July Wrap Up | Faith

The first book I read this month was, The Crown by Kiera Cass. Like all of Kiera Cass's books, they're very short and very easy to read. I finished this in a couple of hours, and I was somewhat satisfied with this book. One of the major problems I had with this book was how easy everything was for the characters. Everything just felt very rushed and forced and I didn't like that. A plus to this book was that Eadlyn improved as a character. I would say that it was a pleasant ending and it was a good conclusion. I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars.

The second book I read this month was Maus Volume 2 by: Art Spiegelman. I read the first volume in my grade 9 English class and I really, really enjoyed it. I had been meaning to pick up the second volume for the longest time and I finally did...3 years later. I did enjoy reading this volume however, I had completely forgotten everything about the characters and the story so I was pretty lost throughout the entire thing. I would rate it a 3 out of 5 stars.

The third book I read this month was, The Wicked + The Divine by Gillen Mckelvie, illustrated by Matt Wilson and coloured by Clayton Cowles. I have been using graphic novels to try and catch up on my Goodreads reading goal. I thought that the artwork in this was really appealing to look at, but I found that I wasn't really interested in the storyline at all until the end. I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.












Honestly, I didn't get much reading done this month because I was busier than usual. I was spending a lot of time just enjoying my time at The Fringe Festival. There are certain books that I should've finished this month but didn't. Those books were The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan as well as Schizo Nic Sheff. Not to mention that there was also an audiobook I wanted to finish. Blogging has also kind of gotten in the way, because I'm scheduled for many things for upcoming books and I'm already falling behind on it.

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King in the Stone | Blitz

The King in the Stone
Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
(Two Moon Princes, #2)
Publication date: July 25th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

A full moon,
A silver key,
And the unbending passion of two young lovers
will bring hope to a defeated kingdom
and, through their sorrow, deliver a king
who will change its fate.
Vivid visions have haunted Andrea since her arrival in northern Spain. In her visions, the ruins of the medieval village she’s excavating comes alive, and, around the fires burning in the no longer buried hearths, she sees people dressed in furs sharpening old fashioned swords.
Even more upsetting for her that the headaches her visions leave is the fact that Julián appears in them—Julián, the king from her world whose rejection she is trying hard to forget.
But when a slide bury Andrea under the mountain, Julian comes searching for her. Soon after they are reunited under the mountains, the full moon opens a portal and sends them back a thousand years into the past, to a time right after the Spaniards have been defeated by the Arabian invaders.
Separated by a bitter winter, Andrea and Julian are caught in opposite sides in the battle between the Spanish last unconquered settlements and the Arabian army. A battle for survival that will determine the fate of a kingdom and demand of them the ultimate sacrifice: As the Arabs close on the mountains, Julián makes a decision that will break Andrea’s heart and change them forever.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

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EXCERPT:

In the following excerpt from The King in the Stone, Julián makes a fateful decision.
I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff staring down at Andrea’s broken body, so unnaturally still in her white shroud of snow. I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff lost in a world of my own. A world beyond feelings, beyond reason. A world in which, I came to believe, time could flow backwards, and as long as I didn’t move, didn’t breathe, it was still possible to reverse its course. Andrea would rise from the ledge and climb to my side, and her blood would be warm again inside her body and not a red stain over the snow.
I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff dreaming impossible dreams. Then somewhere down in the valley, a horse neighed and broke the spell.
I shivered. The rush of the fight had left me by now, and the bitter wind blowing through the mountain had covered my body with a frozen dust. If I didn’t leave soon I would freeze to death. Forcing my stiff legs to move, I turned my back to the ledge and started walking.
I didn’t remember going back into the cave and retrieving the sword and the knife from the bear’s body. I didn’t remember grabbing the cloak or picking up Andrea’s arrow from the ground or walking down the mountain. The next thing I remember is someone calling my name.
I shook my head to clear my mind and looked around. I was back in the oak grove where we had tethered the horses, and Irene stood in front of me.
I let go of the hilt of the sword I’d instinctively grabbed, and nodded to the girl whose waif-like face was tense with fear.
“Julián?”
I tried to talk. But no words came.
Irene moved closer and reached for my face. “You’re hurt, Julián. Let me help you.”
“There is no time. We must go. Now. Get the horses ready. I’ll get Theodorica.”
Turning my back on her, I entered the copse.
Her feet and hands bound, a dirty rag over her mouth, Theodorica was sitting on a stump. Her eyes full of contempt didn’t leave mine as I approached her, and when I removed her gag, she spat at me.
In anger, I lifted her and held her against the closest tree. Theodorica struggled like a wild animal trying to break free, and as I fought her back, something snapped inside my mind, turning the throbbing ache at Andrea’s loss into a feral urge to make Theodorica mine. Forcing her face still with one hand, I kissed her. I kissed her long and hard. Not because I cared for her, but because Andrea was dead and she alive, and in the aftermath of death we crave life.
I kissed her out of pain, out of anger and despair. Out of hate. I kissed her until her body grew willing under mine. Only then, I pulled back.
Without a word, I cut her bonds.
Theodorica stared at me.
“You got your wish, my lady,” I said in answer to the question she had not asked. “I’m coming with you to the Arab’s camp.”

Author Bio:
Carmen Ferreiro Esteban is the author of the medieval fantasy Two Moon Princess (Tanglewood Press 2007), and Immortal Love (Crimson Romance 2012). Her own translation into Spanish of Immortal Love can be found under the title Bécquer eterno.
Carmen was born in Galicia (northern Spain) and went to college in Madrid, where she finished her Ph.D. in Biology. She worked as a researcher in Spain and California, before moving to Pennsylvania, where she now works as a writer, editor and translator.
For more information, please visit her website www.carmenferreiroesteban.com/, or reach her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorCarmenFerreiroEsteban?ref=ts.

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Ice Crypt | Blitz

Ice Crypt
Tiana Warner
(Mermaids of Eriana Kwai, #2)
Publication date: July 25th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

From award-winning author Tiana Warner comes the sequel to Ice Massacre, the #1 Amazon Kindle Best Seller.
Meela has just returned from the Massacre—the annual attempt to wipe out the mermaids threatening her people’s survival. After forming an unlikely connection with Lysi, a mermaid she was trained to kill, Meela is determined to stop the war between humans and merpeople for good. She knows of a legendary weapon that could bring peace if she uses it against King Adaro, ruler of the Pacific Ocean. But her people have plans for future Massacres and refuse to help her uncover it.
While Meela works in secret to unearth the Host of Eriana, Lysi is held captive under Adaro’s tyranny. Sent to the battlefront, Lysi joins forces with a band of rebels that could either bring her freedom—or have her executed for treason.
Separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, Meela and Lysi must find a way to defeat King Adaro and end the war that has been keeping them apart.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Grab book 1 – Ice Massacre – for only 99¢ until July 31st!

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EXCERPT:

Hanging from the crooked branch of a maple tree wasn’t that glamorous—not what my people would expect from an honoured Massacre survivor. Legs swinging to try and get a foothold, strands of hair clinging to my face, I heaved myself onto the next branch.

This would have been easier if I’d had the use of both hands.
Out of breath and halfway up, I paused, deciding how best to continue. The tree had forked and my legs were splayed, one foot against each trunk. In my fist, the owlet gave a feeble hoot.
I glared at him. He could hardly be called cute, with his sparse white fluff and oversized feet.
“Your family reunion better be worth all of this,” I said.
I pushed off one trunk and wrapped my limbs around the other, then shimmied higher until I was level with the nest.
Two owlets peered back at me, identical to the one in my fist.
“Gaawhist,” I said. Home, sweet home.
I placed my rescue next to his siblings, where he toppled sideways and blinked a few times. I poked him to make sure I hadn’t squeezed him too tightly. He ruffled himself and settled in.
Maybe I couldn’t help everyone survive, but I could, at least, save this one life.
I just hoped the mother would return soon.
I leaned against the trunk and caught my breath, my thoughts turning back to what I’d come here for. I inhaled slowly, letting the sweet scent of maple buds calm me.
From this height, the wooden, mossy cabin below seemed less imposing. I could see how these grounds might have once been used for camping—back when seaside camping was not a life-threatening activity. Now, this cabin was one of many classrooms at the Safe Training Base. Once a place to connect with wilderness, now a place to learn the best way to slaughter a sea demon.

Author Bio:
#1 AMAZON KINDLE BESTSELLING AUTHOR Tiana Warner was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horse, Bailey, and collecting tea cups.

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GIVEAWAYS!
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—

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Ice Crypt

by Tiana Warner

Giveaway ends July 25, 2016.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

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TV Recommendations #3 | Stranger Things | Faith

I really love watching TV shows. I have absolutely no control over how many episodes of a show I watch. I feel like I do watch a good variety of shows, and I am always trying to persuade others to watch the shows I watch. So I thought this would be a good type of post to do every once in a while when I don't have the time for a book review or other book related post.

This thrilling Netflix-original drama stars award-winning actress Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, who lives in a small Indiana town in 1983 -- inspired by a time when tales of science fiction captivated audiences. When Joyce's 12-year-old son, Will, goes missing, she launches a terrifying investigation into his disappearance with local authorities. As they search for answers, they unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries involving secret government experiments, unnerving supernatural forces, and a very unusual little girl.

- Wikipedia Synopsis

Stranger Things is a new Netflix Original series that just premiered all of it's episodes on July 15th, 2016.

Netflix can have a lot of great shows, but it can also have some bad ones in the mix. Now I haven't seen many Netflix shows, but from what I've seen this is one of the best shows out there. It only consists of eight episodes, which is a terrible shame but it's amazing with what was put together through such a small amount of episodes. Through only eight episodes, there is some great world building, character development and we are taken on this incredible and fascinating journey.

Stranger Things was a show that was visually appealing to me. The first time I heard of this show I was browsing Netflix, I had just caught the trailer on with no music. In an instant, I had already put it on my list because I was so curious about the show, and from that day forward I was anticipating the release. I do not know if that makes sense, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that this show pulls you in.

Let's talk about the actors on this show. A lot of the talent that is on this show, I had never heard of nor seen before. However, every person on this show is so good at portraying their character. I don't know why, but I was so happy and surprised with the child actors. The kids play such a great role in the series, and I think that they do their part so well. Really random, but they're very convincing as being friends. They have really great chemistry.

The characters on this show all have their own great qualities in their characters. In my opinion, there isn't really a group of actors or a certain person carrying the show. Even if their role is very minor in the show, they still find a way to bring something different and memorable to their character and to the show.

There are several sub plots in the story that all link to the main problem, I really enjoyed that. I find that with the TV shows I watch, the sub plots are usually just romantic relationships and that can get a little boring. With every storyline and character, I always want to know more!

This show has such character and quality. It's also just really well structured. So many things can get lost in TV shows whether it is in story telling itself or the writing of the script, but this show does not have any of those problems. It has a great pace, great characters/actors and as each episode ends, you are left wanting more.

If you are looking for a new TV show to watch, I think that you should definitely check it out! It's only eight episodes (so sad!) but I promise that you will love every moment of it. Or at least I hope that you do. 

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The Divergent Series moving to TV?! | Faith

The Divergent Series is a feature film series based on the Divergent novels by the American author Veronica Roth. Distributed by Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate Films, the series consists of fourscience-fiction films set in a dystopian society. They have been produced by Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shabazian, and Douglas Wick and star Shailene Woodley and Theo James as lead characters Beatrice Prior(Tris) and Tobias Eaton (Four), respectively. The supporting cast includes Ansel Elgort, Zoë Kravitz and Miles Teller. The first film in the series was directed by Neil Burger, while the second and third films were directed by Robert Schwentke.

Development began in 2011 following Summit's acquisition of the film rights to the Divergent novel in partnership with production company Red Wagon Entertainment.^[1] The studios announced production on the sequel following the first film's strong performance in Thursday late-night screenings, where it grossed $4.9 million.^[2] They acquired film rights to the Allegiant novel in December 2013, deciding in April 2014 to split the third novel into a two-part film adaptation.^[3]

The first installment, Divergent (2014), grossed over $288 million worldwide,^[4] while the second installment, The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015), grossed over $297 million worldwide.^[5] Insurgent was also the first Divergent film to be released in IMAX 3D.^[6] The third installment, The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016), grossed $29 million in its opening weekend finishing behind Zootopia, an animated film running in its third weekend. The first three films of the The Divergent Series have grossed over $700 million worldwide.

- Wikipedia Synopsis

Movie Reviews:

Divergent | Movie Review | Faith

Insurgent | Movie Review | Faith

Allegiant | Movie Review | Faith

Books I Loved Before YA + Which Books Made Me Love YA | Faith

I don't know about you but I've always loved reading. Even though I loved reading books, I was never an avid reader until maybe late grade 6 to early grade 7. In my elementary school, we were always taken to our school library to check out books and I guess you could say we were "forced". It wasn't until I reached grade 6 that I picked up a series that I really, really enjoyed! I feel like it was one of the series that enhanced my already existing love for books. It was the first series I remember reading and I always anticipated reading the next one.

This series is, The Series of Unfortunate Events by: Lemony Snicket! I was the only kid in my class who read this series and I feel like people found me quite weird. I absolutely loved this series and still do! I've been itching for a re-read and I am so tempted but I have so many other books I need to read. However, the new Netflix series is definitely something that can give me an excuse to do so. It kind of confuses me on why this book is marketed as a middle grade because it's pretty dark.

The next series is Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone by: J.K. Rowling. Before I read the books, I had watched the movies. I grew up watching the films and my obsession did not start until the release of the Deathly Hallows Part 2 film. I also did not start reading the books until grade 7. I remember my mom and I went to all of these different bookstores to find my books for Christmas. However, before this my friend and I had both become obsessed with the entire franchise, so obsessed that we played one of the Harry Potter DVD games every day and it eventually become a competition to see who could answer the question first because we had memorized all of the answers. Also I had written a Harry Potter "script" that was about the children of Harry Potter and his friends. Now that I think about it, it's a little ironic considering there is now a script being released and the play is currently doing previews. I'm so excited for the release of the script! I'm going to a Harry Potter party and not gonna lie, I kind of want to film it.

The next series that I remember starting and finishing from the start was The False Prince by: Jennifer A. Nielsen. I actually discovered this book shortly after it came out, I just remember being in the bookstore and really loving the cover. This is one of my favourite series of all time and it has a special place in my heart. I would also love to see this become a film because I feel like it would adapt really well.

This is a series I'm sure everybody either knows or has read. The Hunger Games is one of my biggest obsessions and I absolutely love it. If you didn't know, I am one of those fans who had watched the first film and then eventually read the books. I do not regret anything because I like how I discovered. Honestly, the only reason why I went and saw the first film was because I felt left out and everyone was talking about it. The Hunger Games is the series that pulled me into the world of YA literature. It opened so many doors for me and now I can't stop. Now I'm just that annoying person who always points out that I've read the book before the movie whenever a certain book-film is released.

EDIT/SIDE NOTE: A little story for you, when I was in grade 9 my English teacher knew that I really loved The Hunger Games series, and this was around the time when the Catching Fire movie was about to be released. He tracked me down or followed me to my Health class to give me a flyer for a Hunger Games party. Yeah... That was interesting.

The next series is another popular dystopian trilogy and that is Divergent by: Veronica Roth. I read this after I read The Hunger Games because a guy at the bookstore had recommended it to me. I read this maybe a couple months - a year after it was officially released. I just remember falling in love with the series and I can't really say more because it was such a long time ago. I feel like this book led me more into the futuristic dystopian side of YA.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post!

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The BFG | Movie Review | Faith

The Big Friendly Giant is nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie's presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all

 - Wikipedia Synopsis

This review WILL be SPOILER-FREE!

Me Before You | Movie Review | Faith

Young and quirky Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke) moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will's cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined.

- Wikipedia Synopsis

This review WILL be SPOILER-FREE!

Book Review: Me Before You | Review | Faith