The Reader's Quill

BIG NEWS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:52:00 +0000

My darling TRQ readers,

I have read your emails! I have read your comments! I have heard your cries! I have not, however, forgotten you. In fact, I am working very hard on some seriously major and awesome new things for TRQ. You will be trilled when you see it, I promise, but in the meantime please bear with us and pardon our virtual dust.

Should you feel the need for your weekly TRQ, feel free to "like" us on Facebook! We'll be posting awesome info on there periodically.

See you in December!

News Update: Hunger Games!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:52:00 +0000

If you've been wondering what the title for the final Hunger Games novel will be, wonder no more! Scholastic announced today that the last book in the trilogy will be released on August 24th under the name, Mockingjay!

What do you think will happen? Will Peeta and Kat stay together or will she and Gale live happily ever after? Leave your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook!

CONTEST: FREE TIX TO SHUTTER ISLAND

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:16:00 +0000

FREE ADVANCED SCREENING TICKETS
FOR
MARTIN SCORSESE'S NEW FILM

SHUTTER ISLAND

ON

FEBRUARY 16-18, 2010

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR:

MIAMI, FL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
TAMPA, FL
WEST PALM, FL
AND ORLANDO, FL

RELEASE DATE: February 19, 2010

SYNOPSIS: From Oscar®-winning director Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE (with Trailer): http://www.shutterisland.com/

CAST: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson and Max Von Sydow

RULES TO ENTER:

Leave a comment below with your name and a way to contact you
or
Send us an email at ReadersPen@Gmail.com
or
Add us on Facebook and your name will be entered twice

CONTEST ENDS ON

FEBRUARY 15th, 2010

P.S. STICKERS, BOOKMARKS AND BOOKS ALSO AVAILABLE.

Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Title: Soulless
Author: Gail Carriger
You'll like this if: You like magic, werewolves, vampires, period films, Victorian London, awesomeness and parasols.

Soulless came to me via a recommendation of one of The Reader's Quill's devoted followers, Jackie. Now if you've followed this website long enough, you know that I've been writing a novel for a while now. So imagine my surprise at reading the jacket of a novel not only set in Victorian London, but also drenched in magical pursuits!

I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Seriously.

Soulless is fun, witty, interesting, sexy and downright funny.

Background on the novel:

Prickly, stubborn 25-year-old bluestocking Alexia Tarabotti is patently unmarriageable, and not just because she's large-nosed and swarthy. She's also soulless, an oddity and a secret even in a 19th-century London that mostly accepts and integrates werewolf packs, vampire hives and ghosts. The only man who notices her is brash Lord Conall Maccon, a Scottish Alpha werewolf and government official, and (of course) they dislike each other intensely. After Alexia kills a vampire with her parasol at a party—how vulgar!—she and Conall must work together to solve a supernatural mystery that grows quite steampunkishly gruesome. Well-drawn secondary characters round out the story, most notably Lord Akeldama, Alexia's outrageous, italic-wielding gay best vampire friend. This intoxicatingly witty parody will appeal to a wide cross-section of romance, fantasy and steampunk fans.

In Short:

Although Soulless may start off a bit slow, it definitely heats up towards the middle. With a bit of magic thrown in for good measure, the novel often reads as a romance novel (See: Lord Maccon), however it is also a lovely representation of Victorian society.

Soulless is a nice mix of fantasy, criticism of society and lethal parasols.

Things I Loved

Alexia - I loved her. Period. Love that she's a spinster, love that she has a deadly parasol, love that she's stubborn. None of these sound like very appealing characteristics to have, but in Alexia it's what makes her awesome.

The mix of fantasy and Victorian mannerisms.

Love the Hives and Werewolves and their respective dynamics.

Love Alexia's parasol.

Thing I Disliked

Could have done with a little less of the insane PDA. Although I don't mind reading it, I think there's something to be said about the tension between two people who are restricted by societal rules. Think Jane Austen. Every time Darcy merely touches her hand we swoon. It's the tension, the wait, that makes us fall in love. I think my main issue with Soulless is that the "falling in love" bit happens too fast. The lack of build up coupled with the seemingly quick overt public (and private) displays of affection seem to happen entirely too fast.

All in All:

If you like period films and fantasy, this is the book for you. However, should you hate romance novels, you might want to steer clear as this one gets pretty steamy.

All in all, Soulless is a fun, smart, charming debut novel by Gail Carriger. Looking forward to book two, Changeless, and all its deadly parasols.

Rating for Soulless by Gail Carriger - A-

P.S. In case you are interested, Gail Carriger has a pretty great website full of Victorian awesomeness. Check it out!

CONTEST: Free Tix to see Lovely Bones

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:06:00 +0000

FREE ADVANCED SCREENING TICKETS
FOR
PETER JACKSON'S (The Lord of the Rings) NEW FILM

THE LOVELY BONES

ON

JANUARY 12th, 2010 at 7:30PM

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR:

MIAMI, FL (50 tickets available)
JACKSONVILLE, FL (25 tickets available)
TAMPA, FL (25 tickets available)
WEST PALM, FL (25 tickets available)
AND ORLANDO, FL (25 tickets available)

FREE BOOKS

FREE POSTERS

AND

FREE BOOKMARKS

ALSO AVAILABLE

RULES TO ENTER:

Leave a comment below with your name
or
Send us an email at ReadersPen@Gmail.com
or
Add us on Facebook and your name will be entered twice

CONTEST ENDS ON

JANUARY 11th, 2010

The Lovely Bones
IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE JANUARY 19
RATED PG-13 for "mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language."
VISIT: http://www.lovelybones.com/

First Look at HP: Deathly Hallows!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0000

New footage of HPDH is now available for your viewing pleasure online! Make sure to checkout the awesomeness below!

VARIOUS scenes, super HD + extended/more scenes: Click here!

Can I get an OMG?! Thoughts?

UPDATE: Links have now been condensed to just the new full teaser trailer as it includes all the previously posted videos. Enjoy!

Hunger Games III Pub Date Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:04:00 +0000

In case you're wondering when the third book in the Hunger Games series will be released. We just found out that it will be available in English worldwide on August 24, 2010.

How awesome it that? What do you think will happen in the next book?

Film Review: New Moon

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:18:00 +0000

ADVANCED SCREENING REVIEW

Film: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Director: Chris Weitz
Writer: Melissa Rosenberg

As you well know, I was fortunate enough to go to the Twilight premiere last year. While I thought the first film was a good first effort, I definitely believed there was considerable room for improvement.

Thankfully, Chris Weitz thought so too.

Here's the skinny on The Twilight Saga: New Moon:

Cinematography

Compared to Twilight, it's much cleaner. Beautiful sweeping angles, tight close ups on the trio (which I'm sure you'll all swoon over) and tinted slightly golden. Nice job all around.

Locations

Honestly, all of you who were concerned that New Moon wouldn't look the same or have the same small town feel as Twilight, you can now rest easy. You can't tell the difference at all. Still has all those gorgeous trees, the Cullen house (albeit different, still lovely)... and as for Bella's home, if you wouldn't have told me that it was in fact a set built in Vancouver I never would have known. One small note: thank all that's holy that they got rid of all those dinner scenes!

Minor Characters

The Cullen clan

Still wish we would see more of them and their individual interactions as we do in the novels. We do have a bit more face time with Peter Facinelli, which was welcomed. Definitely wish our time in the Cullen house had been longer both at the beginning of the film and the end. Also, Nikki Reed... I see you and want to see more of you! Can't wait to watch your story unfold in Eclipse!

The Volturi

When Michael Sheen was first cast as Aro, I was delighted. Beyond delighted in fact. I've loved him in just about every film he's starred in. Except this one. He plays Aro like some wacky, wired eccentric who has a habit of clapping after every other sentence. Very much a let down. Dakota Fanning was, as expected, wonderful as Jane. Cold, distant and rather terrifying. Caius and Marcus, as well as Felix, Alec and Demetri, are just background players (as they are in the novel). Not much to be said about any of them, honestly. Heidi appears for all of maybe four seconds and is gone before you even register what she looks like.

Victoria

Really love Rachelle Lefevre although she doesn't utter one word in the entire film. She's used more as a presence than an actual character. Love the rich new color of her hair. Truly pops on screen. Very cool fight/running scenes with her and the wolves.

Charlie

In my Twilight review, I said that I wasn't completely sold with Billy Burke as Charlie. My opinion has now changed. He's pretty great actually.

Main Characters

Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)

Oh, Taylor. I went into New Moon an Edward fan and I'm now on the fence! Someone should give Weitz an award for keeping this boy on the franchise. Lautner turns out a surprisingly tender performance. By the end of the film, all you want to do is give the boy a hug. I'm not sure if that would be a hug to comfort him or to grope him. You choose, Twihards. You choose. (In answer to your question, yes there are considerable amounts of shirtless Taylor scenes. Rejoice, teens!)

Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)

I am speechless. Her performance was heartbreaking. Both break up scenes (Edward and Jacob, respectively) were touching and emotional. In case you're wondering, you know those empty months in New Moon (novel), well they're in the film. Be sure to watch Stewart's face during the sequence. Hollow and broken.

Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)

Pattinson's performance in New Moon ranges from sweet and lighthearted to serious and painful. Although in the film Edward is more of a shadow and Bella's personal poltergeist, Weitz has included the character cleverly and rather seamlessly. Pattinson continues, as always, to be sexy.

Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen)

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? No? Well, I do. So much. Although we got a taste of her in Twilight, we get a decent amount of screen time with this particular Cullen. And boy was it welcomed! Sweet, cute, trendy...Ashley Greene is the perfect Alice. Fear not, Twihards, many of your favorite Alice moments are included in this film version, except for her insistence in needing her own legal yellow Porsche. Funny little lines for Greene in reference to werewolves, as well. Can't wait to see more her in Eclipse and other films! Side note: Can someone please please please style her differently?! Ditto goes for the rest of the Cullens. Hate their wardrobe!

The Wolves

Where to start? While I love the pack as a whole as individual characters they were poorly written into the script. Paul was seriously introduced out of nowhere and was the one to have the "big transformation" first. Whhhhat? A bit annoying really. These boys seem more like eye candy than actual characters.

As for the animation.... sigh. Cartoonish, anyone? Yes/Yes? And HUGE!

All in All

If you loved the novel, you'll like the film as it's pretty true to the book. If you're new to the series, you may be a tad bit lost. Solid B+ for this one guys.

Spoiler:

Ever wonder what Bella would look like as a vampire? You might just be in luck. Regardless, I hope you like cliff hangers! Enjoy!

Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Title: Leviathan
Author: Scott Westerfeld
You'll like this if: you love steampunk, are a history/biology geek, love novels such as Oppel's Airbourne, Reeve's Mortal Engines series, Clare's Mortal Instruments series, and, of course, Westerfeld's Uglies trilogy (which is actually more of a saga than a trilogy).

It's no secret that I love steampunk. All you have to do is take one look at the design for this website and you know that! So imagine my delight at finding out that Scott Westerfeld (of Uglies fame) was writing a steampunk novel!

Patiently I waited for the books release, until I could bare it no longer and asked (ney begged) Simon and Schuster to rush me an ARC. Needless to say, I furiously ripped open the little yellow package it came in the minute I found it in my mailbox. That was a bit over a month ago.

I've read it three times since.

After having devoured the 440 pages of the novel not once but trice, I think it's safe to say this book did not disappoint! Read below to find out why!

Background on the Novel:

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers,steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men. Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

Book Trailer: Click here to watch!

In Short:

This creative reworking of history is not only clever, but wonderfully suspenseful. Leviathan mixes both reality and fantasy without being overbearing. You don't have to be a history buff to love this novel!

Mr. Westerfeld weaves Deryn and Alek's lives so skillfully that their eventual meeting is completely seamless. The novel also hosts a wide cast of secondary (yet dimensional) characters that add color to Leviathan. Moreover, this book entertains a variety of dichotomies ranging from mechanical technology v. biological advancement to female v. male protagonists, which only add to the engaging nature of the novel rather than distract the reader from the story.

Things I Love:

Allow me to get this out of the way... I LOVE THAT THIS NOVEL IS ILLUSTRATED! Keith Thompson is such a wonderful and talented illustrator. I really hope he continues to feature his work in other published novels. Favorite drawing in Leviathan?

What's remarkable about this drawing is not only the airship, but also what's going on in the foreground. The pickpocket. The police. The man with the eyeglass. As a 19th-20th century aficionado, this illustration in particular plays true to the era.

I love how Westerfeld plays with biology and mechanics and how it's all stemmed in reality. Case and point:

Real Italian walker vs. Clanker invention

Love Alek and his comrades, likewise for Deryn.

Adore all the land and air battles and the sudden appearance of the Kraken! I want to see more of you, Kraken!

Things I Disliked:

In the entire novel, there was only one scene that really irked me. You will find it below.

"Deryn pulled the command whistle from her pocket. The freezing metal burned her lips as she piped a quick sequence, the notes of an intruder alert ringing in the cold air."

I love Deryn. Truly, I do. However, this little section really irritated me. While I understand that she is very loyal to the Leviathan, I truly couldn't stand it when she wouldn't let Alek go.

All in All:

Filled to the brim with air and land battles, political dissidence, bravery, danger and reckless (albeit lively) abandon, Leviathan is one of the best, if not the best, of Westerfeld's novels.

It's lavish illustrations and engaging storyline are equally entertaining for boys and girls, adults and teens alike. Looking forward to book two in the series!

Rating for Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld: A

Playlist for Leviathan:

P.S. In case you've missed Scott Westerfeld's tour, a little birdie told me that the Leviathan series will not be a trilogy, but rather a series as S&S plans on printing a detailed illustrated companion to be released in conjunction with the third novel! Rejoice airship and clanker fanatics!

Catching Fire Winners

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Out of over 900 entries,

Emma Rodseth

Taylor Youngsky

Nikki from New Hampshire

have won our Catching Fire contest!

Congrats! We hope you enjoy your prize pack!

The winning entries can be found below!

Emma Rodseth:

In terms of a loving, kind, ultimately superior lover for Katniss, I believe Peeta Mellark easily triumphs over Gale. After reading Catching Fire, I was sure of two things. For one, both Peeta and Gale care deeply for Katniss and understand her as a person. Secondly, Peeta’s understanding holds more truth. The day in the house by the lake, Gale is very violent and angry with Katniss. I understand that Gale has strong feelings about the Capitol and the injustice in Panem, but Peeta would never treat Katniss the way Gale sometimes does, because his feelings are all about Katniss--and he doesn't let the Capitol interfere with that. Peeta is deeply in love with her--unquestionably. I think Gale is a great friend for “Catnip,” and has a history of being there for her. The two of them cared for each other and their families through rough times. But I think their admiration for each other can’t compete with what Peeta and Katniss share. His love easily outlasts the rocky, damaged, hurt emotions Gale offers to the world.Peeta is constant, and would make a reliable, loving, funny, kind husband.

Taylor Youngsky:

As far as guys go, you can't get much better than Gale and Peeta. They're both unique personalities but they share one common bond and that is simply that they're madly in love with Katniss Everdeen. They both have desirable qualities. Peeta is sweet, kind, sacrificial, caring, and would willingly give himself up for Katniss. Gale is mysterious, Katniss's best friend, her confidant, her home, and his own person while still deeply loving Katniss. And even though I think at this point I'd go for either one in my own life, it just has to be Gale.

The opposition, Peeta, is a pretty amazing guy, but he's just not for her. He'll always remind her of the Hunger Games and the pain and blood. She'll also remember how she was forced to be with him, all the pain that she caused him, and I think at this point she'll feel like she owes him forever. After all, she was saved and he wasn't. She'll hate herself for that. If they were ever to be together, it would be a tainted relationship. Their personalities also clash. They're completely different people. Peeta is social, kind, always painfully hopeful, artistically enabled, creative, light hearted, thoughtful, and is devoted once he puts his mind to something. Katniss is often impulsive, brutal, grudging, intense, brash, angry, loves intensely, protective, stubborn, strong, respected, and just about every opposite of Peeta. I think their personalities, their likes, and the devotions would clash eventually. Their just too different. They'd fight, become irritated with each other, and it just wouldn't find a peace between the two.

Gale has been Katniss's best friend far before she even talked to Peeta. But we really don't know a lot about him, Katniss doesn't really feel the need to because they are now apart of each other. They work as a streemline team, hunting in the woods in a perfect kind of comradery. She knows him as well as she knows her own bow and arrow and vise versa. The have an intimate understanding, knowlege, and respect for each other. Because of this, Gale knows that Katniss can handle a lot on her own, that she's strong even though she is always doubting herself. He respects her independence and held in his own wants and needs for a long time, just so she wouldn't get hurt. Even though he made her bare a kiss, Gale didn't go any farther to confuse her or cause her pain and withheld his passion until she made up her mind to leave, and he actually had a chance with her. He knows her perspective on marriage and children and he respects that. He knows so much more than Peeta could ever know about Katniss. Gale also brought her a bit of normalcy, calmed her through the turbulence that she endured as the Capitol battered and forced her into a marriage with someone she barely new. Gale is her escape. But in times of difficulty, of pain, they are there for each other. They look out for each other. Each one would willingly sacrifice themselves for each other without a thought. It's instinct at this point. They're supposed to be together, there is no doubt in my mind.

Together, Katniss, Gale, and Peeta have fought against tyranny. But when it all comes down to it, Katniss will always look for her endearing friend and eventually her one love, Gale.

Nikki from New Hampshire:

I just read both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. I couldn't put them down. After reading The Hunger Games, I was undecided on whether I preferred Peeta or Gale, but once I read Catching Fire I adored Peeta. Gale is quite underdeveloped and seems to be very demanding when it comes to Katniss. I also believe that Katniss feels like she must have feelings for Gale because of their history. They make very good friends, but that's all I can really see them as. I believe that Gale cares for Katniss, but Peeta is so much more developed and three dimensional that I can't help but prefer him over Gale. Peeta also seems completely devoted to Katniss and genuinely loves her. He cares for his family like Gale does his, but Peeta also loves Katniss completely. He doesn't appear to love only some aspects of her personality as I feel Gale does.

I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy because I adore Peeta and I was couldn't stop reading as I neared the end of Catching Fire. I hope Katniss finally makes her decision between Gale and Peeta and maybe we'll even get to really see who Gale is.

Let us know your thoughts! Is Peeta better suited for Katniss? Has Gale earned the right to be with her after so many years?

Thanks to all those who participated! Be sure to come back soon for more contests, interviews, reviews and prizes!

Author Playlist: Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Did you love Sea Change by Aimee Friedman?
Wondering what kind of music Aimee listens to?
Check out the Musical Menagerie for an exclusive Sea Change playlist straight from Aimee for The Reader's Quill!

Don't know about Sea Change? Get caught up with our review and interview!

Catching Fire Contest

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Love Catching Fire? Me too. In celebration of its release, we've decided to host a little contest! Three, that's right, 3 lucky winners will be the proud owners of:

a limited edition t-shirt!

a collectible mocking jay pin!

your very own copy of CATCHING FIRE!

TO ENTER:

Send an email to ReadersPen@Gmail.com with your name and a short explanation of which is better: Peeta or Gale.

or

Comment below with the same as above

or

Add The Reader's Quill on Facebook and show us some love in the comments.

CONTEST ENDS ON OCTOBER 1st, 2009 at MIDNIGHT!

Some fine print, however:

The Catching Fire book promotion is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if you have a friend in the States who can accept your prizes by mail!). Entrants under age 13 must have parent or guardian permission to enter. The Catching Fire book promotion runs from September 16th to October 1st, 2009. Winners will be announced on or around October 2nd, 2009.

May the odds be ever in your favor! Click here to watch the book trailer!

Harry Potter Theme Park Video!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:46:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I'm dying to go to the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida. I've participated in all the online polls, checked for sneaky blurred images, I've even gone to Universal myself and tried to get a look first hand!

Finally, there's something awesome for us to check out! Below you will find the first ever video of the theme park straight from Universal! Enjoy!

Review: Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Title: Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse
Author: Kaleb Nation
You'll like this if: You like gnomes, magic, Harry Potter, Twilight and the Twilight guy.

Early last year, I found a little website by the name of KalebNation.com. After browsing the site for a while (four hours, omg!), I decided it was high time I emailed its teen writer, Kaleb. Never in a million years did I think he would respond, but, to my surprise, he did!

Now, after multiple emails and Facebook conversations, I can honestly say Kaleb is one of the nicest bloggers out there. Within a couple of weeks from our first conversation, he told me about the novel he was writing and asked if I'd like to read the first few chapters. Needless to say, I've been hooked on Kaleb's main character, Bran, from the first. This novel is truly magical!

Background On the Books:

In a bustling metropolis where magic is outlawed, a six-year-old child is found inside a locked bank vault. A scrap of paper reveals his name: Bran Hambric. The child remembers nothing of his life before the vault. Only magic could have done this. But why would any mage risk breaking the law to place a child in a bank vault?

Eight years later the City of Dunce has forgotten about Bran. Even his foster parents don't seem to know he exists. But there are those who have been watching, biding their time, waiting to strike, people who know where Bran came from and why he was sent away. And they will do anything to get Bran back, dead or alive… - Sourcebooks

Book Trailer: Click here to watch!

In Short:

Bran Hambric: The Farefield Curse is not only wonderfully magical, but also brims with mystery and suspense. If you love Harry Potter and Twilight, this novel is for you.

Set against a world where computers and gnomes live in union, Bran Hambric: The Farefield Curse is a breath of fresh air in a vampire saturated industry. Kaleb Nation has skillfully crafted characters that struggle with the idea of good versus evil, while managing to maintain a bit of fun in the novel.

Things I Love:

First and foremost, I love gnomes. I love their pointy hats. I love their small stature. I love their attitude. No surprise that I love Polland, the main gnome in Bran Hambric: The Farefield Curse.

(Fail gnome time by Naime8 on DeviantArt)

One of the things I always loved about Harry Potter was the way it always managed to incorporate politics. Imagine my surprise to see Kaleb Nation do so seamlessly. Not an easy task, my friends. Not an easy task.

LOVE LOVE LOVE (did I mention, LOVE) that Bran has to struggle with the concept that his mother might have been evil. LOVE.

Love that Astara is a music junkie. I feel you, Astara. Truly, I do.

Really like the idea of Bran's necklace.

Most Awesomely Badass Quote:

They all looked back, aghast: some of them fearful, some of them disbelieving. Astara rose to her feet slowly, surrounded on all sides by glass, like a river trapping her on an island.

Everyone was silent.

Bran glanced to his shoulder, where the glass had struck him and a thin line of blood was gathering down his arm. He wiped it away, and looked back to the men.

"I asked you," he said, "what sort of tricks do you have in mind?"

Things I'm Not Crazy About:

Personally, I found all of the Wilomas annoying. Extremely annoying. As in, I-want-to-lock-them-in-a-dungeon-and-forget-they-ever-existed annoying.

While I love Rosie, I'm not exactly sure why she was in the story. I almost wanted her to end up being evil towards the end.

SPOILER:

"Karl Yultz devised, with years of research, a powerful Drimra magic which would allow him to separate his spirit from his material body: to place it elsewhere, into a host, so that in keeping it preserved and separate, the body, while missing its soul, would not age or decay, until both were brought together again."

Does that sound familiar to anybody else? A horcrux perhaps? I'm pretty sure I read something pretty similar in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

While I'm at it....

"His mind didn't even allow him to consider what he was doing. He held his ground, pushing against the force of the truck - and in front of him, he saw the metal bending and breaking inward, smashing and crumbling."

Hey Bran, perhaps you should become friends with Edward Cullen. It seems you both have a thing for stopping moving objects from hitting women you love.

Both of these parts in the story were semi-cringe worthy for me. And not because they were poorly written, but rather because both have become cliches. From here on out, authors can't rely on a damsel in distress to be the catalyst for their story. It is tired and trite.

All in All:

Although there were a couple of things that irked me, in general, I really enjoyed this novel. If you are looking for something new and interesting, Bran Hambric: The Farefield Curse is a pretty safe bet. I can honestly say I look forward to reading more from the talented Kaleb Nation.

Rating for Bran Hambric: The Farefield Curse by Kaleb Nation : A-

Playlist for Bran Hambric:

Mortal Instruments Announcements! O-M-G

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:47:00 +0000

On Saturday, as some of you may know, Cassandra Clare hosted a Mortal Instruments party over in NYC. To say there were a few announcements made would be an understatement....

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. There will be a fourth book in the MI series! And it will follow (wait for it, wait for it), SIMON! Below is a bit of the press release:

Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, has acquired City of Fallen Angels, a fourth book in Cassandra Clare’s bestselling young adult fantasy series, The Mortal Instruments, which has over 1 million books in print. The story follows Simon, a character from the first three Mortal Instruments novels, City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass, as he adjusts to life as a vampire. City of Fallen Angels will publish in hardcover in March 2011, followed by a paperback edition in July 2012.

Love, blood, betrayal and revenge — the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels. Simon Lewis is having some trouble adjusting to his new life as a vampire, especially now that he hardly sees his best friend Clary, who is caught up in training to be a Shadowhunter—and spending time with her new boyfriend Jace. Not to mention that Simon doesn't quite know how to handle the pressure of not-quite-dating two girls at once. What's a daylight-loving vampire to do? Simon decides he needs a break and heads out of the city—only to discover that sinister events are following him. Realizing that the war they thought they'd won might not yet be over, Simon has to call on his Shadowhunter friends to save the day — if they can put their own splintering relationships on hold long enough to rise to the challenge.

2. (AND THIS ONE IS EPIC ON THE AWESOME SCALE!) The Mortal Instruments has been optioned to be made into a film! More info straight from Cassie below:

"The Mortal Instruments have been optioned by Unique Features. This is a film production company set up by former founders and co-presidents of New Line Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, who oversaw the production of the Lord of the Rings movies."

3. The MI series is being made into a graphic novel via Th3rd World Studios.
Press release can be found here.

Exciting news is it not? Thoughts?

Feel like catching up on the MI series?
Be sure to read our review of City of Bones
as well as our multiple interviews with Cassie!
You can also have a listen TRQ's exclusive City of Glass playlist made by Cassandra Clare!

Interview: Peter Cameron

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:14:00 +0000

A few years ago, I was scanning the fiction section of a bookshop and stumbled upon a little novel titled, Andorra. After reading the back cover and deciding it seemed pretty interesting, I bought it. Flash foward to the present, Andorra is so dogeared and highlighted that you would think it were a textbook and not a novel.

Peter Cameron is hands down one of the best writers of his generation. Every word he writes cuts deep into the bone. His complete mastery of the English word proves that god is in the details.

For this weeks Thank Goodness for Books, I had the supreme privilege of speaking with Mr. Cameron concerning his new (and amazing) novel, Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You.

Hi Peter! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us! We loved Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You. Could you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea?

Many of my early stories, written and published in the 1980s, featured adolescent first-person narrators, and as I got older and morphed into a novel writer, I thought I had left that material and voice behind. But I hadn't: one day when I was stuck between books, with no ideas for a new book and feeling desperate, I decided to concentrate on sentences rather than books, and just try to come up with a good first sentence for a novel. And what came to me was "On the day that my sister Gillian ..." And the book rose out of that first sentence.

What is your typical writing day like?

I don't have a typical writing day. Many days I don't write at all, especially when I am between books -- months or years can pass when I don't write at all. When I am working on a book, I write slowly, and only for a few hours a day. But I'm always thinking about the book at some level of my consciousness.

Which is your favorite character in the novel? Which was your favorite to write, if different?

James, and James. But I also like the grandmother and enjoyed writing her, because I was thinking of my own grandmother.

What were you like as a teenager? Do you share any similarities with James?

I was as socially awkward and shy as James, and felt the same terror and depression that he feels, but I managed to participate and actually flourish in school. I was very active in student politics, academics, extra-curricular activities, and athletics. I still dream often about High School. Those intense years made an indelible impression on my psyche.

We really love Nanette. Did you grow up with a grandmother like her?

Yes, I was thinking about my own grandmother quite a bit as I wrote Nanette. They are similar in terms of temperament and attitude, but otherwise very different: Nanette is chic and urbane, and my grandmother was not those things.

Let’s talk a little bit about Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You. September 11th seems to affect James more than he realizes. Do you feel that this is one of the contributing factors that leads to his wanting to live outside of New York?

I didn't think of that when I was writing the book, but it certainly makes sense to me now that you mention. Because of what happened he doesn't feel safe in New York in some very primal way and so wants to get away. The problem is New York is the only place he could probably function.

Out of curiosity, since James did go to Brown, what did he study?

I don't know. I don't think about, or imagine my characters, beyond the scope of the book that contains them. But I guess with all that reading he was doing, he would probably end up as an English major.

Do you feel that James will ever be able to resolve his issues with his family?

Does anyone ever resolve his issues with his family?

Are you working on a new project? If so, any hints you can give us?

I'm working on a book that I think will be two separate novellas, quite different from one another.

First look at the Volturi!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:27:00 +0000

According to ONTD, this is a first look at the Volturi!

Looks pretty legit, if you ask me! Thoughts?

(Click to enlarge)

Cirque Du Freak Trailer!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:47:00 +0000

After a long long wait,

the trailer for Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak has finally been released!

Check it out!

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPC-5VoCkNE

Thoughts?

Catching Fire- Extras!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Are you desperate to read Catching Fire? Wouldn't you do just about anything to read the first chapter of Catching Fire?
Well, here are some sneak peaks to tie you over until the fall!

Suzanne Collins reads from Catching Fire:

http://video.scholastic.com/services/player/bcpid1543302482?bctid=31360998001

Trailer for Catching Fire:

http://video.scholastic.com/services/player/bcpid1543302482?bctid=31267246001

Be the first to read the first chapter of Catching Fire, click here!

Remember, sparks will fly September 1st!

Interview: Aimee Friedman

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

FACT: It's hard to find good mermaid novels.

However, I was lucky enough to have stumbled upon Aimee Friedman's lovely novel, Sea Change, a few weeks ago. This retelling of the mermaid novel is not only refreshing, but smart and sexy. Don't believe me? Read our review.

This week, we had the great pleasure of speaking with the ever charming Ms. Friedman about her favorite books, her typical writing day and, of course, Sea Change!

As always, beware! This interview is SPOILERLICIOUS.

Hi Aimee! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us! We really love all sorts of different books and music over here at The Reader’s Quill. We were curious… if you had to choose your top three favorite novels and musicians what and who would they be, respectively?

Thank you so much for the opportunity! I'm a big fan of The Reader's Quill. You've definitely started with the toughest question--since I'm also such a lover of books and music, it's hard for me to narrow these choices down. But, if I must, here goes.

Top Three Favorite Novels:
* Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Ahead-of-its-time girl power, mystery, and a breathless romance. There's a reason it's a classic!

* The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon: Old New York, comic books, and a breathless romance. Noticing a pattern here? :)

* The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. No real romance here, but just pristine, beautiful writing and great characterization--it's one of the reasons I fell in love with books growing up.

Top Three Musicians:
*Aimee Mann (and not just because we share a first name)
*The Beatles (of course)
*The Shins (great to write to).

We loved Sea Change. Could you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea?
I have always been fascinated by mermaid stories, from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale to the movie SPLASH. A few summers ago, I was riding on a ferry, looking down at the ocean spray, and I began to wonder: What if the traditional gender roles were reversed? What if the girl, a human, fell in love with a boy, who happened to come from the sea? Out of that, Sea Change was born. I'm so glad you enjoyed the novel!

What is your typical writing day like?

It's pretty atypical, because I have another job in addition to writing: I'm a full-time book editor! So during the week, I try to work on my writing at night, when I get home from the office, but by then I'm usually pretty drained and all I want to do is watch Top Chef and eat pizza. So my weekends are usually my writing time: I'll wake up, pack up my laptop, and immediately head for my favorite neighborhood cafe, where I'll order a tall iced vanilla latte to keep me going. I'll work the late afternoon, have a quick lunch, and then write until the night-time, at which point I'll see friends or go to a movie to clear my head.

Which is your favorite character in the novel? Which was your favorite to write, if different?
I have to say Leo was my favorite character. He is mysterious and engaging, and different from most boys his age. I wish I'd known a guy like Leo back in high school!

What were you like as a teenager? Did you ever have any Leo’s or CeeCee’s in your life?
To get a sense of what I was like as a teenager, I'd encourage people to read two of my other novels, THE YEAR MY SISTER GOT LUCKY and A NOVEL IDEA. Both the heroines in those novels--Katie and Norah, respectively--were modeled very closely on how I was in high school: a daydreamer, a reader, a writer, tongue-tied around cute boys, a city girl, fiercely close to my sister and my friends. I think we've all experienced our share of CeeCees in our lives, but the thing about CeeCee is, she's more than just a snooty airhead. She really does have a good heart, as Miranda learns.

We really love Miranda. Do you share any similarities with her?

Like Miranda, I attended the Bronx High School of Science, but unlike her, I was NOT very good at math and science. My favorite subjects were English, History, and other humanities. Miranda has a lot of traits that I would LIKE to have: she's much more rational and level-headed than I am. I tend to be overly dramatic... which is probably why I'm a fiction writer, and not a scientist!

Do you find any other areas of fantasy interesting? Could you see yourself writing about magic or vampires anytime soon?
I'd love to! I have lots of different ideas for future projects, ranging from the realistic to the fantastical. It's just a matter of finding the time to write it all down. :)

Let’s talk a little bit about Sea Change. In the novel, you tell us Leo’s name means “King of the sea.” Is he really the Poseidon to our ocean?
I love that question! I stumbled upon the name "Leomaris" as I was researching sea mythology, and it seemed the perfect name for Miranda's love interest: sexy, mysterious, intriguing. Leo is all those things, but he's also pretty humble, and that's why he's a little shy about his grand name.

Since Miranda is a relative of the Williams family, is she part mermaid? If so, could she live in the ocean with Leo someday?

Ooh, I'm afraid these are all answers that would be filed under "Potential Sequel."

Will Linda and Miranda become friends again?

Ditto!

We kind of like Mr. Illingworth. Do we see a perspective stepfather for Miranda?

Once again...ditto! (Though to be perfectly honest, how would weird would it be if T.J. were her step-brother?).

Do you plan on writing a sequel to Sea Change? If so, any hints you can give us as to the future of Miranda and Leo?

Well, by now you can probably tell that I'd love to! I'm currently working on a new project, but once that's done, I definitely have ideas brewing for the continuation of Miranda's adventures on Selkie Island...

Thanks so much, Aimee!

You're welcome! And please feel free to check out my website: http://www.aimeefriedmanbooks.com/ for more info on me and my writing.

Be sure to check back later this week for Aimee's personal music playlist!

A Quick Reminder - JK Rowling Documentary

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:54:00 +0000

The wait is finally over!
At long last the USA will be able to watch the highly anticipated J.K. Rowling documentary!

J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life airs
Thursday, July 16 at 8:00pm on ABC.

For more information on the documentary,
be sure to read this.

Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:38:00 +0000

If you are a fan of the sleeper hit Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, you will surely love Ben H. Winters new novel, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
Don't believe me? Check out the book trailer below!

Trailer can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jZVE5uF24Q&feature=player_embedded

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is due out in bookstores September 15, 2009.

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:12:00 +0000

As some of you may now be aware, as I posted on my twitter, I was privileged enough to go to an advanced press screening for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this morning.

If you haven't guessed by now, I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I have been for over ten years. The books have touched my life in ways that I could never begin to explain. I have laughed along with the Weasley twins, felt the beginnings of a crush with Harry, and cried inconsolably when Deathly Hallow was finally in my hands.

In July 2005, I read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in a day. Over the last few years, I have picked up the novel a variety of times as it has always been one of my favorites in the series. You can imagine my excitement in going to see the film.

From the gate, there were countless bits that I loved in this installment, but, if I'm going to be honest (as I always am to all you wonderful readers), there were equally as many things that I disliked.

As always...

If you are looking for a completely faithful rendition of Rowling's emotional narrative, you have come to the wrong place. However, should you keep in mind what this is supposed to be - a movie based on the novel - you should come out it relatively okay.

The most irritating part, as a fan, are the deviations from the novel, which Yates has spread liberally throughout the film.

Example # 1 - The Burning Burrow:

Remember the clip, I posted last week:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Exclusive Clip

First of all, as most of us know, Bellatrix and Fenrir don't go to the Weasley home in this novel. It is not until Deathly Hallows that the Burrow is attacked.

The inclusion of this scene in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is not only arbitrary, but also unwelcome. Whilst I'm sure it was added to speed up the pace of the film, as a Harry Potter fan, it only serves to pull you out of the moment due to your sudden annoyance at its inclusion.

Speaking of the Burrow, if you were hoping to see Fleur, you will be left wanting. I admit myself curious about the upcoming wedding in Deathly Hallows since, after this film, the Burrow is completely burned.

Example #2 - The Half Blood Prince:

Harry's obsession with the Half Blood Prince? Almost none existent. Snape telling Harry that he is in fact the Half Blood Prince after no build up in the film? RANDOM

Example #3 - The Vanishing Cabinet:

Didn't Draco go by himself to Knockturn Alley to view the Vanishing Cabinet? Wasn't his mother worried sick since she didn't know his plans? Didn't Snape constantly harass Draco about his plans? Not in this film. In this film, everyone knows the Vanishing Cabinet is the way in and out of Hogwarts... even Mr. Weasley!

Example #4 - Draco the Death Eater

HP Fans, the jury is out. I have one question for you: did Voldy ever brand Draco with the mark? The answer is NO. However, Yates sure seems to think that this addition would be favorable.

Hmmm.... I do believe J.K. Rowling wrote something along the lines that a contributing factor in Draco's issues rises from his need to be accepted by the Death Eaters. One of his redeeming qualities is the fact that he never actually joined. The dark mark is a sad and unnecessary inclusion in the film. Wag of the finger at you, Yates. Wag of the finger.

And here come the two most painful exclusions of all....

Example #5 - Dumbledore's Death:

Relax! It's in the film. However, I seem to remember something about Dumbledore immobilizing Harry. I also seem to remember something about Dumbledore using his last moment to protect Harry... yeah, that's not how Yates sees it. No, apparently, Harry Potter hides under the Astronomy tower watching the events from below, while Snape sneaks up behind him before going off to kill our beloved professor.

All I have to say is: WHAT??

In which alternate universe would (an un-immobilized) Harry Potter stand below whilst Dumbledore is being murdered? Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Congrats Yates, you have managed to paint Potter as cowardly.

Speaking of Dumbledore's death scene, if you were expecting to see the funeral. Again, you are left wanting. Personally, I am rather saddened by this.

I will say, however, Dumbledore's death was emotional, albeit perhaps not done as it should have been. It definitely got this reviewer choked up (years of waiting, I sure you can understand). The students and staff's tribute to Dumbledore was especially moving.

Example #6 - Battle Shmaddle:

There have been rumors for months that the battle for Hogwarts had been left out of this film. I can unhappily report these are true. I am sure this was to make the final battle more exciting, but nevertheless it was missed. Harry chivalrously sharing his elixir to save his mates? Yates says, "Not this time, my friends."

ETC:

Multiple other important aspects of the books felt skimmed over in this installment such as Harry's relationship with Ginny, Harry's obsession with the Half Blood Prince and the subsequent search for him, the lack of emphasis on the tiara in the Room of Requirement, the lack of development of Voldemort's back story (i.e. no Gaunt scene), etc. Other minor changes were made, but none that would prove hard live with.

The actors are definitely doing a better job in this film in comparison to last providing the film with various endearing parts (i.e. Hermione pinning for Ron and Harry's conversations with her. Let's not even mention the Weasley twins...love them!) as well as a few hilarious ones (i.e. Lavender Brown is LOLtastic). While it is a bit more scattered than the other films, this can be easily blamed on the novels density. It is thus understandable that somethings had to change.

All in All:

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was good. Perhaps better than some of the others, but definitely not the best. Let's just hope the next film blows all the others out of the water...or cauldron as it were. Who else is looking forward to Deathly Hallows One and Two?

As always, should you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email me at ReadersPen@Gmail.com

Suite Scarlett Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0000

Want to win a copy of Maureen Johnson's new novel, Suite Scarlett? Well, The Reader's Quill is giving away THREE copies!

Want a chance to win? Here's how:

- Send an email to ReadersPen@Gmail.com with your name and one thing you love about The Reader's Quill.

- Add The Reader's Quill on Facebook and show us some love in the comments.

- ReTweet us on Twitter!

Contest ends August 14th.

Important Announcement!

noreply@blogger.com (The Reader's Quill) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you all know that I've started writing a weekly Young Adult column for Examiner.com.

Be sure to check it out and show me some love!

Click here to go to EB's YA Column!