I was unsure what to read next and didn't have time to stop by the pubic library so I tried to make good use out of the kindle free section.
I always liked the story of King Arthur and wanted to know more about the 'facts' if we can call them that of this heroic figure.
The reviews online were really good and I was grateful the language wasn't too medieval for myself to understand.
Bad news is that I am only 19% into the book and I am bored.
So far to myself as the reader Merlin is the genius behind all Arthur does. It is funny though because Arthur is so young when he retrieves the sword that his own people do not believe he is the "rightwise, king born of all England" (pg. 51). After he gains respect from his own people he faces other kings that feel insulted by paying respects to a boy who has no beard.
There is much blood shed and war scenes that are a bit grotesque with their descriptions of killing.
I didn't expect first person narrative or an action packed story based off a bunch of lore. But I feel like the author made a list of 'facts' gathered about King Arthur and inserted dialogue with a little description of what was going on. Will I finish it? No. I almost didn't review it because I rarely write a bad review.
It is not a dreadful book but a better text book verses a spare time reading book. What I do like is how the headings are specific as to what will happen next and easily move you through the story. I also like that it does focus on a few people at a time but keeps their stories clear to the reader. What I do suggest is keeping your dictionary nearby while reading.
One of the reviewers said that after 40% of the book it starts to pick up and become more interesting but I can't do it. If you can muscle it out be my guest. This would a great read for someone who likes historical books and pays attention to the geography of the land.
I have to be honest. I have mixed feelings about this series but more weighing on the better side. Our world has discovered that people are the problem in society and to rectify it they have chosen to split people into different factions and those factions exhibit certain values that are ingrained into their character. If you grow up in a certain faction and want to leave you are allowed at the age of sixteen to choose where you will go for the rest of your life. And it will always be "Faction before Family"mind you.
They will be listed at seen above in the picture with a little explanation.
Dauntless: Fire for the brave and young. They jump from trains for transportation and do the dangerous jobs no one else wants to do. They are raucous, pierced, thrill seeking people who yearn for nothing but to be brave.
Eurdite: The eye is a window to the soul and they seek to fill themselves with knowledge. They educate and make technological advancements for the society.
Candor: Those who seek to be honest at all times and in all places. They seek to find the truth and make the right decisions continually. They only dress in black and white as a reminder of their commitment.
Abnegation: The holding hands means being selfless and helping others continually. They are required to forget themselves and serve others by running the government and helping the poor.
Amity: The tree represents prosperity and peace. Those in amity are in charge of growing and supplying food to the other factions but only act in ways to create peace among society.
Divergent
Tris is sixteen grew up in the Abnegation faction and loves her family but her personality does not fit well with forgetting who she is and making the sacrifices for others that Abnegation requires. Her brother Caleb is only a little older and they both get to choose together. However she doesn't know until she stands in front of every one that she desires to be brave.
Initiation into the factions is required. Just because you choose a faction does not guarantee you a spot; you have to earn it. Dauntless has the hardest initiation process filled with jumps, boxing, shooting, facing your worst fears in a computerized landscape, and fighting with friends to make the cut after each phase in the process. This who fail the phase are kicked out and must live on the outskirts with the Factionless.
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Can Tris handle it? HECK YES! Tris is realistic with her thinking and gets the snot beaten out of her while trying to adjust from Abnegation to Dauntless. I stayed up until 2 a.m. reading this because I just HAD to know what happened because its one thing after another. Veronica Roth doesn't give you a chance to breath, sleep, or talk to anyone because there is so much going on.
Insurgent
A storm has been brewing between factions during the initiation process and with only a few friends left they discover that the factions are falling apart. Relieved that her and Four can finally be open with their relationship they feel a bit of happiness until the night of the attack. All the Dauntless arrive at Abnegation and she is puzzled at this until they start shooting.
Horrified by whats going on she struggles to figure out whats going on to save the lives of those she knows and loves. Four finds her and they race to the control room to rectify it. However, the enemy interluded by capturing them both and subjecting Tobias to the new serum. When she makes it to the control room Tobias holds a gun to her head believing she is an enemy.
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I greatly dislike this book. It wasn't that there wasn't much going on but there seemed to be more philosophical teachings that became too apparent. Also, Tris turned into a freaking wimp! Argh, I was screaming at her in my head to suck it up. Maybe I am heartless, but I almost didn't finish the series because I was so upset by her behavior and thinking.
Allegiant
Tris is trying to save lives in this war but she knows that the truth is what they need to hear and not the word vomit from their manipulative leaders. She betrays Tobias and works with his father to gain access to the video. The truth is so shocking that Tris is tried as a Traitor under Candor's truth serum. The Candor leader see's a way to keep his faction safe from Jeanine's rule if he trades Tris and other Abnegation & Dauntless members.
From Candor they seek Amity hoping to stir the peaceful people into an active crowd that will protect them and the truth. But the people decide to sanctify their place as neutral ground until Tris brawls with Peter. Tris is in serious pain because she shot her best friends boyfriend and there hasn't been much forgiveness in that department. She continually breaks promises to Tobias and allies with the bureau when he tries to lead another uprising.
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I loved this one as much as the first. I also really like how Tris and Tobias change a lot in the series perspective and personality wise. What I don't like is all the life lesson's talked about in the book. I understand they are important to learn and probably her way of teaching teenagers but I felt there was way too much at times.
Also, putting numbers on the front of the books would be helpful to know which book to start. Its a pet peeve. I ADORE the ending. Finally, someone did something right. I can't give it away. I cried because I was so happy and sad at the same time. I am so grateful for a perfect ending. It has been rumored that people are comparing it to Hunger Games and I like this series more. Its an opinion and you can disagree but I am just saying . . . its stressful, sad, exhilarating, and hilariou all throughout.
By: J Feistner
P.S. Below is the trailer. I can't bear to watch the movie. I don't like who they cast as the characters and my imagination enjoyed the story way too much.
Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, Dracula and so on are shows depicting vampires in many different ways.
But what is a vampire really? What are their original abilities? These are some questions I asked myself while watching the ads play onscreen. Plus, Dracula is a classic so why not find my answers and read the original version!
Jonathan Harker is engaged to Mina but has to leave on a business trip to Transylvania. Mina, his fiancé, is accustomed to his business trips that take him to outlandish places and entertains herself by visiting her friend Lucy.
Unbeknownst to Mina her beloved is doing a deal with the devil himself. Dracula seeks to gain knowledge from Jonathan about life in London from mannerisms to how business is done. At first grateful for his hospitality he enjoys their meetings until peculiar habits and occurrences turn up.
"The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell might be proud of." -pg 56
While shaving himself Dracula steps behind Jonathan but Dracula cannot be seen in the mirror. When Dracula see's that Jonathan is aware of this oddity he seizes the mirror and tosses it out the window. Dracula warns Jonathan of evil wonders that lurk around at night and urge him to stay in his rooms.
Following most people's choice Jonathan wanders around and discovers a lady's quarters and begins imagining ladies sitting around looking beautiful in the moonlight that turns into a terrifying reality.
"There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth." -pg 43
There are many twists and turns. Some are predictable however not all are and that is what makes it 406 pages long. Many times in the book I thought to myself whatever else could go on in this book? It has to be finished or close to now but the action kept on.
Facts I learned about Vampires:
1. Vulnerable during the day.
2. Can take form of: a bat, wolf, or dog.
3. Cannot enter into a place unless welcomed.
4. Inhibit uncanny strength,
5. Love gold and lavish places/items.
6. Can appear and disappear in the moonlight when it is strong.
7.Control wolves, rain, fog and wind.
8. Induce others to sleep while they feed on their victim.
9. Are transformed into a highly attractive person but remain pale with sharp features and red eyes
Vampires are repulsed by: holy bread, water, crosses, wooden stakes, garlic, and holy signs when written or engraved. The correct way to kill a vampire is to drive a wooden stake through their heart and cut off their head. Only then can they die and be released from being "Undead" as referred to in the book.
I liked this book at times it is hard to read because it is so long but the more I read the better things were developed and interesting. I highly recommend this book to whoever believes they glitter in the sun and cannot die. Check this out if you want to discover the real vampire and tackle a classic at the same time.
Somebody stole the Columbus comic book. So after school I took the whole library down and shoved it in the closet and locked it.
"I told you if you stole from me, I'd take it all back. I'm not a liar"
"Thats not fair," one girl complained. "We didn't all steal the book!"
As a teacher you set aside materials that cost money for the students because you want them to succeed and love learning as much as you do. However, there usually comes a point when the line is crossed and something is destroyed or stolen. This is always shocking even though you've been warned your whole life about other people.
But you can teach the kids a lesson still about society, people, and how to be good. Some people think this book is very fictional and dramatic. Either way I do not care! There is so much truth in this story about teaching and gives great insight to those who call teachers paid babysitters.
People need to know what it's like. Now everyone is different but Esme really did her best to rattle the chains and get things done. I know teachers like this who rattle the cage that detains fun education from students. She said she was dead worn out from the kids at the end of the year and school and I bet it is.
To think that Esme is some rare breed of teacher is wrong! There are so many people out there pushing the limits and reaching past the sky to educate children. The problem is that they don't get recognized for their efforts and the bad is always more magnified than the good. So keep that in mind next time at your parent teacher conference for your kids.
Read this because you will laugh, cry, and shout for joy all at the same time. You love the kids even though you don't know them in real life. I love the journal format because you feel like you are along for the ride the whole time and sets the perfect stage for her thoughts and what happened in the day.
