Austenland? Stephanie Meyer

Okay, so Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series is a producer now? I'm really confused, and not because I don't think authors can branch out and do other things, but if she could produce a movie, then why did her books get cinematically butchered? Or was it their on screen death that prompted her into going into the film business? haha


I'm actually kind of excited for this movie though, even if it does bring back old feelings of being miffed about Kristin Stewart's lack of an acting ability.





Here's the official trailer for the movie, which will hit theaters August 16th.

Here is also a link to Stephanie Meyer's website, where she talks about this movie: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/otherprojects_austenland.html#3

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. 
(Courtesy of Goodreads)


Overall, I really enjoyed Graceling, and I have only a couple of complaints. First, I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I would have liked. The ending felt very short and forced in comparison to the rest of the book. I was kind of disappointed at how it ended and how things were wrapped up so quickly. It just didn't seem to go together like how I'd pictured it would. I think I honestly was expecting more drama to play out, but everything was more-or-less hunky-dory. I was left just wanting there to be a bit more.

Second, and I'm not sure this is really even a complaint or just my opinion, but this book didn't really seem like it should be classified as YA. It felt a lot more like an adult fantasy novel, especially with the sex and violence, and granted neither were very detailed, but it makes me wonder if this book was marketed as a YA book just to sell more copies?

Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book, no matter where I think it should be classified as, and I'm looking forward to reading the companion novel, Fire. Although, I'm a little sad that it has different characters, since I feel like I spent this whole book getting to know Katsa and Po and I'd love to read more of their story.

Also, Katsa is one on a list of few fictional female characters that I actually like. I find that most female characters are either way too bitchy or way too whiny, or both. I like that Katsa is able to be assertive without coming off as mean, and to be strong without coming off as overly butch or unfeminine. She is a warrior but she's also a woman, and I like that the author allows her to be both, instead of being more rather than the other.

Clockwise by Elle Strauss

*This book was received via NetGalley and All Night Reads for an honest review.*

Casey is a time-traveler and has more issues than the average teenager, especially when she accidentally time travels with her crush, Nate, to the 1860's. She lies and says they are brother and sister in order to keep up with the social protocol of the times, but she is completely in love with him, and sometimes thinks that the feelings might be mutual?

At first I found this book a little hard to get into and kind of boring, but I feel that about a 1/4 of the way through it really picked up and I really enjoyed it. I thought the story was fun and fast paced after it got going, and I always love a good complicated romance!

I really like how both realms, the past and the present are both interesting and Casey has a lot going on in both of her "lives". It sounds weird but it made it feel more realistic, rather then her having a super boring life in the present and then going back in time to have some kick-ass alter-ego.

There was a lot of racial stuff in this book, with a good portion of it taking place in the 1860's, right before the Civil War, it is understandable. I thought it was really interesting how the author played that into the book of how things were so different in this country a little over a hundred years ago, and well, just even 50 years ago.

There is nothing right in the thought that one race should have rights of ownership over another. Or that people shouldn't be allowed together just because of their skin colors. And now I find it strange to think of why people ever thought that that was acceptable.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, it made for a fast, fun read. I think it would be a nice book to bring along on vacation for a nice light read. This book is part of a series of books too, although, I'm really not sure yet whether I'll keep reading, since I kind of like where the story left off.

Apocalyptic Organ Grinder (ebook) by William Todd Rose

I really wasn't planning on writing a post about this book, but seeing as how I've been so busy with other things lately, (mainly a mixture of Netflix and trying to get things ready for my wedding...mainly Netflix though) and haven't been reading much, I thought I would write a review on this.

This book was given to me by Netgalley when I signed up, and for awhile I really didn't plan on reading it. I know it's horrible to judge a book by it's cover without even taking a peak inside, but with a name like Apocalyptic Organ Grinder, I really didn't think this book would interest me, plus as much as I love paranormal stuff, I'm really not that into zombies.

I was really surprised, or well I guess more like shocked, at how well this short story was actually written and I did find myself enjoying it. It wasn't the typical zombie-apocalypse type story, but a story of a world with 2 types of people, those that are clean and unaffected by this disease, and those that are infected and are capable of spreading it.

I really liked how both sides are shown, and I think the author tries to point out that there is no right or wrong side, because each side just wants to be safe and happy.

Overall, I would recommend this short story if you're just looking for something not too long to fill your time. It really isn't a piece of work that's going to change your life, but it is enjoyable. There is some mild violence though, but honestly, it's an apocalyptic story, so what do you really expect, puppies and rainbows?