viernes, 30 de diciembre de 2016

Review: Icefall

Icefall Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I took this book without knowing much what was about, I just liked the YA cover.
Then I started to read it and got positively surpriserd by the story. It is about a nordic princess that describes herself to be plain and never was the interest of the king because of her lack of extreme beauty (I refuse to believe that she was ugly) and her birth place (she was the second girl and they needed a male to inherit the crown).
So Solveig is sent with her siblings, maid and five keepers to a cave before winter while their father fight against an enemy. Icefall tells the domestic story of how is life in there and how Solveig manages to be one of a kind despite being considered close to nothing.
I really liked the story because 1) Solveig is a good character that tries to find herself among the circumstances: brave, kind, helping, responsible, witty, resourceful and knowledgeable 2) Solveig has no romantic interest during the story! 3) She becomes a skrul, a kind of bard that by night and around the fire, retells the stories of the gods, Nordic Gods, which I adore 4) the Berserker is an amazing character. 5) the writing is so fluid that you just keep going and going without realizing that you have reach the end of it.
It was a different book, truly, from what I have been reading and quite refreshing I must admit. I found it particularly interesting for the fanfic I am writing because I learnt much about Nordic society.

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viernes, 30 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Spell Bound

Spell Bound Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the series!!! Really love them!!! ok, Rachel uses all of the clishés that are available but in her defense they work!
Sophie somehow is the ultimate prodigium and her parents are adorable. She and Archer just fit perfectly together and she has come a long way controling her powers. This story is quite dear to my heart. So in the end, yes, we get to save the world, but we also set conditions, we fulfill our destiny and the way in which Archer clams Sophie as a girlfriend is great.
I love this family!

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Review: Demonglass

Demonglass Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked it. In this book we get to know Sophie's father and he is simply amazing. He is not that kind of father that is cardboard far from her daugther, but an approachable sarcastic person. This book is full of sass, Archer, Sophie and james are full of witty remarks, while Jenna, Cal, and Grace bring balance to the force.
We get to know that someone (suspectedly Archer by orders of the Eye) is trying to kill Sophie while she is in UK. Somehow they knew that they won't be returning to Hex Hall, however Rachel Hawkins gives us clues and then take them back. But in my opinion the characters work well together and her storytelling is nice.
We leave this book with an amazing cliffhanger.

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lunes, 26 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Fallen

Fallen Fallen by Lauren Kate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I somehow knew what I was getting into. The truth being told this book is all you have read about: poorly paced, not so well written, and actually what it says could have been about 200 pages shorter because you never know 1) why were they cursed; 2) what are the shadows; 3) who casted the curse; 4) Who are they... So the book looks like a huge attempt of a cliffhanger. However slow the first half it is, the reading somehow gets compesated when we learn about the angels and that they are divided. Also how important is that Luce was rised as agnostic, because the mythology behind this story is never clarified.
Still I gave it 4 stars because the main idea is so tempting that I do want to continue reading. I think that Hush Hush has a more solid composition all in all, and surely Fallen goes along the way of Twilight, but I personally cannot refuse a fallen angels story. It is also true that I had to read about the story in a wikia to truly understand where this was going to.
Do not expect a masterpiece, this is the kind of stories you read when your mind is overload with information and you need to relax. I even skip some paragraphs and could follow the story perfectly. I will be reading the following books because it is going to be a movie and has a huge fanbase, but I agree that this could have been better.

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sábado, 24 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Hex Hall

Hex Hall Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 llegando a 4. No esperaba nada al leer este libro, lo tomé porque es del género que me he propuesto ya no leer. Me imaginaba por la descripción una historia cliché sobre la chica nueva que llega al Internado y se adapta y resulta que es la heroína de su historia y fue lo que recibí, aunque no de una manera aburrida. Sophie es una bruja oscura que por un hechizo que salió mal (gracias a su efusividad) es enviada a Hecate Hall (conocida como Hex Hall en el bajo mundo de los prodigios) con otras brujas, cambia-formas, hadas y solo una Vampira. En Hex Hall las brujas oscuras populares (tipo mean girls) invitan a Sophie unirse a su aquelarre, pero su amiga Jenna le cuenta sobre Holly la chica que murió antes y que tenía miedo porque invocaban a un demonio. De repente, otra chica del aquelarre es herida y al tener falta de sangre y dos marcas en el cuello, Jenna es culpada y Sophie no puede evitar investigar. Hay algo más sobre ella, quiere conocer acerca de su pasado, ya que su madre no le ha informado de mucho de ser bruja y no ha visto a su padre.
No era lo que esperaba, Jenna es un bonito personaje que todo lo lleva rosa, además de haber perdido al amor de su vida, que fue quién la transformó para que estuvieran juntas siempre. Si me pregunto que pasará con ella, pero lo que más me gustó es como recibió a Sophie y le explicó situaciones de su mundo.
El lector va descubriendo acerca del mundo de Hex Hall junto con Sophie y la trama tiene algunos giros sorprendentes como el padre de Sophie y el descubrir quien es Alice. Elodie y su historia me parece que fue justa. Creo que aun hay mucho por descubrir pero la verdad es que me gustó el ritmo y la sencillez del libro. Al principio me pareció un poco ñoño, pero conforme fue avanzando, me fue gustando. No se si tanto como para conseguir los siguientes libros o no, pero fue un buen libro para pasar el rato.

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jueves, 15 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Le doy 3.5 estrellas a este libro. La verdad es que si me gustó la historia, pero más que gustarme la historia, me gustó como está hecho el libro. Siento que este es uno de esos experimentos que devienen en algo interesante, aunque también creo que la película será mejor que el libro. La razón por la cual leí "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" es por la película que saldrá y que dirige en toda su excentricidad Tim Burton.
Me encantó que la historia de los peculiares esté hecha a partir de fotografías viejas. Esas fotografías perturbadoras que se distribuyen en Internet tratando de dar miedo o causar malestar, pues bueno, creo que Ransom Riggs hace un magnánimo ejercicio de storytelling con ellos. Es fascinante como pudo tomar estas fotografías y crear con ellas una historia. Sin embargo, es por la misma naturaleza de estas fotografías y su incorporación a la historia que es realmente pesado leer el libro. Al pasar de las páginas no pude evitar sentir desasosiego y hasta aversión con ciertas fotografías, sin embargo la curiosidad pudo más y con ella pude llegar al final.
Al cerrar el libro me sentía pesada, como si la historia misma me embotara. Aunque es justamente mi género, fantasía juvenil. La historia va de Jacob, un chico americano que tiene una relación muy cercana con su abuelo el cual le cuenta historias sobre niños peculiares. El abuelo Abe le dice que durante la segunda guerra mundial, cuando huyó de Polonia a Reino Unido, se encontró con chicos ligeros, fuertes, quienes tenían 2 bocas, gemelos espeluznantes o invisibles, y que ellos fueron felices, hasta que un día Abe decide irse y nunca regresar. La cercanía de Abe y Jacob nunca la tuvieron Franklin, el padre de Jacob y su padre, así que siempre lo tildaron de loco y excéntrico. Pero el día que Abe muere, el mundo de Jacob se derrumba y comienza la aventura (con intervención psicológica) para cerrar el círculo y pasar la página de su abuelo. Sin embargo la vida de Jacob se ve amenazada el día que se da cuenta que las historias son reales y conoce a "el pájaro", y aprende que además de los peculiares, existen los hollows y fueron ellos quienes mataron a su abuelo.
La historia es interesante, pero si no estás realmente comprometido con el género y además si no encuentras belleza en la forma de hilar la historia con las fotografías, este libro es una gran tortura. A mi el proceso creativo me pareció fascinante y me impulsó a continuar. De verdad me maravilló la articulación de cada fotografía dentro de la historia y la forma en que Riggs creo un mundo tan complejo y lleno de personajes (que a veces no llega a desarrollar por la gran cantidad de ellos) a partir de raras fotografías antiguas.

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viernes, 9 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Finale

Finale Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

End of the Journey. My heart leaves in peace knowing that my beloved characters are just fine. This book was the journey I was waiting for. As in every saga of this genre and type, the last book is the one that expands the world in which the characters live. Here we meet Dante, the second in command of the Nephilim army. He tries to help Nora to be recognized and respected by the Nephilim, but he has his own agenda, which makes it hard for our friends to fulfill their oats.
I was hoping for Marcie to die in the battle and suffer. But well, as Dumbledore said, there are worst things that death, and knowing that she was feeble, weak and unwanted must have been enough for her. I have no idea why her mother did not die in the great battle. I also was hoping to know more about the other fallen angels and their destiny.
Excellent plot twist the one about Basso and how he bended the story to thank Nora. I like that here Archaengels and Nephilims are not so strict about the law and its toughness.
However the fact that Vee is also a Nephilim came as a deux-ex-machina to me, I never saw it coming during the books. I get it, it was for Nora's sake, so she was not friendless in eternity now that Scott died, but still, I could not see it coming.
It was a good reading, finally in this one I got more Patch, Nora could put two and two together and even when was driven by the actions of others, could overcome adversity and save the day. That was what I expected. I wish she could have gone to hell and save Patch then come back triumphant, but hey, once again, the settlement of the confict took half a book, and the action only a small fraction of it. I leave in peace knowing that they have it all. In the end, everything is fine.

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miércoles, 7 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Silence

Silence Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this one, yes, I wanted to strangle some character AGAIN! but Nora was better at taking her memories removed. I wish they realize that all the suffering can be evaded by friends were honest and could take supernatural as given. This being said, Scott is not douchebag, Dabria is not gone and Hank has a bigger plan. I must say that I like the consistency throughout the series. near to the last third of the book there is a solving plot twist that leads to a cliffhanger in which things get complicated for Nora and Patch (who goes by the name of Jev in most of this book).
I liked when they are in Patch's place and how it is described as modern and masculine, with black countertops and so. I was expecting Nora and the Archangel to have more contact, but I can live with what happened in the story because truly... Patch is smart, I could have never guessed the elaborated plan of all fronts as easily as he did. But I was starting to question about the inheritance of Chauncey and if they all should have died as when a Vampire sire is killed. It was a plausible explanation.
I still hate Marcie, I think Vee was not as great as in the previous books, and I believe that Nora could be a little smarter... She could have find Patch before if she was not telling everyone how she felt and how was she uncovering truths.
It remains unclear to me the lineage of Chauncey and how Nora could be the female descendant they were looking for. I have questions about their genealogy. I am not even sure that Blythe is her mother, nor how Chauncey could have descendants. That would mean that in 2010 half of Earth's population has some Nephilim blood, and I also wonder if they sacrificed Marcie, would then Patch get a mortal body? Hasn't that ocurred to them?
In this book we see Patch in action, and he is neither good or evil which I like. I am into these non side characters and enjoying.
Let's see if they can prevent a massive war between the fallen, archangels and Nephilim, and I wish I knew more about Archangels in the next one.
Last chapter was a great bonus, that means that Vee and Nora knew Patch and Rixon before they met them, to kill her was always the plan. Good one.

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martes, 6 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Crescendo

Crescendo Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

once again, 3.5 stars, not because the writing is bad... but because Nora is unsuferable the first half of this book. I wanted to strangle her, no, seriously! I hated her... a relationship between her guardian angel and her has all the signs of being forbiden, how couldn't she realize that, and the fact that she should been careful about her angelic boyfriend? I hate blackmailing in relationships and I hate when couples that are meant to be split for this "I have to protect you / I love you more than life itself" motif. This being said, it is obvious that they have to be together against all odds. This book reminded me of the second book from Twlight, but I must say that Nora takes action and her short flame makes her impulsive and entertaining, which makes me like her way more than Bella when Edward brakes up with her.
I think I was ready to fall in love with Patch, and even when I do like him really much, I think we need a lot more of him in this book. It is written in a similar way than the first one: opening with a single scene... then focusing on Nora's actions leading to the convergence of the first scene and her life, oh yes, the day being saved by Patch. In this one, we learn that Nora's father isn't her biological father, and that the hate between Marcie and her is because Marcie's father (who happens to be a first generation Nephilim) is going out with Nora's mother, which probably (and we know it has to be this way) means that Hank Millar is Nora's Father.
Intersting plot twist, I would not have expected who wanted Nora killed... and I hated when Hank appeared breaking a hot moment between Nora and Patch.

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domingo, 4 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was and still am torn about this book. I award 3.5 stars because there are unsolved plots in my opinion. I did not get why is it called Hush, Hush. Then I thought that it had more of fallen angels and sacrifice and even fights. But there was little of that and much of the hidden intentions of a fallen angel who we really do not get to know pretty well. Still, Patch is the bad boy many of us girls dream of and about. It remains uclear to me how and why Patch fell in love with Nora or why and how that affects the world as we know it. I would like to know if being a descendant of a Nephilym means in this world. Once again I was expecting more mythology than love and I got a story that focuses on a love relationship that develops over a murder need.
It is one of those books you cannot put down and you don't know why. I just kept on reading even when I was not sure what it was about and where was everything leading to. I do want to read the next books to find out about this kind of fallen angels.

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jueves, 1 de septiembre de 2016

Review: Valkyrie

Valkyrie Valkyrie by Kate O'Hearn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am surprised positively about this book. I bought it because I always liked Nordic mythology and now that Tom HIddleston and Marvel are involved in it, I have hunger for more. The first two or three chapters weren't as good as I expected, but I pushed and kept on reading and I liked it.
The story does not center on mythology, but uses and relies on the reader's knowledge of them to keep the actions going. This is a story of self discovery, acceptance and fraternal love. It verses about the last Valkyrie to be born and devoted to Odin's service whose name is Freya. She loves to fly with her black wings, which make her different from the rest of the Valkyries. In her first reap, she reapes a man who decides not to stay in Valhalla but to continue ascending but makes Freya promise that she 'll keep an eye on his family. Freya is then tricked by Loki to pass Heimdall and use the bifröst to reach Midgard. Freya dislike humans because they just kill and have no good on them, but soon she finds good in Midgard and starts saving lifes as well as feeling complete. She learns how beauty can be seen in this world and stands up for the weak, identified by the Geek Squad (Yes, I think there is a story of bullying behind this). However, Odin learns (thanks to Loki) what Freya has done and is ready to punish her. Then... there are also Angels of Death leaded by Azriel who take the lifes of those remaining dying people. Thor appears and he is good, but he has not much relevance in here... Loki appears several times and Odin is named constantly, but the story is about Freya, how she saves Archie and changes Tamika and Uniik's future with her actions that come from the heart. Freya's sister Maya plays an important role too as well as Freya's raven companion Orus.
I do want to read more about the story and how does she manage the life as a simple Asgardian citizen and not a Valkyrie at the end and that surprises me. The story is imperfect as well as the storytelling, but I found it hard to put it down until the very end.
I like that Loki that is truly a trickster and silvertongued, I liked this compassionate Thor and Azrael was a supresive and fabulous addition to the story of the Valkyrie with black wings who died her hair red and came to Midgard to find herself.

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martes, 30 de agosto de 2016

Review: The Sword of Summer

The Sword of Summer The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rick Riordan is one of my favorite writers and one of those I can't be impartial. I just adored Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard even when he repeats the same formula used for Percy Jackson. We find that Magnus even mocks Percy in various passages. I was dying to read this story because I am so into Norse gods at this very moment and I truly enjoy the way in which Riordan tells a story. It seems much coincidence that within a family of three siblings, two of them fall hard for gods from different mythologies, but well, I give it to him so we all can have a massive apocalypse where the Kanes, Percy and Magnus (and all those who come with them) face the ultimate peril. I know that the fact that is much the same pace and sometimes character of Percy may be the reason why many grew bored of it, but I simply love it. Riordan is a safe play for me and I couldn't put down this book.
Since I have a major crush on Loki (Marvel one) it was really refreshing to see him as a mastermind and puppeteer that talks with a silvertongue. He is ruthless with punishing the ones that failed him. He tricks people and his own spawn into his plan and I love that. He is a portrait of what I wish to see in Norse Loki.
And I also adored Thor, he's a tv junkie so easy going and amicable that I died!!! so reckless also, I identified a little with him and his need over Wi-Fi and TV. But the stage was definitively taken by Otis his goat, c'mon! he goes to a therapist because he gets killed and revived every day. Otis is my favorite!
And Jack! let's talk about that sword. It is amazing and vibrant. Jack is a thing.
Oh yes, Odin was great with his mystery shopping technique to assess Hotel Valhalla. He reminded me a little of Lockhart from the Harry Potter series.
I wish Annabeth and Chase talked before so they could share being demi-gods before Magnus gets killed, I am eager to read what's next.

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domingo, 28 de agosto de 2016

Review: The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms

The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms by Chris Colfer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I gave it 3 stars because I liked this book, don't get me wrong, but this is a mere transcitional book. It is about the same lenght that the previous one but this one serves only for settle the ground for the next adventure. There were few, (really few) chapters about Bree and Emerich and their background story is also interesting and I wished we coudl have gotten more of them, but I totally get it that in future installements they will play a part in the quest for balance in all realms.
I what made me decide on 3 stars is that I expected more of the stories in the cover: Merlin and Robin Hood to be more heroic and invested with the twins, also Peter Pan to have a fight or two, and certainly the Queen of Harts to have more lines than just "off with his head".
In the first chapter we are introduced to Hans Christian Anderse and his relation with the Fairy Godmother, It seems there that he got his stories completely from him and not from another world, which does not explain why at the end, the Ice Queen and Ursula appear in front of the witches (I don't even recall the Sea Witch from the Little Mermaid to be named). And that was some unsolved plot this book left on me.
I think Chris went too ambitious and could not concrete much with all the stories he intended to include. However his writing is fluid and interesting with a good pace, that makes it enjoyable and not boring at all... but I am not so fond of transitional books. I wait eagerly to have the next one and see which characters will Carter bring to the table. And I truly wish Charlie Charming to be saved and to live happy ever after.

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domingo, 21 de agosto de 2016

Review: Assassin's Creed: Renaissance

Assassin's Creed: Renaissance Assassin's Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. este libro no es lo que pensaba. Lo comencé a leer en un momento que quizá fue malo para mi, ya que lo dejé pendiente por unos meses, pero cuando lo retomé realmente me sorprendió. Mi interés en esta historia surge del videojuego, el cual no he jugado porque soy malísima en él. La narrativa asemeja la narración del juego durante la mitad del libro, por lo que las situaciones se van desarrollando vertiginosamente. De repente, han pasado 10 años desde la muerte de la familia Auditore pero la sensación de que Ezio es el mismo joven continúa hasta el final del libro. Mas o menos por la mitad, las acciones se empiezan a narrar más como novela que juego y es ahí donde me enganchó completamente el libro, cuando Ezio va por la Italia del siglo quince deshaciendo los planes de los templarios para hacerse con el poder y los artefactos que indica el códice.
La verdad es que el final me sorprendió completamente, el hecho de que pudieran insertar el camino del héroe de libro en la historia y que Ezio fuera el profeta de los Assassins no me lo esperaba. Tampoco que el Español se convirtiera en Papa para obtener uno de los objetos mágicos y que a final de cuentas, los juntara para entrar a la bóveda me sacó del ritmo de los libros, pero me pareció interesante. Creo que Bowden trata de ser muy filosófico en los intereses de la Orden de los Assessinos (aunque puede ser que todo venga del juego) y falla en incorporarlos fluidamente a la historia. Las meta referencias me encantaron, como cuando Maquiavelo dice que escribirá algún día un libro sobre el príncipe perfecto y también cuando Minerva se refiere al destinatario final del mensaje del cual Ezio es solo el medio.
Me gustaría decirle a Minerva que definitivamente su medio fue efectivo y me llegó el mensaje. Estoy más que encantada de acompañar a Ezio en cualquier misión a la que se tenga que enfrentar y también de seguir a la Orden. Fue extraño encontrarme del lado de Maquiavelo en esta novelización, casi siempre es el enemigo, como en los Secretos de Nicholas Flammel donde es quien busca a los gemelos de la profecía y hace todo por vencer a Flammel, pero aquí es un personaje agradable, a veces infantil, aunque nunca lo pude sentir como malévolo y enemigo. Interesante que dijera que debería haber una palabra para describir a los hombres como Ezio y que haga referencia a maquiavélico, un término muy utilizado a raíz del libro "El Príncipe".
Reitero que este libro me sorprendió de manera positiva, y lo recomiendo a quienes les gusta el juego, y a quienes como yo, quisieran jugarlo pero son malos en él.

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domingo, 14 de agosto de 2016

Review: El Gran Gigante Bonachón

El Gran Gigante Bonachón El Gran Gigante Bonachón by Roald Dahl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Le doy 3.5 estrellas. Quizá no era mi momento de leerlo para amarlo como otras obras de Dahl que me fascinan, pero si lo disfruté. Como es costumbre con las historias de Dahl, se limita a contar los acontecimientos de una aventura y de ahí nos tenemos que imaginar lo que rodea a dichos sucesos. En esta, comenzamos con Sofía, una niña que se despierta a la hora mágica y ve a un gigante en las calles de Inglaterra el cual procede a llevársela al país de los gigantes para que nadie sepa de su existencia.
La parte más difícil del libro fue leer correctamente las incorrecciones del habla del gigante, en cierta forma me costó acostumbrarme a dichas incorrecciones, me recordó un poco al proceso de adaptación en la Naranja Mecánica, nada más que este libro es para niños.
La forma en que Sofía involucra a la Reina de Inglaterra me recordó mucho una historia que cuentan de un hombre que de repente se apareció en el Palacio de Buckingham con la reina pidiendo un analgésico para la resaca, más o menos así se aparece Sofía de repente en la habitación de la Reina para contarle la historia de como los gigantes comen guisantes humanos cada día.
Y sin duda alguna, las últimas palabras son mis favoritas, me recordaron mucho el final de otra de mis obras favoritas, Momo de Michael Ende, donde al final de cuentas, escuchamos la historia de la voz de uno de los protagonistas de la misma aventura.
Me entro la curiosidad por leer este libro por el lanzamiento de la película, sin duda alargarán partes como las luchas entre gigantes y la forma en que los atrapan los ingleses... y también confío en que harán muy visual y mágica la caza de sueños, pero me parece una historia muy sencilla y espero que no la cambien como hicieron con Matilda, que quedó irreconocible.
Una de las cosas que me gusta de Roal Dahl es que no menosprecia a los niños ni ofende su intelecto, me gusta que de vez en cuando tiene algunos tintes de humor negro, como el de no arrojar botana/alimentos a los gigantes cuando se caen 3 hombres a la fosa, o lo relacionado con el mayordomo y el desayuno, creo que por eso es de mis autores favoritos.

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sábado, 13 de agosto de 2016

Review: Ever After High 3. Un mundo maravillástico

Ever After High 3. Un mundo maravillástico Ever After High 3. Un mundo maravillástico by Shannon Hale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This third book is Ok. I still like the way in which Shannon Hale writes (I've read other series by her), but this story made no sense to me in the Royals/Rebels/choose your destiny topic. The plot of this book centers in Cedar and Lizzie affirming who they are and where their loyalties lie. So this time, the Jaberwoky is lose in Ever After and is turning everything a strange hybrid with Wonderland, so the three Wonderlanders: Lizzie, Kitty and Maddie are the only ones that have not been completely affected by poisoned magic becoming thus the only ones that can save the day.
I think it was a nice touch that with the Jaberwoky magic every student turned into their name or the main characteristinc of their story: an axe, a slipper, an apple or a raven. And I definitively adored the vow that Maddie recites to become a narrator. It was interesting to know that Hale knew Daring's destiny before we discover it in the show. Here it makes total sense that he's a smal beast.
So it was a nice reading, but not helping us forward in the path of the pursuit of our destinies in Ever After.

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domingo, 7 de agosto de 2016

Review: Demigods & Magicians: Percy and Annabeth Meet the Kanes

Demigods & Magicians: Percy and Annabeth Meet the Kanes Demigods & Magicians: Percy and Annabeth Meet the Kanes by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the first of these 3 stories in the Kane's series but it was nice to remember the time when Percy and Carter met while battling the Son of Sobek. At first I thought that this stories diverted from the main theme of Riordan's books: Mythology; and focused on the demigods and magicians meeting just for the sake of it. But I was wrong, this was another opportunity for us to learn about Mythology and how Ptolomey tried to merge Greek and Egiptian gods into a new cult. The characters themselves share similarities and work together perfectly to assure that Setne does not become a god. Percy is questined for his decision of rejecting godhood.
I sometimes forget that Percy and Annabeth are around 17 years old... the same with the Kanes, and I also forget some of the details of their previous quests. Here they revisit some characters from the Kane's Chronicles mainly, the story is driven by what we have read about the Egiptian gods. Nonetheless, greek words and magic is important for the development of the actions, and I loved Percy calling chicken to Carter because of his avatar of Horus. I wonder if the fact that Percy has been used as channeling for a vulture egiptian goddess will change him in any way? I guess I'd have to keep on reading Riordan's works to find out.
As all that Rick Riordan writes, is a delicious reading for me, still, I did not like much the drawings of the boys and girls because I think their faces were not well drawn, but it was a nice touch to have some color pages in there, just to remember how the characters look like.

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lunes, 1 de agosto de 2016

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have to confess that even though I am a Potterhead through and through and whist I enjoyed "Harry Potter and the cursed child", I did not love it. There are too many irregularities that are not minor plot-holes that prevented me to fully embrace the story.
In the epilogue, I saw a Harry Potter that was comprehensive and good father to his sons, he was understanding and even proud of Albus Severus, named after two Headmasters and one of them Slytherin. I was shocked to learn that Albus felt he was a disgrace because he was a Potter in Slytherin. I believe that the adults were well portrayed but they distantiated themselves from the ones they were 19 years ago and I wonder if we change that lot within time.
Scorpius was my favorite character, he had the characteristics of a nerd (not a geek as stated around three times throughout the play) and to be caring and tender, I imagine Astoria Malfoy to be that way and show compassion and love for her son and husband. I understand that she had to die, but it was hard to see Malfoy turned in a single parent.
Now, I think it was a nice idea to work with the notion of "what if", but is my perception that by asking that question, we start the fanfics. I was not expecting a fanfiction work, but a play that continued the line set by the 7 novels of Harry Potter. I was sorry to read about the conflicts between Harry and Albus, they seemed out of place. Likewise, I thought that between Malfoy and Potter there was cordiality, so I was surprised with the measures taken to separate Scorpius and Malfoy.
Other of the reasons why I thought about fanfiction while reading was that the beloved characters such as Snape and much hated Umbridge appeared in a different timeline. It was heartbreaking to read about a reality where Cedric turned into a Death Eather that caused the fall of Potter and the rise of the Dark Lord with all that that implies. But among the heartache, it was lovely that Snape felt love from Potter because he was honored in the person of Albus.
I understand the story was about family bonding, and also about putting family above all, it was quite important for Harry to take the decision of not to interfer in the killing of his parents and watch it all next to his son and wife, but it was also a bit extreme. The ending was lovely, because I believe that Albus finally understood how Harry has come to terms with all the deaths that have happened in his life, and how sorry was he to see Cedric's death. It is not easy to be a Potter, as it is not easy to carry the legacy of our families within, that we can relate and I hope Albus can understand. It is funny how an event can change completely the future, and how fixed points in time are important even when they are painful.
Now, my biggest problem with this (after all the previous rant) is ... DELPHI. I cannot understand how come she to exist and how come Malfoy not knowing about her (being her niece). I mean, I could never see it coming, a daughter of Voldemort and Bellatrix. That sounds impossible, because yes, Bella adored him, but she was a bit crazy and he did not care at all about love. He was the being that could never feel love, that distroyed him, how could he even care enough to have a child?
Where did she grew up? Was she loved or abused? because even with all his childhood, Harry turned out to be perfectly fine, but her? She was so dissonant that even when I was surprised by the plot twist, I could not buy it. She was a deux ex machina to me and cheapened the story. It reminded me a bit of the Joker and Harley Quinn in an abusive relationship where Harley loves the Joker insanely and the Joker only uses her. But he is mad and abusive, Voldemort was evil not mad, that disturbs me and its my major objection to this play.
There were fun bits and nostalgic bits also, but it did not stand up to the legacy of the franchise.
Still, it was entertaining enough for me to award 3 stars.

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miércoles, 20 de julio de 2016

Review: Ashlynn Ella's Story

Ashlynn Ella's Story Ashlynn Ella's Story by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I also loved this one! mainly because Hunter and Ashlynn are meant to be! They are perfect for each other. I did not like the fact that this story reminded us that Ashlynn's mom were to die prematurely so she can fulfill her destiny as the next Cinderella. That was not nice, but the idea that she did not mind if her love was a prince or not as long as he loves animals, is lovely! I so want them to embrace their own story.

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Review: Hunter Huntsman's Story

Hunter Huntsman's Story Hunter Huntsman's Story by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without any doubt this was my favorite story from Ever After High by Shannon Hale. In the books and the websoides I could never have guessed that Hunter was vegetarian, although I could clearly see his love for animals. I loved the fact that he had to strike a pose whenever he rescued someone and I imagined his father as a lumberjack as well as his mother. He is kind and tender with his sister, but I have no idea where lumberjane came from. He is skilled and has a big heart. I loved him!

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Review: Marcada

Marcada Marcada by Kim Richardson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book because I could. I had no idea what it was about, but the first chapters were engaging. I felt it was fast paced and the writting reminded me a lot of fanfiction. However the premise was so good that it kept me reading non-stop for as long as I could. I like the idea of normal people being chosen to perform as Guardian Angels, but in the beginning I did not know if they were supposed to help mortals to be out of danger or to recollect the souls when they die during the missions assigned. I had to figure that out throughtout the rest of the book. Near the end, it was getting interesting and it ended well, with a lot of open arcs that can easily be solved by the reader without further installments. So Kara got what she wanted in the end. Still the characters conception and development were weak and I could not see the Archangels depicted as Kim Richardson does, nor David or the Oracles, I believe that talking about relationships between the characters there is still work to do. The tension between David and Kara never seemed real, nor the rivalry between Benson and David, and I could never really know if David was liked by the Archangels or not. Nice touch that angels are male or female regardless their name.

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jueves, 9 de junio de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Tome 19

Vampire Knight, Tome 19 Vampire Knight, Tome 19 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Como siempre, el último tomo me ha parecido ¡magnífico! Por este tomo vale la pena leer. Y cabe mencionar que al terminar, mi hermana me encontró llorando abrazando lo último que sabré de Yuuki, Zero y Kaname. Estos son los triángulos amorosos que me gustan, llenos de drama, donde todos aman a todos y eso es lo que les complica la existencia. Zero en verdad ama a Yuuki y no podía dejar de velar por ella, al igual que Kaname ama a Yuuki por ser la calidez de su corazón, mientras que Yuuki ama por igual a los dos hombres más importantes de su vida.
En muchas historias se maneja el heroísmo de la chica al renunciar a una situación conflictiva en favor de que uno de sus amados no sufra, y es esto lo que intenta hacer Yuuki al eliminarse de la memoria de Zero. Sin embargo, su inocencia hace de esto un error, ya que mucho de lo que Zero es y la personalidad que ha desarrollado es porque ha vivido con Yuuki los años posteriores al asesinato de sus padres. A Zero sin Yuuki le falta dirección en la vida y un propósito.
Kaname hace el sacrificio último, tiene que dejar a Yuuki en manos de Zero para que ambos estén felices y su corazón tenga la fortaleza de arder siempre para las nuevas armas de los cazadores de vampiros. Y Zero a final de cuentas, deja de huir de si mismo y reconoce que lo único que siempre ha querido es estar junto al amor de su vida, Yuuki.
La escena de sexo entre Yuuki y Kaname me pareció forzada, pero creo que es para darle el final que tiene la historia. me gustó como Yuuki trata de alejar al "joven cazador" y distanciarse de Zero para que éste pueda cumplir su propósito de exterminar a los vampiros. pero él es más fuerte y logra recordar quién es y que significa Yuuki en su vida.
El final lo leí al menos 3 veces seguidas... de hecho para escribir esto estoy leyendolo otra vez, y me conmueve. Tu que siempre has tenido sed... que tu sed sea calmada. Que bonito que Yuuki pudo tener todo lo que amó, a Kaien, a Kaname, a Zero y a sus hijos.
¡Lo amé!

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 18

Vampire Knight, Vol. 18 Vampire Knight, Vol. 18 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yuuki is finally behaving a vampire. Her alterego is a butterfly and that does not surprises Kaname, because Yuuki loves light. The Mother Metal is craking and Kaname is willing to sacrifice his heart to the vampire hunters so they keep on controling vampires when they reach E level. It is nice to see Yuuki and Zero working together again. I loved the mask ball where they danced together.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 16

Vampire Knight, Vol. 16 Vampire Knight, Vol. 16 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More conflict, but I think that Yuuki is being reckless and acts without thinking about the consequences of giving everyone her blood. But it is nice that thirst is the reason that brings Zero and Yuuki together again. The end is energic, Zero is finally saying what he means and how Kaname has changed his life.

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miércoles, 25 de mayo de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 15

Vampire Knight, Vol. 15 Vampire Knight, Vol. 15 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

En este tomo me encantó Kaien sufriendo porque abofeteo a Yuuki y porque se cree mal padre. Aidou aún no entiende que pasó con Kaname y está confundido, pero Yuuki trata de consolarlo. Yuuki trata de que continúe la clase nocturna y con ello la paz entre los humanos y vampiros. Zero está trabajando cazando vampiros. A final de cuentas vuelve a haber una clase diurna y una nocturna, y algunos de la diurna tienen recuerdos y siguen buscando a los vampiros. Yori-chan se escabulle hacia los dormitorios, pero Zero la detiene. Y de repente, Sara llega a la academia Cross y es mejor en relaciones públicas que Yuuki. Sara busca el plan de Kaname y su punto débil, ya que fue marcada como la siguiente en morir.
Este tomo es raro, porque trata de regresar a la "normalidad" de los primeros, pero lo hace en un momento de conflicto muy grande, ya que Kaname es buscado y Yuuki sigue siendo un vampiro débil a quien nadie respeta. por otro lado Sara es manipuladora y una vez más, sus intenciones profundas están vedadas, ya que me parece demasiado sencillo que lo único que quiera sea alimentarse de Kaname y terminar con el, porque después de eso algo tendría que hacer con el séquito de él y con su hermana. Sigo leyendo pero no es algo fuera de este mundo este tomo.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 14

Vampire Knight, Vol. 14 Vampire Knight, Vol. 14 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Aquí Yuuki ve el pasado de Kaname a través de su sangre. Sara se está haciendo de minions en la Academia para Señoritas con la esperanza de que la protejan de Kaname y además, porque está aburrida y necesita con que divertirse. Kaname mata al papá de Aidou y esto causa que Idol-Sempai se cuestione su alianza con Kaname. Yuuki no entiende mucho y es llevada al cuartel de los cazadores donde Zero trata de ignorarla y odiarla como la pura sangre que es. Pero aún le importa demasiado.
Kaien se involucra como presidente para que Yuuki entienda que pasa y para protegerla, porque aún la quiere como hija al igual que a Zero.
La verdad es que pasan varias cosas interesantes en este tomo, pero pasan muy rápido y parecen sin conexión. Creo que algunas intenciones no están claras y pueden ser pasadas por alto. Al principio no entendí porque Bloody Rose y Artemis eran parte de ella y la intención de la fundadora, después se vuelve más claro cual es el rol y el poder de las armas anti-vampiros. En este tomo por fin vamos llegando a algún lugar.

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domingo, 22 de mayo de 2016

Review: Wigetta y el báculo dorado

Wigetta y el báculo dorado Wigetta y el báculo dorado by Vegetta777
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Definitivamente más cohesivo y mejor escrito que el primer libro. El diseño del libro como tal reconoce perfectamente a quienes va dirigido esta obra con su cambio de tamaño y color de letra y muchas ilustraciones. Esta vez, Veggeta, Willy, Vakipandi y Trotuman tienen que salvar Pueblo otra vez, ya no de los zombi sino de un virus. En cierta forma la premisa me recuerda un poco a Tron, porque están dentro del juego y tienen que ser los antagonistas que venzan al virus que ha invadido Pueblo.
No vi lo de la Realidad Aumentada porque no pude descargar la aplicación, sin embargo no es necesaria para entender la historia, es un plus. Según he leído esto lo hace más interactivo que el primer libro, materia en la que quedó muy corto Un Viaje Mágico.
Eso de perder a Trotuman no me gustó, ya que no aparece en la mayor parte de la historia. Además, ciertos diálogos me quedaron confusos, aunque no pude evitar leer las líneas de Veggeta con su voz.
Los nombres de los personajes casuales rayan en lo absurdo al combinar un sustantivo propio con la profesión, Tabernardo, Lecturicia, Pantricia, etc. pero supongo que los fans de los YouTubers lo encontrarán divertido. Creo que le invirtieron más en edición a esta entrega de la saga de Wigetta y por eso, les permitirá tener secuelas del libro.
A final de cuentas, sirve para pasar el rato, relajarse y es rápido de leer.

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martes, 17 de mayo de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 13

Vampire Knight, Vol. 13 Vampire Knight, Vol. 13 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

La escena de Zero con Ichiru me estrujó el corazón por completo y la amé. Así que Yuuki ya entendió que pasa con los vampiros más entrados en años y porqué buscan beber la sangre de los otros y se propone visitarlos para decirles que ella es diferente. En eso es atacada y Zero la salva. Kaname no está tan feliz, pero a través de su sangre, le muestra a Yuuki su historia.
Es aquí donde todo se vuelve un poco confuso, porque Kaname no es el hijo de Haruka y Juri sino el antepasado de todos los Kuran despertado por Kido. Y aquí nos enteramos un poco de como llegaron a haber tantos vampiros y porqué se forjaron armas como Artemis y Bloody Rose.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 12

Vampire Knight, Vol. 12 Vampire Knight, Vol. 12 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Aunque me está gustando, me cuesta seguirle el paso a lo que acontece con los cazadores. Se supone y se entiende que el baile fue una farsa para aparentar lazos de hermandad entre los pura sangre (los 4 que quedan) los vampiros del montón y los cazadores de vampiros. Sin embargo, uno de los pura sangre muere y un cazador se suicida. Como que no me quedó claro como y porque el suicidio es tan relevante e impactante.
Zero, Kaname y Yuuki se siguen encontrando y sigue habiendo tensión en ellos. Yuuki es la princesa que debe ser protegida porque al ser pura sangre, todos quieren un poco de ella.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 11

Vampire Knight, Vol. 11 Vampire Knight, Vol. 11 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Como muchos dicen, este tomo es de transición, y si bien nos muestra la vida que llevan ahora Yuuki, Zero y Kaname, la verdad es que no aporta mucho a la imagen global de lo que está ocurriendo. Supuestamente la Asociación de Cazadores se está reformando y reconsituyendo, pero no me quedó muy claro como lo lograrán. El vestido de Yuuki en su casa me encantó y Zero sigue siendo mi personaje favorito a pesar de que en el animé tiene más vitalidad que aquí. Yori-chan es muy tierna y de repente como que Yuuki se acuerda que tiene una mejor amiga y piensa en ella, pero no es muy cercana a ella, lo es más a Zero.
Por cierto, Kaien Cross es un gran personaje cuando es serio.

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domingo, 15 de mayo de 2016

Review: ヴァンパイア騎士 7

ヴァンパイア騎士 7 ヴァンパイア騎士 7 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sigo impacatada de que Kaname le haya dicho a Zero "bebe de mi sangre", creo que lo mejor y más impactante de este número es que Kaname se lleva a Zero y discute con el que es solamente una pieza más de su plan de gran impacto. Aún no nos damos cuenta de hasta donde quiere llegar Kaname y a donde quieren llevar a nuestros personajes.
Como en toda la serie, creo que los vampiros que siguen a Kaname están tan en segundo plano que se confunden y realmente no entiendo su motivación más allá de ser personajes que aparecen ahí.

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sábado, 14 de mayo de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 5

Vampire Knight, Vol. 5 Vampire Knight, Vol. 5 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things are getting complicated because Kaname had to have some motivation to killl Shikuza. I think that her participation in the series was really efimerous and did not much for the story line at all, and then, Zero's twin is lost.
I did not get who was killed, and I think I am focusing much on Zero/Kaname/Yuuki and leaving out all the other characters.

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jueves, 12 de mayo de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 4

Vampire Knight, Vol. 4 Vampire Knight, Vol. 4 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hate so much María Kurenai. I hate that Zero does not kill her because he's her minion. I hate Yuuki being so innocent to believe that only saving Zero moved that lady's intention. And more than anything, I hate what happened to Zero's family.
All vampires are realizing that something gruesome is happening at school. Zero is needing more blood and being threatened by Kaname. I loved when Kaname told him that he's there only to protect Yuuki and off he goes to save her. I can't believe that Ichiru is her puppet. Zero and Ichiru are pretty handsome, as all the vampires, but I hate when the brothers fight.
I think that Matsuri could have explored and exploited a bit more the psyche of Zero and how is he handling becoming a vampire, the prospect of being a Level E vampire, and the death desire that he has within.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 3

Vampire Knight, Vol. 3 Vampire Knight, Vol. 3 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everybody is bitting Yuuki... and everyone wants some of Kaname's blood (because he's a pure blood). Zero has to fight against his nature, he's a vampire vampire hunter. Kaname knows that Zero has been drinking from Yuuki and he's not happy about that. I adore the comic relief that the director brings to the story, because Zero and Kaname are way too serious. Yuuki seems more human than most of the characters and we do no get to see much from the school itself, or the classes. To be honest it seems that the Night Class does not really take classes.

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Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 2

Vampire Knight, Vol. 2 Vampire Knight, Vol. 2 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Estoy comparando mucho el Animé con el Manga y no me cuadran algunas cosas. Zero me encanta y Kaname se me hace muy pasivo. Yuuki tiene un corazón enorme que le lleva a dejar que Zero chupe su sangre, lo cual se me hace que está pasando muy rápido. La sinopsis de la editorial dice que un hombre del pasado de Zero cambia por completo las cosas, pero no es cierto, solo nos da información acerca de quién era Zero antes de que una vampira atacara a su familia y le mordiera, llevándolo a esta necesidad de sangre que lo consume, a la vez que siente el enorme deber para con los cazadores de vampiros, a los cuales pertenece. El antiguo mentor de Zero es un personaje que va muy bien con todos los principales de esta serie y me encanta.

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martes, 10 de mayo de 2016

Review: Vampire Knight, Vol. 1

Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I find strange the editorial from the author, but all in all, I liked this series. I got it because I liked the anime, which I saw many years ago. I remember the director being a great comic relief and Zero being a bit more open.
I was afraid that I won't like the manga as much as I liked the Anime, but now I realize how much I've fogotten. This volume is for showing us who are Zero, Kaname and Yuuki and what is their position within Cross Academy.
I must admit that I used to not like much Kaname and like Yuuki, but now I think that Zero is a great character as well as Kaname.

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domingo, 8 de mayo de 2016

Review: La elegida

La elegida La elegida by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally I get what I want from the story, to know more of the politics of Illea and the situation of Maxion within this world. So we finally know a bit of the rebels from the north and we get to hear more about the rebels from South and what each of them want. I like when America realizes that she was rised with this sense of freedom, justice and more than anything, love. That meant that she could be a good leader. The character is well constructed, thought I think that in this as in many of the YA stories, the female character takes too long to shine and embrace their present and themselves as change agents. I sometimes feel frustrated that every change a female lead in stories has to make, is related to having a male partner. But I guess that we are subdue to that stereotype and it is hard to get far from it. However this is a good story because it is build within a world of princesses and pretty dresses.
The ending was a bit forced and extremely fastpaced. The death of Celeste is regretable and I wish she had more protagonism in that moment. We never get to know how the king and queen died, and conveniently Anne died also. There is no further notice on how the rebels from north will take part in the new government and plans of King Maxon and Queen America, nor we know about Italy's support. I think they are major flaws in the story because we do like to read about leader princesses, but there is more than just getting the Prince in any story. I like that America is indomitable, but also that she learns to think better her actions. I like that Maxion is subdue to the King's will but willing to challenge his father for the justice and support found in America.
In the end there is a lot of guessing. I read some reviews and wikias before actually reading the book, there were pieces I already expected that did not impact me as I hoped when I read the story, like the compromise with Kriss and how she took the news of being the second place after America when Maxion was about to propose. I wanted something more dramatic also when America's father died and she faced her family.
In general I always said that it was nice that Cass focused on America's view on what was going on, because that gave place to a well constructed and cohesive story, but the end was a bit rushed.

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sábado, 7 de mayo de 2016

Review: Caballo de batalla

Caballo de batalla Caballo de batalla by Michael Morpurgo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I recieved this book as gift some years ago. I know there is an adaptation for the silver screen with two of my favorite actors, Ben Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston in the characters of Captain Nicholls and Major Stewart and I was extremely interseted in reading the book that inspired the movie.
I must say that even though I liked it, I was expecting something more heartbreaking and tough story. The book is written from the point of view of a horse named Joey who has grown in a farm and it is sold for war during WWI in England. We follow his story until the end of the War in France. Joey was cared by a boy called Albert who loved him much and was against his sell. Joey first is cared by Capt. Nicholls, then he follows a fellow horse named Tropthorn property of Maj. Stewart throughout war. They change property to both fronts, English and German fronts, and they get to live about a year in a Farm with a girl and her grandpa.
Despite being about war, I do not think that we get to see the great extent and pain caused by a major conflict like WWI. It is true that death and guns are present in this work, nonetheless, as many and much of the works written on the topic, this book fell short for me. I could not connect with any of the characters on the book, luckly it was a short one. I felt sorry about the soldiers from both bands that were there only because they were called on duty. I imagined how many of them truly were on this situation and how many died because of duty and not because they were convinced on the most touching situation. In the end I liked how Albert and Joey get together but I felt the ending really rushed and felt. I hope to watch the movie and find more of it, but I think that the movie would be more oriented to the search of Albert and less to the short-sighted understanding of the war of Joey.

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domingo, 17 de abril de 2016

Review: Cazadores de sombras y Subterráneos. La guía esencial.

Cazadores de sombras y Subterráneos. La guía esencial. Cazadores de sombras y Subterráneos. La guía esencial. by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked that there were other writers writing essays about certain topics in The Mortal Instruments. It is a great exercise to talk about the ideas that these popular series transmit. However the last two essays were out of focus and pointless. As the complator is the writer of TMI I believe that she picked the essays from her friends that spoke good things about the books. The one about Malec is interesting and also the one about Simon being a jewish vampire. I liked the analysis of friendship and taboo that goes along with every essay here complilated. But the last one I could barely follow up the idea.
The reason why I read this kind of books is because they remind me that everything can belong to academia and we need to understand what is happening in our surroundings, coming to talk about literature, tv-series and pop culture. Convergence is my study topic and these kind of works help me focusing on what I'd like to discuss. Nonetheless the bias that comes from the editor/writer limits the conflict that can be discussed about the series, as focuses only in what matters to the author and is said as good critics of her work.

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domingo, 10 de abril de 2016

Review: Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In Seuss-isms they use this story for when you are not willing to try something new. In this story Sam-I-am is offering a being a plate of Green Eggs and Ham, and he refuses to eat them wherever Sam-I-am is mentioning. It is an accumulative rhyme that recites each previous answer with the new one. A simple story for kids that can be used to teach them to try new food because they may like it or not, but they won't know until they try. Can be a lesson for everyday life.

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Review: The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lovely story about how we use colors in our lives. Excellent for kids who are learning about colors and what can we use each color for in our coloring world.

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sábado, 9 de abril de 2016

Review: La élite

La élite La élite by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I am finished with the second book. I like Cass writing because it is fast, focuses on the imprtant facts, and is fresh. It leaves out many actions, but sounds just as the stories you tell to your friends. I do wish to know more about the rise of Illea and its monarchy, and how different are lives in the north and in the south. I am intrigued by the rebel who saw America and said nothing and did nothing. Also about this movement that keeps on writing "We are here" when they go inside the castle. I must admit that I was impressed when Maxon revealed the abuse he has been suffering from his father and I like that is a very simplified version of a game of thrones where there is more than meets the eye and intrigues and also, chess pieces playing. But from the very beginning for me it was clear that having a 5 in the competition was better than having a 2 who is a top model. I mean, if I want to tame a multitude I am not going to do it with the top represors, but by taking some of their kind and showing them that they matter and our lives are not as critical as they think. That's the reason America's maids have high hopes with her and support her. In this political game, the support from the Italian princess was surprising and welcoming, but it makes me wonder how are things in New Asia and Italy, because nothing of this is mentioned.
Even when this story is that sweet, tender, true-love believing story that makes us think that true love can be found even in circumstances where we are forced to find it, I am enjoying it much. I do want to know what happens with America and Maxon and how they end up together. I think that Aspen is out of the equation since long ago, but I want to know why and I have always said that even when the story is predictable, is the storyteller who makes it interesting. So I am looking forward to The Choosen One.

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lunes, 4 de abril de 2016

Review: La historia de Supermán: desde su nacimiento en Krypton hasta hoy

La historia de Supermán: desde su nacimiento en Krypton hasta hoy La historia de Supermán: desde su nacimiento en Krypton hasta hoy by Javier Coma
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

¡No puedo recordar la cantidad de veces que he leído este libro! Fue uno de los primeros que encontré en casa y lo he leído una y otra vez desde que tengo memoria. Ahora con el furor de Batman vs Superman lo retomé. Me gustan las historias de Superbaby y Superboy que aquí se recopilan. También me gustan las de Supermán leyendo el diario de Jor-El y las que incluyen a Loise Lane y su trabajo como reportero del Daily Planet.
Sin embargo ahora lo leo con otros ojos. Sobre todo aquella historia en donde Lois le cuenta a Clark como obtuvo el trabajo de reportera sin ayuda de Superman, y resulta que recibió ayuda indirecta del Hombre de Acero. Me pareció que demerita en su totalidad a Lois, aunque quizá deba entenderlo con las gafas de la época. Nunca me habia dado cuenta de la complicidad que hay entre Superman y el lector y cuantas veces la cuarta barrera se doblega ante Clark.
Hay mucha historia todavía por ser contada sobre el Hombre de Acero que vino del planeta Kryptón. Aunque debo decir que me intriga más su prima Kara, sin embargo Javier Coma da una explicación que me parece sigue vigente sobre la historieta, su importancia y la trascendencia cultural. Me alegro de contar con este libro.

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Review: Las crónicas de Magnus Bane

Las crónicas de Magnus Bane Las crónicas de Magnus Bane by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Me gustó. Esperaba quizá un poco más o tal vez ya estoy cansada de dramas de Cazadores de Sombras. Lo cierto es que ya me he leído todos (excepto Lady Midnight) y creo que es tiempo de dejar un poco de lado a Clare. Mas que nada porque todas sus historias son lo mismo. Creo que con Lady Midnight, los seres mágicos se redimirán después de haberse aliado con Valentine en la última batalla.
Pero Bane, Bane es diferente. Bane es un brujo que ha estado cerca por mucho tiempo y es... ENCANTADOR. Es la moda y de repente es tan sassy que enamora. No me gustaron todos los relatos, si he de ser sincera. El primero del Perú me parece flojo en cuanto a su final, solo un conjunto de memorias al azar conectadas por un charango, un trio de amigos y un país. Si bien es cierto nos presenta a Ragnor y a Catarina, fieles amigos de Bane, no aporta realmente mucho al desarrollo del personaje. No así profundas historias como la de Bane y los Herondale, Bane y Raphael Santiago y a final de cuentas la que nos interesa: Bane y Alec.
En general nos da una buena idea de como es el gran Brujo de Nueva York que siempre está a la moda, es ingenioso, bondadoso e inteligente. Además de que siempre ha estado cerca y muy ligado a los acontecimientos que cambiaron la vida de los Cazadores de Sombras. Sin embargo hay una o dos historias que no son del todo excelentes, como aquella de James Herondale y Gracia Blackthorn, o la de Imasu, también incluiría aquí la de la reina Maria Antonieta. Aunque disfruté mucho la primera cita con Alec, la batalla con El Círculo y Valentine, y sin duda, el compañero de apartamento menos querido de Bane.
Es un buen libro para recopilar las historias del brujo, aunque creo que le falto más sassiness, Bane es divertido, orgulloso, lleno de si mismo, trabajador y demás, pero de repente los autores se olvidaban de estas características al momento de escribirle.
Recomendaría este libro a quienes son muy seguidores de Clare. Pero yo con este me despido, al menos por un tiempo, de Cassandra Clare, los Cazadores de Sombras y el género YA.

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