RAMBLINGS | 'SHADOWHUNTERS' TV Series

Photo grabbed from Twitter

Hi, Book nerds and Fangirls!

It's been a long time since I’ve posted a ramblings feature here in my blog and I think it's just fitting for me to talk about the ‘Shadowhunters’ TV series. A lot of casting announcements happened in the Shadowhunter fandom recently and I seriously love it. It has been a long time since my fellow Filipino Shadowhunters made noise all over social media sites and now we even managed to trend stuff over Twitter (Worldwide and here in the Philippines). Most of the casting announcements, I’ve been up and using our The Mortal Instruments Philippines Twitter account (@TMI_PH) to join in the fun and fangirl with Shadowhunters across the globe.

As of now we have SIX actors on board with the show: Dominic Sherwood (Jace), Emeraude Toubia (Isabelle), Alberto Rosende (Simon), Kat McNamara (Clary), Matthew Daddario (Alec) and Isaiah Mustafa (Luke). Behind each casting announcement is a fandom quite divided into four: 1) Shadowhunters who are immediately on board with the actors, 2) Shadowhunters who believes that those actors will do well but still prefers the TMI movie cast, 3) Shadowhunters who will wait for the pilot episode before handing in their judgment and lastly, 4) Shadowhunters who negatively comments on the casting. I’m part of that group who has been constantly giving the casting team thumbs up with their picks. I love that the ones they’ve cast were not that famous and how it shows diversity within the cast members. But on the flipside of that, were boat load of negative comments and others with issues regarding changes to be made in the TV series.

Thus, pushed me to create this post and hopefully get everybody’s attention.

This morning, I posted a Facebook status and asking my friends this question: “Is ‘The Vampire Diaries’ TV series faithful to the books?”. I know the answer to this but question I just want them to answer my question. All of them responded with a “No.” and some even expounded that the series is far from the book and that there were characters who weren’t in the book but appeared on the TV show. If you want to take a look at it, here’s the link to that.

When evening came and I logged in onto my Facebook account again, I decided to compose a new status on how relevant my previous status is with the point that I’m making towards the ‘Shadowhunters’ TV series. I edited out my recent Facebook status and added more to it. But if you want to read the original status, you can read it here.

My thoughts: 

So, what’s the purpose of my previous status regarding ‘The Vampire Diaries’ TV show?

I just want to make a point on how Hollywood treats book to TV series adaptations. I'm not saying that 'Shadowhunters' TV series will not be faithful to the books (we still don’t know how the TV series plot line will go) but when the rights for having it adapted into a show was acquired, Cassie signed it away. Adapting it into a TV show means it will open a whole of possible diversions and changes in the story line and even with the characters. Just like this: “Luke Garroway is an NYPD detective investigating a string of “demonic” murders. This is a change from the books, but it’s one we’re embracing because it sounds like Luke will have a more expanded role in the series.” – from MTV’s article. In TV shows they can add, they have the freedom to expound more on the world and characters. Just like with ‘The Vampire Diaries’. I think it will be so much easier to develop since Cassandra Clare already created a very broad Shadowhunter world and it will only need the TV series crew the right timing on how they’ll fit (let say), ‘The Infernal Devices’ events to ‘Shadowhunters’. They could have flashbacks or whatever they want. With that being said, fans need to be open to these possibilities and stop being so narrow-minded.

Another thing, it's just the start of the casting process and some people are already reacting negatively. Some even resulted to being racists. It’s okay if you don't like or kind of iffy with the actors that were cast. It's normal and I know what you're feeling too with having a perfect TMI movie cast, it's really hard to let go of the previous actor’s images and how they delivered their roles flawlessly. But to result being racists, is a BIG NO. That's just rude and downright mean. We haven't even seen those actors act and portray our beloved characters but it seems like others are already set in stone that they hate this and that actor. Even going further with saying that they’ve lost hope with the adaptation. Those actors were chosen for a reason and only the casting directors and Cassie have seen that. Give them a chance, people. If you end up not liking their acting during the pilot episode, rant away. I don't care. But not now because we don't have the room to judge them.

Let's try and trust the 'Shadowhunters' crew. I know that every decision they're making, us, the fans, is always on the forefront of their minds. We should also consider ourselves very lucky too because the network is involving Cassie with major decisions regarding the show. Plus, we have a lot to be grateful for.

If Shadowhunters will keep this up, this could end up being the show's downfall. I don't want that. We don't want that.

Remember…

TRUST. 

SUPPORT. 

BE OPEN-MINDED.

Share your thoughts on the comment section below, Shadowhunters, book nerds and fangirls! I’d love to know your insights on this particular topic.

COVER REVEAL | SURVIVING ICE by K.A. Tucker

 

I am absolutely thrilled to bring you the Cover Reveal for K.A. Tucker’s SURVIVING ICE!! SURVIVING ICE is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel, and the fourth novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. SURVIVING ICE is set to be released October 13, 2015!

 

About SURVIVING ICE:

Ivy Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again.

When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for.

Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing. 

SURVIVING ICE (US)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Google | Kobo

BOOK BLITZ | IN A WORLD JUST RIGHT by Jen Brooks

In a World Just Right

by Jen Brooks 

Release Date: 04/28/15
Simon & Schuster Book for Your Readers

432 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Imagination takes on new meaning for a uniquely talented teen in this debut novel that is a breathtaking blend of contemporary, fantasy, and romance.

Sometimes Jonathan Aubrey wishes he could just disappear. And as luck—or fate—would have it, he can. Ever since coming out of a coma as a kid, he has been able to create alternate worlds. Worlds where he is a superhero, or a ladies’ man, or simply a better version of himself. That’s the world he’s been escaping to most since sophomore year, a world where he has everything he doesn’t have in real life: friends, a place of honor on the track team, passing grades, and most importantly, Kylie Simms as his girlfriend.

But when Jonathan confuses his worlds senior year and tries to kiss the real Kylie Simms, everything unravels. The real Kylie actually notices Jonathan…and begins obsessing over him. The fantasy version of Kylie struggles to love Jonathan as she was created to do, and the consequences are disastrous. As his worlds collide, Jonathan must confront the truth of his power and figure out where he actually belongs—before he loses both Kylies forever.

GOODREADS

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Indie Bound│iTunes

This is from the opening scene of the book. In the middle of the night, worried, Jonathan goes to Kylie’s room.

I don’t actually want to talk. I want more kissing. I want more her. I reach for her hand, separate out her index finger, and draw it down the left side of my face, from my eye practically to my jaw. She doesn’t flinch, and that is exactly what I need. I pull up my shirt and place her hand on my chest, where the scarring is the worst. She moves her fingers over the snarls and craters, caresses them, then replaces my shirt and kisses the scar on my face. 

Her eyes look into mine. Most people can’t look me in the eyes. The real Kylie has never looked me in the eyes, but this Kylie seeps into me with a gaze. She is not disgusted by me. She loves me. 

CORA CARMACK's Special Announcement!

HERE’S THE SCOOP!

Fans of Cora Carmack’s Rusk University, we have a SUPER exciting announcement:

ALL CLOSED OFF, Book 4 in the Rusk University Series, is coming!!!

 

Check out this message from Cora!

*WARNING: This letter contains spoilers for All Broke Down. If you haven't yet read that book, read at your own peril. SECOND WARNING: this letter talks about fictional characters as if they are real people. Sorry I'm not sorry. THIRD WARNING: The letter below broaches a serious topic that could be a trigger for some people*

Hello beloved readers! 

The first person who read one of my Rusk University books was my older sister. I gave her All Lined Up when I finished, and her first question was "Are Ryan and Stella going to be together?" 

At the time, I told her no. I had plans for both of them that included their own storylines. I thought they were too much alike. They'd make great friends. They might even hook-up, but in the end... I couldn't envision anything serious for them. So I actually rewrote some of their scenes trying to make that aspect of their connection more obvious. And still, when All Lined Up released, amidst the chatter about sweet Carson and sassy Dallas, I had people asking if Stella and Ryan were next. I denied it again (and again and again). 

But sometimes in writing, the stars align and a character will become bigger and more real than you could have possibly imagined. It's a wonderful experience, but in Stella's case it was also incredibly heartbreaking. While I was writing All Broke Down, the news was inundated with information about the Steubenville rape trial and other tragedies and injustices like it. Tragedies where women have been violated first by an attacker, then by judgmental and hateful people, and finally by a justice system that repeatedly fails survivors of sexual assault. Having grown up in Texas, where too often football stars are treated like gods and can get away with just about anything, it hit particularly close to home. And since All Broke Down featured a passionate activist heroine, I felt compelled to reference this chronic dark underbelly of elite sports.  

I can remember vividly sitting on my couch, brainstorming how I would incorporate such an event into the book. I had thought the assault would happen to an unknown character, and maybe I would focus on the way it divided the team and the school and the town. But like I said... Sometimes a character will become bigger and more human than I anticipated. And it sounds crazy, but in my mind, I felt Stella push her way forward and say, "Mine. This is my story." I immediately began to cry. Sob, really. Because I loved her as a character. She was hilarious and strong and didn't take crap from anyone. She was everything I always hope to be. And I didn't want her to go through that. Even as I cried, my brain began to tell me that it made sense. Stella was vibrant and enjoyed a wild party. She was not afraid of her sexuality, and she had no problem with casual sex. She was the kind of girl that probably had a reputation. The kind of girl who could be heinously and violently taken advantage of, and people would STILL blame her. Because she was in the wrong place, wearing the wrong clothes, behaving in the wrong way. But just because it COULD happen to her, didn't mean I wanted it to. But once again, Stella was there in my head saying, "Someone needs to tell this story. And I'm strong enough to do it. Let me." And when Stella chose her story, she also chose the man I'd been adamant wasn't right for her. Because as it turns out... Those two characters who I thought were too alike aren't so alike anymore. And Stella needs Ryan to help her hold on to that vibrant and strong girl she was before.  

RELEASE DAY BLITZ | LIFE UNAWARE by Cole Gibsen

LIFE UNAWARE

by Cole Gibsen

Release Date: 04/28/15

Entangled Teen

Book Summary:

Regan Flay has been talking about you. 

Regan Flay is on the cusp of achieving her control-freak mother's "plan" for high school success―cheerleading, student council, the Honor Society—until her life gets turned horribly, horribly upside down. Every bitchy text. Every bitchy email. Every lie, manipulation, and insult she's ever said have been printed out and taped to all the lockers in school. 

Now Regan has gone from popular princess to total pariah. 

The only person who even speaks to her is her former best friend's hot but socially miscreant brother, Nolan Letner. Nolan thinks he knows what Regan's going through, but whatnobody knows is that Regan isn't really Little Miss Perfect. In fact, she's barely holding it together under her mom's pressure. But the consequences of Regan's fall from grace are only just beginning. Once the chain reaction starts, no one will remain untouched... 

Especially Regan Flay.

GOODREADS 

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | 
B-A-M | IndieBound | Powells

BLOG TOUR | 99 DAYS by Katie Cotugno

It's finally here! We are beyond excited to bring you the Release Week Launch for Katie Cotugno's 99 Days!!! Did you enjoy How To Love? Then grab your copy of Katie's latest novel today!

99 DAYS
by Katie Cotugno
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

SYNOPSIS:

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.

Goodreads

Purchase links: Amazon | Indiebound

BOOK REVIEW | ATTRACTION (Elements of Chemistry #1) by Penny Reid

Title: ATTRACTION (Elements of Chemistry #1)

Author: Penny Reid (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: April 6, 2015

SYNOPSIS

One week.

Private beach.

Invisible girl.

Jerk-faced bully.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.

Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family's billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.

When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

GOODREADS

Purchase links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks 

I wrote this review last April 14^th and forgot to post it. My bad.

This book was totally off of my radar until last week. I only came across Attraction when I was blog stalking one of my favourites, Vilma’s Book Blog, and saw the very eye-catching book cover and read its intriguing blurb. I have to go back and talk about its book cover first, I never thought I would love such a loud and bold colour on a book cover but Attraction made me love it. I adore the bloody red coloured background, black illustration of a man and the intricate details of the chemistry symbols and elements in it. In a way, the cover design was relevant to the characters, the story and how the narrative is written.  In addition to that, it’s not one of those cheesy book covers that we see a lot at present which makes me so happy with how Attraction was treated. As to the blurb, I was sold to reading Attraction when I read…

“One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?”

Ha, I certainly wouldn’t pass up to read some amusing material.

BOOK REVIEW | WORLD AFTER (Penryn & the End of Days #2) by Susan Ee

Title: WORLD AFTER (Penryn & the End of Days #2)
Author: Susan Ee (Website | Twitter)
Publication Date: November 19, 2013

SYNOPSIS

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

GOODREADS 

Purchase links: Amazon | B&N

Originally posted on Goodreads.

Dated: November 20, 2013

Wow, that was quite a read. Just like Angelfall, the pacing of this book was really good. The flow of the story was so smooth/polished despite the eeeky grisly parts of it. I didn’t even notice that I was already half-way through it. (Noooooo! I want more pages!) Dagnabit, because I had the need to put this book down to some chores in the house. Psh. But still the excitement and all my World After feels in my body were intact and desperate to finish this book as soon as possible. So, here I am. I haven’t slept yet just to finish and post this book review. Ha! The things I do for books. Oh joy! 

Story. World After picks up hours after the first book, Angelfall, ended. We witness Penryn scaring the crap out of everyone when she like "rose from the dead", as what the Resistance crew thought of. Everyone knows about that scene in the aeries that Raffe pulled off - her being carried or delivered to her family in the arms of an angel and her dying or probably already dead in his arms. So when she made that single movement, everyone was frantic about it. Even her mom was screaming. 

Penryn's together now with her mother and her little sister. Plus, she's back in the Resistance camp with Obi leading the group. DeeDum there at the sidelines being their usual selves. BUT Their safety under the Resistance's arms was cut short. Some people from the Resistance tried to capture Paige (read the book and you'll know what she did), which eventually triggered for her to disappear on her family.