Ender's Game: Review.

Ender's Game is the first book in a trilogy by Orson Scott Card. The book is about 9 year old Ender and his journey through Battle School. But, like with so many governments, there are conspiracies, and things kept in the shadows.

As well, recently they made a movie based on the book too with Asa Butterfield, and Harrison Ford. I do want to do a book to movie comparison, so keep an eye out for that.

In this world, there is a race of creatures who have attacked the Earth. In their second invasion, many of them were killed. This event was humanities fight back against these creatures. But time is running out. The Battle School recruits the brightest, and cleverest children to be a part of their program. And all of these kids are competing for a chance to be in Command School and lead the human race to victory. Ender is one of these kids, but he doesn't know that he is humanities only hope to end the war.

I fell in love with most of the characters, however there were a few I didn't care for. Namely: Ender's older brother Peter. And I don't think you were supposed to care for them. Ender himself is so fascinating to read about. He is very clever, but at the same time you do see the child inside of him. At least in the beginning of the book. In Battle School, all of the children are forced to grow up in a matter of months. Seeing Ender's transformation from pinprick, to star student is just amazing to see.

The way the teachers of the school turned Ender into this leader however, is scary. And reading it, you feel so much sympathy for Ender. You really understand how alone he feels in this school. And it's no fault of his, but planned by the General Graff.

Even Ender's siblings on Earth take incredible transformations, and their plans are just as interesting as what is going on up in space with Ender. Valentine and Peter were both contenders to be in Battle School, but were rejected for different reasons. And both plots converge together really well. However out of the two of them I am personally more scared of Valentine, but Peter definitely has his moments.

I do kinda wish we got to see how the other kids from the battle school changed a little bit more as well. I feel like towards the end of the book, we lose a bit of their personalities. Especially those Ender was allowed to get close with. I did love exploring Ender's relationship with them as the book went on.

The world is a little bit hard to understand at times because of the technical jargon. But when you get a handle on it, the world is full and complex. However it does make it a little too easy for the characters to do controversial things, but it speaks for the desperation of their society as well. So there are good and bad points to it.

I personally felt like a lot of the battle sequences were a little hard to follow. And it did switch perspective and point of view at random times with very little indication of why. However the more you get into the book, the clearer the other point of view is and the better you learn how to read it.

The plot is so intriguing, and there is so much going on. The twists though are a little bit obvious are still really well done, just because how they were written, and how the plot played out. I really wish we got a little more back story on the buggers, but perhaps in the other books in the series will explain the buggers a little bit more. As well as how the world changes at the end.

If you really like science fiction books, child prodigies, or just books that make you think, then Ender's Game is perfect for you. I feel like this book can teach young people about compassion and how the adults don't always know everything. As well, I loved reading about the adults treatment of Ender, but that could be just because I'm weird.

So would I read this again? Yes in a heart beat. Would I recommend it? Yes I totally would. Would I finish the trilogy? Of course, I am on the hunt for the next book now.

Utterly Exhausted.

Until at least Saturday, this will be the only post I make. I have a lot of work to do, and I am simply struggling to keep up with it all. I am so tired, and my head hurts so much it's hard to focus. I really wish I could keep churning out blog posts everyday like usual, but right now that isn't the case.

Don't worry though, I have a few super exciting things up my sleeve. As well as a few posts started, but not finished. And during next week, I'll be posting a lot more content. Including a book review, a book to movie comparison, a recipe thing, some writing news, and a possible big project.

If there is anything you guys want to see more of, please feel free to let me know.

Thank you all for waiting, and dealing with me.

Welcome to Night Vale Impressions.

So, I have been on this weird HP Lovecraft, creepy kick. It began with the Disney Channel series Gravity Falls, then moved to Over the Garden wall, now, I am listening to Welcome to the Night Vale for the first time.

So, I went into this, knowing only two things. One: it's weird. Two: it's a fictional podcast. So, I listened to the pilot. The pilot talks about a new dog park that opened in Night Vale. And the listener is just kind of introduced to the world of Night Vale.

I honestly had no idea what to expect from this series, but I am really liking it. It's weird, and Cecil's (the narrator) voice is super soothing, and wonderful to listen to. The stories themselves are interesting, and weird. At times a little creepy, but still so good.

One of the things I love is when Cecil announces the weather, they play an indie song. Which is great for those looking for new music to listen. I haven't listened to a lot of it, but I know, what I have listened to, I like. A lot.

If, like me you find yourself zoning out through podcasts, there is a tumblr blog with all of the transcripts of the podcasts. I'll put the link right here so you can go check it out. This link takes you to the last page of the blog, so you'll find the first podcast.

This series reminds me of another blog I wanted to create. Something similar to the idea of the Night Vale. Just a little town, which has weird creatures visiting it, but it all is very normal to the writer. I never got around to creating that blog. But it's still interesting to recall my old ideas.

So, do I recommend Welcome to the Night Vale? Yes, I do. And with this, I have to leave you. So good night readers, good night.

Episode one of Welcome to Night Vale: Link

Cosplay: What is it? Why I do it? And What am I working on?

Cosplay to put it in very basic terms, is Halloween anytime you want. It's the art of creating costumes, and even acting as a character. This art form has been around for quite a while, but I am not going to include any facts that you can easily find with a quick google search. Cosplayers spend hours, and sometimes even thousands of dollars to create beautiful costumes, and bring characters they love to life.

Cosplays have no limit to the creativity, you can dream it up, you can build it. I have always been interested in fashion, and sewing, and just dressing up. Putting on a costume always felt like I was putting on a different persona. I could literally be anyone. It was the same reason I fell in love with acting and writing. I had a chance to escape the hardships of life, and come back to them when I felt a little more energized and confident.

However, due to a lot of personal things, I did stop cosplaying for a number of years. I stopped wanting to make costumes, I stopped dreaming up different characters I could be. I stopped wanting to be a part of this amazing community. However, as of last year, that has changed. And in May of 2016 I am going to my very first convention here in the city: Anime North.

Anime North is a three day anime convention, with panels, fashion shows, workshops, art, and of course amazing cosplays. Usually when you go to an anime convention, you cosplay as anime characters. And though my love for anime is strong, cosplaying as an anime character is difficult. So I have decided to do cartoon characters instead.

The first cosplay, that I have already started is: Wirt from the series Over the Garden Wall. If you've read other blog posts, you'll know how much I love this series. And Wirt is one of my favourite characters. And his costume is super simple. Something I can create in a matter of a few hours.

The next character is of course: Mabel from Gravity Falls. Mabel is a bright bubble of sunshine. She is cute and into all things sparkly. Her costume is also very easy, and I have part of it already in my possession. Or at least something that will work. The only downside is I am going to be kinda hot in a sweater.

The final character isn't so much a character, but a j fashion coord inspired by a character as he is not human. But turning the coord into a cosplay wouldn't be hard. And the character is again from Gravity Falls: Bill Cipher. Bill is such an interesting character. He is evil without being scary, he is actually kind of charming. And there is so much mystery behind this character. This one will be the most work, but I do not need a wig for this one.

I will keep you updated mostly through instagram if you want to follow me @fairyprincebasil that would be awesome. My question for you is, if you are a cosplayer, why do you cosplay? And if you aren't what are some of your favourite characters from books, tv, movies ect?

Over the Garden Wall.

Alright, so I have been debating doing this post for a while. Not for any particular reason, just because I didn't think anyone would be interested in reading about it. Now, I cannot help myself, I have become obsessed with Cartoon Networks mini series Over the Garden Wall.

Over the Garden Wall is about half brothers Wirt, and Greg (as well as Greg's frog) and their journey through the Unknown trying to get back home. Now, not to give too much away, but in the first episode the boys are warned of a monster simply called The Beast who lives in the woods. The ten episodes show Wirt and Greg's journey trying to find their way home and the people they meet.

At first glance this show isn't all that much. But if you watch it all the way through, you will find so many beautiful moments. The story is bitter sweet, and the characters are endearing, and the animation is beautiful. The series to me is like a fairy tale, folklore, Beatrix Potter mixed in with something out of either Neil Gaiman's head or Tim Burtons. I could honestly go on about this series for hours. But there is just so much to it.

I feel like this series has a lot to offer a wide range of audiences. It has some cute elements for children, darker moments and recognizable cast for the adults. But it also grows deeper than that. There is a mystery element, and a fantasy element, and a psychological element. And there is so much more.

The main protagonist Wirt is so relatable to me. He is awkward, and timid, and can't really talk to girls. But at the same time, he cares so much about those he interacts with on a personal level. And he is clever, and kind. Greg on the other hand is a big goof ball, but so intelligent in his own special way. He is cute, and charming and he just brings a smile to your face. Greg I believe is the braver of the two, and easily the more optimistic. Despite the dark elements of the show, Greg is always there to create some light moments.

Another important character is Beatrice the bluebird. And I love her so much. She is sassy, and driven, she is someone who knows what she wants. But she does take it too far, and I think that's what I love about her character. I don't want to give too much away, so all I'll say is this: she doesn't really do what's right until it's too late. It's hinted that she wants to, but she doesn't do anything about it. And for some strange reason, I adore that personal struggle with her character.

Finally, there isn't a good show without a good villain. And The Beast is terrifying! Even though we never see more than just an silhouette of The Beast, the design is just so creepy. There is very little that we as an audience know about The Beast. And personally, I think that makes him even scarier.

I cannot stop thinking about this show, and I recommend it to any one who just needs something new to watch. Over the Garden Wall is really a breath of fresh air.

My Feelings on Audiobooks.

Disclaimer! Disclaimer! The following post is just my opinions. You are totally entitled to your opinion, just as I am entitled to mine.

Through audible.com, you can get you first audiobook for free, so I decided to get one. It was free, I honestly had nothing to lose. This was the very first audiobook I had ever listened to. Now, before I listened to any sort of audiobook I always thought I wouldn't like them. And, I am finding that I was right.

The audio book that I chose was Steven King's memoir called On Writing. The audio book is narrated by Mr. King himself, so I know it isn't the narration isn't at fault. Steven King is amazing to listen speak, and him reading his own book is a beautiful thing. Or so I had thought. I find myself listening to the audio book, zoning out. I feel like I would get so much more out of the book if I read it. I feel like I had missed so much of the story.

However, I can see a lot of benefits of audio books. I do enjoy sitting here listening to the book as I do my homework, or draw. As well, as it's perfect to use as background noise for time on the internet. And for people who have long commutes, I can totally understand why people love audio books. But I still prefer sitting and reading.

Story telling will always be a passion of mine, and I want to experience all forms of it. If you are at all curious about audiobooks, go ahead and try them. It's something different, and there are a lot of pros and cons. I don't know if I will be getting any more audio books, but if I do, I will certainly review them.

October TBR.

Happy first of October! I am really beginning to feel winters icy chill, and I am not at all ready for that. But here are the books that I will be reading through the month of October. 

The first is Enders Game by Orson Scott Card. I'm already half way through, but during the month of October I will be finishing it. You can also be on the look out for a review of this book when I do finish it. 

The next book I will be reading is Thunderwoman by Nancy Wood. I picked this book up at a used book store close to my school. I honestly know nothing about it, and I cannot wait to start reading it, and see what this book has in store for me. I will also be reviewing this book as well. 

Those are the only two books that I want to get finished this month. Things are getting pretty busy with school, and I don't want to over work myself. As well as when I moved here, I was only able to bring four books with me, and one that I bought here. So my book collection is very small. 

Of course when I have more time and more books, you can for sure be looking forward to more reviews, and more book related content. I hope you all have a wonderful day.