Fool For Books Giveaway Hop!

Just in case you don't already know, I LOVE GIVEAWAYS! Whether it be entering them, winning them, or hosting them, I'm absolutely addicted! After the Lucky Leprechaun Hop being so successful, I'm definitely going make Giveaway Hops a monthly routine! What better way to kick off the beginning of April with well, ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!!! Special Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting this WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY! Haha, I think I just broke the world record for using the word GIVEAWAY the most times in on paragraph! WOOT WOOT! 

How to Enter:

1. Please follow my blog

2. Leave your name, e-mail address, and which prize pack you'd like in the comments below.    

Extra Entries:

1. Every comment is an extra entry

2. Spread the word via Twitter, FB etc. (Leave link in comments.)

CONTEST ENDS: APRIL 2nd (12:00 Pacific Time) 

 MEG CABOT PRIZE PACK: Airhead Trilogy

 Don't be fooled by these GORGEOUS covers. It's what's inside that matters.

 In case you haven't read the books (which I thought were FANTASTIC), I think that the entire "don't be fooled by what you see outside" thing is really working for both the trilogy and this giveaway!  

 

Left to Right: Airhead, Being Nikki, Runaway

DYSTOPIAN PRIZE PACK: OMG!!!

Books that involve fooling the government one way or another.

*Note: If the book has yet to be released, you'll win a paid pre-ordered copy. 

Left to Right: Across the Universe, Wither, Bumped, Delirium, Crossed

So there you have it folks! What do you think? I for one, am very pleased with the giveaway! I love ALL the books mentioned above, and I'd love for you to read them too!

P.S. I'm mad because I made the pictures nice and ENORMOUS, but if I make them any bigger on my blog, they stick off the page. :(

Books I've read since January 1st, 2011

Geez, I can't believe March is nearly over! I am currently on a reading spree, and have read 46 books since the beginning of the year. Can you believe it? I don't think I've read this many books before in such a short time span. And just for the record, psh, I TOTALLY don't have a life...How many books have you read since January 1st?

||Books Finished since January 1st, 2011||

1. If I stay
by: Gayle Forman

2. Matched
by: Ally Condie

3. Wither
by: Lauren DeStefano

4. The City of Bones
by: Cassandra Clare

5. The City of Ashes
by: Cassandrara Clare

6. Incarceron
by: Catherine Fisher

7. Sapphique
by: Catherine Fisher

8. Bad Boy
by: Walter Dean Myers

9. Thirteen Reasons Why
by: Jay Asher

10. I Heart You, You Haunt Me
by: Lisa Schroeder

11. The Water Wars
by: Cameron Stracher

12. The Vespertine
by: Saundra Mitchell

13. Impossible
by: Nancy Werlin

14. Delirium
by: Lauren Oliver

15. The Summer I Turned Pretty
by: Jenny Han

16. It's Not Summer Without You
by: Jenny Han

17. We'll Always Have Summer
by: Jenny Han

18. Fallen
by: Lauren Kate

19.Torment
by: Lauren Kate

20. The Healer's Apprentice
by: Melanie Dickerson

21. Sent
by: Margaret Peterson Haddix

22. Ethan Frome
by: Edith Wharton

23. The Curious Incident of the Dog int the Night-Time
by: Mark Haddon

24. The Maze Runner
by: James Dashner

25. The Scorch Trials
by: James Dashner

26. City of Glass
by: Cassandra Clare

27. Stolen
by: Lucy Christopher

28. Twenty Boy Summer
by: Sarah Ockler

29. Stay
by: Deb Caletti

30. Bumped
by: Megan McCafferty

31. Shiver
by: Maggie Stiefvater

32. Linger
by: Maggie Stiefvater

33. Across The Universe
by: Beth Revis

34. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
by: Betty Smith

35. Numbers
by: Rachel Ward

36. Daughter of the Flames
by: Zoe Marriott

37. The Line
by: Teri Hall

38. Hush, Hush
by: Becca Fitzpatrick

39. Crescendo
by: Becca Fitzpatrick

40. The Body Finder
by: Kimberly Derting

41. The Lipstick Laws
by: Amy Holder

42. Lost Voices
by: Sarah Porter

43. Desires of the Dead
by: Kimberly Derting

44. Airhead
by: Meg Cabot

45. Being Nikki
by: Meg Cabot

46. Hex Hall
by: Rachel Hawkins

Publish Post

Ten Books in Ten Sentences (Unleashing My Inner Fangirl)

 

Alright so, these past few weeks I've been reading just as much as I've been breathing air. Not even kidding. I'm either occupied with a book, or obsessing over someone's blog buying more books on bookdepository.com! The sad thing is, a vast majority of YA books aren't dystopian, so I'm also reading Fantasy, Chic-Lit, Sci-Fi, etc. So instead of dulling a full scale review on all these books that aren't dystopian, I've decided to encapsulate my thoughts of each book in one delicious fan girl sentence. Wish me luck!


 1. Hush, Hush- Becca Fitzpatrick
OMG Patch is SO damn sexy!

2. Crescendo- Becca Fitzpatrick
OMGOMG can Patch get any sexier?

3. Twenty Boy Summer- Sarah Ockler
Psh, they didn't even get to twenty boys.

4. Stay- Deb Caletti
And when you thought your stalker boyfriend was creepy...

5. Stolen- Lucy Christopher
I am currently canceling my vacation to Australia.

6. Lost Voices- Sarah Porter
Mermaids who used to be tormented girls...are very mean.

7. The Body Finder- Kimberly Derting
I wish I had a best guy friend who just so happens to be super hot.

8. Desires of the Dead- Kimberly Derting
I wish I had a best guy friend who is now my boyfriend who just so happens to be super hot.

9. The Lipstick Laws- Amy Holder
Gosh, Sophomore girls who stuff their bras with tissues are hilarious...

10. City of Glass- Cassandra Clare
Jace, honey, I know you're currently taken, but it's okay, I'm not exclusive; will you marry me?

XVI Cover Recreation

Original Cover

My Cover

While blog browsing this week, I stumbled upon Down The Rabbit Hole's Cornucopia of Dystopia: XVI Cover Recreation Contest. Awesome right? Definitely. 

So whaddya think of my new cover? I don't think I did an awful job, but the hands/lighting reminds me of Twilight, and the text looks like it's from a tumblr banner (i've been spending WAY too much time on tumblr.) hehe :)

Bumped || by: M. McCafferty

Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Pages: 336 (Hardcover)
Expected Publication Date: April 26th, 2011
Source: NetGalley
Dessert: Vanilla Macaroons w/ Raspberry filling- Light, sweet, and surprising

Official Summary: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common. 

My Review: You have to take my word when I say I've read A LOT of books; but, none have left me feeling the way I did about Bumped. The emotion was an even mix of enthrallment, uneasiness, and amazement. The notion of living in a world where teenage girls are highly valued because of their reproductive capability downright scares me, yet intrigues me at the same time. The concept isn't one that has been thoroughly explored by other authors, and McCafferty is either crazy, or a genius. Possibly a combination of the both. 

Unlike many other dystopian novels I've read, Bumped did have a rather lighthearted feel to it. I loved how the personalities of both Melody and Harmony complimented each other, and their conversations were simple enough to understand, but suspenseful enough to keep you guessing. Towards the end though, their switching point of views grew a little irritating and the stories just overlapped one another making it a jumbled mess. The relationship dynamics were mediocre, so for all you romance junkies out there, don't be too disappointed. To put it bluntly, I felt like I was witnessing a colossal chick fight. A lot of McCafferty's terms were hard to grow used to, and they flew right past me most of the time. The story, for the most part, encapsulated an interesting concept, but the author's writing style was surprisingly difficult to follow and the language was just a little bit crude although I thought that illegal condoms were hilarious! Additionally, the ending felt completely cut-off and unsatisfying. I know there's been a lot of positive feedback floating around for this book, and I agree with about 75% of it.

Rate & Recommend: Hmm, I rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. It's not a dystopian must read, but it is entertaining. The language and terms are a bit hard to swallow, but it doesn't take away from the undeniable creativity and passion McCafferty put into constructing her futuristic world. I look forward to the sequel, but it's not going to be a priority on my list.

Inheritance Cycle Series Book 4 (ERAGON BOOK 4)

OMGOMGOMG *HYPERVENTILATES!* It's been what? 2 years!! I thought I'd grow old and senile before the last Eragon book came out! BUT HERE IT IS!! Christopher Paolini has yet to fail me!! Grr..now I have to wait for it's release date in November 2011. 

Random House and Christopher Paolini have officially announced the title, cover, and release date for the fourth and final installment in the Inheritance Cycle! Inheritance, Book 4 of the Inheritance Cycle, will officially release on November 8th, 2011 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The book’s first print run will total an astonishing 2.5 million copies. Additional foreign release dates are to be announced by their respective publishers —http://shurtugal.com/

Even though it's not Dystopia, I still love a daily dose of fantasy :) It keeps the mind imaginative! With this book's release, I can now move on with my life.

Preorder it here: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Inheritance/Christopher-Paolini/e/9780375856112/?cds2Pid=29205&inframe=y

A Touch Mortal’s Assortment of Awesome Contest!

So as you might or might not know, Superstar author Leah Clifford, the author of A Touch Mortal, is doing a giveaway extravaganza! <33 her so much! Prizes from the 5 swagpacks include:

1. Signed copy of A Touch Mortal

2. Signed copy of Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

3. Afterlife by Claudia Gray

4. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

5. Necklaces

6. Earrings

7. Other knickknacks

P.S. If you hang a banner of A Touch Mortal from a tall building in front of a busy street, you get a special prize ;D

To enter visit: http://leahclifford.wordpress.com/a-touch-mortals-assortment-of-awesome-contest/

Lucky Leprechaun Hop WINNER!

 

WOW! The lingering effects of happiness/shock still numb me! I never expected to gain over 180 entrants in my first giveaway, let alone earn around 160 new followers from that one post alone! I'm ecstatic! Thanks so much to all the participants, you guys are awesome!

And now to announce the winner:
CONGRATULATIONS Bookventures! 

*Please respond to my e-mail confirmation within 48 hours.

Thanks so much everyone for making this giveaway a success!

JENNIFER LAWRENCE IS KATNISS EVERDEEN!

Can you believe it?!? Hollywood's most anticipated role has been cast! It feels like only yesterday I was rooting for Kaya Scodelario (though, that didn't get far). And as the capital letters in the title hint, Academy Award nominated actress, Jennifer Lawrence has won the role. Personally, I'm not ecstatic about it, nor am I extremely disappointed. I just haven't seen enough of Lawrence's work to completely form an opinion about her. From her interviews during the Academy Awards though, she didn't seem to be as vibrant and powerful as Katniss was in the book. But then again, she's an actress, so I'm sure she can pull it off. The only thing that bugs me a little, is that she's a bit too old, and she doesn't strike me as "The Girl Who Was On Fire." What do you think?

Here's the official article from Mockingjay.net :

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 17, 2011- Lionsgate and the filmmakers of “The Hunger Games” are pleased to announce that Academy Award® nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence will assume the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games.”
The film will be directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force. Collins’ best-selling novel, which has over 3 million copies in print in the United States alone, is the first in a trilogy of science fiction/action novels which have developed a global following. Lionsgate will release “The Hunger Games” on March 23, 2012.
Newcomer Lawrence’s meteoric ascent began in earnest with her breakout role in last year’s “Winter’s Bone,” and culminated in an Academy Award nomination. This summer, Lawrence will star in Matthew Vaughn’s “X Men: First Class” and in “The Beaver” directed by Jodie Foster. Later this year, she co-stars in the Sundance Grand Jury winner “Like Crazy”.
Author Suzanne Collins weighed in on the selection of Lawrence, “Jennifer’s just an incredible actress. So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave. I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it.”
“I’m so excited work with Jen and see her bring this character to life. Katniss requires a young actress with strength, depth, complexity, tenderness, and power. There are very few people alive who can bring that to a role. Jen brings it in spades. She’s going to be an amazing Katniss.” said director Gary Ross.

Are you happy with this casting choice?

Are you still going to see the movie, even if it's cast badly?
Who are you hoping will play Peeta and Gale? 

Lucky Leprechaun Hop GIVEAWAY!

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day!! I'm so excited to be hosting my first giveaway, here on Dystopian Desserts :) Thanks so much to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Books Complete Me for hosting this AMAAAZING giveaway hop! There are 269 blogs signed up, each with some awesome prizes! Check them out! 

Contests Ends March 20th  (US ONLY)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow my blog

2. Leave a comment with your name, e-mail, and which book you'd like to receive

Extra Entries: 

+1 Every comment is an extra entry

+1 Twitter (Please leave link in comments)

+1 Spread the word! (Please leave link in comments)

In honor of my favorite genre, ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive his/her choice of a Dystopian book on the list below:

WITHER by: Lauren DeStefano (mini review)

The Chemical Garden Trilogy Fansite

I read Wither by Lauren DeStefano about 2 weeks ago, but I haven't really had time to sit down and completely form all my thoughts into a review. One thing's for sure though, it completely BLEW my mind away! I can already tell this is going to be my new dystopian obsession! From what I've heard, it's going to be a trilogy (The Hunger Games totally started the "Dystopian Trilogy" trend!) For a debut novel, DeStefano did a marvelous job with the concept/storyline and vivid descriptions. The romance element was a bit lacking, but I absolutely loved the scientific references!!!! *PUTS ON MY NERD GLASSES* LOVED IT!!! It is a dystopian MUST READ! For now, check out some trailers and such :)
(BTW) THE COVER OF THE BOOK IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I WANT TO FRAME IT @_@!

CROSSED by: Ally Condie UPDATES!

Along with the gorgeous cover of Crossed by Ally Condie, an official summary was also released! Check it out!

**CROSSED RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 1st**

In search of a future that may not exist and faced

with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia

journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky—

taken by the Society to his certain death—only to

find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues

in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what

she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a

different life across the border. But as Cassia nears

resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an

invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and

a surprise visit from Xander—who may hold the key

to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart—change

the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the

edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses

make the path more twisted than ever.

DYSTOPIAN COVER RELEASES!!

 CROSSED by: Ally Condie (Matched book 2)

The long awaited arrival of Crossed (2nd book of Ally Condie's YA dystopian trilogy) is over! The electrifying blue is absolutely beautiful!! Additionally, I think it's very symbolic of Cassia breaking out of her "bubble" and seeing the world through an entirely new perspective. I can't wait for it's release!

DELIRIUM is now INTERNATIONAL

What's better than Delirium in English? Why, Delirium in SPANISH of course! The Spanish version of Delirium was released last Friday, March 4th, 2011. If you notice, the color of the cover is obviously different, but also the silver engravings of barbed wire and roses. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Miscellaneous Movie News!

I just happened to stumble upon some juicy pieces of news worth sharing! Visit: http://inkpop.wordpress.com/category/inkpop-fundamentals-2/ for more news and the original posting.

DISCLAIMER: The following is not my work, courtesy of: http://inkpop.wordpress.com



★ Your first look at Gayle Forman’s ‘Where She Went’ Since its debut in April of 2009, Gayle Forman’s If I Stay has won the hearts of readers and critics alike – even earning praise from Entertainment Weekly in the form of the simple…“Beautifully written.” Now, two years later, Forman is gearing up to release the long-awaited sequel, Where She Went. “ Told from Adam’s perspective, the action fast-forwards three years later. Mia has left Oregon (and Adam) to pursue her dreams in New York City, but a chance meeting in the Big Apple reunites the two former loves and, well…you’ll have to pick up a copy of the novel on April 5 to find out what happens.” Of course, if you can’t wait until April 5 to learn more, check out the recently discovered

 

I thought the concept of Gayle Forman's first book was completely captivating, but I'm not sure how a full movie would play out! For a diary/introspective-type book, it was paced perfectly... but a 95 minute movie? Any suggestions or ideas? Regardless of how Hollywood is overrunning the literary world, I'm still highly anticipating the second book!! 

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"DELIRIUM IS HEADED FOR THE BIG SCREENS!"

★ Lauren Oliver’s ‘Delirium’ headed to the big screen! Though it has only been one month since Lauren Oliver’s Delirium hit bookstores; the novel, which centers around seventeen-year-old Lena Haloway, and is “… set in a world where love is considered a disease, which is cured by a lobotomy-like procedure” has been making waves in the literary world, receiving rave reviews from bloggers, and critics alike. So much so that Fox 2000 has already “… purchased the screen rights to the ‘New York Times’ bestselling novel, in addition to signing a first-look deal with Lauren’s company ‘Paper Lantern Lit’ (meaning more of the author’s works could land in theaters in the coming years).” 


Wow! It feels like Delirium only came out a month ago (Oh wait, it did!) and Fox 2000 already has the screen rights! Personally, I think Delirium is a trilogy with great potential, and it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know that Dystopian-type movies are becoming just as popular as the books are. Again, what do you think of Delirium's growing popularity? Think it'll be a box office hit?

Check out http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2011/02/25/delirium-movie-casting-lena/ for MTV'S Lena Casting! 

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★ ‘Incarceron adaptation snags a student from Hogwarts and a werewolf from ‘Twilight’ While Twilight star, Taylor Lautner, officially signed on to star as Finn in the big screen adaptation of Catherine Fisher’s Incarceron back in December of 2010, the role of Claudia has yet to be cast…until now. Though nothing is official at this time, Just Jared has reported that Harry Potter star Emma Watson is at the top of the list to star as the leading lady. Moviefone.

Hmm....I found out that Incarceron was undergoing the movie process several weeks ago, and it came as a shock to me when I found out Taylor Lautner was going to star as Finn. Somehow, it never occurred to me that a sexy shirtless werewolf was going to play Incarceron's imprisoned prince. Catherine Fisher's story is just SO immensely complicated, I think that half the details will get lost in transition from the book to the movie. The book itself was already a network of inexplicable happenings, how will all that be crammed into a 2 hour movie? And Emma Watson? I love her as an actress, but I just don't see her as Claudia. Maybe it's just me, but every time I see her picture in magazines, all I think about is Harry Potter. Same with Taylor Lautner. It'll be like a werewolf and wizard role-playing in a crazy fantasy world!

2011-2012 City of Fallen Angels Tour **VOTE ALEX FOR JACE**

Just some quick news! Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument Series is a smashing hit! The fourth book is coming out in less than a month, and even better, The City of Bones (First book in the series) is being made into a movie starring Lilly Collins. Alex Pettyfer (his name shows up everywhere now <33) has been rumored to play the sexy and sarcastic Jace Wayland, and the role was almost set in stone...until recently however, Alex has made public that he is also considering the main role in Joseph Delaney's The Last Apprentice. He can't be in both movies since the filming schedules will conflict. **NOTE TO ALEX** PICK THE MORTAL INSTRUMENT SERIES!!!! C'mon! HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT ALEX PETTYFER WAS BORN TO PLAY JACE WAYLAND?!? Am I trying to subliminally sway you into supporting Alex's rumored Jace role? Yes, I am. So show some support.

Alright, now that I've finished my Alex Pettyfer rant, here's the important stuff:
Note: all appearances will be with Holly Black

The following is a list of Cassandra Clare's book tour schedule. For more information, visit her website here:  http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/home

First person references indicate Cassandra, not me.

SAN DIEGO, CA

Monday, April  4

10:00 PM

MYSTERIOUS GALAXY BOOKS: MIDNIGHT RELEASE PARTY 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #302 San Diego, CA  92111

Tuesday, April  5

7:00 PM

BARNES & NOBLE 1201 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA  90401

April 6-11 Los Angeles I’ll be at the Romantic Times Convention.

1. SATURDAY, APRIL 9: 11am -2pm: ROMANTIC TIMES BOOK FAIR ( Book Fair Only Tickets available at the door: $5 each) Meet us authors at the general Book Fair, and purchase autographed copies of our latest books. More info here.

• Saturday, April 9: Teen Day and Book Signing!: All about Teen Day
  

1. 11am – 7:30pm — COME FOR THE DAY! — $25 Day Pass (you can pre-register, or pay at the door)
2. $25 for one Adult
3. $25 for one Teen which includes one FREE entry for an accompanying adult
4. (Includes Book Fair, Saturday, Teen-Day Workshops and Teen Party. Swag bag full of books and giveaways FOR EVERY *TEEN! (*Swag Bags will be given out to the first 250 TEENS who attend the Teen Party. Adults are welcome take home any leftover bags at the end of the party while they last!)

Sunday, April 10

3:00 PM

MISSION VIEJO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 200 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA  92691 *Books sold by Whale of a Tale

Monday, April 11

7:00 PM

BOOKS INC. OPERA PLAZA 601 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA  94102 UNDERWORLD BALL: Start: 04/11/2011 7:00 pm Not Your Mother’s Book Club Presents The Underworld Ball Featuring authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Tickets are $5 with the purchase of ANY of either Holly’s or Cassandra’s Books Otherwise they are $10 Come in Masquerade Garb! Food, drink, giftbags included in ticket price

Tuesday, April 12

7:00 PM

MENLO PARK LIBRARY 800 Alma St. Menlo Park, CA  94025 *Books sold by Keplers

Wednesday, April 13

7:00 PM

BARNES & NOBLE 12000 SE 82nd Ave. Portland, OR  97266

Thursday, April 14

7:00 PM

Third Place Books 17171 Bothell Way NE Seattle, WA  98155

Saturday, April 16: 2:00 PM

WEST SOUND READS EVENT

Bainbridge High School Commons

9330 NE High School Road

Bainbridge Island, WA

April 18: VANCOUVER, CANADA: 7pm

Chapters Metrotown
4700 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4M1

TBA: SIGNINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS AND NYC

May 2011: I’ll be touring NZ and AUSTRALIA for the release of City of Fallen Angels. I will be in:

Wellington: May 10th

Auckland May 12 & May 14th AUCKLAND WRITER’S FESTIVAL

Sydney MAY 17TH& 18TH : SYDNEY WRITER’S FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 21ST MAY KINOKINYA SIGNING

SUNDAY 22ND MAY: SYDNEY WRITER’S FEST EVENT

Melbourne: Wednesday, May 25 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Palace Westgarth Theatre

89 High Street, Northcote

Melbourne, Australia

Details: Cassandra Clare made her fiction debut with The Mortal Instruments series, which has been on many bestseller lists. She will be appearing in conversation with the High Warlock of Brooklyn (YA author Leanne Hall) for one night only.

There will be prizes for the best dressed – come along as your favourite vampire, shadow hunter, warlock or werewolf.

The Westgarth theatre’s cafe bar will be open from 5.30pm.

This event is part of the Reading Matters conference and entry to this event is not included in the conference registration.

Sponsored by Readings, Walker Books, the Centre for Youth Literature and Melbourne Writers Festival.

Free event, but please book on (03) 9347 6633, email events@readings.com.au or RSVP on Facebook.

MAY 26-27 READING MATTERS CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE

Please check back here later for more Australia dates and details.

June 10-12 I’ll be attending TWILIGHT ITACON2 in Naples, Italy. Facebook page for the convention here.

I'll be in Italy from 10-12 June

Fall/Winter 2011: I’ll be touring the UK and Ireland for the release of Clockwork Prince. Check back here for dates and places.

Fall/Winter 2011: I’ll be touring Germany for the release of Clockwork Prince. Check back here for dates and places.

Beastly Movie Review

 
Movie Title: Beastly
Director: Daniel Barnz

Genre: Romance/Drama
Running Time: 1hr 35min
Rated: PG 13

Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens
Alex Pettyfer
Mary-Kate Olsen
Neil Patrick Harris
LisaGay Hamilton
Peter Krause 


Synopsis: Kyle Kingsbury has it all. He's confident, wealthy, and not to mention gorgeous. But all good things must end, and when Kyle offends a disguised witch, she curses him. He turns into a hideous and bald tattooed rendition of himself (although, I still think he's somewhat charming) and has one year to find a girl who loves him for his heart and not his appearance to lift the curse.

As much of a book addict as I am, I'm also a HUGE movie watcher. So today, I dedicated 6 hours to three movies. The Adjustment Bureau (which was AMAZING), No Strings Attached (FUNNY!!!), and Beastly... Let me start off by saying that the book was alright. Possibly a 2.5 out of 5, since the storyline wasn't very captivating. I'm sad to say, that the movie wasn't much better. There was absolutely no chemistry between Vanessa Hudgen's character (Lindy) and Alex Pettyfer's (Hunter/Kyle). The dialogue was AWFUL! ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! It was cheesy and I felt like I was watching a low-budget soap opera. It didn't sound natural at all, and as much as I love Alex Pettyfer, his acting was a disappointment. The scenes were choppy, and I didn't feel the slightest romantic spark between the two. Vanessa's character always ends up killing the mood by saying "Rad" one too many times, or talking about baboons while Hunter/Kyle was trying to hint his love for her. It really bothered me since it took away from the overall "elegance" of their courtship. The effects were poorly done, and the costumes were a bit tacky.  There were significant differences between the film and the novel. One being that in the book, Kyle is transformed into a big furry beast instead of a bald guy with tattoos. In conclusion, I suppose Beastly would be a decent Friday night Chick-Flick to see on DVD, but it's definitely not a movie worth going to the theatre for. 

My Rating: 2.5 / 5