Read Play Blog #1: Game character I would like to be this Halloween?

Read Play Blog is a meme about video games and books, posted every 16th of the month. Bloggers are encouraged to answer a discussion question, and recommend a video game that is similar to a book they liked. Hosted by Happy Indulgence Books & Read Me Away.

Okay so apart from loving books and make up I also love video games (preferred PS3) so I thought it will be fun to take part in Read Play Blog.

Question: What game character would you like to be this Halloween?

 I never really celebrated Halloween till I came to Uni since it was not a big event back in Malaysia and was kinda surprise that it's not that popular here in Australia. I guess its an American thing. The kind of characters that I love are the strong, kickass and independent who are sarcastic and quirky.

 please don't laugh at my kinda fail attempt of doing a serious poker face :P

Last Year I Actually cosplay as Jodie from Beyond Two Souls for Halloween.

I was really into the video game Beyond Two Souls when it first came out and spent a good amount of my spring break playing the game with my friends. Played by Ellen Page, Beyond follows Jodie Holmes, a trouble youth with a paranormal friend, a ghostly entity called Aiden who is both a gift and a curse. I like her personality. Strong, intelligent, sarcastic not to mention very kickass.

Another character I will love to cosplay as is Ellie from the Last of Us. Ellie one of my all time fictional character. There are moments where she is freaking kickass and quick thinking especially with her bow and arrow or even with her switchblade which saves her and Joel's life countless times but also times where she's a regular sarcastic yet curious teenager who's always asking Joel random questions about life before the apocalypse. She's also independent and a quick learner on how to survive and fight by herself as we see when playing as her in some parts of the game (Winter and the DLC).

One more character I'll love to be is Faith from Mirror's Edge. The game is a recent discovery the after I saw the trailer for the sequel that was showed at E3. I love how faith looks with the tattoos on her eye and arm. What's cool is that she's Asian so it will be a lot easier for me to dress up as her. No wigs or hair dye needed! In the game she's part of an elite couriers call Runners who transport messages by foot across the rooftops of this futuristic city. She reminds me of Chell from Portal since we don't see her unless its a cut scene or her reflection on the glass walls.

My recommendation this month: Uncharted 3

So I thought I'll start my first video game recommendation with an oldie but a goodie that is the Uncharted series. Uncharted has a similar premise to Tomb Raider. Following treasure hunter Nathan Drake, his mentor Victor Sullivan aka Sully and journalist Elena as they travel around the world to uncover various historical mysteries. I love the action-adventure primes of the game along with it incorporating historical facts into the plot. My favorite is the the third uncharted as it have some of the best action sequences I've played in a video game along with a really good story line. I also love how they give more back story for Drake and Sully as we get to know how those two meet.

The forth game is coming out in the next couple of years so I'm pretty hyped about that!

Currently Playing: The Maze Runner Official App

In conjunction with the release of The Maze Runner Movie, they released a Maze Runner App Game.

I've been swarm with exams and assignments so I have not been playing much games apart from occasionally replaying The Last Of Us on the PS3. I usually don't like playing games on my phone as I get bored of them very easily but I've been playing the maze runner on my phone for almost a month whenever I have time to kill and its actually very addictive. Its pretty much like Temple Run meets American ninja with a lot of obstacles. If they ever bring this game to PC or PS as a Mirror Edge/Uncharted style game I will definitely buy it even though my experience with movie turn video games in the past have not been that good (*cough *cough Harry Potter).

Definitely check out this game if you are a fan of the book and/or the movie and if you like temple run!

Download the game here

Book Review : Geek Girl (Geek Girl #1) by Holly Smale

Goodreads Description:

 Harriet Manners knows a lot of things.

She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a "jiffy" lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn't quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she's spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.

As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did.

And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?

Title: Geek Girl (Geek Girl #1)
Author: Holly Smale
Genre:Contemporary, Young Adult, Chick Lit
Format: Paperback

Pages: 378 pages
Publisher:  HarperCollins Children's Books
Source: Purchased from Dymocks

I was smiling like an Idiot when I was done with this book... like literally have a big smile xD

Okay so I picked this book up cause of the title and the nerdy glasses on the cover.

Set in the UK, 'Geek Girl' follows Harriet who is a geek and is well aware of it. Tired of being bullied by mean girl Alexis and her classmates for being a geek, when discovered by Wilbur, a talent scout for a modeling agency during a catastrophic school trip, Harriet takes the opportunity in hopes of changing her life.

Though it sounds like the typical 'Geek turn Chic' story this one is anything but typical! The book has a lot of depth and has a unique way of dealing with being yourself, don't care of what others think, consequences of lying, friendship and family.

  

I love reading Harriet's narration! Its very sarcastic, quirky and brainy and if you are one of those who like trivia or live with an OED you'll enjoy all the random facts Harriet throws at you.

Also I immediately clicked with Harriet's character as I could relate to her (yes I am a geek girl!). Cute, geeky know-it-all yet naive and socially awkward, trough the book we watch her grow in confidence and be comfortable with herself. Also I love how even though she's a model she is still down to earth.

Harriet's parents are some of the bookish parents I've read! In fact they are exactly like my parents!

At first I was not a fan of her her super strict and overbearing lawyer step-mother but when the book hits a certain point I immediately love the mum. As for her dad, he is the 'fun parent'. Laugh out loud and childish yet super supportive and caring for his daughter I love the moments where we read about her dad and he even have some of the best lines in the book! 

  In fact when reading the book I was picturing David Tennent aka Tenth doctor (aka my doctor :P) as Harriet dad! 

Harriet's best friend Nat was both a hit and a miss character for me. We didn't get to know much about her character other than that she's loyal and is always standing up for Harriet when she's being bullied as well as she's an aspiring model so think how awkward it must have been when her best friend go offered a modeling contract and not her. 

Same goes for Nick aka Lion Boy. His character was kinda vague and I found him popping in and out of the story at random. Even so every time we see him we learn more about him and some parts got me by surprise. Also did I mention that he's a top model and Harriot's love Interest? Though I found this book not romance heavy, there is some sweet yet awkward romance going on but I felt like THAT bit at the end is just too forced.

Alexis aka the Queen Bee and the Bully who is always tormenting Harriet cause she is smart and a Geek... I hated here with a pure passion. What's interesting is that Alexis is based on the author's experience in real life. While I admit some bullies are awful, Alexis was just down right Cruel! Think tyrant cruel. Some of the things that she does to Harriet were freaking terrible and its sad to read about it. (random fact: both me and my brother were bullied trough out primary and secondary school so I feel freaking sad whenever I read about a character being badly bullied.)  Long story short, she makes Harriet's life a living hell.

Toby who's Harriet fellow geek, classmate and stalker... okay thought I admit he does have some really funny moments but to know that he is her stalker... a part of me want's to shout 'GET A RESTRAINING ORDER' at Harriet or something as stalkers creep the heck out of me! 

 ITS.JUST.WRONG!!!

Wilbur was a very random character that I always look forward to reading him as he is freaking hilarious! Think Marc St. James from Ugly Betty but with the charismatic and hilarious lines like "my little pot of bean paste"! Yup I freaking love Wilbur!!

Yuka Ito... okay at first I misread it as Yoko Ono so I was picturing her trough out the book.

Anyways I love reading about her as she was really mysterious! 

This book is fun, smart and shows the behind the scenes of fashion and modeling (and that it can be kinda dangerous). I also love all the twist and turn of the plot which makes it a page turner as well as turns Harriet's world upside down. 

Overall definitely check out this book if you're in for a 'geek chick' read!

  

 I really enjoy this book cause not only does it put me in fits of giggle and smile like there is no tomorrow but this book feels real!

Fast pace, lighthearted, fluffy and smart this is a book you will want to read if you want to cheer yourself up when you're having a bad day.

 Read this if you like The Princess Diaries series meets Ugly Betty meets Cinderella. 

Though this book works well as a stand along, its actually part of a series. I'm definitely picking up the sequel the next time i see it in the bookshop!

Lately I've been in a 'nerdy' contemporary kick so what was the last 'nerdy' book you've read? 

Apart from Geek Girl I just completed The Boyfriend App and The Summer I Become a nerd (expect reviews on those soon) and I am currently reading An Anatomy of a Misfit.

DFTBA guys :P

Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Movie description:

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), a teenager, arrives in a glade at the center of a giant labyrinth. Like the other youths dumped there before him, he has no memory of his previous life. Thomas quickly becomes part of the group and soon after demonstrates a unique perspective that scores him a promotion to Runner status -- those who patrol the always-changing maze to find an escape route. Together with Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), the only female, Thomas tries to convince his cohorts that he knows a way out.

Firstly DON'T read the book before you watch the movie!! I know a lot of people says to read the book before you watch the movie of any book to movie adaptation but this is different! Reason being is that the story is full of suspense and mystery so you'll probably enjoy the story better if you read the book after watching the movie. Even if you have read the book before the movie, separate your thoughts the book and the movie. That way you'll enjoy it better.

 

Okay so where should I start??? 

For some miracle I managed to watch this movie on opening day here in Australia! Most times I wait for a couple of weeks after so that I won't be in an over crowded cinema (although mine is in the suburb so I never had that problem) or that the movie came out just as I have exams/assignments and won't let myself watch it till it's done.

1. Book vs Movie???

I love the movie more than the book!

They take elements from the book and change it up to suit the the movie due to (i assumed) visual and timing reasons.
 
Click here for the 10 Big differences between the book and movie adaptation and be careful for spoilers.

2.Actions, Maze, Glade and Grivers

The action in the movie played out really well! Some scenes seriously gave me the chills and a heart attack and keep me on my toes. There was one scene in particular that made me almost jump out of my seat. In the trailers (to me) it looks like they are practically running around like headless chickens but in the movie, some of those running scenes are wicked cool ( no pun intended ;P).

I can feel the adrenaline rush actions of them running around the maze that I am holding my breath during some scenes. Also the movie added some action sequences not in the book but gave it a cool touch and development for the side characters Newt, Minho and Theresa.

The way the maze works is a lot different from what I had in mind but I like it!

I especially like the 'Blade' parts of the maze where Minho and Thomas runs for their lives to avoid being a Glader pancake.

The Glade is a lot different from what I expected it to be. I had a darker picture in my head of how the glade look like. In the movie it looks like a save heaven for the boys to live on.

The Grivers... I had a tough time imagining the vicious monsters in the book but the movie did a really good job of scaring the living daylights out of me after seeing those Grivers. Remember me mentioning me jumping out of my seats??? It was because of those damn Grivers! 

Basically they are ginormous cyborg spiders.

3. Characters and Actors

One thing that made me love the movie is the cast of actors! I enjoyed every bit of the actors who played the beloved characters in the movie.

What's really cool is that there is a great diversity of actors in the cast which is something we don't always see.

I enjoyed Dylan O'Brien acting as Thomas! I'm not familiar with the actor (don't kill me Teen wolf fan girls) but he came out exactly like how I pictured him in the book but also added a bit more personality to him with the klutziness and awkwardness. Like in the book he is curious about the maze, intelligent and compassionate. Also like book Thomas he tend to do some stupid stuff (like WTH ARE YOU DOING?!?! NO... just...*face palm*) but manages to counter it with his quick actions and thinking and alot of them are the a good reason.

Kaya Scodelario who plays Theresa is a lot better in the movie with a bigger role!
I love her character more in the movie since we get to know her better. One thing about Theresa in the movie is she has more strong and kickass action scenes.

Blake Cooper who plays Chuck... what can I say the guy's tough as a nail at times and a sweet heart ball of sunshine! My only complain is that there is not enough interaction between Chuck and Thomas but I do enjoy every bit of their brotherly bromance. Think of Chuck as that little brother who annoys you that you can't help but love!



Gally played by Will Polter (I fangirled when I learn he was in the movie as I love him in Chronicles of Narnia!) has one of the biggest character changes in the movie. In the book he was a mean psycho character that didn't make any sense apart from the fact he is the 'bully' guy in the Glade. In the movie he came out like how Alby was in the book. Long story short he basically was less of an asshole and there were a couple of scenes where he was actually nice. I didn't hate him nor did I like him but I like the character change. He's the conflict character with a different opinion from Thomas and the gang.

The characters, Minho, Newt and Alby are friendlier in the movie than the book. In fact I had a friend who read the book after watching the movie and the first thing she messaged to me was that Alby is mean (which i can agree)! I like that they were nicer in the movie as it developed their characters and make them more likeable.

In the book I was not a fan of Alby. In fact it took a while for me to warm up to the character. It was clear he didn't like Thomas since things start to go down hill in the glade after his arrival. In the movie.. this is a different story ...

Aml Ameen who plays Alby in the movie I instantly like the character! He came out as not only as the Leader of the Glade but also as the mentor and 'big brother' character for the Gladers. Also I can't help but noticed that his character in the movie reminds me of Newt from the book.

 My favorite character in the movie are definitely Newt and Minho!

I love every bit of Minho played by Ki Hong Lee (especially his hair xD for someone in the Glade he sure have nice hair!) and he came out exactly like how I pictured him... apart from the fact that I wish that he was a bit more sarcastic dialogs like how he had in the book.

As for the character Newt played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (it took me a while to realize that he was the kid from Nanny McPhee) while I did like his character in the book I love his character more in the movie. The way the actor acted in the movie brought a new level of likeness to the character. Newt have some of the best lines trough out the movie (though sadly he does not say the word bloody). Also it kinda helps that the actor is swoon worthy *WINK* and like Newt in the book he has an accent... a English accent (swoon!!! hehe I am a sucker for accents especially English!).

4. Things I didn't like about the movie

Okay first off I was not a fan of the ending. The movie had a lot of alteration that actually made the story better but the ending... was not a nice cliff hanger. Like it was confusing and if it was not that fact that I know that they were gonna make the sequel I would have thought it was weak.

Also there was this one scene about the Griver serum where Theresa happen so had not one but two of it in her pocket... it didn't make sense... why nicely two syringes? why is it just so happen she have them in her pockets?

I'm just... why?!?! It was the only scene that to me seem out of place and didn't make sense!

They can change that scene from the book in a better way that they establish that they have the serum is just that there source are scared since in the book it is establish that the med-jack happen so have a supply of the serum.

Another thing for the movie... though that Ben' banishment scene was shot really well it was just too intense to my liking... I could not watch it and I had to cover my eyes with my hands as it was just too intense.  

One more alteration between the book and the movie is that in the book Thomas and Theresa have this telepathic mind reading powers where they both can communicate with each other by reading each others mind. This was not establish in the movie and while I did wish to see them communicating trough each others minds, the director Wes Bell mentioned in an interview that it was left out since so many things was going on in the film that it will just overwhelm which after watching the movie I have to agree. I am not so sure if they will play out the mind reading part in the sequel (not exactly sure of its significant since I have yet to read the Scorch Trials).

5. Stand out scenes 

Speaking of the Thomas and Theresa connection, I like how they established that they have a connection with the flash back dream sequence. I also love how that Paige lady was purring into Thomas ears 'W.C.K.D' is good.

There was this one scene where Chuck says 'Girls are awesome' sealed the deal that I needed to get the DVD and watch it on repeat.

Of cause this movie is called the Maze Runner so of cause it have to have some maze running scenes. They actually added more scenes into the movie of them running and figuring out the maze. All of the running scenes were really good. Like it was fast pace adrenaline pumping good. I especially like the part where Thomas and Minho were running trough the closing blades or the moving walls as those scenes really leave me on the edge of my seats.

Also very random but a good action movie for me is when I picture those actions in a video game... like when Thomas was running trough the maze from those Grivers, climbing up the walls and those vines I was thinking of the video game Uncharted... just a random thought...

One scene that was not in the book was of the Glader gathering the camp fire. I like that addition as in the book I keep thinking 'doesn't this boys know how to chill and have fun?"

Overall

Its an A-MAZE-ING movie!!!

Its a great story about adventure, mystery and friendship around the Glade.

Like i say I like the movie more than the book. While there were alot of alterations and changes made into the story for time and visual reasons the story was still faithful to the plot of the book.

I am not so sure if I should be rating movies but if I could I'll rate this a 4.5 stars cause while I did enjoy it apart from the couple of moments that I needed to rant about I enjoyed

 movie. It was entertaining, there were good balance of serious and comedic moments along with action pack and emotional moments. The cast of actors fitted really well and the dialogs were quiet good.

I definitely will be getting this on DVD when it comes out (Christmas and Birthday wish list xD) and will definitely be watching the sequel 'The Scorch Trials' which comes out next September

Check out my video review where I chit chat about the movie.

Click here to check out my review on the book on my Blog and on Youtube

Have you watch the Maze Runner Movie?

What were your thoughts?

What was your most/least favorite part of the movie? Lets discuss in the comments!
 

Book Review : How My Private Personal Journal Became a Bestseller byJulia DeVillers

Goodreads Description:

Formerly ordinary fourteen-year-old Jamie Bartlett isn't so ordinary anymore. Ever since she wrote a story about Isabella (aka IS), the stereotype-defying, popular-girl-crushing super teen, Jamie's life hasn't been the same. Suddenly she's doing interviews and book signings, flying to L.A. to hang out with celebrities, and dating Marco Vega, the hottest guy in school! But will all of this attention go to Jamie's head? Or will she take a lesson from IS and remember that there's more to life than popularity?

Title: How My Private Personal Journal Became a Bestseller
Author: Julia DeVillers
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paper Back

Pages:
Source: Purchased from the Bookdepository

This book has been on my wishlist since I was 12 and here I am years later finally reading it thanks to the discovery of the bookdepository finally owning a copy!

In case you don't know this book was adapted to a DCOM 'Read it and Weep' which was one of my favorite DCOM's as a kid and when I found out that it was based on a book I had to owe it!

The book follows Jamie who writes about IS who is someone she fantasies to be in a journal entry as a way of coping with bullies and peer pressure and typical teenage problems.

Although her writing process was actually considered a struck on luck situation (um write the draft and a whole book in a week?? Instant best seller?? no.. just no...) as a book writing process is a lot longer and harder than shown. That's the only problem i had with the book and only not so realistic element of the book.

Also there were a lot of talk about stereotype which yes and no its part of a typical teenage life.

Other than that this book is perfect for teens especially those who deal with issues of bulling, insecurity, peer pressure and finding themselves in that 'awkward teen phrase'. Its a lot about self empowerment which is what IS represent.

The writing... To be honest i thought it was a lot younger... almost middle grade but its definitely along the lines of a typical YA. Its witty, sarcastic and really cute! There were some times where i was smiling like an idiot and laughing out loud! 

Jamie was a very interesting character to read about. In fact Jamie and her friends have some aspect that i could relate to especially in my early teen years.

I find it interesting and creative the way she wrote her journal and her expression when her teacher read out her journal and she realize her mistake??? Priceless xD

Comparing this to the movie, there were a lot of major change and in fact I enjoyed the book more than the movie. 

Check this out of you want a quick lighthearted read that is cute and really funny. Definitely inspiring for those who want to be an author and for those who want a boost of self confident/esteem. Highly recommended to those in their early teens.

Also if you like the book and the movie check out 'Outside Looking In' by Jordan Pruitt which is one of my all time favorite songs and was written for the movie's soundtrack.

What will your reaction be if your Privet Personal Journal accidentally got publish and became a best seller?

I admit I WILL have a panic attack as there goes all my secrets and thoughts to the world but it will be cool to see people value my opinion/story and enjoy it... just need to get over the panic attack of people finding out I have a crush on XYZ ;P lol joke! 

Book Review : The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester

Goodreads :

A love of fashion.

A couture competition.

A once-in-a-lifetime chance . . . Angel Moncoeur has always wanted to be a fashion designer, but without money or connections, it's going to be a challenge. When an opportunity to leave her home in New York and head to Paris appears, Angel grabs it – even if it means masquerading as her best friend Lily. That can't be too hard, can it?

But faking things doesn't come easy for Angel, so when she falls in love with her very own Prince Charming and he thinks she's someone else, things start to get complicated.

Angel needs to stop her secrets unravelling if she wants to live happily ever after . . .

From exciting talent Jennifer Kloester comes this fabulous story about high society, mistaken identity, love, betrayal, friendship – and great clothes.

 

Title: The Cinderella Moment
Author: Jennifer Kloester
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 304 pages
Source: Purchased from Bookworld

Okay so its no secret that I love fairy tale retelling especially Cinderella retelling.

I was wonderstruck enchanted with the book! 

I picked this up as the book was recommended at PTA live and also cause the sequel is already out (The Rapunzel Dilemma) 

Reading this... lets just say its best to go into the book with knowing as little as possible and that the book is very different from the synopsis.

The book started slow for me but as it progresses it got better.  While I like the narration and the very addictive plot, I found some parts of the book too descriptive to my liking especially on the parts where Angle goes on and on about the fabric of the dresses. Maybe this is because I don't like sewing and was not a fan of sewing classes in high school is one of the reason but if even so I feel like the description was toned down slightly I will have enjoyed it more. Though don't get me wrong, its fun reading about Angle being mesmerize and enchanted with fashion! Its her passion and i love reading a character who is very passionate about something they love. 

The characters were very well written especially the 'evil step-mother' and 'evil step-daughter' characters as they made me LOVE to HATE them with pure passion! Probably one of the best written villains I've read! Like no joke i had temptation of throwing my book across the room when the evil duo were EVIL! But then I had to remind myself that its not worth throwing a book over frustrating villains as they are written out like that ;)

I like reading about Angle! She's very sweet and heart warming, at times i find her a bit too 'goody two shoes', enthusiast and passionate with fashion and a determine to make her dreams come true.  While I like Angle I love Lily and am looking forward to reading more about her in the sequel! Both girls are as different as day and night. Even though their differences they are as close as best friends could be and almost like sisters! If Angle is the 'goody two shoes', Lily is the rule breaker and risk taker. She's very caring and looks out for her best friend and is also really smart as she managed to get them out of some situation.. some not all... 

While I was not a fan on how Lily and Angle managed to swap places without anyone noticing, I still love reading about it! It reminds me of Parent Trap or Monte Carlo meets prince and the pauper and the princess diaries . I also love reading Angle and her relationship with Lily's Grandmere! She reminds me of a nicer version of Grandmere from the princess diaries!

In fact I had Julie Andrews in mind to play here if ever this book as made into a movie! Anyone?! just me?! okay... 

The side characters  Phillip (Lily's dad) and Simone (Angle's mum) were great to read but my fav is definitely Nick! I meant British boys, charming gentlemen manners, cute cheekiness, and did I mention he know how to tango?!?! I love reading his romance with Angle! My only complain about him is that there is not enough of him in the book!

While the main plot of the book is for Angle to achieve her dream of being a fashion designer , there were elements of friendship and expect alot of family drama at the end.

Overall check this book out for a refreshing modern twist on Cinderella, if you love reading books set in Paris, and if you enjoy watching project runway (or fashion).

What was the last enchanting book you've read?!