Series Review - Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a show is loosely inspired from the 1987 series of the same name. It also draws it's basic plot from the classic fairy-tale we all know and love while being different enough for it to still draw interest from the viewers.

When I read the plot summary for this series, I'd have to admit I wasn't very interested and I pegged it as a "I'll only watch this if I run out of everything else to watch" series. Months after I had dismissed this series, a friend of mine who watched the show regularly pushed me to give it a shot and so I did. I had looked over this show but once I watched it, I was instantly hooked. I went into marathon mode and watched like 10 episodes in a day and I finished the entire first season in three!

Catherine Chandler, a detective, witnesses her mother being shot the same night she is saved from her mother's murderers by a supposed beast. Nine years later, a case leads her to discover that Vincent Keller, an ex-soldier killed in action during military service, is actually alive. As Catherine gets to know him, she starts finding out more about her mother's murder and about who (and what) Vincent really is. At the same time, they get to know each other and eventually fall in love with each other.

It may seem a bit "cliched" but I assure you this show is everything but cliched. It has amazing plot twists so it is perfect for fans of the thriller and suspense genre. It does seem like a show geared towards a more female audience but it has plenty of action too not just a mushy romance drama. It has a certain uniqueness to it and the female lead is awesome and kick-ass, she is a strong female character (much like Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games) not just a love-drunk, weak, hopeless girl who runs to the guy to always protect her. I should also say, I found the supporting characters wonderful. They are humorous, witty and real. They bring a lightness to the show so that it's not always a serious life-and-death situation all the time.

As a plus point for this show. It is jam packed with hot guys! Just more stuff to make it every girl's guilty pleasure! But it really is a good show with lovable characters you could connect with and a great plot line. The good news is its second season is gonna premiere soon so I can't wait for that! If you have not watched it you should catch up soon!

If you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to comment and don't forget to like this post! =)

Music Review - The Civil Wars

I am NOT a fan of the whole "Indie Folk" scene. I almost never listen to this type of music, but honestly, I think I've been making a huge mistake. The Civil Wars changed my mind. Their newest self-titled album is very refreshing from the generic mainstream pop songs I usually listen to.

The Civil Wars is comprised of the singer-songwriter duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White. A perfect match! I actually first heard of them when they featured on Taylor Swifts' Safe and Sound as part of the Hunger Games sound track. In this time they have managed to win two Grammys for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album.

Joy Williams and John Paul White just harmonize so well together. They have such a soothing sound that relaxes me instantly. You could listen to them all day long without getting sick of their songs. They have a very "classic" feel, they are very timeless. You don't need to be a "grandpa" to enjoy their songs. I think they have a universal appeal to everyone.

My favorite songs would have to be The One That Got Away (Nooo, not the very popular Katy Perry song) and From This Valley. I never thought the day would come that I would enjoy country songs, but it DID!

So, for all of you that are skeptical or doubtful. Take it from me (a hardcore pop fan) that The Civil Wars will appeal to you! 

If you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to comment and don't forget to like this post! =)

City of Bones Pre-Movie Review

Hey Guys! City of Bones just happens to be one of my most favorite books EVER! I'm am ecstatic that the movie is being released in TWO WEEKS!! Arrgh! I can't wait for two weeks! I want my movie now!

*I'm gonna be in hyper-excited minion mode till the movie releases* As much as I am excited about this I still can't help but worry how the movie turned out. As all good books turned into movies, i expect a lotta stuff to be missing and a lotta stuff to be made up (for those of you who watched Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, you guys know what i'm talking about).
The trailer was awesome! I loved the graphics and CGI but I couldn't help noticing a lotta changes too! Well, I guess I'll be posting a follow up about this in two weeks! But I have to say, I loved the casting for this movie (with exceptions of course)!! It feels like my imagination is finally coming to life.

Lily Collins as Clary - I love her. I absolutely love her! Not only is she beautiful, she is an amazing actress as well (Mirror, Mirror) and I think she will portray Clary well.

Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace - Okay. This was the exception I was talking about. What the hell? I for one was kinda disappointed with this casting. Not that I have anything against the actor, I just felt like he wasn't really Jace. But hey, who am I to judge? Maybe he can pull this off, I was kinda hoping for Alex Pettyfer actually.

Kevin Zegers as Alec - EEEEEKKKKKK *fangirling* HOTT HOTT HOTT HOTT HOTT. I have nothing else to say.

Jemima West as Isabelle - I like her. She is a spunky, cool and lovely actress. A bit short for the role, but nothing heels can't fix!

Robert Sheehan as Simon - I was really pleased with this casting because I honestly think he is a versatile actor and the "geeky" to "hot" transformation is gonna be awesome!

Godfrey Gao as Magnus - *faints* BEST. CASTING. EVER. He is PURRFECT. I was really happy they cast an ethnically correct actor for this role, not to mention he is smexxyy! I think I will be anticipating this role the most. I'd love to see him as Magnus Bane the eccentric and flamboyantly gay wizard. I think i'd die trying to imagine the chemistry between Godfrey Gao and Kevin Zegers.

Johnathan Rhys Meyers as Valentine - WOW. This is exactly how i'd imagined Valentine. I feel like they took this guy right outta my head and into the movie!

Clearly, I'm a huge fan of the book. I hope they don't mess this one up and stay more or less true to the original story! This movie was my most anticipated one for the year (okay, maybe with the exception of Iron Man 3).
Sigh. I know it's only two weeks but it feels like an eternity! Remember to catch this movie coming to cinemas August 27.

 If you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to comment and don't forget to like this post! =)

Book Review - The Hangman's Replacement: Sprout of Disruption by Taona Dumisani Chiveneko

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Although, this isn't one of my typical reads, I decided to give it a shot as I found the premise quite interesting.

This book is dark. It describes the situation of a man pushed to his limits, willing to do anything and everything to ensure the survival of his family.

The book intrigued me because it showed how desperation could push a morally sound man like Abel to make the decisions he did. It accurately portrays the condition in Africa and how people struggle to survive despite all the hardships. This book really makes you think about all that you have and how horrible conditions are. It paints a picture of human greed and wickedness.

In conclusion, this book is amazing and everybody should get a chance to read this book. It provides a lot of food for thought and personally, I think this book is one of my favorites.
The author has a very beautiful way of writing and I think everyone should read this if not only to admire the eloquent way the entire thing is written.

Luckily for you guys the e-book is FREE. Yes FREEE!!!! On Amazon until the 18th of August and for all other devices the 19th of August at: http://gum.co/FullDiscout/Free399. You should NOT miss this opportunity to get this book so HURRY WHILE IT LASTS!

 

The author also has a mailing list where he will be keeping readers updated about the sequel, related news on Zimbabwe and giveaways. If you are interested, you can sign up on my website. The subscribe button is at the bottom of the page: www.hangmanreplacement.com.

If you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to comment and don't forget to like this post! =)

Book Review - Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

That was my face when Scarlet was released.

This was my face when I realized Cress would be released in 2014. Thus began my journey of ultimate self-control and perseverance. I had to put off reading the book to shorten my waiting time for the third one. But alas, I could only get so far before I tore the book apart and read from cover to cover and let me say, I was not disappointed.

That was my face throughout the entire book. I loved it so much I was in tears the whole time. Scarlet, Scarlet, Scarlet, Scarlet, Oh, Scarlet. I adored Scarlet. I think I love Scarlet even more than I love Cinder (which I did not think was possible).

I ate the whole book up in hours! The book was amazing, Marissa Meyer captivated me with this one and now i'm never gonna let go. I loved the POV switching with Scarlet and Cinder. I could not stop turning the pages! I was bewitched with Scarlet's and Wolf's enticing love story, I laughed out loud at Captain Thorne's remarks and I cried with the characters I hold so dear to me.

The story-line is simply incredible. The deep setting of this book and the connection between Scarlet and Cinder surprised and shocked me. Marissa Meyer's writing was flawless and the back-story just fit so perfectly together it was PERFECT. I for one, am a tough person to please, especially when it comes to the characters.

I don't know what it is about these characters but I adore each and every one of them so much. There is just something about Meyer's story and characters that enticed me (yes, even the evil Queen Levana!). This book is perfect and I think it could fill the hole in my heart left by the Harry Potter series.

This book was ideal, splendid, superb, excellent and any other adjective that is synonymous with immaculate. Now, I shall resume tearing my hair out in anticipation for the third book of this series while stuck in book limbo. 2014 could not come soon enough.

If you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to comment and don't forget to like this post! =)

Welcome To My World - About Me

Hi Guys,
This is my very first post on my new blog!! I'm super excited about this and I hope you guys will be too.

Most of you guys would be wondering. What's up with the picture? Well, this picture basically describes ME!
The first thing you need to know about me, is that I am a book junkie. I LIVE for books. A world without books is a world I don't need to be in. I obsessively collect and read anything I can find and i'm constantly in book hangovers.
I also love fashion. I simply adore cute dresses and high heels. Although I love almost all types of fashion ranging from sporty to urban, my favorite has to be feminine chic couture. I just can't get enough of laces and skirts!
I am a movie-addict. I have and absolutely have to watch every movie made by mankind and I will enjoy it. My only Achilles Heel in the magical world of movies is the horror genre. I am terrified, mortified and scared out of my wits with this genre. I can't even look at a poster without shrieking in absolute fear. But on the bright side thriller movies have no effect on me. =)
Additionally, I am also a fan of anything Japanese (like anime), i'm a food enthusiast (a super picky eater) and just like any other girl, I cannot resist the bewitching spell of cute little animals.

Now, to answer ever-present question, Why am i blogging?
Well, as I had mentioned, this is my first blog ever. I started this blog to share my passions and interests with everybody! I just feel like everybody needs a chance to voice their opinions on various things and I hope my blog is a platform for anybody and everybody to express their thoughts and feelings on various topics.

What am I blogging about?

I will be blogging about books, movies, fashion and life (and all its wonderful things). I'll be posting reviews, suggestions, advice, tips and all the newest digs. Basically, anything a teen would ever need!

So, this marks the end of my first post. Please feel free to comment and voice your thoughts or give me feedback. You can e-mail me at xoxtopxox@yahoo.com (a cool e-mail address, i know =P). Any suggestion is enthusiastically welcomed and I appreciate all comments!