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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

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!

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. 

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. 

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

I recommend this book to anyone, and here's why. You may know someone with Autism, or you may see Autistic people day to day, and then you may make assumptions based on what you know. Depending on your experiences, the way you view people is important, but it isn't always right.
Naoki Higashida breaks the barrier between people, autistic and not autistic. He answers questions, and explains the process that autistic people have. The frustration with not being able to communicate. The difficulty of expecting things to go a certain way. But deep down, despite how they act or what they do, many people don't realize that Autistic people want what anyone in the world wants: to be accepted. They don't like being alone, ignored, constantly yelled at and being told that they are a problem. I hope this isn't a surprise to you, but before I go any further in this review, I have to explain something. My brother has Autism. He has high functioning Autism, and we have dealt with many rude glares, constant ridicule and even isolation from several people. This breaks my heart, but it is the truth.
This boy, at age thirteen was able to answer the questions I can't ask my brother. Questions that not even the countless therapists, doctors and counselors dared to talk to me about. The sad thing is, now that Autism is more common, it is being paid attention to. But it's been there for a long time.
I'm not going to lie. I yell at my brother all the time. I'm his sister, and yes I have told him that he is a problem. I have told him that it is a struggle to be around him.
At that time, with those words, I was only thinking about myself. I regret those words. And I am ashamed that only now have I realized the effect of them. But I'm not going to say them anymore. Because I know how powerful words are.

The most powerful quote from this book is this:

"What's the worst thing about having Autism?

You never notice. Really, you have no idea how miserable we are. The people who are looking after us may say 'Minding these kids is really hard work you know!' but for us- who are always causing the problems and are useless at pretty much everything we do- you can't begin to imagine how miserable and sad we get.
Whenever we've done something wrong, we get told off or laughed at, without even being able to apologize, and we end end up hating ourselves and despairing about our lives again and again and again. It's impossible not to wonder why we were born into this world as human beings at all.
But I ask you, those of you who are with us all day, not to stress yourselves out because of us. When you do this, it feels as if you're denying any value at all that our lives may have- and that saps the spirit we need to soldier on. The hardest ordeal for us is the idea that we are causing grief for other people. We can put up with our hardships okay, but the thought that our lives are the source of other people's unhappiness, that's plain unbearable."

This book means a lot to me, because it made sense of the constant chaos that my family lives in. The constant struggle that my brother has. So read this book. Please! Don't judge a person with Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, and never tell them that they are a problem. We are all alone in this world, and we don't need other people to make us feel this way.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

This book was a recommendation from a friend at work, so I picked it up and couldn't put it down.

The country of Ravka is torn by the Shadow Fold, an army of monsters made of darkness. As the growing army deterioates the great nation, the people are desperate to find a way to save Ravka. Alina and Mal, two orphans raised under the indifferent eye of a wealthy duke are observed by the Grisha, an order of magical people. Once they come of age, Alina discovers that she has a unique power, and both Alina and Mal are thrown into the conflict of Ravka and the Shadow Fold. As the Darkling offers Alina a world of magic and luxury, Alina must decide how to use the power she was born with. Could she be the key to the Shadow Fold's undoing? Who and what can she believe in?

This book was literally a captivating read. I admired the author's ability to build a world, and explore the myths and legends around it. Alina is a powerful, but unsure character, her decisions effect her future and the hope of Ravka. The Darkling himself is a mysterious and confusing character with a story of his own. Mal is the spirited and loyal friend with weaknesses of his own. Each character is fascinating and, in a way, relatable. The world was wonderfully detailed, and combined symbolism with myth and lore. 

This is not your typical fantasy story, and it's not the stereotypical fantasy world. Ravka brings elements of its own into the tale, and shrouds the plot in mystery. Through the little history that Alina knows of Ravka, her dicoveries are the key points to the tale. 

I can't wait to find out what happens next, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the elements of magic, mystery, adventure, romance and even horror. Shadow and Bone is a unique and exciting read!