I know that Sunshine, by Robin McKinley came out a while ago. I believe I read that it originally came out in 2003 and then they re-released it in 2008. Obviously, it’s taken me a while to get around to reading it. I’ve seen it around, on Goodreads and Amazon. I also have some family members that told me I had to read it. And of course, since I love reading about vampires, I was easily convinced to pick this up.

General synopsis: A girl is taken captive by  a gang of vampires and used as bait for another vampire that the gang hates. From there, McKinley takes the main characters on a roller coaster of emotions and thrills.

Target Audience: I got the impression that the target audience for this book is adults, but it was not very explicit and had only a little swearing, so I feel that it could cross over into YA. (Hey that sounds like this other book I know! Dissension kind of does the same thing. ;))

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Some of you may not agree with my rating, as most of what I’ve seen on Goodreads and Amazon are between 4 and 5 stars. But I do have a reason for the 3 stars.

The plot is well thought out, and I think the author does an amazing job of world building. McKinley has created a semi-dystopian novel since all this takes place after wars between the humans and Others. Others can include zombies and vampires. Wizards can be for either side. I love how she touches on political issues and how society functions in this foreign world while still keeping it close enough to our own world that the readers can easily picture it.

I think her characters were original, three-dimensional, and realistic (well, as realistic as you can get in a fantasy setting like this!).

The two main problems I had with this book were the narrative voice and pacing. It’s written in first person past-tense. The narrator has a very unique voice – usually a good thing. The problem I had was that it felt like I was really in her head, which means that her thoughts were all over the place. Don’t get me wrong, the narrative had direction, but it just took some detours to get there. I’m the kind of reader that just likes a great plot with fantastic characters and I don’t really care to linger beyond that in a book. What can I say? I’m a busy person with little time for reading, so I don’t want to waste my time.

There were also a lot of slower moments with the plot. It did take at least 25 pages of me pushing myself to read before I finally got interested. Once some action finally started to take place, I was sucked in. But then there was another, drawn out lull. Then finally some more tense moments… and then back to the slow parts that almost made me want to fall asleep.

So there you have it. If you’re the kind of reader who loves little details and paragraphs about side characters and backstory, you will love this book! If you like something more fast-paced that you can finish in a couple of days, I’d recommend trying something else.

The year is barely half way through but the entertainment world is far from calling it a day with five more breath taking movies yet to be unveiled. The number of movies being produced in the United States has doubled in the in last three years with last year alone doubling the number of movies produced between 2006 and 2009. With Hollywood taking the lead, the world is yet to witness some of most entertaining shows the world has ever seen. Every highly talented actor and actress is working hard to capture the eyes of magnificent producers of Hollywood.

1. The world upside down
Having watched the trailer of “The world upside down,” many people are now eagerly waiting for the launching which is expected to go down in Las Vegas before the end of the year. The trail gives a mix of romance and science fiction. It has a story of two worlds close to each other but separated by forces of gravity. The key actors, Tom Pearl and Sarah Cole, who have been featured by Hollywood superstars’, Jimmie fox and Sarah Anthony, fight for their love despite hardship and hostile antagonistic worlds.

2. Friends without limits
Comedy’s new kid in the block, Kevin Hurt has also announced the launching of the second season of, “Friends without limits.” With the last release still fresh in minds of many impatiently waiting fans, many in the entertainment world believe this movie has the potential to sell more than any other book -labeled movie since time in memorial.

3. Spartans – Season 5
For those who love to watch epic movies, Star production has reviled it will be launching the fifth season of the all-time most watched movie, “Spartans”. Just like “Spartacus” and “Game of Thrones” viewers expect highly violent and dramatic story that will keep many at the edge of their seats. Early Roman society and the Roman Empire is arguably one of the most interesting societies to have lived in the past. Cinema shows to expect incredible turn out when this movie will be launched.

4. Hard to Break
With romance taking the center stage in the entertainment industry, those who were captivated by “Single Ladies” and “House Wives” series have another fantastic movie coming up later in the year in a rather “funny” way. Just the same way “Think like a man” captured huge crowds, ” Hard to Break” is expected to be the talk of town ones it is unveiled. The show has brought together some of the best actors in Hollywood; Nelly, Nicole, Robin Thicke and many more. Many people identify with the dramatic and romantic of life a middle age single American men and women as depicted in the movie, making this movie another block buster.

5. Xylex
Kids are not left behind in the entertainment world as they too have another interesting cartoon show coming in August. Disney World production is coming up with a nice movie from cartoon network. “Xylex” is a movie that tells about a mixture of the stone-age world with a little of adventure. Kids will sure crowed movie stores for this captivating movie from cartoon network.
These are some of the most anticipated movies that are yet to be released. Indeed, alt awaits the viewers and enthusiasts of these movies.

This article was written by Susan Othbark. She is a guest lecturer at 2 major universities and recommends Answers Africa: a website for information and African movie reviews.

1: Would you rather listen to the Beatles or Green Day?
Definitely the Beatles!

2: How long did it take you to write your book?
The first draft took about a year. But then in between working on the rewrites and revisions, I wrote two other books, so I didn’t really finish the final version of Up In The Air until several years later. Of course, I say ‘final’ with a pinch of salt. There have been many final versions since the first one.

3: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
The main character, Melody. I admire her gumption, her desire to be tough and not let anyone hurt her. Yet, I also love her vulnerability, which is revealed during her stay on Chimeroan. Her fears resonate with me very strongly, especially since these very fears are what she needs to face in order for her to live her dream. And in the end, I rejoice with her newfound freedom.

4: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?
I love both, depending on the day.

5: What authors do you look up to and why?
Of course there are too many to mention. Nonetheless, I admire authors whose works inspire and whose message remains with me long after I finish reading the book, e.g.:
Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)
Antoine de Saint-Exupéryn (The Little Prince)

I also love authors whose works entertain and draw me into another world, e.g.:
Megan Whalen Turner (The Thief)
Kenneth Oppel (Silverwing)

6: Which author do you think you write like the most?
I have no idea. However, one reviewer said that Up In The Air reminded her of the wonder she felt while reading Madeline L’Engle. I was floored (happily so, of course). I’ve read A Wrinkle In Time and loved it.

7: What’s your favorite food?
On a day when I feel strong, a fresh, delicious Caesar Salad.
For those days when I’m in a hurry, good old-fashioned pizza.]
But I also love pasta and of course, paella and curry. Let’s not forget roti.

8: What’s your favorite movie?
Several. Of course by now, you must know that I’m not a one-answer kind of gal.
Oldies: The Sound of Music
Not so old: The Star Wars Trilogy (the initial three)
Current: Mama Mia, Sleepers, Skyfall (and many, many more)

9: If your book was turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main characters?
I can’t think of anyone to play Melody and the other fliers. My preference would be for as-yet unknown, talented actors to be given the parts.

10: Describe your book in one sentence.
Oh no! You’re forcing me to come up with a one-liner, which I have been struggling with for years. OK, here goes:
A young girl dreams of flying, but when she finds herself In the mystical world of Chimeroan and gets the wings of her dreams, she realizes that she cannot ‘outfly’ her problems.

11: What kind of interaction do you hope to see from your fans?
Enthusiasm, passion, wide-eyed excitement at the thought that their deepest desire or dream can come true. Curiosity as to what this could mean. And then, should they dig even deeper, that’s when the dialogue would truly begin.

12: Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Generally speaking, I would say ‘extrovert’. However, there are times when I feel like curling up and withdrawing into myself.

13: If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Dead? Einstein. I’d love to get first-hand insight into how he reasoned out his theories.
Alive? Hmm, now where shall I start: George Clooney, Richard Gere, Harrison Ford, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling… I can go on and on. Why? My answer is: why not!!!

If you follow movies, you’ve known for quite some time that Max Brooks’ 2006 zombie book titled, “World War Z” has seen a few bumps and bruises on its way to the big screen.  First was a bidding war between production companies, than there was rewrites, reshoots and delays.  But at the end of the day, World War Z hit the big screen and did $15 million better than any analysis thought, ending its opening weekend with $66 million.  Max Brooks, in comparing the book vs. the movie, said the two essentially shared the same name and, “that’s pretty much all it has in common.” So what changed?

Order of Events:

Book: Brooks wrote the book as if he was the United Nations worker narrating the decade-long battle against the zombie apocalypse.  The book presented the stories of others as collected by the United Nations worker, and played out in past-tense with the world wide event having reached it’s conclusion.

Movie: The movie played out in chronological order presenting the material as it happened.  The story played out from the perspective of the United Nations worker played by Brad Pitt.  Instead of traveling to collect the stories of others Pitt traveled the globe to find the origin of the Zombie Outbreak.

Patient Zero:

Book: In the book, China was the location of patient zero, the first person to become infected with the zombie virus.

Movie: Perhaps fearing the movie would be banned from Chinese theaters, no mention of Patient Zero exists in the movie.  Pitt’s character technically never locates the origin of the Zombie apocalypse.  The movie instead makes a reference to South Korea, and India but never pinpoints the exact location.

American Involvement:

Book:  Much of the novel’s political commentary is directed against the United States.  The book shows the U.S. Government as confident, yet unprepared, and slow to respond.  The book even mentions that due to American war efforts abroad (i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan) the U.S. Government lacks the resources to properly handle the crisis at home.

Movie: The big screen adaption takes the opposite approach to American involvement of the book. American leadership is forefront in the battle against the undead.  It is the American’s floating Navy which has made the world wide command center to fight the Zombies.  An American United Nations worker spearheads the efforts to research and develop a cure.

Nations Play-by-Play:

Book: Not every country is effected by the Zombie outbreak.  United Kingdom emerges unscathed. Pakistan and Iran nuke each other.  Cuba takes advantage of the outbreak to undergo a democratic revolution.  Havana becomes the financial capital of the world.  China becomes a democratic nation.  Tibet becomes an independent nation with the most populous city in the world.  Iceland is devoured by Zombies, and North Korea hides in an underground network of bunkers.

Movie: The movie doesn’t mention half of these countries.  You leave the theater thinking everyone worldwide suffered equally from the Zombie plague.  North Korea rips every one’s teeth out, so no one can bite each other.  Israel builds a Zombie defense wall based off some 1 out of 10 rule.  Besides those countries you don’t really get a sense of what each country went through.

Sequel Talk?

In general the World War Z the movie is different in almost every way when compared to World War Z the book.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t get a good sequel.  In fact, World War Z the book takes place of 10 years – giving plenty of material for film makers to play with.  The movie was initially thought of as a trilogy before production costs and reshoots called their plans into question.

Things are looking bright for a World War Z sequel, though.  Star Brad Pitt said, “We’ve got so many good story lines stemming from the book or inspired by the book and then just generated from our own powwows it might still be fun.  We’ve got enough material, that’s for sure.” My only suggestion is don’t call it World Ward Z Two, it just doesn’t roll off the lounge very well.

 

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Austin Faux is the host of the nerd podcast, “I Am A Super Nerd. Austin is a huge fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Spider-Man, X-Men, Willow, Terminator 2, you name it. If it’s nerdy, he’s talking about it.  You can follow Austin on his Facebook and on Twitter @IamASuperNerd49

I had a fantastic time interviewing Teri Harman about her debut novel and asking other, totally random questions. Check it out:

1: Would you rather listen to the Beatles or LMFAO?

Beatles, for sure. Although, Led Zepplin is a much better classic rock pick.

2: How long did it take you to write your book?

That’s actually hard to answer. The first round of writing and editing took about 8 months. But because it took a long time to find a publisher, there were a few more rewrites in there. So if you average all the time, about a year.

3: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

Oh, man, that’s a tough one! That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. Of course, just like my children, it depends on what day you ask me and who’s behaving the best. Obviously, I love Willa and Simon – it is their story – but I have a soft spot for one of the Dark witches, Bartholomew the Dark. He plays a small roll in Blood Moon, but a huge one in the second and third books. His character and story just came to life in my head so easily and I love that he’s complicated and mysterious.

4: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Both together. Like popcorn with a big glass of chocolate milk.

5: What authors do you look up to and why?

My first favorite author was Roald Dahl. I also love Kate Morton, Paula Brackston, Ray Bradbury, Marisa de los Santos, and Sarah Addison Allen.

6: Which author do you think you write like the most?

Well, my goal is to write at least a fraction like Markus Zusak in The Book Thief and Marisa de los Santos in Love Walked In and Rainbow Rowell in Eleanor & Park.

7: What’s your favorite food?

Homemade brownies hot from the oven

8: What’s your favorite movie?

I have so many, from all different genres, but since my book is about witches, Practical Magic is my favorite witch movie.

9: If your book was turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main characters?

The only one I know for sure is Archard, the main Dark witch – the bad guy. Jonathon Rhys Meyer, although a little younger than my character, looks exactly like him. Especially in season two of the Tudors when he has a goatee and long, slicked back hair. For Willa and Simon, I’ve yet to see any actors that look like the people in my head. I look forward to hearing what fans think on this one.

10: Describe your book in one sentence.

After a daring rescue of a witch held prisoner in the basement of an old Victorian home, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts.

11: What kind of interaction do you hope to see from your fans?

Any and all. I love to get emails from people you have read my blog, enjoyed my book reviews and columns. I can’t wait to go to signings and events and hear what people like about Blood Moon, who their favorite characters are, favorite scenes, etc. Stories are meant to be shared and they really come alive in the readers.

12: Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

For the most part I’m an introvert. I’d rather stay home in my jammies and watch TV or read a good book on most days. BUT when books are involved, I’m an extrovert. I could talk about books all day long all the time and love every minute of it.

13: If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to sit down with Roald Dahl over tea and chocolate biscuits and talk about imagination. He’s inspired my writing a lot and I loved his books as a child. I still read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda every few years.

SHORT BIO

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. Utah is her home, but she often imagines living in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

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