Review: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones
George RR Martin
Fantasy 

In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

I finally finished this! This massive and sometimes wonderful book has been with me for half a year and traveled three continents with me. Yes, I watch the show. But I'm only on the fourth season so don't tell me anything beyond what's been spoiled already.

So what did I think? My first observation was that the TV show is SUPER FAITHFUL to the book. Like every line, every detail. Season one ends exactly where book one ends. It was very gratifying but also surprisingly hard for me for this reason- I watched the series first. The crazy plot twists are GoT's strong suit, so if you know them in advance it can be a little disappointing. I actually stopped reading for a time at a point where I knew everything is downhill from here.

But that said, when I got back into it I loved it! I'm not sure why, probably because of superb writing and fantastic characters.

The characters are a definite pro of reading the novel. More depth, thoughts and feelings. Also, the simple thing of REMEMBERING who everyone is easier when it's written down, at least for me.

What more can I say? You already know how famous and popular this series is. If you don't watch but are a reader, I can confirm that the world of GoT is well-built, complex, and quite simply brilliant. Love!

Top Ten Book Convention Musts

Hello, Ladies and Gents!

On Oct. 27th-29th, Love N. Vegas will be making its annual appearance! This is one of the most prominent book signing conventions, bringing the most influential authors together in one location. In honor of this event, I thought I'd write up what I'd hope to see at a book convention, while I stare jealously at those of you who get to go! If you haven't already, you can get tix over here, and find some awesome travel discounts here!

Believe it or not, I have never been to a real-live book convention. I know, right? I live in a small country and while people read, it's just not a thing.

But hey, we all want to make a difference in this world, right?

So behold, all the things I would have at my future first-ever Israeli book convention:

1. Coffee stations. Numerous ones. And little cafes. Because what is any event without refreshment?

2. Round tables - this I think would be the main event. From what I've been told, the best thing about book conventions for most people is meeting fellow readers and fangirling discussing their favorite books and getting excited together. So how great would this be if you could do it sitting down at small, intimate round tables (about 4 people per table) with drinks and thought-provoking questions? Afterwards all the groups would join together and a representative of every group would present to the wider attendance their conclusions or questions and opinions. I think this setting would also be more comfortable for those of us who may get overwhelmed by big events or have social anxiety and have difficulty striking conversations sometimes.

I personally would love this. It would be a wonderful way to make new friends, express your thoughts and hear other's opinions as well.

3. Improv sessions and stand-up comedy - okay, this one is a little far-fetched. But hear me out.
The way I imagine this is like live fanfiction. Readers acting out their favorite scenes, embellishing them, and playing drama class games like picking a pair of characters out of a hat and then a situation out of another (i.e. characters - Percy Weasley. Situation: at a strip club against his will. Or: Jace and Clary. Couples Counseling). HOW HILARIOUS WOULD THIS BE? This event could develop into so many different directions. A way to showcase talent, run wild with our imaginations and get stomach aches from laughing. Guaranteed to make you walk away from the convention smiling and reenacting with your friends when you get home.

4. Lectures and personal stories - something for the nonfiction lovers out there. I'd invite prominent memoir writers to tell us their stories, and historical/historical fiction writers to present their research and share their learning with us. Likewise scientific or other documentary writers and researchers. This could also help them promote their books to wider audiences, with slides and pictures.

5. Cosplaying fashion show. With a runway.  And a competition with prizes.

6. Classes and workshops - themed cooking workshops, dance classes, fencing. Fight with a Sword like Percy Jackson. Alice's Eat Me Cakes. And of course, creative writing.
(in the picture - gladiator fight at the Icon Geek Festival in Israel)

7. Panels and interviews. It's not a convention without it :)

8. Social media picture stations - huge wall posters, stages to jump from, lifesize cardboard cutouts and wax statues, things to stick your head through, a red carpet backdrop, you name it. And a REALLY AWESOME SNAPCHAT GEOTAG PLEASE.

9. Book sales and giveaways, preferably outside the venue itself in a way that it can attract people who are not necessarily convention-goers and may have just been walking by.  The sales should be advertised so that the public will know and come.

10. A social project - I would love for there to be a way for people to donate tickets (fully or partially) for book lovers who would not otherwise be able to come. There would be an application process for the free tickets and those who donated would be eligible for perks. Likewise, there would be scholarships available for international readers to fly in for the event, therefore giving people who may not usually get to these events a chance to come, and the opportunity to diversify the convention!

And to finish up (bonus no' #11? ) mainstream media presence! What better way to promote reading in the greater population than reporting about it and photos reaching newspapers and new sites (as opposed to blogs and fan media)?

Here's to hoping that one day I make my dreams come true. In the meantime, what are IRL book conventions like? Which ones have you been in? How do you prepare. Let me know in the comments. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hosting a book convention? Let everyone know using Paperless Post!  Just kidding, you can use them for a regular event too :P Check it out!

Esty

Review: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy pt. 2

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman
collection of Shadowhunter stories!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

PALE KINGS AND PRINCES

Helen Blackthorn comes to SA and tells her story - as she knows it. We later are treated to the real version courtesy of Lady Narissa's POV. Gives you a lot of perspective on TDA, not overly emotional or anything to me. More interesting is the Sizzy going on- failed dates and Simon stupidity, but a really good conversation about the Cold Peace. I found that the Shadowhunter situation with the faeries has a lot of parallels in real-life politics, and both Simon and Izzy made good, thought-provoking points. Feelings of frustration about it that I was really able to relate to. I even wondered if Cassandra Clare was maybe alluding to my country. 

Also, Sizzy finally becomes a thing again. YESSSS

BITTER OF TONGUE

While this was a good story, it also made like no sense. George leads a mission of SA students to do... what? It was never clear. When they get there... what happens? Also didn't understand. All I know is that Simon gets imprisoned by himself by a faerie and has a lot of funny "WHY is it always ME" memories. And then Mark Blackthorn shows up and gives me all the feels. I admire that character so much. Also, Simon has nice, simple line. 

There's more to both sides than the worst. 

The conversation between the two was a good and important one, if a little all over the place when it comes to topics- something I find is regular occurrence in Cassandra Clare writing. 

This whole story and the mission failure is a HUGE foreshadow to the end of the book. DID ANYONE ELSE MISS THIS COMPLETELY? If you stop between story to story and contemplate, you probably won't though. 

And then- the wedding. Simon becomes very perceptive for purposes of us getting a glimpse of the Blackthorn children and their dynamics. He also continues the process started in the previous story of beginning to fit in with himself and his friends, which is nice to watch and also kind of a learning thing for all of us trying to find ourselves. 

THE FIERY TRIAL

Talk of Parabatai. Funnily enough, only in this story did I realize how unrealistic the whole thing is. It is LITERALLY like finding someone to IRREVERSIBLY MARRY BEFORE THE AGE OF 18. I'm not a commitment-phobe, but that seems like too much for kids. Yeah yeah, I know they live short lives, but still. 

Also, cameos. 

BORN TO ENDLESS NIGHT

THIS ONE. 

Magnus Bane is the other thing besides 19th century London that I read Shadowhunter books for. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY WAS SO GOOD. Everything. Alec's confidence, Magnus's sexiness, everyone's reactions to Magnus's sexiness, BOTH MAGNUS AND ALEC TOTALLY GETTING WHAT HAD BEEN COMING TO THEM FOR YEARS NOW IN TERMS OF WALKING IN ON PEOPLE, A BABY, everyone's reactions to the baby, everyone getting all baby-lovesick. The feels. Magnus and his history. Millions of baby jokes. FAMILY BUILDING. LOVE AND HAPPINESS AND EVERYONE'S RIDICULOUS PERSONALITIES ON DISPLAY. Tears and laughs. By far my favorite story. 

And then, even more miraculously, it gets better. We find out about all the work Alec, Lily Chen,  Maia and Magnus have been doing for all the Downworlders (and Shadowhunters) of New York, a little, properly-balanced Council they have going on. Unofficial Accords based on mutual understanding and a will to help each other. All the hope. 

Oh, and Simon and Alec reconciliation. Jace and Clary future baby talk. Sizzy. Robert Lightwood displays massive change and process. Magnus begins to forgive the former Circle members, and bonds with his parents-in-law. Name significance. And other things I can't spoil for you. 

ANGELS TWICE DESCENDING

George's wistfulness reminds me of myself when graduation from boarding school. And Cassandra Clare. Once again. breaks your heart. just. because she can. 

Review: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy pt. 1

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman
collection of Shadowhunter stories!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fireleft him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.
So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.
But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.
Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

If you can, read this in the order in which it was meant to be- right after TMI and before TDA. AND PREPARE TO DEAL WITH FEELINGS.

WELCOME TO SHADOWHUNTER ACADEMY:
It had never occurred to me how weird Simon would feel now. I remember my utter heartbreak when Simon lost his memories, feeling like he died in a way. I've since been healed, having read Lady Midnight before these and seeing all the great things he has going on there. But here I forgot about all that and just felt for Simon. Not knowing who you are, being told all these great and terrible things - friends you've had who died, your mother's betrayal, a best friend you had since you were six but don't know now. That you are a hero, but don't know how or why. That you loved a girl and she loves you but you just can't believe it.

But don't worry, there isn't much time to dwell on that. We get mercifully thrown right into Simon being Simon - geeky and mundane and utterly hilarious. Shadowhunter Academy is no Hogwarts, and it makes me laugh that everyone expected it to be. SA reminded me more of my own boarding school experience - rodents, bad food, teachers you grow close to and friends you originally hate but then are your sisters-in-arms for life.

THE LOST HERONDALE:
The story of Tobias Herondale and SA students being sent to carry down the Law on a rogue vampire. Expect cameos. Heartfelt talk about following the law and doing what's right. Catarina Loss is a Boss. Clary is a sweetie.

THE WHITECHAPEL FIEND
Simon and George are the cutest roommates. I love George - his innocence, his fierce love, his ridiculous comments. Jace shows up - not gonna lie, Jace's lines throughout this whole book were a bit forced. Obviously he's grown and developed, but I miss his olden-days real sass. It's possible the writing may feel different because CC is not the only writer.

CUE LONDON 1888. The real reason you (by which I mean I) read shadowhunter novels. To experience Will Herondale. Ahhhh. Such love. Such happiness. Probably first time I properly loled this read. Back at the London Institute. Wessa as parents, which made me swell with happiness and broke my heart at the same time. Cecily and Gabriel. WILL AND GABRIEL AT IT AGAIN. Little James. Jessamine cameo that practically made me cry. Historical fiction at it's finest.

NOTHING BUT SHADOWS
Marisol is cool and a badass. While I love her, I wish the writers had taken more time to flesh her out a bit more. Show us all of her, not just a one-dimensional badass female - it seemed too agenda central and not real enough.
MORE HILARIOUS WESSA PARENTING. And William Herondale. James is adorable and weird.

"Oh, Mr. Herondale!"
Shadowhunter ladies of many ages said that to his father: three words that were both sigh and summons. Other fathers were called "Mister" without the "Oh" prefix. 

 I, like James, didn't quite get Matthew Fairchild at first and like him, mistrusted him. I was so happy with what came out of that. Loved watching James grow into himself even if only a bit, take a stand, make friends. Literally cannot wait until TLH.
And Ragnor Fell. Man, I missed him. Loved how he handles the shadowhunter kids.

THE EVIL WE LOVE 
K this one was not my favorite but truly fascinating. Robert and Isabelle come to guest speak at SA and we get a story from the Circle's time at the Academy. It was SO COOL to finally get to understand Valentine's influence, the dynamics the members had with each other. It's creepily similar to Nazi Germany in miniature, or Dumbledore and Grindelwald. There was also an interesting plot-twist that really kept me on my toes. The Evil We Love is definitely a page-turner out of all the stories.


Will be back soon with the other 5 stories. If you haven't yet, READ THEM ASAP SO WE CAN TALK SPOILERS. Have a wonderful week!