The Water Mirror-Book Review #20

          The Water Mirror By Kai Meyer is part of The Dark Reflections Trilogy. This book, originally published in German, is a young adult fantasy novel. It is in the point of view of 14-year-old  Merle and follows her as she journeys though the magical world of Venice. In this world there is magic, mermaids, mummies and even the mysterious "Flowing Queen" that protects Venice from the Egyptians.
         Merle and her friend Junipa first arrive from an orphanage as apprentices to Acrimboldo, a magic mirror maker. After many unforeseen events take place, Merle finds herself in a very tough situation. With her new found friend Serafin, Merle has to fight for the freedom of the Flowing Queen and save Venice from harm.
          Years ago, when Merle was a baby her parents left her in a basket with nothing but a single item: a hand mirror with a water surface. The water is warm and voices can be heard from within. Merle can stick her hand completely inside the mirror and feels a  hand grab hers from the other side. Could this be the friendly hand of Merle's mother, reaching out to her? Or something much more dangerous...?
         I read this book when I was in high school and immediately had to pick up the other two books in the series, The Stone Light and The Glass Word. I love that these books can take you to another world and I was always a huge fan of magic and mysteries. I recommend these books to not just those who are younger, but anyone who enjoys a book that can really suck them into a magical world.

Exciting new things happening

First I would like to say that I am sorry for not doing any reviews since October! I have so many things happening in my life right now
that my blog has taken back seat. First, I have my last two weeks of school happening right now and I have so many papers due that I haven't had much time to read or write anything personal. Also, I recently got engaged (Monday, November 21st) and have been planning a bit for my wedding and engagement party. I have a few appointments to look at wedding venues for the next few days, and finals beginning Monday the 12th that I need to study for. With that said, I will be posting a book review either later today or tomorrow on one of my favorite book series' ever. Besides Harry Potter, these books also take me away to another world and I can't get enough of the magical places.

Even though no one asked, I will be posting pictures of my engagement ring because I am so damn happy and proud of it. My fiance and I dated for 3 years and 7 months before finally getting engaged. Along with starting my last year of college in a few months, looking to move into our own home and planning a wedding, I am feeling overwhelmed. The semester is ending soon and I will have about a month off so I will try to finish my novel and keep my blog updated.

So B. It-Book Review #19

So B. It by Sarah Weeks is a book unlike any I have ever read.I was in eighth grade when I first came across this book and it really stuck with me. This book centers around 12-year-old Heidi who lives with her mentally disabled mother and her agoraphobic neighbor Bernadette. Her mother faces a lot of difficulty and Heidi knows nothing of her mothers past or who her father is.
        When Heidi's mother won't stop saying a new strange word, "Soof" Heidi begins to get curious about where her mother came from. Heidi finds an old photograph of her mother at a place called "Hilltop Home" and decides to make the journey across the country to find more answers. Bernadette, unable to leave her house, stays behind and cares for Heidi's mother while she is away. On her journey, Heidi learns new life lessons, a bit about lying, and the truth about her mothers past.
         Now I certainly do not want to give anything away but the ending is quite sad but overall this novel is wonderful. It is a coming of age story that has an effect on its readers long after they read it. This is not your typical "young adult" book, it really opens your eyes to real issues and unimaginable self discovery.
           The characters are so dynamic and one can really relate to Heidi and her quest for the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who simply enjoys a good book and wants to feel themselves grow as a person because of it.

All for one Halloween special!

In celebration of Halloween I wanted to do three stories related to horror and Halloween (my favorite holiday.) I am not sure how many of these smaller book reviews I am going to do so just stay tuned, enjoy and Happy Halloween!

"Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe.
The overall content of this story involves a beautiful mansion with several large rooms in it, all of which are painted a different color to represent the stages of life. During the "Red Death" Prince Prospero gathered all this friends together and threw a party at his mansion for several months. Despite their best efforts to protect themselves from the "Red Death," it gets into the mansion anyway. This story is about life and the unavoidable event of death. The "Red Death" is described as tall and gaunt, wearing a bloody shroud and a mask. This story is a typical macabre tale that Poe is known for. With lots of symbolism included, this story has much to offer and is perfect for Halloween.


Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly is a well know classic novel with countless adaptations. Many know the story but not many know the book. The book begins with a series of letters recounting the narrators experiences with Victor Frankenstein. Dr. Victor Frankenstein attempts to create a creature out of used body parts, and one night he finally succeeds. He gets scared and leaves the creature behind. The creature is sad and alone, unsure of who he is but he eventually learns human speech. When the creature finds out about the man who created him, the creature starts to hate him. When he finds Frankenstein he insists he makes a female for him and he does, but he soon destroys her. I wont give anything else away because I highly encourage people to read it.

Luna-Book Review # 18

          Luna by Julie Anne Peters is one of those books that stays with you long after you read it. Luna is seen through the eyes of 16-year-old Regan O'Neil as she lives with her transgendered brother Liam. Liam goes by the name Luna by night, and can only be herself by the light of the moon.

          This book is powerful due to it's touchy subject matter and the fact that it's seen though the eyes of Liam's sister. It gives readers insight to how Liam's life has an impact on her whole family. Luna's struggles also effect her sister Regan as she tries to live the normal life of a 10th grader who is interesting in a boy. This book is definitely for a more open minded audience who can be sensitive to Liam and Regan's situation. I read this book in freshman year of high school and haven't forgotten it since. The topic is very controversial and unique for it's time. 

          If you are someone who is interesting in sexual disorders or transgender issues I recommend this powerful novel. I decide to read it again after all these years in order to see if their is anything else about it I can understand that I didn't pick up on before. Julie Anne Peters has written other fantastic novels that I would also recommend to anyone who is interested in gay/lesbian related books. 

Short Story?

I am considering turning an old school paper into a short story but I am not sure how to go about doing it. I normally like to write new short stories but this one, I feel, is too good to let go and not continue. This story is meaningful to me and uses sensory language to appeal to my readers personal memories. Below I included a short preview of it and will later decide if I wish to revise/continue it.




There are times much like these in which I find myself sitting in the living room alone, absent of sound, that I summon up enough courage to reminisce on an old friend. He was my best friend for six short but wonderful years; his presence in my life but was taken out far too quickly. I met him in the backyard of a mutual friend’s on June 12th 2005. I was only twelve-years-old. His name was Cody, and he was unlike anyone I have ever met. The first thing I notice about Cody that separated him from the rest was his strong British accent. He was young too, about fifteen. His innocent blue eyes showed no hidden lies or callous, he wasn’t yet jaded and he had this liveliness about him that I craved. The summer air was warm that night as we made awkward small talk with each other by the pool. The grass was prickly and itchy as I crushed it between my bare feet.

Apologies and update.

First and foremost I have to apologize for how few and far between my reviews are. I have been waiting until closer to Halloween before posing the special review I have had for a few weeks now. Also, the past 2 weeks have been really hectic for me because I have mid-terms and papers due at the same time. Hopefully by the end of the week things will calm down before getting crazy again. Two of the school clubs that I am in are having several events that I need to participate in which takes up a lot of my writing/reading time.

As far as my novel, Lost Prince of Waydale, goes I am so close to the end that I can taste it! Once I finish it I need to edit it before sending the manuscript to the appropriate place. Don't worry, it will still be coming out in November so I will update you on the pre-order option on Amazon. I will try to have one more book review before my Halloween special just because I need to have a more recent one. I am thinking of doing either a special one for banned books, or just review one specific banned book.

Overall, I hope everyone is enjoying their fall so far and I look forward to informing you about the completion of my book. Stay tuned for more reviews as well!

This Place

I feel your icy lips
Brush across my face.
For so many years I have been longing,
for your sweet embrace. 
________________________

Reaching my hand up,
I place it on my cheek,
Trying to soak up
Where your lingering touch is weak. 
________________________
I feel your gentle hands
Tightly grip my face
I really wish you were here,
In this saddened place.
________________________

I pretend that you are here,
I see your face in the mirror.
I wish it wouldn’t be,
But you are a part of me.
______________________

Everything beautiful reminds me of you.
Even a flower or a fancy shoe.
Pain like this
Is nothing new.
A single tear traces my face,
how did I end up here
in this painful place?

First day of Fall!

I am super excited about it finally being the first day of fall! I love fall with its changing leaves and colder weather. I have been so sick of the heat that I have been ready to wear long pants and a jacket for a few weeks now! Also, with fall comes my favorite holiday, Halloween! I finally have my own place to decorate and I am excited to do so. Also, since it is fall that means it is just that much closer to my novel coming out, Lost Prince of Waydale, in November. However, I do have a lot of school things going on right now such as papers and tests. Also, I am now on the food and decoration committee for my literary club, Preterite's, Literary ComicCon in coming in October. Unfortunately this day falls on another special day, my 3 1/2 year anniversary to my boyfriend. I'm sure he understands that I will be busy but I still feel bad. 

Anyway, I just wanted to touch bases with everyone and express my joy for the fall! I can't wait to wear my long pants, boots and drink pumpkin spice lattes. Everyone enjoy their weekend and I hope you stay tuned for my special book reviews coming up!

Demon in My View-Book Review #17

          Since I did promise another book review before my Halloween special, I decided to do one of my favorite books. Demon in My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is a fantastic book about teenage author Jessica Allodola. Jessica is a high school outcast who uses a pen name, Ash Night, so no one knows she is the author of the popular vampire book Tiger, Tiger. Demon in My View begins with her senior year and two new students seem to take an interest in Jessica, bubbly Caryn and brooding mysterious Alex.

          Long story short, Jessica realizes that the two new students are in fact two characters from her book, Alex is really Aubrey the vampire and Caryn is a witch. There isn't too much detail given as to how Jessica knew about the world of vampires and witches other then the explanation that Jessica's real mother was a vampire.

       I love this book mainly because the author who wrote it was 13 when she wrote the first book in the series, In the Forest of the Night. You don't have to read the first book in order to understand Demon in My View, the first book just gives you more insight to thee vampires and witches. I read Demon in My View before reading In the Forest of the Night  and I was fine. I read In the Forest of the Night because I wanted to know more about Aubrey. Another reason I love this book is because, as a writer, I love the idea of my book characters coming to life. I read this book quite a while ago when I was about 14 or 15 and I liked that it didn't fit your typical vampire novel. There is no romance or teen girl infatuation, the focus of the story is how Jessica relates to this vampire world and how her dreams allowed her to write this book about them. Although there might be a interest between Aubrey, that is not the main focus of the story.

          If you like stories where the book characters "come alive," with vampires, and witches without it being cheesy, I recommend this book.

Book review info and Lost Prince of Wadale

Since I know it has seemed like  awhile since my last review I thought I would mention something. I have 3 book reviews prepared and written as drafts and I have been waiting until Halloween to release them. But since it appears that I haven't been doing any I wanted to clear that up. Since it has been long I decided to do a review before I release the Halloween special ones just to satisfy everyone. Also, I am almost done with my novel Lost Prince of Waydale, and I am at the most interesting part know as the "climax." I am so proud of it so far and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read it. Since it has been so long I thought I would give you a small tidbit from LPW. Enjoy and I hope you have a good weekend.

Flint opened his mouth to speak but Collin interrupted him. "My name is Prince Collin James of Waydale, and we have come to speak to you about important property of ours that was stolen." The wiseman looked at Collin for the first time, and when he did, Collin felt his blood run cold for a moment. The mans eyes were cloudy and pale like a pearl that lost its shine. Collin shivered.

   "I don't think he can see us," Collin whispered only for Flint to hear. "I do not need to see with my eyes Prince Collin, I see with my soul" he replied. Collin swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably. "Please sit down gentleman and I will tell you what you need to know," the Wiseman said. The two boys obeyed and sat on a gray and white pillow beside the fire pit. 

What Happens After re-release

After much thought I decided to re-release my first book "What Happens After" just because there were a few extra things I needed to add. So here it is, the ebook link to my book, it will be back on Kindle soon. Click here!

All for one special book reviews-#17

So since I have been so busy with school and haven't had much time for my blogs or my novel, I wanted to do something special. For my next 2 book reviews, instead of doing them on long novels, I am going to highlight 2 short stories that I think are classic and deserve recognition. I will begin with one of my favorite authors.

Kate Chopin- Story of An Hour: This short flash fiction is about a woman who finds out her husband has died in an accident at work. The woman, Mrs. Mallard, begins to cry and goes off to her room and looks out the window. Suddenly she begins to feel happy and "free." I believe this story is trying to explain how women back in the 14th century felt trapped in marriage and the only way she could escape him is for him to die. I like this story because of all the different ways it can be interpreted. Is the wife cruel for feeling free or do you sympathize? There is a nice ironic twist at the end but I won't give it away.





Kurt Vonnegut-Harrison Bergeron: I love this story because it has the "dystopia" theme that I always enjoy. It is set in the year 2081 and overall this story is about a world in which believes that the world should all be equal. No one should have any advantages over someone else. For example, if you are a fast runner or are really beautiful, you had to wear an ugly mask and weights on your feet. The main character Harrison Bergeron is covered in a mask and a lot of heavy weights because he is attractive and athletic. He is seen as a criminal in the story because of how many "handicaps" he has. I wont give away the ending but it is definitely worth the read if you enjoy futuristic dystopia's.

School!

So as you know school has begun and my workload is unbelievable so I will try my hardest to keep up with my blog. Apparently getting a BA is a lot harder then getting an Associates degree. Just to give you an idea, I have 6 assignments due in one day including two papers, 3 discussions and a quiz. The work is not necessarily "hard" but the amount is too much. 

          I am also trying to keep up with my novel and I am about 30 pages away from being done. I know it may seem like a lot but its actually only 5 chapters until I finish. I can only manage my time and not let myself get too overwhelmed with the workload. I will keep everyone updated and I will hopefully find another book/story/poem to review by next week. 

          I wish everyone else who has returned to school the best of luck in their studies!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Book review #15

So as promised I will review the newest Harry Potter book by J.K Rowling. This book is definitely a must read for any Harry Potter fan. This book starts right where the seventh left off. Harry is older and married to Ginny Weasley, they have 3 children. This book basically revolves around his middle child Albus.
         I won't go into too much detail and spoil it but you get to learn some new things about your favorite characters and see what happens to them after the series ended. For example, Hermione is the minister of magic (at first), and Professor McGonagall is the headmistress of Hogwarts. So it's definitely interesting to see how time changed and the characters as well as those who grew up reading HP have aged.
        The plot is good but sort of similar to the original except it's new characters. Also, despite its decent length, the book is a fairly quick read, I could have finished mine in 1-2 days if I dedicated actual time to it. If you were a Harry Potter fan growing up I would definitely recommend this for you because it's like reading a new Harry Potter book and brings the feelings of your childhood back. I know I missed reading the books after the series ended so it's refreshing to have something new. The story has action, heart and a lot of lessons to learn. Pick this book up and read it if you have the chance, I suggest getting it for a Kindle of ebook if you can because the book is pricey.

Angel's

Since I was slowly losing motivation for writing Lost Prince of Waydale,  I decided to post another poem while you waited for my book review. This poem is called "Angel's."

You are my golden glow,
Like an angels halo.
Please tell me that you’ll stay awhile,
And bless me with your sweet smile.
Like an angel,
You came from above,
To be my other half,
My one true love.
Your voice is like a beautiful spell
Ringing and ringing like a morning bell.
Some say angels don’t exist,
But I say that’s not true.
Cause’ today I met an angel.
An angel that was you.