Tangled Up in You

 

When I found out there was a rom-com book inspired by my favorite Disney movie, I had to read it. Rapunzel is an amazing character. She’s creative and spunky. Eugene is one of the best Disney princes, but in the film, we don’t know a lot about his past.

The book explores these characters in a deeper way through both of their points of view. That was one of the best things about it. Watching these characters grow closer on a road trip to help Ren, our Rapunzel, understand her past. And this is a big step for Ren, because she has been living off the grid. She’s not like everyone else. She has no phone and very different interests and hobbies than anyone her age.

She intrigues Fitz, our Eugene, and challenges him to look beneath the surface and decide what really matters to him. As he helps Ren solve the mystery, he discovers a new side of himself. While Ren goes to places and does things that she had always wanted to for the first time, Fitz begins to understand why those moments mean so much to her.

Both discover something new that they never expected, or planned for, a relationship where they can be who they really are.

I enjoyed how they modernized key moments in Tangled: the Snuggly Duckling, the kingdom tour, lights, and of course Rapunzel’s revelation.

I enjoyed reading this, and it’s my favorite out of all the Meant to Be series.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

I was impressed at the level of conflict this play had for characters new and familiar. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is both a tribute to the orginal series, and the opening act of a new story. 

My favorite character was Scorpius who lives under the shadow of Draco Malfoy's connection to the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Scorpius and Albus both live under the shadows of their fathers' pasts, but they respond to that element in very different ways. 

Albus rebels and refuses to acknowledge his father as just a person. He sees the celebrity that Harry Potter has become, and he feels he could never live up to the greatness that his father appears to have. His actions, rash and implusive, drive most of the story. Scorpius, on the other hand, has a different perspective. Instead of lashing out at his father, and allowing the cruel words to get to him, Scorpius lives his life the way he wants to. He loves to read, and he has some of the best lines of dialogue in the entire play. 

The dynamics of Albus and Scorpius's situation are the core of this play, but Harry Potter's struggle with the past is a powerful story as well. 

This book was a duet between Harry's guilt and Albus's anger. 

I found as I read this, that I could relate to both sides of the story, and it was interesting how everything came together in the end. It has a powerful message for both generations to relate to, and I think it's a good one. 

Without spoiling the story, there were times where the story seemed liked a fanfiction, but given the circumstances, perhaps it wasn't too far off. 

And one particular scene will haunt any Harry Potter fan no matter what house you've been sorted into. The symbolism of that scene speaks volumes. 

Overall, I'd give this four out of five angry flying books. 

The Night Circus

"The circus arrives without warning. 

"No announcements precede it, no paper notices on downtown posts and billboards, no mentions or advertisements in local newspapers. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not." - The Night Circus

So begins the story of the mysterious yet intriguing Le Cirque des Rêves. 

This is a beautifully written book. Like most attractions at the circus, not all is as it seems. The circus itself is a playing field between two magicians in a deadly magical game. The lives of Celia and Marco depend on the game, and should they step out of line, or even try to change the game, they face the deadly consequences. There is no escape in a duel where only one will be left standing. Whoever wins, and whoever loses is determined by the game itself. 

The only way to review this book, is to spoil it. I will simply say that the book slowly reveals the meaning of events, attractions and additions to the mysterious circus. As Marco and Celia pull the strings, they discover that their own competition is a thread of fate tying them together, and the more they tug on it, the more drawn they are to eachother. But magic has rules, and they are not the only pieces on the chessboard. As the story unfolds, you are given a ticket to the most intriguing, beautiful place you have ever experienced, where every spectacle has a story. 

I give this book five out of five enchanted umbrellas. The ice garden tent was my favorite. 

To read this book is to step into a fairytale under a curtain of stars. 

Return to the Isle of the Lost

Mal, Ben, Carlos, Jay and Evie are back, and they have a new challenge after the events in the film Descendants. Rumors of a dragon are growing in Camelot, while the purple lizard believed to be Maleficent sits silently in a dome at Beast's Castle. Mal is supiscious that her mother is behind the weird weather and the damage that could only be caused by a dragon. Cruelly, Jafar and the Evil Queen are no where to be found. 

King Ben goes to investigate, and during his trip, a new threat appears that could be fatal for the Core four. A new club has appeared on the Isle of The Lost that appears to be against them, and threatens to bring their betrayal to an end. Now the core four must decide what they can do to face their parents, and King Ben must decide whether magic must return to keep Auradon safe from the growing threat. 

This book was very interesting, and it appears that Mal, Jay, Carlos and Evie are more accepted by Auradon, but they still hesitate to know what they want to do with their new lives. They are put to the ultimate test when they learn of the magical talismans that each of their parents have hidden, and they must choose what to do with that power. 

This book was interesting, but at times I was confused by the perspective Mal had on the Isle of the Lost and the titles of villians and heroes. Ben and Mal continue to have a healthy relationship, and each supports the other during their journeys from Auradon. More descendants of the villains are introduced and Neverland is involved as well. The novel does a good job expanding the world of the story with more kingdoms, characters and a new dynamic. The twist at the end of the novel is very clever, especially for children who may not have seen all the Disney movies, and it introduces a new challenge for the core four in terms of who they are, and who their parents want them to be. 

I'd give this book four out of five lamps. 

A Court of Mist and Fury

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I knew that Rhysand would have a much more important role in Feyre's future the moment he showed up in A Court of Thorns and Roses. The way he was described, and the way he helped her with little to no personal gain. 

What I didn't know was that he knew Feyre before he met her. 

It's interesting to see Rhysand's life and the beautiful world of the Night Court. Sarah J. Maas does a wonderful job developing Feyre's character and revealing the twist of the story. 

Feyre was given barely a choice while she lived at the Spring Court. Tamlin doesn't even consider her to be the High Lady. She is merely a consort, and her power is limited in terms of the court. 

Rhysand treats Feyre with more respect, and he truly cares for her. He always gives her the option to leave or stay, and Feyre finds a more welcoming environment at the Night court. 

The twist in this book was no surprise to me, because the author did so well dropping hints in the first book A Court of Thorns and Roses. From the begining, Feyre is drawn to Rhysand, and in this book, we learn why. Watching Feyre change from a helpless consort to a powerful queen was an incredible process. I think this book speaks volumes for teens on the meaning of a healthy relationship versus a toxic one. 

So often the male leads in teen YA are possessive and easily angry. That's taken to be "exciting" and "edgy" but in reality, it's not. It's seriously unhealthy. 

Feyre and Rhys are a team, and I belive that is really important for the young readers of today. The model of a healthy relationship really made this book for me. 

I loved it, and I give it five stars who listen. 

My favorite quote is an exchange between Feyre and Rhysand. 

"To the people who looked at the stars and wished, Rhys" - Feyre

"To the stars who listened and the dreams that are answered." - Rhysand. 

Warlock by Sean Golden

Lirak's adventures continue with even more tests of bravery, deligence and endurance. The second book in the epic series of The War Chronicles has more twists and action than book one, and still leaves enough mystery to prepare for book three. 

After the events of Warrior, Lirak must choose what to do with his newfound and progressive powers. Along his journey, Mayrie, Patrick, Jerok and Dedrick accompany him, and they must learn to adapt to the events that Lirak has set in motion. As Kathioas continues to warn Lirak and tries to gain control over him, Lirak resists in any possible way that he can. Some of those ways question not only his morality, but his humanity. As Lirak decides between what is moral and what is deadly, he meets another person who may understand his situation. But getting close to this person may threaten the very support that he has built. 

While Lirak changes the possibility of the world around him, he discovers that his path may be no accident, and his actions are just the beginning of an even larger plot. Will he be a pawn, or will he break the cycle of events that appear to be miraculous coincedences around him? 

Warlock was a thrilling ride and an unraveling mystery. Lirak's tasks become more and more complex, and his decisions become more intense, with larger consequences. 

The second act of Lirak's story is an interesting journey with dangerous battles, epic events and complex philosophical choices. Lirak's growth from a curious Warrior into a powerful Warlock was a great read, and an entertaining story. 

I give this book five out of five dragons. An epic act in an intense book series. 

You can find this book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Warlock-War-Chronicles-Sean-Golden-ebook/dp/B016C3KTUO/ref=la_B00SQU3A1C_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444353859&sr=1-2

Start the adventure here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SGCWXYU?keywords=Warrior%20Sean%20Golden&qid=1444352706&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This was a book that I literally could not put down. I had to force myself to close the book three times, and then I just gave up and finished it completely. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the story of Feyre, a survivor with an icy heart and a will of steel. Her world changes when she kills a wolf in the forest. A wolf that was not a wolf at all, but a Faerie. As punishment, she is taken to live in the Faerie Realm, a place that she has been taught to dread. With a wall of hatred and blame between the faeries and humans, it is difficult for her to understand why the Faerie that punished her has not killed her. But time passes, and she begins to learn about the history that the faeries and humans have had. 

Feyre learns that heroic deeds come with a price, and not all is what it seems in this strange world of glamours, rumours and danger. 

Sarah J. Maas has written a book that combines Beauty and the Beast and East of the Sun, West of the Moon with the deadly politics of the Faerie Courts of Celtic lore. 

Not only is the story layered by mystery, but the world has been thoroughly created, and the complex characters are well written. 

Maas takes her time introducing each character, dropping clues here and there for the reader to pick up on. 

The story itself is a thrilling ride with unexpected twists and turns. As Feyre decides what is true and what is false, she learns more about the mysterious Fae. Despite the stories she was told, and the cruelty tied to her knowledge, Feyre discovers that the Fae are not so different from humans. 

As she learns more about the Faerie Tamlin, and his clever friend Lucien, Feyre finds a hope that she never knew she had, and maybe her heart wasn't as icy as she trained it to be. 

This book has joined the ranks of my favorite Beauty and the Beast tales, along with Beasty by Alex Flinn and Beauty by Robin McKinley. The mysteries of the fae were intriguing, the history fascinating and Feyre's character was a powerful representation of what it means to be human. 

I will both curse and praise the cliffhanger ending of every chapter, and I will honestly say that I can't wait for the next book. 

I give this book five out of five venetian masks. A wonderful fairytale retelling and epic story rolled into one! 

You're Never Weird On The Internet (almost) by Felicia Day

This book was a very interesting story of how Felica Day made a name for herself, created her own web series and stayed true to who she is. 

Learning about how she started her career as an actress, to a screen writer and then a producer was fascinating. 

Felicia Day always wanted to be an actress, but she also loved video games. She found a way to merge those two interests, and to be honest with herself. 

I knew about The Guild webseries, and I had seen Felcia Day on Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog, but I didn't know that You Tube was released the same year that Felicia Day released her web series. 

Writing her pilot for the Guild, and trying to market it was very difficult for her to achieve with many producers, so eventually, she took the project in her own hands, and with the help of her friends, she created what is known as The Guild today. 

The important thing about her memoir is that it's real. She comes clean about her anxiety issues, and it was comforting to know that despite her anxiety, she went through with her project 100%, and she never looked back. 

Reading her memoir was a little familiar, because I could relate to some of the situations that she put herself in, mostly with anxiety and the writing process. 

The writing process is not easy, but it is simple. Felicia Day described it perfectly as writing something, then deleting it for hours and hours until she felt that the page was good enough to move on. This is similar to my script writing process, novel writing and sometimes blogging. 

I enjoyed this book, and it gives me hope that I have just begun my own journey toward a career in script writing. 

I give it five out of five EXP. 

The Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz and Descendants

I'll admit, I was curious about what the next generation of Disney fairy tale characters would be like. And we have seen a few over the years. Melody is Ariel's daughter. Kiara is Simba's daughter. Neither of these characters are mentioned in Descendants. But Descendants has an intereresting world of its own. 

King Beast and Queen Belle run Auradon, a state system of fellow kingdoms of other Disney royalty. They take care of matters of state between kingdoms run by Aurora, Prince Phillip, Snow White, Prince Charming, Rapunzel, Eugene, annd many other iconic Disney characters. 

The book begins when Beast and Belle's son Ben is preparing to be crowned King himself, and he has a different perspective compared to their generation. Ben is a kind, understanding prince who has Belle's intellect and Beast's determination. He must prove to the council that he is ready to become king. He has done lots of research of Auradon's history to deliver his first official proclamation, and he has discovered the truth behind the Isle of the Lost. 

The Disney Villians live on this island with their descendants, and they have become bored and resentful. They are given very little and their next generation makes due with what they have. 

While all of the villians are unhappy with their situation, Maleficent is the most vengeful, and she trains her daughter Mal to be the same. 

Mal is smart, opinionated and rebellious, but Malificent constantly belittles her efforts to make her proud. As the daughter of a human, Malificent views Mal as weak, insignificant and a failure. 

Mal is used to this, but she doesn't give up, she teams up with Jay (son of Jafar), Carlos (son of Cruella DeVil) and Evie ( daughter of the Evil Queen) to win the approval of their parents. 

The book switches back and forth from Mal and Ben's point of view. Both feel trapped, forced to follow the path of the previous generation.

It's an interesting take on what happens after Happily Ever After, and what kind of generation would follow the Kings and Queens of fairy tales. 

It's also the prequel to the upcoming Disney Channel movie Descendants. 

Descendants focuses much more on Mal, and we follow her plot to turn the tables on good and evil. Mal is a very well thought out character, and her struggle from what she wants to do and what is expected of her is very interesting. Evie, Carlos and Jay are also very well written, and they adapt to the world around them a lot faster than Mal does. 

At times the novel goes overboard with teen lingo, but this is their target audience. 

The story was very interesting, and Mal and Ben were my favorite characters. 

I don't want to spoil the story for the upcoming movie and the book, but I liked it, and I'm going to watch the film. 

Now, there is a similar franchise that has been successful with a similar but very different plot: Ever After High. 

Ever After High follows the life of Raven Queen, the Evil Queen's daughter. She also has pressure to follow in her mother's foot steps, but she is not the same character as Mal. She is much more open minded and trusting. Dexter is also the son of Prince Charming and Cinderella, and he isn't as confident as Ben is, or as social. 

I like both of these stories on their own, because they do different things with fairytale archetypes, and they focus on telling deeper stories. With that said, I'm looking forward to the Descendants and I hope that the movie is similar to the books I read. 

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

What if someone told you that you will kill your true love? 

Blue faces that fact every day, and the ominous prediction from countless psychics, including her family, has haunted her since day one. But destiny can only be avoided for so long. 

After a solid record of avoiding boys, she is thrown into the lives of four: the Raven Boys. These boys are on a mission, to find the relic of a lost Welsh king, and each one of them has a destiny of their own. 

Richard Gansley must find the truth behind a dark past, and he walks near death everyday. He leads Noah, Ronan and Adam to learn the pattern of strange events that surround them. 

As Blue becomes attached to these boys, she searches for clues to the strange energy that surrounds them, dangerous magic that threatens her life and theirs. 

This book is intense, comical and entertaining. 

Not only are the characters complex and realistic, but the dialogue is intelligent, and the mystery unravels with every chapter. 

Stiefvater does an excellent job balancing myth and modern day. Her knowledge of folklore and storytelling is plain to see. 

This is a dark series, and it delivers a dark promise from the beginning, but the way the story is told, and the characters in it make you keep reading. You get a good look at every main character, and book one is only the beginning of their journey. 

I give it four out of five tarot cards! 

Kaleidoscope by Tracy Campbell

My friend wrote this book, and it's incredible! 

There are some battles that we face behind closed doors. Those battles can be the most challenging, and for seventeen year old Jade, it's as difficult as piecing together a complex puzzle. 

As Jade searches for her memory, she learns about trust, happiness and love. 

In order to recover the truth, her therapist suggests writing, but Jade enjoys many types of art, and through art she is able to understand the beauty of the world despite its deep dark secrets. 

Her tale is intuitive, inspirational and a beacon of light for those lost in a similar sea. 

I recommend this book to anyone fighting an inner battle, and fans of Sarah Dessen, Laurie Halse Anderson, Meg Cabot and Elizabeth Scott. 

Five out of five Blue Monarch butterflies ^_^ 

You can purchase her book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Kaleidoscope-Tracy-Campbell-ebook/dp/B00S6JBBTQ/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr&qid

Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck

The final chapter of Kelsey's journey has arrived, and Kelsey, Ren and Kishan must decide how they will meet their destinies. As the pieces fall into place, Kelsey faces a battle of the heart. 

Even after fighting kappas, metal birds, and dragons this will be the most difficult journey for Durga's champinions. 

The last prophecy leads them to a world of fire, where deception and illusion can only be resolved by truth from the heart. 

Kelsey must determine her fate, but to do so, she will have to make a choice. 

This book was the most exciting of the quartet, and by far the most intense. As Kelsey learns the meaning of inner strength, she grows from the confused girl who began the journey into a determined young woman with an important role to play. 

This was one of those books that subtly hints what's going to happen, but it doesn't hit you until the big reveal. While what I predicted did happen, it didn't happen in the way I expected. 

A part of me is very sad that this series is over. From epic adventure to epic adventure in a modern world, the entire series balanced the elements of the real and majical world. 

I give it five out of five phoenix eggs, and I can't wait for the film adaption of the first book. 

This series was an amazing journey. 

It inspired my writing and gives me hope for my own series. 

Warrior by Sean Golden

This is my Dad's novel, and it's epic! It's a story of magic, myth and adventure that is growing to more than your average hero's quest. It weaves between the philosophies of the world, the ties of myth and the human condition. 

Although he is smart and strong, Lirak is ostracized from most of the Dwon village. His dreams, although useful in hunting, bring great fear to the Elders. With rumors of his missing father and a different looking mother surrounding him, he is able to confide in his older brother Jerok, younger friend Patrick and the fiery Mayrie. At the age of sixteen, he is ready to become a man through the tasks the Elders choose for him, but he has a difficult totem to bear: the Eagle. Those of the Eagle totem are known to journey far and never return, and through their wanderings they can bring with them danger and doom.  

As Lirak grows from a boy to a man, he is destined for a legacy much grander than he can even imagine. Chosen by the goddess Kathoias, both beautiful and ruthless, Lirak begins a grand adventure through the world he once believed to be a mystery. But this adventure requires bravery, intelligence and sacrifice. The more Lirak learns, the more he wonders: is he a pawn of the gods, or is he creating his own legacy?

This story is amazing, and Lirak's journey from a boy to a man is a powerful tale of humanity. What it means to be human, and what it takes to look beyond what you have been told.

I give it five out of five Eagle totems!

I recommend this book to readers of Lord of the Rings, Eragon, Ender's Game, Hyperion, and many more fantasy epics. And it's just the beginning! This book is part of The War Chronicles trilogy, and I can't wait to read book 2! 

Warrior is now available on Kindle here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-War-Chronicles-Book-I-ebook/dp/B00SGCWXYU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1421799471&sr=8-5&keywords=sean+golden

For more info on Warrior and The War Chronicles: you can visit the brand new website here: 

https://thewarchronicles.wordpress.com

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Here there be dragons, and many more challenges physically, mentally and emotionally for Kelsey, Ren and Kishan. 

As another prophecy unfolds, Kelsey is now at a loss. Ren cannot remember her, and this takes its toll on Kelsey, but more than just matters of the heart are in chaos. Lokesh is determined to find them, and has more of an interest in Kelsey than the princes now. With Durga's guidance, the heroes set of on a voyage, to recover a lost treasure guarded by dragons, and prove themselves worthy as they are challenged from every angle. 

Tiger's Voyage was by far the most exciting book in the series for me. The dragons, and their roles in the tale were very interesting, and a wonderful distarction from the teen angst that Kelsey describes herself as "living a Shakespeare play." 

As the stakes rise higher for the trio, Kelsey must also make her most difficult decision yet, coming to terms with what her heart truly wants, and rising above the turmoil that the fates have set against her. 

This book once again blended many types of mythology together, and it even had a renaissance cameo that was both amusing and frustrating. 

 This was another book I couldn't put down, and I didn't want it to end. 

I give it five out of five dragons. 

Tiger's Quest

"The course of true love never did run smooth." - William Shakespeare

This seems to be the theme of Tiger's Quest as Kelsey tries to make sense of all that has happened around her. She finds comfort in returning home, but something is missing, and as she tries to return to normal everday life, she can never forget her adventures, or the tiger prince. 

As Kelsey tries to avoid her destiny, it follows her, and soon Mr. Kadam, Kishan and Ren are back in her life, but this time, they are in great danger. The powerful wizard, Lokesh- creator of the curse now knows about Kelsey, and he is determined to find her. 

In a desperate attempt to keep her safe, Ren is captured and Kelsey must go on another quest, to save him. 

Kelsey and Kishan, Ren's brother, must follow the propehcy and find where Ren was taken, but along the way, the past threatens to repeat itself, as Kishan develops strong feelings for Kelsey. 

With a new adventure, and a goal to reach, Kelsey must face more tests and overcome more obstacles to save Ren, but in order to save him, something must be sacrificed in return. 

This book was a rollercoaster, from the calm moments in Oregon to the intense challenges of the Spirit World and the threat of Ren's life hanging in the balance. More is at stake in this novel, and Kelsey is tested in matters of the heart and mind as she struggles to save Ren. Kishan is also tested with a different kind of focus, his loyalty. Will he be loyal to his brother, or will he repeat the past? 

With so much threatened in her life, Kelsey takes a stand and decides to stop running from her destiny, but it is no easy task. 

There were many shout outs to different mythologies and they blended together nicely. The Ocean teacher was really cool and a bit of a surprise, and Mount Everest also had a part to play. 

I give this book four out of five tiger lilies. It was a little slow in the beginning with Kelsey and her dating escapades, but the story picks up right where it left off once the tiger princes return. 

This book also has a good cliff-hanger ending which sets the stage for Tiger's Voyage, the next chapter in Kelsey's story. 

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Have you ever read a book, and felt like it was written for you? That you could have wrote it at some point in your life if it wasn't already written? It's almost like a story soul mate. It has everything you love about stories, and the characters are almost real. 

That's what it was like reading Tiger's Curse. 

The prolouge swept me away into this story's world, and I haven't returned :) 

Kelsey Hayes is a recent graduate of High School, and she's looking for a job to help her decide what to do next. Which college should she go too? What is her purpose and destiny?

She finds volunteer work at the local circus, hoping to add some credits to her summer credit requirements. Instead, she finds an adventure more exciting and magical than she could have ever imagined. 

It began with a tiger named Ren. While Kelsey learns how to care for the animal, she discovers he is not as simple as he seems, and he doesn't act like an average tiger. She begins to keep him company, and during her last week of volunteer work, a man from India arrives and tells her a story: a story about two princes, and a curse that began 300 years ago. Then he offers her a choice, to go to India with the Tiger or say her goodbyes. 

Kelsey's choice puts her on a dangerous path where myth and magic are real, and she soon learns that she has more courage and strength than she gives herself credit for. As they travel through India, Kelsey and Ren begin a quest to break the curse, appease the gods, and understand the thread of their destinies. 

This book was a wonderful surprise. I had seen it before on the shelves of the bookstore, but I never picked it up until I recieved a recomendation on iBooks. 

Kelsey is a wonderful main character, and she's no damsel in distress or lovestruck whiny teenager. She's an independent  and smart young woman who won the heart of a tiger. 

Ren is a strong, smart and brave tiger and prince. His struggle between the mind of the tiger and the mind of the man is an interesting one, and he is wise beyond his years. As he tries to understand the tweny-first century and find a way to break his curse, he still has a lot to learn. 

As Ren and Kelsey start their adventure, their back and forth bickering and bantering is almost as entertaining as the mystic path they seem to be on. 

As they try to understand their journey, and their complex relationship they must battle dangerous and challenging foes, talk to ancient dieties and still be able to blend in with everyday life in the twenty-first century. As their list of tasks grows, they must prove their courage, honesty, strength and determination. 

This is only book one of a series, and I'm grateful for it. 

I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, myth and magic. 

I give it five out of five tiger lilies. 

It is also soon to be a film ^_^ 

 

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