Case Three: Maze Runner by James Dashner

                 

                                                  Song for Todays Review:    

                         
           

  Maze Runner

By: James Dashner

*Warning! Spoilers WILL be present. Spoilers Have Been Whited Out for First Time Readers.*
Maze Runner is set in, well, a MAZE, if the title didn't already give it away. A group of scientists from the WORLD IN CATASTROPHE: KILLZONE EXPERIMENT ,or WICKED for short placed teenage boys with their memories wiped into the Maze to test them and see if they will be the ones to find the cure to the elusive Flare disease brought on by the sun, the focus on the subsequent books. The main character, Thomas, is placed into the box that delivers the boys into the Maze. There, he is taken into the Glade, the only safe place in the maze, by those who have been put there before, who now call themselves Gladers. His arrival marks a change within the Glade as things begin to change with his presence. With a Maze that opens and closes at specific times and monsters called Grievers, which look like mechanic slug things, you'd think that just trying to find a way out and living everyday in fear and hardship was hard enough. But to top of all the people who are suspicious of you and  Grievers, who could sting you and cause you to go through the changing, when a girl, The FIRST mind you, is sent and called the last that will be ever sent, things will start shaking up your world even more. So what will it be? Use your head and find a way out? Or die?

Truth be told, It took me a while to finish this book. I've had it since summer, but I just couldn't find the time to finish it off, which surprises me since I usually finishes book that was Maze Runner's size in two hours or so. People seem to compare it to Hunger Games a lot, and I'll have my thoughts about that read out later on, so lets continue.

Plot
The story in itself sounds pretty interesting but simple. I mean, it's a maze. How much more specific could you get? But let me get this straight. Don't let the Maze scare you away. The book in itself is a puzzle to behold. It's not on the same level as The Hunger Games, as most people that have read both books have told me, but it's certainly unique in its own special way. The problem with the story though was how it wound up going on and on. They want to solve the maze, but it didn't stick too long. By the time I've dented at least a fourth of the book, I'm already taking a break and telling myself, when is Thomas going to get in the Maze and do something about it? They did get to it eventually and I know you have to fix character development, but a little more to read on would be nice. Using the readers desire to look forward to something is good, but don't smother them too much with time and details.

(3.5/5 Stars)

Depth
The book was obviously not light, but didn't dive in too deep. It brings a feeling of menace knowing that creatures are lurking outside the Glade, just waiting to attack them. People are sending them food and supplies along with a person every now and then. And what's worse? They don't know anything about themselves. It's scary isn't it? Knowing that you know nothing? At least death leaves you with your memory. The identity is the strongest point of a person. Then, you don't know where you are, you don't know who everyone is, you're trapped somewhere dangerous. This the book's strongest point. It didn't dip itself too much into the water, but not leave themselves open for an attack. 

                                    I think we have an Emergency!(8/5 Stars)                              


Style and Execution
The writing style was, at best, interesting. I mean, the usage of created words was kinda off at first, but it eventually rubbed on me. The book used every means of details to show me a world in pain. A world where hope is handed to young men, indicating how the youth is the future of this day. Way to go on philosophy here, but it sort of IS true. The book, in the end, ended up well written. As cliche or short as that sounds, that's the best I've got to say for the Execution.

(4/5 Stars)

Interest MaintenanceI'd have to say that my interest in the book stayed lukewarm. I liked the book, honestly. But usually when I read a book, I remove all attention from class(Yes I read during class instead of paying attention) and continue for hours on end if I have to and finish the book. That did not happen for Maze Runner. As much I liked the book, I didn't love it. If I did, I'd have finish it as fast as I finished Divergent or Hush, Hush. In 2 or 3 class or in a few hours. No, it took me a few weeks to get on the boat to the finish line. Like I said before, it started right, then before it got to its climax, it sort of went on and on. But it is, in all its right, a good book.

(3/5 Stars)

CreativityOk, this is the books second strongest point. It would seem, I dunno, less than original if it was ordinary maze. No, they weren't just simple lab rats. The story goes farther off than just a dangerous puzzle. It's got more to it. At first, I was rather weirded out with the terms the author came up with, but as a guy, I eventually got used to it. It felt like a more united Lord of the flies and the other used what he thought would occur when you trap a bunch of guys inside a maze. Then, there's outside the maze. I'll get on that when I start reading the second book. See, this is what got me returning. It may have went on and on, but it was creative enough to keep calling back to me.

I'd Kill for it(8.3/5 Stars)

Payoff
First off, Maze Runner is an incredibly hard to find book for a reason. You don't find any decent dystopian young adult books these days. Hunger Games? Over. Divergent? Over. The new books these days have... in my opinion, degenerated. Sorry for the readers of the new books, but honestly? They all feel like they've copied or are just really uninteresting. And though it's not a book I've added to my favorites, its done justice to the era of good books. Then again, good books are also very hard to find as well. The books I used to see in bookstores are usually out of stock. I'm going to assume that people have good eyes or that they just really stand out. So this book is totally worth it.

(5/5 Stars)

Overall
Maze Runner, like I said above, is pretty hard to find. Now that the movie has been released, I suggest you buy one as soon as possible because when the movie goes out of the theaters, the book is going to be gone as fast as a burning ant.

(31.8/30Stars.)
Get me out of this box! I have to buy the book!

Recommended Song When You Read This: Ivy(I The Mighty)

 *Please Be Noted That Review Cases Done By Thanos Venge is optimized for Computer Use and on Web Versions. That's why most of Thanos' Reviews would look Jumbled on Smart Phones.

Speaking My Mind: The Odyssey by Homer

First of all

Ooh goody! Greek Mythology!

[Yeah...if Thanos has his Veronica Mars, I have Sherlock to express my feelings.]

Before reading The Odyssey itself, the only version of The Odyssey I know is the summary of Edith Hamilton and I'm telling you, it is a lot richer than that summary, although, in my opinion, also a lot harder to understand.

I read the verse translation by Allen Mandelbaum which is great. It is easier to understand and well written.

This is the first book I've read wherein muscled men are crying everywhere! Not that there's something wrong about them crying, but yes, this is the first book that I've read where the warrior hero is reportedly been crying over and over again.

I know it's an emphasis on his hardships but I just find it amusing, sorry.

I will comment upon 3 concepts: Relationship, Bravery/Courage, Wit, Revenge

1. Relationship
How much people wish for loyalty such as Penelope's, Odysseus wife. For years, she continued to hope for Odysseus' return. Despite the large number of suitors she has, her heart remained for Odysseus. She cries herself to sleep and prolong the time she has to make her choice.

Penelope deserves as Good Girl Gretta Meme!

2. Bravery/Courage
Seriously, why would Odysseus dare to listen to the song of the sirens? I mean, he could just stuff his ears with wax just like his men, but no, he asked his crew to tie him so he could listen. Good thing nothing bad happened, in fairness, it's brave for him to dare.

There is no point in listening to the song of the sirens. It's not a test he needed to pass. I guess he just want to earn some bragging rights.

John Watson is not impressed.

3. Wit
Odysseus trap was good. I mean he managed to kill everyone who is disloyal. Horay? But why does he need to test his father? Poor old man, worried about his son and then Odysseus decided to test him instead of just saying "Father, I'm home!". I can't help myself from feeling sorry for his father. Cruel move Odysseus, cruel move.

"Judging you"

4. Revenge
I must admit, I like a touch of murder to add to the drama, but mass murdering? He killed a lot of suitors for wanting to marry his wife. They believe you are dead Odysseus, which kinda means that they CAN marry your wife. His mass murder was only justified by the fact that the suitors are wasting his, or his son's, wealth, but it isn't really a great reason to violently kill everyone!

"What's wrong with you Odysseus?"

Speaking My Mind: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

I'm reading The Metamorphosis for a class and I can't help but have my say about this story. 

Read the novella first. Spoilers are everywhere beyond this point.

Basically, the novella is about the Samsa family adjusting to the metamorphosis of Gregor Samsa.

It has three chapters which I will briefly narrate. 

Chapter 1

Gregor turned into a 'monstrous vermin' one morning.  It was revealed in the first part of the story that Gregor is a traveling salesman working to pay off the debt his parents have from the boss he doesn't really like. I will not go into much details. He didn't catch the usual train he rides, his family got worried, the firm's manager went to the Samsa's apartment to check why Gregor didn't ride the six o' clock train because their boss has trust issues. Struggling, Gregor finally went out of his room only to be seen by his mother, father, sister and the manager in the form of an insect-like creature.

Chapter 2

It's basically about the sister, Grete, caring for Gregor despite his monstrous form. The family began to discuss financial matters since Gregor was the one supporting the family before he transformed. The mother helped in caring for Gregor particularly when moving furniture out of Gregor's room. This is when he saw Gregor's form and fainted. The father became angry and threw apples at Gregor, one of which, got stuck in the flesh of his back.

Chapter 3

This is when everyone became tired of caring for Gregor and finding him as a total burden as opposed to Chapter 2 wherein he is cared for because he is a part of the family. The serious wound in Gregor's back caused by the apple worsen. The family allowed boarders. One night, as the boarders (or roomers) ate dinner in the common living room, they heard Grete playing the violin from the kitchen where the family eats. They asked Grete to play to them outside the kitchen. Gregor was drawn to the music and was spotted. The roomers gave the Samsa their notice of leaving. Grete had enough and decided they should get rid of Gregor, the father agreed. Gregor went back to his room and found himself unable to move. He lie awake until he saw the clock strike three in the morning, and look at the window, the light beginning to spread on the sky and he  slowly died because of the inflamed wound. The cleaning woman came the morning of his death and told the family. The family is happy, relieved not to carry the burden that is Gregor.

COMMENTS:

I'll start with something shallow. It's just something I asked myself, probably because I didn't read it well enough or because I'm don't understand the situation clearly. 

 I dislike Gregor Samsa's character in the first part of the story. Half of the first chapter is he complaining a lot about his job. I don't know why don't he just find a job he likes and pay the debt with the earnings he will get from the job he wants. It's quite limiting. I mean he hates his boss and the only reason why he can't quit is because of his parent's debt. So find a new job and pay it with your earnings.

Grete's transformation from being the first one who cared to the first one who declared to get rid of Gregor is something to really look at. From the loving sister to the hating sister. I understand that she is tired of Gregor being a burden but for me, she became a bit ungrateful for Gregor. Okay, she fed him and cleaned his room and stuff, but for the last 5 years, it was Gregor who supported the family. 

Speaking of family. It's not just Grete who was a bit ungrateful, all of them were. Gregor worked to pay off the debt his parents have while none of them even worked. Now that it is Gregor who caused the burden, they can't stand him even for a few months? What if the cure for Gregor was to love him despite being a burden like how he loves his family enough to stay in a job he really hated. 

I don't know if the readers should pity the family, honestly, I'm annoyed by them. They are worse than the complaining Gregor in the first Chapter. Of the three, I find the mother least annoying. She obviously love Gregor despite the fact that she fainted when she saw him, at least she begged the father to spare Gregor's life in Chapter 2.

UHHHHHGGGG! These characters are so annoying!

I just wish they all could have handled Gregor better. From the beginning, they are repulsed by him which is really sad. That is why I've became really defensive of Gregor.

In enotes.com, I've found the interpretation of the message Kafka is sending that agrees with my own.

[gbeatty is the one who answered before blacksheepunite: Click this to go to the source. ]

It's really sad and the message is really evident in the transformation of Grete.

Overall, great work Kafka!

Case Two: Veronica Mars - The Thousand Dollar Tan Line By: Rob Thomas

                                          Song for Todays Review:                                 
           

                     

               

                                                  Veronica Mars
                        The Thousand Dollar Tan Line
                                     By: Rob Thomas

*Warning! Spoilers WILL be present. Spoilers Have Been Whited Out for First Time Readers.*
Set after the events of the Veronica Mars Movie(Which was fully funded by fans), Veronica returns to the Private Detective business after deciding to ditch her plans on becoming a lawyer, returning to the seedy beached town of Neptune, California. With her dad still in critical condition from a hit and run, Veronica has to do it like the old fashion way; With Mac and Wallace's help. Good timing too, a case just hit up. A girl goes missing after a party. But this is no ordinary case. This case will lead to the return of someone once dear to Veronica. You need anymore spoilers? Ha! The closest I'll give to you is that it won't be Duncan, that's for sure. With the more incompetent new Sheriff doing no good, the people of Neptune decide to call upon Veronica's help, fearing that this case will be the reason visitors can use cancel reservations and avoid Neptune for spring break. Nothing has changed since she departed from this town in the first place.
But that's the drug that Veronica lives on anyways. Solving cases, taking revenge, and feel the adrenaline of catching a criminal.
As you all know, Veronica Mars is my favorite TV series. It would go without saying that I'd review it, maybe with a little bias. Fellow Marshmallows, this is for Veronica Mars!!!

Plot

Like I said above, Veronica takes up her leather Coats and Stun Gun to solve the mystery of a missing girl. But that's not the only case, as far as it goes. After just one go missing, another one pops up gone. Scary. The mystery in this book was vivid in my mind so much as if I was watching a new episode of a new Veronica Mars Series. What especially made me happy to read this book was the plot twist and heel turners. You try to go with your gut in mysteries and think hard on who murdered who, or who did what. I had my suspects, and I was wrong. So wrong. Rob Thomas was very good with the book and I'd be more than happy to read the next one.

                                             Nothing Less from Veronica Mars(8/5 Stars)

Depth

The depth in this book was alright, but not so much as deep as the experience I had when I watched each season of Veronica Mars. It didn't feel very... direct to thought. Then again, Veronica Mars did blend comedy with drama and mystery, so the level of depth fluctuated. I didn't grew up watching the series like my sisters did, but as I watched the series at first, I knew exactly why she loved the series. Despite the sarcastic and funny areas, the series put to heart the continuity and darkness within the original series. With a new start, I didn't expect the story to be very deep at first. The reappearance of someone once dear to Veronica did put the series back on track, and hopefully the things that with the series going back on track, I can read through something as endearing and powerful as what I watched. I have faith in Rob Thomas.

(3.5/5 Stars)

Style and Execution

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the writing style...
Again, I'm going to base this on what I've watched in the past. Its a little biased, but seriously.... I sort of expected the book to be first person. Veronica would always have these inner monologues and snarky moments. When I began reading and found out it was Third Person, I was a little let down. Sure, she kept the sarcastic comments in moments of opportunity, but reading it like someone else speculating was a bit weird for me. Sorry Rob, but if you're going to continue, please try keeping it in first person. I love Veronica's trail of thought. Not reading it was really, really out of place for me.

(3/5 Stars)

Interest Maintenance

Despite the let down with the writing style, I did manage to keep on reading with interest. The banter and mystery's blend did manage together. I'd occasionally stop to rehash some points to understand and sometimes just to read the banter that Veronica usually has with people, so its a given that the story was interesting enough to prevent me from stopping.

(5/5 Stars)

Creativity

Here's where the book makes a comeback with the other points its lost. Like I said earlier, the story had the right amount of twists and turns that made me wonder what was going on in Rob Thomas' mind when he made this. This was incredibly well thought of and beautifully made. It was pretty awesome that they had an idea for a follow up after the Veronica Mars movie, because the series already finished off the best mysteries that the story had to offer, specifically Season 1. But to the point that Rob didn't give up until the end, we fans are proud and happy to know that Veronica Mars is still alive.

I'd walk across a Battlefield for it. (7.4/5 Stars)

Payoff
I'll be honest. I didn't buy the book, but downloaded the Ebook instead. The Philippines didn't sell copies of this book, so I was forced to download it. I didn't want to NOT read this, so I scoured the internet for a copy, and I finally found one annd let me tell you this, the synopsis was short, but offered a lot of curiosity. When you finally manage to read it, you know it was just right to read because the story did not hesitate to try and leave you with more questions to see if you were paying attention. The story is well worth it. But more so if you're a fan. It would really look like a collectors Item too. If you read this before watching the series or at least the movie, you will be a little confused, so it's more worth it if you're a fan. If you're looking for a good mystery, but haven't watched the series, you'll be satisfied, but feel a like it's a little insipid because you don't have a clue about the characters or the stories other than what they describe it in the book.

(4.5/5 Stars)

Overall
The book is a great addition to a collection. But more likely more appreciated if you have been following Veronica Mars before you read this, so it's easy to feel elated to say it's great to people who don't know about it. If I hadn't watched the series myself, maybe even I'd have a different opinion because I'd be a little confused. But still, the book would make a good mind twister because Rob did not hold back to make the first book as good as the first episode. Kudos.
My Verdict:

Out of the way! I'll taser you if you grab that last copy in the stands.

(31.4/30 Worth it. Better if you're a fan.)

Recommended Song When You Read This: Stick Up(Max Schneider)

Case One: Four - A Divergent Collection By: Veronica Roth

               
                                                  Song for Todays Review:                                 
           

                          

Four

By: Veronica Roth

*Warning! Spoilers WILL be present. Spoilers Have Been Whited Out for First Time Readers.*
Four is a collection of short stories long before and during the events of Divergent. These stories are told within Tobias Eaton's, otherwise known as Four to most, point of view. Here, he shares stories of events that he experienced before he joined Dauntless, during the time of his arrival, and then, to the tragically deceased Tris Prior’s arrival
I’ve been a fan of the Divergent series long before the last book and movie ever came out, so you can’t hold anything against me if you think I’m just a fan because I watched the movie. Anyways, after reading the last book(Which almost made me burn it by the way before finally just accepting it), I just had to read more. I love this series that I’m willing to read amidst the pain of losing Tris.

Plot
As I began reading the first chapter, the initial spark that hooked me in from the original Divergent took me in. It was nostalgic and new at the same time. The way Four sees things were… Different from the slightly toneless Tris from the beginning of the Divergent. His pained and emo atmosphere made it feel like I was watching a scene from One Tree Hill, only more violent and outrageous. In a good way. Despite the same charm that was present in the first book, I found the way Four’s brooding attitude of loneliness and pain so… surprising. Surprising that despite the fact that he finally escaped and that he can finally be free, he retained a brooding attitude towards his days and it took another person approaching him to make him loosen up a bit. Then again, if someone would lock me in cabinets, or whipped me on a daily basis, I’d be damaged myself. And the way others must approach him before he can loosen up… Well most guys are that way anyways, who am I to judge?

Review:4.5/5 Stars

Depth
As I said in the previous remark, the atmosphere had changed from Tris’ simplistic and curious view of all things new to Tobias darker and brooding air. The lengths that Veronica Roth had gone to make us see the difference was so long that it made knowing about Four being Marcus Eaton’s son still surprising. When I read about it from Tris, it was more sympathy than understanding. But when I read what he had to do in person… It was just so surreal. It wasn’t sympathy that came to me. It was empathy. Reading from his shoes made things a lot deeper in meaning and understanding than I ever did with Tris.

                   Review: It's worth more than stars. You made Veronica Mars turn! (6.8/5 stars)
Style and Execution
The style, other than the changed point of view, is nonetheless, still similar to the original trilogy that started it all. Veronica Roth’s careful precision and precise balancing of facts, action, and dialogue made the book what any reader wants. Good. Should one over exceeds one requisite or lack it, the book becomes a fight between interesting, uninteresting, and limbo. In the end, books end up either Good, Bearable, or Terrible. I admire her ability to make this book good.

Review: 5/5 Stars

Interest Maintenance
It goes without saying that you should pick this book up if you’ve read the entire series. Or, rather, the first book.  That way, you’ll understand half the things that would otherwise be thrown at you. Alone, it also stands to gain a very good position as a standalone, sans the understanding of terminology learned within the series. Going through this book, I’ve managed to bring myself close to the end in just an hour or less. That only happens when I’m incredibly into what I’m reading. Give me something I won’t like, it’d take me at least a few days to finish it if the length isn’t that much. More, maybe a week. I’m happy to say that my interest did not deter as I read through chapter by chapter.

Review: 5/5 Stars

Creativity

Sure the story was excerpts prior to Divergent, but despite knowing spoiler facts and everything that would’ve made me think “Ooh! This looks like fun!” had this been the first I read of it, everything still smelled new as much as the book did. It felt like reading Divergent again, with a twist! So I applaud Veronica Roth to sticking true to the originality of Divergent while maintaining a line of mystery and questions. Though I do wish that something more had happened. The stories are great, but all of them have been told from the book, albeit in simple sentences or thoughts. Like Four’s abuse, Eric’s overbearing attitude, and suspicion within the Dauntless. Like a never been read or heard before. A special fact that may allude us but leave us satisfied in hopes for more answers. Nonetheless, I can say nothing more about the story’s creativity. It will always be great in my heart.

Review: 4/5 Stars. (Heh. 4 for Four)

Payoff
It’s safe to say that buying this book is well worth your money. It’s not the biggest book, but it will leave you satisfied. The synopsis is spot on, and you wont regret it if you bought this because you liked the cover. I hope you don’t though. Buying books based on just the cover is pretty much a gamble to readers. A synopsis rundown is a little better, but risky as well, so you should really pay more attention to a books details before you decide to pluck it out of a bookshelf just because your favourite actors there- Oh Look! Its Kristen Bell in a new Veronica Mars book! …What? Its Veronica Mars! It doesn’t count!

                                          Review: I'd Taser Someone for It. (7.6/5 Stars)



Overall
You’re not going to make me waste my breathe recapping what I just said a while ago, will you? With all these positive(And some negative) remarks put together, I think its safe to say that overall, this book deserves to be on the stairway to the top of the YA throne. I think a TV series is what this deserves, actually!
Hahaha. Too bad its all in my dreams.
ANYWAYS! My overall ranking for this is:

Touch My Book and You Bleed.

(32.9/30 Stars. Its definitely Worth Reading)

Recommended Song When You Read This: War of Change(Thousand Foot Crutch)

Book Trailer: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Creepy cover huh?

I'm a huge fan of this book and it's going to become a movie soon! The movie rights were sold to 20th Century Fox and will be directed by Tim Burton!

So before we get to see the movie trailer, I share to you guys it's book trailer from it's author--Ransom Riggs' Youtube account. I don't have to give a book overview for this because the video can give it for me.

Enjoy!

Movie Trailer: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

I must admit, I have never read or touched a copy of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. I am, however, a big...no...HUGE fan of the movies!

Watching this trailer means that the last of the movies will come out...the last chapters of The Hobbit will now surface to the world of movies.

If you are as much of a fan of the movies as I am, you already know the song playing in the trailer.

It is called Edge of Night or as some fans know, it is Pippin's Song found on Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Pippin sang it for Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor.

Also, you may or may not have noticed that the song was quoted by Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. He said to Bilbo, "Home is now behind you...The world is ahead."

It is the first few lines in Edge of Night:

"Home is behind
The World ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through Shadow
To the Edge of Night
Until the stars are all alight

Mist and Shadow
Cloud and Shade
All shall fade
All shall
Fade"