What I'm Reading: Mockingjay

So I finished Mockingjay, the final book in The Hunger Games series.

That is all I can say.  

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What I'm Reading: Classic Literature

I didn't choose to read these books, but I did read them, so why not put them up here?

I'm in a class called The Novel right now to finish up my creative writing minor. Unfortunately, it's not about the process of creating novels, but simply reading them and tracking "the evolution of the genre." Two weeks ago I read and finished The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe and this past week I finished Willa Cather's My Antonia.

Moll Flanders was surprisingly good. It's said to be one of the first novels (if not the first), so I thought it would be awful. I tend not to like 19th century literature, but I enjoyed this book because it was such a soap-opera. You follow Moll, an English girl born into poverty, through her life which includes numerous marriages, pregnancies, divorces, and crime. There aren't any chapters or quotations and Defoe uses the old style of capitalizing random words, so you just have to accept it early on and you can read it without trouble.

This was my second time reading My Antonia (first was in eleventh grade AP English class). I liked it when I read it the first time and I like it again. It was nice because the first time I was upset that Jim (the narrator) did not have a romantic relationship with Antonia. Now that I knew that wouldn't happen, I was able to fully enjoy the story. The Nebraska prairie doesn't normally sound interesting to me, but Cather creates such wonderful characters and paints a wonderful picture of immigrants in the Western US. It's an easy read and I would definitely recommend it.

Next up for class if Kafka's Metamorphosis, and I still have to finish up Mockingjay. I know, I know, I'm a horrible Hunger Games fan, but I honestly haven't had any time!

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What I'm Reading: Catching Fire

Over the weekend I finished the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire. Since it is a sequel, I don't want to give any plot points in case you want to/are reading the first book.

Instead, I will say that it was awesome, and definitely worth your time and money to continue reading the series. Suzanne Collins stays true to the characters she created and her plot twists had my emotions all over the place. If I ever had any moments of "How is this going to continue?" she shattered them almost instantly.

The movie based on the first book comes out on March 23rd, so if you're planning on reading the series before then, you have some time. This is one of those books that people finish rather quickly. Personally, I like to drag them out so I can hold on to a good thing longer.

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New Hunger Games Trailer

Lionsgate released another trailer for The Hunger Games, and as you can imagine I'm freaking out. I am so excited for this movie. Also, Stanley Tucci is in it. I am in love with Stanley Tucci and I want him to be my best friend, so March can't come fast enough.

Looking for a New Read?

If you're into fantasy novels, you should check out Bloodcrest. It has magic (of course), alchemy (ooh, that's a little different), and maybe some dragons. Here's a preview:

Malachi is a simple alchemist living in the thriving city of Varx. He lives his life in peace, dedicating himself to the life of a scholar. But, when Rosalia brings him an unknown, mystical crest stolen from the Ungaarden forest, Malachi's life changes forever. Malachi and Rosalia must combine their powers of alchemy to fend off a growing army of evil. For if they don’t, Krea’tol will fall victim to a tyrannical Necromantic Alchemist.

Why should you read this, besides the fact that it's a good book? Because I edited it! Yes, folks, this is another one of my projects. I'm currently working on it's prequel and doing some conceptual work for the sequel.

It has a lot of fantasy elements, but breaks away from the vampire/werewolf/fairy thing that has dominated the bookshelves. So go buy it here and while you're there take a look at ESTRA Corp. too, also by Christopher Stocking.

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What I'm Reading: The Hunger Games

There's been a lot of talk about The Hunger Games recently, even though the first book in the trilogy came out in 2008. Why? The movie, of course.

I admit, I didn't really know anything about The Hunger Games. I saw it come up occasionally when being compared to Twilight (all arguments said it was vastly better in all forms), but other than that, nothing. Then I saw this trailer:


Oh my goodness! Are you intrigued? I was. If you didn't watch because you don't want to spoil it for yourself, I'll give you a brief intro. Every year a girl and a boy from each of the twelve districts in the country of Panem (once North America) must participate in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death. When her younger sister is chosen, Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute to the Games. Cue danger, alliances, survival, and some conflicting emotion towards her District 12 male counterpart.

I devoured this book. It is so amazing I could see why both girls and guys love the series. The characters are so (what's another word for amazing?) spectacular, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Half way through the book I wasn't sure how this could turn into a trilogy, but then a couple turn of events convinced me otherwise. I absolutely recommend that you read this book. Believe the hype, they are fantastic. I'm going to pick up the next one this week, so go read it!

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Yay Getting Stuff Done

I finished first round of editing on another novel today! I feel so accomplished since this one only took me just over a month. Up next is some work on a prequel, and conceptual proposals for an entirely new book. I love being an editor.

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That Awesome Moment When Your Book is Part of a Series

I'm reading The Magnolia League right now (almost done!) and it is such a good read. I decided to hop on Amazon to see if Katie Crouch had written any other books. It turns out she has, although I'm not sure if I'd be interested in them. But then I see something that makes my heart skip a beat: The White Glove War (The Magnolia League). That's right folks, there's a sequel.

For me, there is honestly nothing better than discovering that a book you thoroughly enjoyed is part of a series. The story doesn't have to stop and you can spend more time with your favorite characters. The only thing better is if you find out that the sequels have already been released.

The next The Magnolia League book won't be out until July 3, 2012, as will Waking Storms, the second part of the Lost Voices trilogy (I recommend if you like mermaids). So here's hoping that I'll have other books to occupy my time.

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Being an Editor is Pretty Awesome

I have some very exciting news for you all! As you may not know, on the side, I'm a freelance conceptual editor for fiction novels. My first project, ESTRA Corp., is now available for purchase! Here's a summary of the science fiction novel:

When Marc wakes up without his memory, he is thrown into a world out to get him. A world led by Jack Estra, who is hellbent on capturing Marc: the perfect specimen for his elitist serum. 

Marc must team up with the refugee forces to remove Jack from power. They search for a new future where they don’t have to fear mutant attacks from the sector borders and don’t have to fear being kidnapped for some high-risk genetic test to be cloned to build a super army.

ESTRA Corp. is Christopher Stocking's first novel, and let me tell you people, it is awesome! It has action, love, mutants, and some kick-ass soldiers. You can buy it on Lulu for $16.44, and you can read the author's blog, Write to Perfect, here. 

BRB, buying fifty copies for me and everyone I know.

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What I'm Reading

I just finished a fiction novel called Dreaming Anastasia. I picked it up in Borders during their going out of business sale. I’ve always had an interest in Anastasia Romanov, and I especially love the animated movie (I actually looked at a “Together in Paris” necklace on Etsy).

The book follows Anne Michaelson, a modern day seventeen year old girl who has dreams that connect her to the last Grand Duchess of Russia, Anastasia Romanov, who through magic and betrayal, is still alive. Ethan, a hot guy with a long history, shows up and tells Anne it’s her destiny to save Anastasia. 

It may not have been the best written YA novel, but I really enjoyed the story. It certainly stands out from every other Anastasia story. Joy Preble switches between first person narrations from three different characters very nicely, which can often be difficult to read. 

If you’re looking for an easy vacation read and have some interest in Russian folklore/Romanov stories, I recommend Dreaming Anastasia. Next up, The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch!

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