I got three hours of sleep last night thanks to this wonderful book. Carol Berg stays at the top of my favorite authors list with this one, because it kept me reading from 8 pm until 5 am. Yes, 5 am. Oh, there were interruptions of dinner and a chat with the roommate and Pirates 3 (it was quiet in the apartment, what can I say? I have to stare at Orlando), so I could have finished sooner, I suppose.

Not quite the less-than-six-hours marathon of finishing HP 7, but close. I never wanted to sleep. I begrudged the time it took to shower and get ready for bed. Valen is as real to me as anyone, and I could see him in my mind as he leapt and danced, which is not at all usual (a phrase often applied to Valen in the book). I have a hard time visualizing characters, but my hands are itching to take a shot at drawing what I see for him.

I felt like a bad fan. I knew this book was coming out and I was looking for it, but I didn't know the exact release date, so I was actually a little late getting it. It wasn't until Carol sent out her sweet little email yesterday that I knew it was even available, and you can be sure that the hours I had to wait until I could leave work and head off to Borders were pretty darn long. But I have it now, and I'll be riding the high from reading it for a while.

I had to finish. It was too wonderful to stop, and I honestly didn't want to. Well done, Carol. Words can't express how happy I was to be reading it. It makes me want to write that well, and I hope I come close. I love Valen so much right now. For once, my speculations were right, but the story never made it too obvious.

So nice to read the rest of the story I got a glimpse of during those private readings with Carol at Archon in August. What a fitting conclusion to Flesh & Spirit.

Sleep deprivation will hit me a little later, but it was worth it.

  John Mayer, "Say"
  on to "Iron Kissed," Patricia Briggs, after last night's B&B marathon
file under: books , celebration , fantasy , reviews Posted by Jen at 10:25 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Check this out: I have written 11724 words of Forging the Forest (working title, anyway), and I needed to hit 11667 today. Go me! I'm on track and ahead by a few. I believe, in the four years that I've been doing NaNo, this is the earliest I've ever been ahead, if indeed I've ever been ahead before the month was almost over...let's see if I can't stay this way.

My cousin's wedding was wonderful, I got my dress sewn and was complimented numerous times on it (though they're all family, so dunno how much of that was just familial bias or awe at the fact that I actually, yanno, took the time to sew something versus an actual appreciation of the design of the dress), finished knitting the fingerless mitts (though they, and the HP scarf, need to be blocked), and my mom's show went well last weekend. She's got another one this weekend, so if you are in the Lou and need some christmas presents, stop on by...

and I finished Elemental Magic, a romance anthology which includes a short story by my favorite author Carol Berg. So sweet to realize the characters are (SPOILER) characters we (sort of) know. Hers was quite the best in the book. I could be biased, I realize.

I wrote 2400 words today. Not quite as good as yesterdays almost 3k, but pretty darned good. I almost don't know what to do with myself. Guess I'll get a little extra sleep.

What did you do today?

  Why Georgia, John Mayer
  Guess I should return Austenland to the library. Back to Leven Thumps 2.
file under: books , celebration , reviews , writings Posted by Jen at 12:12 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Whew! Another fandom midnight movie premiere. Saw HP and the OotP last night (with friends! finally!) and enjoyed it. The Post-Dispatch reviewer gave it a B+, and that's probably what I'd give it too...there was an awful lot missing (when you have to distill 820 pages into a 2:18 movie, of course there will be) but I think they did a good job at editing.

Daniel Radcliffe is still too cute for his age. His acting is better in this film than the others, though he was pretty good in Goblet of Fire. However, his acting is almost all we get to see. The other characters have been pretty much cut to secondary roles. Usually the most is made of any role, however small.

There are some tough scenes in the movie (as they were in the book, and if you haven't read it, I won't spoil you) but they're done well. One of my friends remarked that this one was the first she'd seen where she'd read the book first, and it is a little odd to see it, knowing what happens. I think this one did a good job at keeping the suspense up even if you knew how it would end. Of course, I don't think I've read OotP since the last book came out, so it's been a while, and things had sort of faded into the fogginess of my mind.

I liked the ending (in the sense that it was well done, not the it's-a-happy-ending way), though I wish it could have explored the book storyline a little more. There were some slow parts, and I wonder that they chose not to expand on the conclusion. People would watch it no matter how long it was. It's the shortest movie of the five that are made, yet the longest book. It could be longer.

The music wasn't wonderful. Nicholas Hooper composed it, and while there were a few times of hearing Hedwig's theme reworked, most of it was new. It was very unobtrusive except when there were establishing shots, which I've never understood. Yes, let's have sweeping orchestrals while showing you castle turrets. I'll probably buy it anyway. I miss John William's score, though.

This one won't make me rush out and see it again immediately, unlike Pirates 3, but I'll be happy to go with my parents or other friends.

PS about the car...cross your fingers that a) I can get it in for painting and alignment today (things that they would do anyway, but I bought it from them too fast) b) I can get a hold of my salesman so i) I can get a rental car for the few days it will take to paint and ii) they'll agree to fix the cupholder that they *should* fix, but we didn't notice at the beginning and c) that I really can afford this car...

file under: fantasy , movies , reviews Posted by Jen at 9:44 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I read a book yesterday. Now, before you say, oh, that's boring, she does that every day (which is true enough), realize that I read an entire book yesterday. Specifically, Jim Butcher's new Dresden Files book, White Night.

He's got tight pacing. His characters are very human, no matter that they've got magical powers. His world is real, and I can see it. You care about what happens. And you know what? He actually answers questions that the series had posed earlier. Thank you, so much.

I read it fast enough that I can't remember all of it, which is a failing of mine, but I don't mind that much because it makes it easier to re-read Thank you for the funnies and the heart-pounding moments, thank you for Toe-moss and Marcone and Lash.

One day I will get something written that causes such emotion.

  Switchfoot, Awakening, from Oh! Gravity.
  Revelation, Carol Berg (since I'm already done with White Night)
file under: books , reviews Posted by Jen at 10:26 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I saw 300 a few hours ago. I have to say, wow. That movie is gorgeous. Gritty, gory, really dirty and totally unbelievable, but gorgeous.

And good God, the abs. I am in awe of the abdominal muscles of the Spartans. Most likely computer-enhanced, but anyway. Almost enough to get me out there working out

It was rousing in a blood-soaked way. As long as I didn't think about the masses of blood being shed, it was beautiful. It was a dance, almost, to watch the battle, to see the parry and recovery of an artist of war.

I saw it for purely research purposes, of course. I can't quite figure out how to plan a war for my novel, so I need all the help I can get.

Two people I did not expect in this movie: David Wenham and Rodrigo Santoro. I like both of these actors, but I couldn't get over seeing David aka Faramir bare-chested and blond in a sea of dark-haired Spartans, even if he did a great job as the storyteller. Considering the other roles I've seen him in (Moulin Rouge and Van Helsing) he's not my first thought when someone says, hey! I need a Spartan! And as for Rodrigo, I've only seen him in Love Actually and those Chanel ads, but he is hardly recognizable.

Gerard Butler is very much recognizable, and does well. Though apparently Spartans were part Scottish...

I'm glad I saw it. It was visually stunning. See it if you can stand the gore.

  Attack, 30 Seconds to Mars

file under: movies , reviews Posted by Jen at 12:15 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Elantris

by Brandon Sanderson

It's a good fantasy novel, and inspirational to boot (it's the author's debut novel, so there is hope for me). The world is well built and easily imagined. The characters are fleshed-out enough that you understand their motivations, except, of course, when the twist comes about...

The title of this entry comes from the name of one of the symbols that the characters use to work magic, for lack of a better term. An Aon is the symbol, and Rao means 'spirit.' I'll try a summary: Elantris used to be a city of light and power, its people silver-skinned and glowing and capable of great magic. The Shaod was a mysterious process that transformed ordinary and extraordinary alike into Elantrians, but one day it stopped, and the city has fallen into ruins. Now, instead of becoming godlike, those taken by the the Shaod turn into zombies (okay, not the term they use, but if your heart doesn't beat yet you are still walking around and alive, what else would you call it?), and are shut off from the rest of the country behind the still-standing, tall walls of Elantris.

Raoden is a prince of the land, and he is taken by the Shaod. He struggles to make a 'life' for himself in the ruins of Elantris. Sarene is his betrothed, widowed before she was even married because of Raoden's disappearance. There's an evil monk, an even eviler monk, political intrigue, magic, angst, humor...just about everything I like. The middle part is a bit slow, but has its shining moments. The end is especially good, with all sorts of plot lines coming together and questions asked about what will happen in that world...or even our own.

I'm terrible at writing summaries, so I suggest you pick up a copy and see what I mean for yourself. If nothing else, the image of a glowing Aon hanging in the air will stay with me for a long time. That and the cover of the actual hardcover book itself is green, so you know that makes me happy

I'm looking forward to Mistborn, the author's next book, which is set in a different world than Elantris. It comes out in July. Yay summer reading.

Hopefully I can have a new layout up for you soon. We'll see...

  Convergence: Book One of The Blending, Sharon Green (which I bought for 25¢ along with five others at a craft fair last weekend)
file under: books , reviews Posted by Jen at 10:43 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Proven Guilty : A Novel of the Dresden Files (Dresden Files (Hardcover))

by Jim Butcher

Anyway, last night I went to the St. Louis Writer's Meetup like I do every month, and having heard that the newest Dresden Files book had been seen over a week early (amazon says it's due out May 2) at other Borders 'round the country, I thought I'd have a look. I fully expected this one to be as it normally is and not have it, and a glance at the Butcher shelf proved me right. Sort of. The paperback version of the current penultimate book was also to have come out May 2nd, but there were two copies on the shelf. No Proven Guilty, though. So I thought, okay, my luck isn't that good, but hopefully I perused the endcaps nearby...and there were five copies on one. Sweet!

(What's not so sweet is that I bought duplicates of some magazines I already had. Again. I really need to just subscribe so I stop paying newsstand prices. Twice.)

I also had the interesting dilemma that once I got home last night, I was in the middle of two books by the same author at the same time. I had already reread all the Dresden Files, and had started on the Codex Alera last weekend (the first book was my MCAT escape during the test ). I'd just started the second book yesterday morning. I wasn't expecting to have Proven Guilty until next week, but obviously I took a break from the reread of Academ's Fury to read the new one

Oh, so now you want the review, eh? Possible spoilers. Read on at your own risk...

I tore through this one, pretty much. I started reading around 10 pm, after my meeting was over, and stayed up till (gulp) 3:15 am. I was in bed, though, so at least my body was resting...

I liked this one. Probably not as much as some of the other Dresden Files (I've yet to put them in "most liked" order, so I'm not sure which is my favorite right now) but it was good. Jim Butcher has a way of injecting humor into the most serious of situations, and of dropping bombs on you that were not expected. His writing flows very well, and I think I caught only one copy-editing mistake (that's what you get for first editions, but much, much, better than the first-run hardbacks by Laurell K Hamilton). I have to admit, I'm in awe of the way he can switch from comedic fantastical crime to high fantasy. Reading both series at the same time will give you that insight, I guess

This one didn't give me quite the tingle that others did, though I'm glad we got to see so many bits from other books in the series. Too bad Harry's not getting the romance he needs (no comments on my love life, thanks) and there's still a bunch of questions hanging around. We still haven't gotten the big picture of who (or what) is behind all the maniacal goings-on in the world of that other wizard called Harry, but as I just read, there are 20 predicted books in this series, so I guess it would be silly to unveil that plan for world domination just yet

I really want to know what Mouse is (aside from a Caucasian, hahah) and I would have liked to see more of Bob. And Little Chicago? So all that power went back to Harry. What did he do with it? Was that all that let him get through what he went through? The writing about SplatterCon!!! (misspelled without the exclaimation points) makes me want to get to a con again. Maybe soon. Molly was a nice character, and it will be interesting to see how she and Harry get along. So he can't be in a mentor-apprentice relationship without some sort of sexual tension (ie Elaine)? Hmm.

Of course, now that I've read it, I can't wait for the next one. Maybe we'll see Butters and his amazing polka skills again. Would have liked to have seen Warden Luccio more. Wonder what will happen with the Merlin. Seems like Harry's either being set up to take a great fall or great responsibility. Oh, wait. He already has that...

And speaking of Peter Parker, Jim Butcher is putting out a Spiderman novel later in the year, and the third book in the Codex Alera comes out in December. Joy.

My boss is out for a few days, but I still should get to work. See you on the flip side.

  Academ's Fury, Book Two of the Codex Alera, Jim Butcher
file under: books , reviews Posted by Jen at 9:39 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I finished Fool's Fate last night. What an amazing story. It was the last book in a trilogy which was itself the last set in a nine-book arc...so it was sort of sad, reading to the end. You know, end of the line and all that. But still, I couldn't put it down. I suppose there was a pretty good sense of completion. Everything just seemed to fit together well. I guess Ms. Hobb has a wonderful editor It's definitely inspiring to my writing. And guitar playing, oddly enough... The story of FitzChivalry Farseer and his adventures have come to an end. Or so she says....There's a lot of darkness in these books, but there's always some levity somewhere, a bright spot to show you that yes, good will triumph, though not without suffering. I just wish I could write as well as she does. Maybe someday...I highly recommend this series to anyone the slightest bit interested in fantasy, magic, medieval-seeming settings...it's beautifully done. I picked up this 600+ pager on Saturday afternoon and I finished it last night before I slept. A good way to finish any book, in my opinion

I get to see Hidalgo with Molly on Sunday. That makes me happy. More Viggo on a horse!

file under: books , reviews Posted by Jen at 6:03 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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