Book Review | 'A Million Suns' [EDITED]

A Million Suns
Beth Revis
400 pg., ARC
Razorbill/Penguin
3/5 Stars



A Million Suns is the sequel to Across the Universe. The book was a major let-down compared to its predecessor. I was immensely excited when I opened a package from Penguin and found the paperback ARC, but I wasn't really drawn in from the get-go. I was worried.
The book explores a darker side to Elder and Amy, something I usually worship in a book, but it didn't seem to really fit in to this story. The chapter's were too short to permit the proper ebb and flow of exposition and information.
The pros of the book include its conflict and partially its resolution, but I truly was let down.
A more positive review should be released in the New Year; I do not want to spoil those who have not read it.

EDIT: Okay, so it's been about a year since I wrote this review, and I'm just now getting around to acknowledging how positively shitty it is (mind my language), how this book deserves more, and how utterly cranky I must have been while writing this review. The third book, Shades of Earth, is about to hit the hands of some lucky reviewers, so I thought I'd redo this whole situation, because it's quite a mess.
Let me start out with rewording the review in a phrase: I didn't dislike A Million Suns. Sure, I stick by what I said about it being a let down from Across the Universe, but that doesn't mean it's a bad book. I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars, which is (using my review criteria) a C+, which is definitely not a bad grade.
That being said, in retrospect, I think what I disliked most about the book was its focus and reliance on other characters, after the first book was so centered around Amy and Elder. I was looking forward to more independence and strength from these two characters, and I didn't get it, and I thought the plot wasn't as well executed as it could have been. It had so much potential, but I think what really, truly, fo-sho turned me off was..."frexing." Seriously, that needs to go.

Music Video Review | 'The One That Got Away'

TO WATCH 'THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY' MUSIC VIDEO, CLICK HERE.

The One That Got Away
Katy Perry
Teenage Dream, 2010
2011

In Perry's latest music video, she plays the role of a heartbroken girl who sacrifices love for a finer life, as explained by Perry during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres. To get the little things about this video I didn't like out of the way, I'll start off by saying that Perry didn't make a believable elderly woman. The makeup and special effects were not up to par on this part of the video. I understand it is extremely difficult to create this look, but perhaps Perry could have aged at a much less intense pace. The other thing I didn't like is such a small knit-pick: I wish they would have used slow-motion. I know, I know, it's stupid, but I think the video could have gone for some gorgeous shots of the gorgeous Katy Perry in slow-motion, adding more drama and emotion to the video!
What I did like is practically everything else. The video was an emotionally powerful, victorious presentation from Perry, and I must say that it stands out above all the rest of her videos.

Book Review | 'Supernaturally'

Supernaturally
Kiersten White
336 pg., U.S. Hardcover
HarperTeen
4/5 Stars



Buckle down for a novel almost identical to its predecessor, Paranormalcy, apart from the fact that it is a bit more serious than the first one, something that I like. What I mean when I say that it's a parallel to the first one is that the same plot arc occurs. What I mean by this is that the book starts out with some sort of event spotlighting Evie, the protagonist, and then we are introduced to another 'cute' boy. In the case of this book, it's Jack. We later learn that *spoiler* Jack isn't as good as he seems to be, something that is parallel to Reth in the first book. There is a climactic, creepy final scene that leads to a sappy falling action and resolution.
The book was a tremendously quick read; I read it in two days, averaging about 160 pages a day. The book isn't a book you really need to pay attention to, mainly because it is so fast-paced and that Evie mentions earlier events that happened within the novel.
Overall, the book was a fast-paced, intriguing, engrossing tale that I definitely recommend for those who finished Paranormalcy. The series is not one to miss; a film adaptation of Paranormalcy is in development!
The third and final novel in the series, Endlessly, is expected to be released next year!