book review

Passion by Lauren Kate

Friday, June 15, 2012

Passion by Lauren Kate

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Pages: 420
Source: bought
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Luce would die for Daniel.
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . .Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.
Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.
Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.
Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series. --Goodreads
Daniel and Luce have been star-crossed lovers since almost the beginning of time.  Ever since the Fall, Daniel has been pining over Luce.  The present-Luce needs to discover how the thread of their love and curse entwine together.  She goes on a quest, traveling through time, experiencing a number of her previous lives with Daniel.  She discovers not only his strong love for her, but she finds out more about herself than she could have ever guessed.  But is this enough to save the couple from their destiny that has been decided so long ago?

I love this series.  It is filled with action that never lets me catch a breath.  I couldn’t put it down.  Passion leaves the reader breathless and amazed, feeling the love of these two characters that we have been following since Fallen.

Time travel is fantastic and I loved how Kate put her own twist on how Luce went back in time through the Announcers.  However, it was a bit confusing having to get used to the fact that each new chapter is a new place and may be a new view, whether the reader is seeing life through Luce or Daniel’s view.  Still, time traveling was a lot fun.  I felt like I had been all over the world in just a few hours by reading this novel.  Every new place was like a new discovery for Luce and it was amazing how it transported you to a new era every chapter. 

There were not many new characters, but as Luce traveled, she met different versions herself and Daniel that kept the plot moving. However, there was a Bill, a new character that Luce finds in an Announcer.  He was her tour guide that helped her on this journey, but it wasn’t too surprising when a new twist unfolds at the end with him.  Every new version of the main characters was so interesting to take in.  In England, Lucinda was a brat and Daniel was an artist.  In France, Luce was a princess and Daniel was a stable boy.  In Italy, Luce met Daniel, a wounded soldier, in the hospital while she was working as a nurse.  Some of the storylines in the different Announcers were a bit cliché.  France seemed a bit like The Luxe.  Italy reminded me a lot of Farewell to Arms.  However, I loved the raw passion of the characters and no matter how cliché the story gets, I will always come back for more because the main story of Luce and Daniel that had started in Fallen just keeps revealing new obstacles to overcome as the series progresses.

Lauren Kate always knows how to tell it well.  I know this series is optioned for film, and I can’t help but notice that this whole series would translate so well to film.  It would translate so well because Kate is a genius with her descriptions, tone, and plot. 

Everyone knows how I hate cliffhangers.  This series is definitely not a stranger to cliffhangers and I should have anticipated something like this at the end.  It seemed like a trick because when Daniel was in her arms again, I hoped that they would be together forever but then BAM!  Nothing ever goes as I think it is going to go.

Passion has definitely put a fresh spin on things and I can’t even figure out what is going to happen next.  It was fantastic and I cannot wait until Rapture releases.

First Sentence:
“A shot rang out.”
-Passion by Lauren Kate, p. 1

Rating:
Rated PG-13 for violence and action awesome-ness.

Cover: 4
Characters: 5
Plot: 4
Writing Style: 5
Ending: 4

Overall:


book review

Torment by Lauren Kate

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Torment by Lauren Kate

Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: September 28, 2010
Pages: 452
Source: bought
Buy It: Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Hell on earth.
That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.
At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn’t told her everything. He’s hiding something—something dangerous.What if Daniel’s version of the past isn’t actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?
The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.--Goodreads
Luce and Daniel are back.  Daniel and Cam had made a truce, in Fallen, and had left her on an island, trying to figure out what their best move was next.  Daniel decides to take Luce to the safest place he can think of, Shoreline, a special school in California.  Luce doesn’t quite understand what Daniel means by all this.  She definitely does not understand the way he is treating her, telling her to do this with no questions answered.  Luce begins to doubt their relationship.  Shoreline is a school to help her grow and learn about her past and Daniel’s.  As much as she doesn’t comprehend a lot of things, she learns to trust her heart to tell her what to do next.

Lauren Kate was setting up their love story in Fallen, whereas in Torment, Daniel and Luce get to finally have some moments.  Kate is just pure genius, taking something that was just the building blocks and adding a piece one by one.  In Fallen, I had a lot of questions not answered and Kate started to answer them one at a time, in Torment.  Even Luce felt that she wasn’t getting enough answers and I was content with learning what she did in the novel.  This series is surely a piece of work that just keeps getting better with each new book.

With a new school, comes new characters.  Enter in Shelby, the new roommate:  Shelby takes time to warming up to Luce but overall Shelby has attitude that leads to some hilarious comic relief in scenes of the novel.  On one of the first few days at her new school, she meets Miles, who is the cliché of a sidekick.  He is the little puppy dog-friend that every heroine needs these days.  As much as I thought that, Miles does have a mind of his own, surprising even me at the end with his skills.

The plot, once again because Lauren Kate never disappoints, is filled with nonstop action that always leads you thirsting for more.  I never stopped learning new things, when I thought I had gotten the scoop on Daniel’s past, I am filled with even more questions than when I started this book, but Passion, the third in the series, will hold some of the answers.  I loved Luce’s discovery about the Announcers.  I have been wondering about them since they were introduced in Fallen and now we have a little understanding of what their purpose is there.

The ending left me wondering and certainly wanting more, as usual.  For those of you who have read the book, LUCE, what is she doing?  I realize that she wants to develop more and learn more about the past that she has been working on in Torment, but she could have, at least, said something to anyone before doing that.  Let me just say, that was the most action-packed Thanksgiving that I have ever experienced.

Overall, this book was amazing and I really don’t have any complaints. Lauren Kate gave us a gorgeous work of art, with wonderful characters, nonstop action, and interesting enemies.  Make sure to check out the next installment, Passion, if you loved this book as much as I did.

Rating:
Rated PG-13 for brief language and scary scenes.


Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Writing Style: 5
Plot: 5
Ending: 5
Overall: 



book review

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: December 8, 2009
Pages: 452
Source: bought
Buy It: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
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. --Goodreads
 Luce sees strange things, shadows that she can’t explain away.  After an incident at her old school, her parents send her to this school of screw-ups, some more dangerous than others.  There, Luce meets Daniel who is nice to her one minute and cold the next.  Daniel has some issues and they are all about to get involved with them.


I simply do not know why it has taken me this long to crack open this book.  If I had known it was going to be great, I would have definitely read it sooner. 

I loved the characters; they all had a distinct image about them.  Roland was so sleek and cool, what with his dreadlocks and laid-backed-ness.  Arraine was unusual and I could not quite figure her out.  She has a past that no one quite knows about, but she is very friendly which makes her extremely likeable and almost trustworthy. 

The writing was fantastic.  The shadows really set the tone of the novel, when they come onto the page.  There was beautiful imagery that, at times, took my breath away.  Fallen gave a certain edge to everything with its nonstop action and likeable characters.  Not to mention, there are a considerable amount of hunks in this novel that you will not was to miss. 

However, there will always be questions that are not answered.  Especially in a book series, of course the first novel will leave us hanging and wondering about some things.  The last chapter wraps everything up all nicely, and then the epilogue sweeps on through and unwraps it again.  I will definitely be reading the next installment and eagerly awaiting any of the books that release in the series.

These are one of those books that you can read over and over again.  It is built in such a way that allows for an easy and fast read that you will never get tired of.      

Rating:

Writing Style: 5
Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Plot: 4
Ending: 5

Overall:

book discussion

Fallen Book Discussion (Week 11)

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Hey, people from Earth and other people who are not from here, we will be giving you the awesomeness that is Fallen by Lauren Kate.  This is our last post for the Fallen Book Discussion.  Do you have a great book in mind for next year's discussion?  Make sure to email me any suggestions.  Stay tuned for this week's reviews, where I will be reviewing all the Fallen books up to the release of Rapture, which I will be reviewing shortly.  Hope you all enjoyed the discussion!  Be sure to show up, because we are giving away some great stuff, check it out HERE.  If you missed a post and want to check out the schedule, go HERE.  Come and join us in our quest of discussing FALLEN.


Chapter 20: Daybreak

We are closing to the end and Luce must say goodbye to everyone she holds dear to journey to “the unknown” with (of all people) Mr. Cole.  Luce won’t be around for the burial of Penn so she mutters her goodbyes on the alter of the church.  Daniel promises to bury her as soon as possible.  Luce wants to make sure he knows where to bury her so they sneak into the cemetary, which is crawling with policeman trying to figure out what actually went down in the battle the night before.  All that remains as evidence is a thick layer of dust.  Luce shows Daniel the stone where Penn’s father is buried and tells him to bury her there.  She is upset about the tragic turn of events.  Daniel does’t want to upset her further, but it is time to set off to another beginning.  He flies her to the lake (yes, angels have wings), where they kiss and sadly, say their goodbyes (and until next times).  They eventually make their way over to a small plane where Mr. Cole will be taking her to an island to keep her safe.


Think about it:
What is Cam’s certain type of warfare that leaves such a thick cloud of dust everywhere?
Mr. Cole surprises us by being the one to take Luce away; how much does he know (has he been on it from the beginning or someone who just figured it all out)?

Epilogue: Two Great Lights

The epilogue is almost as short as the prologue, starting off with just shapes and descriptions before we can’t put names to the characters.  Daniel sits on the rafters of a cabin, watching Luce sleep below.  He invites Cam in for a chat and the two strike up a truce.  They shake hands, while Luce slumbers.

Think about it:
Why does Cam want Luce?

As a whole, how did you like Fallen?

book discussion

Fallen Book Discussion (Week 10)

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Hey, people from Earth and other people who are not from here, for the next week, we will be giving you the awesomeness that is Fallen by Lauren Kate.  Be sure to show up, because we are giving away some great stuff, check it out HERE.  Just a BIG side note, I am changing the structure of these posts from here on out.  Due to life happening: finals week is next week and everyone is going to be going back to their own houses, therefore I am switching up things a bit.  I hope you don't mind.  I will still be asking two questions, but for each chapter now.  Be sure to follow the discussion and don’t be scared to join in on our discussion/ questions.  Those who entered the contest will receive extra entries for answering a question.  Every week on Tuesday, we will discuss two chapters of the book, and ask you two questions for each chapter about what we have all read.  Look for our answers in the comments as well.  If you missed a post and want to check out the schedule, go HERE.  Come and join us in our quest of discussing FALLEN.


Chapter 18: The Buried War

When all three reached the bottom of the cemetery, they all see a shadow above them, and Luce realizes that they (Penn and Mrs. Sophia) shouldn’t be there, but they refuse to leave.  Luce then sees Daniel on the mausoleum, goes to him, and tells him she knows what he is and about how she knows their love is true.  Daniel tells her the shadows are not her fault, and quickly debriefs her on the shadows’ true nature and about the “big” battle about to occur.  Enter my favorite character: Cam J  He comes in basically mocking Luce and Daniel’s lovey-dovey moment, and threatens to kill Luce.  Cam also mentions that when Luce dies, this will be the ending of her cycle of reincarnations because something was…off about this current life she was in.  Arriane and Gabbe show up, and they start going on about how something changed in this life of Luce that may cause her life cycles to end…FOREVER!!!  Arriane says that if they lose the battle, the apocalypse will occur, but if they win… no one knows.  The battle is about to begin!  Mrs. Sophia offers to take her to a secure area.  As they were running away, Penn’s shoulder is then struck by something.  As they get closer to the ‘chamber’ Mrs. Sophia had in mind, Luce convinces her to put Penn down and wait for help.  Luce knows Penn needs help, and tells Penn that she is going to be okay…but Mrs. Sophia says otherwise.  Then, Mrs. Sophia stabs Penn in the throat with a dagger.  Luce then knows why Mrs. Sophia boarded up the doors and windows, so that Luce could not escape.  Climax!!!

Think about it!
1. From the moment Mrs. Sophia stabs Penn, Luce knows she made a mistake trusting this woman.  Why did Mrs. Sophia change sides? Or was she never on their side to begin with?
2. If you had to pick a side in this battle, who would you fight for: Daniel or Cam? Why?

Chapter 19: Out of Sight

So, Mrs. Sophia gets Luce into the secret hideaway area, and prepares her…well….like a sacrifice.  Before Mrs. Sophia kills her, Luce learns some important information like, how Luce and Daniel have to do with the fate of the world, and how Luce won’t be reincarnated because her parents didn’t baptize her (making her non-religious), unlike her previous lives.  Just as Mrs. Sophia is trying to kill her, Daniel and the other “good guys” swoop in and save the day!!!   Anyway, Mrs. Sophia gets away fast enough so the others can’t keep up with her, but they vow to find her and exterminate her.  Luce sees Daniel’s wings (for real), and fawns over them and Daniel.  Luce finds out who all the fallen angels are (both good and bad), and finds out no one was victorious in the battle (since none of them can kill each other).  When Luce wants to bury Penn, Daniel agrees to do it for her; Luce finds out that she will have to find out about her past lives on her own because she could die if the information comes to her all at once.  Now where will Luce go and how long will she get to stay with Daniel?

Think about it!
1. Why do you think Luce not getting baptized plays such a forceful role in her not being able to reincarnate after this life?  In other words, what’s up with the huge role of religion in Luce’s life (lives)?
2. So Molly is a fallen angel too, and on Cam’s side.  Is that why she treats Luce like poop? Why or why not?

fallen book discussion

Fallen Dream Cast (Randy, Molly, Mr. Cole)

Monday, June 04, 2012

Since the Fallen Book Discussion has taken over The Bucket List until I survive finals in May, every Monday (instead of the normal: Movie Monday), I will be giving you a taste of what our (Jackie and I) dream cast would look like if they were to make a movie.  For those of you who may not know, Fallen by Lauren Kate has actually been optioned for film.  You can check out more about that HERE.  If there are any updates from now and until the discussion ends (or even after that) I will definitely let you know about any awesome news about the movie.

Each Monday, there will be a new character that we will be casting.  Today, we are casting our own Randy, Molly, and Mr. Cole.  I would love to hear who you would like to play the role.  To see who we are casting next week, check out the schedule HERE.  Also I am giving away some awesome signed Fallen books and other goodies HERE.  Casting Randy, Molly, and Mr. Cole:


Randy
Gina's Pick: Dot-Marie Jones
There is no secret to why I chose Dot-Marie Jones for the role of Randy.  Jones is most known for the role she plays in Glee, Coach Beiste.  Randy is mostly seen as a man-lady and it is questioned whether she is a man or a woman.  Jones does not only look the part but she can act very well.  I think she would do well with the role.
Jackie's Pick: Dot-Marie Jones
 I think most of us recognize this actress as Coach Beiste from Glee.  But, for others, she is Dot-Marie Jones.  She does a superb job of being an intimidating, yet excellent coach and motivator on Glee.  Because of her demanding, sometimes scary nature, she would be perfect to play as Randy from Fallen.  Even as Luce describes Randy from the novel, Jones' position and attitude as Beiste is splendid for what she would have to act like to fully develop Randy's character.  So, go Coach Beiste!!!
Molly
Gina's Pick: Elizabeth Gillies 
Gillies would be a great pick for Molly.  Her character in Victorious just proves her skill of being the meanest girl in school.I think she would work well as Molly.  She was exactly what I pictured for her.  
Jackie's Pick: Jennette McCurdy
Who could be more perfect to play Molly than Sam from iCarly? Also known as Jennette McCurdy, Sam plays a violent, aggressive, vicious, dangerous, and overall grumpy teen in iCarly.  Since Molly from Fallen basically has the same type of attitude, and shows this by dumping meatloaf on Luce, I'm sure Jennette could definitely do Molly justice.  From Sam's random outbursts to her constant teasing and ridiculing of Freddy, she is perfect to play out Molly.  I also kind of picture Molly having a maybe....deceitful look.  I mean that she may appear to look nice, but acts totally different, just like Sam.  Anyway, Jennette would be perfect for Molly, while bringing her humor to the character too.  Go Sa-....i mean Jennette!!!!
Mr. Cole
Gina's Pick: Noah Wyle
When I think of Mr. Cole, I think of someone who is misunderstood and not paid a lot of attention.  He has a very minor role in the Fallen series and it was very hard to cast him, for this reason.  Noah Wyle seemed like the right guy for the job.  He plays all sort of roles from TV Shows like ER to Falling Skies.  I think as Mr. Cole, he could play the background and shine when it is finally his turn.   
Jackie's Pick: Jim Carrey
So, for Mr. Cole, I thought Jim Carrey would be perfect for the role!!! Though Mr. Cole is really not (to me) comical like Carrey usually is, but he can bring his personality to fruition and make Mr. cole all the more interesting.  From his role in The Mask  to Liar, Liar, I know he can definitely pull off acting as Mr. Cole.  He can also have fun being as....well......the teacher that no one wants to sit by, I know he would have fun with that.  Go Carrey!!!

book discussion

Fallen Book Discussion (Week 9)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Hey, people from Earth and other people who are not from here, for the next 2 weeks we will be giving you the awesomeness that is Fallen by Lauren Kate.  Be sure to show up, because we are giving away some great stuff, check it out HERE.  Just a BIG side note, I am changing the structure of these posts from here on out.  Due to life happening: finals week is next week and everyone is going to be going back to their own houses, therefore I am switching up things a bit.  I hope you don't mind.  I will still be asking two questions, but for each chapter now.  Be sure to follow the discussion and don’t be scared to join in on our discussion/ questions.  Those who entered the contest will receive extra entries for answering a question.  Every week on Tuesday, we will discuss two chapters of the book, and ask you two questions for each chapter about what we have all read.  Look for our answers in the comments as well.  If you missed a post and want to check out the schedule, go HERE.  Come and join us in our quest of discussing FALLEN.

Chapter 16: Hanging in the Balance

Luce has some choices to make.  Cam sent her an apology, telling her to meet up with him once more to make it up.  Daniel just sent a command, telling her to meet him by their place.  Which one will she choose?  She reminisces about last night’s hot kisses with Daniel.  However, when he drops her off at her room and tucks her in bed, open-eyes kissing ensues, which usually is a red flag but ended up making Luce feel all sweet inside.  In the end, she chose to meet with Cam to let him down easy. Cam doesn’t want to give up and really doesn’t want to take no for an answer.  (No wonder, he is called Chester the Molester.)  He steals a kiss in the deal and, Gabbe and Daniel save the day.  Gabbe goes to beat up Cam, while Daniel spills some of his guts to Luce.  Luce is confused about most of it but it does answer some questions for the readers.

Think about it:
Which letter would you follow: Cam’s apology or Daniel’s one-liner?

Is Daniel making all this up just to “let her down easy?”

Chapter 17: An Open Book

Luce’s in her room, trying to process all Daniel just told her.  She finds his book, lying on the floor and flips it open.  On the page is a picture of a man who looks surprisingly like Daniel and a woman who looks exactly like her.  Weird.  Luce has to find Penn, to see what she thinks of this.  In her search, she found Arriane and Roland playing chess.  They both wanted an update on Luce’s love life.  However, Luce was on a mission and couldn’t stay long.  She ran into Ms. Sophia, who also felt the need to know about Daniel and Luce.  The noisy woman seemed to know more than Luce did and that made Luce want to find Daniel right away.  Ms. Sophia insisted on helping to find him. On their search for Daniel, they found Penn by the cemetery.  Something was going down in the cemetery, the only question was what?

Think about it:
Is the picture of Luce and Daniel proof enough for the reader that Daniel was telling the truth?
Why is Ms. Sophia so interested in Luce and Daniel?

book discussion

Fallen Dream Cast (Ms. Sophia)

Monday, May 28, 2012

Since the Fallen Book Discussion has taken over The Bucket List until I survive finals in May, every Monday (instead of the normal: Movie Monday), I will be giving you a taste of what our (Jackie and I) dream cast would look like if they were to make a movie.  For those of you who may not know, Fallen by Lauren Kate has actually been optioned for film.  You can check out more about that HERE.  If there are any updates from now and until the discussion ends (or even after that) I will definitely let you know about any awesome news about the movie.

Each Monday, there will be a new character that we will be casting.  Today, we are casting our own Ms. Sophia.  I would love to hear who you would like to play the role.  To see who we are casting next week, check out the schedule HERE.  Also I am giving away some awesome signed Fallen books and other goodies HERE.  Casting Ms. Sophia:


Gina's Pick: Patti D'Arbanville
I know Patti D' Arbanville as Becky's mother in Morning Glory.  She looks like the type of person who could be evil and sweet, exactly what Ms. Sophia is.  You can never trust those librarians, never.  I think Arbanville would be fantastic for this role. 
Jackie's Pick: Robin Williams 
Yes, for Mrs. Sophia I would choose Mrs. Doubtfire (aka Robin Williams).  In the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire, she (or wait is it he?) does such a great job of being such a pleasant old lady.  Except when another man moves in on his (her?) former wife.  Anyway, this hostility Mrs. Doubtfire has towards the new boyfriend is perfect for later Mrs. Sophia's huge secret!!! Dun-dun-dun!!!!  But, that is later in the Fallen novel.  Anyway, i would love to see Mrs. Doubtfire play as Mrs. Sopiha, so go Robin& Doubtfire!!!

book discussion

Guest Post by Erika

Saturday, May 26, 2012


Before I go into anything, I would like to thank Gina, for inviting me to guest post. I am delighted to be here today and be a part of the Fallen Series by: Lauren Kate book discussion. In short, I’ve been a fan of the series, since the first Fallen ARC arrived at my door all those years ago. You can find all those reviews on my blog, www.moonlightbookreviews.com. My guest post today is going to be free of any sort of spoiler, and plot synopsis.

While I love paranormal romance novels, it takes a truly unique one to grab my attention to read the whole series. It’s the setting that grabs me and what makes me truly love the series.

When I think of the scene’s that are most important in Fallen, my mind wanders to the Cemetery. It is sunken into the ground a bit and overgrown in my mind. There are dark gothic mausoleums, grave stones and statues. There is something desolate and remote that draws my mind to the scenes. That brings me to my main point.

When a setting is so well integrated and beautifully described. I can’t help but think what the book would be without the cemetery component. We wouldn’t have seen Daniel’s true identity fully revealed, or glimpsed the battle through Daniel’s eyes. Everything in book one in the series centers around this which in the end makes it the most important place in the novel.

The best part of reading a novel is when it carries you away too far off places. It makes life easier when you can escape the rough parts of reality and high school and enter another world. With Fallen I was taken to different exotic places. That wasn’t where the traveling ends though. We get to see different time periods and how all of Luce’s past lives fit into them.

Thank you Lauren Kate for taking me away!
Thank you so much for joining us today, Erika.  You definitely want more of her writing.  You need to check her out HERE. 

book discussion

Fallen Book Discussion (Week 8)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hey, people from Earth and other people who are not from here, for the next 3 weeks we will be giving you the awesomeness that is Fallen by Lauren Kate.  Be sure to show up, because we are giving away some great stuff, check it out HERE.  Just a BIG side note, I am changing the structure of these posts from here on out.  Due to life happening: finals week is next week and everyone is going to be going back to their own houses, therefore I am switching up things a bit.  I hope you don't mind.  I will still be asking two questions, but for each chapter now.  Be sure to follow the discussion and don’t be scared to join in on our discussion/ questions.  Those who entered the contest will receive extra entries for answering a question.  Every week on Tuesday, we will discuss two chapters of the book, and ask you two questions for each chapter about what we have all read.  Look for our answers in the comments as well.  If you missed a post and want to check out the schedule, go HERE.  Come and join us in our quest of discussing FALLEN.


Chapter 14: Idle Hands  


Luce needs some time alone to think about the boys she is juggling.  She goes swimming but is interrupted by Penn who has found something interesting on Daniel's family line.  They go back to researching, but are not given enough time to find much about Daniel's ancestors.  Cam shows up and lays his flirting techniques all over her and if that didn't work, he kisses her.  Luce must have really liked it because it got a huge reaction out of Daniel who flipped out.  Cam and Daniel start fighting.  Mr. Cole breaks it up.  Cam has left Luce a note about meeting him after class.  It's all very confusing.


Think about it:
Why does Miss Sophia help Penn and Luce about the Grigori line?
Will Luce meet Cam after class tomorrow?  Would you meet him after class, if you were Luce?


Chapter 15: The Lions' Den 


So, yes, she does intend to meet Cam and to break it off with him.  Cam has a sneaky way of getting what he wants and when he hires a driver to get her off school grounds, Luce goes willingly.  Cam's ideal date is to take his girl to a bar, that seems creepy than most.  Of course, Cam can't stay out of trouble for long.  He starts fighting a  man in the bar, but Cam has crazy strength and freaks Luce out so much that she leaves.  She leaves and goes straight into Daniel's arms.  Daniel drives her somewhere in the middle of nowhere.  He goes from yelling at her to telling her how great Luce is.  I may have a headache.  Daniel, make up your mind!  Then, whoa!  They kissed since the first time since the prologue!  And Daniel was surprised that she was still alive when they broke apart.  Oh, yes, Daniel, you have some explaining to do.


Think about it:
What is your ideal date with Cam or Daniel?
What is Daniel waiting for after Luce and him kiss? 

book discussion

Fallen Dream Cast (Gabbe)

Monday, May 21, 2012

Since the Fallen Book Discussion has taken over The Bucket List until I survive finals in May, every Monday (instead of the normal: Movie Monday), I will be giving you a taste of what our (Jackie and I) dream cast would look like if they were to make a movie.  For those of you who may not know, Fallen by Lauren Kate has actually been optioned for film.  You can check out more about that HERE.  If there are any updates from now and until the discussion ends (or even after that) I will definitely let you know about any awesome news about the movie. 

Each Monday, there will be a new character that we will be casting.  Today, we are casting our own Gabbe.  I would love to hear who you would like to play the role.  To see who we are casting next week, check out the schedule HERE.  Also I am giving away some awesome signed Fallen books and other goodies HERE.  Casting Gabbe: 


Gina's Pick: Britt Robertson



Every book I read usually has a country girl in it, either mentioned about or as a minor character.  Gabbe is always perky and has a Southern accent, or some sort of accent.  It reminds me a lot of Britt Robertson.  Robertson would do a fantastic job as Gabbe because, just as Gabbe, she can play both fun and serious.  Robertson is most known for her role in The Secret Circle, which was recently canceled and the TV show, Life Unexpected.  Britt Robertson would be awesome as Gabbe!

book discussion

Fallen Book Discussion (Week 7)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Hey, people from Earth and other people who are not from here, for the next 4 weeks we will be giving you the awesomeness that is Fallen by Lauren Kate.  Be sure to show up, because we are giving away some great stuff, check it out HERE.  Just a BIG side note, I am changing the structure of these posts from here on out.  Due to life happening: finals week is next week and everyone is going to be going back to their own houses, therefore I am switching up things a bit.  I hope you don't mind.  I will still be asking two questions, but for each chapter now.  Be sure to follow the discussion and don’t be scared to join in on our discussion/ questions.  Those who entered the contest will receive extra entries for answering a question.  Every week on Tuesday, we will discuss two chapters of the book, and ask you two questions for each chapter about what we have all read.  Look for our answers in the comments as well.  If you missed a post and want to check out the schedule, go HERE.  Come and join us in our quest of discussing FALLEN. 


Chapter 12: Into Dust


The chapter starts off with bringing us to Todd's memorial service.  As Luce points out, it is sort of wrong to be crying or even mourning at this event because no one really knew Todd at all.  Cam decides this is a good time to make his move and to start feeling her up, checking to see if she is wearing his necklace.  Luce isn't but Cam is not discouraged by it.  Luce steps out to get some punch and Daniel gives her the opportunity to follow him out of the crowd.  They go to their lake and she spills the beans about her seeing shadows.  His reaction is not the one she was expecting, but once again Daniel leaves before the scene gets too steamy.


Think about it:
Which present would you like more, Cam's snake necklace or Daniel's flowers?
Is Luce delusional, when seeing the violet light?  Why or why not?


Chapter 13: Touched at the Roots


It's Parents' Day.  The day that is supposed to show parents how awesome their child's school is, but Sword and Cross is really not special.  The parking lot is not even full and the only car, to start out with, was Luce's parents.  They had a nice picnic and it was a kind of relaxing chapter.  Chill with Luce's parents and eat with Penn, meet up with Cam who is talking to some-creepy father-figure and then say good-bye to Luce's parents. While Penn goes to visit her own father, Luce catches a glimpse of Daniel sitting on top of a roof of a monolith.  Completely normal day for Luce now.


Think about it:
What would be your ideal picnic?  What food would you want there?
Who was Cam speaking to?  Was it his father or someone else?