My thoughts: Fablehaven II: Rise of the Evening Star

At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother Seth find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. 

I know I don't have an article written about the first book of the Fablehaven Series, but I just want to share my thoughts about this…intense, action packed, humorous, action packed (I just have to say it again!) adventure, kid's book.

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The Good: There're a few things I really liked: (1) the author described the characters, their actions, the places, things, etc nicely—not too vague but also not too substantial. (2) The words the author used are rich and colorful don't get me wrong, though, you still don't have to read the book beside a dictionary.

The Bad: the start was a bit slow for me; while I was reading the first few chapters I was thinking that the first book was definitely better…well, I was wrong.

My Thoughts: Fablehaven II is one of the most thrilling children's book I've ever read. Both in book I and II Fablehaven will be in danger; I was thinking that we're going to start all over again; Fablehaven will be in danger, it will be saved. . .blah blah—like what the other series do—well, I was wrong, again.

The second book for me was more intense, heart stopping and action packed compared to the first; I don't know why but my guess is it's because the stakes were much higher, they were dealing with stronger enemies and Fablehaven wasn't completely saved and all that.

A lot of people got sick some almost died, a lot of secrets were exposed, you don't know who the rebels are . . . in short, there are a lot of twists to keep you reading.

When I was just starting to read I only read one chapter a day because like what I said: the start was kind of boring—for me at least—but when the climax was peaking that was when my two sleepless nights started. In return I got a headache. Although I wouldn't say that it was worth it—because I don't like having headaches—I was glad that I finished the book.

The Ending: A big cliffhanger you'll definitely want to read the third book!

My Rating: 4.5 (★★★★ ½)

P.S. Fablehaven II: Rise of the Evening Star was a pleasure reading! 

P.P.S. This is my first book review this year, and after a while . . .

My Thoughts: Brave (The Bear and the Bow)

If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?

Just watched Brave and the movie's pretty awesome!

Source: Google

The Good: The visuals are to-die-for, very vivid, stunning and close to perfection. It's visuals are the best, yet, among any other 3D Animated movies I've seen.

The Bad: There were words said that I think aren't appropriate for kids. Also, it's harsher that I thought!

My Thoughts: First of, I would like to say that watching Brave was definitely worth-it, because it's not your usual Disney movie, there were more action and less drama . . . Don't get me wrong, though, the movie was very, very heartfelt, and was also full of humor.

As I have said, I was genuinely fascinated with Brave's visuals; and I think the visuals helped me get into the story and not just wait for eye-popping 3D effects.

Many would probably ask if I felt like: just watching another Disney film, my solidified, cemented and unchangeable answer is no. I mean yes you'd know that it is, but at the same time you wouldn't. Like what I said: “not your usual Disney movie.”

Of course, not all movies are perfect, Brave has it's own flaws, too; I just can't put my finger on it. 

Brave, I think aren't for children of all ages, or maybe it depends on their maturity. Why? Well, as I said, the movie was much harsher than I have thought. The violence level of the movie was not the usual, it's more acerbic than ever. In fact, I heard one shout in fear every time there's a frightening, action-packed, fighting scene. To be honest I was frightened, too, but not to the point that I would scream, of course! 

In short, Brave is definitely worth to watch, but remember: though the movie is for kids the maturity level of your children are still important, if you think they can handle frightening scenes like: a scary, viscous bear with its mouth wide open showing its pointy teeth (Mor'du) and is slightly going out of the movie screen and some more, good! 

My Rating:

4.7 (★★★★ 7⁄10)

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P.S.  the story is very, very inspirational and full of lessons.

P.P.S.  Also, I like Disney Pixar's Tangled's soundtrack better

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“Some say fate is beyond our command, but I know better. Our destiny is withing us. You just have to be brave enough to see it.” ~Merrida

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[Merrida wanting her freedom] “Are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost? ” ~ Queen Elinor

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My favorite part!

                                                                 All of the images are from Google Images

Book Review: Manga Messengers

What a coincidence! Manga Messengers is about the Kings and in the Bible I'm reading 2 Kings

The Good: What I like about the book is, it explains and it shows you the things you scarcely understand in the Bible; like how Judah looked like, how the temple looked like, and other stuffs.

I would like to make it clear that Manga Messengers and the whole Manga Messiah Series are not meant to replace the Bible. The Bible shows more than the series, the Bible explains more than the series. I think that the Manga Messiah Series only takes the highlights of the Bible.

The Bad: If there are things that this book explains, there are also things that this book can't explain that only the Bible can; like: in the Bible, every king's accomplishments were individually explained, sadly Manga messengers didn't completely introduce all the kings in all Israel and Judah.

My Review: I must say that Manga Messengers is the one I liked among the others. Even though, it is still not perfect.

I like what they did; what they did was they put the prophets' stories in between of 1 Kings to 2 Kings and when they did that they minimized the page-count but it didn't seem rushed.

Another thing that I like is they authentically and visually defined the whole Kings. The whole book, in fact.

Personally, I didn't much understand 1 Kings to 2 Kings with all the kings' names. I really got confused, but here, now I know! 

The last thing that I honestly and really liked was, the whole book's still pointing at the main reason the Old and the New Testament was written.

If I could change three things:

1. Actually, I don't want to change anything.
2. ***
3. ***

My Rating: 4.0 ★★★★


Q: Where to buy them? 
A: OMF Literature and other Christian Bookstores.

I would like to apologize. When I said that, "I didn't like Manga Melech because it was fast paced." I would like to clarify that it's really meant to be fast paced. I saw the description of this book and it says: 

Description: Manga Messengers is a biblically accurate retelling of the prophets—the life of King David to the end of Malachi. These stories from the Bible are presented in the authentic Japanese Manga style. This 5th book of the series to release combines cutting-edge illustration with fast-paced storytelling to deliver biblical truths in a compelling package to an ever-changing, postmodern culture.

Though it is fast paced, I still believe that the story of Moses in Manga Melech deserves to be longer. 

Click here to see my Book Review of Manga Melech! 

Book Review: Manga Melech

The Good: What I like about the book is, it explains and it shows you the things you can't understand in the Bible; like how the altars looked like, how they offered sacrifices, etc. personally when I read the part of Moses in the Bible, there were some parts that I didn't understand like how they offered sacrifices as I said earlier and I like that in Manga Melech it's somehow explained.

I would like to make it clear that Manga Melech and the whole Manga Messiah Series are not meant to replace the Bible. The Bible shows more than the series, the Bible explains more than the series. I think that the Manga Messiah Series only takes the highlights of the Bible.

The Bad: The book is kind of rushed, especially Moses' story (Exodus - Deuteronomy). The story of Moses is I think should be the longest, or the one that needs to be explained the most in the book. But it wasn't.

My Review: I really recommend Manga Melech. Since I'm a visual person, I enjoy reading books with a lot of pictures. Though some parts you'll realize that they're going too fast. Well, I guess you can't put the whole story from Moses to David in a book with less than three hundred pages.

The story of Moses was short in Manga Melech, however,  David's story was not that fast paced nor slow paced. Therefore,  the story of David is the one I liked better.

If I could change two things: 

1. I want Moses' story longer.
2. I want the other stories to be longer.

My Rating: 3.5 ★★★½




Q: Where to buy them? 
A: OMF Literature and other Christian Bookstores.

I would like to apologize. When I said that, "I didn't like Manga Melech because it was fast paced." I would like to clarify that it's really meant to be fast paced. I saw the description of this book and it says: 

Description: 

MANGA MELECH continues the drama of Abraham’s descendants right where MUTINYleaves off.

This is a Biblically accurate Manga retelling of Bible stories beginning with entry into the Promised Land through the rule of King David. This book, fourth in the  Manga line, combines cutting-edge authentic Japanese Manga style with fast-paced storytelling to deliver Biblical truths in a compelling package to an ever changing, post-modern culture. 

Though it is fast paced, I still believe that the story of Moses in Manga Melech deserves to be longer. 

Book Review: The Hunger Games

Ah, what a two day adventure has it been with Katniss Everdeen! Although that two days felt like a month! I know it's to late to make a review about The Hunger Games but, better late than never!

Source: The Hunger Games Wiki

The Good: The story is brilliant! I think no one can ever, ever think of the theme of the book.

The Bad: The book is kind of violent because the author clearly described how the contestants died in the story. But it's fine with me!

What I don't like: It isn't that straight-to-the-point. It's what I think. I like to see more of the action and the backstories.

My Rating: 4.5 ★★★★½

My Review: I really recommend tHG. Although I don't know if the story is appropriate for the little ones.

The way Suzanne Collins, the author wrote the story is truly amazing! Every paragraph I read, the pictures and scenes inside my head are very clear and genuine; I feel like I'm really in the story and only few writers can do that!

You can feel Katniss's hurts and her feelings. I personally sensed her when she and her family had nothing to eat.When she searched garbage cans to look for food but found none. Ugh, I really felt bad. Good thing Peeta surreptitiously gave her two pieces of slightly overcooked big bread.

Every end of a chapter is a cliffhanger, when you tell yourself, "After this chapter I'll go to bed." I'm sure you'll never get to sleep. Almost all of the genre is on the book, action, adventure, romance, etc...

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Action: As I said earlier, the book is kind of brutal with all the killings. But I like it! I like how Suzanne wrote the action parts! I find it hard to explain or write down action parts of a story. But I don't know how the author does it!

Adventure: Obviously, it's the main genre of the book (correct me if I'm wrong.)

Romance: Peeta and Katniss. Everything seemed normal between the two until the time when Peeta confessed that he has a crush on Katniss. That moment changed everything. Peeta protected Katniss in every way he can. Their love for each other is I think the only way for both of them to survive! SPOILER!

This page certainly made me giddy!

I've said enough! For those who have not read the book I'm sorry for spoiling!

Once again I really recommend the Hunger Games, it's really nice for those people who's type of genre is adventure/romance.

The Movie:

I must say I'm kind of disappointed with the casting of Cinna, although Haymitch, Effie and Katniss, they're almost what I expected; especially Haymitch! But who cares with their minor mistake!

I can't wait for the movie! What I want to see is the part when Peeta and Katniss were wearing black suits and their capes on fire!

Can you see the blue fire Cinna's holding?

HAPPY HUNGER GAMES! 

Question:

What do you want to see in the movie?