funny wool

Saturday, 16 April 2011

Vampire Diaries: The Awakening & The Struggle (Books 1 & 2)

I kept seeing this book every time I went to the bookshop. I had heard about the TV series, but had never watched it. I knew the basic story, so I decided one day to just go ahead and get the book. So...

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening + The Struggle (Books 1 & 2) by L.J. Smith
First published by HarperPaperbacks in 1991 (this edition by Hodder in 2009)

Books #1 & 2 in the Vampire Diaries Series

Description: (from Goodreads)

The Awakening

Elena Gilbert is used to getting what she wants and she wants mysterious new boy, Stefan. But Stefan is hiding a deadly secret - a secret that will change Elena's life for ever ...

The Struggle

Elena is torn between her boyfriend, Stefan, and his brother, Damon. But these brothers hide dark secrets and a tragic past that threatens them all. Damon wants to lead Elena astray - and he'd rather kill Stefan than let him possess her ...

Opinions:
I only heard about this book when the TV series came out, but I wasn't really excited, so I didn't buy it. But I saw it every time I went to my local bookshop, so I decided to go for it. So I bought it and decided to give it a try and see if I liked it.

This book is actually two books. Each one of them is approximately (if not exactly) 200 pages long, so each book did not take long to finish. I'll start with the first book.

Just a warning. This review contains spoilers. If you have not read the book (which is probably not the case), then stop here!!!! Unless you don't mind spoilers. Consider yourselves warned!

The Awakening starts off by introducing us to the main character, Elena Gilbert. It is the start of a new school year and there is a new boy in class. So, she just has to have him. She has been characterised as the school's Ice Queen, but I just thought she was a total bitch ('scuse the language). But she honestly was! She is probably one of the most selfish and self-absorbed characters I have ever read about. I couldn't even understand why her friends hung out with her, when most of the time (after she got together with Stefan), she just ignored them. Another thing I didn't like at all was the romance. I am not a person who is put of by 'insta-romances' (as I believe they are called), but this one was just plain stupid. It went like this (approximately):
- Elena wants Stefan.
- Stefan ignores Elena (and everyone else, so it's not personal)
- This goes on for quite some time when at some point
- Something happens to Stefan
- Elena says she loves him
That's it! I don't think they even had a proper conversation before Elena told him she loved him. So, I was a little put off by that.

One thing I did like was the ending. It wasn't because of what happened, but because of the fact that the way it was written made me want to go on reading the next book. So, on to the second book.

I preferred The Struggle to the first book. I suppose it was because Elena and Stefan are now an item, so that's over and done with. I liked the introduction of Damen into the picture, as he plays a much more central and important role in the story. And that's because he too wants Elena. So, we have a story where both boys want Elena, and Elena wants Stefan but dreams about Damen (and even meets up with him without Stefan knowing).

I liked the ending of this book, too, as it also makes you want to go onto the next book and find out what's going to happen.

I'm not quite sure about this book. I know quite a few people love it, but I can't say I did. I'm not saying that I will never read another book in the series, but what I read did not make me want to rush to the bookshop and get the next book, so I can start reading it straight away. Maybe sometime in the future!

Rating: 5/10

Author:
Lisa Jane Smith is an American author of young-adult literature. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1987, followed by teaching credentials in Elementary education and Special education from San Francisco State University. She taught kindergarten and special education for several years before becoming a full-time writer. Her first book was 'The Night of the Solstice', which was published in 1987. Since then, she has written quite a few books, regardless of the fact that she had been on a writing hiatus from 1998 to 2008. Some of her books include:

The Vampire Diaries novel series
The Night World series
The Secret Circle trilogy
The Forbidden Game trilogy
The Dark Visions trilogy
as well as some short stories.

Here are some covers:

The cover on the left is the newest cover for the Vampire Diaries series. I have to admit I don't really like it. I much prefer the one I have, regardless of the fact that it's too Twilight-ish.

Some more info about the author can he found on her official website (Click here!)

Counts as Book #27 in my 100 Books In A Year Challenge.

Also counts toward the 1st In A Series Challenge.

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Would Like To See Made Into Films

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.

This week's list is about the top ten books we would love to see made into films (movies). Obviously, I have excluded books that are already being made into films (that I know of), such as The Hunger Games (which I just recently finished and absolutely loved!!). These here are my picks, in no order whatsoever!

1. Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

I'm pretty sure I am one of the few people who read the book after they saw the film based on the first book (The Lightning Thief) and also, that I am one of the few who actually enjoyed the film! I think I might actually prefer the film to the book (which is a bad, bad thing for me to say, but then again, I really enjoyed the film). Anyways... I would love to see the second book made into a film too! I'd definitely go watch it!

2. The Eight by Katherine Neville

When I first heard about this book (a few years ago), I didn't really fancy reading it. But then, I decided to buy it last year and I absolutely loved it! Long story short, I would love to see it made into a film! Mystery, murders, Algeria.

3. Noughts and Crosees by Malorie Blackman

I read this book quite a few years ago (2007 I think...) and didn't really enjoy it. Yeah, I know! Shocking! Anyway, I have decided to give the series another chance (we have all the books, as my brother just loved the series). Reagrdless, I would love to see this book made into a film. The theme it deals with is very touchy, so whoever does take it on will have to be very careful about making it.

4. Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast

I think that the books in this series will make some films that will definitely be action-packed! I think the result would be interesting to see in a film!

5. Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier

This is a book I read not long ago and I think it would make one of the nicest films ever! Just imagine the costs to make the sets. It's set in London in 1792, so they'd have to recreate all the atmosphere from that period in time. Plus, there's the circus and all the performances and parades! I will definitely watch this one, if it is ever made into a film!

6. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I really enjoyed this book and I would love to see how a director would imagine the world Mr Westerfeld has created. The hoverboards, the rooms that respond to whatever you say, the Rustie camp (which will probably just look like an abandoned city), the Smoke. Yep. Definitely interested!

7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I'm not a big fan of films about war (I watched Valkyrie last year, and even though I knew what was going to happen in the end, I still ended up crying - a lot!). This one would probably make me cry, too, but I think it would make a lovely film.

8. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Oh my!!! I just want to see who they will choose to play Valek! I just loved the guy in the book! He is so nice!! Other than that, I loved the book and I would love to see the world described in the book on screen! ( <3 Valek...)

9. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

It's Victorian, so there would be wonderful dresses, for a start! But other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book and would love to see the story come to life. Though it might be a little difficult to make, as it is set in three different periods in time. Ah well... That's their problem! I just want to watch it!

10. ............

Honestly, I can't find a number 10... Well, at least I got 9! So, I'm leaving number 10 blank, to be filled by any book I read in the future and would love to see it turned into a film!

So, that was my top ten for the week! How about yours??

Please feel free to leave me a comment! :)

The Long Weekend

My first ever signed book!! Yay!!

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan
First published by Andersen Press Limited in 2008 (this edition published by Andersen Press in 2009)

Description: (from Goodreads)
Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive?
This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night.

Opinions:
The main reason I decided to read this book at the time I did was because I wanted a quick book to read, after The Loop. I was planning to read this book sometime soon, but I decided to just read it, as it would probably only take a few hours to read.

This is a really short book. But I can say it is truly disturbing. It tells the story of two young boys, Sam and Lloyd, who make a BIG mistake when they just hop into a limo that stops and tells them to get in. It obviously happens due to a great misunderstanding, but it happens nonetheless. The story focuses mainly on Sam and his efforts to try and save them both. But don't take that the wrong way: that Lloyd was useless or too much of a coward to help. If you read the book, you will understand what I am trying to say.

While reading the book, there were quite a few hints of what was happening, but I suppose I just didn't want to see it. When it finally dawned on me, I realised why this book is not suitable for younger readers. I think you could probably give it to a 13-14 year old and they wouldn't mind it, but younger children might be distressed. That's just my opinion, though. If you are a parent, you should probably read this book yourself, before giving it to your children. Just to be on the safe side.

The ending of the book was the one that caused me the most confusion. I came to a completely and utterly wrong conclusion! I think you'll understand what I mean, if and when you get round to reading it yourselves.

All in all, I found this a rather good book, especially regarding the fact that it is a debut novel. I look forward to reading some more of Ms. Kalhan's works in the future!

Rating: 7/10

Author:
Savita Kalhan was born in India but moved to England when she was very young. She holds a Joint Honours degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. She has travelled a lot over the years, but currently lives in the UK. She began writing when she went to live in the Middle East and got a job teaching English there. The Long Weekend is her first published novel.
For more information about Savita Kalhan, you can visit her website, SavitaKalhan.com.

Counts as Book #26 in my 100 Books In A Year Challenge and as Book #13 in my British Books Challenge 2011!

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for free, as part of a blog tour with giveaways. Everything stated above reflects my own views on the book. My review has not been influenced in any way.)

Monday, 11 April 2011

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I know this is a little late, but there was some sort-of problem with the internet yesterday and it just would not connect. Very frustrating. I even had to check the router settings! Anyway, it just came back - just like that - sometime this afternoon.

Obviously, as I am doing this IMM post, some of the books I have been waiting for have FINALLY arrived!!
So...

ta-dah!!

Finally, after exactly a month since I ordered them, I got a phone call from my local bookshop, saying that my books had arrived!!!

So, from there I got

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

It is quite fortunate that I did not post my IMM yesterday, as I got a very pleasant surprise when I opened my front door! Sitting there were two (Yes, TWO!!) parcels pour moi!!!

One of them (from the Book Depository) contained Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder.

The other contained Rockoholic by C.J. Skuse, which I won from a giveaway, hosted by Sammee from I Want To Read That! I was so glad to see the book finally arrived, as I was beginning to worry that it got lost on the post. (Yes, it has happened before, which is why I was worried)

I have to admit that it makes me so happy when I see parcels which are addressed to me! Most of them are addressed to my Mum (meh...).

--- Just to add something here (irrelevant to IMM): I started reading The Hunger Games yesterday and I also finished it yesterday! I just want to say, Wow! I could not put it down! Thanks to all those great bloggers out there who convinced me to read it! I promise I will get the review up soon! ---

So, that's what I got in my mailbox (or postbox - though technically the postie just leaves them on the front doorstep).

What did you get in your mailbox this week??

Please leave a comment with a link to your post this week so I can check it out!

Sunday, 10 April 2011

The Loop

This is a book I picked up only because of the fact that I had read two of his other books and had quite enjoyed them (especially The Smoke Jumper).

The Loop by Nicholas Evans

First published by Bantam Press in 1998 (this edition by Sphere in 2007)

Description: (altered a little from Goodreads)

A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately the town, apart.

At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a twenty-nine-year-old wolf biologist sent alone into the hostile countryside to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them.

The Loop charts her struggle, and her dangerous love affair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher Buck Calder.

A haunting exploration of man's conflict with nature and the wild within himself, an epic story of deadly passions and redemptive love set against the grandeur of the American West, The Loop is destined to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers everywhere.

Opinions:

I bought this book in the summer and hadn't picked it up until now. Even still, I was quite excited to start reading it. I had enjoyed the other two books by Nicholas Evans that I have read (The Horse Whisperer and The Smoke Jumper) and I wanted to read another one of his books.

This book revolves around the wolves. There have been sightings of wolves (and kills) near the small town of Hope in Montana. The ranchers' first instinct is to kill them all, so that the wolves don't kill their cattle. But (as it is only logical) the wolves are protected by laws of the American Government, as they are regarded as endangered species. Thus, Helen enters the picture. She is a biologist, who is especially trained in capturing and marking wolves, who she then lets go back into the wild (with a tracker on them, so she can monitor them). Obviously, the ranchers of Hope want her gone. There is a conflict of interests.

The book began in a very nice way. It wasn't a pleasant start, but it was a very nice way to introduce the problem with the wolves. How the whole story came to be. It shows how things can be blown out of proportion and how big a part the media can play in all that (yes, that's only in the first few chapters).

Reading on, I have to say that I found it rather difficult to get into the book during the day, but I just kept on reading and reading right before I went to bed (which resulted in my going to sleep at absurd hours...). I don't know why, really... That has never happened before, I don't think.. The book was rather long (a little less than 500 - very full - pages) and it did drone out at some parts, but I do understand that certain 'dronings' were necessary so as to properly introduce certain characters and explain why they acted the way they acted.

All of the characters were very thoroughly presented. Their stories before the time of the book are told within the narrative, not as separate chapters, making it seem as though they are reliving their memories in the present. It is a book that is very well written, but I can't say I loved it. I honestly hated Buck Calder! He is everything a woman does not want in a man, but nearly every girl in the book seemed to fall for him on some way. But Luke I just loved. Even from the description he sounded gorgeous. Regardless of that, he was such a nice person. Genuinely nice, despite having that idiot Buck Calder for a father.

I have a question to ask here: why are all his books set in Montana?? It doesn't bother me, but it does puzzle me...

I have to say, I don't think this is a very good review. It hasn't been easy to find things to write about the book. It's the first review that I can't find the right words to express what I think. Sorry about that.

Rating: 6/10 (Just a note: I would definitely recommend reading this - if you don't mind reading long books - but it's getting a 6 because of the fact that I found it inferior to The Smoke Jumper, which I remember loving when I read it quite a few years ago)

Author:

Nicholas Evans is a British journalist and author. He studied law at Oxford University, but worked as a journalist for three years after his graduation. He then moved on to making films for television, first by producing films about politics and then, with arts documentaries.

In 1993, he met a blacksmith somewhere in England who told him about horse whisperers - people who have the ability to heal traumatised horses. So, in 1995 he published The Horse Whisperer, the book is most well known for. (Probably because of the film starring Robert Redford).

His books include: