Teaser Tuesday (24): Flash Point

Teaser Tuesday: Flash Point

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

·Grab your current read 
·Open to a random page 
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page 
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Author: Nancy Kress
Publication Date: November 8, 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Reality TV
Description from Goodreads:
Reality TV meets a chillingly realistic version of America—and the fame game is on!

Amy had dreams of going to college, until the Collapse destroyed the economy and her future. Now she is desperate for any job that will help support her terminally ill grandmother and rebellious younger sister. When she finds herself in the running for a slot on a new reality TV show, she signs on the dotted line, despite her misgivings. And she’s right to have them. TLN’s Who Knows People, Baby—You? has an irresistible premise: correctly predict what the teenage cast will do in a crisis and win millions. But the network has pulled strings to make it work, using everything from 24/7 hidden cameras to life-threatening technology to flat-out rigging. Worse, every time the ratings slip, TLN ups the ante. Soon Amy is fighting for her life—on and off camera.







Teaser: 

     " The slumming socialite that viewers can despise, the desperate climber they can root for, the gorgeous hunk they can drool over, the dummy they can laugh at, and the geek they can be confused by." (page 35 of arc)

The scenarios they come up with are pretty interesting, I'm definitely having a hard time telling reality apart of tv. 

What're you guys reading this week? Leave me a link so I can stop by!

Movie Review: Skyfall

Face it altogether at: Skyfall

Released: November 9, 2012

Director: Sam Mendez

Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan, Ian Fleming

Rating: PG-13

Starring: 
Daniel Craig as James Bond
Judi Dench as M
Javier Bardem as Silva
Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory
Naomie Harris as Eve
Berenice Marlohe as Severine
Ben Whishaw as Q

Synopsis: 
For MI6 agent 007, it just seems like another day at the office until a judgement call is made that sends Bond dropping out of the sky. Resurrected  from the dead, Bond is tested to his limits - physically, mentally and especially his loyalty to M as someone from M's past comes back to wreak havoc in a very personal way. 

Review:

     First things first, I really didn't like the first two Daniel Craig as James Bond movies. They were entertaining in an action sequence, mystery spy intrigue way but it was dark and missing the suave Bond banter and seduction. But this movie COMPLETELY CHANGED IT ALL for me. I LOVED IT. 

     It snares your attention immediately with none other than an extremely well executed (and one of the better chase scenes that I've seen in a long time) and then it brings us to the Bond opening, with the gorgeously melodic Adele crooning 'Skyfall' - it was a perfect start so far! 

     It seems like some very important information has been, 'misplaced' and M is in hot political water as agents start dropping left and right. But it takes a big bang to bring Bond back from his booze fueled mini-retirement. What I loved seeing in Skyfall was a human side to Bond. I was so used to seeing this constantly confident and always in control Bond that always comes out of any situation unscathed - it was refreshing to see a tremor, and exhaustion. It completely shook me and it made the movie so much more intense - I was gasping and clutching my seat because there was this very real possibility that he might not make it. It created a deeper Bond character - he's only human, but it's what he does to overcome it that makes him the superior spy. 

     M and Bond have always had a complex relationship, but one that has stood the test of time. Skyfall gave us a behind the scenes look at a very intimate part of this relationship, and I loved that we got peek into the clouded backstory of Bond. This whole movie was like one giant ode to the series (it is the 50th anniversary!). They snuck in so many references, and snide remarks - it was definitely the highlight of the movie watching the characters banter. 

     Speaking of banter, the dialogue has loosened up considerably. There's a great flow and interaction between Bond and the characters. Even characters that appear briefly were written in such a way that they emblazoned a lasting impression. Especially with the Bond girls, sexy and deadly they could each hold their own with Bond. 

     The plot is crafted to the tiniest detail and keeps you on your toes as Bond jet sets around the world. There's moments where you'll be laughing, crying and gasping in shock and awe. Two and a half hours flew by and while I predicted part way through how the ending would go - it definitely ends with a guns blazing bang and not a whimper. It's set up for a continuation, and I'm not sure that any successors can live up to this one, but I'll be more than willing to give it a try. 

Overall: 5/5 STEAMING HOT Cups of Tea!

GO GO SEE IT NOW! Go find out what deep dark secrets M and Bond are hiding. Find out what Skyfall is! (You know you want to, it's so worth it!) See how this historic slice of the series ends - and how the next will start...

Stacking The Shelves (13): The Manga edition!

Hosted by Tynga

      Okay, I was in serious blog slacker mode this week. I've been buried up to the ceiling of my room in research for a couple of papers due soon, and applications for Grad school. So I'm just going to amalgamate everything from these past couple of weeks!

These (past few) Weeks at Tea And Text

• Review of Iced (Dani O'Malley, #1) by Karen Marie Moning
• Last week's tea: Movie Night <- Popcorn flavoured tea..
• Review of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
• Review of Ghost Planet by Sharon Fisher

Bought:

• Chobits by CLAMP --> I was a huge Manga fan in highschool, and back then (before I got a job) I had to squirrel money away to get them one at a time. Last week my friend Tyler decided he was going to purge all his manga and I snapped up this (almost) complete set of Chobits for $15. I already had 1-6, so volume 7 nearly completed my set. Unfortunately someone got Vol. 8 before I could get it and that's the one I really wanted. So here's the challenge: if someone can find me volume 8 (it's out of print) in English and in good condition, I will trade volumes 1-6 (I don't need them)! 

• Iced (Dani O'Malley, #1) by Karen Marie Moning -> My copy smelled like delicious delicious strawberries for some reason....*probably fae magic*

• Catching Jordan (Catching Jordan, #1) by Miranda Kenneally -> at the time it was $1.99 on kindle so I couldn't resist.

So what'd you guys do this week?? Link me up so I can check it out in between my completely productive research breaks :D

Review: Iced (Dani O'Malley, #1) by Karen Marie Moning

Review: Iced (Dani O'Malley, #1) by Karen Marie Moning

Warning: You should probably read the Fever Series by Ms. Moning, or you might be a little bit confused.

Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 495
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Source: Bought it
Book Description from Goodreads: 
The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be. 

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux. 

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

Review:

    When I met Dani in the Fever books, I really hated her. She's cocky and irritating (I actually skimmed her sections of Shadowfever because I couldn't stand her dialogue), but admittedly she could kick some serious ass. So when I found out Moning was going to base her next series on her I was a bit apprehensive about if I was going to like it or not, and how she'd slip in her trademark sex scenes with someone so young in the picture. But I shouldn't have doubted Moning, she made me rethink my attitude towards Dani while I followed her on a death defying Snickers fueled adventure with some of the most badass guys ever to figure out what's icing over Dublin. 

     Oh and this is important: this is NOT A YOUNG ADULT BOOK! I see the argument that yes we are following the point of view of a 14 year old, and yes at times it gets creepy with so much male testosterone aimed at her - but it's handled with tact and care. But the defining point here is that the story is told from OTHER POINTS OF VIEW too, ADULT POINTS OF VIEW, where they can have all the sex they want and there's some definite R-rated violence; so CHILL OUT PEOPLE. Plus - realistically, what kind of teenager isn't sexually curious at 14, it doesn't mean that they're going to go for it and that's made very clear by Dani. 

     The cover is even more gorgeous in person, it's got such a cold 3D feel to it. One of my favorite touches that Moning added in has to be the short line of lyrics from an eclectic collection of songs that accompanies each chapter heading - it gives such a ominous foreshadowing to what happens in the chapter. 

     Oh Dani - she's on her own in a ruined city with super powers to boot. She's had to grow up fast and has taken it upon herself to look after the helpless and fight the fae to survive another day. What Moning is infamous for is her dichotomous characters. They're like two different people crammed into one, and struggling with each other until the situations morph and change the person and one comes out on top. This couldn't be truer with Dani. On one hand she's still a child, she wants to have fun and be frivolous, use swear words and be a smart ass while whining and complaining to the old people in her life. But on the other hand there's these clear and shocking moments where her dialogue completely matures, and she's profound and has epiphanies that are just incredible to watch unfold. It's this version of Dani that I absolutely love - and even the other characters point out that when she grows up she's going to be a hell of a woman. Let's just hope that Moning can get us there a wee bit faster. 

     Ryodan has completely replaced my love of Barrons from Fever. He's this awesome combination of lethal animal fury and hilarious deadpan snark in a domineering package. After reading some scenes with him, I literally couldn't wipe the satisfied smirk off my face. He wants to protect Dani - in any means necessary and there's moments of pure trust and some philosophical debate between these two that shows a different level to their relationship. Ultimately, I think it's going to be Ryodan that's going to make Dani be more mature. 

     Christian - the Highlander slowly turning Unseelie Prince is struggling and it's heartbreaking to watch. There's moments where you can see the good ole sweetheart Christian peeking through, but he's quickly overrun by this dark and sexually fueled Prince. I want to keep thinking that Christian is under there, but it's getting harder and harder to find him through all those Unseelie tattoos. 

     Dancer - we find out about him in passing in Shadowfever, and I was really suspicious of who this mere mortal was in this lethal world. But he's a fecking genius, funny and just what Dani needs (he's also closer to her age at 17) to stay sane. But my spidey senses are tingling and I'm positive there's something off about him and I cannot wait to find out what! 

     I'm pretty sure Moning might be hinting at a love square (?) in here - but each one makes it abundantly clear that she's still a child, and they will WAIT. Even Dani seems like she's still in the boys are icky phase, and she's pretty oblivious to any innuendo and attention. The sex scenes are pretty light (for now),  most of the scenes consist of Dani walking in on adults and having that "OH SHIT SORRY AWKWARD" moment or they take place in vague dream haze. 

     This whole story worked like a Scooby Gang/ Sherlock Holmes mystery - going from one gorgeously illustrated iced scene to another, Ryodan and Dani collect evidence, observe and deduce to figure out who or what is rapidly turning Dublin into an arctic playground. This plot was magnificently written out, given the clues it wasn't until moments before the actual reveal that the pieces clicked for me. Moning still brings the blood spraying action, and the hauntingly clear descriptions of new Unseelie fae with her incredible knack for engaging character interactions. If you're a fan of her Fever series, this is definitely one to read - if that's not incentive enough there's some guest appearances from everyone's favorite alpha male! 
     

Overall: 4/5 Hot Cups of Tea!

I will admit I'm still not 100% on Dani yet - we get her backstory this time around and it explains a lot of her attitude, but I can see that Moning will take her to a mature place - eventually. A lot of people are going to be uncomfortable with the older guys interacting with such a young girl - and admittedly there are some points where I was having an OKAY WHOA THERE CHRISTIAN PONY moment, but it's not that bad. Give it a try folks, and decide after - although that cliffhanger ending will be sure to have you pining for the next! 

Tea Time Thursday: Green Tea: Movie Night

Green Tea: Movie Night

Ingredients: Apple, Sencha-style green tea, popped corn, artificial flavouring.

     

     You know when you pop a fresh bag of popcorn, or when you walk into the theatre and that instantly recognizable scent of buttery popcorn hits you - that's what you get when you get a whiff of this. When brewed it keeps a light crisp flavour, and it's sweetened with the apple. Although I'm pretty positive that the popcorn doesn't actually do anything but absorb water, and that most of the popcorn taste comes from the artificial flavouring. 

     I'm not the biggest fan of popcorn. It and my teeth just do not get along. But when it's hot and fresh like the first few minutes of this tea it can be a a great treat when lightly steeped. I cannot stress this enough, I left it took long and the fake popcorn taste just overpowered it and because the flavour is so blatantly faked, mixing it with green tea just made it strange. This tea is definitely something that needs to be enjoyed hot, once it got cold I couldn't stand it - it nails the smell and taste of stale week old popcorn right on the head though. 

Overall: 2/5 Cups of Tepid Tea

It was okay for the first few sips, but then the novelty wore off and just got worse as it got colder. I'll give them props for ingenuity but it's definitely not one I want to repeat again.

Waiting on Wednesday (23): Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2)

Waiting on Wednesday (23): Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine to highlight upcoming eagerly anticipated book releases

Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2) by Wendy Higgins
Expected Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book Description from Goodreads: 
Anna Whitt, daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a claim. She’d been naive about a lot of things. 

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?



I LOVED Sweet Evil - the first book. You can find my review HERE, complete with James Marsters (aka Spike from Buffy) in a drool worthy British rocker persona to give you a taste of what you're missing out if you haven't read it yet. 

And if you haven't entered my Tea sample and Book giveaway yet, you can do so HERE

Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine, #1) by Ransom Riggs

Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine, #1) by Ransom Riggs

Author: Ransom Riggs
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Quirk
Pages: 352
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Source: Bought it

Book Description from Goodreads:
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs. Fiction is based on real black and white photographs. The death of grandfather Abe sends sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and explores abandoned bedrooms and hallways. The children may still live.








Review:

     Jacob grew up listening to his grandfather Abe's stories of fantastical and harrowing adventures, most stemming from the orphanage he grew up in - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. How peculiar exactly are these children? Just judging from the photos on the covers - things get really weird. 

     I had seen this book at the bookstore several times, and I was always creeped out by the photos and the premise doesn't give much away. It wasn't until I actually bought the book and really looked at it that I noticed the girl on the cover is levitating, it just made me all that more excited to find out what was going on.

     Our main character Jacob loved his grandfather Abe and his stories about the war, and the unique children he befriended at the orphanage he grew up in with their unusual abilities. But like any child, he got older and became increasingly skeptical about how real these stories could be. It's incredible how we rationalize everything, even when there's real physical photographic proof in front of us and Jacob is no different. But when his grandfather dies in a horrific accident, Jacob starts to question his sanity while plagued with nightmares and his grandfather's last request. Piecing the fragments of his grandfather's life together, Jacob ends up on a remote isle off the coast of Wales to search for answers - but he soon gets sucked into a world full of wonders and dangers he couldn't even begin to imagine.

     Grandfather Abe completely reminds me of Grandpa Abe from The Simpsons. He tells war stories, and each time the version changes a little bit and it gets wilder and couldn't possibly be true. Soon relatives start brushing him off and thinking he's not that mentally stable anymore. But boy are you in for a surprise when the truth about Abe's life is uncovered and how hard he tried to the very end to fend off the things that go bump in the night. 

     This book is definitely a work of art; from the eerie photos to the end papers, to the in between chapter papers and the handwritten letters - it's all gorgeous and makes this an enveloping and engaging read. Although I don't think I'll ever be able to look at the photos for more than a few seconds - it feels like their unblinking eyes are just boring into your soul, even after we get to know some of these peculiar children. 

     The story immediately draws you in with the photos, and Abe's unfortunate end, but then it lulls a bit as Jacob struggles to figure things out. But Riggs does an excellent job contrasting Jacob's life before and after these life altering events so that when he does find the orphanage he easily fits in and it just feels right that he's there. However, for me this is where the story shifted gears completely. It was no longer a creepy mystery and I just didn't feel as invested in the story as I did before. It turns into a superheroes unite to save the world kind of situation and while I still wanted to know what happens, the last half of the story ends up as a predictable set up for the sequel and left a lot of questions unanswered. 

Overall: 3/5 Drinkable Cups of Tea.

This story definitely has a unique and intriguing plot bolstered by old fashioned photos (and apparently they're all real?) and I generally enjoyed it. I had expected a lot of suspense and horror, but I never really got apprehensive at any point. It was like listening to your grandfather tell you a story and just watching it all unfold safely from a distance. 

I read this as a part of Just a Lil' Lost in a Great Book read-a-long, and you can find the wrap up post and links to other reviews HERE.