4/13/14: Divergent Movie Review

Divergent

Trailer: My only problem with the trailer was the fact that it made it seem like this movie was going to be extremely sexual and that they were going to over sexualize Tris as a character. 

Genre: Dystopian, Action, Romance

Based Off: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Director: Neil Burger

Noted Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Egort, Kate Winslet

Rating: 8/10

Review: 

I went into this movie extremely skeptical. The trailer made the relationship between Tris and Tobias seem overly romantic and sexual. But as clips began being released, and those clips contained passages from the book, I grew more excited.

I actually think this was a great adaptation. Over course not everything was exactly to my ideas of the book, but everyone reads the book differently.

Shailene as Tris was not bad, but seemed a bit... lacking. I kind of wish she hadn't been cast as both Tris and Hazel Grace, from John Green's bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars, because I won't completely separate the two. Especially Caleb, who is played by Ansel Egort, who will also play Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars.

Can I get a Woot Woot for incest?

Moving on to the other characters, Ansel as Caleb was amazing. Just spectacular. That is exactly how I pictured Caleb and the acting was spot on. I cannot wait to see him as Augustus.

Theo James as Tobias was also not bad, but not perfect either. He is naturally British, and at some points in the film I think you could here the accent a bit. He was quite the looker though, and had pretty good acting skills for the character.

I am a bit disappointed that they left out important scenes like Peter's stabbing of Edward and Tobias' flirtatious drunkenness, but I understand it is hard to fit a 400 page book into a two hour movie.

But as the movie continued on, a lot of my favorite witty lines had been left out and that made me a bit sad.

Otherwise the visual expedience and the CGI was very pleasing. I especially liked the zip line scene, because I felt like I was flying through the air as well.

I hope that the next three movies are good, and that they don't go off the book. *sends a prayer to every higher power there might be*

Future News: 

Insurgent and Allegiant (a two part movie) are confirmed for 2015, 2016, and 2017. 

10/28/13: Allegiant: Oh gods.

*spoilers: be warned* 
Allegiant

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian, Romance, Female lead

Goodreads Blurb: 

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Published/ing: Harper Collins October 22, 2013

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: 

I was hesitant to write this review. This book was quite interesting.

Before we start, this a spoiler filled review. You have been warned.

I think I am going to do this review the same as I do most the others so we'll start with characters.

Character Development:

I actually felt that this was not Veronica's strong suit.

We do get to see our main characters, especially Tris, really develop throughout the series. But I was kind of let down to see that we didn't really get to see any of the other, extremely important side characters develop.
I did enjoy seeing Tris grow to her full potential and become someone, I feel, people can look up to.

I also thought it was interesting seeing Tobias become more human. He reacted to his imperfections and developed insecurities. He made a mistake. He felt ashamed. He felt heartbreak. And I don't believe we see that to often with strong male characters like Tobias. I'm glad Roth took the time to develop Tobias in that way.

I'd also like to talk about Evelyn and how she CHOSE HER SON OVER POWER AND HOW THAT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT. We get to see a character we thought was a villain also develop a human (motherly) side.

Let's also mention the side character, Amar.
We didn't really know too much about this guy until he rose from the dead.
We get to see him as a sweet, strong, caring guy (although a little oblivious) throughout Allegiant in subtle ways. At the end, Veronica does reveal that he is gay and he was in love with Tobias at one point, but, unlike Rick's revealing, I didn't think it mattered that much. It didn't change anything necessarily. But I like that authors, especially middle grade/young adult authors, because it is showing kids and teenagers that it is OKAY to be whatever you want to be. These authors are making sure that homosexual relationships aren't going to be considered "adult material". And I adore that. Three cheers for Rick and Veronica!

Plot:

Oh goodness. I did not know what to think about this book.

I liked that it was fast paced right at the beginning. The factionless are rebelling and Tobias and Tris are conflicted and Evelyn is leading and all that jazz.

And then we get outside the fence.

And boom. The world.

I liked how Veronica developed the outside world. Genetic warfare. That's a new one. And an interesting one. She really took the time to develop it and do her research. And I liked that.

The whole middle of the story was a little--angsty--for me. There was a lot of inner conflict. It was good at first; necessary. But as it drawled on, I felt there needed to be a little more action.

Now the ending. I know a lot of people were really pissed off about this ending. I was extremely depressed afterwards. But some people went to the length and said it was weak. That's a lie.

Veronica took a big step killing off her main character. Not many authors would take that step. But I liked how it ended (besides the whole death part). It ended with a whimper, not a bang. The battle was won. But the war was raging on. Tobias and Christina and everybody else have wounds but you know they will keep fighting.

I think the ending was satisfying because it was realistic. And when you read books that are futuristic and fantasy and romantic, you need a bit of realism. 

Future News:
The Divergent movie will come out March 21, 2014.

I only have a few more posts before I start my NaNoWriMo adventure! Have a great week!
~Monty

10/23/13: W...W...W... Wednesday: So Much to Read, So Little Time

Wednesdays meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Currently Reading
• I am reading Allegiant (most likely becuase I am writing to you from the past) by Veronica Roth. This is the third and final installment in the Divergent Trilogy. 
• Finished Reading
• I've hopefully finished Torment by Lauren Kate *fingers crossed*. 

• To Read
• I have a huge amount of books I want to read. I recently bought a lot of books with birthday money. Since there are so many books, there is a picture down below of my book pile.

~Monty

10/16/13: Waiting on Wednesday: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant

By Veronica Roth

October 22, 2013

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

The final book to a magnificent trilogy. 

What decision will Tris have to make?

Will violence continue to in sue? 

 Will loyalties be shattered?

Will love be?

Or will it all be renewed?

What will lie beyond the fence?

What were they hiding?

Life?

Waiting on Wednesday: Allegiant

Hey mis amigos!

So since I've talked about House of Hades a great deal, I decided to talk about one of the other books I cannot wait to have on my Kindle. Yes, you guessed it, Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

Title: Allegiant

Cover: I was very excited when I saw this cover. It was unexpected and non descriptive. It still leaves us guessing. 

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian, YA, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Published/ing: October 22, 2013 Kathrine Tegen Books

Page Count: 544

Rating: IDK BUT I BET IT'LL BE 5/5

Review: 

So from what I've gathered so far, I think we are going to get the full throttle. We'll get to see what's outside of the gates. What's happened to the rest of the world. And we'll see Tris and Four. Their relationship fully flourish. 

I am extremely excited. 

Future News: 

Well, this is a futuristic post. But the Divergent movie itself will be out in March, so another thing to just get freaking excited for. 

That's it for this post. I'll see you guys on the flip side. 

~Monty

8/15/2013: Looking Forward, Kathrine, and Gatsby

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I have many thing to go over today, but first I'll discuss countdown dates!

First off, Rick Riordan's House of Hades comes out on October 8th, which is in 53 days. This book is the fourth installation in the Heroes of Olympus series and will hopefully resolve last falls tragic cliff hanger. Rick has said there to be tartarus Percabeth scenes, and this book has been critically viewed to be the Percabeth Book that fans have been waiting for. Rick has announced tour dates, and I would get them while they're hot! He is turning into quite the J.K Rowling icon, according to the signing I attended three years ago. Here is the list of locations:

http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2013/08/house-of-hades-tour-dates.html

For your information, I will be attending the St.Louis Public Library Event, so if you see someone wearing a Camp Half-Blood shirt that's me! Hmm... that might be a little vague... I will probably have some way of advertising my user in the public, but for now, I suggest you come (ONCE IN A LIFE TIME PEOPLE I SWEAR HE'LL GO INTO HIDING LIKE ROWLING!)

The second thing we are patiently (not) awaiting is Veronica Roth's Alliegant. This is aimed to come out on October 22nd, which is in 67 days. We have a good wait ahead of us. It is to be told in not only Tris's point of view, but Four's (ohmygods yes). It is going to be the stunning conclusion to the Divergent trilogy. All I've heard is that we will get to see the other side of the famous fence! Time to get excited my friends!

Other Events to look forward to:

Catching Fire: November 22nd, 2013: 98 days
The Maze Runner Movie: February 28, 2014: 196 days
The Divergent Movie: March 13, 2013: 209 days

ON ANOTHER NOTE THOUGH~

I did finish rereading the original Percy Jackson series, and instead of reviewing it on here (because that would take forever) you can read them here. Let's just say it was amazing as always. Absolutely brilliant.

I DID read An Abundance of Kathrines by John Green. 

I have to say it was an amazing book. We take a nerdy, obsessive, child prodigy, Colin, who got dumper by his nineteenth Kathrine. Yes Kathrine. He has dated nineteen girls with the name K-A-T-H-R-I-N-E. He takes this one pretty hard, so his chubby and Judge Judy obsessed friend, Hassan, takes him on a Road Trip. They take an exit that leads them to Gutshot, Tennessee. And this exit changes their lives. We watch character's develop and crash and burn. We read determination and love and heartbreak. We see sides of people we never thought we'd see.

Another thing that really grasped my heart and got me into this book was the math (don't freak out). Colin, within the development of the book, creates a Theorem, trying to predict relationships, and help you figure them out through equations.

It was a spectacular book and I was hooked right off the back. Honestly, John Green has never failed at capturing my heart, even reading his zombie novels (which are free here).  I suggest you read all his books.

That's it for this Thursday guys! See you after I start school and read Looking For Alaska!

Dearest,
        Monty

Percy Jackson and The Singer of Apollo and The Transfer and The Lightning Thief Original Movie Script (It's worse)

Hey Guys!
Happy Thursday (Or Thor's Day)!

Small note before we start: I'am going to regularly post every Thursday.

Okay! Let's Start:

The Book News for this week starts with Rick Riordan's upcoming short story Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo!

It is based right after The Last Olympian, at Grover's Birthday. It will be the first time we've heard from Grover since the end of the Percy Jackson series. It is targeted to come out September 17th of this year, less then a month from our long awaited House of Hades.

Listen to Rick Riordan himself read the first chapter here!

The second Book News this week is the soon to be release of Veronica's Roth's first part in the collection of short stories in Four's POV! Just recently the cover was released.

Absolutely beautiful graphics! Can't wait to see Part 1/4 September 3rd!

And finally, this you have to read. The ORIGINAL LIGHTNING THIEF MOVIE SCRIPT.

http://screenplayexplorer.com/wp-content/scripts/The_Lightning_Thief.pdf

May I suggest pages 63, 115, 59.

That's all I have for this post this week, but catch me next Thursday!

Free Four: The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son, The Traitor.

A new update from Veronica Roth tells us that there will be more FOUR POINT OF VIEW BOOKS!

Now if you haven't read the first one, I suggest you do. It is thirteen pages of Tobias's point of view from the knife throwing. What was going through his head as he threw knives at his future love interest?

The name of the book is Free Four and it is exceptional.

BUT NOW THERE"S MORE!

There will be four books over the fall and winter months. They will each tell a slightly longer story of our beloved Four.

The books are:

The Transfer coming out September 24th.
The Initiate coming out December 17th.
The Son coming out January 21st.
The Traitor coming out February 11th.


Can't wait to see these books come out with Allegiant coming out this fall too!

Have a good summer!