GUYS -
I'M MOVING!
Head over to my *new* blog to find out more!!
CLICK HERE
Thanks for all your support - see you on the other side!
Sabrina x
UKYA Day: Spot the UKYA Books!
Today is the 19th April and if you haven't heard the 19th April is UKYA day!! A day where bloggers are posting their celebration post onto the internet world to share the love for the UKYA authors and novels!
So, I call mine 'Spot the UKYA Books.'
One extract, 13 UKYA books - easy, right?
Four clues below if you get stuck, but they aren't all very obvious....
HAVE FUN!!
GO GO GO!
It’s quiet. The sea water ripples back and
forth and the stars light the sky with the moon watching over them. He’s
sitting close to me. His leg on mine, his arm
wrapped round my back and my head on his chest. His heat radiating onto me.
“I’m not
ready to say it yet. I feel the same but just give me time.” I say, he gives me
the look and sighs.
My name is
Mina. I’m the girl who watches Disney fairytale films and reads sappy books
packed with romance. Before meeting him I believed in prince charmings and soulmates. I've soon learnt that that's not the case in any relationship but I like to stay optimistic. Hopeful that there will be that someone who I'll be with forever. How we ended up together is beyond me. I’m an utter geek girl. I’m scared of anything unpredictable. Something
abnormal. Something that evokes trouble. And he sits as the complete opposite of me.
I rest my head back over his heart. His
chest rising and falling with every breath, I feel him draw me closer and he
plants a kiss on my forehead and asks if I’m cold. I shake my head.
I never
believed the difficulties in books. They
all seemed so petty. I never thought something so small could destroy something
that felt like an all time high. But it
did. I was caught up in cloud nine that I didn't even notice the obvious rumour
that was floating around. So blatantly obvious, but I was being so naive I
ignored it. It hit me in full force. I felt robbed. Stolen from. Nothing
screams “dead romantic” more than finding out he was with another girl on Valentine’s
Day. A day which he said he’d be spending the evening with his sick grandma. My
heart ached from sheer pain. I cried until my body was drained from all its water. People would say
her name and the knife would plunge further, twisting in my gut. I hated what
he’d done to me. I was so dense that I never stopped to think about our pacing.
I agreed with myself that a break from him was best. Sorting myself out before going ahead to salvage the remains. Even after what he’d done, I never gave him a chance to explain.
Apparently he got it worse than me, strange since it was his doing.
It’s not
hard to guess what happened next. Bit by bit he earned my trust back. Maybe I should
have been harder on him. He shattered my world, I should have destroyed his.
But where would that leave us? I’m not that heartless and if there’s a way to
resolve something, I will.
That summer
he took me to the fun fair along the river. Merry go rounds, small roller
coasters, haunted mansions, all the thrills and chills of the crazy pop-up fun fairs. We howled out laughs, I felt giddy and full of energy. In that moment,
everything felt perfect. I was living someone else’s life that night. The fair made me forget what happened in the past. Everything seemed to click in
the split second whilst on top of the ferris wheel and I forgave him.
The tides
bring me back to the shore, the water reaching for my feet before unwillingly
pulling back. I move under his arm and look up. The moonlight defining his
jawline and his eyes seemed to have intensified. His mouth draws up in the
corner and All my thoughts become banished. He smells like the ocean. He smells
like home.
“I love you.”
CLUES!
Book titles and the amount of letters per title (random order):
Book titles in order of appearance in text:
Title acronyms (random order):
The authors (random order):
**********************************
Answers sit below the stars!!
**********************
****************
***********
******
***
The Look by Sophia Bennett
My Name is Mina by David Almond
Soulmates by Holly Bourne
Geek Girl by Holly Smale
Trouble by Non Pratt
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Say Her Name by James Dawson
Dead Romantic by CJ Skuse
Salvage by Keren David
Shattered (Slated #3) by Teri Terry
Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale
Split Second by Sophie Mckenzie
Banished by Liz de Jager
Ah, that was fun right? Well, I hope you had a good time 'spotting' the books, it was nice to revisit one of my really old pieces. How many did you get? Leave it in the comments below and compare with others!
Thanks for checking out my post and be sure to use the #UKYA to join in the fun all day today!!
I'm Leaving.........BUT I will return!!
This is so sad for me to write because I don't want to leave but from now on until the 19th June, I am having to abandon my blog. I have been really struggling to keep up with all my reviews and feature posts because of the hectic revision hours I'm piling on.
I'm going to have to step back and focus fully on my for the next 3 months because, I'll be honest here, I really really really want to get into university.
So other than my post for UKYADay, all my other drafts will stay in drafts until the middle of June.
Then after my exams are over, I'll be back posting as much as my brain can reel out, to my hearts content, going on book splurges and hopefully redesigning my blog (which I've been wanting to do for a while - but have had no time!!).
This may be a goodbye to my blog for a bit but fear not, I will be lurking on Twitter now and then, so no blogger is dropping a reader on their stats! ;-)
Sabrina x
I'm going to have to step back and focus fully on my for the next 3 months because, I'll be honest here, I really really really want to get into university.
So other than my post for UKYADay, all my other drafts will stay in drafts until the middle of June.
Then after my exams are over, I'll be back posting as much as my brain can reel out, to my hearts content, going on book splurges and hopefully redesigning my blog (which I've been wanting to do for a while - but have had no time!!).
This may be a goodbye to my blog for a bit but fear not, I will be lurking on Twitter now and then, so no blogger is dropping a reader on their stats! ;-)
Sabrina x
Event: European Divergent Premiere
[This post a little unfinished but I wanted to get it out there before the film release!! More pictures and text to come soooon!]
In all odds, I won tickets to walk the Divergent European Premiere red carpet in London as well as to watch the film itself. For the whole weekend the Leicester Square garden was transformed into the dystopian world of Divergent, with Erudite's directing our aptitude tests and the Dauntless cheering us with a mini capture the flag game.
As we queued for the fan experience, we had Erudite's entertain us as they pick out Divergent's to burn by Steven (a very awkward role play if I say so myself *cringe*). As the time came closer to the gates opening for us, they soon multiplied and we were then picked on. Luckily we got an easy escape as I asked for a photo with them where they later commented how I was a "smart one." ;-)
Collecting our wristbands, we were in! We tried everything we could - No trampoline or rock climbing for us gals though, since we were in dresses...and heels! But we had to take the aptitude test, play capture the flag and replace Four and Tris in the Divergent poster! The whole fan experience feel was so much fun and the Dauntless actors were amusing to talk to.
THIS guy especially...he was perfect....
Daunltess: How do you know I'm nice?
Me: Because you're talking to us!
Daunltess: So what? Hitler spoke and he wasn't nice.
I definitely have a good stack of photos both with the actors and just of the surroundings.
Just a bit before we headed out, I got a chance to stop and say hi to Alison, the only Amity in sight! It was great to meet her, having spoken to her on Twitter several a times!
Other than that I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone else. I did spot Amber but then she walked off before I got a chance to go up to her - but definitely next time!!
Heading out we grabbed a quick lunch, and sooner than ever, it was time to queue to walk the carpet!! ....AND WATCH THE FILM!!!
Before we were allowed to step onto the carpet, we had to queue and choose faction wristbands from five choosing bowls. The wristbands decided where you'd sit in the cinema. Unfortunately, when we got to the bowls there were only two options left. In a panic with where to sit and what bands were left, we grabbed the Candor ones.
As we entered, on our seats there were t-shirts as well as a free drink awaiting us. The screen was playing the footage that was being shown outside, which was really nice because I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. In my fangirling state, as I walked into the screen room, Miles Teller and Jai Courtney were on screen...dear god, I had a massive fit...Jai Courtney...!! But anyway...
All the stars, Shailene Woodley (who plays Tris), Theo James (Four), Kate Winslet (Jeanine), Ben Lloyd-Hughes (Will), director Neil Burger and author Veronica Roth came on stage to introduce the film....
*Lights die down and all goes quiet*
*Whispers swears to oneself, scared, nervous and in shock that I was about to watch the film*
The film was AMAZING. I was in complete shock at the end of it. I went in with high expectations but open minded with knowing that scenes would me missed and details missed. The cinematography in the film is beautiful with the CGI not being overdone.
Cast-wise it was perfect. I didn't have any issue with it anyway so really, I was all up for the full film impact. Shailene played a much sassier Tris and Theo held his power and vulnerability as Four. Kate Winslet showed that she can make a great villain, from the very start there was always something unsettling that was always there, kind and firm but unsettling. I know people were annoyed about the way Eric looked, but I think Jai was a great Eric. Even if he wasn't what the Eric was like in the books, he still held the power and he stood as someone you'd never mess with.
If I had to criticize it, I was disappointed in the relationship and character build in the movie. I felt that not all the characters got the full spot light they deserved (i.e Eric and also Peter). Due to the lack of relationship build the loses weren't as emotional as they could of been and some were just not dwelled on at all!
It was all really cleverly shot with the highs and the lows as well as the odd humorous comments that were just perfect. Being so overwhelmed by the film, I ended up crying! Oh why do you mention something so pointless as that? So, basically, I'm a rock. As soon as I felt a tear drop...OH MY GOD - THE FIRST FILM THAT'S MADE ME CRY!!! So naturally, now this film has a sentimental value to me..
(I've now watched this film for the second time and have put more thought on it. Yes, I loved it but there are some small yet meaningful scenes that were missed out. I think the scenes that are put into the film are focusing on 'what could look beautiful on screen?' more than 'let's tell a story which delves into the characters and relationships.' But then again, it's from book to screen and it's impossible to put everything that's on the page!
The annoying thing with me being me, I know that they've filmed it and there are photos and clips in the trailer that proves they've shot it, so I am hoping for at least a three hour reel of deleted scene! - If not I will be very disappointed...)
I just wish the day was longer! I had an amazing time...and I did return home with a freebie or two...(which I have no room for in my room).
Because I was searching for these boards, I didn't get a chance to see Ben Lloyd-Hughes leave the cinema, as my friends told me after. It made it all that much worse when they then went on to tell me that not many people went up to him! Gah, I so would of been flailing around him, I love the whole cast so much!!
In all odds, I won tickets to walk the Divergent European Premiere red carpet in London as well as to watch the film itself. For the whole weekend the Leicester Square garden was transformed into the dystopian world of Divergent, with Erudite's directing our aptitude tests and the Dauntless cheering us with a mini capture the flag game.
 |
| My friends Beth, Jack, the 'cool' Erudite and me :) |
Collecting our wristbands, we were in! We tried everything we could - No trampoline or rock climbing for us gals though, since we were in dresses...and heels! But we had to take the aptitude test, play capture the flag and replace Four and Tris in the Divergent poster! The whole fan experience feel was so much fun and the Dauntless actors were amusing to talk to.
THIS guy especially...he was perfect....
 |
| The charming Dauntless, Beth and me. He is so unamused! |
Me: Because you're talking to us!
Daunltess: So what? Hitler spoke and he wasn't nice.
I definitely have a good stack of photos both with the actors and just of the surroundings.
Just a bit before we headed out, I got a chance to stop and say hi to Alison, the only Amity in sight! It was great to meet her, having spoken to her on Twitter several a times!
Other than that I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone else. I did spot Amber but then she walked off before I got a chance to go up to her - but definitely next time!!
Heading out we grabbed a quick lunch, and sooner than ever, it was time to queue to walk the carpet!! ....AND WATCH THE FILM!!!
Before we were allowed to step onto the carpet, we had to queue and choose faction wristbands from five choosing bowls. The wristbands decided where you'd sit in the cinema. Unfortunately, when we got to the bowls there were only two options left. In a panic with where to sit and what bands were left, we grabbed the Candor ones.
As we entered, on our seats there were t-shirts as well as a free drink awaiting us. The screen was playing the footage that was being shown outside, which was really nice because I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. In my fangirling state, as I walked into the screen room, Miles Teller and Jai Courtney were on screen...dear god, I had a massive fit...Jai Courtney...!! But anyway...
 |
| RED CARPET TIME! |
*Lights die down and all goes quiet*
*Whispers swears to oneself, scared, nervous and in shock that I was about to watch the film*
The film was AMAZING. I was in complete shock at the end of it. I went in with high expectations but open minded with knowing that scenes would me missed and details missed. The cinematography in the film is beautiful with the CGI not being overdone.
Cast-wise it was perfect. I didn't have any issue with it anyway so really, I was all up for the full film impact. Shailene played a much sassier Tris and Theo held his power and vulnerability as Four. Kate Winslet showed that she can make a great villain, from the very start there was always something unsettling that was always there, kind and firm but unsettling. I know people were annoyed about the way Eric looked, but I think Jai was a great Eric. Even if he wasn't what the Eric was like in the books, he still held the power and he stood as someone you'd never mess with.
If I had to criticize it, I was disappointed in the relationship and character build in the movie. I felt that not all the characters got the full spot light they deserved (i.e Eric and also Peter). Due to the lack of relationship build the loses weren't as emotional as they could of been and some were just not dwelled on at all!
It was all really cleverly shot with the highs and the lows as well as the odd humorous comments that were just perfect. Being so overwhelmed by the film, I ended up crying! Oh why do you mention something so pointless as that? So, basically, I'm a rock. As soon as I felt a tear drop...OH MY GOD - THE FIRST FILM THAT'S MADE ME CRY!!! So naturally, now this film has a sentimental value to me..
(I've now watched this film for the second time and have put more thought on it. Yes, I loved it but there are some small yet meaningful scenes that were missed out. I think the scenes that are put into the film are focusing on 'what could look beautiful on screen?' more than 'let's tell a story which delves into the characters and relationships.' But then again, it's from book to screen and it's impossible to put everything that's on the page!
The annoying thing with me being me, I know that they've filmed it and there are photos and clips in the trailer that proves they've shot it, so I am hoping for at least a three hour reel of deleted scene! - If not I will be very disappointed...)
I just wish the day was longer! I had an amazing time...and I did return home with a freebie or two...(which I have no room for in my room).
 |
| It may have to do with something with these boards ...and a bit of begging... Ok, A LOT of begging, but so worth it! |
College Event: James Dawson Visit with Say Her Name reading!! [With VIDEOS]
So for part of my college celebration of YA books/Arts Award project, I organized James Dawson to come in for a talk.
I was nervous as hell, being super worried that my posters, emails and general word of mouth wasn't enough, but that was all out of my control. I couldn't even focus on my double maths period I had in the morning..haha...
I don't know how much I'm really allowed to say about the talking that happened before the event so I just thought it'd be safer not to say anything in general...other than I can't wait for his future books and a possible shake and change in the genre department. Other than that my lips are sealed...!
James kindly agreed for me to film the talk, as a use of evidence for my Gold Arts Award, but has also let me share it with you guys too!
I have also edited out the extract that he read...just to save those who don't have an hour at hand to listen to the full talk!
So I present to you, an extract from Say Her Name read by the author himself, James Dawson.
*Round of applause*
Now, for the full length talk....
There is a cut around half way through because the camera had a little panic attack but I don't think you really miss much either way! It's basically an hour long. I speak in this video...and I sound SUPER posh...I am still coming to terms with how weird I sound..
***Warnings***
- There are some small spoilers in this talk about Say Her Name - it's in the Q&A section, you watch at your own risk (for me, I would count it as a spoiler but it's up to you!) ...It's around 28:37(ish) to 31:02(ish)
- Do I need to warn you guys about swears too? Or are we all cool about those things? What do I say..? Mild use of swearing? *shurgs*
My review will be posted here closer to the time of release! And yes, I finished it in less than 24 hours. 24 hours of paralyzed reading. I have yet to decipher if I was paralyzed from fear or enjoyment!
But in the meantime, check out Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer!
And THANK YOU (again) James for coming in!! :D
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