I like to follow anyone and everyone who is so kind to follow my little blog. HOWEVER, I have the amazing "ability" to complicate the uncomplicated, and can't seem to figure out how to follow some of you, or even see your blog.
IF I have not followed you, please don't think I'm being bitchy (it's not my style); I'm just a blog virgin (Get it? Lame, I know.) and can't seem to figure it out.
Just wanted you to know...I'm not ignoring you or anything along those lines. I just can't seem to follow you or see your blog for one reason or another.
HAPPY MOCKINGJAY DAY!
Click To Enlargen
It is here folks! Mockingjay, the third and final book in The Hunger Games trilogy has flown the nest here in the UK. I for one am very excited and am dying to grab hold of a copy and start reading.
Once again, I'd like to promise a spoiler free review, and I'd like to ask that you refrain from posting any spoilers here on Empire of Books! I'd hate for the book to be spoilt for anyone!
Enjoy, grab your copy and find out how it all ends. Will Peeta escape the Capitol? Will Katniss lead the revolution? Will we ever find out why President Snow's breath smells of blood? It's all there waiting for you! :D
True Blood Tuesday--Only 2 Episodes Left!!
If you haven't read my last True Blood Tuesday, you might want to check it out before reading this one. Last Week's True Blood Tuesday
Okay! Here we go!
Sookie: "I'm a fairy? How f*&^in' lame." This was Sookie's reaction to the news that she is, indeed, part fairy. Bill told her everything from his meeting with Claudine, including how every supernatural being he's ever met believes fairies were wiped out of existence by vampires. He touched on the fact that fairy blood is the most delectable blood a vampire will ever taste, which could account for why supernaturals believe vampires are to blame for the extinction of fairies. Eric shows up at Jason's house (where Bill and Sookie are essentially hiding), and says goodbye to Sookie, stating that he will not be around much longer. He also implored Bill to tell Sookie the truth; when Sookie says he has told her what she is, Bill shares a coy, almost guilty look with Eric. Perhaps it's the fact that Sophie-Anne ordered Bill to bring Sookie to her, so she could drink her blood and gain the ability to be in the sun.
Bill leaves Sookie in Jason's care while he is below ground for the day. Sookie, meanwhile, has a semi-sexual dream about Eric, wherein he warns her not to trust Bill. When she awakens from the dream, she slips Jason's not-so-watchful eye (he's a distracted one) and heads to Fangtasia. (see Eric below for what happens next).
Bill: Explains all about fairies to Sookie, including the not-so-fun fact that fairies are supposedly rapists (they would mate with unwilling humans), and vampires are blamed for their extinction. Bill assures Sookie that though her blood attracted him initially, the bond they share is based solely on love; he even promised never to taste her blood again, if that would prove to her how much he loves her. Sweet, huh...in that True Blood way? Bill gets mad at Jason for letting her out of his sight, while Jason forces Bill out of his house by revoking his invitation.
Tara: With Jason's help, they bury and burn Franklin's remains (i.e. guts) and clothing. Tara tells Jason she has always been able to depend on him, and Jason finds this to be the right time to tell her he shot Eggs. This did not go over very well. Tara left, in tears. Poor girl has had a rough couple of seasons on True Blood.
Jason & Crystal: Lafayette brings Crystals dying father to his house, where he feeds him some vampire blood. Right on cue, the blood heals him. Is he grateful? Nope. He's mad at Crystal for allowing the likes of Lafayette and Jesus to feed him V. When her father runs off, and Crystal chases after him, Lafayette says, "Them f!*^ers is a whole new dimension of trash." Crystal's father warns that she must keep with her own kind, mate and reproduce with her own kind, and cautions that he [Jason] will never accept her for what she is. Crystal refuses to go back with her father and runs off. After Jason loses Sookie and mind-kicks Bill out of his house, he follows a strange noise to his bedroom. Sitting on the floor of his bedroom is a black panther with glowing eyes. Staring at it, dumbfounded, he watches as the panther then transforms into a naked Cyrstal. Jason, completely shocked, mutters, "Mama."
Holly, Arlene, & Terry: Well, we learn that Holly is a wiccan. Arlene confesses to Terry that the baby isn't his...that her psycho ex is the father. Instead of acting hurt or angry, Terry insists on being this child's father and surrounding him/her with nothing but love, so there is no way the infant will turn out like Rene. Arlene, however, still wants to end the pregnancy and seeks Holly's alternative help.
Lafayette & Jesus: In what was just about the strangest part of the episode, Lafayette and Jesus take a V trip together, visiting some odd people in their pasts. We learn a couple of interesting things about these lovebirds: Lafayette comes from a family of conjurers (they showed how his ancestors kept their masters away by sprinkling powder around their doors); Jesus's grandfather was a voodoo sorcerer (he was described as a frightening man; Jesus and his family hid from him).
Jessica, Hoyt, Summer, & Tommy: Tommy tries to put the moves on Jessica, but is rebuffed. Hoyt FINALLY dumps Summer and professes his love to Jessica, but she is so shocked, she couldn't return his sentiments...initially. Hoyt leaves Merlotte's, crushed, and is confronted by a cocky Tommy, who Hoyt wastes no time knocking backwards. Angry, Tommy shifts into a pit bull and brutally attacks Hoyt. Jessica realizes she loves Hoyt and runs outside to tell him, only to find him being attached by the shifter, Tommy. In yet another awesome move, Jessica swiftly rushes to Hoyt, blasts the pit bull off of him, and feeds him her blood. Oh, and she FINALLY tells Hoyt she loves him...while Tommy, back to human form, spies from the woods to which he was thrown.
Russell: After last week's insanity, Russell keeps a bit quiet this episode. Still toting around his lover's guts, Russell picks up a Talbot look-a-like prostitute and proceeds to relive Talbot's final moments, as they should have been in his mind. He professes his love, makes his apologies, and stakes the look-a-like. As the prostitute died, Russell hallucinates Talbot's face, and says his goodbyes.
Sam: Probably one of the most shocking sequences of the night. Sam, after he attacked Crystal's father in the previous episode, begins to dive into his memories, where we see a side of Sam we never thought existed: a cold, jewel-thieving conman, who, unbeknownst to his female accomplice, used his shifting to get in and out without anyone the wiser. However, his sexy blonde sidekick double-crosses him, and takes all of his money/jewels, leaving with a slimy man she was scheming with. Sam tracks them down, dog-style, and kills them both...he killed her in self defense, then followed with the guy, execution format. It was quite a dark sequence.
Eric: Defeated, Eric calls in a vampire lawyer to make his will. He leaves everything to a defiant Pam. For most of the episode, Eric sulked, accepting certain death at Russell's hand. The only thing that brought our Eric out of his slump was the sudden appearance of Sookie Stackhouse. After her perplexing dream, Sookie stormed into Eric's office, demanding why she shouldn't trust and Bill...and why Eric is acting like he's going to meet his end. Eric says there is one thing he would regret if he died: not kissing Sookie.
Yes, he kisses her...big time. Sookie initially resists, but falls into his arms quite quickly before Pam interrupts. In private, Pam suggests that Eric give Sookie to Russell, but Eric--unwilling to admit his feelings for Sookie--refuses, saying he will not do that to her. Pam then begs him to at least use her as leverage. After thinking for a bit, Eric goes into his office, grabs Sookie, drags her down to the dungeon, and chains her up. Sookie screams, and we see Bill reacting to her call.
Okay! Here we go!
Sookie: "I'm a fairy? How f*&^in' lame." This was Sookie's reaction to the news that she is, indeed, part fairy. Bill told her everything from his meeting with Claudine, including how every supernatural being he's ever met believes fairies were wiped out of existence by vampires. He touched on the fact that fairy blood is the most delectable blood a vampire will ever taste, which could account for why supernaturals believe vampires are to blame for the extinction of fairies. Eric shows up at Jason's house (where Bill and Sookie are essentially hiding), and says goodbye to Sookie, stating that he will not be around much longer. He also implored Bill to tell Sookie the truth; when Sookie says he has told her what she is, Bill shares a coy, almost guilty look with Eric. Perhaps it's the fact that Sophie-Anne ordered Bill to bring Sookie to her, so she could drink her blood and gain the ability to be in the sun.
Bill leaves Sookie in Jason's care while he is below ground for the day. Sookie, meanwhile, has a semi-sexual dream about Eric, wherein he warns her not to trust Bill. When she awakens from the dream, she slips Jason's not-so-watchful eye (he's a distracted one) and heads to Fangtasia. (see Eric below for what happens next).
Bill: Explains all about fairies to Sookie, including the not-so-fun fact that fairies are supposedly rapists (they would mate with unwilling humans), and vampires are blamed for their extinction. Bill assures Sookie that though her blood attracted him initially, the bond they share is based solely on love; he even promised never to taste her blood again, if that would prove to her how much he loves her. Sweet, huh...in that True Blood way? Bill gets mad at Jason for letting her out of his sight, while Jason forces Bill out of his house by revoking his invitation.
Tara: With Jason's help, they bury and burn Franklin's remains (i.e. guts) and clothing. Tara tells Jason she has always been able to depend on him, and Jason finds this to be the right time to tell her he shot Eggs. This did not go over very well. Tara left, in tears. Poor girl has had a rough couple of seasons on True Blood.
Jason & Crystal: Lafayette brings Crystals dying father to his house, where he feeds him some vampire blood. Right on cue, the blood heals him. Is he grateful? Nope. He's mad at Crystal for allowing the likes of Lafayette and Jesus to feed him V. When her father runs off, and Crystal chases after him, Lafayette says, "Them f!*^ers is a whole new dimension of trash." Crystal's father warns that she must keep with her own kind, mate and reproduce with her own kind, and cautions that he [Jason] will never accept her for what she is. Crystal refuses to go back with her father and runs off. After Jason loses Sookie and mind-kicks Bill out of his house, he follows a strange noise to his bedroom. Sitting on the floor of his bedroom is a black panther with glowing eyes. Staring at it, dumbfounded, he watches as the panther then transforms into a naked Cyrstal. Jason, completely shocked, mutters, "Mama."
Holly, Arlene, & Terry: Well, we learn that Holly is a wiccan. Arlene confesses to Terry that the baby isn't his...that her psycho ex is the father. Instead of acting hurt or angry, Terry insists on being this child's father and surrounding him/her with nothing but love, so there is no way the infant will turn out like Rene. Arlene, however, still wants to end the pregnancy and seeks Holly's alternative help.
Lafayette & Jesus: In what was just about the strangest part of the episode, Lafayette and Jesus take a V trip together, visiting some odd people in their pasts. We learn a couple of interesting things about these lovebirds: Lafayette comes from a family of conjurers (they showed how his ancestors kept their masters away by sprinkling powder around their doors); Jesus's grandfather was a voodoo sorcerer (he was described as a frightening man; Jesus and his family hid from him).
Jessica, Hoyt, Summer, & Tommy: Tommy tries to put the moves on Jessica, but is rebuffed. Hoyt FINALLY dumps Summer and professes his love to Jessica, but she is so shocked, she couldn't return his sentiments...initially. Hoyt leaves Merlotte's, crushed, and is confronted by a cocky Tommy, who Hoyt wastes no time knocking backwards. Angry, Tommy shifts into a pit bull and brutally attacks Hoyt. Jessica realizes she loves Hoyt and runs outside to tell him, only to find him being attached by the shifter, Tommy. In yet another awesome move, Jessica swiftly rushes to Hoyt, blasts the pit bull off of him, and feeds him her blood. Oh, and she FINALLY tells Hoyt she loves him...while Tommy, back to human form, spies from the woods to which he was thrown.
Russell: After last week's insanity, Russell keeps a bit quiet this episode. Still toting around his lover's guts, Russell picks up a Talbot look-a-like prostitute and proceeds to relive Talbot's final moments, as they should have been in his mind. He professes his love, makes his apologies, and stakes the look-a-like. As the prostitute died, Russell hallucinates Talbot's face, and says his goodbyes.
Sam: Probably one of the most shocking sequences of the night. Sam, after he attacked Crystal's father in the previous episode, begins to dive into his memories, where we see a side of Sam we never thought existed: a cold, jewel-thieving conman, who, unbeknownst to his female accomplice, used his shifting to get in and out without anyone the wiser. However, his sexy blonde sidekick double-crosses him, and takes all of his money/jewels, leaving with a slimy man she was scheming with. Sam tracks them down, dog-style, and kills them both...he killed her in self defense, then followed with the guy, execution format. It was quite a dark sequence.
Eric: Defeated, Eric calls in a vampire lawyer to make his will. He leaves everything to a defiant Pam. For most of the episode, Eric sulked, accepting certain death at Russell's hand. The only thing that brought our Eric out of his slump was the sudden appearance of Sookie Stackhouse. After her perplexing dream, Sookie stormed into Eric's office, demanding why she shouldn't trust and Bill...and why Eric is acting like he's going to meet his end. Eric says there is one thing he would regret if he died: not kissing Sookie.
Yes, he kisses her...big time. Sookie initially resists, but falls into his arms quite quickly before Pam interrupts. In private, Pam suggests that Eric give Sookie to Russell, but Eric--unwilling to admit his feelings for Sookie--refuses, saying he will not do that to her. Pam then begs him to at least use her as leverage. After thinking for a bit, Eric goes into his office, grabs Sookie, drags her down to the dungeon, and chains her up. Sookie screams, and we see Bill reacting to her call.
Blogger Confidential: Edgy Fiction
Blogger confidential is a series of 12 questions asked to 11 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype. This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.
If you feel inspired by any of these questions, leave your answer in the comments, or create your own post!
This week's question:
Fiction has become progressively edgier in recent years. Where do you as a reader draw the line?
"The best way I can answer this is that I don't really have a line. There's nothing that I will rule out really in a book as long as it's organic to the story and serves it well. Gratuitous violence and sex don't appeal to me and there are certain ideas I don't enjoy seeing, but if a story feels human and if it depicts life as it really is and is important to understanding the characters and the story, then it belongs in the book. I do think sometimes less is more, though. We have imaginations for a reason." Amy from My Friend Amy
"I honestly don't often put a book down but I do admit that when I'm considering a book to read the first thing I usually will do after getting my hands on it, is to flip through the pages quickly. I personally don't like books with an unusual amount of foul language or sex. If they pass the flip test without me noticing anything than usually I'm good. I have always liked "issue books" and I love that teens are able to find books that reflect their true lives. Where were some of these YA books when I was younger?!" Natasha from Maw Books
"It has. I recently read a book in which a minor is brutally gang raped and killed after having gotten drunk and drugged at an earlier party.
This was a young adult book. I understand the need to "relate" to younger readers, but I also feel there are quite a few topics better left for an older age or even just discussion within a family setting.
For me personally, it has more to do with my own morals and what I feel I can honestly read without being ashamed to have read it. For me, this means no erotica type books as well as books with too many intentionally violent scenes (ie. violence for the sake of having violence). There should be a purpose to have a scene in a book and a maturity accompanying it." Danielle from There's a Book
"I don't draw the line because I don't think I read particularly edgy books. I read what I like, and if that means it has cursing or sex or whatever, then I roll with it because I assume the author has put it in the book for a reason." Trish from Hey Lady! Watcha Reading?
"Hm. I’m not sure I agree that fiction in general has been getting “edgier” in recent years. Some of the grittiest, most avante garde stuff I’ve read was written back in the forties or the sixties, some of it even centuries before that. And, upon more recent re-readings, those books haven’t lost their punch over time. I often find myself amazed at the inventive and unprecedented things writers were doing before my time, before their own time, you might say. So I wouldn’t categorize today’s fiction as edgier than that of previous eras. Just different." Angie from Angieville
"I don't like to read books that have excessive cussing or teenage sex. I feel like it's distracting to the story, and often feel those books are lacking in actual storyline and have to make up for it by adding all of that content to make it appeal to teens." Andye from Reading Teen
"I’ve read many books that feature 'edgy' subjects that some say push YA’s limits, but, personally, I haven’t found my limit! I think it’s important to incorporate that edge because real life is not perfect and fluffy. There are sharp edges and pretending that they don’t exist doesn’t make them go away." Sara from The Hiding Spot
"I don't think there should be a line. Teens exist within a spectrum of experiences and behaviours. It doesn't cut off magically at one point because adults like to think it does. Cursing, drugs, sex, etc all happen in real life. If we draw a line then really important subject matter gets censored by authors or organisations with ulterior agendas. It's important to read stories about coming out, about teens breaking the law, of making mistakes and taking chances. We learn and grow from the mistakes we make - there's no line when it comes to mistakes. To only thing that matters is how well those stories are told." Adele from Persnickety Snark
"Umm, define "edgier"? I suppose more subjects are being broached in YA lit that were once taboo. I don't really have a problem with this, as long as the concept's done well; some of the edgy books strike important chords in some readers. I think I actually draw the line at the opposite end of the spectrum: trope-ridden, melodramatic, "tru luv" stories, usually of the theoretically gasp-inducing paranormal romance kind. *sigh*" Steph from Steph Su Reads
"I have no line, the edgier the better!" Pam from Bookalicious
"Honestly, I am not sure if I have a specific line that I draw. I personally do not mind sex, drugs, etc. in the novels that I read. However, for me, they have to have a point or a moral. For example, if I read a Young Adult novel and it has drug usage in it, I will not be turned off by the novel unless it is just there. Meaning the characters do Drug X for no other reason than they want to. But if the novel ties this usage into the story line somehow and makes it relevant, then as a reader, I understand why Drug X is being talked about. The same can be said about sex." Kate from The Neverending Shelf
Makeup Magic Monday: Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover
For literally years, Lancome has topped every beauty list with their world famous eye makeup remover, Bi-Facil. But, the brilliance comes at a price: $26 for 4.2 fl. oz.
Want the benefits of Bi-Facil without the price? Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is equal to Bi-Facil on every level...except price.
For a 3.8 fl. oz. bottle, expect to pay a whopping $4.95. If you shop at Target, this product is often featured as one of their sale items, so you can get it for even less.
Like Bi-Facil, you shake it up prior to each use, pour some on a cotton ball, and gently swipe over eyes. I have found that it removes even the toughest waterproof products.
It won't dry out your eyes, either. Just a wonderful product! In fact, In Style named it as a lower cost equivalent to Bi-Facil.
Available anywhere Neutrogena Products are sold.
Want the benefits of Bi-Facil without the price? Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is equal to Bi-Facil on every level...except price.
For a 3.8 fl. oz. bottle, expect to pay a whopping $4.95. If you shop at Target, this product is often featured as one of their sale items, so you can get it for even less.
Like Bi-Facil, you shake it up prior to each use, pour some on a cotton ball, and gently swipe over eyes. I have found that it removes even the toughest waterproof products.
It won't dry out your eyes, either. Just a wonderful product! In fact, In Style named it as a lower cost equivalent to Bi-Facil.
Available anywhere Neutrogena Products are sold.
Gallagher Girls 1-2 Mini Review
By: Ally Carter
Copy purchased from Paperbackswap.com
Synopsis (From Goodreads): The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?
Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.
My Review: This book was utterly charming. I have found myself recommending this book over and over again to people, and I only read it about a week ago. Through a glitch on my part with Paperback Swap, I ended up with a paperback and hardback copy. I have lent them both out.
This book isn't filled with fantastic prose that makes you feel 30 years old and educated. However, after just having finished LAST NIGHT I SANG TO THE MONSTER
, and BEAUTIFUL
, I needed this book. It was fun, and light-hearted. I could see myself being a lot like Cammie. She is smart, but blends in. She is rarely noticed, especially when she doesn't want to be. I think many girls feel like they fall in this same category. Plus, as a spy in training, she has access to tools that give information about her crush, Josh, that I would have KILLED for in high school. Hacking into email, digging through garbage, tracking devices on shoes, you name it.However, the best thing about this book was the witty dialogue. Both internal and external. This is my favorite part from the book:
"His name is Josh," I said finally.It is very rarely that I laugh out loud when reading a book. But, I was so smitten by the witty dialogue and fun characters that I was laughing until tears came. Well played, Ms. Carter, well played.
"Cammie!" Liz cried, as if she couldn't believe I was giving such sensitive intel to the enemy.
But Macey only repeated, "Josh," as if trying it on for size.
"Yeah," I said. "I met him when we had a mission in town, and... well..."
"Now you can't stop thinking about him... You always want to know what he's doing... You'd kill to know if he's thinking about you..." Macey said, like a doctor reeling off symptoms.
"Yes!" I cried. "That's soooo it!"
She shrugged. "That's too bad kid."
[....]
"He thinks I'm homeschooled for religious reasons."
"Yeah," she said, nodding as if that were answer enough. "I'd say you've still got a shot."
OH.MY.GOSH. It was if the gray storm clouds had parted and Macey McHenry was the sun, bringing wisdom and truth into the eternal darkness. (Or something a lot less melodramatic.)
This series is a must-read for young teenage girls. I found myself dreaming about what it would be like to go to a secret school for spies. You'll love it.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
By: Ally Carter
Copy purchased from Paperbackswap.com
Synopsis (From Goodreads): After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world... for spies.
Cammie Morgan may have a genius IQ and attend the best school in the country, but as she starts the spring semester of her sophomore year there are a lot of things she doesn't know. Like will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble did she really get in last semester? And, most of all, exactly why is her mother acting so strangely?
All Cammie wants is a nice, normal semester, but she's about to learn her greatest lesson yet—that when you go to a school for spies, nothing is ever as it seems.
My Review: This book picks up almost right where the first leaves off. I found this book to be a little less satisfying than the first. Mostly because the plot was pretty much the same. A few of the characters were swapped, but there was a lot of the same types of actions.
Like Cammie, I kept wondering how much of her world was genuine.
But, much of the things I loved about the first book are still there. Witty dialogue, fun characters, and an imaginative twist on high school life. Cute, nice (albeit sarcastic) boys abound, and her friends are behind her 100%. Two thing I'd like to see, however, are more of Bex's personality. I feel like she's just Cammie's sidekick. I want Bex to come out and shine a little more. Macey as well. Macey is developing into a character that I really love. She's very sarcastic, but loyal all at the same time.
I wasn't blown away by this sequel, but it was worth reading. I definitely want to continue on with the story since there is so much that can still be done with this world.
My Rating:
Profanity: None
Sexuality: Mild kissing and hand-holding
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Violence: Mild
Mockingjay Monday
On my Twitter today, I've gone a little Mockingjay mad and have proclaimed today, MOCKINGJAY MONDAY! Original, huh? Well, I am so excited about this book and wanted to just say that here on Empire of Books, there will be a SPOILER FREE review. I am going to do my absolute best to avoid all spoilers. I hate having a book ruined for me, and I sure as hell don't want to spoil the book for you. So you can rest assured that you don't have to avoid all the book blogs!
It's out tomorrow in the US, and Wednesday worldwide (in English). Beware GoodReads, and now USA Today and the LA Times where there are spoilerific reviews! Shocking! And copies are now winging their way to people from Amazon (US, not sure about UK) and Waterstones here in England! Get excited people! :)
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