Faellynn's Quest Log 38.1

* * * For each Quest Log I will post this link to Faellynn's background so that in the off-chance of a new reader, or if you habitual readers forget, it's there for a guide in case of any questions or confusion.

Faellynn's Profile

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QUEST LOG 38.1

Goodness. I haven't had the time to record any events since I've arrived here at Hammerfall. I have been doing all I can to help the Trolls and Orcs here; They have been under attack by the Syndicate for quite some time. At first all I could do was slay nearby creatures to prove the strength Mayne and I possess. Once the Trolls believed we could be of use, I was given one quest after another with barely any rest. In fact, this is the first time in several days that Mayne and I have had enough time to rest and regain our energy like this. I haven't heard from Holku for weeks, but I trust he's doing well in Undercity.
          So much has happened during my short stay here at Hammerfall, but I suppose the only quests worth mentioning are the ones I've done most recently. A troll by the name of Zengu told me of an old adversary of his race, a Thoras Trollbane. Thoras is dead now, but when alive he wielded a sword which he named Trol'Kalar. I don't quite remember, but I believe Zengu said the name meant something along the lines of 'Troll Killer' or something like that. Anyway, the sword is kept with Thoras in his tomb, but Zengu would rather have the weapon so it may be used in the Troll's favor, rather than against them. What he needs me to do is gather up the four Sigils that are required to open the tomb. The Sigil of Stromgarde, the Sigil of Thoradin, the Sigil of Arathor, and the last: the Sigil of Trollbane.

          Mayne and I have managed to get the first three sigils from Stromgarde Syndicate and Ogres alike, but I fear we are not yet strong enough to aquire the fourth on our own. Prince Galen Trollbane, the son of Thoras, is the bearer of the last sigil and I hear his strength is formitable. He would be a difficult advisary even before his men were made aware of the missing Sigils they no longer carry; and I won't risk Mayne's life unless I am sure we could handle it. 

          Mayne has really grown in strength. She is truly a worthy companion. While acquiring the Sigil of Arathor from Lieutenant Valorcall, who leads the Syndicate Cavalry, we were outnumbered. After fighting off a few men I was out of mana, and with three men still standing, including Valorcall, I was beginning to worry. Mayne then distracted all three men with an ear-piercing screech, taking all the focus off of me and giving me time to drink a small potion to restore my mana.  Soon as I was able, I pulled two of the men off of her with my arrows. While I fought them, Mayne kept attacking Valorcall on her own. I tried to slay the men as fast as I could; I knew that as strong as Mayne was, Valorcall was much stronger.

          But she held her own. By the time my opponents were slain, so was Valorcall. I quickly looted the Sigil from him, a shining pink stone, then led Mayne to a safe area where she could rest. She was wounded, but not nearly as much as I worried she would be. I healed her wounds and fed her some moss, her favorite. It was not the first time Mayne has saved me, I am truly grateful to her. Her skills in combat continue to impress me.

--Faellynn

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Introducing... FAELLYNN !!!

Game: World of Warcraft

Realm: Bonechewer
Loyalty: Horde

Name: Faellynn

Race: Blood Elf

Sex: Female
Class: Hunter
Profession(s): Enchanting, Skinning

Pet(s): Misbat named Mayne ; Sharpjaw named Algar; Bangalash tiger named Rana

Companion(s): Baby Blizzard Bear named Noah

Mount(s): Red Hawkstrider named Ita

Guild: The OTHERS

Family: Brother: Holku ; Cousin: Gellandria
Extra(s): Romantic Interest: Whitekong

So this is my WoW world. ^_^ Isn't it great? Mayne is a kickass fighter, Algar is pretty good at defence but still needs to level up his fighting skills. And Ita? She gets me from A to B with style! ;D 

Faellynn will be sharing her adventures in her Quest Log SOON!! :) I hope to get it out sometime this weekend but I've got two huge finals this coming week so if it's not up this weekend, it'll definitely be up Friday the 12th! :) So stay tuned!!

School, WoW, and Writing

I'm supposed to be doing my History Writing assignment but I find myself procrastinating and distracting myself a LOT. ^^;; I'll get to it eventually. I've come to find that no one really reads this place other than maybe Jaunae and Dafne. Based on his reaction to Eagle Eye it seemed pretty clear that Yancy may have never read my review on here. Oh well. It was discouraging at first but I've decided that even if I am the only one reading this thing I'll still keep up with it. If anything it's a way to help me flex my creative writing muscles. I mean, sure, it would be great if I had a fraction of Yancy's traffic and feedback so that I could improve but that's alright. I'll just have to keep at it and self teach myself... or something.

Most of my procrastination was thanks to World of Warcraft. I've leveled up my Blood Elf, Faellynn, up to level 37-almost-38 with her pet Mayne following suit. And I'm happy to say that I think I'll be ready to write her first Quest Log in here very soon. ^_^ I've decided to title it Faellynn's Quest Log appropriately and then number it depending on her

 level. So the very first log I'll write will be numbered like this: Faellynn's Quest Log 37.1 where the first number is her level and the number after the decimal point will be the number of the entry. What I haven't decided on yet is that as she levels should I keep the second number increasing [[37.1, 37.2, 38.3]] or if I should start over [[37.1, 37.2, 38.1]]. So if anyone reads this just give me a heads up as to what will be less confusing and easier to follow. Keep in mind that I will always, of course, attach the appropriate labels to each post listing the game and character name.

I hope to get those WoW Logs up and running soon and on a semi-regular basis. Another thing I hope to be writing soon is the re-write for Mina; I'm starting to have doubts about whether she should discover her powers through a traumatic experience. Discovering powers will be hard enough but to have her deal with something that would scar anyone for life may be too much. Plus, since it might turn out to be my fist story, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. So her discovery-story may be changing. I haven't decided yet. I'm also in the works of creating a new character to that series. I'm most excited to find a discovery-story for her because, so far, her power is my favorite. ^___^ Her name shall be Seraiah. But sadly, I have to get back to my school work. Classes end early December, so I can't slack off now. 

Full Moon (O Sagashite) Vol. 1

Title: Full Moon (O Sagashite)

Story & Art by: Arina Tanemura

Company: Shojo Beat Manga

Rating: T for Teen [Due to Themes of Death]

Manga Synopsis: A bitter-sweet tale of puppy love, tragedy, and aspirations of pop star fame. A spark of hope ignites to a blaze in twelve-year-old Mitsuki Koyama when a comical pair of magical beings appear to prove to her that dreams really do come true. 

Volume One Plot: Young Mitsuki loves singing and dreams of becoming a pop star. Unfortunately, a malignant tumor in her throat prevents her from pursuing her passion. However, her life turns around when two surprisingly fun-loving harbingers of death appear to grant Mitsuki a temporary reprieve from her illness and give her singing career a magical push start.

Now I know the main plots sound a little stale, but I have read many other bad synopsis that turned out to be interesting mangas. So I figured I'd give Full Moon a fair chance; Death, tumors, magical beings? Sounds good to me.

Yea. Not so much.

The story tells of Mitsuki's dream of singing. Her tumor causes pain for her whenever she speaks--let alone sings--too loudly. She then meets two Shikigami (same idea as Grim Reapers only they are crossed with animals **like they get wings or cat ears etc** for some reason) who inform her that she only has a year to live. Upon hearing this, Mitsuki feels more determined than ever to accomplish her dream before her time is done. Her new "friends" enchant her to have the appearance--and health--of a sixteen-year-old so that she can go out into a singing competition to be the next up and coming pop star.

For a story that centers around the fact that the main character is going to DIE in a year.... it's pretty goofy O_o.
There's really no real drama or seriousness in the story. I'm all for humor but you have GOT to have a balance. ESPECIALLY if the main character is facing death. 

The characters are almost always laughing about something (again, odd due to the theme) and our so-called Harbingers of Death are not the least bit intimidating. I realize it's a manga, so the cross over of human with animal ears/tails is common, but Tanemura didn't give them any depth, any essense.

Ironic of me to say, I know.

The story had all the makings for some potential but Tanemura didn't take it seriously at all.

I'm pretty sure Full Moon Vol. 1 will be the first and last volume I'll pick up.

Full Moon (O Sagashite) 0 out of 5 stars.

Incantation

Title: Incantation

Author: Alice Hoffman

Genre: Teen/Historical Fiction

Synopsis: Estrella de Madrigal thought she knew herself: daughter, granddaughter, dearest friend. But truth is rare in this cruel and unforgiving century in Spain, when Jews who refused conversion to Christianity risked everything--love, life, family, faith.
Then: a startling discovery shakes Estrella's world to the core. Emerging from a cocoon of secrets, new love burns brightly, but betrayal unleashes a monstrous evil upon her. Estrella must find the strength--despite grave consequences--to become the person she is destined to be. Remember the story she is about to tell you.

This book was Fan-Tastic. It was really unique from anything else I've read. A pure example of the phrase "short but sweet".

The story is told from Estrella's point of view, a teenage girl in Old Spain facing a horror that isn't actually well-known. I think this is the first historical fiction I've ever read, and I have to tell you, I'm deeply considering picking up more by this author.

The author, Alice Hoffman, wrote exquisitely. She was descriptive, questioning, emotional, secretive, and honest. She brought all her characters, especially Estrella, to life. I never wanted to put the book down. 

Estrella

Poor Estrella. I fell in love with this character. I just think she was written beautifully... Her thoughts were always honest and graceful in a way. You really come to care for her and her family's safety as you read the story.

Catalina

Catalina is Estrella's best friend since childhood, but all that comes to change as Estrella sees more and more into Catalina's true nature.

I believe everyone knows someone like Catalina. A great friend at first but then her true values and questionable motivations are revealed. 

Her character is really impressive. A revived example that villains don't have to have powers to do great damage. 

Incantation was an extremely enjoyable read. Recommended (and rated) for anyone and everyone.

Incantation, 4 out of 5 stars.

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Next Reading Choice: This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn

Comings...

I finished up reading Incantation and will be reviewing it soon as I can. Not this weekend though because my man's birthday is tomorrow and I'm taking him somewhere awesome to celebrate ^_^ ((Yes I'M taking HIM, although it took FOREVER to convince him)). Then Sunday is our Ninth Month Anniversary ^_____________^ 

So, yes, busy weekend for me -^^-

Before I pick up my next novel choice, which I haven't picked yet, I'm catching up on my Chibi Vampire mangas. I had picked up Volumes 9 & 10 months ago and never got a chance to read them and by now have forgotten where I left off.

So I read Vol. 1 today and started Vol. 2.

I'll catch up soon enough, they're quick reads ^_^ I had a thought to review each volume on here but then realized that since I breeze through mangas so quickly I would have to post like every two hours or so.

However I picked up the first volume to a manga I never read before but sells well where I work, Full Moon.

Maybe I'll review that one.

Also, I'm starting to create a new character in the "Powers" Series. I still have to rewrite Mina but I can't help but think up of new ideas ^_^

I HOPE to be writing a Quest Log for my World of Warcraft character Faellynn soon.

It sucks.

My writer's block is finally ending and I have no time to enjoy it. ^^;;

Broken

Title: Broken

Author: Daniel Clay

Genre: Adult Fiction

Synopsis: Until that fateful afternoon, Skunk Cunningham had been a normal little girl, playing on the curb in front of her house. Rick Buckley had been a normal geeky teenager, hosing off his brand-new car. Bob Oswald had been a normal sociopathic single father of five slutty daughters, charging furiously down the sidewalk. Then Bob was beating Rick to a bloody pulp, right there in the Buckleys' driveway, and life on Drummond Square was never the same again.

This book was amazing. I loved it from the very beginning and to the very end. 

Daniel Clay grabs your attention from the very first page when he reveals that the main character, Skunk Cunningham, is in a coma! Clay pulls a Quentin Tarantino as he jumps back to the beginning and the reader is left to wonder, "How is the brutal beating of one teenage boy eventually leave an eleven-year-old girl in a coma?" 

It was such an amazing and unique style to read along and find how everything was connected, leading to Skunk's unfortunate state. It's a style I've only seen before in the TV show Seinfeld where several seemingly random events actually build off each other.

It made the reading highly enjoyable and exciting. So much so that it actually ties with Ghostgirl as my number one favorite... And it's his first novel!!

Skunk Cunningham

Strangely named after her mother's favorite English Rockband, Skunk Anansie, Skunk is the opening narrator by way of her thoughts. As we skip back to the beginning the point-of-view switches to the third person, with the exception of a few thoughts and elaborations by Skunk.

She may be fictional, but I love little Skunk Cunningham. She is so cute and innocent, with crushes, short-term thoughts, and a blunt view of the world. In just a matter of pages, you're hooked by the heartstrings.

Clay does a fantastic job sharing this little girl's mind with the world. There's no way the reader won't care about Skunk, which makes her condition hit you hard. 

Rick Buckley

Oh my God. Poor "Broken" Rick Buckley. His story has to be the saddest one I have read since Go Ask Alice. Clay takes you on a terrifying and heartbreaking journey through Rick's mind as he slowly loses his mind after Bob Oswald's brutal attack. 

It's really tricky to write a character that has gone through a trauma, especially if they develop a mental illness afterwards. Clay, despite this being his very first novel, does it flawlessly. He'll help you understand what Rick is thinking or imagining, while at the same time never explaining what is wrong with him. While a thought process may be revealed to the reader, we're still left at a loss trying to understand him.

Kind of like trying to understand the Joker. You may get the fact he thinks in chaos, and wants to "break" the Batman but you never fully understand him at all.

That is exactly what it's like reading about Rick Buckley.

This was such a fantastic novel, and to think it's a debut of Clay's work makes it all the better. Broken is my new favorite novel of all time, while Ghostgirl remains my favorite humorous/light-hearted novel.

I highly recomend everyone to pick the book up. It will blow you away. The only warning I can give as far as reading it is to take note of the genre: Adult Fiction. So be ready for heavy language (mostly from the Oswalds) and sexual content.

Pick this book up online at Barnes and Noble or (for all you Floridians) at your local Virgin Megastore!

I happily award Broken a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!!

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Next chosen read: INCANTATION by Alice Hoffman

Lakeview Terrace

Lakeview Terrace tells the story of an interracial couple who moves in next door to a police officer. It soon becomes clear that they are unwanted, and that Officer Abel Turner will do anything to drive them out.

When I saw the trailer it seemed that Lakeview Terrace had the potential to be an at least "OK" movie.

Just a few minutes into the film I was quickly made aware that I was wrong.

The writing and directing of this film were terrible.

None of the characters were believable, or well developed, and the dialogue was down-right painful at times. It felt as if the film was shot and produced out of the first-draft of the story. 

It wasn't perfected. It didn't even give the feeling that the writers cared for it or really tried.

The plot lacked so much depth and substance it actually hurt me to think about it; because this story did have potential. The writer's could have escalated things much smoother and much more violent. I never felt that this couple was really being terrorized from their home. 

They tried to use a forest fire as a symbol for how the conflict between the two neighbors went from contained, to out of control... But failed miserably. They didn't connect the two in a sufficient enough way to spark the audience's attention. All I could think of was: "Who cares about the fire?"

There were too many mediocre arguments, too many drawn out scenes that would have been most effective if short, and a too poor of an attempt to connect the audience with the story behind Turner's past.

The story itself may not have been enough for a full-length movie, but it could have had enough to be enjoyable: with the potential of earning at least three "stars" from its viewers.

But the production team seemed to give up and not put their best foot forward. They could have done so much more with the story than they did. It was very disappointing. 

What might be even worse than the writing, were the actors.

Samuel L. Jackson, who played Officer Abel Turner, did not impress me in the slightest. The dialogue didn't seem to fit him at all through the entire film. His character was much too flat for me to care about anything he did. 

You'd think the role of a terrorizing police officer would be fun to portray, but Jackson seemed to sluggishly move along in the role. If the actor can't show that he cares for the character, how can the audience feel anything differently?

I'm going to try to give Partick Wilson the benefit of the doubt, because he did fantastically in both Hard Candy and The Phantom of the Opera, so maybe his complete disaster-of-a-performance in Lakeview Terrace was the fault of a bad Director.

Wilson plays the role of Chris Mattson who moves into the house next door to Turner with his wife, Lisa (played by Kerry Washington). Wilson seemed to struggle with this role more than with his troublesome neighbor. Chris is supposed to be a white man who smokes and loves rap music.

I didn't believe him on either point. [[And since when is a mint and hand sanitizer enough to cover the smell of smoke?!]]

As the actions of his neighbor "escalated" he failed to show me that he was growing increasingly angry or frustrated. He reminded me more of a child pouting in his corner than a grown man fighting against a "terrifying" neighbor.

Kerry Washington, who is well known for her role in Fantastic Four as Alicia, did little to improve on the rest of the film.

She seemed much too casual throughout the entire film. It always seemed she was talking to a friend of hers, even when she was supposed to be angry. She just didn't convince me to be a woman tormented by her neighbor and her struggling marriage.

It was a shame because I expected more from her.

Overall this movie was not ready to be made. It desperately needed to go through two or more drafts before reaching a final script, let alone the big screen. I wasn't expecting this movie to be fantastic, but I didn't expect it to be such a disaster either.

((Barely)) 1 out of 5 stars.

EAGLE EYE

Last weekend I had the pleasure to catch Eagle Eye with a good friend of mine. The next day I was able to catch Lakeview Terrace which I will review after this. If things go well there will be THREE reviews today because I finished reading Broken Wednesday. ((Yes I could review them all in one long post but I'd like to keep them separate so I don't have like 20 Labels.))

EAGLE EYE

The film tells the story of Jerry Shaw (played by Shia Labeouf) who, after attending his brother's funeral, walks into his apartment to find boxes upon boxes of weapons and chemicals. His world is turned upside-down as he is hunted by the police, and receives a series of mysterious phonecalls that direct him to his next location or task. Along the way he meets Rachel Holloman (played by Michelle Monaghan), who has also received the mysterious calls. Who is this woman who calls and threatens them? How does she know so much about them? How does he see their every move? And how far will they have to go before she releases her hold on their life?

Any doubts I had with the story were gone the second the first call came in. The movie starts out a little slow, showing you what a regular-Joe Jerry Shaw really is. It's supposed to be boring because then, when the story takes off, you are as shocked, confused, and afraid as he is. 

You're kept at the edge of your seat as one thing after another continues to go wrong for Shaw, and you find that the truth behind the mysterious caller is more terrifying-- and possible --than you ever imagined.

Shia Labeouf gets a lot of bad publicity from movie-goers and the like. These are the people who can't get past his role in the Disney Channel Original Series Even Stevens where Labeouf plays a wacky, not-too-bright younger sibling who is always causing mayhem.

What they fail to see is how much he has grown as an actor. To me, he doesn't even look like the old Disney character anymore; He's completely different.

One strengh I see in him that I never saw in the television series, is his ability to perform emotional scenes. In Disturbia, he showed the world with one look how devastating the blow of losing a father is. In Transformers, when Megatron has him trapped on a rooftop, he shows us how someone could be completely terrified, yet determined all at the same time. In Constantine, when his character is beaten to death, he shows the innocence of a teen who just wanted to aid in something greater than himself. 

And then, in Eagle Eye, he expresses his sorrow over losing his brother, and his guilt in not being there more all in one look over the casket.

So no one can say he can't act.

His performance in Eagle Eye was just as impressive as his performance in Disturbia. What starts as fear and awkwardness turns into strengh and determination as he fights for his, and Rachel's, lives.

Michelle Monaghan seems to be a new up-and-coming actress. I never really heard of her until this year with her leading role in Made of Honor-- which I have not seen. However, I will definitely be looking her up from now on based on her performance in this film. Monaghan plays the role of Rachel Holloman, a mother whose son's life is threatened unless she, along with Labeouf, obeys the commands of this mysterious caller. 

Monaghan effortlessly convinced me she was a mother worried sick for the safety of her child. It was in her eyes, her face, her very stance. She isn't an amazing person, she's just a single mother working to make ends meet. But when her own is threatened she will do anything, even if she's almost paralyzed with fear while doing it.

At one point in the film she really steps it up and holds two men at gun point. Rachel doesn't care what happens to her anymore. She just wants to get things done and keep her son safe.

This film had a fantastic cast, with the one exception of Billy Bob Thornton.

Thornton played the role of Agent Thomas Morgan. He wasn't terrible, but he never convinced me he was an agent. His performance seemed to lack confidence and control. Even an agent who has made mistakes in the past always come through in the end with flying colors. But Thornton didn't. 

As the story neared the end I saw no growth with his character. Sure, I saw what was supposed to be there: knowledge, trust, determination-- But Thornton failed to perform them convincingly. He never seemed like an officer to me. Just a man staying close by putting his two-cents in on how to figure things out.

Fortunately, his performance did nothing to hinder the film overall. I was completely overwhelmed with stress and anxiety as I followed Jerry and Rachel's story all over the country.

It's definitely a movie you don't want to miss.

4.8 out of 5 stars.

= What's to Come =

Just to run a few Post-It Notes by you:

Upcoming Movie Reviews:

Eagle Eye

Lakeview Terrace

Currently Reading:

I'm almost done with "BROKEN"

NEXT Reading Choice (So Far):

"INCANTATION" by Alice Hoffman

'POWERS' Series - Mina:

Will re-write soon and re-post.

Hopefully will be much better w/ mistakes fixed

Comments:

THANKS TO THOSE WHO COMMENTED ON "MINA"!!!

I love learning from the feedback

NOW:

Cram for my Astronomy Exam

WISH ME LUCK!!

'Powers' Series - Mina

Mina gathered her things and made her way out of her History class. As she reached the door her books slipped through her hands, sending various sheets of paper to flutter around her. Sighing, she tucked the strands of her thick brown hair behind her ear and knelt to gather the mess. 

The other students walked by her-- none offering to help her, none even acknowledging her. Mina brushed it off and continued to place the papers back in their respective notebooks and folders; she hadn't expected anything different. She had only been at this school for a month, and so hadn't gathered the nerve to speak to anyone yet let alone make friends. 

Her father had passed away two months before, she and her mother still haven't recovered from it. Unable to afford the house without him, Mina's aunt, Karen, invited them both to live with her. Karen owned her own bookstore and had plenty of room for them in her apartment upstairs. Mina's mother gratefully accepted. 

While her mother was able to land a job as a waitress at a local Cafe, Mina was unfortunate in her attempts to find a job. Karen then offered her a position in her bookstore, where she could work everyday after school if she liked. Relieved that she can now help her mother with the finances, Mina accepted.

As Mina walked out of the classroom building she glanced at her watch. She had missed the bus but if she took the shortcut home she could still make it in time for work. Walking along the sidewalk leading off campus, Mina found herself behind two girls she recognized as cheerleaders. She slowed her pace, not daring to get too close and risk being spotted. The girls carried on, the Sun's rays shinning in the gold of their hair, their pom-poms bouncing lightly on their waists, with their voices dancing around each sentence.

They seemed to be talking excitedly about something, but she was too far behind them to understand it all. From what she could make out, something had happened during last night's Ballet Recital. 

Before she could hear more, Mina spotted the dirt road that cut through the woods: her fastest way home. Suddenly remembering where she was supposed to be, she drew away from the girls and quickly made her way down the path. 

Her mother never liked it when Mina took this path-- partly because she feared over the possibility of snakes lurking in the bushes --but mainly because once Mina was inside the woods, no one would be able to see her, nor barely hear her. 

But Mina was used to neither being seen or heard.

She walked quickly, but carefully. She had seen rabbits make their homes nearby and didn't wish to frighten them. She heard a rustle, and her gaze landed on a squirrel darting across the path. Mina smiled for the first time that day as a memory of her father reached her. They had always taken a weekly walk through the woods, just the two of them. Her father had always loved to study the animals with her. 

She looked to her wrist on her right hand, and admired her mood bracelet. It was the last gift he ever gave her.

Mina heard another rustle, one too heavy to be the weight of a squirrel or rabbit. She tensed and studied her surroundings. When nothing moved she started on the path again. It wouldn't be long until she reached the end.

She heard the rustle again, louder this time, but before Mina could turn a hand was pressed firmly against her mouth and waist, her books falling around her as she reached up and attempted to free herself from the hold.

She was spun and pinned against a tree. It was a man who was attacking her-- Mina's blood ran cold as she realized what was happening. The man leaned in and began kissing her neck, his body holding her firm against the tree. Tears filled her eyes as she tried desperately to get the man off of her. She could see her bracelet turning an ugly black as he struggled to keep her still. Then, deciding on a better tactic, he pushed her to the ground and pinned her, one hand holding both of hers above her head, the other trying to rip through her jeans. She was crying heavily now, her body struggling under his weight.

"Please don't! No! Please! Let me go!" 

He landed a punch on her right cheek, knocking the fight out of her. Pain seared across Mina's face, causing her to cry harder. 

"Please.... please..." 

He was pulling her jeans down, trying to reposition himself without taking his weight off of her. 

"No..."

His face was wild and ugly, his eyes dark with hunger. Mina's heart raced as she felt her jeans pass her ankles. She sobbed harder as he went over her body... kissing... biting. 

"P-Please...."

She was struggling, but the weight of his body was too much.

"No..."

She felt the world grow dark around her. She looked passed the trees to the sky and realized it had gone black, the Sun completely covered.

"No."

It was starting to thunder.

"No!"

He was reaching for her underwear.

"NO!"

Her eyes snap shut as a blinding light passed her, forcing the man off of her. He flew through the air and landed several yards away. Smoke emitted from his body.

He lay still.

Breathing heavily, Mina lay there a few seconds before slowly sitting up. What had happened? Her legs weak, she crawled toward her jeans and gripped them firmly. Her hands were shaking. Using a tree as a base, she slowly stood, leaning heavily against it. Standing, she had a better view of the man.

His skin was turned white, incredibly so, and emitted smoke as if it were burned.

Mina slowly pulled her jeans back on, the button had been popped off so she had to hold it up herself. 

Keeping a hand on her jeans, she used her other hand to lean against the trees as she slowly walked closer. Why hadn't he moved? Why was there smoke?

It wasn't until she was about twenty feet away that she understood.

Lightning. The man was struck dead by lightning.

But wait... He had been on top of her. Wouldn't she have been struck too? Mina lifted her gaze back to the sky. The thunder had subsided but it was still dark. She closed her eyes and forced herself to think back to what happened:

He was on top of her, pinning her... She cried, pleaded... He ripped off her jeans, and the sky went black--

Wait. Black? Her eyes opened wide and studied the sky again. When she left campus it was sunny, so sunny in fact that the hair on those cheerleaders heads shined. How had the weather changed so suddenly?

She looked down at her bracelet, it was slowly returning to the shade of blue it had been before the attack. It had been black during the struggle.

Then she remembered. 

When the man attacked her, Mina grew increasingly stressed, angry, and terrified. Her bracelet changed colors to reflect that. 

Had the weather...? 

Mina looked upwards and saw that just as her bracelet changed back, the clouds dispersed and the Sun shined brightly again.

It couldn't be... Could it?

When she screamed she remembered feeling something rush past her. She remembered moving the object away from her and toward the attacker.

Was the thing she moved the... the lightning?

Quickly gathering her things, Mina ran out of the woods in the direction of home.

What was she?

A Quick Note

Since I'll be posting my new installment of That-Story-I'm-Working-On-Where-The-Teens-Discover-They-Have-Powers soon, I figured I would not put "untitled" as the title since I tend to write story excerpts and title them the same, this one for example: (untitled)

So instead, since I still don't have a REAL title created for this story, I will label the posts as:

'Powers' Series - ((character name))

I will also add a "powers" label at the bottom accompanying "story excerpts".

That way when you see a story excerpt titled "untitled" you'll know it is stand-alone.

So the past entry I made is now titled: 'Powers' Series - Genn; and soon I will create: 'Powers' Series - Mina.

So keep your eye out for that!!

That is all. :) 

HEROES: Villains - Episode 1 & 2

Monday night was the world premiere of HEROES: Villains. I've been looking forward to the first episdoes since I knew the writers would be back full-force. Last season had GREATLY suffered thanks to the Strike ((I am in no way blaming the Guild)) and the Companies' stubborness. But I digress.

After the first episode alone, fans around the world were cheering for the confirmation that the show we all fell in love with is back.

HEROES IS BACK!!

!!! NOTE: Remember that all my reviews (unless otherwise notified) are SPOILER-FREE and so if you haven't been able to see the episodes yet, read on without fear.

HEROES

Season Three: Villains

Episodes: One - "The Second Coming"; and Two - "The Butterfly Effect"

Just a few minutes into the first episode I felt the same... essensce? spirit? on the show that I felt during the first season. It was that feeling that drew me to the show in the first place, so I welcomed the return of it happily.

The episode picks up right where it left off in the last season. And I mean that literally. Peter is running after the man he believes shot his brother, Nathan, as seen in the last episode of Season Two.

Milo Ventimiglia, known as Peter Patrelli in the show, is truly impressing the more I see him. The first episode blew me away right off the bat. The expressions on his face at various moments always show such intense emotion. He, like Ali Larter ((who played Niki/Jessica last season)), can change his whole appearance by simply changing his eyes or stance. He was my favorite character to watch in these episodes. He stole every scene.

Ali Larter, known as Niki/Jessica Sanders in Season Two, is definitely another favorite. I never truly appreciated her talent until this show. It's incredibly hard to pull off a split personality, and Larter did it with ease. She would sometimes not even change her facial expression, yet you knew when it was Niki and when it was Jessica standing before you.

That is one talented actress.

I was happy to see her return to the show despite her character, Niki's, death last Season. This review is spoiler-free so I will not explain how she is back, just be happy she is.

Especially since now her character is a dominant, strong woman who is clearly in control. 

Like Milo, her character was one of my favorites to watch. 

Another actress I never fully appreciated until this show, is Hayden Panettiere; also known as Claire Bennet. Like Milo, Hayden impresses me the more I see her. Whatever emotion is required of her, she can deliver. From being the most confident, to being a broken spirit. She can do it all.

And I love every scene of it.

Masi Oka, our time-traveling friend Hiro, is as quirky and comical as ever. He is just such a fun character, always good for a laugh. Can't wait to see more of him.

Cristine Rose, the Patrelli mother, is as suspicious as ever. Some of her true nature is finally revealed and it is shoking. This is a woman who you do NOT want to mess with. She may not be able to physically fight you, but she has her ways to bring you down to size. A truly evil mother, even by teen angst standards.

Ah, but who could forget the real villain? Zachary Quinto, our very own Sylar, is back. As seen in the last episode in Season Two, he is cured of the virus that inhibited his powers; and so has retaken the mission to find Claire and take her power of healing.

Quinto is at his best in this show. Whenever he's stalking a victim he is always the creepiest thing you've ever seen. The man's a monster, one that loves to terrorize...

One that we all live to watch.

If you haven't been watching the show, now is the time to jump in. It's a thrilling ride that will blow you away again and again.

Go Ask Alice

Title: Go Ask Alice

Author: Anonymous

Genre: Teen Fiction

Synopsis: A fifteen-year-old drug user chronicles her daily struggle to escape the pull of the drug world.

Wow. I repeat, Wow.

This book was.... incredible. Anonymous does an amazing job pulling me into Alice's world. Each diary entry shows so much about what happens to drug users that it was actually quite frightening at times. There was no censorship to what this girl went through.

So many times I would find myself jaw-dropped.

Alice.

Alice is someone everyone could relate to, and I was no exception. I found my own emotions being pulled alongside hers. She tries to be strong, tries to make her own way and find a way to define herself.... but so many things go wrong. Alice is dragged through Hell and back in her attempts to overcome her addictions.

It's easy to admire her drive to be better and mourn her mistakes.

She could be some of my own friends; and just as easily be thousands of others.

This story is as gripping as Anne Frank's diary. One that I will never forget.

4.5 stars.

A/N = My next choice of book to read is titled Broken by Daniel Clay. Like the writer of Speak Softly She Can Hear, Broken is Clay's first novel.

Charlie Bartlett

A couple of nights ago my brother rented a movie for the whole family to watch. It's been a while since we've done that; the renting and the family thing.

Anyway, the film was Charlie Bartlett, and let me tell you-- this will be a tricky one to review.

The film revolves around a teenage boy, Charlie, going to a new school-- a PUBLIC school --after being kicked out of yet another private school. He doesn't get along so great on the first day, as the swirly gift clearly shows, but eventually changes his luck when he begins to give psychiatric help to the students. He would listen to their problems or "symptoms" and then reenact them to his family's psychiatrist who then assigns some prescriptions... which Charlie then sells to the students!!

After watching the film, I knew right off the bat not everyone would enjoy it. It seems to be targeted to viewers with a specific taste. I myself enjoyed it, but wouldn't call it fantastic. Only way I can maybe give you all a hint as to whether you'll like it or not is this: If you liked or loved JUNO, then you'll at least enjoy this movie. I LOVED Juno, it's one of my favorites now, and enjoyed Charlie Bartlett, but didn't go crazy for it.

That's all I got.

Charlie was played by Anton Yelchin. He's done movies and shows before, but the only recognizable title I found was the movie Along Came A Spider, although I can't remember his face in it. I'll have to re-watch that at some point.

But, boy, Yelchin must have had a BLAST doing this role. The character is so bizarre and unlike any character I've seen before. It made for a really enjoyable watch, and provided lots of laughs.

Awesome job, Yelchin, hope you do another fun character soon.

Charlie's love interest and close friend is Susan Gardner played by Kat Dennings. She also stars in the new film Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. The two most well-known films she's done work in the past are The 40 Year Old Virgin and, for all you Hilary Duff fans ((which to be honest I am NOT)), Raise Your Voice.

Dennings' character was really sweet. Susan is just a normal teenager who's struggling to handle losing her mother at the same time as her father loses himself. She quickly befriends Charlie and grows a liking to him as well. They attempt to help each other in their struggles to move along.

My favorite character, however, is definitely Principal Nathan Gardner played by our very own Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.

Principal Gardner was my favorite character to watch because he was the one going through the most, in my opinion. He hates his job, lost his wife, is losing the respect of his only daughter, has none of the respect of his student body, and now has to deal with the "new kid" who the whole school listens to after just a few days.

Downey gives an incredible performance as his character's whole life falls apart around him. It was really something else to watch Downey, who I've always seen playing characters in full control of their life, portray someone who is the complete opposite. 

If he was missing from the film I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Really incredible.

So if you liked JUNO then I recommend you pick this film up as well. Maybe you'll absolutely love it, maybe not. But I know it's worth at least 3.9 stars out of five.

Speak Softly, She Can Hear

Title: Speak Softly, She Can Hear

Author: Pam Lewis

Genre: Thriller

Synopsis:

New York City, 1965: Two Manhattan prep school students, Carole and Naomi, make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation. Eddie, a slick Upper East Side dropout, is handsome, fatally charming, and more than willing to help the girls accomplish their goal. But on one bitterly cold holiday weekend in an isolated cabin deep in the Vermont woods, a horrifying twist develops in the plan. Before the night is over, a stomach-turning secret is sealed between friends, setting in motion a series of events that will have dire and far-reaching consequences.

Sweeping across decades, moving from New York to Vermont to California and back again, Lewis tells an utterly gripping, psychologically nuanced tale of friendship between two very different women, of the life-changing burden of a secret, the lies we tell others to save ourselves, and the lies we tell ourselves when the truth is too painful to accept.

When I first started reading this book I wasn't too interested. The writing had kept throwing me off with that I thought would be simple mistakes to catch. The main thing that bothered me was the way Lewis failed to show when time had passed. 

I would be reading about Carole panicking in one paragraph and in the next she's having an argument with her mother. Confusion sets in, "Wait! Since when was her mother in the room?!" only to find out at the END of that paragraph or in the middle of the NEXT paragraph that three months had passed and she was back home.

There should really be an extra space in-between the paragraphs to show that there is a time and/or scene change. ((Like I put an extra space before starting my review so that the reader would know that the summery about the book was over)).

I quickly found out that the reason for these mistakes were due to the fact that Speak Softly is Pam Lewis' first novel. Before this book she has done a few short stories that were published in newspapers, but no paperback books. 

Now knowing that this was her first go, I cut her some slack because, obviously, no one is perfect when first starting out.

That aside, the book was really well-written. I was quickly sucked into Carole's mindset and understood her grief-- although sometimes I had to yell at her for making stupid decisions ((which is always a good sign if an author can make you interact with the characters)). 

Lewis would sometimes write things out of order; first showing Carole and Naomi carrying out their plans, then later showing how they met. It made for some confusing reading at times, due to how she didn't always show time passing, but as the book went along she got better at showing just what happened when and the confusion was gone.

The effect of the out-of-order-writing made for a very interesting read. Just when you question why Carole would do such a thing, Lewis shows you a flashback that explains the whole reasoning behind it.

Made it very entertaining.

The dialogue felt real for their respective characters and the time periods, so there was nothing to throw me off there. In fact, the dialogue is what saved a lot of 'scenes' where I was originally confused-- engrossing me so far into what was happening I didn't care that she forgot to tell us time had passed.

The climax and resolution to the story were fan-tastically done. I was actually blown away. All of a sudden this really powerful writer appeared, as if she had written the begining of the story timidly, doubtful, only to have it replaced with pure confidence at the end.

I was so excited during the later half of the book that I couldn't put it down. Particularly during the last 4 or so chapters.

She actually had my heart pounding for Carole, panicking or angering along side her.

If only she had written like that from the begining then this book would get five stars!

As it stands now, I can only offer 3.8 stars. Yes, that is a very specific number but what can I say? I know what I like.

Carole.

Carole was a very complex character. She's goes through so much yet has the strengh to move on. Yes, her "moving on" was actually her running away to another state, but I still see courage in her. Courage to go someplace new, reinvent herself, and support herself during the hard times.

I admire how she carried herself. How she always managed to find a way to support herself.

Naomi.

Naomi had my heart. I was angry at her throughout the whole book because of her actions, but she never lost my sympathy. Her childhood had to be one of the worst in psychological abuse. There was no way she was going to "come out right" with the parents she had. 

But that's why I loved her.

Because she was completely screwed up, always making mistakes, always drinking, and always making things worse and worse for Carole.

But she was human.

More human than a lot of characters I've read in past books.

And Lewis wrote her perfectly.

Eddie.

Talk about one scary-as-all-hell dude! This novel shows clearly how girls could be sucked in with a pretty face and then terrorized for the remainder of their relationships-- and sometimes longer.

Many always wonder why guys like him always get girls, and Lewis shares the secret. No one had a chance against Eddie in Speaking Softly. You did what Eddie said, and you did it pronto, or else.

I truly hated his character, but had I known someone like this in real life I know I'd be scared out of my mind.

As I said, Speak Softly is Pam Lewis' first novel, however her second novel is already out in hardcover. It's titled Perfect Family, and the plot also sorrounds the power of secrets can wield, although it's a different circumstance. I haven't decided whether I'm going to read it yet or not, If I ever do I'll review it here I assure you.

What I HAVE decided to read next-- as you can see with the new side module "Currently Reading" --is a book titled Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. 

Catch you next review!!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Yes, I was sucked in. When I first heard of this show I wasn't interested at all. When my brother bought the first season and started watching it with me and the family, sure I enjoyed it, but still didn't really feel like following the show.

And then there was the Season Two Premiere.

Oh. My. God.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Season Two

Episode One

"Samson and Delilah"

The opening alone was so... beautiful. It was done in slow motion with a song about Samson and Delilah ((which I have to find now and buy or download because it was fantastic!!)) playing, being the only thing heard other than an occasional crash.

It starts out with Cameron, played by Summer Glau, climbing out of the exploded car and making her way to the house, limping. Now I know Terminators have no expressions... but she still looked amazing. A type of strengh I can't even begin to describe, and she doesn't let up throughout the whole episode.

This is one talented-as-all-hell actresses. And she's quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Oh, and Thomas Dekker? The guy who plays John Connor? WOW. The man is really impressing me with his acting. There is a shot in the opening scene when his mother, Sarah, is being choked by someone and the camera cuts over to him and the look.... the look on his face.... it's such rage. Pure rage. NOTHING like the John Connor in the first season. The man looked like he was ready to kill.

And it's not the only scene where his character is like that, it carries out through the show.

John is not a kid anymore. 

He's done running.

He's done hiding.

He's going to fight back.

Lena Headey, who plays the show's name sake Sarah Connor-- and also played "Queen Gorgo"  in 300 --has never had a problem convincing me she's a mother. 

She's a B.A. fighter, a protector, but she's also a mother who worries for her son-- not only for his physical state but for his mental state as well. 

There is a scene in the episode where she is talking to John through a door, explaining that she loves him no matter what and that she is still proud of him.

She pauses and says: "I know you need more from me today, but... it's going to have to be enough."

Her eyes tear and her voice goes unsteady as she says this. She tries to be there for her son, tries to do all she can...

But she can't do everything.

She can't give him everything.

And it hurts her.

And it shows.

I'm really looking forward to watching this show now. The cast is fantastic, not of them lacking in anyway, and the story has gotten me hooked.

When my brother first saw the episode ((he saw it before me)) he called me up when it was over, out-of-his-mind excited about the whole thing. My boyfriend text me the exact same emotions when he first saw it as well.

I didn't think it would be as big a deal as they said.

I was wrong.

It really is an increasingly fantastic show and I am definitely going to follow it.

Skipping to the New

Alright so many-- well not many... actually how many people actually READ this thing? --are probably wondering why there hasn't been an update in oh so long.

Well I really don't have any good excuses for it. Sure there was lack of time, but not always. Sure there were other things going on making things hectic, but not always. Sure there was work, but not always too much.

So really, I've got nothing to give. OH WELL!

I have seen movies lately, it is true I haven't gone under a rock or anything, but unfortunately they're too far back for me to give detailed reviews. 

Tropic Thunder was funny, not AS funny as I was expecting, but still good.

Pineapple Express was actually pretty hilarious and I had been expecting it to tank.

Hancock was alright. B- of a movie.

Indiana Jones was fantastic.

WALL-E was the BEST Disney movie I've seen so far. So cute, so funny, so deep.

THE DARK KNIGHT yea, you didn't think I'd forget did you? FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC of a film. I love it. Go see it. Now.

I've also read a few books I'd like to highlight:

Perfect Match turned out to be really good actually. Had a twist I never saw coming which made everything much more intense and nerve-wracking.

ghostgirl is a book by Tonya Hurley and it is FAN-TAS-TIC. It is actually my new favorite book altogether, beating Speak and One of those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies to tie for second.

It's about a girl named Charlotte who dies on her first day back at school. She stays optimistic, however, when she finds that her soul can't pass on until she solves any unfinished business on Earth. She believes her mission is simple: BECOME POPULAR.

It sounds corny, I know, but trust me this authoress has the BEST sense of humor in writing. The characters are all portrayed very realistically and you can't help but root for some, boo others, and just get so darn frustrated with Charlotte who just can't get a hint.

^_^

I love it. Definitely something I'm going to be reading again and again.

inexcusable is an alright book. Not bad, but not great. It's a great story, really well organized and realistic.... but I was terribly aware that these were FICTIONAL characters and that none of these events were REALLY happening.

I never got sucked into their world.

I don't remember the guy's first name, but the author's last name is Lynch. 

Read if you like, like I said it's not bad.... Just not for my taste.

In up-and-coming news, I'm going to try my best to bring this place back. Also, I'm going to start writing "Journal" entries for my World of Warcraft character: Faellynn. I'm thinking of posting them up here for now. My brother, the A-Train ((the link to his pullbox is under "My World" on the side panel-->)), is thinking of starting up a type of forum community for Geeky Discussions and he believes a "WoW Journal" would be fun to include if he ever decides to make the place.

So, if he does, then I will move the entries over there. Until then, you'll find them here. I'll even put the label under it as "WoW" or "World of Warcraft". Don't look for it yet! I haven't written any ;P

But, yes, COMING SOON!!!

Another thing that I hope to be coming soon is more Story Excerpts like the one I wrote about Genn. They'll be featuring the OTHER characters I've created that have also found themselves with a strange ability for no apparent reason.

Man. Can't wait to get a story plot straight for these characters... I'm itching to write their book down.

So be ready to read about Genn's soon-to-be friends and their abilities SOON.

Until then, TTFN-- Tat Ta For Now!!