Frozen || Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston

Title: Frozen

Book 1 of The Heart of Dread series

Author: Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston

Length: 352 pages

Publication date: September 17, 2013

Genre: YA, dystopian, fantasy

Rating: 3/5

"Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows. At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light. But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all." -summary from Amazon

The world in the book was really interesting. It was a very interesting mix of dystopian and fantasy. The premise was also interesting to me, and there were some unique elements to the world. An example is that the currency was heat credits, and things like salt were extremely rare and valuable. I live in southern Manitoba, where we basically are frozen half of the year, so I felt like I could relate to that plot point. The story was well-paced, and I found myself wanting to know what happened to the characters.

Unfortunately, the writing missed a lot for me. The world building was lacking. The point of view switched between the two main characters, and their voices sounded the same. It was hard to tell who the focus of the chapter was supposed to be on. The things that bothered me the most (which feel linked to me) is how quickly things happened, how easily they were wrapped up, and the lack of explanation of things. The characters sometimes seemed to hop from one situation to the next, and sometimes it was so quick that I flipped back to see if I missed something. The worst part was that the big battle scene at the end was way too short! It was very anti-climatic! Everything wrapped up way too quickly, and it didn't leave me wanting to know more about the story, yet I didn't feel satisfied. Which is not what the authors were going for, I don't think. Finally, the insta-love was a little annoying as well. The characters went from not liking each other, to liking each other, and again, you couldn't tell how or where that happened to change.

In general, I though the plot and the story itself were interesting. The writing itself is where it fell flat for me. I am certainly not in a rush to pick up the next book, but I might somewhere down the line. 

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Of Weird Slumps.

[via]

I am in a weird slump.

I haven't written letters in over a month. But I want to. I miss my pen pal friends.

I've barely been reading this month. But I want to. I have an insane pile of books that I'm really excited about.

I haven't been blogging this past year. I have things that I want to talk about, but I'm out of practice and I can barely remember this writing thing that I like to do. I also started a channel on YouTube a few months ago where I talk about books, and I haven't posted anything this month.

I haven't even been knitting this autumn (now winter here), and I want to because I need a new hat!

I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe it's because I'm tired, and the shorter days are just kicking my energy levels in the butt. Maybe I just need some inspiration. But I feel pretty inspired about things!! Which just makes it all so weird.

I hope that soon I will be able to get back to doing things that I love. I miss them.

Some good news though, I'm painting my kitchen cabinets! I can't wait to share photos with you when it's all done! It's taking forever, but we'll get there. We'll get there.

Day 21 || Kass Morgan

Title: Day 21 

Book 2 of The 100 series

Author: Kass Morgan

Length: 320 pages

Publication date: Sept. 16, 2014

Genre: YA, dystopian, sci-fi

Rating: 3.5/5

This summer Chris and I watched the first season of The 100 on Netflix. I don't think the show is the best, but I like the premise of it, so I decided to read the first book. I thought it was a good read, and so very different from the show. When I saw the second book was coming out, I requested a copy from Netgalley for review.

I don't want to say too much about the plot because of spoilers, but a quick summary of the first book - the Earth was on the cusp of a nuclear war, so an Ark-like ship was sent into space, for the surviving humans to live while the Earth became habitable again. Fast forward a couple hundred years, and the ship is starting to lose air, and it becomes vital to find out if Earth is liveable again. The 100 are a group of the ship's prisoners under the age of 18, and they are sent down in a pod where their vital will be monitored for radiation poisoning. In their descent to Earth, they lose communication with the ship, so they have to figure everything out on their own. We follow 4 main characters: Clarke, Wells, and Bellamy, who are among the 100; and Glass, who remains on the ship. Day 21 picks up exactly where the previous book left off. 

I did enjoy this book more than the first one. It was a very quick read, the writing style is very easy to get into. I did think the plot of this book did improve on the first one, I didn't anticipate everything that was going to happen. I wish there had been a little more character development. Wells and Clarke did develop from the first book, Glass a bit less, and Bellamy not at all. But there could have been more. Bellamy acted like a spoiled brat a lot of the book, I thought. I understand in the situation he was facing, but that could have been written a bit better, maybe with some more compassion. The tension there didn't help anything, in my opinion. But the drama is way toned down from the tv show, with is really good.

The plot of this series is just fantastic, in my opinion. A group of teenagers that have never set foot on Earth before, wandering around wondering how they're going to survive, not knowing what life on Earth will be like - really great. I've not heard of anything similar to this concept before. If there are any books similar to this that you know of, please let me know! 

I would definitely recommend this series if you're looking for something not too serious, but still has action and an exciting plot. The first book is quite cheap for Kindle, I think I got it for $2.99. If you're interested, you should give it a go. I'm definitely waiting for the last book to come out next year.

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

UDON Manga Classics: Les Misérables

Title: Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo (original); Stacy King and Tszmei Lee

Length: 336 pages

Publication date: Aug. 19 2014

Genre: classics, manga

Rating: 5/5

I received this book from Netgalley for review. I have really been in the mood to read more graphic novels, so this manga was right up my alley and I couldn't have been more pleased.

I read Les Misérables for the first time last year, and while it took me months to finish, I absolutely loved it. I think the translation that I read was just gorgeous. (It was the translation by Julie Rose, please check that one out if you pick up this book.) I also adore the new movie musical. Who doesn't love Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. And can we talk about Marius for a minute? Hello.

I found this manga adaptation to be very faithful to the original story. The most important parts of the story arc were included, and the story flowed well. I mean, taking a 1,200+ page book and condensing it into a 336 page manga was probably a difficult task. In my opinion they succeed. It was also very nice to just pick up this classic story and read through it in 2 sittings. You know, instead of 7 months. I highly enjoyed this reading experience.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who is maybe interested in reading Les Misérables, but doesn't want to commit to the hugeness of the novel. I'd also recommend this for younger readers as an introduction to the classic. Or if you just want to enjoy a great story in an afternoon, you should pick this up as well. 

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Kitchen re-do inspiration (and a vote!)

Over the past 6 months, we've been working on various projects around our house. We've been living there for 3 years now, and I felt like it was time for a refresh. I love changing the physical space around me from time to time, even if it's just to shuffle the furniture around. I think part of this has to do with the fact that I'm such an indecisive person. Which is one of the reasons that this process has taken 6+ months.

Back in April, we painted our living room/kitchen area, and all the way down the hall. It was previously a light yellow, but because we had painted over a strong blue colour, it always read as a greenish tinge. I wanted to make everything white because then I could change whatever colours I feel like in the future. I chose Mercury Glass by Benjamin Moore, and I just loooooove it! Seriously, it's the perfect white! It makes everything feel a million times brighter in our main area, which I just love.

The above is the current state of my kitchen. #reallife

The next thing to tackle is painting the kitchen cabinets. They're okay, but I just don't love them. They're just a stock, builder's grade fake oak, and I need to get rid of them! I've been putting off painting them since April, but it has to happen because I already painted some swatches on them to see what I liked better. I am just the most indecisive person about this, though. I've been wavering between 3 options. I need help! I seriously can't decide!!

Option one: all white

Option two: white on top, navy or charcoal on the bottom

Option three: all grey/greige or some such

I really am leaning toward the white/navy/charcoal combination, but those two grey ones are almost enough to sway me. And then I see the all white, and then I just get sooooo confused all over again! I keep going back and forth! 

So I need your help! Choose your favourite in my survey down below - so easy! If I chose white, do I go with a shade darker than the walls, or just paint it all the same white? Do I chose charcoal or navy if I go that way? Or do I go with a greige? I'm really into greige these days. I am just so lost. I just want something that I'm going to love for the next 5+ years - hopefully before that time is up we'll be living in another home! So please, help this indecisive lady out! 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Book review: If I Stay - Gayle Forman

I've been wanting to do book reviews for a while, and I don't think I've ever done any. Which is completely ridiculous, considering how much I love books and how many I read. So, here I commence.

I just finished reading If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I didn't go into the book knowing a lot about it, which I like to do. And I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed it. It's not a book to read if you're in the mood for a happy story, that's for sure. It does have happy moments in it, but the story certainly isn't. (TFIOS, much?)

A brief summary: Mia is 18, in her final year of high school. During a snow day, her family decides to drive to their friends' place to spend the day with them. But the day turns out much differently than anyone would have imagined...

The story takes place over the span of 24 hours. The author uses flashbacks to draw out the story, and I felt that she used the method really effectively. They never felt forced, and always flowed very naturally, to the point where you hardly realize that it's a flashback. I thought that overall the story flowed really well. It's a shorter book, but because the author knew how to draw the story out, it doesn't feel like it lacks for information or details at all.

The previous edition cover. I think I almost like this one better.

I did like the characters in the book for the most part. The main character, Mia, is a very thoughtful teenager. She is a cellist, going to be attending Julliard after she graduates high school. Her life revolves around her family, her boyfriend Adam, her best friend Kim, and her musical career. She doesn't have much use for partying and staying out late, which is funny because her parents were in the music scene when she was growing up, and she was going to parties when she was a child. Her father was in a punk rock band for many years, and her boyfriend is in an up-and-coming band, as well. She just can't get away from music, it is steeped into every part of her life. It plays a considerable role in the book as well. I did enjoy the contrast between reserved and serious Mia, and her eccentric rocker parents. It's so reversed from what you usually see. The relationships in this book played out really well. It was definitely easy for me to connect to the characters.

A still of Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays Mia in the film adaptation.

One of the things that bothered me most about the book - there is a character that is never given a name! Mia's parents' friends have a baby, and the baby is always referred to that - "the baby!" It drove me crazy!! I mean, there are characters just mentioned in passing that play less of a role than this baby, and they got names! Why, Gayle Forman, why??

Overall, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a story that draws you in. I could probably connect with the story in a deeper way than a lot of people would, because of things that have happened to me and others close to me. (Trying not to be spoilery here!!) I will probably be thinking about this story for a few more days. The movie version came out on Friday and I am looking forward to seeing it.

Plot: original, very well paced
Emotions: you will feel them
Characters: mostly realistic and well-rounded

And for those who like to be prepared for these things (I appreciate a heads up, for sure!)

Language: moderate, as there are a few f-bombs and other choice words
Sex: one scene that's not explicit but there is a lot of stuff implied
Drugs/alcohol: social drinking, no drug use that I can recall
Spiritual content: Mia's grandma believes that loved ones who have passed on come back as angels (in the form of animals); the family attends a funeral at a church where the officiant talks about the deceased going to be with the Lord.

My overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Art for a gallery wall.

I've been wanting to do a gallery wall in our kitchen for about a year already. It's a long, blank, open space, just begging for tons of beautiful art! I've been sourcing out things that I want, and there's just too much gorgeous stuff out there for me to choose. I thought I would share some of my favourites with you today.

[via whatkatiedoes]

This one has been on my list for ages and ages! I just love it! There are 3 colours to pick from, and I think I like this one the best. I can't wait to order this print.

[via OldEnglishCo]

This is my second favourite, and I can't wait to get it on the wall! This one has 20 different colours you can get it in, and you can choose to flip the negative space as well. I'm having a hard time choosing my colour, but I think I might just go with this one.

[via Alice X. Zhang]

Tangled is my favourite Disney animated film, and this is my favourite scene in the movie. I love the feel of this piece.

[via PrettyPrintShop]

I actually bought this one already! (I actually plan to put this in my office, but I still wanted to show you.) It's an instant download for you to print out at home, which is totally my speed. The faster I can get it, the better. Plus it was only $2ish. Score!

[via David Fleck]

I have a thing for hot air balloons. Someday I will go on a ride in one! But for now, I'll settle for some art.

[via WatercolorBook]

See? Hot air balloons. I also have a thing for watercolours.

[via unravelleddesign]

This store has tons of beautiful quote prints like this. It's so hard to choose. These are two of my favourites.

[via Mareike Bohmer Graphics]

Another shop with so much pretty. She also has some photography, but I like her geometric prints.

[via thebigharumph]

I think it's only fitting to have one of these prints in my kitchen. And the difference from all the rest I've shown, which are digital prints, this one is a linocut. This shop has lots of other lovely lino prints of food.

[via penandpaper]

There is a variety of different prints on this shop. Quotes and illustrations, which she also makes as cards.

[via KellyVentura]

I love ice cream and I love watercolours, so it seems only natural that I would desire this lovely thing.

[via Korrina Carmona]

Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of my favourite shows, and Appa definitely has my heart. I enjoy this wanted poster that is featured in the show.

I totally have a bent towards quotes and watercolours, and more feminine looking pieces, so I'm sure I'll get Chris to find a few he likes, and maybe he'll make one or two as well. I'm planning on getting a variety of sizes. I got some frames from the thrift store that I will (eventually) paint the same colour, and probably get some Ribba frames from IKEA to mix in. All of these pieces were found on Etsy or Society6, and that's only a fraction of the ones I found. If you care to see, I made an Etsy collection. I haven't spent as much time on Society6, and I'm not sure if I should because I get overwhelmed with options pretty quickly. I'm pretty excited to start curating my gallery wall! If you have some favourite shops I should know about, leave me a comment and I'll check it out!

And now we return to your regularly scheduled programming.

Hola, blog! ...half a year later, she says.

Well, there have been a lot of changes around here in the past 6 months. I intend to put my blogging hat back on after a much needed break. I still have my days where I just feel really down, but that's normal. For the most part, life is really great around here, and I can't wait to share bits and pieces of it with you! Also, I really miss writing. I've realized that it helps me a lot to process my thoughts and empty out my chaotic mind a little bit. I have some ideas about where I want things to go with this blog, but for now, I just thought I would pop in and say hi. Feel free to comment if you still read this.

This is a picture of me like 2 months ago, with our niece Sadie. I'll probably write a post about her story, it's pretty cool.