The Lightning Thief pt.3

Continuing from the previous lit circle of The Lightning Thief...Once again, wow. I am absolutely in love with the series. I also love how Riordan shows how the gods' personality would be like such as Zeus's arrogance, Poseidon's patience, Ares's boldness. It definitely shows how the gods also have human emotions, yet still have their superiority over the mortals. I didn't include this, but during a sidetrack quest from Ares, it's amusing how it included the relationship between Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus.  I really like how there were more than just the "Big Three" gods that were the main gods. I see that adding another god that suddenly shows up buying the three journeyers cheeseburgers and fries at some restaurant gives it an amusing scene to imagine. Other than that, from the third section of the book (sadly) concludes this novel. It tells the remainder of the main quest and the conclusion of the situation between Percy's father, Zeus and Hades (turns out he was also included in this problem). Despite of the prophecy given to Percy, it wasn't exactly finished. Even though it was said that Percy will succeeded the quest, there was the other half to be the fulfill and that would be the one who started, the lightning thief, which they revealed himself/herself after the quest was over, and it ends up with Percy's decision on whether or not he continues to stays at Camp Halfblood or goes home and returns back to the camp during the summer. I'm grateful that Riordan included a prophecy because if not, the novel could've stop right there and now. My thoughts now after I finished the book are: to watch the movie and compare and wait for the second novel. I think my group will probably regret reading this awesome book. They might've been just like me: way too excited on waiting to read the next book and watching the movie.     As for my quote, I have chosen this (with great difficulty). "You have no faith," Echidna told me. "You do not ... trust the gods. I cannot blame you, little coward. Better you die now. Thegods are faithless. The poison is in your heart." You bring up a good point, Echidna. One of the biggest things that Percy has to learn over the course of his quest is faith: faith in himself and faith in the gods. And, boy, does he do a good job of learning this. How does faith work? Can you just say you are going to believe in the gods and then believe in them? How does Percy gain faith in himself and in the gods?

Manga: Emerging

    I think this is the first actually blog post where I'm not mentioning from something coming from a book, history,or movie. However it is a book, to be more specific, it's a manga. If you really do not know what a manga, it's basically like a comic book, mostly read from right to left, and the art is Japanese style. For some reason, unlike most people who would read the most popular one like Naruto or Bleach, I'll be blogging about the manga series Emerging. It's not popular, doesn't have many readers, and sorry for your disappointment, nor does it have a lot of chapters to read (only has sixteen chapters so far). However, it stands out in its own unique way. It was released last year in 2009 and the author and artist is Hokazono Masaya, who has known for these genres: drama, horror, and seinen (a class of manga written for an older male audience). I didn't really pay attention to the seinen part, so I continue to read the series.
    Coming from the summary from the website I was reading, it says this: Japan is a brilliant model of Asian success and obligation. But how would this country manage a large-scale sanitary crisis? What would happen in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's biggest districts, if a man exploded in the street during broad daylight? How would the political and sanitation authorities manage such a crisis? Please consider this question as long as you can--because it's already too late for professors Onodera and Sekiguchi! Is an emerging virus slowly spreading itself into the arteries of the Japanese capital? I was intrigued with what it has to say and decided to read it. Boy was I hooked, I have idea why, but I highly doubt many people would like reading this manga, especially if it can actually be true.
The reason why I decided to blog about this series is because this type of manga should be taken seriously, or not. It shows how there is a possibility for a new unknown virus and can happen any part of the world. To those who are interested in reading this series, here's the link:
    Also, if you finish reading this series and want a similar one, here's one called Bloody Monday. It is greatly similar to Emerging, but has terrorism involved with the situation. This is the summary: A virus deal clinched in Russia on the Christmas eve. Purpose: unknown. Two clues: a mysterious lady "Maya", one of the reasons it happened, and "Bloody Monday", the keyword for the project. Then an incident happened in far-distant city of Tokyo. Fujimaru Takagi, a second year student at Mishiro Gakuin high school, is commissioned to find out the truth by the Public Security Intelligence Agency, for his great ability as a super hacker. Now, Maya approaching to Fujimaru as his high school teacher... Honestly, I really like reading this series. It's also lucky that it's completed so I won't go crazy waiting for it to update weekly (or monthly) for new releases. It you are done with BOTH series, there is still the newly released sequel of Bloody Monday, called Bloody Monday 2.

Here are the links if you are interested:
Emerging: click here
Bloody Monday: click here
Bloody Monday 2: click here

The Lightning Thief pt. 2

Continuing from the previous lit circle letter of The Lightning Thief...
      Wow. I was definitely surprised. There were so much going already that I can make a long list of events that happened. This is only the second part of the novel. So based on the little summary from the back of the book, Percy finds out his his true heritage, being a demi-god (again, means half god, half human), his mother being human and his father being the god of the sea, Poseidon. After that, being aware of his father's situation with his uncle, Zeus, he then goes on a journey with his guardian and best friend, a satyr named Grover Underwood, and another fellow demi-god named Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom (or what is referred in this novel, but is also goddess of civilization, strength, strategy, craft, justice, and skill in Greek mythology) With the suspicion of Hades, his other uncle's involvement of the stolen master bolt, the three of them travel across the United States with only ten days to complete the quest: retrieve the master bolt before a war between the gods begin. To me, this is definitely quite a load on Peter, especially since he doesn't know much of the world of the gods. It's like seeing him as an innocent little sheep walking into wolf's lair. In either case, he still continues onward to the heart of the Underworld, which apparently is located in L.A. (Los Angeles, very amusing) despite of being attacked by his math teacher again, Medusa (yes, the Medusa), a chimera,and being sidetracked by the ever god of warfare (I prefer god of blood lust), Ares. Surprisingly, the second section of the book packs a lot of action in just a mere one hundred- twenty five pages. I couldn't believe there how Riordan was able to squeeze that much things happening on in that short amount of pages. With such a cliffhanger at the end of the second section, I'm really tempted to read what happens at the end.
       As for my quote that I have chosen, I want to make a small comment on this.
"I'm not saying hello to a pink poodle." "Percy, I said hello to the poodle. You say hi to the poodle."
Honestly, I was laughing a lot. After facing so many challenges that just keeps going at Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, meeting a pink poodle was just...unexpected. Apparently the pink poodle was just helping out the trio when they were a bit stuck on getting money to continue their quest towards L.A., where the Underworld lies...

The Lightning Thief pt.1

Since I was unable to convince anyone from my previous group partners to read the book, I'll read this myself.The book I am reading is The Lightning Thief written by Rick Roirdan. This is a the first fantasy novel of the series. It tells a tale of a twelve year old boy named Percy Jackson, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia and have always cause trouble and always end up getting kicked out for strange things happening around him. After discovering his true heritage and the reason behind for all the incidents involving him, a new world opens for him. Because of his father, he is being blamed by the Zeus for stealing his prized master bolt, known for blowing Kronos up into thousand pieces and it's up to him to retrieve the master bolt in order to prove his innocence and his father, Poseidon. Now as he travels west, he is a target for mythical monsters that are supposedly come from myths and encounters other mythical and godly beings. With ten days to complete his quest before an unnecessary war breaks out, he travels with a satyr named Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase, a fellow demigod (half god, half human) and daughter of Athena.




Of course, since it is the first novel, the first section of the book is the daily life of Percy Jackson. However, it was kind of unexpected that there would be some situation for Peter in the next couple of pages of reading. Also, right from the beginning there were some great use of Greek mythology and a new variation of a creature (possibly from the a Greek creature, the chimera) has been created. I am already hooked to this book and I only read one hundred-twenty five pages. What I wonder is will Percy figure out his heritage right after that situation or would he facing more dangers before that?



At the beginning, this is how Percy thinks about when he found out he was a demigod (half mortal, half god or in simple words: half-blood).

"Being a half-blood is dangerous. It's scary. Most of the time, it gets you killed in painful, nasty ways."

Percy can't choose to be half-blood. It chooses him. His mom tries to choose a normal life for him for years, but the situation is beyond her control. Percy's destiny is wrapped up in the fact that he is half-human and half-god. When he tells us that being a half-blood is dangerous, he is talking from the perspective of someone who has just returned from a quest. We're getting his perspective on the quest after he's completed it and is able to reflect on it.

Catching Fire : Monthly Review

    Catching Fire is the second novel from The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins. This science fiction novel continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, a young teenager who just survived from the annual event: the Hunger Games. However, it seems like her actions from saving her and a fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, from the previous book, The Hunger Games, spark some rebellion among the other districts against the Capitol... Now, back in the Games once again, she and and Peeta faces new dangers, new allies, new enemies, and maybe face the biggest one yet.
    The character I'm interested in other than the main character, Katniss Everdeen, is the one of the supporting characters, Finnick. On his "introduction", my first impression of Finnick was like "did he win by seducing other tributes with his looks or something?" This twenty-four year old man shows a "sexy guy" to the the fans and viewers and is from District 4. Other than the fact that he was well known for his looks, he was one of the youngest Hunger Games victors, winning at the age of fourteen. Because he is from District 4, which was in charge of fishing, his abilities were one include fishing. His other talents include using the trident and trapping his enemies with his handmade nets. Besides his outlooks, he really is a caring person and despite the fact where he "sleeps with other people", he actually is in love with a contestant from the same district as him. Of course, the reader would assume it would be some busty girl with incredible looks.  However, the girl, name Alice, was actually had a mental disorder that was caused when she was in the games. With such a traumatic experience, she was never the same before. Other than that, not much is really known how Finnick fell in love with her. It shows he is not just some flirty guy that has no feelings of real love. I admire how he stays calm, but it shows he is human when he heard a mockingjay with the same scream as Alice's. Everyone has someone or something to care about and for him, it was the mental girl that no one would whom Finnick fell in love with. I also see how despite of his outer personality, he shows deep concern for others and trys his hardest.
    In my opinion, the weakness of the book will probably how long it took to start the next stage of the book. I was somewhat disappointed, but I will continue reading the book. Half the book was about the rough life back in Katniss's district, while the other half was when she was back in the Hunger Games. I think there has some meaning on how it Katniss's life has changed after the Hunger Games, but I don't think it was necessary to extend that far as half the book. Also, I was interested in how the Hunger Games will turn out. The results were pretty interesting, but I was somewhat disappointed, especially I was awaiting for a certain character's death. I think the character's death should remain dead, showing more of Katniss's dramatic emotional change. However, if that did happen, there would be few changes, but I would really want to see that. There weren't really a lot of deaths that would affect the characters, so there wasn't such a big emotional change for them. As for some of the characters in the story, I really so not see ANY progress or any improvement whatsoever throughout the first and the second novels. I thought there will be some use for them later in the story, but I will hope there will be in the last of the trilogy. As for the main character, I like how Collins shows the somewhat changes in her personality before and after her first experience in the Hunger Games from the first book at the beginning of the second book. However, Collins didn't have any changes in the character, Peeta's personality after the Hunger Games other than having some nightmares that barely had any affect on him. He seems all calm and doesn't show any much difference after such a traumatic experience other than finding his other talents (decorating cookies and painting).
    Other than Catching Fire, I have read the first of the trilogy, The Hunger Games. Compared to this, I actually prefer The Hunger Games probably because there were more plot than the second book. However,  I do see that the whole point of the second book was like a starter for the main plot of the trilogy. In the first novel, there was a lot of suspense and action, no wonder it will be a movie soon. The second book doesn't show much suspense and action until the second half of the book. What it did focused on more on the first half would be the development of Katniss's changed lifestyle back at home and her feelings towards to some of the close characters. In the first book, it shows what Katniss's life is like before facing such a traumatic experience. The second book shows how The Hunger Games affected Katniss both physically and mentally. I like how there was a before and after affect of the tournament. However, I am not satisfied with one of the character's before and after effect. I also see how much the Games affected her so much as to the point where she can't really let her guard down like how she was afraid that is she were to enter the game again, she cannot rely on her allies or she'll die, unlike a certain character. Catching Fire is just as terrifyingly good as the first book, but it delves even more into the history and politics of the Capitol and the Districts, and you'll discover the lengths the Capitol is willing to go to in order to crush any sign of a rebellion. As for both of the books of the series, Hunger Games series perfect for its intended audience, and a very refreshing change from all the paranormal romance garbage that's currently being cranked out of the publishing houses for young adults.

Catching Fire pt.3

Continuing to the third part of Catching Fire...
    At last! The 75th Hunger Games starts! But will the result be the same as the first book, leaving both Katniss and Peeta winning the game again? This question will probably remained until I finished the book.There were some unexpected events such as teaming up with the other previous victors. There was also the fact that Katniss got more protective towards Peeta rather more than what I expected. Katniss has become more cautious of the people who team with her more than the last book. She actually expected betrayal from her new teammates and thought about how she was going to kill them. She has really become one of the previous victors, unlike Peeta, who only has nightmares and pretty much isn't cautious as Katniss. I personally think that Peeta isn't as aware of survival facts and I think he's more innocent compared to Katniss during the Hunger Games. I'm starting to really mixing up the roles like Peeta is the "damsel in distress" while Katniss is like his "knight and shining armor". I feel that Peeta doesn't seem to changed whatsoever during the book, which is very unlike most other books I have read before. I also think that the start of the rebellion is only on stage one of the event and will continue on the next and last book: Mockingjay. I will definitely wait for the book, which will release in August 2010. To my partners, you already know the fact that Peeta...DIED -celebrates- until he revives....made me really disappointed. I never expected the author to actually grant my wish for him to die (this sounds very mean) but I loved reading that part! That was also my favorite part of the entire book! Ok, I think I went a little to far with my wish for Peeta's death...
My question: Are you going to wait for the last book, Mockingjay?

Catching Fire pt. 1 and 2

    Catching Fire, written by Suzanne Collins continues the trilogy of Katniss Everdeen, a young teenager who just survived from the annual event: the Hunger Games. However, it seems like her actions from saving her and a fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, from the previous book, The Hunger Games, spark some rebellion among the other districts against the Capitol...
    So far, from what I read, is just basically like the first book, Katniss's daily life in her home district, District 12, with some new changes such as how she doesn't see much of her hunting partner and best friend, Gale, and her new home with her mother and younger sister, Prim. I also noticed how much did Collins wrote a lot about the events from the first book. I honestly think there was a bit too much. I do understand for those who haven't read the first book, but still, there were some unnecessary amounts of previous events into the second book. I have a feeling the second book is mainly going to cover the first book mixing in with the new events. I'm actually surprised with Katniss's indecisive actions towards the threat coming from President Snow about Gale. This shows a strong bond between Katniss and Gale. I mean, she needs to declare her love towards Peeta instead the other way around to save Gale's life and possibly, his family's lives as well. Even though both Gale and Katniss's physical appearances are very similar that they could consider to be brother/sister or relative, they show a strong  bond towards each other. In some way, it seems like they are siblings, but they don't have much of those emotions, but more like so close, there might be a future relationship among them, if there wasn't the fact that Katniss has to publicly love Peeta for the Capitol. So here's my question: Do you think there is a future love relationship between Katniss and Gale, or the 'fake' relationship between Katniss and Peeta becoming real?

From the second part of the Catching Fire,  
I honestly can't believe that those handful of berries resulting the spark of a future rebellion against the Capitol. I mean, the rebellion could have acted up a lot sooner than now, but I guess it's aprt of the plot. And if there was a rebellion going one, not much a plot is going on and not much of a book to read either. As for the future relationship between Katniss and Gale, there is still a chance for one, but for some reason, I don't think there might be. As for her 'star crossed lover', I don't see much of a development between them, other than the fact that Katniss rely on Peeta during those nightmares she gets. I honestly hope the relationship will not go further than that, but I highly doubt it, probably because the author might just created Gale as an older brother model rather than Katniss's love interest.  I think the author is just using Gale as a love triangle formation between him, Katniss, and Peeta, to "spice up" the romance, adding more problems for our dear main character. I also love the fact that the author decided to have some of the new characters introduced themselves by teasing Katniss. It's pretty amusing and it shows her other side, being more feminine than she already is. At the beginning, being "innocent" doesn't exactly add up to her and her tomboyish side, up until some minor teasing. I can understand how Katniss right now is facing: going through another Hunger Game even though she is suppose to be done with, competing against other victors, who are could possibly be more experienced in killing than her, displaying her 'affections' towards Peeta because of their engagement, and the very thought of a rebellion caused by her berries adds up a lot of different emotions mixing up tremendously. I still can't believe the game still hasn't started! Maybe the game doesn't end by the time I finish reading the rest of the novel....

Monthly Review: The Hunger Games

      The Hunger Games is a science fiction tale of a young teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic world, taking on an annual tournament called The Hunger Games. To survive and win the tournament, she must kill twenty four other contestants, including her new friend from her own hometown. Suzanne Collins's thrilling trilogy tells of how a girl alone will become greater than what she seems and does what she can to survive: kill or be killed....

      In my opinion, The Hunger Games is intended for young adults, ranging from ages 11-16. However, I think if you are a pretty advanced reader, I would think around fourth-fifth grade is when you can read the book with not many problems on the vocabulary. There is also the fact there are some slow readers that have trouble of the vocabulary and would take a longer amount of time to finish the book, so this shows the ranges vary to other readers' views. I would describe it as an 'average' book, can be difficult, can be easy. It is a science fiction, so for those who love fiction and some twist of science, this book is definitely for you. However, it has more fiction in itself and new technology, mutations, and some other varieties tying with science. The novel creates suspense, contains philosophy,adventure,and romance. The combination of these beings you in the book, knowing exactly what the main character is thinking, feeling, and acting. I for one, did not expect there would be any romance because of its suspense and adventure, to think there would be romance seems surprising. For those who think there would be some intense romance bond between the characters within the story, I'm disappointed to say, the romance is pretty bleak. I like the fact there is somewhat a love triangle between, a best friend, the main character, and her 'star-crossed lover.' I hope there might be more complexity among the love triangle, such as new character in the next book to strained them.The combination of suspense and adventure of this novel grabs the reader's attention, so much that they might even finish the book in less than a day! I personally recommend this book to everyone so much that I can guarantee, with finishing up The Hunger Games, you'll be yearning for more to read.

     Of course, the character is the main character, Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is a sixteen year old girl who is given birth from her father, a coal miner, and her mother,a daughter from a middle class family. She attends a secondary school somewhere in Appalachia, known in the book as District 12 the mining sector. She has a quiet nature, prefers to stay away from the gossip group. Katniss appears to be slender with black hair, gray eyes and olive skin and can be her best friend and hunting partner, Gale's sister because of their similarities.She is well known among the district for her ability to provide highly prized and illegal game to the community and supporting her family when they are at a brink from death from starvation. She is also an remarkable archer, gatherer, and trapper, coming from her father. She is very protective to her little twelve year old sister, Prim and would do anything to ensure her sister. Unfortunately, she cannot save Prim from the reaping, but volunteer in her place in the Hunger Games. Katniss resents her mother because due to her father's death from a mine explosion, her mother's depression affected her parenting, resulting to them in brink of starvation. She also resents the Capitol for their treatment towards her district, developing a strong political sense. What I admire about Katniss is how she faces her problems head on without regrets. The problems she faced that she had a hard time deciding was on her life and her family. This shows that she is still human, having mistakes and doesn't always do what she wanted or planned to do. I can see how Gale and Peeta fell in love with her, but she is pretty dense when it comes to love, so the romance was somewhat a disappointment.

     Collins's style in writing is very active, drawing the reader into the story itself. I also think it seems somewhat like J.K. Rowling's writing style. Both shows both the main character's emotions and actions, but Collin's main character, Katniss, is narrating the story instead of third person point of view. Collin's style in writing deals with the situations from both suspense and romance,so it shows a mixture of emotions for Katniss. J,K Rowlng's style is like that, for both have a lot of descriptions on the scenery is like, giving off a visionary for the reader and to in a somewhat drawing trance of the their fictional world. Every word, every sentence, every dialogue propels the story forward and all we can do is hold on. Just enough back story is layered with some unusual technology that we do not have to day such as mockingjays or force fields. With a touch of science, it displays a somewhat difference with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. With the vague descriptions of how the survival game is intact, I enjoy how the exact it will be if you were in in a tournament like Katniss was in. I assume Collins's well written survival game is probably well researched and what the characters' future actions could be like with the similarities of the real survival game. Also, I admire Collin's creation of her fictional post-apocalyptic world. However, I do wonder whether or not Collins's ideas were in a somewhat based on Rowling's Harry Potter, but I still love reading this book. There are other people who might have done a similar plot line like Rowling's, but there are some originality qualities to it to make their plot unique in its special way. If I have to pick between these two fantastic authors, I think I won't able to because of their remarkably similar writing style.

Hunger Games pt.3

For the final part of The Hunger Games,
I didn't annotate much on the third section because due to the plot reaching its climax, it's pretty pointless and its better not to stop time to time to keep track of what's going on.
I really do admire Katniss's strong will despite of all the events she is going through. With her outgoing personality, I'm pretty surprised at how she didn't really breakdown during the game such as seeing her new comrade Rue being killed in front of her and the times where Peeta was close to death and her inability to help ease his pain. What I dislike is how practically useless Peeta really is. I know I sound really mean and I can see how the author is thinking about; most girls in the novels have a weak but a somewhat strong personality, but Katniss shows how girls can truly be. And with one strong character, there should be a main character that happens to have that weak persona. And who is that character? Peeta. He's describe as what a usual female character is like in a novel. I thought 'maybe Peeta will change during the Game and not depending on Katniss's aid'. Wrong. He remains like that and the only thing he really does are his declarations of love towards Katniss. Also, I wonder why did Collins created the character, Gale? Maybe another love interest for Katniss or maybe he might have another role in the next book. He wasn't mentioned a lot other than what Katniss thinks of him, and he only played a minor role. Other than that, I think I'll read the next book: Catching Fire.
My questions are: How do you like the ending? Do you think Katniss will end up with Peeta for real, not for the audience? Are you satisfied with just reading only the first book or will continue reading the next book? Overall, do you think that this is a good end and you are done with the series?

*OMG it's LATE O__O

Hunger Games pt.2

Continuing from The Hunger Games,
How I annotated the second section of the book was the major events that are taking place in the chapter, so when I do come back to reading, I would remember what I read so far. I also recorded my reactions towards the events where I think I was pretty surprised with, especially with Katniss's unexpected actions.
The parts of the book I like was how clever of Katniss to ridden herself of tracker jackers by cutting their hollow nest directly below the group of candidates that were hunting her. I can tell Katniss has a good heart, despite of being one of the contestants, Rue, she was only a twelve year old, like her younger sister who was to be the actual candidate, Prim; Katniss treated her as if she was Rue was Prim. There was the time when she was going to be killed because of Peeta, but when she found Peeta slowly dying from a wound caused by a boy candidate named Cato, she treated his wound, despite of how disgusting it was or how she always stay clear from critical wounds the miners her mother would take care of.
What I was confused about was this: Why did Peeta join the group of candidates in hunting the other stray ones? Is this to hunt down Katniss? Is it because she had an eleven on her score with the Gamemakers that was the reason for his envy? How about Rue, why did she trust Katniss so much, that she willingly accepted Katniss's invitation in teaming up with her to defeat the career candidates? Was Katniss that trustworthy in your opinion?
Other than that here's more questions: What do you think about Peeta's actions? Is it wise for Katniss to trust Rue and Peeta again despite of his betrayal?

The Hunter Games pt. 1

Well, my group is reading The Hunger Games by New York Times bestselling author, Suzanne Collins. Before I read the book, based on the panel, its about a girl taking care of her mother and sister, who took her sister's place in the Games. Apparently, it also contains parts of suspense, philosophy, adventure, and romance.
Up to where I am reading, I say it is basically describes how the main character, Katniss Everdeen, and her daily routines in her hometown, District 12, a poor town filled with coal miners. As it goes on, she talks about her relations to the people around the Seam and this 'special' event called the Hunger Games, hence the title of the book. As I read the book, I was curious of how the Capitol shows it superiority by funding this hunter game. I at first assumed might involve hunting as a special event until I realize this: it is a hunting game, BUT you are not just killing the animals, you are to survive and kill the contestants from each district to win the game. Once this hit my on the head, I thought the game might involve cannibalism, but I have yet to know, since I'm just reading the events before the game started.
I really like the description of the main character's memories and her personality, as if you can vision her almost the same as the author might have. So far, it shows her reactions toward the major events such as her sister being picked for the Games and the other contestant in her district, Peeta, admits falling in love with her. Unfortunately, the first section ends there, so there is a bit of suspense stopping there. The one question for my partners is this:

* How will the other contestants react towards Peeta's confession? Will he be the first target once the game starts?

Twilight: Good Read?

     To those Twilight readers out there, I don't think you would really want to read this blog. So my topic would be about this thought:'Is Twilight that good since its so popular?' This thought came up ever since the first movie came out. In my opinion, I thought it might have a lot of action and humor along with this vampire-romance novel.
    To see whether or not I would actually read it before i watch the movie, I googled it, and it came out as...unoriginal. To be honest, I was disappointed. The thoughts of a possible action, humor, and romance vanished in seconds. I mean, the first novel was about about how a girl name Isabella or Bella moving from Arizona to Washington. Then, she befriends her new classmates and started getting attracted at this "mysterious" Edward. Later then, she finds out he's a vampire and their 'forbidden love' begins. This is my summary (pathetic I know) of this 'great' novel. I debated whether or not I should read the actual book in hopes of changing my mind of the book. I have never came across a novel I didn't like,until I read it. 
     It was one summer day when I decided to actually thought of the book again and decided to read 'it'. Luckily, there was one available in the main library and it took me 3 weeks. The results: I regret reading the book. How did this capture so many people's attention? And so much it turned into a movie? I tried to continue reading the next novel after that, New Moon. Once again, I was lucky that there was one available at the library. Result? Nothing. It took me 2 weeks to read the first two chapters. After that, I returned it, and never once went back to re-borrow the novel again. To those who want an actual (and proper) summary of the novel, here's the link to Wikipedia: Twilight Summary

Queen's Own Fool p.3

Continuing on with the previous post....

During the Lord Darnley' reign, no one complained, however, Nicola rants on about insulting Lord Darnley to Davie. Davie however, doesn’t mind serving him, as he now has the power on the government, owning the seal indicating of the king. With much envious people around him, Nicola warns him that his life may be taken. Later on, with much displeasure, his death starts, loosening the queen’s control on the counsel.

With that, the queen sends Nicola to the King Darnley, as she fears for the king’s safety. As what she feared was true, because as Nicola travels to the king, there was an explosion, causing the death of Darnley, and everyone in Scotland now blames the queen. With constant revolts and accusing Darnley's death at the queen, they were off to have the assistance of Lord James, the queen's previous adviser.
With the situations, Queen Mary was to marry Bothwell, who was rumored to be the one who had murdered Darnley. With that, the queen was to be imprisoned, moving from a miserable castle to another, until Nicola planned her escaped. With 2 tries, they succeeded. However, with that, Queen Mary ordered Nicola to go and be somewhere happy with Joseph, Davie’s twin.

They did, living in the countryside, finding news about the Queen Mary, reuniting the troupe, hearing Nicola’s death months after he sold her to Queen Mary. In the author’s note, Queen Mary was imprisoned for being a threat to the throne and was beheaded. After Queen Elizabeth I’s death and with no successors, the throne was given to Queen Mary’s son, James Stuart.

In overall of this extremely long summary that took 3 blogs in total to cover the book, I enjoyed it, to the very end. I think it was very unfortunate of how Queen Mary was accused for Lord Darnley’s death, when really was just worry for him, and lost her love to him for a long time. With wit in her mind, Nicola shows intelligence that exceeds many women in her time, and would have been a lady in waiting if she was noble born.

The Queen's Own Fool p.2

Nicola Ambruzzi is a 13-year-old orphan living and performing with her uncle's troupe when they are summoned off the street to entertain at the court of Francis II, the young king of France. The troupe's performace didn’t turn out as entertaining to the court, but Nicola’s clever words attracts the attention of the queen, Mary, also known as Mary, Queen of Scots. The queen engages Nicola as a jester, or fool, that will always speaking truth to her. She is called "La Jardiniere" because the queen discovered her in the palace gardens.

At first, Nicola feels as if she has walked into a fairy tale, so relieved is she to be warm, dry, well-fed, and far away from the blows of her uncle's cane. But her illusion soon ends as she was weary of traveling from palace to palace, frightened when there was sudden outburst from those who were rebellious. Later then Francis II dies, and Mary, no longer Queen of France, leaves for Scotland's throne. Nicola, now devoted to her queen, plucks up her courage to go along instead of coming back to Italy.

In Scotland, Nicola finds that Mary is less listened to by her counsel and later on accepts Lord Henry Darnley's proposal of his marriage. Nicola mistrusts and despises the Lord Henry, but does not want to sacrifice her queen’s happiness. Around this time she befriends the ill-fated David Riccio, Mary's new music master and, eventually, her secretary and adviser. He listens to Nicola’s complaints and insults against Lord Henry, now king of Scotland. He doesn’t show it, but he admits to Nicola that he also does not want to serve to a king like Henry, who started to grew apart from Queen Mary as he barely comes home, goes out and play, hunt, and sometimes being in other women into the palace. Everyone knew of his true nature and doesn’t want their queen to discover his recent actions.


To Be Continued….

Queen's Own Fool p.1

Well lately I have been talking about foods and movies, so I shall continue the topic about: books! So lately, I have been assigned a book report where I can choose the book, only it has to be either historical fiction or nonfiction. As I was skulking around the library, I stumbled across this book called Queen’s Own Fool. Your first reaction would be something like “what do you mean by fool?” or “would this relate to a queen being a fool?” right? If not, you don’t much of an impression by just reading the title. Then, underneath the title, it had “A novel of Mary Queen of Scots”. ‘Maybe it might be about Mary Tudor’, I thought. Not. Here’s some insight on “who” is Mary Queen of Scots before I start talking about the novel.




Mary, Queen of Scots was one of the most fascinating and controversial monarchs of 16th century Europe. At one time, she claimed the crowns of four nations - Scotland, France, England and Ireland. Her physical beauty and kind heart were acknowledged even by her enemies. Yet she lacked the political skills to rule successfully in Scotland. Her second marriage was unpopular and ended in murder and scandal; her third was even less popular and ended in forced abdication in favor of her infant son. She fled to England in 1568, hoping for the help of her cousin, Elizabeth I. Her presence was dangerous for the English queen, who feared Catholic plotting on Mary's behalf. The two queens never met and Mary remained imprisoned for the next nineteen years. She was executed in 1587, only forty-four years old. By orders of the English government, all of her possessions were burned. In 1603, upon Elizabeth's death, Mary's son became king of England as James I.


The novel is in the main character’s point of view. Mary, Queen of Scots? Nope. It will be in her French fool, La Jardiniere’s point of view. In the court records, the only known information on her was that:
1.) She is a female
2.) She was given several expensive dresses and linen handkerchiefs
3.) Received a large payment when she was sent home to France when the queen went off to England


I am only half way of the book and am very lazy in the summary of this novel unless I am completely done with the novel. So in the next post, I will explain this amazing novel of the childhood of this little fool and of how Mary was like as she becomes the Queen of Scotland.

The Beryllium Murder - Camille Minichino

This time, I am writing about the recent book I just finished, like seconds ago. This 4th book a world wide series called The Beryllium Murder If you love murder mysteries, this book is for you. The main murder weapon would usually be containing an element from the periodic table in which case for this book, beryllium.
A retired physicist Gloria Lamerino senses something strange when she heard about a scientist name Gary Larkin died from beryllium poisoning in his laboratory in Berkeley, California. Knowing this wasn't a tragic accident as what the police reported, she decides to leave her comfy home in Revere, Massachusetts to reveal this "accident".
Gloria decides to go to the laboratory and looks up the articles that involved Larkin only to find her first possible suspects: Carver, Kellerman, and Johnson. As she interviews one by one, it turns out there would be more than just one case, but two. Her best friend’s lover’s son, Manuel, turns out missing. Hearing from his father, Jose, Gloria thought he wouldn’t be harm if he was such a good student. Further and further she goes through the case, she reveals criminal hacking, connecting to Manuel’s case and the Larkin as she realizes the hacking was Manuel’s doing and also the internet pornography she founded uploaded onto Larkin’s computer. She also seen a lot of sexual discrimination coming from Kellerman and Inspector Russel, but not only that, however, she realizes she was too late: Manuel was found dead.
As she tries to uncover the truth before something happens again when she is now being targeted, she gets a surprise from General Sergeant Matt Gennaro from the police department from Massachusetts, giving her a limited freedom to solve the case. She realizes based on Larkin’s allergies: where were the tissues when he needed them? She discovers that Manuel’s girlfriend, Jennifer, was doing the hacking after his death and was pregnant with his child. She soon realizes that through the hacking, Manuel discovers the embezzlement from Kellerman, Jennifer’s father and before reacting, he was killed by Kellerman. This case links to the Larkin as Kellerman also laced Larkin’s tissues with beryllium powder, so in order to finish the case, she needed to find the evidence. As she goes to find the evidence, she gets attacked by Kellerman, only to survive but in the hospital. In the end, just for a couple of days, Gloria had solved not only one, but 2 cases in a couple of days.

In my opinion, I really enjoyed this book, despite of my dislike of chemistry. I don't often read murder mysteries, but if I do, that means I would highly recommend u to read this. It's packed with what it is like and has very descriptive words on how the scenery could be like. If you like action, I wouldn't recommend this to you because, there were only some risks of dangers towards the main character, Gloria, but not so much. It's almost like the movie Nancy Drew only it has a bit more adult theme to the book.