Books in News #1

A wrap-up of recent events, announcements, releases, or other news circulating the web.

Hello my dear followers and lurkers, how's everyone doing lately? I’ve been busy with college, work and the release of Lover Reborn ^.^ Had to read it. So naturally, I missed a couple of news that have been doing the rounds this past week.

As a consequence, I have decided to start my very own meme. A specific post that will cover the latest news in book related matters. So far I'll be doing it for myself, but if other bloggers are interested in joining in let me know in the comments below and I'll make a grab box for it and post intructions ^.^

Now, to the matter of the post itself, the news.

Are you a fan of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James? If so, you may be pleased (or outraged, depending on your stance) to know that Fifty Shades of Gray is heading to the big screen. On Monday, March 26, 2012 it was announced that Universal Studios will be the one in charge of bringing this BDSM story to Hollywood thanks to a rumored whooping $5 million. I haven’t read the books yet, but I have read a lot of rave reviews and there are plenty of friends who recommend the series so I plan to give it a try at some point down the road. The question remains; will you see the movie?

The Hunger Games (Spoiler Free)

Movie: The Hunger Games 

Genre(s): Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Action-Drama
Runtime: 2:22
Format: regular
Rating: PG–13
Studio: Lionsgate
Country: USA
Language: English
Official Website: The Hunger Games Movie

Director: Gary Ross
Producer(s): Jon Kilik, Nina Jacobson, Suzanne Collins, Robin Bissell
Writer(s): Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Find it: Currently in a theater near you.
Scores:

• Metacritic: 68/100 (critics); 7.8/10 (users) [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-hunger-games] 
• Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (critics); 95% (users) [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_hunger_games/] 
• My rating: ★★★★★

Yesterday was the release day for the hugely awaited movie based on Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The dystopian tale of survival featuring Katniss Everdeen and her role in the deadliest games in Panem.

Disclaimer: For those of you who have not read the book yet or do not plan to read it, this is my shorter, spoiler free review of the movie The Hunger Games. If you have read the book and would rather want to read my spoiler-splashed review click here.

Whenever I see that my favorite books are being turned into movies or TV, I get small panic attack. It is so rare for a movie to follow a book closely that most of the times I feel like I am watching a completely different story. Sometimes these adaptations/variations simply work, for example: True Blood (I love what they did to Lafayette’s character) other times they fail to reach the bar set by the book.

The Hunger Games (Spoilers Alert)

Movie: The Hunger Games
Genre(s): Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Action-Drama
Runtime: 2:22
Format: regular
Rating: PG–13
Studio: Lionsgate
Country: USA
Language: English
Official Website: The Hunger Games Movie

Director: Gary Ross
Producer(s): Jon Kilik, Nina Jacobson, Suzanne Collins, Robin Bissell
Writer(s): Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray
Main Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Find it: Currently in a theater near you.
Scores:

• Metacritic: 68/100 (critics); 7.8/10 (users) [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-hunger-games] 
• Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (critics); 95% (users) [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_hunger_games/] 
• My rating: ★★★★★

Yesterday was the release day for the hugely awaited movie based on Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The dystopian tale of survival featuring Katniss Everdeen and her role in the deadliest games in Panem.

Disclaimer: If you are reading this review I am assuming that you read the book and already know the story and what happens in it. What I want to do here is to just mention what I thought of the movie in general, the castings, the settings and the accuracy of the story. If you haven’t read the books yet, and/or simply don’t want spoilers, please visit this link instead.

Whenever I see that my favorite books are being turned into movies or TV, I get small panic attack. It is so rare for a movie to follow a book closely that most of the times I feel like I am watching a completely different story. Sometimes these adaptations/variations work, for example: True Blood (I love what they did to Lafayette’s character) other times they fail to reach the bar set by the book.

Review: Connected by Jolyn Palliata

Title: Connected
Series: Twists of Fate, Book 1
Author: Jolyn Palliata
Publisher: Jolyn Palliate
Publication Date: October 14, 2011
Reviewed Format: Free ePub
Source: Read for Free at Goodreads
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository

Book Description:
Addison wakes from surgery to discover that the doctors have removed the mass that she had, unfortunately she had a reaction to the anesthetics and she died on the operation table, but only for a moment and they obviously succeeded in bringing her back. However, she didn’t come back alone.

Rhys Alexander had it all, money, fame, looks to die for, and more women he cared about. Such is the life a rock star, but Fate is one girl that likes to mess with people, will he be capable of handling the curve ball thrown his way?

I am a sucker for a good love story and that is exactly what one gets out if this short novella.

The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybe 5 hours total to read. Yet it is exactly the type of story I was in the mood for. A sweet, good, well written tale that had me rooting for the characters and completely interested on their story.

I like how it feels like Rhys seems to be the main character even though the story is told from Addison’s POV. The story only shifts POV whenever Rhys himself is shifting, and it is his character the one that has the most growth within the pages.

But enough with the spoilers; the bottom line is that it’s very enjoyable story, easy and fast to read. It is a great beginning to a new series.

The story is currently free to read in Goodreads, how long that will last? I honestly don’t know. Still, I recommend you guys to check it out. In truth, no one loves every book and not every book is for everyone; try the prologue and the first chapter (since it’s free). I believe that they are strong enough to pull you in, and if they don’t, then maybe the story is not for you.

Quotes:
These are two quotes from the book that i really like, so I'm sharing them with you:

"...as Johnathan kissed her, his tongue dipping in and sweeping against hers. His contact was firm and she felt the purpose behind it; he was testing the waters, checking her receptiveness. She would have been a helluva lot more into it if it hadn't been for asshat rock star in her head." 

–Addison, Chapter 8

and:

"Her last thoughts before drifting to sleep were of their conversation. His last words whispered through her head: I always loved a good challenge in life. 

It seemed that inclination hadn’t changed in his death.” 

–Addison, Chapter 9 

PS: if you do choose to read the novella, stick to it until after it ends. The letter shown at the end is written by none other than Fate himself (yes, you read that correctly, Fate); I was smiling through the whole thing, which is not too long, but still.

UPDATE:

• The author read my review and clarified a minor detailed that I got wrong; Fate is a MAN! Yeap, he is. When I read the intro for book 2 it sounded to me like a girl was talking; however, this throws a new an interesting curve ball ^.^
• (June 21, 2012) - The book is no longer available for free at Goodreads.

How fast do you read?

Hello my amazing followers and lurker. Want to know how fast do you read? Click on the link to take a quick test and see which is your reading level.

The widget can be access through this post; however, it will also remain on the sidebar. While you are at it, if you are an eBook fan take a minute to answer the poll underneath the reading widget. The poll, what is your favorite eReader device?

According to this, I read 283 words per minute, or 13% faster than the national average. Cool!

Source: Staples eReader Department

News: Dark Shadows by Tim Burton

Have we ever seen Johnny Depp as a vampire before? Personally, I don't remember a movie of off his where he is a fangy creature; but although I have seen most of his movie I don’t believe that I’ve seen them all so please excuse me if I’m wrong (and feel to correct me in the comments section below).

Whether we have seen it or not before, we will definitely be seen it this Mother’s Day weekend. Why? Because the movie hits theaters on Friday May 11, 2012; just 2 days before Mother’s Day.

On a quick glance what can we find? Well…

• A Tim Burton movie? Check! 
• Johnny Depp as the main actor as well as producer? Check and Check! 
• Helena Bonham Carter as a supporter actress? Check! 
• Music by Danny Elfman? Hell yeah!! Double Check! 

Aditional cast members include:

Mirror Mirror's Social Queen

Hello everybody!!

I just found the funniest video trailer ever!!! It is from the movie Mirror, Mirror and I'm sure this video will make you  smile; The Queen is on Facebook!!! The movie stars Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen and Lily Collins as Snow White; will be hitting theaters on March 30, 2012.

What do you think? Did you like the video or not? Let everyone know in the comments section below.
(click Read More to see the video).

News: The Dark Artifices

Image from Cassandra Clare's tumblr

Hello to my followers and lurkers;

Are you a fan of Cassandra Clare? Do you love The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, or both? If you have answers yes to either of these, you'll love THIS:

Miss Clare has confirm that the rumored new 3 book spin-off to The Mortal Instruments will in fact be published and is expected to be hitting stands on 2015; the new series name? The Dark Artifices.

In her own words:

"Basically: The Dark Artifices is a go! After a lot of discussion with my publisher, it’s definitely happening — the books are being scheduled, we’re all psyched, and I’ve been looking forward to getting to tell you for weeks!" 

ARC Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy
Series: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Author(s): Robin LaFevers (R.L. LaFevers)
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Source: NetGalley
Reviewed Format: ARC (eGalley)
My Rating: ★★★★★
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository

I think I found myself a new genre!

Grave Mercy has become a double first timer for me. It is the first historical fiction that I read as well as my very first ARC galley (thank you NetGalley). To be honest, this being my first ARC I had no idea how things would unravel; I am pleased to say the book did not disappointed me at all.

It is a breathtaking story, and although action is not the main feature (even though it has its moments) it is an amazing tale of self-discovery and independence. It takes place in Brittany, circa-late Middle Ages.

Ismae was 14 years old when her abusive farmer father sold her into marriage to an even more abusive man from her home village. But soon after she is whisk away to be taken to a convent that prays to Saint Mortain; pagan god of Death. There she discovers the reality behind her birth and hope springs anew.

Fast forward three years, and in her new life as handmaiden of Death, Ismae has been inducted and instructed in all things assassin. Have any of you ever played either of the Assassin’s Creed games? I’ve tried the first one, and although I never got to finish it I have watch my boyfriend play through the ones that came out for PS3. Why I bring this up? Because there is a similar feeling to both stories. You can feel Ismae’s emotions as she wrestles with what she has been taught at the convent vs. what she witnesses developing right in front of her.

The truth is I that like Ismae. Having a story being told only from the main character’s POV can be daunting. But Ismae is a smart, careful, observant young woman whose inexperience gives her a nice touch of realism. She is a strong character, a survivor.

Gunmetal Magic - Cover Revealed

The cover for Gunmetal Magic, the next book in the world of Kate Daniels by the Ilona Andrews duo has been officially revealed!

Gunmetal Magic will tell the story of Andrea Nash; a two part preview of the first chapter is currently up on their website. If you want to read them follow the links below:

Gunmetal Magic Previews:

• Chapter 1, Part 1
• Chapter 1, Part 2

Gunmetal Magic is expected to hit stands on July 31, 2012. Now, without further ado...

Review: Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Bloodfever
Series: The Fever Series, Book 2
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: October 16, 2007
Reviewed Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Bought
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository

The Sinsar Dubh is out there and Mac is the only one that can sense it; a war is quickly approaching and with it the introduction of new players into the ever changing table that holds the world of the Fever series.

At the end of Darkfever we left Mac shivering on the rooftop of Barrons Books and Baubles alongside the man himself. The Sinsar Dubh is now in Dublin and havoc is sure to follow. The world keeps growing and expanding with the introduction of key players and some more disposable ones (won’t tell you which one is which, that’ll be cheating you out of some good twists).

Mac –and by extension Alina– are not the only sidhe-seers anymore. We get to discover a bit more of their world through the eyes of Dani, a young, strong, cocky, reckless, very observant and foul-mouth-to-no-end curly redhead with some serious authority issues that will make you want to hold and cuddle her as well as teach her some manners; in summary just your typical teenager. Dani is a great offset to Mac’s innocent (and sometimes naïve) views of the world that Mac knows almost nothing about and an welcome ball of pure energy to Mac’s obscure future.

Fever Series News

Hello to all of you my readers and lurkers ^.^ Hope everyone is doing great today.

I have a question for you, are there any Karen Marie Moning fans among you? If so you'll be pleased to know that two new set of news have recently surfaced about the Fever Universe, a sex scene from JZB's POV and a second ICED teaser; Yikes!!!

First of, The Alpha Alternative: Sex from JZB's Point of View. Like the title states is an additional sex scene entirely from Barrons' POV; now, what makes this worth getting? It includes an audio version of the scene voiced by Phil Gigante (as Barrons) and Natalie Ross (as Mac). The total cost for this short is $1.99 and you can get it through KMM's own website (for more information refer to the link above). Oh and at the end of the page there is a sample of Mr. Gigante playing as Barrons; it sent chills all over my body!

The second news is the most recent teaser of Iced: A Dani O'Malley Novel, which it can be found in Mrs. Moning's Facebook Page.

Here is the 2nd Teaser:

He isn't what he's pretending to be with her. I watch him all the time. I'm going to be there when he stops pretending. I'm going to be her bulletproof vest, her shield, her fallen fucking angel, whether she wants one or not. He's pretending he's almost human. He's no more human than me.
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In case you were wondering how many more books are or will be in the Fever Universe here is a list:

Survival Guide to “Based on” Movies

Some of 2012's Upcoming Movies that are based on a book or other type of work (click the image to enlarge).

So you intend to watch a movie that is based on somebody else’s work or experience? Maybe your favorite series or author has landed the opportunity to become a blockbuster hit and you are already waiting in line for tickets. Such an endeavor can be an excruciating experience, especially to the more hardcore fan base of the adapted work. And let’s be honest, now-a-days half the movies that are being produced are based on either a bestselling book, a graphic novel, a video game, somebody’s life experience, or my personal favorite (sarcasm intended) a remake of a classic (some of them are not even old enough to be considered classics; Hello Spiderman, Yes! I’m talking to you!).

As an avid reader myself I have become cautious whenever I hear or read that one of my beloved stories will soon be gracing a Big Screen near me or even my TV. I have reread books just before going to a cinema so that I have a fresher memory of the events detailed on the story, just to exit the movie theater arguing while having to explain to my boyfriend (he is not a book lover) all the inconsistencies in the plot line and why it was such a letdown. Which is why –noting the continuous influx of this type of material being produced– I have decided to put together a list of tips or advices to help you survive the tumultuous journey that is watching a “based on” type of movie.

DISCLAIMER: This list is by no means comprehensive, it is not a set of rules or laws that have to be obeyed; it is nothing more than a mere recollection of what I have learned while going through this particular experience several times before.

Tips & Advices:

First of all, and it is extremely important that you understand this crucial factor; movies are meant for entertainment, they are supposed to reach and touch those fibers that make up your feelings and emotions; it is not meant to be accurate, it is not going to be a word by word translation of the actions described by the author of the original scripture. It is but an interpretation of said events or stories imagined by those who direct it and produce it and the rest of the cast and crew.

1. If you haven’t read the book yet, do not, I repeat DO NOT read the work on which the movie is based prior to watching it. For example, if you are going to see The Hunger Games this month but haven’t read the books yet, don’t do it. Reading the book before watching the movie, solely because you are going to watch it, will automatically put you on a defensive stance the moment the movie starts rolling.