diary-of-a-vampeen
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12801856-bound
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11267847-a-job-from-hell
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13402447-unenchanted
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11947156-prince-of-wolves
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9843424-parallel
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11051889-the-fallen-star
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9609429-beautiful-demons
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12962374-bound
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13637167-evolution
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17346991-guardians-book-1
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11948797-brightest-kind-of-darkness

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9411579-tempest
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13319632-spectral
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6699199-once-bitten
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13423535-the-mystic-wolves
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8122052-glimpse
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11410430-defiance
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10897866-the-soulkeepers
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12901365-the-deepest-cut
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7862725-branded  
 

I Have Been Bound - Arelia LaRue Bound Review


Series: Arelia LaRe
Book: Bound (Book 1)
Author: Kira Saito
Genre: : YA Paranormal Romance

Book Synopsis: Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college. 
When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees. 
However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus LaPlante insists that he needs her help. Soon, the powers that Arelia has been denying all her life, come out to play and she discovers mysteries about herself that she could have never imagined.

Book Review: If you are into the paranormal, such as ghosts and voodoo, then you have arrived at the correct review. Kira Saito has done an amazing job in creating a book to capture your heart. She has mixed history with paranormal, placing it into one of the most historically paranormal places in all of the United States, New Orleans. The characters were easily able to capture your heart, and those you would consider the bad guys have a whole other story going to them. One of the best things I loved about this was the fact that the plot was unpredictable, , keeping you on your toes and glued to your seat as the story unfurled with the turn of each new page. This book captured many things that I loved in a book, voodoo, magic, romance, paranormal, etc. all into one book.

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes the hardest thing any of us can hope for is finding the courage to be honest with ourselves."

All In All: Kira has rocked my world, making her one of my favorite authors of all time. She ends with a cliff hanger that causes you to rush off and get the next ones. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they like YA romance paranormal or not because I am pretty sure they would fall in love with this book. The best part is that the first book is free! So what are you waiting for? Go and get it!

Find Her On: 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Elle Casey New Releases!


Shine Not Burn

Hello everyone! As I am sure you all know by now, Elle Casey is an amazing author. She is actually publishing one book per month, but there has been a shift in the schedule so I thought I would keep you guys informed. Here are the upcoming releases and their information!













Release Date: June 30th, 2013
Author: Elle Casey
Book Blurb: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17973653-shine-not-burn

By Degrees
Release Date: July 31st, 2013
Author: Elle Casey

Don't Make Me Beautiful
Release Date: August 31st, 2013
Author: Elle Casey



Awesome I know right! So mark them on your Goodreads shelf as to read so you don't forget. They're Elle Casey books after all and I am sure that once they are released you will be blown away! I have attached the links to them on goodreads, so what are you waiting for? Oh that's right her books to come out how silly of me. ^.^

Monday, May 27, 2013

Before I Fall? Too Late I Have Fallen! - Book Review


Book: Before I Fall 
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy

Book synopsis:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life? Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High- from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12th, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death - and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Book Review:
I had heard nothing but good things about this book before I purchased it a while back, but I had never had the opportunity to read it. Am I glad I did though! This book will make you reconsider all the things you have done and will do in life, realizing that even the slightest decision can change everything. If there is ever a life lesson to learn about the value of the things you have and the path you will take due to decisions you make, take it away from this book.  It seems that sometimes in the face of something like death we learn to change, but this book will help you change before you get to a point like that. It's 7 days of decision making that will keep on your toes, with characters that charm their way into your life one way or another. The characters were easy to love, though at first Sam was just another run of the mill have it all girls, as the plot continues you really start to see her change into someone you know you will not be forgetting any time soon.

Favorite Quote: 
"I guess that's what saying good-bye is always like -- like jumping off an ledge. The worst part is making the choice to do it. Once you're in the air, there's nothing you can do but let go."

All In All: This book was more amazing than I thought it would be. This book made me reconsider who I am and everything I have ever done. Lauren Oliver has created a world where we are stuck inside  dejavu, with characters you don't mind repeating the next 7 days with. If you get the opportunity go and buy this book. You will not regret it, I promise you.

Contact her:
http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/
http://lauren-oliver.tumblr.com/
http://laurenoliverbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LaurenOliverBooks
http://twitter.com/#!/OliverBooks


Buy Her Books on:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Oliver/e/B0034NEYYS
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-oliver/id20358902?mt=11
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lauren-oliver/2392889
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Lauren+Oliver&t=none&f=author&p=1&s=averagerating&g=both

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Get Ready For The Apocalypsis (Apocalypis - Elle Casey)



Series: Apocalypsis
Book Name:  Apocalypsis Kahayatle
Author: Elle Casey
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Horror, Thriller, Action

Book Synopsis:   

 My name's Bryn Mathis. I'm seventeen years old, and I live in a neighborhood outside of Orlando. Florida. I live alone because my dad died almost a year ago, along with all the other adults in the world. I'm almost out of food and the gangs of kids that roam around my town are getting more vicious by the day. It's time for me to leave and find another place to live... a place where I can find food and shelter... a place where they won't be able to find me. Alone, it might have been possible; but now I've got company. I'm worried that I don't have what it takes to get from here to my final destination. And I have no idea what might be waiting for me when I get there.

Book Review:     The world has come to end for all those between the ages of 10 and 20, while the rest have found their solace in death. Now those who are left must fend for themselves and some have become desperate, desperate enough to eat anything. I have to say, this book blew me away. With action, humor and a small hint at a possible romance I loved it. At every moment reading this book you were highly aware of everything going on in this book but nothing around you as you were pulled deeper and deeper into this sometimes fast paced plot. The characters were developed quite well, and as the book goes on you learn more about them.   


If you get pulled in as much as I did, you may want to be careful not to attack anyone that comes near you when you are reading thinking they are there to attack you. The plot and the story line kept me glued to my seat with my kindle in my hand at almost all times. The tension you felt like the characters did coursed through me as I read, I felt their pain and smiled as they joked along the way.


Favorite Quote:       "No wonder the world came to an end. Everyone living in it was a bunch of assholes."~Peter


All In All:        Elle has once again rocked my world with another amazing cliff hanger (dang her and her cliff hangers). She has created a world that en wraps the reader into a place where we can only hope we don't end up. If you are into young adult post apocalyptic books that will keep you in your seat then you know you have to check out this book. I give this book a 4.5 stars!


Find Her On:

ww.ElleCasey.com
www.Facebook.com/ellecaseytheauthor
www.Twitter.com/ellecasey
www.Goodreads.com/ellecasey
www.Wattpad.com/ellecasey

Buy her books on:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/d3zwa78
iTunes:  http://tinyurl.com/brf3yao
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/c9usttz
Kobo:  http://tinyurl.com/caafmuox

Friday, May 17, 2013

Hex Hall Trilogy Put A Spell On Me


Book Information:
Series: Hex Hall
Books: Hex Hall (Book #1); Demonglass (Book #2); Spell Bound (Book #3)
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Book Synopsis:
Book 1: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Book 2: Sophie Mercer 16, narrator, wants rid of the demonic powers that send her family amok. Her demon father, head of supernatural Prodigium Council, invites her to Thorne Abbey in England, to learn control, and avoid the potentially fatal Removal procedure. Her best friends come too, vampire Jenna, and Cal, 19, gardener, healer, and Sophie's official fiancé. 
But someone is raising more demons. The students' island boarding school Hecate (Hex) Hall, run by Mrs Casnoff, is at the center of the trouble. Sophie's former crush Archer was disclosed as an enemy agent. The Prodigium want him dead; The Eye want Sophie dead. Who can she trust?

Book 3: Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Book 1 Review:
Everyone knows about Harry Potter, I mean who doesn't love the story of a wizard who has lived a hard unknowing life, allows you to feel pity for them and love them more. Well if you're looking for a character with a sob story like this, you have somewhat come to the right place. If you read the book you will understand the misunderstood elements of our protagonist Sophie. The characters were easy to fall in love with, from the strong headed Sophie, to her misunderstood best friend Jenna. Let's not forget about the beauties of the school who dark witches Anna, Chaston and Elodie. As well as not one, but two hunks. By name: Cal and Archer. With plot twists and turns, a "long lost" family member coming to pay a visit to Sophie and near deaths happening on campus, you can be sure this book will keep you on your toes. 

Book 2 Review:
Book 2 takes you off to a new location, a great way to keep you happy with a simple change of scenery. We get more character development which is a great plus. However, don't expect things to get simpler for our characters are new ones are introduced, and stay on your toes because there is no way to know who you can truly trust anymore. All in all, this book was a great edition to the first book in all its glory. There are more demons in the world now, so you will definitely be entertained. 

Book 3 Review:

The final installment in this amazing trilogy will test everything you know about this series for the rest of your life. There are more demons than ever before, none willingly becoming so. Heritages are being embraced, as well as facing the depths of hell. In the end, people are lost. I smiled when they were happy, upset when they felt anger and cried when the pain was too unbearable for me to release it anymore. I felt an attachment to the characters I have rarely felt in a series, and you will be upset when it is over because you will always more. The need to continue your connection with the people you have followed through every step will eat at you until you come to terms that the series is over. All in all, this last book was everything I had hoped for and more.

Final Words: 

You will fall in love with this series like a little amount you have before and possibly will after. You will not be disappointed.

Author Contact:
http://readingwritingrachel.blogspot.com/


Buy the series on:

Amazon:
Book 1: http://www.amazon.com/Hex-Hall-Book-Rachel-Hawkins/dp/1423121392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368813089&sr=8-1&keywords=hex+hall+books
Book 2: http://www.amazon.com/Demonglass-A-Hex-Hall-Novel/dp/1423128443/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368813089&sr=8-4&keywords=hex+hall+books
Book 3: http://www.amazon.com/Spell-Bound-Hex-Hall-Novel/dp/1423121406/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1368813089&sr=8-3&keywords=hex+hall+books

Itunes:

Book 1: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hex-hall-book-one/id375358728?mt=11
Book 2: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/demonglass/id419246584?mt=11
Book 3: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/spell-bound/id505665739?mt=11

Barnes and Noble:

Book 1: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hex-hall-rachel-hawkins/1100322570?ean=9781423121305&itm=1&usri=9781423121305
Book 2: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demonglass-rachel-hawkins/1100322580?ean=9781423121312
Book 3: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spell-bound-rachel-hawkins/1104036523?ean=9781423121404

Friday, May 10, 2013

Elle Casey Spring Give Away

It's time again for an awesome give away by one of my favorite authors, Elle Casey! Check out the link below and read the description before you enter and make sure the book is something you want to read before you try to win it. Remember these authors want you to read their books and hope you will give them an amazing review because I am sure they are all amazing! Remember if you do win give them honest reviews! Thanks everyone ^^


http://ellecasey.com/promotions/elle-caseys-springtime-indie-book-giveaway/