TV Series Review: Salvation

SALVATION

SYNOPSIS:

An MIT grad student and a tech superstar bring a low-level Pentagon official a staggering discovery--that an asteroid is just six months away from colliding with Earth.

REVIEW:

I don't often review television shows. Honestly, it takes a lot to make me want to. I recently stumbled upon the show Salvation and binged it nonstop. Salvation is a science fiction show that centers around a potential world killing asteroid on a direct path to Earth. With very little time to stop the asteroid and the United States on the brink of war, time is running out to save human kind. I found the writing for this show reasonably believable and able to be felt on a deep level. Of course, to go with great writing you also need an outstanding cast. Among the cast are Charlie Rowe, Santiago Cabrera, Jennifer Finnigan, and Ian Anthony Dale. The brilliant John Noble also has a recurring role. Salvation makes you start to reflect on the concept of time and how much you have left. I do that pretty frequently and this show just made me do that once again. What would you do if you knew exactly how many days you had left to live? Would you panic and give up, would you go be with your loved ones, or would you continue to fight and have hope when there is so little left in the world? There is so much pain and suffering in our world today and I hope that this show will inspire people to look for the good and see the beauty. My way of dealing with all the hate has been to not spend as much time on platforms such as facebook where I see so much ugliness. I still go on there, but I don't live on it like I once did. It's been liberating.

Season 2 of Salvation will premiere this summer on CBS!

Book Review: The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night

The Crowns of Croswald
by D.E. Night

SYNOPSIS:

In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret… 

For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic––and her life––is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever. 

REVIEW:                                                  
D.E. Night sent me a copy of her debut novel The Crowns of Croswald for review and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. Prepare to start off this book with a lot of questions and leave it with many more. This book has a really great pace and I never got bored. I would recommend it to all ages. If you enjoy the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series this is the book for you!

The Crowns of Croswald is centered around an orphan teenager named Ivy Lovely who discovers she has magical powers. This is a beautiful rags to riches story full of whimsy. What I really enjoyed the most about this book is how vividly I could picture this enchanting world. D.E. has a very melodic writing style that had me falling into this world and not wanting to resurface. I truly care for the characters in this book, most especially Ivy, Fyn, and Rebecca. Croswald is quite different from other magical worlds. I would love to get into the minds of the Hairies and learn more about them. They are so intriguing! The Dark Queen and the Cloaked Brood were truly frightening and I can't wait to find out more about these mysterious villains. I also enjoyed the professors at the Halls of Ivy. Ivory Lucky was very interesting to try to imagine... I hope someone draws a picture of her soon. I feel a bit uneasy with the Selector and feel that she is still hiding many secrets. One character that always had me smiling was Winsome. He played such a pivotal role in Ivy's first year at The Halls of Ivy and was so much fun. Now back to the creatures... Humboldt the dragon was hilarious! I swear, that dragon was like a spoiled lap dog by the end of the book. I wanted to drag him out of the book and take him home to feed him pies. Another creature I adored was the Shorehorse. I really hope we get to see it in the next book because it was incredible. I just feel like we'll be seeing it again. As everything unfolded at the end and much was revealed, I was devastated when I realized I'd finished the story. I did not want this book to end! In conclusion, I give this book five stars! This is exactly my kind of story and I will be on the lookout for the second book. 

TRAILER:

You can get your copy of

The Crowns of Croswald on AMAZON now!

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

WHERE TO BUY: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Books-A-Million

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS: Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan.... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she's really good at it. She and her twin, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

MY REVIEW: This was such a FUN read! And a fast one at that! By far my favorite Rainbow Rowell book! Cath is definitely me in college. I wrote fanfiction, I was socially awkward, I was (and still am) weird around boys. It was fun to read about the experience from an outside perspective! I really enjoyed how passionate she was about fanfiction and Simon Snow. She didn't let anyone try to talk her out of what she was passionate about, not even her professor. She was witty, funny, and all around fun to learn and read about.

Reagan, Cath's roommate, was a huge star of this book. She was SO funny and sarcastic. Her dry humor and her interactions with Cath made the book for me a lot of the times. She was so brash in her approach to life, but it was so endearing to me.

Wren, Cath's twin sister, took a long while for me to warm up to. I did not like this girl for a majority of the book. Mainly because of how she treated Cath, but then it turned into because she was stupid. The way that she was living her life made me cringe. As I was reading about Wren, I thought that her lifestyle was going to get her into trouble sooner or later. She had no buffer and was constantly taking jabs at Cath for various things. While I understand the need for independence, especially as freshmen in college -- Cath was her twin sister and she shouldn't have been treating her like some stranger. It wasn't cool.

Levi, oh my sweet adorable Levi, what on earth to say about this guy? Other than he was absolute flawed perfection on paper. Levi was so fun! He was energetic, friendly, supportive, vulnerable, honest -- everything you could want in a first boyfriend. Sure, he made his fair mistakes but overall, he was a really great character. Developed well and fun to follow. I really loved his interactions with Cath. He really was enamored with her. And it was fun to witness her become just as enamored and not know how to handle it.

Rowell did a fantastic job on painting an accurate picture of the fangirl transition -- from high school to college -- where people most likely wouldn't understand why fanfiction, midnight book releases, etc. are so important. Witnessing Cath come into herself was one of the most rewarding things about this book. She grows so much throughout the book, but by the end of the story, you really sit back and think of how far she has come. WIth the help of Reagan, Levi, Wren and even her professor. There's a character, Nick, that teaches the not-so-fun college lesson to Cath. And I was so proud of her for how she handles him at the end. She's just a different, though the same, girl at the end of this book.

I loved it. Fantastically written, fun, friendly, adorable -- all of the words!  

MY RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars!

REVIEW: The Madness Underneath (The Shades of London Book #2) by, Maureen Johnson

The Madness Underneath (The Shades of London Book #2)

Released: February 26th, 2013

By: Maureen Johnson  

Summary: 

"When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…

There's a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London.
Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…

But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery." - Goodreads


Book Trailer:

Review:

note: this review contains The Name Of The Star spoilers. 

"Rory Deveaux walks a tight rope between two distinct groups of friends from her "new old" life in London, to her "new new" life in London."  - Megan Kaniasty

Rory is pushed from that tightrope, having her choices decided for her before she returns to Wexford. Cut from contact with Stephen, Boo, and Callum, Rory attempts "normal" life - well, as close to normal as she can get when  she can see ghosts, and destroy them with a single touch. Upon her return, she is reunited with her now boyfriend Jerome. 

Rory and Jerome snogging in Alistair's favorite hiding spot in the library.
Artwork done by Cassandra Jean.

Stephen sees Rory and Jerome kissing in The Name of the Star.
Artwork done by Cassandra Jean.

 Jerome represents Rory's normal life, and Stephen represents her new normal, when normal is seeing ghosts. As soon as Rory is returned to Wexford School, she is back on that tightrope, balancing between catching up with school work and having a normal boyfriend, to her life of putting murderous ghosts to rest with Stephen, Boo, and Callum. Normal normal, or ghosty normal? Jerome, or Stephen? - Who do you think she will choose? 

Rory and Stephen reuniting
Artwork done by Cassandra Jean.

    

I absolutely loved this book! Maureen Johnson creates these beautiful complex characters, and The Madness Underneath takes you further into their lives. This book made me laugh out loud, scream, cry, and throw it in my freezer - an emotional roller coster is what it is! I would have even given this book a 5 out of 5 star review if not for that HUGE thing at the end where after two books of falling in love with these characters, you get your heart ripped out and are left with absolutely no hope. Okay so, there is always hope, right? I give The Madness Underneath a 4 out of 5 star review! The third book could not come soon enough. The Shadow Cabinet is the third book in this series, and it is unknown at this time when the book will be released.    

More Shades of London artwork by Cassandra Jean:

New characters we will meet in The Madness Underneath

Callum, Stephen, and Boo - one big happy family

Stephen's family photo

Rory and Jazza visiting the scene of the crime of Rory's atta

REVIEW: Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale (The Bane Chronicles Part #3) by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan

Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale (The Bane Chronicles Part #3) 

Released: June 18, 2013
By Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Summary:

Magnus Bane leverages his alliances with Downworlders and Shadowhunters on a venture to Victorian London. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

When immortal warlock Magnus Bane attends preliminary peace talks between the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders in Victorian London, he is charmed by two very different people: the vampire Camille Belcourt and the young Shadowhunter, Edmund Herondale. Will winning hearts mean choosing sides?

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Timesbestselling series, The Mortal Instrumentsand The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Review:

I finished reading the latest installment in The Bane Chronicles the other night and I have fallen for another Herondale. In Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale we focus on the Downworlders & Shadowhunters trying to bring about the accords during several meetings at The London Institute. The Shadowhunters were very cruel in this towards the Downworlders and I kept getting very upset with it all. I was gritting my teeth throughout the whole flirtation between Magnus & Camille Belcourt. I hate Camille. Magnus, meets the young Edmund Herondale and is present for the meeting of Will's parents when Edmund saves Linette. We even hear at the end the screams of Edmund having his marks removed, so he can marry Linette and move to Whales to be with her. This installment really touched me and is by far my favorite. I can't wait for the next installment in The Bane Chronicles, The Midnight Heir.

Here's an excerpt from Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale:

“Edmund exhaled. He looked drained. “I beg your pardon, Bane,” he said. “I am simply being a child, screaming and kicking against fate, and it is time to stop being a stupid boy. Why struggle against a choice that is already made? If I were asked to choose between sacrificing my life or sacrificing Linette’s every day for the rest of eternity, I would sacrifice my own every time.”

Magnus looked away, so as not to see the wreckage. “I wish you luck,” he said. “Luck and love.”

Edmund made a small bow. “I bid you good day. I think we will not meet again.”

He walked away, into the inner reaches of the Institute. A few feet away, he wavered and paused, light from one of the narrow church windows turning his hair rich gold, and Magnus thought he would turn. But Edmund Herondale never looked back.”

REVIEW: The Name Of The Star (The Shades of London Book #1) by Maureen Johnson

The Name Of The Star (The Shades of London Book #1)
Released: September 29th 2011
By: Maureen Johnson 





Summary:


"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities." 

- Maureen Johnson books 



Book Trailer (Maureen Johnson books):

Review:

The Name Of The Star by Maureen Johnson has quickly become one of my favorite books. Not only is the story absolutely thrilling and captivating, the writing is beautiful, and she gets her facts right!

 I tend to get very critical when authors and hollywood integrate real life events in fictional works. In Maureen's case, she takes the Jack the Ripper case, a real life event that happened in the Whitechapel district of  London 1888, and gives it an enthralling twist. The medical details involved in this story is exceptional. I am not a doctor, so I cannot verify if the medical details concerning the re-enacted ripper murders within this story are correct, but when it comes to the scene mentioning insulin, diabetic comas, and a "special antidote" to reverse a fast dropping low blood sugar (aka glucagon), Maureen has done her research! I am a type one diabetic and I have NEVER read a non-informational book that has used the correct terms for diabetes until now!
I have wanted to tell Maureen this, and thanks to twitter and my less than 160 characters word vomit, I was able to:

I figure, if Maureen got the facts right in using the diabetic terms, the other medical terms she writes in regards to the ripper case must also have been used right, along with the integrated historical facts, making for a very intriguing and realistic novel.    

There is this twist to the story that the audience finds out half way through the novel. I guessed it, but I don't blame Maureen. I think she did an absolutely brilliant job leading up to the reveal, giving only settle foreshadowing in the dialogue, actions, and atmosphere. Speaking Writing of atmosphere, Maureen creates this amazing tension that sparks between the characters, especially as main character Rory Deveaux walks a tight rope between two distinct groups of friends from her "new old" life in London, to her "new new" life in London.

I wouldn't of minded a little more snogging, but that's just me!

This book is extraordinary, I already want to re-read it; but first I need to go to Barnes and Noble and buy the second book to the Shades of London series - this is a serious need of mine...seriously! I give The Name Of The Star a 5 out of 5 star must drop everything and read right now review!



Social Media Extras:

Follow Maureen on twitter: @maureenjohnson

Like Maureen on facebook: Maureen Johnson

Check out Maureen's website: Maureen Johnson books

REVIEW: The Runaway Queen (The Bane Chronicles Part #2) by Cassandra Clare & Maureen Johnson

The Runaway Queen (The Bane Chronicles Part #2)
Released: May 21, 2013
By Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

Summary:

Magnus Bane has a royal role in the French Revolution—if the angry mobs don’t spoil his spells. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

While in France, immortal warlock Magnus Bane finds himself attempting to rescue the royal family from the horrors of the French Revolution—after being roped into this mess by a most attractive count. Naturally, the daring escape calls for invisible air balloons…

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Timesbestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, The Runaway Queen, is written by Maureen Johnson and Cassandra Clare.

Review:

So, I finally found the time to read The Runaway Queen, the second installment of The Bane Chronicles. I absolutely loved it! I was pleasantly surprised to find Magnus having helped in trying to get Queen Marie Antoinette away from Paris during the French Revolution, yes I know in actuality he didn't since he's a fictional character. I saw a whole new side to Magnus in this story and fell more deeply in love with him. His interactions with Axel were just too sweet & made me feel all warm inside. I hope to read the most recently released installment of The Bane Chronicles soon and have another review up for you all shortly after. :D ~V

REVIEW: What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles Part #1) by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan

What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles Part #1) 

Released: April 16, 2013

By Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Summary:

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices know that Magnus Bane is banned from Peru—and now they can find out why. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

There are good reasons Peru is off-limits to Magnus Bane. Follow Magnus’s Peruvian escapades as he drags his fellow warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss into trouble, learns several instruments (which he plays shockingly), dances (which he does shockingly), and disgraces his host nation by doing something unspeakable to the Nazca Lines.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, What Really Happened in Peru, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Review:

So I am a huge fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter books & recently read the first installment in The Bane Chronicles called What Really Happened in Peru! The whole thing is rather funny, but also sad when Magnus gets his heart broken. My favorite part in it is when Catarina & Ragnor tell Magnus about his drunken escapades. LoLz! Just imagining Magnus enchanting a carpet and flying around on it has me cracking up laughing. The main thing that annoyed me, but I kind of expected was that we weren't told why Magnus was actually banned from Peru! I hope Cassie lets us know one day. I'll post a review for each installment in The Bane Chronicles as they are released & I've read them! Have a great weekend! ;)