Her Vampire Husband by Michele Hauf

Review of Her Vampire Husband by Michele Hauf

Published: April 1, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “An arranged marriage between a werewolf and a vampire.

There will be blood.

She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms...

Werewolf princess Blu Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blu curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blu uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation—and Creed—she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite?"

Wow is basically all I can say. Michele Hauf can really write witty, snarky characters in the bundle! I was very impressed with Her Vampire Husband; it makes me want to seek out other books this talented author has written. Her Vampire Husband was so reality based with a hint of the paranormal that I was instantly drawn in when one of the main characters, Blu (werewolf princess), wore a lime green wig to her arranged marriage to a vampire (Creed) she never met. I will admit it, this is a romantic fantasy book, but since I have no romantic life to speak of as of this moment, a book like this can really keep a girl warm at night.

Her Vampire Husband is told from two points of view, Blu and Creed, and sometimes Michele Hauf also threw in two other different points of view. It is truly a great idea for an author to use different points of view so that the reader can know what is going through the minds of other main characters (especially when the two main characters are as different as night and day). 5 smirks I give this book because to be honest a book that keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning before falling asleep on my lap top is a book that can clearly hold my ADHD attention. If you have no romantic life to speak of, this is a great book to keep those long spring nights at bay until the summer nights come. I loved this book because it has a great storyline, snarky/flirtatious characters, and very hot scenes. Read it if you please, if not I could care less because I love it and will continue to read it at least once a year.

Brighid’s Quest by P.C. Cast

Review of Brighid’s Quest by P.C. Cast

Published: March 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Fleeing her centaur clan's increasingly militant beliefs, Brighid Dhianna has begun to find peace and acceptance among the humans of Clan MacCallan. Still, she agrees to leave her newly formed friendships to guide her clan chieftain's grieving brother home. As she journeys, Brighid discovers that the long-dormant Shaman blood that runs so thickly in her veins will no longer be silenced. As seductive new powers begin to beckon, Brighid glimpses a future that is more impossible -- and more magical -- than any she could have dared to imagine.But when tragedy summons her back to the Centaur Plains, Brighid must make a decision that will affect not only her friendship with the humans, but the centaur herd and indeed the world. For the Great Goddess Epona has set her on a new path that demands everything she has to give.When the whole world is turning to her for help, healing the heart of a warrior doesn't sound so daunting.”

I was predetermined to not actually like this book. However, as you all know I am a fan of P.C. Cast and thought it was only fair to give this beautifully written story a try. The last month I would walk past this book in bookstores and would pick it up and read the back and put it back down. Finally I gave in and read it, and thankfully I did because I pleasantly surprised how this book overtook me. I’ve been noticing that Cast tends to write books based on Goddess and empowering women, which I can of dig especially since all of her characters seem to make me laugh when I least expect it.

Brighid is an amazingly loveable character who can’t help but root for. The whole time I was reading the book I felt apart of Brighid (which in my experience means the book is smirk worthy of at least 4 smirks) and I wanted her to help people and be snarky all at the same time in her own time. I guess there are really no magical words to describe the feelings this book left me with. I want to know more about Brighid and her hunky side man, Cu, and I just want to immerse myself in another story involving the two of them. It’s almost like being drawn to a light that only you can see, you can’t describe it even though you try. I’m actually quite nervous to read anymore of P.C. Cast’s other series novels for fear I will never be able to do my homework again. I think this author has a way of drawing in a crowd and though her books might only touch a few, the power cord to those few is very strong.

I want to gush about the story of the “quest” Brighid takes but I can’t formulate the words of the magical journey this heroine takes you on. I cried like 4 times while reading it, which is also another key factor for me to know a book is good. I gave Brighid’s Quest 5 smirks because this book really just over takes you and plummets you into an entirely different world filled with hope, imagination, love, and power. P.C. Cast’s world building in this book is amazing, when I finished reading I was like, “What? I’m back to reality, where I have to go to class and study? Shit…” Should you read this book? Simply put yes, especially if you like the fantasy lure of different worlds or just happen to be a fan of the author. Learn more about P.C. Cast and her other worlds by visiting: http://www.pccast.net/

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Review of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Published: September 1, 2009

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Katniss Everdeen continues to struggle to protect herself and her family from the Capitol in this second novel from the bestselling Hunger Games trilogy.”

I do not feel I really have to tell you about Catching Fire because you already know I’m in love with the trilogy. I will say one thing for Suzanne Collins, thanks for totally ripping out the rug from under me and totally turning everything about the “Hunger Games” upside down. I must have cried at least 3 times while reading this second book of the trilogy. The characters made me laugh and it was a thrill to be a part of that family again when entering into this world. Haymitch is a character who I love probably in the best snarkiest way ever, because he is a lush and what great story doesn’t have a lush in it?

I would say reading Catching Fire was like being on a roller coaster except it was so much more intense than that. I would say Catching Fire was like being in the Tower of Terror and just when you think the ride is over, BAM, you’re dropped 50ft with your stomach still above your head. I really want this trilogy to become more popular, so what can I say to get you to read this exceptional book? In Catching Fire, there is talk of a pregnancy, the games throw everyone a loop, enemies become allies, drunks become intolerable, the love more intense, and oh yea Katniss loses Peeta to The Capitol! 5 smirks because I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for my stomach to right itself in my midsection.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Published: October 1, 2008

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”

The Hunger Games Trilogy is my favorite trilogy out there right now. I absolutely love, love, love these books. More importantly, I love the first book The Hunger Games. It is like being submerged into this dystopian society where people are starving, working hard just to get a meal at the end of the day, there is so much turmoil it’s almost hard to believe. Collins really shows how the characters in the book don’t take for granted the little joys in life, even a hot meal is the best news in the world. The portrayal of the society the characters live in is so heart breaking but when I read it, I didn’t feel the heart break. I felt the determination the characters had to survive, to stay alive, to love, and be true to who they are.

Katniss is the classic tomboy who basically provides for her family in every way, even when her sister Prim is chosen for The Hunger Games, she steps up and takes her place. Katniss is just this brave, solid, determined, beautiful, character who is incredibly taken over by how all the districts live that when she starts a revolution she doesn’t even know it until much later. And of course with all my favorite books there is a love triangle with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. Peeta who was also thrown in The Hunger Games basically admits to loving Katniss since the first time he saw her. Katniss however, thinks that it is just an act and that Peeta like herself is just trying to survive. Gale, the best friend, acts like there maybe something more between him and Katniss but he never really admits it in this book. The Hunger Games itself was truly torture for all those involved and the families at home who had to watch their sons or daughters die, just to be reminded of The Capitol’s power.

The Hunger Games is easily 5 smirks, because it is so intense and heart breaking, and uplifting all at the same time that as a reader you just want to cry and sometimes smack the main characters for being so stupid. I also really admire how Suzanne Collins ends these books, with an extreme cliff hanger. I mean not just a cliff hanger; she leaves you in the middle of the most anticipated scene with only allowing you a glimpse of it. Should you read The Hunger Games? Duh, don’t be an idiot. Is The Hunger Games Trilogy worth paying $18 each for? Yes, yes, yes, and hell yes. If you do not like dystopian society should you read this book? Yes, originally I was not a fan of this type of genre because it never ends happily but like I said before this is my favorite trilogy out there as of now. So do get off the couch, drive to local bookstore, purchase the first two books of the trilogy, read them, and then go back in August for the last book.

The House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Review of the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Published: September 29, 2009- Present, Future

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “The House of Night is a thrilling, New York Times bestselling book series that follows 16-year-old Zoey Redbird as she is “Marked” by a vampyre tracker and begins to undergo the “Change” into an actual vampyre. She has to leave her family in Broken Arrow, OK, and move into the House of Night, a boarding school for other fledgling vampyres like her.
It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. Although Zoey has awesome new powers, it’s hard to fit in when everyone knows you’re “special.”

As Zoey tries to make new friends and maybe find a hot boyfriend (or two), she comes up against all kinds of evil, from the perfect-looking, super-popular girl with not-so-faultless plans, to the mysterious deaths happening at the House of Night and all over Tulsa. Things at the House of Night are not always what they seem. Can Zoey find the courage deep within herself to find the truth and embrace her destiny?”

The House of Night Series I was pretty sure I was going to hate. I always passed by it in the bookstore and wanted to read it but it looked so cheesy I just stayed away. Eventually though I gave in and borrowed the first four books and holy shit, am I glad I did! I now own all six books and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of book seven.

Basically this series follows Zoey a fledging vampire who is all super powerful and can connect to all the elements on a physical and emotional level (earth, wind, water, fire, and spirit). Zoey goes to school at a vampire finishing boarding school, where there are dorms, enemies, and a lot of guys who are drawn to Zoey (maximum hotties in these books). Zoey has friends who are all so different it can really be a book for anyone who wants to read it. Her friends consist of Erin, Damien, Stevie Rae, Shaunee, Erik, Aphrodite, Heath, Stark, and Jack.

There is so much adventure, action, romance, sex (or lack thereof), and mystery that surrounds these books that there is no way I could not give 4 smirks. Let’s talk about the Teams now, you know what I’m talking about in each book there is always a love triangle of some kind and you have to choose a team. Personally, I am Team Stark because he is a wounded guy with a bow and arrow and what could be hotter than that. Plus everything he does to keep Zoey safe and a lot of times alive are so hot, you can’t help but love him. The other teams consist of Team Erik (who I thought at first was amazing, but turns out really insecure for an “actor”), Team Heath (who is so loveable like a big dumb teddy bear you just want to hug), Team Kalona (who may be beautiful, but he literally is the ultimate evil for these books), and Team Loren (who was a poet, took Zoey into his open arms only to betray her! Bastard).

What P.C. and Kristin did with this series is nothing short of magnificent. I highly recommend this series because it will pull you into a high school setting and make you thankful your own high school experience. I gave 4 smirks because even though I LOVE this series, there are some parts where I just wanted to smack some of the characters. Sometimes the characters in the books are TOO high school for me, I love the high school setting but being so in high school you almost sound like a cliché is where I draw the line. My two favorite books of out this series would have to be Hunted and Tempted which are books five and six. For those of you out there who have already or are going to pick up this series I highly suggest doing it before April 27, 2010 because the next installment of this thrilling series comes out on that very day, Burned. And I will be posting my review for Burned as soon as I read it, so come back on the first of May. Please visit The House of Night Series website for more information, www.houseofnightseries.com

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Review of The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Published: February 1, 2010

6 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.”

The Iron King is easily one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. Not just because I have had the pleasure of sitting in on a chat with Julie Kagawa and I find her amazing, but because she pushed you into a world that borders on reality and totally submerges you into it. When I read The Iron King, I am coming home, and I love that feeling. I feel like I am meeting characters who are my friends, who take me on these amazing adventures, and who ultimately for being Fey are so drowned in human emotion. I absolutely fell in love with Puck and Ash who are apart, of course, a love triangle with Meaghan.

IK takes you on this roller coaster ride of helping Meaghan find her family, and who she truly is. IK is just one of those books that pacts everything into you can think of. There are funny parts, scary parts, uneasy parts, parts of love and despair, jealousy, and so on the whole range of human emotions are within this book. Which in retrospect makes me just love the book even more, since Fey hate having human emotions and are so against anyone who is human it is a wonder what Julie did with this book and made every character a little bit human in their own way. I only have one question and one answer for you folks today. Should you read The Iron King? Hell yes! Get off your lazy asses and get to a book store and buy it. It is just a heart throbbing story that brings the growing technology aspect to life and what humans have to do with making Fey live forever.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Review of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Published: March 2, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.”

OMG! Hex Hall was excellent! Seriously had me laughing the entire time I was reading it. I really enjoyed the sarcastic, witty, hilarious phrasing of words and fantastic storyline. Sophie is by far my favorite character of 2010 as well as Jenna (her vampire roommate), they have such classic best friend relationship but what Rachel Hawkins did with the classic part was bring a modern edge to it, which I admire and love. I bought two copies of this book one hardcover and a paperback. The paperback is to take with me to classes (ugh, college) and read when I don’t have to take notes because it really uplifts everything serious and just allows you to laugh over and over again. Another truly fabulous thing about Hex Hall is the guy, Archer, and let me just say he is like a coconut paradise cupcake (my favorite cupcake) with powers. He is striking, snarky, and his responses are always funny. Easily 5 smirks from MissSnarky because of well….the snarkiness and the hilarity of it all.

The Vampire Diaries-The Return: Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith

Review of The Return: Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith

Published: March 16, 2010

3 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “On the run . . .
Elena Gilbert's love, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell's Church. While her friends Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over their town, Elena goes in search of Stefan.

In order to find him, she entrusts her life to Stefan's brother, Damon Salvatore, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Along with her childhood friend Matt, they set out for the slums of the Dark Dimension, where Stefan is being held captive. It is rumored to be a world where vampires and demons roam free, but humans must live enslaved to their supernatural masters. . . .

Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?
Back in Fell's Church, Bonnie and Meredith have made some dire discoveries. They hastily try to follow Elena and warn her—only to be caught up in Elena's most dangerous adventure yet.”

To say the least I am surprised by how good the latest Vampire Diaries book from L.J. Smith was. It gave me more of what I like which would be Elena and Damon, more Stefan and Damon fighting over humanity (one wants it and the other doesn’t), and it gave more hysterically funny scenes that make you laugh until your stomach muscles hurt. All in all the best Vampire Diaries book ever written to date. I am positive there will be another installment sometime next year for we as readers, were left on another cliff hanger. I only gave 3 smirks though because there were parts of the story which I wasn’t interested in hearing about. For instance, Matt I really could care less about him. I also didn’t like the fact that I had to read over and over a couple of paragraphs to understand the transition it led to another one. Overall, I would say though the story in this book was scary, thrilling, adventurous, compelling, sweet, heart breaking, and heart swelling, magnificent story.

Now for my infamous questions and answers. Should you read this book? Yes, you mind as well it is being popular and you should see what the buzz is for yourself. Was the latest installment worth reading the whole series? Yes, without hesitation. Do I think L.J. Smith is writing better than the previous books I have read (in terms of plot)? For sure. Do I think this will be a series I continue to buy even though some of the books are just so-so? Yes, because I LOVE the characters and their quirks.

Just Sayin'...

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Everyone! I hope you all find Leprechauns and pots of gold. And to my fellow college students, I will be with you in spirit at the local crawls and all day drinks being served green today!

The Vampire Diaries Series by L.J. Smith

Review of The Vampire Diaries Series by L.J. Smith

Published: June 26, 2007

2.5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Elena is a high school golden girl who's used to getting what she wants. When she meets handsome, haunted Stefan, he struggles to resist her for fear that his dark secret is too much for her to handle. He's torn by guilt over his past, and mindful of the threat that his vengeful brother, Damon, poses to anyone Stefan gets close to. Soon Elena finds herself torn between two brothers, and in terrible danger.” (http://www.vampirediaries.com/books/)

In honor of the new release of the next Vampire Diaries book out today called The Return: Shadow Souls, I have decided to write a combined review of the first five books. I only gave these books a 2.5 overall because it was really easy to get into them but I had no desire to read them more than once. Sad but true, I do own all of them (again bought them on a whim) and am sadly anxiously waiting for Shadow Souls to get to my house so I can find out what happens. Do I think they are good enough to take time out to read? Yes I do, it is just a different style of writing as well as really bizarre characters and situations. I am a firm believer though, that being diverse in what you read is the key to knowing what you like and don’t like as well as being a well educated person.

I think the show The Vampire Diaries on The CW is better than the books because they are incredibly different. So different that I’m not sure they can actually be called the same thing. Don’t get me wrong the concepts are there in both but the show has a vitally in it that the books just don’t. The one great thing the show and the books have in common is how sizzling and brooding the Salvatore Brothers are. In both the show and the books I am 100% Team Damon, which in the books he has been getting nowhere with Elena. Yet another reason I am waiting for the Shadow Souls to get here, I have a feeling it is Damon’s time to shine with Elena and she may even feel the same way. So go to your local library and check out these books, they are good enough to spend time reading and hey you can cross it off your to be read list. To learn more about The Vampire Diaries Series please visit the author’s website, http://www.ljanesmith.net/index.php

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Review of The Lightning Thief with Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, and Pierce Brosnan; Directed by Chris Columbus

Premiered: February 12, 2010

6 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “It's the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson's Greek mythology texts and into his life. And they're not happy: Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Even more troubling is the sudden disappearance of Percy's mother. As Percy adapts to his newly discovered status as a demi-god (his father is Poseidon), he finds himself caught between the battling titans of Mt. Olympus. He and his friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning thief, save Percy's mom, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.” (http://www.moviefone.com/movie/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-the/32797/synopsis)

LOVED IT! The best movie I have seen in a long time! Seriously, great action, adventure, a little bit of everything in it. From the very first scene I decided I had to own this movie, when a hot Dad emerges from the water with a trident, how do you not want to own it?!?!?! I loved that everything in it wasn’t so serious all the time; there was a whole lot of funny and a whole lot of fabulous costumes! I’ve also heard terrific things about the books as well and though I have not had the chance to read them, if they were half as good as the movie was you should have bought them last week.

6 smirks from me is hard to achieve because I usually have at least one problem when I am reviewing something. The Lightning Thief though was just breath taking and fun, it had gorgeous Gods and Goddesses, the Demi-Gods were entertaining and brave, and the graphics on the movie were amazing. Everything that you could possibly think of to go in a movie, it was all in The Lightning Thief. Go see it, when it comes out on DVD, go buy it, and watch it as many times as you can because it won’t get old. This reviewer saw it in theaters twice and would go back for more but seriously, we are in a recession!

Dear John

Review of Dear John with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried; Directed by Lasse Hallstrom

Premiered: February 5, 2010

3 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “When a soldier named John Tyree (Channing Tatum) meets an idealistic college student named Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), it's the beginning of a true romance. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the lovers, separated by John's increasingly dangerous deployment, stay in touch through their letters, meeting in person only rarely. However, their correspondence triggers fateful consequences that neither could foresee.” (http://www.fandango.com/dearjohn_126384/movieoverview)

Dear John,

I wish you didn’t rip my heart from my chest and then put it back in with a bad patch job. I have to recognize that there have been some good books turned into movies and one other that I know of by Nicholas Sparks. I respect Sparks for writing love stories as a man, but seriously it always just end with me bawling my eyes out because the love story was written wrong (in this reviewer’s opinion). If you see this movie or buy it, be prepared for two people to die, one person to make you think he’s dead, a girl with a big heart who never says no, and a very adorable kid. I like movies that surprise me in the worst and sometimes in the best ways, this movie did that with flying colors. I have to give it 3 smirks on account of the love story, the fact that it surprised me, and for the fact that hunky Channing Tatum was in it (sometimes he was shirtless, yum). Would I buy this movie? It is highly possible. Will I watch this movie like it’s going out of style? Hell no. Will I watch this movie after a hard break up? Yes, please. Should you watch this movie? If you are a girl, you should definitely watch it and if you are a guy trying to get lucky I would recommend you watching it (because watching it with a chick or another guy and pretending or actually crying during it will score you major points).

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Review of Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Created by Joss Whedon

Aired: 1997-2003

10 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as Buffy Summers, The Chosen One, the one girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight the vampires. With…the help of her close friends, Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Xander (Nicholas Brendon), and her Watcher Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), she balances slaying, family, friendships, and relationships.” (http://www.tv.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer/show/10/summary.html)

I have a lot to say about BTVS, because I am a huge fan. If you haven’t seen this series, you are so missing out on the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon. Creating this supernatural world within reality was just spectacular! The characters were all different and somehow all the same because they were all tied to each other. Without one another would not make sense and the characters themselves could relate to anyone, that is how wide the variety was.

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Xander (Nicholas Brendon), and Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) are the entire “Scooby” core and are hilarious together! And the love interests for Buffy throughout the series….so so so yummy. There is Angel (David Boreanaz), Spike (James Marsters), and Riley (Marc Blucas) are really the only ones who count. I’m in love with Spike, because he is fabulously snarky (hints why I love him). There is also two other characters who are so funny they really make the last two seasons of the show, Anya (Emily Caulfield) and Andrew Wells (Tom Lenk). I also wanted to mention a few more actors and their characters because without them the show would be useless. Darla (Julie Benz), Drusilla (Juliet Landau), Faith (Eliza Dushku), Caleb (Nathan Fillion), Tara (Amber Benson), Coredila (Charisma Carpenter), and a ton more that I would mention but then you would be bored. Just know there are a lot of people who really made this show come together and without them the show would not have been what it was. I could go on forever about how great the seven seasons of BTVS was and how you should really buy the box set, but it is just easier to go on Hulu and watch the first few seasons yourself.

The thing I love about BTVS is (Spike of course!) that Joss Whedon really has an exceptional eye for detail as well as endless incredibly, breath-taking, hilarious ideas. My three favorite episodes where Whedon really and truly applied his brain into everything was an episode where it was completely silent, a musical episode, and one where all the characters couldn’t remember anything at all. I should also mention Joss Whedon’s idea of the ultimate evils of every season, there is always a big power trying to kill Buffy and friends and/or take out the world. Season 1- The Master, Season 2- Angel (himself), Season 3-The Mayor, Season 4- Adam, Season 5- Glory, Season 6- Willow, and Season 7- The First (How sad and/or amazing is that I just did that from memory?) Most importantly though, I have a huge crush on James Marsters so if any of you know him or even Joss Whedon please put in a good word for me! LOL. Seriously, go watch BTVS you will not be disappointed.

Remember Me

Review of Remember Me with Rob Pattinson and Emilie De Ravin; Directed by Allen Coulter

Premiered: March 12, 2010

3 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "In the romantic drama Remember Me, Robert Pattinson plays Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City who has a strained relationship with his father (Pierce Brosnan) ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn’t think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally (Emilie de Ravin) through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their love, he begins to find happiness and meaning in his life. But soon, hidden secrets are revealed, and the circumstances that brought them together slowly threaten to tear them apart. Remember Me is an unforgettable story about the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of living passionately and treasuring every day of one’s life.” (http://rememberme-movie.com/)

Remember Me fell tragically for me. I got the impression that this movie was going to be a tragic love story, you know with a happy ending. What I got was a flash back to the most horrific day in American history (in my opinion). *Spoiler Alert* The movie takes place over the summer of 2001 and leads up to 9/11, so you be the judge of what happens in the end. I went with my friend, katarinasmama, where we spent the whole time trying to figure out who was going to be in the Towers when the tragedy struck.

I will say that the 3 smirks has to do with the fact the Director Allen Coulter, really took a fantastic, potential love story and stopped it in its tracks. It was a surprise ending for most; however not for me because I was told beforehand what the timeline was and after knowing you can just guess. I have props for the Director though for taking it in a direction no one would guess. I also loved the actors in the movie, but in particular Emilie De Ravin who in my mind will always be Tess from Roswell. In this movie, she made me forget her awful character of Tess and really showed me this great new character Ally. Do I recommend you see this movie? Yes, if you are in the mood to be upset, depressed, and ultimately angry about the outcome. Should you see this movie because of the actors in it? Hell yes.

Her Name Is Alice by Shinedown

Review of Her Name Is Alice by Shinedown

Released: March 2, 2010

4 out of 5 smirks

I recently listened to a band I have never heard of until a couple of days ago called Shinedown. And let me just say, they are incredible! I thought maybe my taste was just limited to just the song “Her Name Is Alice,” because it was witty and really went with the whole Alice theme of rhymes. That particular song gave me chills and had me singing along by the end of the day. That song was also put on the “Almost Alice Soundtrack.” However, after hearing more of their (Shinedown) music I realized they are amazingly talented. I give them 4 smirks (not all of their songs settle with me, but most do). For more information about Shinedown visit, http://www.shinedown.com/

Fallen By Lauren Kate

Review of Fallen by Lauren Kate

Published: December 8, 2009

5 out 5 smirks


Synopsis: “There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.”

Fallen by Lauren Kate was a great book. I know it was a great book because I only buy books I know I am going to read over and over again. The reason I start off this blog with Fallen is because it is a beautifully written story about a girl named Luce who yes, wait for it…..falls for a guy with an unknown past. Not only that but this book has everything in it, action, adventure, romance, mythology, and sometimes it even makes you laugh. The one thing I will say about this book is that it is slow about revealing everything about the characters, which from reading books that snap you into everything at once, was a nice change of pace. And if you judge a book by its cover, then you will definitely want to read Fallen because the cover alone will take your breath away.

I have this friend (let’s call her katarinasmama) who always recommends books to me and is great enough to even let me borrow them. She always gives me a chapter to get to, which is where I will finally get into the book or not be able to put it down, etc. The chapter I found where it starts to get amazingly great is called “Idle Hands.” Listen, I give Fallen 5 smirks because I bonded with the characters, felt real emotions throughout the book, and was pulled into Lauren Kate’s world. It just doesn’t get any better than that. I suggest visiting the author’s website for more information about this heart stopping series, http://laurenkatebooks.net/

Introduction

Now I have a blog, woo hoo! I’m MissSnarky and this is A Snarky Space as you can probably tell, if not you shouldn’t be following my blog. In reality I don’t care who “follows” my blog because I mainly made it to put my reviews out there and otherwise be sarcastic, witty, maybe even snarky about my life. I’m an equal opportunity reviewer, books, music, movies, TV shows; it really all just depends on how I feel at the time. I was recommended by a friend to have a blog and a twitter as well as have a system that deals with smirks. So 5 smirks = must get your ass into gear and go read, watch, or listen to what I mention, just saying.

I’m only slightly sure that people will actually look at this blog but either way at least I get my anger issues and opinions out there. See you around A Snarky Space!