Utterly Obsessed...

Now if I were to talk about all of the TV I obsess over on a regular basis, we would be here for years. 

Seriously.

So today I figured I would pick two. Two shows that I, and most everyone else, eagerly tune into each and every week, hanging on to every word.

Number One...

I started this series with the TV show. I got through season one and two, before needing more drama and starting the books. I am now halfway through the third book, which is basically up to date with the TV show. Let me tell you this, Shit gets GOOD! Holy! I cannot get enough of it, whether it's reading the books and getting to know the characters more, reading their thoughts, and understanding little bits and pieces more thoroughly. Or watching the show and drooling over Jon Snow... Am I Right?!

Winter is coming!

Number Two...

This one is a new show and I am loving it! Anyone else watching it? Its dramatic and scandalous, a little scary, and it keeps you guessing. Those that loved Psycho may find it a little strange, being as it's a prequel set in modern times. But somehow the creators make it work! I LOVE it! And another bonus of the show? Drooling over Max Thieriot... (anyone sensing a theme here?)

Yum.

What shows are you currently obsessed with?

Anyone also watch way too much TV?

14 - Peter Clines

The first two thirds of 14 have the makings of a truly fantastic book. It is everything you are looking for in a science fiction thriller. Mysterious apartment building, strange happenings, interesting characters, clues you can try and put together yourself; I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love how Clines wrote about the apartment building itself. It was as though the Kavach building was a character in its own right. The way it was described made you feel like it was alive and changing as the story developed, as well as helping or hindering the protagonists along the way.

I also enjoyed the way we slowly learnt little bits and pieces about the inhabitants of the building. As certain apartments were drawn into the mystery, we learnt things about the people who lived in them. And you really got the feeling each little detail was adding to the developing plot. I was completely sucked in.

That is until the last third.

It got weird. Think Lost after too many seasons strange. It seemed to stray far away from the mystery/thriller vibe that it had built up, and focused solely on the science fiction based resolution, I was a bit disappointed. That’s not to say it became badly written or boring, I still enjoyed it, I was just hoping for something a little cleverer or less cliché. It lost the tightly written ‘pull you in’ feel that came before it, and branched out too wide and lost me. The well placed clues and details disappear as soon as we find out the truth.

All in all I would recommend this book to fans of the genres, for the most part it is a really good read, and who knows, you may be a fan of the ending; it just wasn't where I hoped it would go. 

ebook c/o NetGalley & Permuted Press linking up for Book Club Friday

The Written Word...

Since I got my Kindle for my birthday I have been reading up a storm. I find that I find more time to read thanks to the kindle as I tend to take it most places, whereas I would often forget to pack books. But if I am at home with access to a real book, I will always prefer it! I am on fire lately, getting through books quite quickly which I am loving! I'm currently reading both A Clash of Kings and Red Dragon (I tend to have book ADD) and am switching between them when I feel like it.

Here are some of my most

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I have to admit I struggled to get through the first book in this series. Not because it wasn't good (it was) but because I made the mistake of watching the TV series before I read the book and it was just so similar. Props to the creators of the show, because Book One follows Season One almost exactly, even most of the dialogue is taken directly from the book. made it a little difficult to stay focused when I knew exactly what would come next. Season Two strays from Book Two a bit more, and I'm enjoying A Clash of Kings a lot more.

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Wow. I'm not sure what to say about this book. So uniquely written and with such a touchy subject, Emma Donoghue deserves recognition for that. I found it really easy to read this, I sped through it quickly and was completely drawn in. You really care about the characters and root for their success. It paints such an interesting picture on the horrors of kidnapping, and isolation. Definitely recommend this one!

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I'm a sucker for the zombie genre, this book sounded like, and was, an interesting variation of the typical zombie/war novel. A middle aged man documents the zombie apocalypse on his blog as it plays out around him. Interesting concept, and sometimes interesting book, however it didn't quite pull me in as much as I hoped. It was slow moving at the start and occasionally throughout, however certain parts got rather exciting. So depends on your level of interesting in zombies for this one!

Bohemia by Veronika Carnaby

Today I have a treat for you all.

By now you should all know that I love to read. Like a lot. All the time!

So when Veronika contacted me and asked me if I would like to review her book Bohemia, I jumped at the chance!

"In her debut novel, Veronika Carnaby picks up where the Beat Generation left off. Set in 1960, Bohemia chronicles a group of twenty-somethings who defy the "ideals" of a mid-twentieth century society to seek creative fulfillment. In the process, they spotlight the creative path that artists of all mediums tread, all the while depicting the challenges faced by youth in the decade that changed the world."

I really enjoyed reading Bohemia. It was very reminiscent of Jack Kerouac's On The Road which I loved! It follows the same style, following a group of young adults as they set out to discover the world and themselves.  This is something that we can all easily relate to, which is what I think makes the novel so special. It allows us, as readers, to identify with the characters, and put ourselves into the narrative. For me in particular, being in my early 20's and trying to figure out how to start my life, I could totally see myself in their shoes, which for me is hugely important for me to enjoy reading something.

Obviously I am not familiar with the setting that is the 1960's, but the writing style and narrative really draw you in and make you feel immersed in the culture and freedom of the beat-nik generation. Everything Veronika writes is to draw you into a world she has created, the language, the slang, the way the characters act and interact; all come together to paint you a 60's, freedom inspired, restless picture of life.

My main criticism is that the writing style did make the narrative difficult to follow at times. If you aren't familiar with the beatnik style you might have trouble with this one. The pace and timing was a little rushed at times, and I would often get lost in a long description and find myself having to reread a page to remember where we were in the plot. Mostly during the first few chapters, towards the end I was hooked! I enjoyed being drawn into the novel so much and I think if this is the right book for you, you will love it! If not, give it a go anyway, you might be surprised!

My Rating: 4/5

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares...

I haven't written a book review in such a long time, for two main reasons.

1. I haven't had much time to read thanks to University assignments.

&

2. When I have had a chance I have been reading Game of Thrones which is hella long.

But now I am done with uni, I have been taking time to relax, and while I am still reading Game of Thrones (and loving it as much as the TV series!) I took a small break and read a short fun YA book. I am linking up with Heather for this one!

The novel is by the authors of Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, which I haven't read, but I did enjoy the film. When I saw a review for Dash & Lily I knew I had to give it a go! Fun fact is, the two authors Rachel Cohn & David Levithan write separately  Rachel wrote Lily's chapters and David wrote Dashes and they would email each chapter back and forth with little prior planning. It just seems like such an interesting way to develop separate characters!

“I’ve left some clues for you. 

If you want them, turn the page. 

If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” 

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? 

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Pros

• The characters are so different. They are developed perfectly throughout the story, you understand why they are the way they are, and you empathise with them. They are both outcasts, but completely uniquely. Lily is a weird, socially awkward "adorkable" character, while Dash is more of a sullen hipster type, with an deep love for the English language.

• Each chapter switches focus between Lily or Dash, giving you the different sides of the stories as they pass the red moleskin back and forth. It is always enjoyable to be able to read the same situation from different points of view, it makes the literary journey more realistic and exciting.

• The story is set around Christmas. Now you may not know this about me, but Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love the films, songs, decorations, trees everything! So setting a novel during Christmas is a sure way to win me over. It also plays an important part in the characters development. Lily is a Christmas fanatic (much like myself) while Dash hates Christmas.

• Contemplation is a huge part of this book. While the characters are only 16, they are very wise and it is shown through the use of language and literary references throughout the book.They discuss the meaning of life and the spirit of Christmas but manage not to stray from the light-hearted nature of the story.

Cons

• The use of language I mentioned previously does at times get out of hand. I found sometimes I didn't understand bits of what was written and could have used a dictionary next to me to look them up. However even though I didn't recognise the words, it wasn't hard to understand what was going on which was good.

• Dashes outlook on Christmas was a bit depressing. He was alone for Christmas by choice, he hated the busy streets and the Christmas displays, and at times it got me down. But this was only a minor con, and it was probably only me who picked up on it.

• Towards the end it does get a little cheesy and melodramatic, some very ridiculous and unrealistic things happen, but it does turn it around in time for a very sweet and romantic ending.

As you can see the pros dramatically outweigh the cons. The book was fun, quirky, witty, and romantic and I would definitely recommend it. It makes me want to leave my own notebook out there, just to see what happens...

So go on, read it... I dare you!

Blogger Book Club: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

So I'm a little late to the Blogger Book Club party, but in my defence the time difference in New Zealand is all whack, and I have been stuck in the editing suites all day attempting and failing to create my next short film by Friday.

Good enough excuse right?
Oh well, it is now.

But I did want to link up and share my thoughts on The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I read this a little while before it was decided for Octobers book, but I was still excited to join the discussion. I have seen a lot of peoples reviews and was surprised that some of them have been quite negative.

I loved this book. I really did.

I thought it was beautifully written and had amazing imagery within its words, it was dramatic and scandalous  but not in an obnoxious and obvious way. The characters were well developed and relate-able. It was a bit confrontational, with some controversial topics like molestation, abortion, and lots of sex, but I felt like it handled them well, especially as they were coming from the perspective of a fifteen year old.

 The book was also incredibly sad. Admittedly I did read it at about 3am, I started it on a whim that night and couldn't put it down, so ended up finishing it in the wee hours of the morning. So it may have been my lack of sleep, but I bawled my little eyes out. I thought it was sweet, and disturbing, and heart breaking all at the same time.

I can see how the book has such a cult following, it really is the handbook of awkward and broken teenagers, and I think it is actually the perfect book for this as it is still hopeful, even after all the horrible things that happen to the characters. It also has some beautiful quotes that I adore.

both images taken by me :)

So there you go. My positive opinion among the hate haha. I really did love it, and I will definitely be reading it again, and I can't wait to see the movie.


I give this book a well deserved

Next months Book Club Book is going to be a Crime/Mystery novel, so make sure you check it out!

xx

In Transit

So there is this little website, you may have heard of it... Its called YouTube.
And there are hours and hours and hours and hours worth of fantastic things to watch on it, but searching through them gets a little hard right? So I thought I would help you out today, by letting you know about one particular web series YouTube has to offer you...

In Transit is a web series which was created and written by Maddy Butler and Thulaisi Sivapalan in 2012. It is a dramedy which follows the ups and downs of the lives of four twenty something ‘boys‘; Caesar (John Gomez Goodway), Marcus (Alex Millwood), Arj (Thulaisi Sivapalan) and Matt (Nicholas Richard) and their friends Maya (Maddy Butler ) and Yvonne (Jorja Brain).

The series begins at a time when all the boys are figuring out what it is they really want to do with their lives and the girls are left wondering where they fit in with all these changes.

The first four episodes of the show have aired and let me just tell you, they are great! 

In Transit is witty and hilarious, has fantastic, really well constructed characters and storylines that are amusing and interesting. And it is about the turning point in peoples lives, a group of friends trying to figure out what to do, which is definitely relate-able! It is well worth a look! 

You can visit them at their website which has great 'behind the scenes' features where you can meet the cast/characters, or head to their YouTube playlist (see, what did I tell ya!) and watch the episodes and subscribe!

And now for your viewing pleasure... The first episode of In Transit...

Enjoy my loves, and trust me you will!

xx

*I was contacted by the creators for this review. But all opinions are, as always, my own.*

Book Club Friday...

I haven't linked up for Book Club Friday in a couple of weeks and I already miss it, so I'm back!! If I'm honest I have not done as much reading as I hoped I would this holidays, I kept getting distracted by cheesy movies and 'camp' horror films haha.

But I did manage to read this little gem!

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Synopsis:

As a child, Kathy–now thirty-one years old–lived at Hailsham, a private school in the scenic English countryside where the children were sheltered from the outside world, brought up to believe that they were special and that their well-being was crucial not only for themselves but for the society they would eventually enter. Kathy had long ago put this idyllic past behind her, but when two of her Hailsham friends come back into her life, she stops resisting the pull of memory.

And so, as her friendship with Ruth is rekindled, and as the feelings that long ago fueled her adolescent crush on Tommy begin to deepen into love, Kathy recalls their years at Hailsham. She describes happy scenes of boys and girls growing up together, unperturbed–even comforted–by their isolation. But she describes other scenes as well: of discord and misunderstanding that hint at a dark secret behind Hailsham’s nurturing facade. With the dawning clarity of hindsight, the three friends are compelled to face the truth about their childhood–and about their lives now.

A tale of deceptive simplicity, Never Let Me Go slowly reveals an extraordinary emotional depth and resonance–and takes its place among Kazuo Ishiguro’s finest work.

My Thoughts:

Wow. I have to admit I saw the film before I read the book (it has Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightly, and Andrew Garfield in it!) but I knew from the film that the book was going to be great, and I was right! It is written beautifully, the characters are crafted so well, and it so clever that you don't see anything coming. Its true genius is that its not written as a sci fi or a thriller but it crafts aspects of both into a fantastic piece of literature. I won't say anything else about that as I may give it way, but its crazy good!

The book focuses around the relationships between the characters and the social dynamics of the boarding school itself, we get the story from an adult Kathy's perspective and she describes her younger life in great detail. She skips back and forth between stories of varying importance, mentioning people from her childhood and more importantly her best friends there. Some people have complained about the way it was written, as a one-sided conversation almost, but I thought it worked well with the style of the book. Seriously guys, read this book. it is amazing! And the movie is pretty good as well, its slow moving and full of silences which often puts people off, but if you enjoy well-constructed, beautifully shot, and compelling films then you will love it! its just definitely not a Hollywood blockbuster...

Who knows, maybe I will have more luck reading when I'm back at Uni, actually doing work. It seems to be the case...

xx

Let us hope that Mr. Harry Potter will always be around to save the day...

Today I am going to let you in on a little secret (that is not very secret).

I am completely and utterly obsessed with Harry Potter. Like not even kidding. So I found this little survey and thought it would be quite fun to let you in on quite how obsessed I am...

Its pretty magical so feel free to steal it and fill it out yourself! But leave me the link cause I wanna see you HP obsessions!!

pics on Sodahead

1. If you went to Hogwarts which house would you be sorted in?
According to Pottermore I’m a Hufflepuff, And while they aren’t too exciting I think it means I’m a good person and would be friends with all the other houses. So I’m happy.

2. Have you ever been to the HP midnight release?
Yup. The movie premieres for both HP7s!!

3. What did you think of the Deathly Hallows?
I really liked it, I thought it was a great way to end the series, and I loved all the character goodies! 

4. How many times have you reread the books?
Over 50 times each. Most people don’t believe me, but its true! 

5. Whose death was the saddest?
Fred L He was always my favourite twin! 

6. If you went to Hogwarts would you rather have an owl, a cat, or a rat?
Hmmm Can you have an owl and a cat? Cause I would do that! 

7. What do you think of the movie Half-Blood Prince?
It was good, not my fav but I did like it. Especially all the funnies thrown in there 

8. What do you think of the Deathly Hallows being split in two?
I think it was a really good idea! The story was so detailed it needed to be

9. Have you read the Tales of Beedle the Bard?
Yup sure have, I thought it was cute

10. When did you first become a Potter fan?
Oh wow, I was probably 9, so 11 years ago :O 

Favourite…

Female character?
Hmmm Hermione and Mrs Weasley

Male character?
Ron and Draco. Ron’s just so adorable and I feel sorry for Draco, I always wanted him to defy his parents and join Harry’s team!

Professor?

Professor Mcgonagall, she’s so kick-ass but also a sweetheart. Plus Maggie Smith plays her to perfection!

Death Eater?
Bellatrix, I love how absolutely crazy she is! Its ridiculous! 

Magical creature?
Unicorns, and I think Nifflers sound adorable!

Spell?
Lumos, it would be so helpful. And Accio, because who doesn’t want to be able to summon stuff without moving?!

Book?
I think 1, 4, and 7 are my favourites! But they are all beyond epic. 

Movie?
Ahh I don’t know, 1, 3, 4, and 7. Haha, but again. ALL 

Hogwarts House?
Slytherin! Becuase you can be a goodie, but you can also get away with being bad.

Place?
The Three Broomsticks sounds super cool. And The Burrow!

Weasley?
The Twins and Ron!

Couple?
Rona and Hermione, its gotta be. But also Tonks & Lupin

This or that…

Gryffindor or Slytherin?
Slytherin, but its close

Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff?
Hufflepuff! I’m not smart enough for Ravenclaw!

Fred or George?
BOTH but Fred if I have to pick. Again :( 

Ginny or Luna?
Ginny in the book. But not a fan of Bonnie’s acting

Butterbeer or Firewhiskey?
Butterbeer just sounds delicious!

Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade?
Diagon Alley

Books or Movies?
Books. But I do adore the movies 

Half Blood Prince or Deathly Hallows?
Deathly Hallows, I love it! 

Sorcerer’s Stone or Chamber of Secrets?
Philosophers Stone! (None of this Sorcerers nonsense!)

Lupin or Sirius?
Lupin 

Harry/Ginny or Harry/Hermione?
Harry/Ginny because its always been Ron/Hermione

Lavender Brown or Parvati Patil?
Parvati, I feel like she could be quite badass if needed

Seamus Finnigan or Dean Thomas?
Seamus, I just love that he’s Irish

Kreacher or Dobby?
Dobby

Dan or Rupert?
Rupert for sure!! He is one hot ginger!. 

Bellatrix or Narcissa?
Bellatrix, she’s hilarious!

Voldemort or Tom Riddle?
The guy who played Tom Riddle in COS was pretty hot!, and Voldy doesn’t have a nose. So Tom

Hedwig or Crookshanks?
Hedwig

Woohoo!! Well I'm off to watch Harry Potter for the 1 Billionith time, maybe #4...

Have a great week!

xx

The Stupidity of Others...

*All opinions are my own and I do not mean to offend anyone by sharing them*

Ok can we talk about this story guys? I'm gonna rant now...

I saw the trailer for a movie called Compliance while I was browsing the internet (as you do) and thought it looked interesting, so I watched it, and it intrigued me.

The films description is: "When a prank caller convinces a fast food restaurant manager to interrogate an innocent young employee, no one is left unharmed. Based on true events"

So, being as curious as I am I looked into the true story behind the film and I found this video showing the live footage of the incident and the interviews with the people involved. Basically what happened was...

A McDonalds Manager that holds an employee hostage in a back room after a Police Officer calls the store and accuses the female teenage employee of stealing money from the cash till. The situation quickly escalates as the police officer orders the Manager to strip search the girl and leave her naked in the back room. This continues as the guy demands someone else to watch the girl, humiliating her and forcing her to complete sexual acts.

via

And I could not believe it. Seriously. How thick can you get? No police officer would EVER ask someone to do something like that?! Especially not for over 3 hours!! I really don't understand what was going through that womans mind when she saw what was happening to that poor girl. It made me furious!

What do you guys think? The film being released has raised many questions, like "What would you do in this situation" But seriously, I don't think I would ever be in this situation. Maybe I am too cynical, or have seen too many movies, but if someone called me saying they were a police officer and to strip search my employee I would immediately smell a rat. Wouldn't you?

Ok rant over.
xx

Book Club Friday...

Usually I am thankful that its Friday but it really doesn't make a difference to me anymore because I am ON HOLIDAY! I'm going to keep reminding you cause I'm pretty excited about it OK?
OK.

But Fridays do mean Book Club with Heather which is also pretty exciting...

Fifty Shade Freed by E.L. James

Synopsis

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true.

My Thoughts

Well first up, I'm pretty happy I have finished the trilogy now. I don't have to put up with another one. I'm probably one of the few who didn't love this series. I read them and i will admit they are somewhat addictive, but it didn't make them good.

This one especially I was a little confused about. It felt like at times she had given up on a particular paragraph and just moved on. It was very jumpy, moving quickly from one scene to the next and she didn't execute it very well. I enjoyed the fact that there was a bit more drama, and then the cutesy well rounded ending. But I felt like the whole book was rushing and skipping backwards and forwards in time (which can sometimes be good, but not in this) I have to say the second was the best one, but the trilogy doesn't deserve the mad following it has. I'm pretty sure everyone just loves the sex scenes... And how are they planning on making this into a movie?! Seriously! Mind boggled.

Enjoy your weekends,

 and dig in to a book that's a little better than these huh? 

*hint* try Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, I will be reviewing it next week!

xx

On Your Screen Link-Up!

Hey guys!! It is time for the second On Your Screen link-up!

This week I thought I would let you in on some of my most recent TV obsessions!! Some of them are current, are some are repeat offenders (I love re-watching my favs!)

So here is how I spend most of my free time...

Criminal Minds

via

This is both a current obsession and a repeat-offender. It's one of my all-time favourite shows, I watch the 4 seasons I have on DVD over and over and also watch the current season on TV every Monday night!! 

Criminal Minds is both hilarious and a little scary, that's why I love it. The characters are so well developed that you grow attached to them, but they don't take over the episodes with their personal drama. You can easily watch a stand-alone episode and follow it, but knowing the characters adds to the depth.

Pretty Little Liars

via

This show has just started playing its 3rd season and it is getting GOOD. Its a bit cheesy but such a fun show to watch, full of scandal, secrets, and twists! 

Plus the fashion on the show is amazing and there are plenty of cute boys to stare at! It's definitely one to check out!!

True Blood

via

If you have never watched True Blood you should go start right now!! (after linking up of course). It is fantastic! The perfect mix of sexy, scary, and comedy. And you get to stare at this for a whole 60 minutes...

via

via

Nice huh?!

Season 5 has just started and I'm so excited to see whats to come!! So many twists and turns you actually never know what's going to happen...

Smallville

An oldie but a goodie! I can watch this series over and over again and still love it! Admittedly it does take a while as there are 10 season but its worth it! I have always been a bit of a geek so I love a good superhero story, and this one is great!

Plus its crazy how many actors made appearances in Smallville when they were starting out... There are hundreds!! Its so funny seeing them pop up every now and again.

Amy Adams                 Ian Somerhalder
Colbie Smulders                 Tori Spelling

So this is what I am currently obsessing over... But I'm a TV addict so no doubt there will be more soon!

What are you currently watching?! Link-up you film/TV related posts!

xx

Book Club Friday...

Oh Friday! I am so happy to see you!! Guys... I am offcially on holiday!! For a month! Goodbye A semester!!!

And it's time for Book Club with Heather!

SO this week I am reviewing the book chosen for Book Club on the Better Blogger Network (which is pretty awesome!! You should check it out) And we don't discuss it till the end of the month but it was so darn good I couldn't wait!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Synopsis

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me of The Hunger Games because its set in a dystopian future, and the main character is a kick-ass 16 year old. But that's where the comparisons stop, its not a rip off. Its a really clever, fun to read book.

Exciting and fast paced, you are sucked in straight away and are always wanting to know what is going to happen!! I'm already reading the second one! The romance between Tris and Four is quite realistic too (as realistic as it can be) and you totally root for them. And so far theres no nasty love triangles that sneak up and ruin things!

Definitely one to check out! I highly reccomend it if you like YA fiction!
xx

On Your Screen!!

Here we are!! I'm so excited to be writing the first ever post for our new link-up On Your Screen!!!

The Idea is to write a review of a TV show or Film and link up with me or Abby so you can share your views with the rest of us!

<center><a href="http://sineadelle.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/On%20Your%20Screen"><img border="0" src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o522/SineadElle/OnYourScreen.jpg" /></a></center>

So without further ado...

The Awakening

I'm a bit iffy with horror/thriller movies... I love watching them, it always seems like a good idea... until I try to go to sleep. That being said, I do watch a lot of them, and most horror films that come out recently are crap.

But surprise surprise...The Awakening was gooood!! It was the perfect mix of creepyness and interesting. You really wanted to keep watching to find out what happened and I seriously didn't guess the twist until it was revealed, which is always a good thing in my book.

In England, 1921, Florence Cathcart is a famous ghost debunker, she visits different places that are apparently haunted, and she exposes the frauds. When she visits an all boys boarding school, said to be haunted by a little boy, she believes it will be just another hoax. However it doesn't go as planned and as mysterious things begin to happen Florence must rethink her views on the undead.

I highly recommend this film! It has brilliant acting, a creepy but beautiful setting (who doesn't enjoy Victorian mansions?!) it has a creepy little boy ghost, and it will keep you guessing the whole way through!


Giveaway!!
To celebrate our first ever On Your Screen link-up we have a little giveaway organised!! Enter with the rafflecopter below and be in to win a $25 Amazon.com voucher!! Woohoo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
So link on up and share your film and TV recommendations!! We would love to have you xx

On Your Screen Link-Up!!

I am so so excited to bring this to you tomorrow!! This will be my first ever time hosting a Link-Up and its so much more exciting because it's one I am co-hosting with my friend Abby! We created it and I even designed the button!

The idea is we want you to review a film or TV show you love/hate/were confused about... anything really!! Then link up every Tuesday (Monday for you Northern Hemisphere kids!) and join us as we discover new movies and TV shows to obsess over!

Grab a button and link up!

<center><a href="http://sineadelle.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/On%20Your%20Screen"><img border="0" src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o522/SineadElle/OnYourScreen.jpg" /></a></center>
As an added incentive... We have a fabulous giveaway running for On Your Screen participants!! So link up with one of us and enter! Up for grabs is a $25 Amazon voucher!
I really hope you will join us! See you tomorrow!xx

Book Club Friday...

I have had a super successful book reading week. I'm not sure why as I had 3 assignments due in that I should have been doing, it must have been procrastination! 

So I'm linking up with Heather for Book Club Friday once again. I actually finished 2 books this weeks but I shall just review one as the other is the book I'm reading for the Better Blogger Book Club, which you should all check out! (It's such a great Blogging community)

So here we go...

Fifty Shade Darker by E L James

Synopsis

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. 

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

My Thoughts

Hmmm, where to start. First off, I did like this one better than the first. It had more plot, more character development, and dare I say it, less sex. I still have issues with the series overall however. I like reading them, and I like some of the twists and turns that came up in this book. However, I just don't get the obsession with Christian Grey. Really?! Their relationship does not make sense. As the book repeatedly says he is "50 shades of f*%^ed up" and I very much doubt any girl would accept his craziness and fall in love. AND I'm no therapist but I'm very sceptical about the way Christian seems to overcome his issues rather quickly. The whole thing seems ridiculous.

In saying that, there is something to this series. Somehow it can be so ridiculous, and badly written, and full of soft-core porn, and yet it really does hook you. How, I am not sure. But it does. I will go on to read the last book. And probably watch the movie if it ever happens (although I really don't see how they will do it, without a restricted 20 rating). 

AND


I'm so so so excited to bring this up!


My good friend Abby and I have decided to set a new weekly Link Party!!
There are plenty of book review parties out there, but I know lots of us spend time watching movies and TV too. Sooooooooo introducing the newest link party on the block...

Link up with either of our blogs every Tuesday and review your favourite or latest movie, a good or bad TV show and anything else you may think of to do with the two!

I'm so excited for this to happen... Watch this space!

xx

Book Club Friday...

Thank goodness its friday! I'm very excited that tomorrow is the weekend. University is beginning to stress me out! Gah. Aaaand Friday means that its time for Book Club! I'm linking up with Heather at Blonde Undercover Blonde.

I'm a little embarrassed about what I read this week. I swore to myself I wasn't going to read it, then I just couldn't help myself... luckily I got my flatmate onto it too, so we could discuss the extreme awkwardness together!

50 Shades of Grey by E L James

Synopsis via Amazon

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
 
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.


Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Thoughts

I, uh, erm, whaaaaat?! I honestly don't even know what to say about this book... I have to admit it is gripping, you do want to keep reading and find out what, if anything, is going to happen. And I do like the way James uses Ana's "inner goddess" to describe her feelings etc. its quite well done.

However I have a lot of issues with it. Its not greatly written, but I can forgive it for that, it doesn't really set out to be a literature masterpiece. The main issue I have is that there's no clear plot. Its basically girl, meets boy, girl falls for boy, they have a lot of ridiculously graphic and un-necessary sex. The end. The sex is just so... non-stop. Honestly, there is too much, I would finish awkwardly reading one sex scene and get ready for some more plot development, but no... they just move to a different room and have graphic sex again. Ugh.

I'm yet to read the second one, but unless there's a lot more plot and less sex I doubt I will read the third. There's only so much kinky, descriptive sex a girl can read! All in all a little under-whelmed...