The Beast Within by Serena Valentino

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Beauty and the Beast. It's my favorite fairytale, Disney movie and love story. I can't even count how many times I have watched the Disney movie, and yes I will admit that the movie has plot holes. This book tries to fill those plot holes, and it makes an interesting tale that explains how the Prince became the Beast. 

This book stays true to the Disney film and it answers the questions we all ask when we watch the film: How old was the Prince when he was turned to the Beast? Why don't the villagers know about a castle so close to their town? Who cursed the Beast? Were they good or evil?

All these questions are answered in interesting ways. 

My only complaint is that I wished the story was actually told in Beast's point of view. Due to the title and the obvious focus on the Beast, it would have been interesting to hear his own voice as the events conspire to lead up to the Disney film. 

The story itself echoed Greek mythology and Shakespeare plays. It was unexpected how much Gaston was involved in the story, and we're introduced to Belle pretty early in the Beast's timeline. 

I liked this take on the story and how it echoed a little more of the orginal fairytale in terms of the curse and the rose garden. The story stayed true to the characters, and added depth to background characters as well. 

All in all, I'd give it four out of five rose petals. 

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Four months ago, I picked up a book called Shadow and Bone, and I was blown away! The story echoed the epics, with the conflict of light and dark, the symbolism of life and death, and the mythical creatures of folklore. Alina is a brave soul, and her path begins when she becomes a Sun Summoner, but not by choice. Her title wisks her away through the strange country of Ravka, battling the forces of the Darkling and all the while trying to stay true to herself. The first book, Shadow and Bone begins her tale, and reveals her purpose to find three great amplifiers of power in order to defeat the darkness and save the country of Ravka. The second book reveals the truth behind the legends she must chase.  But her journey is more complicated than it seems, for each amplifier is created at a high price, and none will be higher than her final task, to retrieve the fire bird. As Alina becomes more well known throughout Ravka, she goes from summoner to saint, and becomes more involved in the chaos of the war around her. This book concludes her story, and completes this saga of imagination, adventure and myth. 

Leigh Bardugo is able to create complex characters who are not always good or bad. Many villains have empathetic moments, and in turn, many heroes must make cruel decisions. Alina's decisions become more and more difficult as she chases the firebird, and each confrontation reveals a new dark secret about herself, and the world of Ravka. As the story progresses, Alina must use the strength of her humanity to confront the raw and cruel greed that comes with power.

This trilogy was amazing, and all three books are worth reading. The story is epic, and reflects many myths and legends from Europe, while still creating a mythology and history of its own. 

I give this book five out of five sunbursts!

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rodrick

There is simply no way to talk about this book without first explaining the youtube series that started it all. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was a clever and accurate retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the twenty-first century. The show starred Lizzie Bennet, a twenty-five year old grad student living at home and trying to find a way to pay off a mountain of student loans while being constantly put on the spot for her relationship status by her mother and her sister Lydia. 

I was introduced to this series while they had aired about half of the story online. It was a brilliant and inspirational story platform. Lizzie not only had a tumblr and facebook alongside her youtube channel, but many of the other main characters had twitters, youtube videos and facebook pages. You felt like you were a part of the story. You could ask the characters questions, and follow their conversations via social media. It was a new way to tell stories, and it inspired me. 

I grew up with Lizzie, the same age and a very similar attitude. Lizzie was a confident, clever and caring person who was just trying to find her way in the world, but she did judge others very quickly and was not afraid to share her opinion, even it it was wrong. The videos were in her bias, but she also brought in other perspectives through her family and friends. The show aired two days a week, and it was something I looked forward to. 

This book chronicles both the videos, and what happened behind the scenes. Once again, it is told in Lizzie's point of view, but it's more detailed, because she's not performing to an audience, and the events on tumblr, twitter and facebook are explained in a way they couldn't be on screen or online. 

From the first page of this novel to the last, I didn't want it to end. There's something about reading a story that you feel connected with. This story describes the world of my generation, and to me, Lizzie is a kindred spirit, with many of the same goals and aspirations that I have. Her main focus is her career, and she's not one to jump into a relationship just because everyone wants her to. She's out to discover where she belongs in the world, and along the way she learns many lessons about how to treat others, and how to stay true to who she is. 

While Lizzie seemed so confident and comfortable with her life on camera, her diary says otherwise. She was more nervous and uncertain of her life than she appeared to be in the series, and her opinons were not watered down by anyone else's perspective. 

The number one topic that really altered throughout the book was, of course, Lizzie's opinon of Darcy, and his social awkwardness. Darcy and Lizzie are both interesting characters, stubborn to a fault and not typical twenty-somethings who follow the crowd. 

Another topic that was drastically altered was Lizzie's opinion of Lydia, her youngest sister, from their fight over Lydia's behavior to the life lessons they learned together about trust and love. They grow up and without even realizing it, they move forward, closer to their life goals than they had expected to be.

The book does a great job of showing Lizzie's perspective, but not convincing the reader to believe it. This may be because all the videos are complete, or possibly because the story arc of Pride and Prejudice is well known. It would be interesting if someone read the book without watching the series, or maybe read the story without any knowledge of Pride and Prejudice. But the book seems to be written as a companion to the series, and the ebook even has links to the videos in the diary entries that were filmed before or after the events Lizzie reflects on.  

In the opinon of a reader who watched the series, and read the classic novel, I thouroghly enjoyed this book, and I give it five out of five cups of tea. The story was . . . illuminating :)

La Belle et la Bete: A movie review

Because this blog is inspired by Belle from Beauty and the Beast, I thought it would be approriate to share my La Belle et la Bete movie review here: 

http://crystallizedheart.blogspot.kr/2014/06/la-belle-et-la-bete-movie-review.html

Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace

The moment I saw this book on the shelf, I grabbed it and couldn't put it down. Not only have the Pixar films inspired me, but the people behind the iconic characters and touching stories. 

Pixar's story is an amazing one, and it echoes some of the success that Walt Disney had. The company's humble beginnings and growth from an adviretisement studio to a major name in animation history is a story that involves many elements of fear, failure, and perserverance. Ed Catmull's observations on how creativity can overcome obstacles, and his belief that people have the power to make the impossible possible have helped Pixar fight the toughest battles from money loss to perserving the positive themes of Pixar culture. 

This book is not just the story of how Pixar came to be, it is also a guide through the rough landscape of art, and the ongoing challenge of creativity. How Pixar tackles these challenges and moves forward despite adversity will inspire any artist to always move forward no matter what and to view challenges as an opportunity to change and grow. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Disney, Pixar and who creates art. 

Five out of five desk lamps, and a place right next to Disney's biography on my bookshelf to be read again and again for inspiration. 

Kingdom Keepers: The Insider by Ridley Pearson

I have followed the Kingdom Keepers adventures since I first picked up the first book before going to the Disney College Program, and it's so incredible to revisit the places that I once was a major part of. Meeting the author of this series, and fangirling over Disney with him is still one of the best days of my life, and this series has helped me get through so many hardships and painful moments in my life. 

This is the Keepers last stand. Disneyland, the place where it all began. While Finn wrestles with his guilt over Dillard's death, and his apparent role as leader of the Keepers, Tia Dalma and the Evil Queen are gathering forces of evil to take over the original kingdom of Walt Disney. 

With the expectations to save a park they aren't familar with, the Keepers are forced to adapt not only to their surroundings, but to the possiblity that a traitor is in their midst. Not sure who to trust, and what the Overtakers have planned, Finn, Amanda, Jess, Willa, Philby, Charlene and Maybeck must make the ultimate stand and believe in the impossible. With familiar faces to help along the way, a Wayne Kresky riddle and the rumor that the magic may not be completely dead, this adventure could be their last chance to save all that is good in the land of imagination.

This book is well paced and unpredictable. As always, it has balance between the fun and the serious sides of Disney stories and the ever powerful imagination. The Keepers are older, wiser and more prepared to deal with adversity than they think. 

I couldn't put this book down, and I give it five out of five hidden mickeys. 

Hyperion Cantos Series by Dan Simmons

If I had to describe this series in one word, the word would be epic. Not only does the world of the novel have its own unique culture, but the religion is a detailed and interesting element to this tale. Book one starts with the stories of seven pilgrims, carefully selected to follow the historical path to confront the terrifying and mysterious Shrike. The Shrike church deems this creature as The Lord of Pain, and to go after it is considered both suicide and socially accepted martyrdom. Each person on the pilgrimage has their own motivation to accept such a deadly quest, and their pasts are ultimately connected through confrontations with the Shrike. But what is the Shrike? Why does it appear throughout time and space? Why does it kill some, but leave others alive?  All these answers are scattered in the Hyperion Cantos series. As each pilgrim struggles with forces both mystical and logical, their fates are connected in the ultimate journey. For even though seven are chosen, only one will succeed and survive. 

I devoured this series, and could not put it down. Each book is action packed, intense and engaging. The story itself contains a world detailed enough to be compared to Frank Herbert's Dune saga. Each chapter reveals a new secret and each secret brings more questions. The reader begins to question what they believe to be true with the actual truth hidden in lies. The characters are well written, and each character has a different perspective on the Shrike church, the way of the cruciform and the mysterious connection of space and time. I recommend this series to the readers who loved Dune and Lord of the Rings. I also recommend it to fans of the Final Fantasy series and anyone who enjoys an epic saga, with not only the fate of the world on their shoulders, but the protection of the human soul. 

Five out of five time gates!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

It is a rare and wonderful thing when a story touches your heart and gives you hope. 

I was first introduced to this book when Do Min Joong picks it up and starts reading it in the Korean Drama "You Who Came From the Stars". This book fit the theme of the episode it's featured in, and reflected on a topic that he didn't understand, even in all his years observing humans on Earth. 

At first glance, this story appears to be a tale about a toy china rabbit, but it is much more than that. I would best describe it as an oddessy of the heart. As Edward passes from person to person, he learns about people, relationships and what love really is. He gets hurt, he learns about kindness, and he learns how to love others. 

This book spoke to me, more than any of Kate DiCamillo's other works. I read Desperaux a long time ago, and I've even met the author, and had one of her books signed. 

But this story, and all the themes in it spoke to me in a way I did not expect. There are some beautiful quotes in the story about love and kindness. Just as the tale gave Do Min Joon insight into his own heart, this story inspired me to examine my own heart with a different perspective. 

You may not think that you have anything in common with a lost china rabbit doll, but this book may surprise you. 

I recommend this book to anyone at any stage of love in their life. Whether you've been hurt, loved or even are just opening your heart to the possibility, this book is food for the soul. 

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

This book is both a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and its own story of myth and magic. 

The land of Arcadia is haunted by demons and the Gentle Lord is the only one who can control them. All of Arcadia fears the demon lord and his bargains. In a desperate attempt to save his own kingdom, Nyx's father promises her to the demon lord in return for safety and protection. But the promise is a trap. Raised to destroy the demon lord, Nyx is trained in the magic arts and promises her sister that she will kill the monster that controls their realm. But when she arrives, the demon lord is not surprised by her attempt to kill him, and gives her a chance to guess his name before retreating into the shadows. As Nyx searches for the fabled hearts of water, earth, fire and air, she must learn the truth behind the curse that not only threatens her life, but the life of all Arcadia. 

As she explores the castle, with the mysterious servant of the demon lord, she must face trials that none have survived and make sense of the truths and lies within the castle. 

I must admit that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The story echoes greek myth and also creates a world of its own. I would compare this retelling to Beauty by Robin McKinley. The story is darker version of the original fairy tale, but the events read like a greek epic. 

I recommend this book to anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast, Cupid and Psyche, Persephone and Hades and Howl's Moving Castle. 

I give this book four out of five riddles. A must read for Beauty and the Beast fans! 

I also made a fan mix for it here: http://crystallizedheart.blogspot.com/2014/02/souls-of-light-and-dark-cruel-beauty.html

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Imagine a race, with horses that come from the ocean, stampeding on the shore of an island like a sea storm. These creatures are the capaill uisce, water horses, as wild as the tide and as cruel as nature. This race means everything to Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly. For Sean, it is all about the horses, and for Puck, it is all about survival. Once these two nineteen year olds are caught up in the race, their stories collide in a way that neither would suspect. Puck enters the race for her family. Sean enters the race because he has little choice. As the race draws near, the island prepares itself for a bloodbath, and only one rider can win. 

This book was unlike any book I've read before. In a world both familar and foreign, The Scorpio Races has a genre of its own. The book is written in Sean's and Puck's point of view, and the race itself is an introduction to the strange, terrifying and majestic water horses. The island has a culture of it's own but only fate will determine who wins this race. 

I recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, horse racing and a new type of fantasy world. This book was hard to put down, and it was a breath of fresh air in the typical Young Adult Sci Fi and Fantasy world. 

Love and Misadventure by Lang Leav

I first discovered Lang Leav on tumblr. This lovely short story about Love and Patience popped up on my dashboard, and I clicked on the link to see who wrote it. 

http://langleav.com/post/48150068087/patience

On the same website was an announcement that she had a book out, and since I work in a bookstore, I was able to get it within a day. 

Lang Leav's poems are charming and genuine. Some are simple, and others are short stories. She has a way with words, and her poetry has a unique simplicity that isn't vague. Her collection was inspirational and insightful. 

I recommend it to romantics at heart and the people who enjoy her writing on tumblr. 

This book has inspired me to look at poetry differently, and I hope her short story on Patience will be included in her next book. 

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King

When I began this series, I decided that I wouldn't review it until I read all the books. Now that I have, I think I made the right decision. This review is also entirely spoiler free, because the story is too amazing to ruin for anyone. 

This is the first story that I have read by Stephen King. It did take a little time for me to get used to his writing style and the interesting way he told the story. The story, of course, begins with Roland, a gunslinger who is always searching for the Dark Tower. A constant wanderer, Roland pursues the Man in Black, the only being who knows where the tower lies. Roland himself is an interesting character who wavers on the line between humanity and madness. His obsession with the Dark Tower, and the decisions he makes to find it are the key points of the story. 

This will be vague, but only to protect anyone who hasn't read this series yet. From The Gunslinger to The Waste Lands, I had many predictions for this series. By the Wolves of Calla, most of them were wrong. At times the story is extremely symbolic, and at other times it is ambigious. 

This series inspired me to look at my writing differently. It was an epic tale and it blew me away. The last thing I will say is this: within the series is the most frustrating and amazing cliffhanger I have ever read! All in all I recommend this series. Writers love it. Artists love it. Anyone who enjoys an epic adventure with twists and turns will love this series. 

This philosophical, inspirational saga deserves movies, or even a televison show, but I'm not sure the adaptions could ever do it justice. 

I compare this saga to the brillance of Dune, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games and even Avatar the Last Airbender. 

Five out of five singing roses.