The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer from Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, I relaunched the meme on February 15, 2013.
I'm going to play with a new meme this week and Book Blogger Hop looks like a fun way to connect with other bloggers. So here goes. ^_^
Can you read and watch TV or listen to the radio at the same time?
I CANNOT watch TV and read at the same time. I always get distracted by the bright pretty moving pictures, even if it's something I have zero interest in. (Actually, I hate when they have TVs playing in restaurants for the same reason. Unless I'm going to a sports bar to watch a basketball game, I don't want the distraction.) Music, however, is 50/50 for me. Sometimes I can listen to music while I read, but commercials have a tendency to pull me out of The Zone, so I prefer my own music. I tell myself I can put music in the background and still read, usually when I'm obsessing over a new album or artist. I tend to get pulled into whichever holds my interest more and ignoring the other. There is one exception: If I associate a song or artist with a specific character, book, or story line, this is a beautiful sweet spot. The music serves as a soundtrack for my reading and turns it into a 'stereophonic, multimedia event!'
For example, while participating in a blog tour for The Ever Afters series, I featured the music playlists the author used while writing each character, so I loved listening to that on repeat. With the I Am Not a Serial Killer series by Dan Wells, I really listened to the lyrics of a song called Monster by Imagine Dragons for the first time and I think it's the perfect theme for John Cleaver, so I listen to that a lot while reading those. Any of The Blacklist tie-ins are obviously enjoyed with my Blacklist OST in the background. (Here's a similar version on YouTube.)
I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from that wild and crazy party we had. Thanks again for everyone who stopped by, especially those of you who came back every day!
As a special bonus, here are #8-10 of my favorite Character Playlist songs. (Who does a Top 7 Countdown, after all? Everyone knows they count those in tens, sheesh.)
Congratulations, Mahogany! An email has been sent your way with the details.
Now shoo! Go on, get back to reading Of Enemies and Endings! And when you're finished, you can hit my review video and tell me what you thought about it. (Because I love to hear that kind of stuff. ^_^)
Thanks again for being such a fantastic part of the Blog Party.
This is the final day of the Blog Party! and I just want to thank all of you, so much, for joining me. Thanks to you, it turned out spectacularly!
A special shout-out to May V, who was willing to hunt out contributors and spread the word about this crazy scheme.
And a big thanks to everyone who contributed. You were the ones who made it fun. ;)
Top 7 Countdown All songs are derived from the Character Playlists featured during an Ever Afters blog tour. And we're finally at the very top. So what's my very favorite of the all the character playlist songs? New Low by Middle Class Rut, from Chase's list. It's writhing with desperation, frustration, and determination. It's not really a feel-good song, but it embodies so much feeling. The reason it tops this list is how perfectly I think it illustrates that side of Chase that only he and Rory see. Again, this is a song you'll want for the finale.
Quote of the Day
Of Witches and Wind, pg 386
What Makes the Ever Afters So Special to You?
This is a darn good series. I love everything about it -from the fairy tales, to the friendships, to the character development, to the humor, to the detailed foreshadowing that will blow your mind. This is everything I've ever wanted in a story, but haven't found in one place until now.
These are my Book Soul Mates.
For me, so much of what I love about this revolves around the characters. You know when they talk about characters that jump off the pages? Are larger than life? That's what Rory, Chase, and Lena are to me. They've taken me on a fantastic journey and they feel like my very own friends. These stories make me want to be braver, more daring, and more adventurous, but they also make me want to love more, be kinder, and enjoy what I have. The good and the bad qualities in these three help me face my own good and bad sides, and they make me want to become better for it. I may not have to face trials like taking on an entire troll court single-handed, but because Rory did it, I feel like I could, too.
So bring on the troll court. I can take it.
And that's the deep philosophical question of the week. Take the floor, ladies.
May V:
The Ever Afters is my favourite series for many reasons. Seriously, I love it so much! Maybe too much.
The
plot, the characters, the author, and even my fellow readers all make
it a huge part of my life. I mean, the reason I am who I am today is
because of reading The Ever Afters.
However, before reading Of Giants and Ice, I never actually liked books. I always thought they were boring and a waste of time.
(I know, I know. You're all saying, "HOW DARE YOU!")
When
I was in sixth-grade (or Grade 6), I was so afraid to stand out and be
different because it seemed like everyone was supposed to act the same
way. So I didn't stand out. At all.
"You
look out the window and wonder when the good stuff happens--when your
life gets jump-started. You might not be sure what that real life will
be, but you know that this isn't really it."
-Rory Landon, OGAI. (Page 1.)
Soon,
school was out and it was the summer before seventh-grade. While I was
cleaning my room, I found a book on my old, dusty table.
The
cover read,"Of Giants and Ice." At first I thought, "Ew. It's a book." I
looked at the illustration of three kids holding swords. They are actually smiling, I thought. They have swords...that means they're fighters. They're brave! I read the back page, thinking, This book is different. They're different.
I guess you could say that's when my life actually began.
I started reading. I read all night, and I didn't care.
The Ever Afters is special to me because it changed
me. I started to look at the world with new eyes, as if magic could be
anywhere. As if I even had some magic in myself.
(I guess that's why I love Rory so much. I was a lot like her.)
My life would change, I promised myself, starting now.
"Your life starts when you start taking matters into your own hands--no matter how scared you might be."
-Rory Landon, OGAI. (Page 343.)
Pretty soon, I became addicted to books. I called myself a fangirl and a dreamer.
The
following school year, I became more confident in myself. I don't even
care if people judge me for loving books. Whenever I felt doubt, or that
I thought that I wasn't good enough, I remembered Rory--no matter what
challenges she went through, she always had courage and did what she
believed in.
If she can believe in her own story, I can too.
Haley R:
The Ever Afters series has been one of my favorite series for a couple
of years now and for good reason. Not only does it have some of the
most engaging books I've ever read, I have an emotional connection to a
lot of the characters and would physically cry if some of them die. I
never cry reading book or watching movies. One reason I love the series
is that I see myself in a lot of the characters. Lena's slightly nutty
love for science and inventing. The way that Maggie is overly cheerful
to cover up the fact that she's hurting. The way Rory is kind of
afraid about what her future will hold but she faces it bravely
nonetheless. Ben's great puns. Sherah's/Chatty's mischievousness.
Chase's love for food. How Lena is sometimes made fun of for her
brain. The way Rory wants to protect her family and friends.
Clare R.
Why I love the Ever Afters. First off, it’s full of fairy tales, which I
love. Also, the main character, Rory, is someone you can relate to. I
really love Rory with her optimism and spirit
I also love how it’s a kid's book, yet it touches on deeper meanings of
friendship and failure and deception and disappointment and much more. I
love the humor, the other characters, the plot, and genre, and
basically everything about it! It’s everything I could ask for in a book
and more!
Ever Afters Dolls Giveaway Don't forget to enter the Blog Party!
giveaway. The contest ends at midnight on June 30th. The winner will be announced tomorrow. (Giveaway open only to US residents.) You can tweet daily for even more chances to win!
Can you believe Of Enemies and Endings hits the shelves tomorrow? Whose already pre-ordered a copy? We're going to bring The Ever Afters finale in right. Today, we're sharing pet theories and predictions of what's going to happen before the end.
Top 7 Countdown All songs are derived from the Character Playlists featured during an Ever Afters blog tour. #2 in the Character Playlist Countdown is something you'll want to have on hand when you start reading OEAE. Apres Moi by Regina Spektor comes from Solange's playlist. It's intense, unpredictable, moving, and operatic. It's flamboyant and frightening at the same time, like The Snow Queen herself.
(It's also fun to pair it with Hero
by Regina Spektor, a song on Rory's playlist. Ms. Bach talked about how
much it helped her write the characters for the villain and hero to
have complimentary songs by the same artist.)
Quote of the Day
Of Enemies and Endings Predictions
Some of you know that I've already read and reviewed OEAE, but don't panic. These are predictions I wrote up before then, I just decided to save them for the Blog Party! In other words, they're still spoiler-free.
Hold onto your hats, because these are all...intense.
Solange will attempt to prove once and for all that Rory is just like her. She's already stated as much throughout the series, like in OWAW (pg 352) "I was the direction your life was headed...you would have become me, if you had lived." I suspect this will happen by Solange attempting to draw a final parallel between her and Rory.
This final parallel could be tragic. Possibly involving Chase. Consider this other line from OWAW (pg 50) when Rory finds Sebastian "The stone soldier was looking sidelong, a sad smile forever frozen around his mouth, his shoulders hunched forward -he'd been protecting something when the spell had hit him, something precious. Or maybe someone."
Someone will try to revive Sebastian.
We'll get to find out more about Solange and her Tale and her journey to becoming evil.
So there are some of my predictions for Of Enemies and Endings.
What about your favorite pet theories? Share them now! Haley R:
Sebastian will be unfrozen and will have some part in the Snow Queen's demise.
Hansel will die.
The Snow Queen's heart is in a box and by finding the box, Rory or someone will kill her.
This isn't exactly mine but I agree with it. I think that Adelaide will be using the wishing coin to influence Chase in some way.
Sherah will get legs or something that gives her legs.
Aurora H:
I have a pet theory that I don't think can actually canonically come to pass, but I'll share it anyway.
That
a member of the Canon will give up their golden apple during the war to
a fatally injured person, and then go out on the battlefield and die.
My
top candidate is the Director, going out to confront Solange. Cue the
emotional drama, friendship and betrayal talk, and Mildred gets a blast
of ice to the heart.
Second choice is Hansel, who saves Rory from impending doom, and dies with a remark about her swordwork.
Both
of those would likely turn to dust before being able to confront, but
that would still be feelsy enough, just them giving up their apple. In
my opinion.
So many possibilities!
Ever Afters Dolls Giveaway Don't forget to enter the Blog Party!
giveaway. The contest ends at midnight on June 30th, and I'll announce
the winner the next day. (Giveaway open only to US residents.) You can tweet daily for even more chances to win!
So glad you're back! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. It's Day 5, here at The Ever Afters Blog Party!, and the weather is looking sunny with a chance of fangirling. I have something super, super cool for you today, so let's get started!
Top 7 Countdown All songs are derived from the Character Playlists featured during an Ever Afters blog tour. It's an unfortunate truth that people in your life are going to judge you, whether they have the right to or not. I was experiencing a situation like this when I first really listened to #3 in the countdown, That's Alright by Laura Mvula from Lena's Playlist. There was a line that reached out and grabbed me.
Who made you the center of the universe?
Who made you judge and jury over me?
Now this is one of my fighting songs. I turn it up when I feel like I'm being judged unfairly or that I'm not meeting the approval of someone whose opinion shouldn't matter to me any way. Plus, it's such a fun and bouncy beat!
Quote of the Day:
What is your Favorite Scene or Moment in the series so far?
I had to pick two:
My first favorite scene is the ending from Of Witches and Wind. The adventure is over, things are getting back to normal, Rory figured out how best to stand up to her homeroom bullies -and then Chase shows up. Given that a good chunk of the story line was focused on Rory's fear that she didn't matter as much to her friends as they did to her, that moment that Chase walks into her homeroom class in the midst of Madison and her KATs makes me giddy. Every. Time. Forget the Chaurora factor; Chase is just an awesome friend.
"So? Good surprise or bad surprise?"
"Good surprise. Definitely good."
-page 386
Of course, I have to say the scene at Titania's ball in Of Sorcery and Snow.
"Rory, your shoes look the least dangerous." Chase grabbed my hand. His palms were hot. "You're with me." -page 108
Chase is so adorable, trying not to be obvious, and Rory's mostly clueless.
It wasn't the enchantment. Chase is what made me like this so much.
page 111
It's just so perfect and awkward and adorable!
I realize these are both basically Chaurora scenes. I didn't think I was quite that obsessed about the pairing, but I know if I were to list my favorite scenes in OGAI and OEAE, they would be centered on Chase and Rory too. Hopefully, the more I read the series, the more favorite moments and characters I'll find. That's the best thing about a series that's still so much fun the fourth or fifth or even fiftieth time -you'll be in a different place in your life, with a different mindset, so you'll always find a new favorite part.
Clare R
My favorite scene/moment is… well, besides Chapter 7… Rory had just
killed Mark, and was really depressed, and then Chase comforted her with
his story and the world turned right again XDXDXD. It was a simple
moment, but revealed a lot about Chase’s character and was just so
Chaurora.
See? It's not just me. Chaurora. ;)
Jon T.
My
favorite scene is when Rory and Chase face off with the dragon in its
cave in Yellowstone. For a novice, and her first encounter with a
dragon, Rory did a kickin job of responding to the dragon's attack and
saving Chase and herself. Way to go Rory. Then George dispatched the
dragon. What a team.
What's better than talking with fellow Characters about your favorite scenes? Hearing what the author's favorite scenes are. ^_^ Shelby Bach stopped by to share a few of her all-time favorite scenes from the series, so sit back and enjoy!
~*~
It’s impossible for me to
pick one all time favorite scene in the series, so instead, I selected a
handful! (Disclaimer: These picks are FULL of spoilers….)
Of Giants and Ice
The scene at the end of
Lena’s Tale, when Jimmy Searcaster climbs on to the beanstalk, trying to catch
the Triumvirate, and helping Chase down, she knows they won’t make it down in
time.
You can click on the image to enlarge it!
This was one of the first
scenes I imagined for the series, and I looked forward to writing it the WHOLEtime I was drafting Of Giants and Ice.
Of
Witches and Wind
The scene in the Glass
Mountain, right after Rory and Chase rescue Ben, when Mia is chasing them.
I can’t read this part
without giggling!
Of Sorcery and Snow
The scene when Chase uses
that wishing coin in the Snow Queen’s dungeon.
This scene was not in the outline. Actually, I didn’t
realize how important it would to be the book—to Chase’s character development
in general—until the idea struck me one Sunday.
I planned to just jot down
some notes on some index cards. I ended up filling eleven with the whole scene.
It didn’t even need much revising in the next few drafts.
Of Enemies and Endings
Ahhh, so many favorites! And
I can’t share any of them in detail, because they are major spoilers. So, I’ll
just have tell you where they are in the book:
The last six pages of Chapter 13: They never fail to make me
emotional.
Lena on pages 361 and 362: Lena
proves—yet again—that she is made of awesome.
The library and courtyard
scenes at the end of Chapter 23: The day after I finished the first draft of OE&E, this scene was still bugging
me. So, I went back and rewrote it, and now, I grin whenever I reread it.
~*~
A big thanks to Ms. Bach for playing along! Now who is UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED to read Of Enemies and Endings?!
Two days.
That's it.
Just TWO. DAYS.
Ever Afters Dolls Giveaway Don't forget to enter the Blog Party!
giveaway. The contest ends at midnight on June 30th, and I'll announce
the winner the next day. (Giveaway open only to US residents.) You can tweet daily for even more chances to win!
They were tired out from their adventures, so I used my sly photo-taking skills to get some close-ups of the details. You can see Lena's hair is actually braided and strung with beads; Rory has a tiny patch of the Ever After School crest; Chase even has pockets on his cargo pants; Rory's sweatshirt was made with exacting detail; need I even mention HOW AWESOME LENA'S CONVERSE ARE?! Each doll bears the Lazy Blue Daisy trademark on the back of their foot. ^_^
Top 7 Countdown All songs are derived from the Character Playlists featured during an Ever Afters blog tour.
#4 on the Countdown is another from Chase's list. Changing by The Airborne Toxic Event is just fun to listen to, and even more fun to sing out loud. (Seriously, karoake, anyone?) But it definitely speaks to Chase's character, too; this is great on repeat for reading through OWAW when Rory's trying to figure out whether she even knows the real Chase at all.
Quote of the Day:
Of Witches and Wind, pg 371
Who is your Favorite Character to Despise?
For me, this is Mildred Grubb, the Director of Ever After School. I know that's weird because, after all, it's not like she's a bad guy. Her driving goals are to keep the kids safe and to make sure Solange doesn't succeed in taking over the world.
Good guy, right?
But she irks me. She's always making things difficult for everyone, she doesn't look at the big picture, she won't give the Triumvirate the knowledge they need to properly prepare, she refuses to see past her own misconceptions, and she doesn't trust Rapunzel despite how many times Rapunzel has proved she's trustworthy. She's trying so hard to protect EAS that I feel like she's actually hindering them. Things would be so much easier for everyone if Mildred would just learn to trust the right people.
I know she has her good qualities, too, and that she's been through her share of horrors, but... *shrugs*
So Mildred is the character I despise most because she let's her personal past and problems hinder the present and the future. Clare R:
My favorite character to despise is Adalaide. She’s Rory’s foil, and is
just the perfect character to hate because she’s mean and bratty and
obnoxious and blah.
She's Rory's foil... Ooh, I love that description, Clare! Haley R:
Fael. Definitely Fael. Not only is he completely immature and
haughty despite the fact he's several hundred years old, he is also a
complete jerk. What kind of person locks a kid in a tomb as a prank?
He scars Chase for life and repays him by sending Rory to LA on what he
thinks is an impossible quest. He also doesn't see through the fact
that Touralath is using him to bring back one of the Snow Queen's
pillars which shows that he's not really that smart.
This is totally off-topic but I always found it interesting that
Ms. Bach made Fael an actual Turnleaf because Fael turned backwards is
leaf.
Fael... Turnleaf... HOLY COW. *mind blown* Thanks for the trivia, Haley! Aurora H:
My
favorite character to despise has to be Madison, leader of the KATs.
Though there are plenty of annoying and evil characters in these series,
Madison is one of the most personally relatable, because while we don't
all have a neighborhood snow queen or Fey prince around, many of us
have annoying popular girls who will do anything to humiliate someone
who crosses them. (Kind of like the whole Umbridge vs. Voldemort issue
from HP, where we despise Umbridge more because we can personally relate
to the trials presented by a malicious teacher, but not so much an evil
spellcasting cult leader.)
She's
petty and vapid and overall irritating with no real redeeming
qualities, and her comeuppance of sorts in the end of OWAW was quite
satisfying.
Good answers, every one! One of the things I love about the series is how completely human the characters are. They have their good qualities and their bad qualities and, like with Mildred, just because someone's a hero doesn't necessarily mean they're likable.
Ever Afters Dolls Giveaway Don't forget to enter the Blog Party!
giveaway. The contest ends at midnight on June 30th, and I'll announce
the winner the next day. (Giveaway open only to US residents.) You can tweet daily for even more chances to win!
I finally convinced them to wind down with a couple of my favorite books.
And don't miss Favorite Scene/Moment coming on Sunday!
Right, all you behind the screens -yeah, you!- tell us which character you truly despise in the series. Is it the Snow Queen or the spoiled Prince Fael or someone else entirely?
Bonus question:
Who's your favorite Minor Character?
Personally, this is a tough call between Rapunzel and Iron Hans. I love Rapunzel's mixed up way of talking and her relationship with Rory, but I like poor old Hans, living out in the middle of nowhere, and the unlikely friends he and Chase make. My dream story is... Well, it concerns something mentioned in OEAE. On page 107. So when you read that, that's the story I'm dying to read.
It's day three already! And do you know what that means? Five days to Of Enemies and Endings! Top 7 Countdown All songs are derived from the Character Playlists featured during an Ever Afters blog tour I participated in last November. #5 comes from Solange's playlist. I fell in love with her songs, because they all had such bursting music, powerful singing, and a quality both gorgeous and haunting. The World is Not Enough by Garbage, in particular, is eerie and stunning. Before you go any further, experience the chill factor and gear up for Solange's final move on June 30th.
Quote of the Day:
Of Witches and Wind, pg 175
This is still one of my favorite Chase lines. He's just like, Gosh, Rory, you found out my big secret a day ago and YOU ALREADY FORGOT?
Favorite Character
So who's your favorite character? Or maybe your top two, if you can't narrow it down. ;)
You might have gotten the hint, but my favorite, hands down, has always been Chase Turnleaf. I first liked him because he's funny and cocky, but even in the beginning of OGAI, you could tell there was a good kid under the jerk side -somewhere. I loved watching his and Rory's friendship develop up the beanstalk; it's still one of my favorite storytelling bits of ALL TIME, seeing them go from enemies to best friends.
As the series develops, I love his fierce devotion to his friends. He might make fun of Lena and Rory sometimes, but he doesn't let anybody else say bad things about them, and he'll defend them from anybody, even his idolized dad. He's not only self-confident, but he's confident about his friends. He pushes them to be better, because he knows what they're capable of, and he builds their own self-confidence. He's half coach, half cheer squad, and he definitely makes Rory a better person (and vice versa). His personal development in OWAW blows me away every time. To see what he was and what he became, to know what he went through to fight for what he wanted. The fact that after all that, he can still laugh and look at the world with so much optimism shows such incredible personal strength. Plus, wings. And magic. And a secret back story. Story magic, right there. And, okay, he's totally sweet with Rory. Do I need to bring up OSAS chapter 7 again? Not only that, he acts as a pillar for Rory. He makes her laugh, he pushes her to be the best she can, but he supports her, too, and he usually knows what to say to make her feel better or make sense of things. He can simultaneously protect her and support her and I love that.
May V. says:
My favourite character is Rory Landon because no matter what challenges
she faces, whether it's in the fairytale world or in the real world, she
does whatever it takes to do the right thing. Sometimes Rory just
freezes and stands there, unsure of what to do, but she always pushes
away her fears in the determination to help others.
I also admire her because I feel that I can relate to her. She used to
feel that the life she was living wasn't actually the life she was
supposed to live. But when she tried something new, her life became more
exciting for her.
I admire Rory for her bravery, selflessness, kindness, understanding,
determination, and strength. Hopefully, one day, I can be like her.
To be like Rory Landon is a good goal indeed! She's got so many fantastic traits and -I have to agree, May- she's easy to relate to. Watching her deal with her fears and insecurities helps me face my own. This is one reason I plan to give this series to all of my niblings (nieces and nephews) because Rory Landon especially, but also so many of the other characters, would be spectacular role models for kids. Plus, they're just darn good books!
And this just in from Brookanna:
My favorite character in the Ever After series is Chase. Putting aside the whole part-fae thing (which is awesome), Chase is a great, relatable character. He wants things that most people want - popularity, a reputation, pretty girls…and while he sometimes loses sight of what's really important, it doesn't take much to remind him that loyalty and heroism are more worthwhile in the long run. As the series continues, he develops into a stronger character with a more accurate moral compass, kind of the way we all hope to develop in our own lives. Another great aspect to Chase's character is the way he wants to distinguish himself after living in his father's shadow. He wants so badly to make his mark, but to a large extent he feels like his destiny is out of his control (a feeling most of us can relate to). Chase doesn't wallow in self-pity - he exercises discipline and develops the skills that he will need when he does get his big chance, so that when his Tale does come, he is ready for it, and ready to make the most of it.
What she said. ^^ Chase Turnleaf for the win!
Ever Afters Dolls Giveaway Don't forget to enter the Blog Party! giveaway. The contest ends at midnight on June 30th, and I'll announce the winner the next day. (Giveaway open only to US residents.)
Apparently Chase convinced them to scale the bookshelves using yarn as rope. He didn't realize this form doesn't have wings. Poor Chase. Still not sure how he convinced Rory to climb up...
Welcome to the second day of the glorious festivities! Here's your party hat.
Top 7 Countdown The playlist for Chase Turnleaf is, hands down, my favorite. You'll see a lot of those songs on this countdown. First up, at #6, Kings of Leon with Use Somebody:
Quote of the Day:
Of Giants and Ice, pg 340
For today's fan project, we'll be analyzing the individual books to answer one very specific question. Which one is your favorite so far? I know it's hard. There's so many good parts in all of them!
Personally, my favorite has to be Of Witches and Wind. I still can't get over the reveal of Chase's secret, and the dramatically different side of him we get to see here. This development, and how it pushes and challenges Rory, still blows me away, three rereads later. Plus, they get stuck in Atlantis together and get some more bonding time, which I love. There's also the other side of the story, with Rory and her dad, and how it's so perfectly integrated into the fairy tale side. I've always loved that Rory had to step out of Atlantis and finish part of the quest in Hollywood, and it heaps so much more on to her emotional development to have all that stuff happening at once. I feel like it has a lot more drama with Chase's side of the story, but it still retains all it's fun qualities. Basically, things are starting to get serious, but they're not too serious yet. Add in Chatty, Ben, their awesomely corny jokes, IRON HANS, and my very favorite scene at the end where Chase walks into her homeroom class -yep. OWAW is my favorite. ;)
What's Your Favorite Book?
Aurora H. says
Favorite book is so very difficult. But I'd have to say OWAW. Because
though OSAS was the most heartbreaking emotional rollercoaster OWAW's
character and plot development blows me away every time I read it. 'Nuff
said.
Clare R
My favorite book of the series is Of Sorcery and Snow. The reason: Chaurora. There are other reasons, but that one’s very prominent.
And from Haley R
My favorite book of the series is Of Witches and Wind,
which is funny because for the longest time it was my least favorite
book. It was just that I had figured out the Chatty and Mia thing in
the first few chapters, so I always thought it was blatantly obvious.
It's not, but that always annoyed me a bit. When I've reread it
recently, though, I realized what a masterfully written book it is. So
much happens in the book and it never really even occurred to me. In Of
Giants and Ice, Rory was a strong character, but in Of Witches and Wind
she's even stronger. She is completely integrated in EAS, and it
shows. She is comfortable there, and though she probably doesn't know
as much as Chase, she can find her way around fairly well. It's also
the book where Chase's big secret (one of them anyway) is revealed.
With the information that he's half-Fey in my mind, I'm reading OGAI
and noticing things I never really counted as important, but now it's
obvious that it is actually about his heritage. Another part I found
interesting is that OWAW focuses on Rory's dad and Brie and her
relationship with them. In the first book, the two characters are
mentioned but they don't really have a large role. We get to see the
other side of Rory's family and watch her grapple with the fact that her
dad is engaged and didn't even tell her. Rory also thinks that she's
not strong enough to battle the Snow Queen, but she not faces her fears
and doubts, she beats them.
Another important part of Of Witches and Wind is the
introduction of a sort of gray area. In Of Giants and Ice, everything
is pretty black and white. The Snow Queen is bad, EAS is good. Pretty
simple. In OWAW, though, it becomes a little more complicated than
that. First, Chase and Rory meet Iron Hans. Considered one of the worst
villains, they are surprised to find that he is actually... nice. He
says that he was once friends with Solange, which is why he helped her.
He also has the tale of the White Snake which reminds me of Evan and
the problems he had with his Tale. This lends a bit of familiarization
to him and helps with sympathizing. Then, they learn about the Snow
Queen's past. She was not always the horrible person they now know.
Her sister is Rapunzel, whom Rory is fairly close to and really likes.
Solange's mother died when she was younger, in the French Revolution,
and both of her best friends were taken away when she was sixteen. That
would be enough to make anyone bitter. They begin to realize that
everything isn't always going to be clear-cut and even the people they
thought were terrible might just be perceived that way, or it could be
because of their circumstances
Sorry, that was really long.
No apologies necessary! This is a Blog Party; if we can't fangril here, where could we?
This giveaway will end on the 30th of June and I will announce the lucky winner on the 1st of July. The giveaway is only open to residents of the US.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Rory, Chase, and Lena have been getting a little antsy waiting for the outcome. They've taken to exploring my room when I'm not around. This is how I found them when I got home from work yesterday.
Rory: No, Chase, you can't take the giant sword home. Chase: Finders, keepers, Rory. This'll look awesome hanging on my wall!
