Review for the "Birthmarked" trilogy by Caragh M O'Brien

Summary (Birthmarked, Book 1) 

In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. 

Now Gaia is forced to question everything she's been taught, but her choice is simple: Enter the world of the Enclave, or die trying. 

My Rating: 4 stars (Book 1) 

Summary (Prized, Book 2) 

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, 16-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives, only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code and the oppressive rules of Matrarc Olivia. Meanwhile, two brothers claim her attention as they attempt to understand the environmental trap that keeps the people of Sylum captive, and suddenly Gaia must contend with the exciting, uncomfortable, and altogether new feeling of being desired. 

My rating: 3 stars (Book 2) 

Summary (Promised, Book 3) 

After defying the ruthless Enclave, surviving the wastleland, and overthrowing Sylum, Gaia Stone now faces her greatest challenge yet-- to lead the people of Sylum back to the Enclave and persuade the Protectorat to grant them refuge. But in Gaia's absence, the Enclave has become even more ruthless, picking girls from outside the wall to serve in an experimental baby factory. Babies with the right genes are now a priceless commodity with the potential to reshape life inside the wall and redefine humanity. The key to it all comes back to one fearless, young midwife. When negotiations devolve into terrorist threats, Gaia finds herself at the crux of an insupportable decision. 

My rating: 3 stars (Book 3)

My review: 

While I was hesitant to read the sequels, I finally bought them. I sped through Prized, and Promised, in less than three days. They were both good books, and definitely unique. I was trying to explain to my mother some of the things that happened in Prized, and she was so confused, especially with the fact that kissing is a crime in Sylum.

I was actually horrified at the whole way Sylum was run and their laws. They were ridiculous, and several times I had to put the book down and re-read a scene because I didn't understand what was going on. There were several moments when I felt like I liked Gaia, but then there were moments where I wanted to shake her. I wonder why it always has to be a girl, a sixteen-year-old girl to be exact, that starts a rebellion, in dystopian novels. What is it with 16-year-old girls? When I read Birthmarked the first time, I thought she was at least eighteen, because she just sounds more mature. But no. Gaia's only sixteen. And of course, she's unique, she's strong, she's brave, she's stubborn.

Don't get me wrong. I liked Gaia. And I understand that a girl in her situation would be forced to mature a little quicker. But this isn't a review on Gaia Stone, although she's the main character, so I won't get into it right now. 

All in all, I did like the Birthmarked trilogy. Caragh M. O'Brien does some great world-building, and the setting is pretty interesting. Speaking of settings, anyone notice that in dystopias the world tends to go backwards, like having minimal technology and no cars, etc., instead of advancing? With all the technology, I imagine we'll be quite advanced in the future, unless something drastic happens and we're actually forced to go backwards. But I guess it's just a book, right? As long as we're not all zombies, I'll be happy. 

Birthmarked, Prized, and Promised, are good books. I liked them. I even loved them at some points. I'll probably read them again, since it's so hard to find any decent dystopias these days. I've pretty much given up on Dystopia, though. 

Now, if you want an absolutely fantastic dystopia series that is totally different, try Angelfall by Susan Ee. It's an excellent read, and the sequel, World After, is amazing. Penryn is one of the most realistic characters in a dystopia that I've come across thus far, and the world is so unique. I love it. According to the Goodreads site, there's to be 5 books, so it will be a lot longer than most dystopias. I can't wait for the third book to be released. 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

Summer is officially here, folks! Now, if you're like me, your younger siblings are probably still in school, meaning it's not "actually" summer. My baby sister is graduating from Public School on the 25th, and I am so excited. Also, I tried on the shoes I wore for my grad, and they still fit, which is awesome because my feet have definitely grown since I was 14. I am now a size 7, and these were a 6 1/2 and I was amazed that they fit!
But, back to the topic, SUMMER! If you're like my family, you might be doing a lot of camping. And if you are, you know that means bugs! Mosquitos, spiders, etc. This morning, I woke up and my feet were literally covered in mosquito bites, and under my knees and my legs. Luckily, we have this amazing Minigan Cream that I put on that will help the bites heal, and I also used Calamine Lotion, which is also miracle stuff.
Really, bug bites are one of the main reasons why I dread summer. Actually, it's probably the only reason because who doesn't love summer? Summer is freedom. Summer is joy, and happy memories. Summer is... well, just perfect. My family got a tent trailer a few years ago, and since then we've been able to camp a lot more, because of my health and my Mom's health, the tent just wasn't an option anymore. It'd be truly lovely to have a cottage, but we like to go different places. This year we're going to Bass Lake & Sauble Falls, but those are just two of the locations. Both are beautiful campgrounds, and we've been there before so obviously we enjoyed them if we're going again.
A lot of people find summer to be their favorite season, and although I love summer because it's warm, it's not my ultimate favorite. My ultimate favorite season is probably Fall/Autumn, because it's still cool but it's also warm enough that you can just wear a light sweater. I hate Winter, and this winter was especially long and therefore dreadful.

But summer is probably my second favorite season. I do love camping, and all the fun things that come with summer.

What are your views on the season?

Rant

So, one thing that really bothers me about some writers- especially those that are posting their works on a site like Wattpad or Harry Potter Fanfiction- is when they don't reply to their readers' reviews. I also hate when people demand votes/likes, whatever it is. You know the ones. I'll only post a new chapter when I get this many votes/reads, whatever.
Now, this upsets me. I have never done this to my readers. If I have readers, great. I'm thankful and I appreciate it if they do vote, but I don't insist on it. What if I have silent readers? The ones who don't have an account or whatnot? That only gets people really pissed off, and sometimes mad enough to leave my story. I value my readers, even if they don't comment or vote at all. It is enough to me that they have read my story, that they've taken the time out of their lives to read it.
Another thing I hate is when people don't reply to their reviews. If a story has over a hundred reviews or whatever, I get it. It's hard to reply to every single one of them. But that's what authors notes are for. In the beginning or end of a chapter, you can say "thank you to everyone who has reviewed my story so far" or something like that. It's not that hard to write a simple author's note. Especially when said author can write an author's note asking for votes and comments, but they can't seem to say thank you to their readers. I hate when people just take their readers for granted. If someone tells you they like your story, then you, as a writer, should be grateful and at least write a thank you in your author's note. But not replying at all seems rude and really unprofessional. Even in published books, there is normally an acknowledgements page at the beginning or end of a book, when authors sometimes thank their readers. Occasionally an author will even dedicate a book to their readers, saying how grateful they are for their continued support and whatnot.
Really, how hard is it to say a simple thanks? Even if you comment yourself saying "thanks everyone", or do an author's note like I said, it is not that hard. If you can take time to beg people for votes and comments or whatever it is, then you can thank your existing readers.


*deep breath* Okay. So, rant over. Sorry 'bout that. I hope I didn't offend anyone with this, and my apologies if I did. That was not my intention.

Disney Favorites

So, whether its characters or parks or movies, Disney certainly has something for everyone to enjoy. I love Disney. I've loved Disney since I was a little girl, and I still love it. I've been to Disney World twice. Technically three times, but that was only a daytrip so it really didn't count. Florida is one of my favorite places in the world.


And these are a few of my favorite Disney-related things.


Characters 

Princess Ariel (When I was three, I told her that my Dad needed a kiss. He was expecting a kiss on the cheek, but she kissed him right on the mouth!

Princess Merida (Merida is my favorite because she's so sassy and I just love that red hair.)

Minnie Mouse (When I was about 13, I had this really awesome spider-web hairdo, and Minnie Mouse kept playing with my hair. She wouldn't let me stand next to her to take pictures, she loved it so much. It was kind of awesome.)

Tinkerbell (Tink has always had a special place in my heart. I have more Tinkerbell T-shirts than I do other T-shirts. I just love her.)

Dopey (I love Dopey. I've never met him, but he's my favorite anyway)

Grumpy (Grumpy is also equally awesome. He reminds me of my sister.)

Piglet (I love Piglet. He's my favorite of all the Winnie the Pooh Characters.)

Dory (Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. Who doesn't love Dory?)

Eeyore (Another of my favorite Winnie the Pooh characters. Eeyore really needs a hug. I really love Eeyore.)

Flynn Rider (Ah.. Flynn. The only Disney character to ever question why everyone is singing. I do love the smoulder as well. Maybe Rapunzel wouldn't mind letting me borrow him for a bit?)

Olaf (Everyone's favorite Snowman, of course. Olaf likes warm hugs. I wonder if his hugs are actually warm though.)

Sebastian the Crab (also a favorite.)

Captain Jack Sparrow (Although I'm not sure if I actually like Jack himself or Johnny Depp who plays him....)

Will Turner (Again, not sure if I like Will himself or Orlando Bloom. It remains undecided.)

The Mad Hatter (Ah... The Mad Hatter. So crazy, yet so funny at the same time. Why is a raven like a writing desk?)

Peter Pan (The boy who never wanted to grow up. Also, Peter Pan is the reason we were introduced to Tinkerbell in the first place, so he gets brownie points for that.)



Movies 

Snow White (1937)

Bambi (1941)

Cinderella (1950)

Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

The Jungle Book (1967)

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Aladdin (1992)

The Lion King (1994)

Toy Story (1995)

Mulan (1998)

Tarzan (1999)

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Monster's Inc (2001)

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Finding Nemo (2003)

Brother Bear (2003)

The Incredibles (2005)

Up (2009)

Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure (2009)

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Tangled (2010)

Brave (2012)

Secret of the Wings (2012)

Monsters University (2013)

Frozen (2013)

Disney Parks 


Magic Kingdom (particularly Fantasyland and Adventureland)

Downtown Disney

Epcot World Showcase

Animal Kingdom

My Favorite Movies & TV Shows

So, since I happen to have a lot of time on my hands, I love watching movies and T.V. This is a list of all of my favorite Shows and movies. The movie list will not include ones that are in Theatres, as I need three lists to do that. 

Shows 

1. HBO's Game of Thrones. Season 4 simply does not feel long enough. We have 2 episodes left, and after last week's, I feel that I need more than that! I'm also going to hopefully be seeing Season 4's final episode in a movie theatre! Yay!
2. TLC'S The Little Couple. Mostly because I adore Jen and Bill, and their kids are so cute! It just sucks that it's so late on a Tuesday night, because I usually am exhausted and end up recording it so I can watch it the next day instead. 
3. ABC'S The Bachelorette. I am really liking Andi's season so far. Love Marquel! I feel that she has a really good group of guys. And Andi's real. Even if the dates have an element of princess to them, they are still realistic. I also love that she tries to get to know them all. She's just really genuine. 
4. Criminal Minds. I haven't watched the new episodes, because I forget what channel and night they're on, but I watch the reruns all the time. Mmm... Derek. 
5. CSI: Miami. Another crime show that I watch reruns of, but some how I never get tired of it. I love this show. 
6. FOOD Network's The Pioneer Woman. I normally can't watch shows like this because they make me hungry, but I love watching this one. 
7. FOOD Network's Chef at Home. Michael Smith is one of my favorite chefs. Again, makes me hungry, but so worth it. 
8. TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. Another of my favorite shows, because I simply love the Duggars. Although there's no way I can keep up with their names. Jim Bob, Michelle... Josh, Anna, John David, Jessa.... Jana, Jinger.... Josie...
9. The Big Bang Theory. Again, I mostly watch old episodes of it, but I love it. Even if I've seen the episode 5 times, I still laugh! Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur...
10. SPACE's Bitten. Ah. I can't wait for Season 2. This show did twist things from the book by Kelley Armstrong, but they did a good job, and I love it. 

Movies

1. The Hunger Games & Catching Fire. Absolute favorites. But mostly the second one, because Francis Lawrence is a gift from God to us Tributes. :')
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy & The Hobbit Part One and Two. I'll admit that I still haven't watched all of the Lord of The Rings, mostly because I can never seem to find the time to have a full blown marathon, but I love them anyway. 
3. The Harry Potter series. I actually started reading them right after the Deathly Hallows was released, and I remember watching them and being terrified during the Goblet of Fire. Still, though, I adore the movies, even if they did leave things out. They were fantastic. I cried when it ended. 
4. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Different from the book, but still awesome. I love it. And after reading City of Heavenly Fire, I've basically just been watching it over and over. 
5. Letters to Juliet. I love Amanda Seyfried. And this movie is so awesome. It's like, one of my favorites. I haven't watched it in a while, but I still love it. It's a great story. 
6. Mamma Mia. Again, Amanda Seyfried. But I can't watch this movie without singing along! And kind of tearing up with "Slipping Through My Fingers". One of these days, I'm going to get my Mom to take me to the live musical. Maybe for my 21st birthday? 
7. Anything Disney, especially: Tangled, Frozen, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Finding Nemo. I also really adore Brother Bear. 
8. The Heat & The Identity Thief. Both of them are absolutely hilarious! Although I think I love the Heat more. Sandra Bullock was so awesome in that movie. Also, Melissa McCarthy is the best. 
9. The Blind Side. I'll admit, I cry a bit when I see this one, but I love it. The Blind Side is such an awesome movie. Probably one of my absolute favorites. 
10. Ella Enchanted, & Ever After: A Cinderella Story. I can't decide between these two, because I love them both. But probably Ever After is my favorite. It's my favorite of all the Cinderella retellings. I also can't wait to see the new remake of it in 2015, starring Richard Madden from Game of Thrones as Prince Charming, and Helena Bonham Carter as The Fairy Godmother. 

Mythical Creatures that Would Make Awesome Pets

Admit it. There's been a magical creature or two that we've wanted as pets at one point. Whether it be unicorns or dragons or a flying horse, we've all wanted one. This is a list of creatures that would be awesome pets.

,

1. Dragon

Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon 

Daenerys Targaryen's Dragons from Game of Thrones  

The Hungarian Horntail from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 

Particularly the dragons from Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, but the animated Toothless from How to Train your Dragon would do just fine. The perks: Imagine showing up on a fire-breathing beast to school! You'd be feared by everyone. The downfalls: Dragons might start a fire, which could burn down your house or even your city! Dragons are also huge, and they need lots of space to fly and they eat lots of food (particularly meat!) But they're gorgeous and it'd be totally awesome to have a pet dragon. It'd be a totally badass pet. 

    

    2. Unicorn 

Unicorn 

How awesome would it be to have a pet unicorn? It's like having a horse, but better! Unicorns are totally magical. Also, their horns have healing powers!! Sort of awesome, right? You won't need BandAid anymore, thats' for sure!! In Harry Potter, unicorn blood can also prolong death, if you drink it. It's also silvery so you won't be grossed out! Unicorns are also totally gorgeous.

    3. Three Headed Dog 

Cerberus, Greek Mythology

"Fluffy" from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

Say goodbye to the average guard-dog who is easily fooled by treats and a good belly rub! Have no fear of break-ins when you have a three-headed dog guarding your house and your possessions. There's even one called Cerberus in Greek Mythology. And one called 'Fluffy' in Harry Potter. These dogs may not be the adorable little Chihuahuas you can carry around in your purse, but they're sure to give any thieves a good scare! Perks: Don't worry about locking your doors. Any burglars will probably pee their pants and run away screaming. Downfalls: You may have a heart-attack if this doggy needs to go pee and you wake up in the middle of the night to find it standing next to your bed. Also, don't forget to feed this three-headed monster, or you may end up his dinner!

      4. Pegasus 

Pegasus: The Flying Horse 

Also known as a flying horse. These winged horses are quite fantastic, and featured in many fantasy books and movies. Pegasus is also one of the most known creatures in Greek Mythology. They are beautiful. And how awesome would it be to have a flying horse to take you to work/school etc? All your friends and coworkers would definitely be jealous! And you can forget about gas money and taxis and bus passes too. (Although you may need a barn or something for it to "park" in)

      5. House Elf 

Dobby the House Elf, from Harry Potter 

Though technically not a pet, a House Elf would be a perfect companion, and they are magical! They're very handy for house work, and cooking and cleaning, and they would keep you company if you were bored. They are also obligated to do whatever you wish. I would, of course, pay them, because I don't like the idea of having a slave. Also, Dobby is one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series. 

     6.  The Cheshire Cat 

   

Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland" 

You definitely won't be called a crazy cat lady with this smiling kitty as your pet. The Cheshire cat is a character in the "Alice in Wonderland" book by Lewis Carroll. It's a talking cat, so if you think cats are bad enough with their sassy attitudes, imagine having a talking cat! He also smiles! And Cheshire is also very wise. 

      7. Phoenix 

A phoenix 

Phoenixes are very beautiful, immortal birds. When they die, they burn, and they are reborn from their ashes again. Phoenix tears also have healing powers. A phoenix is very rare. Fawkes the Phoenix is Dumbledore's bird in Harry Potter. 

      8. Giant Eagles

The Great Eagles from "The Lord of the Rings"

Giant Eagles are so much better than regular eagles because you can actually ride on them. How cool is that!? They are also very, very beautiful, of course. And well, who wouldn't want a great eagle as a pet? 

   9. Hippogriff 

Buckbeak the Hippogriff from Harry Potter 

Buckbeak is a Hippogriff from the Harry Potter series. A Hippogriff resembles a winged horse, but with the upper body of an eagle. They are extremely fast and are presented as being able to fly around the world and to the moon. When humans approach the Hippogriff, a proper etiquette must be maintained to avoid danger. They are proud creatures, and an individual must show proper respect by bowing to them and waiting for them to bow back before approaching. Eye contact must be maintained at all times, without blinking. The Hippogriff should be allowed to make the first move, as it is polite. If offended, a Hippogriff will attack. Although proud, Hippogriffs are also fiercely loyal and protective of those who have earned their trust.

      10. Direwolf 

Ghost, Jon Snow's Direwolf from Game of Thrones 

A direwolf is a relative of a wolf, but faster and stronger. Adult direwolves can be as small as a horse, and are able to rip a man's arm from its socket. Even a juvenile direwolf is capable of ripping out a man's throat. Direwolves can have a litter of up to six puppies. A direwolf would make an awesome pet, but I would want Ghost, as he's the biggest and prettiest color. Also, I'd be exceptionally delighted if Jon Snow was included ;) They are by far my favorite creatures.

That concludes this post. Comment below and tell me what creature you'd like as a pet, even if it's not listed here! 

 

The Fault in Our Stars: Spoiler-Free movie review

As far as movie adaptions went, I actually liked this one. It was close to the book, had several book quotes, and made me bawl. Actually, about every girl that was in the theatre was sobbing, especially at the end...
I was not, and I am pleased to say, disappointed. Alright, Van Houten wasn't how I pictured him (I thought he'd be a fat man, honestly) but I thought Willem Dafoe played him perfectly, and I adore Shailene Woodley (Hazel) and Ansel Elgort (Augustus.) It was a bit strange watching them make out when they just played brother/sister in Divergent, though, I must admit. My Mum and I kind of chuckled about that.

The movie was excellent. The cast was perfect. I loved Isaac even more than I loved him in the book. (I love Augustus, too, of course.) I was so pleased that they had actual quotes from the book, almost word-for-word. The same cannot be said for certain movies (except for Catching Fire, because that was perfection), so I was definitely happy about that.
The only issue I had was that it wasn't long enough. :'(


(I wonder if I can get my Mum to take me again...)