End of 2010 Survey

Got this from The Perpetual Pageturner (thru Frenetic Reader), and since I guess it's good post for the end of the year. :)  I also made the my Top 10 Reads for 2010 and Top 10 Must Reads for 2010.


1. Best book of 2010?
My top 3 are Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, and The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.

2. Worst book of 2010?
I've read none so far that I can say is that bad.

3. Most Disappointing Book of 2010?
Sorry, I tried to love it as much as the others but it just fell short.  Though I still give it some props. You can see the book here. 

4. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2010?
Brightly Woven! I actually have a headache when I decided to read the book.  But it got so good that I finished it in less than a day. 

6. Best series you discovered in 2010?
The Hunger Games.  I've heard around forums that The Hunger Games is good.  So even before my school ended, I read it and loved it! I was screaming for the third book after Catching Fire.

7. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2010?
A LOT! But I will note some of them: Julie Kagawa (the Iron Fey goddess), Michelle Zink, Suzanne Collins, and Kristin Cashore.  I sooooo loved Kristin's Graceling.  So happy I read her books.

8. Most hilarious read of 2010?
The Iron King and Paranormalcy.  Puck was hilarious in The Iron King.  Together with Grimalkin the books are awesome in providing lightness.  Paranormalcy is funny too.  I mean, who can beat making Bleep part of your reading vocabulary?

9. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2010?
Mockingjay.  After arriving from the bookstore, I immediately devoured it and skipped meals reading it.

10. Book you most anticipated in 2010?
The Clockwork Angel, Mockingjay, and Crescendo.  I was counting down the release for these books and bombarded our bookstores with reservations for them.  :p

11. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2010?
Nightshade!  It's sooo pretty. :)



12. Most memorable character in 2010?
Alan Ryves of The Demon's Lexicon trilogy.  He is a mystery and most of the time leaves me dumbfounded.  And not to mention he is insanely hot.

13. Most beautifully written book in 2010?
Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia.  Hands down.

14. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2010?
Hmmm.... Mockingjay and The Iron Queen.  They both had me in an emotional blanket afterwards.  In terms of a different good impact, I name Graceling. 


15. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2010 to finally read?
GRACELING and THE HUNGER GAMES!  Seriously?!  They are aweeeeesome!

I skipped the Book blogging part because my eyes are now tempted to close involuntarilyyyyy....

Merry Christmas to everyone!

It's my first Christmas with you (and in the blogosphere)!  Wishing you all a happy Christmas and love-filled season! Cheers, everyone!

-Len-

I Am Number Four Extended Trailer

I can't resist not sharing the extended trailer for I am Number Four.  I was like... O_O...beh-beh-beh...  a little something to add a little more cheer this holiday... :D

Based on the first book in The Lorien Legacies series, I am Number Four is about John Smith, an extraordinary young man on the run from an alien race that is bound to destroy him and the other remaining Loriens on Earth.

Read my review of the book here.

10 Looking forward to Reads for 2011

After posting the 10 Best Reads for 2010, here are my 10 Looking forward to Reads for 2011!  I had a bit of a hard time listing since there are a LOT of books I'm actually looking forward to.  But finally here they are: 

1. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare - April 5, 2011
The fourth book, and the first in the new cycle of The Mortal Instruments series.  I am beyond excited for this book!

2. The Demon's Surrender by Sarah Rees Brennan - May 2011
The third book in The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy will mark the conclusion in the battle of the Ryves brothers against demons and magicians and on their own.  Team Alan.

3. Circle of Fire (Prophecy of the Sisters #3) by Michelle Zink - August 1, 2011
Will Lia defeat her own sister, Alice and end the prophecy that has doomed generations before them? August please come soon.

4. "Tempest" (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick - October 2011
Tempest is the working title for the third book of Hush, Hush series and will follow the events in Crescendo.  Patch and Nora better find a happy ending and more moments please.

5. The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa - February 1, 2011
The epic conclusion to the Fey's battle with the Iron Kingdom and a love story between a once cold prince and a not-so normal girl.

6. Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer - July 7, 2011
Because Nightshade was just the beginning.  You will want Wolfsbane as much I dooooo!

7. Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare - August 2011
I have loss words on how I'm looking forward to the second book.  Team Jem because Will is driving me mad!

8. Across the Universe by Beth Revis - January 11, 2011
Hehe.  Imma want this in my bookshelf and will read this before I go into research writing lockdown!

9. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton - February 22, 2011
I'm really intrigued with this one.  Totally looking forward for this one!

10. Timeless by Alexandra Monir - January 11, 2011Never read anything like this before so might worth to try.  :)

Top 10 Reads of 2010 (Part 5)

The last of five posts where I'm listing my Top 10 Reads for 2010.  ^_^ 
Everything is listed here!

1. Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3) by Suzanne Collins

"I had to remind myself from time to time to breathe while reading this book.  From start to finish there is no time to put your guard down.  Like in Katniss case where she needs to be always on the move to keep sane, while reading you feel that you are always on the move as well.  Heart-stopping revelations, turn of events, and realities to live by while fighting, Mockingjay is one book that is so hard to pin a review on." ~maidenveil

This is probably one of the books (if not the top) that made a tremendous wave in the bookshelves this year.  And until now, many are still debating whether the ending was fit and arguments still linger between Team Peeta and Team Gale in different corners of the web.  If you haven't picked-up The Hunger Games trilogy then better start reading now before the movie materializes.

2. Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

"The plot is like a clockwork itself:  complex and intricate connections of function, motives, and emotions.  But unlike the definition of clockwork which is repetitive and predictable, there is nothing predictable in the story.  I mean, with Cassandra Clare, you'll only be sure half of the time you try to guess, and even half of it you barely guessed yourself.  The only repeating thing in the story is its awesomeness and the story's ability to drive its characters to revealing truths that often hurt, but is necessary in order to move on." ~maidenveil

This much anticipated prequel to bestselling The Moral Instruments series is the first in the stand-alone trilogy addition to the shadowhunter world stories by Cassandra Clare.  She takes us back to Victorian-era London, where demons are deadly but love can be deadlier. 

3. The Iron King/The Iron Daughter/The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

"It's like reading Labyrinth meets Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream but darker, sexier, and kick-ass." ~maidenveil

Indulge me on this one.  This is one of the best book series I have read this year.  Fell in-love with the first book, total madness on the second, and epic love on the last book.  For those who haven't started on The Iron Fey series then you still have time to read just in time for The Iron Queen's release next year February.  Then you'll know why we went frantic when we heard there's a fourth book.  

4. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

"I personally fell in-love with this book.  It was definitely a big book to chomp on but I devoured it like I was one of the pack.  It wasn't hard to fall for Shay's charm and also feel for Ren on the other hand.  Every chapter will have you holding your breath wishing wicked creatures out of the way, or the boys are just so freakishly hot they will make you skip a heartbeat." ~maidenveil

It might be a given that werewolves are warm-bodied creatures.  But man!  The wolves of Andrea Cremer in Nightshade are HOT!  But I'm Team Shay.  Want to know why?  Then read the book.  If you think otherwise, let's talk *wink-wink*.  It's more than just werewolves and love triangles - mystery and supernatural myths collide wonderfully here.

5. The Demon's Covenant (The Demon's Lexicon #2) by Sarah Rees Brennan

"I was so irritable every time I get distracted from reading The Demon's Covenant. My mom thinks I was suffering from PMS whereas my sister thinks I'm just withdrawing from caffeine.  Well, it's hard to explain to them that I just don't like being away from Nick for so long I might conjure up my own lightning storm (which was not at all related to the recent rainfall in our place)." ~maidenveil

You want sexy?  You want some conflicted characters? You want unpredictable madness?  Well, it just so happens that SRB have all of these and more!  You think that The Demon's Lexicon was good, but this was is better.  Nerdy guys do try harder (but Alan, you need not try that hard for me).  And I will never look at monsoon rain the same again. 

6. Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters #2) by Michelle Zink

"In the second book, we get to see old characters and meet new ones that surely take this mystery deeper as we get closer to finding out the real score about the prophecy.  We'll see another world where the sisterhood and brotherhood resides, new conflicts arise, mystery unfolding, and darkness have never been this closer." ~maidenveil

Dark, sexy, and moving.  The second book of the Prophecy of the Sisters proves to be a subtle reminder of the looming battle between good and evil.  I love, love how Lia grown in this book, and Alice is still having me think that she is in the running for Voldemort's right hand.  

7. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

"Crescendo will turn your world upside-down.  Becca truly has outdone herself this time as her writing will leave you breathless and hanging on for dear life.  Just like a rollercoaster ride in Delphic, with heart-pounding twists and drops that makes you want to scream, and an ending that is a beginning of another ride itself." ~maidenveil

I think part of my birthday wish back in the summer was for Crescendo to be released earlier.  Lo and behold it was released a month earlier!  I think I'm going to put that again next year.  Crescendo marks the development of Patch and Nora's relationship.  Though expectations are not met with reality (characters I want to kill and turnabout shock), it still got my vote.

8. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

"Reading the book is like what it said in the cover jacket: "..journey that sans a country, magic and hard-won romance.."  And I liken the reading to weaving as well. At first might need a little patience, especially when you're not that much in fantasy read like this.  But it picks up later on and you'll discover the story that has been unfolding." ~maidenveil

This one is one of the surprise reads I have for this year.  The story is just as lovely as its cover.  If you are into fantasy genre then this one is a recommended book.  I struggled in the beginning but I was hugging the book by the end of my reading. I'm still praying for a second book....(paging Alexandra....:D)

9. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

"The fourth and second-to-the-last book in the Wicked Lovely series, Melissa Marr delivered another riveting and darkly romantic story that explores how choices affect fate and sometimes our own emotions are the strongest traits will have to make the best choices." ~maidenveil

Faery politics, love, and secrets are starting to build up in this fourth book of the Wicked Lovely series.  I love it when the Dark Court is in the spotlight, more Niall please.  Some liked Fragile Eternity better than this one, but this totally perked me up for the last book.

10. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

"delved into symbolism, of angels and humans, and the emotions that seem to cut across divinity and humanity:  love." ~maidenveil

This is one of my favorite angel love stories out there.  Fast-paced, mysterious, and heart-wrenching.  The book just made the cut in my top 10 best reads this year!

Cassie's Holiday Treat: Last Teaser for COFA (hot!)

Cassie just gave us the hottest and awesome treat ever!!!  Excuse me, I'll just have to douse myself with cold water....

From Cassie:


December teaser for City of Fallen Angels. This is the LAST TEASER. Starting spring of next year I will begin Tweeting teasers from Clockwork Prince.

Jace and Clary, midbook.

The alley and the music all fell away, and there was nothing but her and the rain and Jace, his hands on her. . . He made a noise of surprise, low in his throat, and dug his fingers into the thin fabric of her tights. Not unexpectedly, they ripped, and his wet fingers were suddenly on the bare skin of her legs. Not to be outdone, Clary slid her hands under the hem of his soaked shirt, and let her fingers explore what was underneath: the tight, hot skin over his ribs, the ridges of his abdomen, the scars on his back. This was uncharted territory for her, but it seemed to be driving him crazy: he was moaning softly against her mouth, kissing her harder and harder, as if it would never be enough, not quite enough —

Does it end there? Well, the scene doesn’t but the teaser does. That’s why they call ‘em teasers. Have a happy holidays!

--------------------------- 

Happy Holidays too, Cassie!  Don't we just love teasers.  Just something to get us going in this cold time of the year, and whilst waiting for Christmas to arrive. :)

Music Monday: Holiday Edition

Just 5 more days 'til Christmas!  In the spirit of the season, we have Glee's cover of Baby, It's Cold Outside.  I love Kurt and Blaine in the series.  They sing wonderfully.  And I'm hoping for the best for their characters.

Top 10 Reads of 2010 (Part 4)

Fourth of five posts where I'm listing my Top 10 Reads for 2010.  ^_^

3. The Iron King/The Iron Daughter/The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

"It's like reading Labyrinth meets Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream but darker, sexier, and kick-ass." ~maidenveil

Indulge me on this one.  This is one of the best book series I have read this year.  Fell in-love with the first book, total madness on the second, and epic love on the last book.  For those who haven't started on The Iron Fey series then you still have time to read just in time for The Iron Queen's release next year February.  Then you'll know why we went frantic when we heard there's a fourth book.  

4. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

"I personally fell in-love with this book.  It was definitely a big book to chomp on but I devoured it like I was one of the pack.  It wasn't hard to fall for Shay's charm and also feel for Ren on the other hand.  Every chapter will have you holding your breath wishing wicked creatures out of the way, or the boys are just so freakishly hot they will make you skip a heartbeat." ~maidenveil

It might be a given that werewolves are warm-bodied creatures.  But man!  The wolves of Andrea Cremer in Nightshade are HOT!  But I'm Team Shay.  Want to know why?  Then read the book.  If you think otherwise, let's talk *wink-wink*.  It's more than just werewolves and love triangles - mystery and supernatural myths collide wonderfully here. 

Top 10 Reads of 2010 (Part 3)

Third of five posts where I'm listing my Top 10 Reads for 2010.  ^_^

5. The Demon's Covenant (The Demon's Lexicon #2) by Sarah Rees Brennan

"I was so irritable every time I get distracted from reading The Demon's Covenant. My mom thinks I was suffering from PMS whereas my sister thinks I'm just withdrawing from caffeine.  Well, it's hard to explain to them that I just don't like being away from Nick for so long I might conjure up my own lightning storm (which was not at all related to the recent rainfall in our place)." ~maidenveil

You want sexy?  You want some conflicted characters? You want unpredictable madness?  Well, it just so happens that SRB have all of these and more!  You think that The Demon's Lexicon was good, but this was is better.  Nerdy guys do try harder (but Alan, you need not try that hard for me).  And I will never look at monsoon rain the same again. 

6. Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters #2) by Michelle Zink

"In the second book, we get to see old characters and meet new ones that surely take this mystery deeper as we get closer to finding out the real score about the prophecy.  We'll see another world where the sisterhood and brotherhood resides, new conflicts arise, mystery unfolding, and darkness have never been this closer." ~maidenveil

Dark, sexy, and moving.  The second book of the Prophecy of the Sisters proves to be a subtle reminder of the looming battle between good and evil.  I love, love how Lia grown in this book, and Alice is still having me think that she is in the running for Voldemort's right hand.  

Top 10 Reads for 2010 (Part 2)

Second of five posts where I'm listing my Top 10 Reads for 2010.  ^_^

7. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

"Crescendo will turn your world upside-down.  Becca truly has outdone herself this time as her writing will leave you breathless and hanging on for dear life.  Just like a rollercoaster ride in Delphic, with heart-pounding twists and drops that makes you want to scream, and an ending that is a beginning of another ride itself." ~maidenveil

I think part of my birthday wish back in the summer was for Crescendo to be released earlier.  Lo and behold it was released a month earlier!  I think I'm going to put that again next year.  Crescendo marks the development of Patch and Nora's relationship.  Though expectations are not met with reality (characters I want to kill and turnabout shock), it still got my vote.

8. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

"Reading the book is like what it said in the cover jacket: "..journey that sans a country, magic and hard-won romance.."  And I liken the reading to weaving as well. At first might need a little patience, especially when you're not that much in fantasy read like this.  But it picks up later on and you'll discover the story that has been unfolding." ~maidenveil

This one is one of the surprise reads I have for this year.  The story is just as lovely as its cover.  If you are into fantasy genre then this one is a recommended book.  I struggled in the beginning but I was hugging the book by the end of my reading. I'm still praying for a second book....(paging Alexandra....:D)

Book Blogger Hop Friday

Cheers to Book Blogger Hop Friday!  To followers, new ones and visitors!  Cheers!

This would be my last hop for the year.  I might take a vacation starting next week for the holiday.

Happy Holidays! :)

The question for the Book Blogger Hop:

"What do you consider the most important in a story: the plot or the characters?"

I think there is no which one is more important.  For me they go hand-in-hand.  Even if you have a good plot for your story but no characters to carry it then it would not materialize.  The same goes with a good character but with no good plot that will show his/her characterization, it is probably useless.  That's why it takes a good writer (and good writing too!) that can tie up different elements in a story and harmoniously make them work.


Then for the Friday Follows from Parajunkee:

"What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?"

I studied Psychology in college as a pre-medicine course.  I was supposed to go into med school but changed my mind half-way in college.  Though I graduated in that course, my work is not in the field.  I previously worked as an apprentice and freelance photographer, and had a stint in a pre-school as a teacher.  Now I'm in the marketing field and helping manage a bakeshop.  Totally different!!  Funny thing is, my masteral is still on Psychology which is Counseling.  I'm weird, I know.  :p

Top 10 Reads for 2010 (Part 1)

First of five posts where I'm listing my Top 10 Reads for 2010.  ^_^

9. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

"The fourth and second-to-the-last book in the Wicked Lovely series, Melissa Marr delivered another riveting and darkly romantic story that explores how choices affect fate and sometimes our own emotions are the strongest traits will have to make the best choices." ~maidenveil

Faery politics, love, and secrets are starting to build up in this fourth book of the Wicked Lovely series.  I love it when the Dark Court is in the spotlight, more Niall please.  Some liked Fragile Eternity better than this one, but this totally perked me up for the last book.

10. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

"delved into symbolism, of angels and humans, and the emotions that seem to cut across divinity and humanity:  love." ~maidenveil

This is one of my favorite angel love stories out there.  Fast-paced, mysterious, and heart-wrenching.  The book just made the cut in my top 10 best reads this year!

I will never see South Carolina the same again

South Carolina changed into a sexy state overnight thanks to Cassandra Clare.  Some of you may be familiar with what happened and what South Carolina now stands for in the fandom.

Just don't ask Cassie what it means because she'll just tell you, "I cannot explain SOUTH CAROLINA. It is like the Matrix. You have to figure it out yourself. Or read back thru my twitter feed."

I guess Mundie Moms will have a better post on this subject.  :)  The tweets were hilarious and witty.  It caused quite a stir and everybody was diggin' it.

from the fandombitch

In other news, I happen to see this while browsing around:

If you are a Harry Potter fan you may be interested in taking part in the Dear Mr. Potter project by DearMrPotter.org. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Shadowspell by Jenna Black

Shadowspell (Faeriwalker #2)
by Jenna Black
January 4, 2011

"On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?" (Goodreads)

------------------------

I enjoyed reading the first book, Glimmerglass and I'm excited to follow the adventures of Dana.  I'm feeling a love triangle here or something like that.  And more conflict in the Faery politics?  Wow, this is going to be good. *excited* The cover is just as lovely as the first one!  I can't wait to see it in my bookshelf!

COVER REVEAL: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare!

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH MYYYYY!!!  This is better than I expected.  Different.  But different in a good way!  Clary is wearing the Morgensten ring around her neck.  Cool! And Simon is not looking pretty bad himself! What do you think? :)

From Cassie:

"I've always loved the covers Cliff Neilson has done for the MI series. Each one is fun and different in its own right. For the "second cycle" of The Mortal Instruments we wanted to do something that would link the cover aesthetically to the earlier covers while having a different quality that announced that this was a new chapter in these characters' lives. We decided that each of the Second Cycle covers is going to have two characters on it — in this case Clary and Simon."

"Who will fall in love, and who will find their relationship torn apart?

Who will betray everything they ever believed in?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.

In the heart-pounding fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments series, the stakes are higher than ever."

Here is Cassie's take on why there are two people on the cover on the second cycle of The Mortal Instruments and and exclusive excerpt on the City of Fallen Angels!

And do also checkout the redesigned The Mortal Instruments website!  If you want to get the countdown widget for COFA (just like on top of my blog), you can also get it there.

Tuesday Trailer: Across the Universe

Across the Universe

by Beth Revis

January 11, 2011

"Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming." (Goodreads)

Just less than a month before the release of Across the Universe!!! I'm so excited.  Goodness, I need to read this before I enter into my research bootcamp.  I entered a giveaway where entrants are asked, "Who do you want to be frozen with for 300 years?"  

The lack of the chosen one in my life drove me to answering Greg (of Delays.  Sorry, honey you'll be frozen with me in my imagination).  I think after 300 years I'll still be in-love with him and there's no one I'd rather wake up with after all centuries of cold isolation than him.  

How about you, who do you want to frozen with and wake up to after 300 years?

City of Fallen Angels Cover Reveal Tomorrow!

The cover for Cassandra Clare's City of Fallen Angels will be revealed tomorrow morning (12/14) in EW's Shelf Life.  I'm certainly not missing this one! 

From Examiner.com:

"Author Cassandra Clare has said that the style of the cover will follow the style of the first three books in the ‘Mortal Instruments’ series. She has hinted that there could be two characters on the cover."

Ahhhh!  I hope Simon will be on the cover.  And maybe a new character will be with him?  Hmmm...

The Nerd's Wife turns One!

The Nerd's Wife is celebrating its 1st blogoversary with giveaways! It's kicking off with a Kindle giveaway and signed Beautiful Darkness!
I love following The Nerd's Wife because not only does she post book reviews but also some awesome recipes and pictures. It's one of the first blogs I discovered and initially followed.  Happy Blogoversary!

Music Monday

This is one of the songs that I'm totally in-love with.  Just one of the few songs that makes me smile on the inside when I hear them.  And the video, indie-style is charming as well. ♥ 

Count on This - The Frail

My head under the pillow, and some of this and that.

image from ~duchesse-2-Guermante

I've been under the weather lately. I guess thinking too much about my research paper, my system is crashing.  Not to mention that I'm trying to delay watching the third season of Merlin, which I miserably failing because I'm already in episode six.  And the night I watched the episode with Gwaine, I think I almost had a fever. Haha! But thanks to people suggesting withdrawal remedies like Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Who, and Misfits.  I'm currently processing treatment. :p

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is my last review for the year.  I'm still lagging in my reads because my current graduate subject also demands me to read bulk of journals for my research.  This breaks my heart because there are a lot of books I want to read. T_T

So I guess by now you have heard that the role of Clary Fray for the movie adaptation of City of Bones went to Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Priest).  This news, mostly garnered positive buzz from fans of Cassandra Clare.  But most of us fell into the realization that this means that casting for the role of Jace is not far behind! 

just to make my point

I am very outspoken in my stand that Alex Pettyfer should bag the role.  If only we can get to him, or ask her beau (Diana Agron) to try for the role.  I'm willing to sacrifice my future lovelife or what's left of it for the casting gods to hear my plea.  I am that dead serious.  MTV Hollywood Crush has an open letter to the casting directors of City of Bones on why Alex Pettyfer should play Jace. Cassie suggests that we leave a comment, "OH YEAH BABY HE SHOULD" or something to that effect so that people would know the HE SHOULD. :)  Haters will hate, but for me he is Jace. And I personally don't care if the movie is delayed a bit as long as they get him to play the role.

If the movie news perked you up then you better mark your calendars because sometime next week, the cover for City of Fallen Angels will be unveiled!  Initially it was estimated around the 15th, but we await the final word from Cassie on the details.

If you are a fan too of Sarah Rees Brennan's The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series then heads up! 

Sarah posted her half holiday treat for us:  a short story on Nick and Jamie. 

Then for those who have read Crescendo, here's the original Chapter 3.  I'm linking you to Fallen Archangel, then from there you'll be directed to the outtake.  :) 


Then there's also the matter of the Hush, Hush #3.  It's no longer entitled, Tempest.  There's no final title yet but it's no longer Tempest.  But fear not, book 3 is still happening. :)

If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you might also be interested to note that the movie, The Hobbit is finally materializing with director, Peter Jackson at its helm.  News has it that familiar figures like Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) and Legolas (Orlando Bloom) will be back for the movie.  Sir Ian McKellen is still not confirmed to be back as Gandalf, and I'm hoping that even Viggo will be back too as Aragorn.

I meant to have a small holiday giveaway but thought that I'll add it next month in celebration of my first blogoversary.  Nothing fancy, just a simple way of of being thankful for a year of blogging with you, guys. :)

Later this month, I'll be posting my Top 10 Reads for 2010 in five parts.  Then a small survey started over at the The Perpetual Page Turner, and my Top 10 Must Read for 2011 as my last post for the year. 

Do check Courtney Allison Moulton's new website!  Her new artwork is awesome.  You'll swoon over Ellie and Will's gorgeous depiction in art.

City of Bones Movie News! We have our Clary!

[Edited]

TMI fans!  We have our Clary in the movie!

Deadline has reported that Lily Collins has been cast the role of Clary Fray in the movie adaptation of Cassandra Clare's City of Bones.  She has been in The Blind Side and in the upcoming movie, Priest.  You can read more here or in Cassie's post.

This will sure to make a BUZZ around the blogosphere and forums!

What do you think of Lily?  Well, she looks good for the part and she looks adorable!  

I think I better hit the gears for the Alex Pettyfer for Jace movement.
I will sacrifice my future lovelife just for him to get that part.  Hahahaha!
Update:  MTV Hollywood Crush has an open letter to the casting directors on why Alex Pettyfer should play Jace.  Cassie suggests that we leave a comment, "OH YEAH BABY HE SHOULD" or something to that effect so that people would know the HE SHOULD. :)

See?  I think Jace approves.... :)

Review: Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth 

(The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1)
Carrie Ryan
March 10, 2009
Buy Book:  Book Depository   |   Amazon

"In Mary's world there are simple truths.

The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.

And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?" (Goodreads)

Review

How do you live knowing death is at your doorstep?  All her life, Mary had known that the Forest of Hands and teeth beyond the town's fence is dangerous.  She knows it first hand because she has lost her father to the Unconsecrated that are in it.  But all her life as well, she had known that there is could be an ocean, and a possible world where there is no fence and no unconsecrated threatening their lives. 

In this post-apocalyptic tale, Carrie Ryan carries her readers to a time where people are living in a middle-kind of period.  Where time seems to ran backward to a period where people strictly adhered to tradition and religion, and a system of unquestionable belief and compliance.

Don't expect things to be pretty in this story.  The Unconsecrated themselves are enough to make you think twice reading with just your reading light on.  And the journey of Mary to find her ocean is just as heartbreaking and haunting as well.  Is there an ocean?  Are they others aside from Mary's Town?  They are uncertain.  Even the strength of the fence protecting them from the Unconsecrated is uncertain.  The only thing certain in Mary's world is death.  And it is all around them.