Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share The Top Ten of The Given Subject.

Top Ten Authors I Own The Most Books From.

I have used the stats bit on goodreads to help with this!

1. Rachel Caine - 20 books
2. Rick Riordan - 16 books
3. P.C Cast - 12 books
4. Eoin Colfer - 9 books
5. Mark Walden - 9 books
6. L.J Smith - 8 books
7. Jeff Kinney - 7 books

8. Anthony Horowitz - 7 books

9. Meg Cabot - 6 books

10. Liz Pichon - 5 books

Now For Something Different: Catching Fire

 

Media Review
-Because Sometimes It's Good To Have Variety

Movie

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Release Date: 22 November 2013

Where Seen: Special Edition DVD

Genres: Dystopian, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Buy Here - Amazon Price: £7.26 (At the time of when I published the post)

Movie Poster:

IMDB Description: 

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Starring:

- Jennifer Lawrence - Katniss Everdeen
- Josh Hutcherson - Peeta Mellark
- Donald Sutherland - Presedent Snow
- Lenny Kravitz - Cinna
- Stanley Tucci - Ceaser Flickerman

Director:

- Francis Lawrence
Production Company:

- Lionsgate

Based On: 

The Novel: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
 

Review:

I had to wait a long time to see this, I missed it in the cinema due to medical reasons so baught the special edition (with 9-Part documentry) as soon as it was released earlier on in the year. Due to exams and a build up of films to watch, we only got round to watching this last Friday! It was well worth the wait however as it was as extraordinarily good as I expected it to be. It was just as good as the first movie with some added gems of characters such as Finnick and Mags as well as some of our favorites such as Cinna, Katniss and Peeta. The casting is so perfect in the film and the sets are just beautiful. The plot lines were close to the book and engaging to the end and it was nice to see a little more of Panem than just the arena, the capital and District 12. I loved all of the subtle hints that are left in regarding the plot of mokingjay and now I can't wait for November! I love the world of the hunger games and it will always be special to me as it is the first dystopian book I read, the film doing the book justice! I have just watched the trailer for Mokingjay here and it looks so undeniably incredible. One of my favorite film series ever!
 

Rating of the Comparison to the Book: 

There are a couple of things that bugged me in the film such as the of time spent in the arena and Peeta's leg (he was missing one in the book). Another thing missing was the severe Dystopian world building we had in the book through the aid of the Avox.

Quotes:

 Katniss Everdeen: "I just wanted to say that I didn't know Tresh, I only spoke to him once. He could have killed me, but instead he showed me mercy. That's a debt I'll never be able to repay. I did know Rue. She wasn't just my ally, she was my friend. I see her in the flowers that grow in the meadow by my house. I hear her in the Mockingjay song. I see her in my sister Prim. She was too young, too gentle and I couldn't save her. I'm sorry."

President Snow: "Are all of you happy about the capitol? After all we are your gods."

Finnick: "Remember who the true enemy is, Katniss."

Overall Rating:

Have You Seen This Film?

How Did You Find It?

Why Don't You Leave Me A Comment, Or a Link To Your Own Blog?

I Would Love To Hear Your Views!

-The Reading Rose

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share The Top Ten of The Given Subject.

Top Ten Characters I'd want on a desert island with me.

1. Percy Jackson
From Percy Jackson and The Olympians/Heroes of Olympus
He is the son of a sea god... not only can we escape easily, if we wanted to stay on the island a while he could find water anywhere and catch a fish just by thinking about it!

2. Artemis Fowl
From Artemis Fowl
He is a genius, and seems like a great friend once you get to know him. He can help me form plans to get free of the island or if things get really bad we can use some of his plentiful money to burn and keep us warm.

3. Claire Danvers
From Morganville Vampires
As well as being very clever and great at making things work (she can design us traps and water systems and stuff) she seems like a great person and is around my age so we can be best friends. And another bonus is that if we ever managed to get off the island she could take me to visit Morganville, I'd love to go there but more importantly she can introduce me to Myrnin..... <3 <3
 
4. Annabeth Chace
From Percy Jackson and The Olympians/Heroes of Olympus
Well we can't really have Percy without Annabeth, and it doesn't hurt to have yet another genius on the island. Plus she is an architect and can build us some lovely things. She would love the challenge and would be some brilliant female company in the boring times.

5. Hermione Granger
From Harry Potter
Some more great female company and with her resourcefulness the island would be running perfectly in one day. She also has an array of spells that could help with tasks and her magic handbag and tent could come in very handy. she will also be able to heal us if any of us get hurt.

6. Otto Malpence
From H.I.V.E
They may not be any electronics and stuff for him to converse with but having him on the island would be interesting and fun. Nothing would be boring with him around and if the Otto from the later books comes he is more my age and some eye candy with that white hair and ice blue eyes!

7. Thomas 
From Maze Runner
He is very resourceful and can survive in the harshest of times and settings, he and his group ran a whole village from scratch on their own so he will be able to put forward a lot of his ideas for us to use! he can also fight and defend us against any nasties! 

8. Katnis Everdeen
From The Hunger Games
She will be a handy asset to the team, not the best company but great for hunting and she must have gained some healing techniques from her mum. She has experience in worse conditions so this will be easy and like a holiday for her!

9. Brighid Dhianna
From the Parhalon Series
Epic Huntress Centaur! A huntress is always needed on an island, we will never have to worry about food again!

10. Joanne Baldwin
From Weather Wardens
Islands are well known for their storms and harsh weather conditions, Joanne is a storm warden so will be able to protect us from the harsh elements!

Mythology Monday: Funny Stories

 

The Thunder God Gets Married - Norse Mythology

In the heavens the thunder god Thor was angry because someone had stolen his hammer. He roared and caused a great storm to erupt in the sky. Loki his troublesome brother walked over to him bringing him news that it was a giant named Thrym that had stolen his hammer. Loki states that the Giant had promised to return the hammer if he could have the most beautiful goddess Freya as his bride. The thunder god smiled and ran off to find Freya. Freya was not pleased to know that she was being traded for a hammer and she told Thor that she refuses to help him. Thor sulks back to Loki telling him of the events and attempting to come up with a new strategy. Suddenly, Heimdall who had also been helping with the planning came up with an idea. Thor and Loki were shocked by the idea but it was the only option so they planned to go ahead with the idea. That night the giant was thrilled to see a chariot turn up carrying his lovely bride to be. Thrym ordered a wedding banquet at once and was too excited to see how clumsy and big the bride and bridesmaid were. he didn't even notice their gruff voices and hairy hands or the way that Freya drunk a whole two barrels of beer and ate a whole roast ox. After they had all eaten the giant got to his feet and made a toast to his new wife saying he will now give back the hammer to the "Ugly thug of a thunder god" Thunder god. The hammer was baught in on a cushion. Thor jumped up ripping off his veil and shouted "The ugly thug of a thunder god thanks you" then he grabbed his hammer and rendered the giant and all his guests dead. All the gods were relieved Thor had his hammer back but it was a very long time before they could freely laugh about Thor and Loki in dresses.

Review: The Iron King

Title: The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Mira Ink
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, YA, Romance.
Release Date: January 1st 2009
Pages: 363
Where Acquired: The Works
Buy at Amazon Here 
- Best Book Price: £2.47 Kindle Price: £4.20 (as of when posted) 

UK Cover:
 

A Cover From Elsewhere (Germany): 


My Thoughts On The Covers:
I do love the UK cover with it's icey blues (for the ice kingdom and for Ash) and forest greens (for the rest of the Nevernever and for Puck). The model on the front cover is stunning and symbolises Meg perfectly. The text is what wins me over most however as I am a sucker for swirly-ness. The German cover isn't as lovely in my opinion but I give it credit for symbolising the fey element of the book with the foresty eyelashes.

Goodreads Description: 
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review: 
This book was magical! I really liked meghan, she is both strong and has her faults - which is great in a character and makes them more lovable! She is very clever and a bit of an outcast making her more relatable to most girls. Puck is brilliant, the funny, best friend who is - of course - in love with his friend. Next we have Ash, the cold warrior prince that wanted nothing to do with meghan at first but turns out to be the handsome and fierce love interest that makes it really hard for even me to choose between him and Puck (and that is a rare occurrence! I usually know who I'm rooting for from the start!) Last we have Grimalkin, the reluctant talking, furry friend that is both funny and lovable when he attempts to be grumpy around Meg. The plot line was heartfelt and I loved Meg's dedication to her little brother Ethan! He is so cute and their relationship reminds me of my own with my brother. I relay enjoyed how the plot progressed with every twist spaced out evenly between the chapters keeping things interesting. Because I enjoyed this series so much I have bought the rest of the series and one of the spin offs which centered around Ethan. The world is harsh but beautiful and I can't wait to be immersed in it again as soon as my new kindle is delivered and the book holds just the right amount of humor and some very serious plot lines that challenge the way we all look at life and in it's own way show the terrible effects pollution has on our planet.

Quotes: 

“Oh, we're playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?”

“Ladies and Felines," he stated grandly, grasping the doorknob, "Welcome to Tir Na Nog. Land of endless winter and shitloads of snow.” 

“Me? Die? Didn't they tell you, princess? I'm Robin Goodfellow.”

“I've always wanted the IQ of a rock. No, wait. That would be an insult to the rock.”

Rating: 

Have You Read This Book?

How Did You Find It?

Why Don't You Leave Me A Comment, Or a Link To Your Own Blog?

I Would Love To Hear Your Views!

-The Reading Rose

How To Get Autographs

Introduction: How many of you out there dream of getting your favorite actor's/actress'/author's autograph without having to go to a convention or follow them around so you can meet them in a random street somewhere? Well, this post will tech you a way which worked for me and can be done from your living room! 
So far I have managed to get:
Rachel Caine Author of Morganville Vampires
Bradley James from Merlin
Matt Smith from Doctor Who
Andrew Scott from Sherlock
Tom Hiddleston from Thor and The Avengers
Matthew Baynton from Horrible Histories/Yonderland/The wrong mans.
All from using this method! I am still waiting for some replies as some just require a lot of patience! 
However - Be warned, this does not always get results, some people are just too busy to be able to reply, but many will still take time out to read the letters you write to them! 
There are a couple of different types of autograph you may receive back. You may receive one written personally and dedicated to you or you may receive a pre-signed copy that just has their name on, both are equally as good to receive however!

How To Get Autographs

Step One - Check online first on the chosen celeb's website to look for their contact details. Some website will even tell you if they are receiving autograph requests at the moment and others like Rachel Caine's will give you a way to request for autographed bookplates there and then.

Step Two - If you can't find the celeb's mailing address on their website then do a google search. For example search; "Matt Smith Fan Mail Address" Check out a few different results and pick the address that comes up most frequently.

Step Three - Begin writing the letter to your chosen celeb. Be honest and tell them why you love them so much! but you can use this template if you are struggling for ideas:

 

Dear (Insert Celebrity Name Here)

I have been a fan of yours for a very long time, I thought you were amazing in (Insert Show Here) Because.../I think you are one of the most talented authors and (Insert Book Here) is my favorite piece of your work because....

I would be ever so grateful if you could send me an autograph! and I thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my letter!

Your Fan Forever,

(Insert Name Here)

Step Four - If you want a certain picture to be signed, print out a copy and send it with your letter, Most celebrities from my experience however have pictures of themselves ready to send off to fans! (although some, A.K.A Andrew Scott just use a torn off piece of orange paper! (the most valuable piece of orange paper I have ever owned!))

Step Five - Get out two envelopes per letter you send off, put a stamp on both, appropriate for the areas your sending it to. If you stay within the UK you can do with two 2nd class stamps but if you are sending one abroad you may need to take your letter to a post office and have them help with the correct payments. 

Step Six - The first envelope will be folded up (Don't forget to stamp this one!) and placed with the letter (and photo if you want) inside the second envelope. This envelope should be addresses to yourself so the celeb can use it to send the autograph back to you for free. If you are impatient like me then you can write the celebs name in small text on the back of the envelope so when you get it back in the post you can peak at the back and see who it is from!

Step Seven - The outside, second envelope should be addressed to the celebrity. However it also needs your address on the back with 'return address'. Do not forget in the bottom right corner on the front you should write 'fan mail, autograph request' so that any publishing company or agent will know the intent of your letter, it will save them time and make your letter less likely to be thrown away. Make sure you seal this letter tightly and post it!

Step Eight - Now you need patience, Lots of patience as it can take over half a year sometimes to get a reply back due to the celebrities busy schedule!! It is worth it when you finally do see your self addressed envelope fall on your mat however!

Here are Matthew Baynton's, Andrew Scott's and Tom Hiddleston's autographs. I would post the rest but we are redecorating and I have packed them away!

Best Day Ever!

Not only have I just been to see How to Train your Dragon 2 (Watch out for the review soon) and I am having Chinese tonight for tea (My fave dinner!) I just ordered my new Kindle Paperwhite! (Thanks to my parents!) It looks so amazing and a great upgrade for my broken kindle touch. You can even get goodreads on it I hear! Now I will just be impatiently waiting at the door every mid-morning to wait for the post to come!

Anyone else got a Kindle Paperwhite? How much do you like yours?

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share The Top Ten of The Given Subject.

Top Ten TV Shows

OK This is a big one for me this week as I am a huge TV buff so I Will break it down into Categories! They are listed in no particular order!

Fave British Shows

1. Sherlock
 
I Love, Love, Love this show! I was a late newcomer to it only watching series 1&2 half a year before series 3 so I didn't sit through the 2 year hiatus before, Lets see if I can be patient for it this time! I'm so excited for the new season now Moriarty is back! but we have to wait until late next year before they even begin filming... Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat are brilliant writers and Benedict Cumberbactch, Marin Freeman and Andrew Scott (I have his autograph!) are all brilliant actors and I just love them all (Insert Fan Girl Babble Here)
2. Doctor Who
 
I Have watched this show every single series since Christopher made the comeback. I love the way that you fall in love with the actors and when they leave the fandom gets so sad, however getting a new doctor is so exciting that it lessens the pain slightly and it's time to fall in love with the doctor all over again! I have seen Capaldi acting in The Musketeers and he was brilliant in that, so I have high hopes for his future as the doctor! I can't wait for it to return on the 23rd of August! I have Matt Smith's autograph, my autographs are my most prized posessions! P.S Fezzes and Bowties are Cool!
3. Atlantis
 
This series may have only been on for one season but already it is a winner for me. I love mythology, shown by my meme of Mythology Monday. So Greek mythology (my fave) mixed with good old BBC humor and plots is just a mix of perfection... plus Jason eye candy and all that...
4. The Musketeers
 
Again this show hasn't been on for long but it was so very entertaining, not my usual genre but I still loved it none of the less! Oh and there was lots of eye candy in this show so that
was a bonus... Check out my review on the Now For Something Different Page

5. In The Flesh
 
The most human zombie show I have ever encountered. For a paranormal/horror it covers more controversial and human issues than many drama's I've seen that were designed for that. That ending for the last series was one of the most touching endings I've encountered and makes me long for series 3! Check out my review in the Now For Something Different Page.
6. Downton Abby
 
A beautiful show that makes me long to live in that time, what I love most about it however is that it isn't afraid to cover something that will shock the viewers to their toes. And it also isn't afraid to kill off much loved characters and stick other favorites in horrible situations!
7. Miranda
 
Just funny, pure and simple humor that even I understand with my rubbish at understanding jokes brain! I love this show, Miranda is a superb woman in real life and on this show! 
8.Waterloo Road
 
A true to life show that I can really relate to due to it being set around people in my age range. It again, is a show that's not afraid to tackle difficult issues and kill off much loved characters (Sob, Tom Clarke, Sob) I'll be so sad when the series ends next year as I have never missed an episode or became bored of this show! It even smoothed over a move to another country perfectly without too much chance!

9. Holby City
 
I have always watched this show, I was baught up on it due to it being - other than casualty - my Mums only favorite TV show! I love all the drama between the staff! Jac is my favorite character, her humor is so dry it's just genius!

10. Casualty
 
Same as what I wrote in Holby City really, I was baught up on this show. I love the bits where it shows you how the accident happened most!
OK...OK i have to add two more, I can't leave them out!

11. Yonderland
 
Created by the cast of Horrible Histories it is So so so so so funny and very stupid. It's a great show to watch with my family (Even though my mum hates it, my brother and dad love it!) Its ridiculous and very cheesy, I'm not even sure why I like it so much, I just do...
12. The Wrong Mans
 
James Corden and Matthew Baynton (I have his autograph too hehe) are a perfect match with Jame's silly humor and Matthews' dry and geeky humor making a great mix. This show is very funny and takes the mick out of action movies (My least fave genre just above horror.) so that makes it a winner for me! it's just pure genius!
13. Gogglebox
 
Just my fantasy dream job, getting paid to watch and comment on TV. Nothing special :P  


Fave American Shows

1. Grimm
 
Just amazing, so many fair tales turn dark in this show and the concept is so well developed and thought out to the smallest details that sometimes it even feels real! You can't beat the little quips in this show however especially from Monroe and Wu. They lighten it up and make it the perfect mix of serious and entertainment!
2. Beauty and The Beast
 
A love story, A love triangle, all same, same  however this show is different as it is also part crime drama and part paranormal action with a little humor in between!

3. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
 
Ahhh... Marvel, I am a huge marvel fan so when I heard about a TV adaption containing one of my favorite characters from the avengers: Coulson I was excited! It met my expectations and more after a slow start, turning out to be just like a 20+ hour marvel film! It contains the right amount of action and that typical marvel humor that I love so much!

4. Once upon a time
 
I love fairy tales and having them mixed together in a modern and real life environment was just magical and perfect for me. I was so sad when they stopped showing it in the UK so I will have to get series 3 on DVD as soon as it is released!
5. Arrow
 
This has changed my opinion of DC forever. Thrilling and action pact with a great cast! Felicity is my fave character! I'm so excited that they are giving the flash his own show after being loved so much in his short appearance on arrow!
6. Under the Dome
 
Nothing like the novel by Stephen King but entertaining none of the less. Just a lot more family friendly. Still worth a watch however as it is very exciting with many twists and turns!

7. Dallas
 
This was my parents favorite show when they were teenagers so they were very excited to see it return many years later! I was very wary at first as to weather I will like it. It turned out to be totally addictive!

8. Elementary 
 
At first I hated the idea that the USA has stolen the idea for Sherlock and changed it so much but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. However I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was nothing like the BBC version, I must learn to be less judgmental of a trailer next time! This show is a brilliant crime drama, with a little bit more sociable yet still very eccentric Sherlock Holmes. The hardest thing to adjust to though was a female Watson but i think it worked really well in the end! Jonny Lee Miller is the perfect Sherlock for this show with many funny moments such as what he does with his cute per tortoise, keeping it in a draw, using it as an alarm clock and using it as a paperweight!
  
Fave Discontinued Shows 
I will miss all of these shows as they were all spectacular!

1. Merlin
 
One of my all time best TV shows, I was devastated when it ended but at least it ended properly, not just cancelled mid plot! Merlin and Arthur were amazing, I will never forget this show!
2. Heroes

Technically I am yet to see the last season, the last box set is on my shelf still but i am already sad that it's ended as I love it so completely! there are so many brilliant actors/actresses in this show and if it does return like they rumour it will, I hope many of my favorites will return such as Peter, Claire, Mohinder and The best villain ever - Sylar!
3. Touch
 
Ended mid plot line, cancelled, just when it was finding it's feet... uh!!

4. The tomorrow people
 
Again, Just cancelled just like that... At least there was no big cliff hanger at least, most of the story lines were resolved!

5. The Secret Circle
 
Cancelled, not ended. Sad, Sad, Sad.
6. Being Human UK
 
At least this show was ended not cancelled. It was beautiful and it's American namesake lives on for at least another series in it's memory! I just wished I hadn't seen the alternative ending now though as it was a horrible cliff hanger! Stick with the ending they aired peoples!
7. Primeval/Primeval New World
 
I grew up with primeval as I just adored dinosaurs as a kid! When the USA version came out a few years later with great cross overs with the UK version I was overjoyed! However this was shortly cancelled after only one season. BooHoo.

8. Revolution

A great action/dystopian show! I haven't seen the last episode yet as it is still on our planner but I am sad to see it go already considering the nano is the creepiest enemy I've ever seen in a show!
9. Horrible Histories
 
Just loved this show! the cast were amazing! at least it was impossible for cliffhangers however! they just ran out of things to cover I think. 
10. Star Crossed

NO NO NO... THE WORST CLIFF HANGER THAT'S NEVER GOING TO BE RESOLVED EVER! ALL HUMANS DEAD...MAYBE...THE REST INJURED AND MASSIVE ALIEN INVASION OF EARTH!

Fave Shows I Am Currently Watching

1. Eastenders - Always watch it
 
2. The Vampire Diaries - Box set of series 3
 
3. Supernatural - Box set series 1
 
4. America's Next Top Model - Boys Vs. Girls
 
5. Beauty and The Geek Australia
 
6. Being Human USA
 
7. Game of Thrones - Box Sets
 
8. Teen Wolf - Box Sets
 
9. Big Brother: Power Trip
 
10. Glee
 
~*~ I also have broadchurch   and The 100 lined up to start watching so if they are as good as they look they deserve being tagged on to the end of this list too!

Shows I'm Excited for

1. Heroes - Reborn
2. Gothem
3. Bitten
4. Sherlock Season Special
5. New Doctor in Doctor Who (August 23rd wooo!)
6. The Flash 
And the next seasons for all the above listed shows!


Told you I like my TV....