Archive for 2011

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2011 Goodreads Choice Award Winners


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December 18, 2011
6:41PM

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards! 
 







Here are some of the winners:

 Favorite Book of 2011
Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction


 Best Fiction


 Best Fantasy



 Best Young Adult Fiction


 Best Middle Grade and Children's


Best Goodreads Author


Click here to see the rest of the winners!





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Book Review: Crossed by Ally Condie


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December 11, 2011 
9:50 AM



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.


 
The second book of the 'Matched Trilogy' takes us on a new journey with Cassia and Ky: the distance they are willing to cross to find each other and what draws the line that even their love won't allow them to cross.

Alternately written in Cassia and Ky's perspective, the book lets its readers into the private thoughts of Cassia and Ky. The second installment finally gives its readers a glimpse of who Ky really is: his family history, his thoughts on the rebellion, his real feelings for Cassia and even his fears and insecurities. For Cassia, we can finally see (and she finally discovered as well) how strong and determined she is, in finding love and in finding the light.

'Crossed' might not be the action-packed novel that many have thought it would be, but in its own right, it is a beautifully written book. The writing is astounding - in a way even poetic. You can feel the love, sadness, yearning and struggles of the characters - but not in an overwhelming amount. The dosage is just enough for readers to feel and to understand - even just a bit of an understanding of their past, present and their choice of future.

Ally Condie makes the story more interesting by introducing new characters, new terrains and new territories that show what the society is, what it is not and what it can be.

Crossed by Ally Condie is a must-read, definitely a whole lot better than the first book.   It will be a year-long torture waiting for the final installment of the Matched Trilogy. Can't wait!

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Short Book Feedback: Inheritance by Christopher Paolini


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Inheritance (Inheritance, #4)Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Eragon is one of my favorite series of all time. The books take me to a new world. The writing and flow of the story is excellent. There are enough twists, drama and happy parts for the readers to be really absorbed and sympathize with the characters. This is a must-read! :)



View all my reviews

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City of Bones: Official Synopsis


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November 19, 2011
1:17 PM 

Here's the official synopsis of City of Bones, starring Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, based on the best-selling series: Mortal Instruments Book 1: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare:
CLARY FRAY (Lily Collins) is an ordinary Brooklyn teenager until the night she meets the mysteriously tattooed JACE, who turns out to be a half-angel warrior known as a Shadowhunter. When Clary finds out her mother JOCELYN has been abducted, she desperately hopes Jace will be able to help. After a whirling golden portal transports her across time and space in a heartbeat, Clary realizes she too has the powers of the Shadowhunters. But can she harness them in time to save her mother?
Clary, Jace and their fellow Shadowhunters endure one breathtaking battle after another against vampire, warlocks and demons—only to discover Jocelyn hid a terrible secret from the fiercest warrior of all: VALENTINE. Cast out from the world of Shadowhunters, Valentine abducted Jocelyn believing she had a powerful tool known as the Mortal Cup. Using her newfound gifts, Clary finds the Cup, only to be brutally betrayed and forced to relinquish it.
Still reeling from this setback and racing to save Jocelyn before it’s too late, Clary finds herself caught in a battle between forces she barely understands. Based on the best-selling series by Cassandra Clare, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES is a magnificent urban fantasy rich in detail and suspense, about a girl’s journey to the darkest corners of the underworld to save those she loves.

Looks like it's also be in 3D!

Director Scott Charles Stewart said: "Finally, we’ve got the official synopsis for the feature film adaptation of the popular teen book series The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. The 3D film stars Lily Collins as a girl who is transported to another world when she meets a mysterious half-angel known as a Shadowhunter."  

Courtesy of: Collider 


Plus! Looks like the script is also done!

 










Courtesy: TMI Source

Can't wait for the movie!

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Book News: 'Clockwork Prince' Illegal Early Release in Philippines and Germany


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November 13, 2011
8:21 PM

There has been recent news of illegal early release of the 'Clockwork Prince' - second installment to The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (same author of Mortal Instruments) - in Germany and Philippines.

Needless to say, Clare and some fans are outraged. The author tweeted: “That is a big illegal ugly mess and I am not happy about it either,” and added “The publisher should be calling the stores right now and telling them to pull the books off the shelves. Now,” 

'Clockwork Prince' is set to hit the stores on December 6, 2011.

courtesy of: TMI Source

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Book News: Inheritance by Christopher Paolini Finally Released!


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November 11, 2011
11:11PM

After years of waiting, the conclusion to the best-selling series 'Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini, is finally out! 

Paolini, who started the book at age 15 (now 28) said: "It has lots of adventures and excitement but it's also touching and there are trying moments for the characters and some of the characters die. It's big, it's exciting, but it's intense and there's a certain bitter-sweet quality to parts of the end." courtesy of:  Book Seller 
 
The book sold half a million copies on the first day of release according to Random House Children's Books.  

Who's excited to read it? I know I am!


Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. 

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.    courtesy of: Barnes & Noble

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Book Review: Beastly by Alex Flinn


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October 23, 2011
11:14 AM

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly.
Everybody knows the story of the Beauty and the Beast. From children's story books to television shows to Disney movies - all of us know the story of how true love looks past the physical appearance and see the true beauty of one's soul. 

Alex Flinn's modern take on this classic story is truly refreshing and entertaining. He did not forget to include the basic elements we all grew up with: the dashing 'prince' charming, the lovely yet simple girl, a daughter's love for his father and most of all, the roses.The author also added some details and characters to make the story modern and up-to-date of this world. 

Over-all, Beastly was a light-read, entertaining and perfect for those hopeless romantics. 
Well, isn't it good to go back to those timeless stories once in a while?

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What exactly is 'Hunger Games"?


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October 10, 2011 
10:22 PM
 
courtesy of: CNN
(CNN) -- Forget "Harry Potter" and "Twilight." In a few months, "The Hunger Games" phenomenon will be taking over the pop culture world. Although it will be feeding off the tween demographic, this franchise will chew up those other guys and spit them out.

But what exactly is this "Hunger Games" wonder that has so many folks talking months before the movie (which just wrapped up filming earlier this month) is even released? Like many of the wildly successful film franchises these days, it began with a book.

Suzanne Collins is the mastermind behind "The Hunger Games" trilogy, which has been gaining momentum over the last few months for both its suspenseful plot and overarching message about society.
The plot revolves around a dystopian society where punishment for a previous rebellion has resulted in a televised event. One boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district (there are 12 total) are selected at random and forced to participate in the Hunger Games, where "tributes" must fight to the death until only one is left standing.

"The Hunger Games" gives us a heroine named Katniss, a strong-willed and unwavering spirit, who volunteers for the games in order to spare her younger sister. Once inside the death match arena, she must get down and dirty to outlive her competitors, but there's one slight problem.
Her hot friend Peeta gets cast into the games, too. In the midst of all the slaying, Katniss finds herself embroiled in a love triangle with her longtime pal Gale, who is watching the games from his home, and Peeta, who confesses his love for her inside the arena. Katniss' emotional turmoil of love or death makes Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" look like child's play.

Apparently, Collins' twisted plot came to her one night while she was channel surfing between a competition reality show and a news program about the Iraq war. She blended the two shows and "The Hunger Games" was born.

For the rest of the article, click here :)

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Book Review: Shade and Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready


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 October 2, 2011
8:20PM

Love ties them together.
Death can't tear them apart.
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.
 Courtesy of: http://jerismithready.com/books/shade/  

Aura's life is anything but easy.  Her boyfriend Logan died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling.  Aura knows that he needs her now more than ever.  She loves Logan, but she can't deny her connection to the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she's not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura's search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets...and her heart. 
Courtesy of:  http://www.jerismithready.com/books/shift/

Tired of the world of vampires, werewolves, warlocks and fairies? Well, why not try that of ghosts? Jeri Smith-Ready veered away from the common fantasy creatures and chose to remain the normal world, but with a little twist to it. The result? A world where ghosts are part of the normal and everyday life (at least to those who were born after The Shift). 

Just like most of the young adult series, The Shade Trilogy has its own love triangle, centering on Aura caught between her dead boyfriend Logan and the new guy Zachary. While the book is an easy read and the readers might enjoy the young lovers element, Shade (the first installment) and Shift (the second) provided not enough excitement for a reader to be hooked enough to the story of paranormal organization, conceited rocker ghost, ideal Scottish boyfriend and a girl with an intriguing past. What saved the book is the mystery of the Shift, which is the backbone of the story, and how it is linked to the main characters. Unlike the other series, a different kind of magic is involved in the story and it is quite intriguing how the author will reveal and put the pieces together. How is Aura connected to the Shift? What are the truths of her past? How will the truths affect her relationship with Zach? Despite the lack in depth of the characters and story, The Shade Trilogy is still quite entertaining and not as heavy as the other series. Shine, the final installment, will be out on May 1, 2012.

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The Mortal Instruments Movie: The City of Bones


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September 29, 2011
11:05PM



Courtesy of jcgthunder
(fan-made video)

Looks like Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower have the chemistry to bring to life the ever-complicated love story of Clary Fray and Jace Wayland. The first installment of The Mortal Instruments movie franchise, courtesy of Screen Gems, is set to debut in 2013.

Every now and then, here in the House of C&J, we'll provide news on the most exciting book-to-movie franchises. We'll definitely keep you posted!

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Matched by Ally Condie


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September 18, 2011
7:33PM

Here's our latest  recommended book: Matched by Ally Condie


 In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one… until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow — between perfection and passion.
Courtesy of: http://www.matched-book.com





To those who have read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this book might have a familiar ring to it. It's set on utopian society but behind its mask of perfection, optimization and satisfaction, the government has absolute control over the community and its citizens. However, a brewing rebellion will about to change that. Matched promises action, mystery and romance with its main protagonists try to change the society.

The first installment in the Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie is quite lacking in action and excitement as compared to The Hunger Games. It's not as enthralling and exciting as Hunger Games or Catching Fire that you wouldn't think of putting down the book, but it is quite intriguing that you want to read and understand more what kind of society the characters live in: so much like our world, but somehow very different. It gives us an alternative world where food are rationed and customized to suit each citizen's health requirement, where song and book lists are cut to a 100 in number and where strangers are matched "to provide the healthiest possible future citizens".

Cassia Reyes might not be the most interesting character, but you will love the mystery behind Ky's identity and the almost perfect Xander. The other characters including Cassia's parents and grandfather also add color to the storyline as we see different personalities and how they live and cope with the rules of The Society and how, in their own ways, exercise their own rights by doing little rebellions to The Society.

Over-all, the central story is interesting, the characters are intriguing, though the pacing might be a little slow as many parts are dedicated to creating a picture of the kind of society they live in. Matched by Ally Condie  is still a must-read, especially as the next installment promises more action, more drama, more twists and more answers that beget more questions. These will all be in the next book, Crossed out this November 2011.

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May the Odds be Ever In Your Favor


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September 12, 2011
 7:50AM

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Mortal Instruments- City of Glass: Letter from Jace to Clary


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My number one young adult book series now is Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. It's action-packed, thrilling and most of all, romantic. I think this video fully captures the love between the Jace Wayland and Clary Fray.

This is for all the hopeless romantics. Enjoy!

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House of C&J: The Beginning


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It all started with a good book, then a good TV series…and as they say, the rest is history.

This site will feature books, TV series and more.

Welcome to House of C&J!

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