Thursday, August 21, 2014

Note to my Readers!

Hi Everyone!

Though I really love reading and I love watching movies and I love my blog, I'm going to stop blogging in Natasha's Bookshelf.

I still have a passion for reading and a great interest in movies, but reviewing both of them isn't suitable for me. I guess I'm someone that prefers to enjoy what I'm doing, and sometimes I can't concentrate really well on the novel I was reading or the movie is was watching because I would be thinking about how I'm going to review this on my blog.


But fear not, my readers! I will continue updating in my other blog, Natasha's Cute Blog.


Thanks for everyone that read my blog, even though I'm still new to blogging!


Goodbye,
Nashy (◠︿◠✿)

Friday, July 11, 2014

MOVIE Review: Transformers: Age of Extinction

Hi Movie Lovers!



Today I'm reviewing the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Note: This review might contain spoilers about the previous Transformers movies

I have to be honest with you - I wasn't that excited about this new Transformers movie when I watched the trailers. I wasn't sure if I would like the new characters, but I was quite excited about the robotic dinosaur that appeared in the trailer (and Optimus Prime) so in the end I decided to watch the 4th part of the blockbuster series.

Details:

Title: Transformers: Age of Extinction (Transformers 4)
Director: Michael Bay
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Lead Actors/Actresses: Mark Wahlberg as Cade Yeager
                            Stanley Tucci as Joshua Joyce
                            Nicola Peltz as Tessa Yeager
                            Jack Reynor as Shane Dyson
                            Titus Welliver as James Savoy

Movies with the same genre: Pacific Rim, Ender's Game, After Earth.

3.5/5

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Synopsis:


After defeating Sentinel Prime and Megatron's army in Chicago, the Autobots have gone into hiding after the government deemed all transformers as threats, and thus, began to hunt them all down. The government has thus replaced the Autobots with their own transformers using technology from the fallen transformers. Meanwhile, a mechanic, his daughter, and his daughter's boyfriend become dragged into the conflict upon discovering Optimus Prime in their possession, and all the while, a mysterious new enemy, Lockdown, sets his eyes on earth.

*This plot synopsis is taken from IMDB*

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●


"Autobots, roll out!" - Optimus Prime


My Thoughts:


First, the graphics are so well-done! There is so much more detail on the Autobots and I love the battle scenes and the slow-motion effect. Their 'car versions' are also getting more modern and the actions are a lot more fluid too, comparing to the previous movies. They had done really well with the graphics!



Speaking of Autobots, there are new Bots introduced on both good and evil side, each with a unique identity and bad-ass style: Hound (John Goodman), Drift (Ken Watanabe), Crosshairs (John DiMaggio), Lockdown (Mark Ryan) and Galvatron (Frank Welker). The new Autobots were really cool but they didn't get much screen time and I didn't get to see them much in action (especially Drift), so it's quite disappointing. However, bounty hunter Lockdown was a great addition to the movie, and personally he makes up for the lack of action from the new Autobots.

Hound (John Goodman)
Crosshairs (John DiMaggio)







*There isn't an image available for Drift .*

I, personally, loved the Dinobots! It was something that held my interest during watching the movie, but I was quite disappointed to see that they were only part of 10 minutes of the action. There were also questions* left about the robotic dinosaurs and I wanted to see more of the Dinobots. 


The human characters are great and the actors and actresses are really good portraying them in the movie, especially Wahlberg and Tucci. However, a weak point for me was how there wasn't a single hint of where the characters of the previous movie went. It was never explained why Bumblebee left Sam in the first place, being his most loyal protector. 

Haha sorry if the review was a bit short but it basically summarized what my thoughts are. I wouldn't say that Age of Extinction wasn't disappointing, but I was expecting more action from the new Bots and where the old cast had went. But overall the movie was great and the graphics were fantastic!

Thanks for reading!
Nashy (●‿●✿)


*Sorry, but the questions they left may includes spoilers, so I can't reveal them!

BOOK Review: The One by Kierra Cass

Hello Book Lovers!



Today I'm reviewing The One by Kierra Cass!
Warning: This review may contain spoilers about the previous books!

Firstly, do you know how long I was waiting for this to come out??
So I was SOOO EXCITED when my friend managed to borrow a copy from the local library in Auckland. I started reading and soon I didn't want to stop! 
The bestselling novel starts off with a rebel attack and instantly hooks me in for more...

Details:

Book Title: The One 
Author: Kierra Cass
#3 and the final installation of the Selection series.
Published May 6th 2014

Other books by Kierra Cass:
The Selection Series - The Selection
                           The Elite
                            The  Prince (Novella)
                            The Gurard (Novella)

4.5/5 Stars

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Blurb:

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

"Love is stronger than war."


My Thoughts:

Firstly can I just say that I think the cover is BEAUTIFUl!! The dress is amazing and she is so pretty! I also like the 'reflection' effect the covers in the Selection series have. If you look closely each reflection seem to be different, and I think it symbolises the main character, America's emotions throughout the novel.


I laughed, I cried, I was mad and I was surprised throughout the final installation of the Bestselling series. The One had took me to an emotional roller-coaster ride. 

The story flowed really well and the suspense and questions we had during reading the previous instalments are answered. Kierra Cass's writing has greatly developed and improved and it was shown in the One. She is more descriptive and the timing was great. 

I think the characters, especially America, are more mature in this book. America used to be more rash and stubborn in the Selection and the Elite, but now she keeps her rash opinions to herself. And a great thing is now she knows what she really wants and she's going to fight for it! The book also shows how all the other Elites are feeling inside, and their relationship develops a lot more.

One thing that I really find annoying is that both Maxon and America would never say the three most important words - I love you. I'm pretty sure that both of them do love each other very much so why won't you put it out there? 

"Maybe Maxon did love me, but if he wasn't man enough to say it out loud..."

*sighs* America, you can say it too!

The ending is OK. I thought it was a little rushed and it seemed that Cass could've slowed down a little and include more detail about the other people who were affected by what happened.

If you have started the Bestselling series, be sure to finish it too because all the questions will be answered and you would never be bored reading it! 


Thanks for reading another review!
Thanks,
Nashy (●‿●✿)

Monday, June 2, 2014

MOVIE Review: Maleficent

Hi Movie Lovers!


Today I'l be reviewing the amazing Disney movie Maleficent!

Poster for Maleficent

I love Disney princesses (and villains), so when the teaser trailer came out 6 months ago, My thoughts were all:
Oh my God.
I have to watch this.
Angelina Jolie.
Oh my God.

And of course, I still couldn't believe I was about to watch magical movie when we were already comfortable in the cinema seats.

Details:

Title: Maleficent
Director: Robert Stromberg
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Lead Actors/Actresses: Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
                            Elle Fanning as Aurora
                            Sharlto Copley as Stefan
                            Sam Riley as Diaval
                       
Movies With the Same Genre: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Oz the Great and Powerful

4.5/5 Stars

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Synopsis:

A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal - an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces a battle with the invading king's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom - and perhaps to Maleficent's true happiness as well.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●


"Listen well, you all! The princess will indeed grow in grace and beauty. But before the sunset on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on a spindle of a spinning wheel, and she will fall into a sleep like death!"


My Thoughts:

This movie was beautiful! Everyone was great in acting as their character and I could not find another person that would be more suitable than Angelina Jolie for Maleficent's role. The graphics, art and CGI were really realistic and the makeup and costume were amazing! Lots of reviews criticised the fact that Maleficent is not the Disney villain they expected, but I really liked that side of the mysterious character.

First, I'll talk about the graphics. The CGI mixed very well with the movie! It created such imaginative sets it was as if you could just step into the magical world. I also loved how the colour and aura of her magic is different before she was betrayed and after. I thought that the elegant gold swirls and the green flaming fire were both beautiful in their own way. Many fantasy movies or TV shows disappointed me because of how unrealistic the flying was, but Maleficent's wings were so beautiful and magical as you see her swoop and using it for battles so naturally. The effort they used for the graphics were clearly shown on the movie, and I would certainly be very proud of it if I was part of the graphics and art team.


The actors and actresses were great in acting as their characters, especially Angelina Jolie. It felt like you could feel her pain and emotions that turned her heart to stone, and even though she was a villain, there were bits where she left us cracking up, and parts where you can see that her heart had softened for the characters. Elle Fanning was perfect for Aurora too. Her innocent laugh and actions were a lot like a princess. But my favourite character is Diaval, Maleficent's humble servant. I first thought that the raven's human look shouldn't look like that, but slowly Sam Riley's acting changed my view of the bird and I thought that the human appearance matches well with his personality.

Elle Fanning, Angelina Jolie and Sam Riley

Why I didn't give the last 0.5 point:

Warning: This part of the review contains spoilers.

Even though this was a great movie, I still had many questions in mind:

 Why did Thistletwit never offer a gift?
 Why did the fairies not seem to notice that the princess was absent during the time she spent in the Moors with Maleficent?
 How did a seemingly caring character have the name 'Maleficent' (a name that literally translates from Latin as 'evil doer') at birth?
Why was Prince Phillip visiting Stefan's castle?

Even though the movie had left me with many questions, I still thought that Maleficent is a magical movie and will definitely be in one of my favourite movies.


Click here to watch the Official Trailer!

Thanks for reading another movie review!
I'll see you next time!

Thanks,
Nashy (●‿●✿)


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Books I'm Currently Reading

Hi Book Lovers!


This is a post about what I'm currently reading!
Have you read them?


Split Second Cover

Split Second by Kasie West
Book 2 in the Pivot Point series

Blurb:
Warning: The blurb may contain spoilers about the previous instalment in the series!

Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time,
 too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.

As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.


The Fault in Our Stars Book Cover

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Blurb:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

The Fault in Out Stars is also a movie!
The film adaption is in one of my Most Exciting Upcoming Movies This Year!


Cinder Book Cover

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Book 1 of the Lunar Chronicles
If you have read my Most Exciting Upcoming Books This Year, you would've seen the third book of the series, Cress, in the list. Though I have said I will only start reading after all the books in the chronicles are published, I couldn't resist the temptation when I saw Cinder sitting on the bookshelf in my school's library.

Blurb:
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Scarlet Book Cover
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Book 2 of the Lunar Chronicles

Blurb:
Warning: This blurb may contain spoilers about the previous instalment in the series!

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.



Sorry for the short and lazy post

But later in the week there will be my Maleficent movie review because I'm watching it in 4 hours!

Thanks,
Nashy (●‿●✿)

P.S. I'm part of my sister's fashion blog again! This time I wore something more tomboyish.

Hehe this is my favourite picture from this time's photo shoot.

Click here to read the Winter Fashion post!

Saturday, May 31, 2014

MOVIE Review: X-Men - Days of the Future Past

Hi Movie Lovers!




This week I am reviewing the movie X-Men: Days of the Future Past.
I word to describe it: Amazing

I have to say, this is one of the best movies I've seen this year. The graphics, characters, story plot...
Too good.
Everyone that helped make the movie happen deserves an applause.

Details:
Title: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Director: Bryan Singer
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Lead Actors/Actresses: Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine
                            James McAvoy as young Charles Xavier
                            Michael Fassbender as young Erik Lahnsherr 
                            Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique/Raven
                            Peter Dinklage as Dr. Bolivar Trask
                            Nicholas Hoult as Beast/Hank

Movies with the Same Genre: Iron Man 3, Man of Steel
5/5 Stars
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Synopsis:
In the dystopian future, sentient robots known as Sentinels are exterminating mutants and oppressing humans who harbor the genes that lead to mutant offspring. A small band of mutants manage to evade the Sentinels due to Kitty Pryde, who has the ability to project a person's consciousness back in time to deliver warnings.
Pryde's group rendezvous with Storm, Blink, Iceman, Bishop, Warpath, Wolverine, Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto in a monastery in China. They hatch a plan to send Wolverine's consciousness back in time to prevent Mystique from murdering Bolivar Trask, the designer of the Sentinels.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●


"Tell whoever it is that sent you that I'm...busy."
"The person who sent me was you."


My thoughts:

Firstly, doesn't the poster look AMAZING??
I love how it shows what the same character looks like in the past.
Hahaha but the Wolverine look the same in my opinion XD

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

The graphics is amazing, the story plot is exciting, the characters are very well-developed, I was gripping on my seat during the entire movie!
Without a doubt, this is my favourite X-Men movie.
Watch this movie guys, it is definitely worth it!

There are a 4 new mutants in this movie, which is quite enjoyable. My new favourite mutant is Blink, which is greatly portrayed by Fan BingBing. Blink's power is portals, which I think took this power into a whole new level. The purple and pink opening looks so cool and the techniques she uses with her power are really smart! 

Blink opening up a portal
Blink portrayed by Fan BingBing

There are also Warpath, who can fly and has super senses; Bishop, who can absorb different forms of energy and redirect them; and like Bishop, Sunspot can also redirect solar energy.

Sunspot portrayed by Adan Canto

Warpath portrayed by Booboo Stewart

Bishop portrayed by Omar Sy
I love how X-Men opens up with an epic fight, which shows the new mutants' powers and the results shows well that they are in a hard time (and a great start to a great movie). The fighting scenes in the rest of the movie is really exciting, but the starting fight is my favourite.

I love the fact that even though the Wolverine's conscience is during 1973, his body is still at the 'present', which is 50 years later, and when Logan was in a fight during his mission, it shows Logan's body reacting to what happened during the future.

One last thing I loved about the movie was the use of humor. With life or death on the line, you would not think their would be a lot of room for jokes, but X-Men left the theater cracking up. Especially scenes with Quicksilver, his immatureness is really enjoyable during dangerous scenes.

"In the future, do I make it?"

*Shakes head* "No."


Sorry if this is a short review! I had so much to say but I couldn't even write it down in words!
Another post will come soon!

Thanks, 
Nashy (◕‿◕✿)

P.S. I'm going to change my rule of 'posting every week' to 'posting every 2 weeks' because I noticed that school was getting in the way and I'll be really busy. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

MOVIE Review: Transcendence

HI Movie Lovers!

Before I start, 
Sorry for not posting last week T_T
I was so busy with homework that I didn't have time to
blog.
But to make up for it, I'll be posting twice this week
。◕ ‿ ◕。 YAY

Anyway...
Today I'll be reviewing the movie Transcendence!

Because I'm a HUGE fan of Johnny Depp, I was SOOOOOO excited after I watched the trailer for Transcendence.


My thoughts when I watched the trailer:
Oh my god Johnny Depp is in it.
Oh my god Morgan Freeman is in it.
Oh my god Cillian Murphy (Inception) and Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3) is in it too.

*sighs* I think this is gonna be a good movie!

Details:
Title: Transcendence
Premiere Date: 18 April 2014 (USA)
Director: Wally Pfister
Lead Actors/Actresses: Johnny Depp as Will Caster
                            Rebecca Hall as Evelyn Caster
                            Paul Bettany as Max Waters
                            Cillian Murphy as Agent Buchanan
                            Morgan Freeman as Joseph Tagger

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Movies With the Same Genre: 12 Years a Slave, Captain Phillips, American Hustle

3/5 stars

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Synopsis:

Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.  His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence.  For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown.  The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●


"Will's body is dying but his mind is a pattern of electrical signals. We can upload his consciousness. We can save him."

"Not like this"


My thoughts:

Because Critics had low rated reviews about this movie, I had really lowered my expectations about this Wally Pfister film before I started watching. Okay, it may not be as good as others I've seen this year, but isn't bad at all.

The Bad:
Transcendence has a fantastic story and great concepts, but the way it was delivered and structured was incredibly poor and quite messed up. If you split the film in half, the second half of the film is incredible and ends how it should, but the first half has a lot of time gaps, some left out character development and bad pacing.

The Good:
The graphics were AWESOME!
The work and detail were really great, and because one of Will's special talents is regeneration, when things are near to being destroyed, you can see it build by itself again.
As shown in the image below, The broken solar panel pieces turn flaky or dust like, float in the air and reverse their breakage and return to their normal state.

I loved the scenes that included regeneration!
The graphics flows naturally and swiftly, it makes it look like this can happen in real life.


Transcendence is not just an "ok, a man's mind is in a computer now" movie. It flows with a sad feeling into it. Evelyn loosing a love one, had the chance to get him back, but yet, it doesn't feel like him and she still feels alone.

"you’re not HERE with me!"
- Evelyn


In conclusion, though the pacing is a bit muddled up, I think Transcendence is a good film. It doesn't have the usual car chases or the romantic kisses, it is a film that has original elements and a good plot.

Watch the Official Transcendence Trailer!

Thanks for reading another review of mine!
I'll try to update at least once a week, unlike last week...






But forgive me, homework can always be in the way *sigh*

Thanks,
Nashy (◕‿◕✿)

Sunday, May 4, 2014

What do I look like?

HI Everyone!

Hehehehehehhehee...
Some of my readers might wonder what I look like!
Well this week I was in my sister's Oufit of the Week blog (≧ω≦)

Moment of Truth...
Though it doesn't show my face, I think you will get a better idea of what I look like...
Haha some of you might be like: 'God dammit Nashy just show us already! (╯◕_◕)╯'
So here you go!



GAHH this is so embarrassing for me.

I know it looks like I'm a 7 year old.
But no.
I'm not.
I'm older than 12 everyone.

ಥ‿ಥ I cry.


Haha some of you might find this post really weird but at least it solves a question (if this was even in your mind before)!

Thanks,
Nashy  (◕‿◕✿)

P.S. The pictures of me are credit to my sister, Natalie!

Want to view my sister's Outfit of the Week post? Click Here!

Book Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Hi Book Lovers!

I have just finished another fantastic book, Pivot Point, by Kasie West!
Haha it takes me about 2-3 days to finish a book! I can be a fast reader sometimes ლ(́◉◞౪◟◉‵ლ) 
Book Cover

Details:

Title: Pivot Point
Author: Kasie West

Book 1 of the series Pivot Point
Published February 2013

Genre: YA, Dystopian, Romance, Supernatural

4/5 stars

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Blurb: 

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

What I think
Firstly, isn't the cover interesting?
When I first picked it up in the library, I thought: Oh woah that's a cool book cover! What could it mean by a girl looking at another her? *flips to blurb* And I'm sorry I judge a book by it's cover
(╹ェ╹)

Kasie West really made super powers original, which she earns a point for that! I love how the main character, Addie, doesn't have a normal power like flying or shooting laser beams from eyes (even though it's a good advantage when you encounter bullies). 
Her power is called Divergence, which she can look into the both futures when she had a choice to make. That, is an original power! I really think this is such an awesome idea, and not once I can remember seeing in YA. 

I especially like the parallels between the two lives (for example, the guy showing up for drug money in both choices, but Addie was there for one, and heard the other over the phone). I thought it was interesting how that was written throughout the whole book.

And aha, we have boys. Trevor is a SUPER nice guy and he has a quality that Duke (the quarterback in the Compound), obviously doesn't. Duke takes Addie in front of everyone as: 'Dude I have a cute girlfriend, you jealous?' and when they're alone he's like: 'Addie you're so cute *muah*'. Plus Addie and Duke have basically nothing alike. Trevor understands Addie and they are just so 'couple-like'.
*always gonna be Team Trevor*

Lastly, this book is all about that one Search. Basically all Addie goes through is just in her mind, so when she finishes the Search and makes her decision, I thought: Wow. That is an amazing 6 weeks. Even though I wouldn't make the choices she did, I think the ending wrapped it up well!

So i'm giving this a 4/5. Because of the originality, her writing style andTrevor XD.

See you next week!

Thanks,
Nashy






Note From Natasha!

HI Everyone!

School is starting tomorrow, so that means I will start blogging only once a week.  (︶︹︺)
I promise I will update and it will be something to look forward every week! (◡‿◡✿)

Plus sorry for not posting for 3 days! I was really busy with revising for my Spanish test and editing a video I had done for homework.

Thanks,
Nashy

Monday, April 28, 2014

A MUST READ: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Hi Book Lovers!

I am SO SORRY for not posting for a while because of my other blog, 'Natasha's Cute Blog'.

But getting straight to the point...

I highly recommend The Selection by Kiera Cass to YA and Romance readers.

The Selection - Book Cover

Details:

Book Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Published April 24th 2012

Genre: Romance, Teen, YA
Similar Books: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
                 Die for Me by Amy Plum

4.5/5 stars

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Blurb:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Ok. I guess from the blurb some of you may go whaaaatt? I don't get it.
But here is some more info that will help you understand better.

Castes - in Illéa (the country they live in), you are graded using castes. From One to Eight, the lower the number the wealthier you are. America is a Five.
The Selection - Basically it's a competition where young girls from all castes enter a draw to be in the competition with the winner awarded as the next queen of Illéa and Prince Maxon's wife. Of course you will have to fill in a form that included a picture of yourself, your age, talents, etcetera.

My Thoughts

This really deserved my 4.5 stars, and here is a list why:

- Interesting storyline
- Good character description
- Amazing book cover
- How America isn't the best and most popular in The Selection.
- Prince Maxon described as a really nice and gentle guy
- From page one America was in an interesting situation, with getting Selected and having Aspen as a boyfriend.
- This book wouldn't have been anywhere near as good as it is if it didn't have the love triangle. I usually think books with it in them is quite unoriginal, but it totally worked for this one.

But here is why the 0.5 is lost:

- America always the first one that gets Prince Maxon's kiss/meet/date
- Cliffhanger ending

But overall The Selection have a well deserved 4.5 and the spot in my Top 3 Series.

If you've read my Most Exciting Upcoming Books and Movies This Year, you would notice that the One, which is the 3rd and final installation of the series, is coming out this year! So excited!!!!

Thanks Everyone for reading my blog!
Please leave a comment!

Thanks
Nashy

Extras:

Click here for the Official Kiera Cass Website!

Click here for Official The Selection Extras!

Click here for the Book Trailer!

Friday, April 25, 2014

MY NEW BLOG!!

HI EVERYONE!

Haha after realising blogging is something I really enjoy, I decided to make another blog about cute things!

In Natasha's Cute Blog, I blog about DIYs and well... Cute things ><
Please check it out and support!
Click here to go to Natasha's Cute Blog.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

MOST EXCITING Upcoming Books and Movies This Year!

HI EVERYONE!!


So after 2 hour research, here's  a list of the most exciting upcoming books and movies! 
Haha I hope I didn't waste my time on nothing!

Note: All of the dates shown in the list of upcoming books and movies are US' Release Dates
(I know, I wish NZ can have all of these great stuff at the same time too)
         The dates shown below are premier dates! 

TOP 5 MOST EXCITING UPCOMING YA Books!
(Not in Order From Best to, well, least best?)


1.  City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #6)
      Release Date: 27th of May

The Official Book Cover
AHHHHHHHHH! I can't wait!! It was such a cliffhanger at the last novel! 

 City of Heavenly Fire will be the last installment of the Mortal Instruments series *sob* but I think it will be a good ending to the amazing series.








2. The One by Kiera Cass (The Selection #3)
    Release Date: 15th of May

Book Cover of The One


The Selection Series is one of my favourtites, so I am so excited for the 3rd (and last) novel in this unique trilogy! 

And like the Elite and the Selection, the book cover is AMAZING!






3. The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan (Heros of Olympus #5)
    Release Date: 7th of October

Cover is not released yet -.-

Though I prefer The Percy Jackson Series a lot better, this series also introduces new characters, new powers, and new point of views.

The cover is not released yet.









4. Cress by Marissa Meyer (#3 of the Lunar Chronicles)
   Release Date: 4th of February (Yes I know it's already released)
Official Cover of Cress

Haha I'm gonna be honest to all of you.
I didn't actually start this series...
Yet.
I thought that I'm gonna start this series after the last book is published so I can finish it in one go. Awesome plan, right XD

Note: This is not the last book of the series. The next book, Winter, will be released next year.




5. The Son: A Divergent Story (#0.3 of the Divergent Series)
    Release Date: 8th of July

Some of you may think this is gonna be quite boring, but I get to know more about Four/Tobias.
And it includes unknown secrets of his personality and intriguing backstory






It was so difficult to decide the most exciting movies, but after 30 minutes of debating (with myself), here is my...

TOP 5 MOST EXCITING UPCOMING MOVIES ~(Not in Order from Best, to uhhh, least Best?)


1. Transcendence 
    Release Date: April 18

Johnny Depp is coming back.
I don't care that he's gonna be in a computer.
I won't even care if we won't get to see his face.

Haha Johnny is gonna be so cool in this movie, using his brain power *_*   *Starstruck*


Click here to watch the official trailer!





2. Maleficent  
    Release Date: May 28
I can't believe Angelina Jolie will be Maleficent.
She's gonna be so cool *-*

*Once Upoooon AAAAAA DREEEAAAAAAAAM*

Click here to watch the Official trailer!

Click here to listen to Lana Del Rey's version of 'Once Upon a Dream'





3. The Fault in Our Stars
    Release Date: June 6

To anyone who is planning to watch the movie without reading the book: Please don't.

Because that's what I did with The Hunger Games & Catching Fire, and I really regret it. Because I knew what would happen in the book anyway, so I soon thought 'Why Bother?' and stopped reading.

The Fault in Our Stars have really special moments between Hazel and Gus that I think are things can't be portrayed in the film.

Click here to watch the Official trailer!

4. How to Train Your Dragon 2
    Release Date: June 13
Ahhh... Hiccup is back!

This movie is set 5 years after the first film, with Hiccup and his friends in his late teens.

2 words:
CAN'T
WAIT

Click here to watch the Official Trailer!

Click here to watch the first 5 minutes of the movie!


5. 22 Jump Street
    Release: June 13 (But June 5 for Netherlands and Australia)


 Jenko and Schmidt are going under cover AGAIN!

This time they go deep undercover at a local college.

HAHA I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH THEM TOGETHER!

Click here to watch the official trailer







What should I post about next? Comment below!


Thanks,
Nashy