Search Results for : stephen king

Movie Review: The Dark Tower (2017)

 in Movies by

Starring

Matthew McConaughey – Walter
Idris Elba – Roland
Tom Taylor – Walter

Summary

“The last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black, determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.”

-From IMDB.com

Review

I’ve been waiting a while to see this movie, especially after I had read the first book of the series last year. After the first book, I was really wondering how they were going to put all of that into a movie, especially with how complex and confusing it was. I really struggled to write the book review for it because it was one of those books that was quite difficult to summarize and turn into words. So how would they visualize it all?

Well I got my answer. They dumbed it down….a lot. While the basic idea was there, it was nothing like the first book. I mean they started to play around with what was given to them. In the book, there was a lot more of it based on a derelict world with everything destroyed. It felt like a wild west kind of book, but the movie was based more in NYC and a little bit in the waste land around the other universes. I mean, sure it worked, but if you read the book you would most likely be a little disappointed.

Don’t get my wrong, I did really enjoy it and I absolutely loved the cast. Idris Elba was a perfect Gunslinger and Matthew McConaughey was an amazing Man in Black, but I felt like there just could have been so much more. It quickly explained who the Man in Black was, and that he was magical, but in the book you never really understood. Of course I only ever read book one. But considering how many books that the movie series had to work with, with each book averaging about 500 pages (and some as long as 800!) they honestly could have done so much.

The movie was also only 95 minutes too. Harry Potter Book 1 was the same length and it got a movie that was over two hours. Of course, it was much more popular but I feel when you make a movie based on a book, you need to stick a little closer.

Movie Review: The Dark Tower

They answered a lot of questions that were left unanswered, or made you wonder, in the book. It was clear the movie ended in a way that meant that another one wasn’t needed. So if you watch it, you wouldn’t be waiting for a second movie. With the book, it had a similar way to end, like you could just not continue to read, but there were so many questions left unanswered. The movie was a nice neat package.

Visually the movie was incredible. it was beautiful and the gun-work rivaled that of John Wick 1 and 2 (which I thought was impossible)! But the Gunslinger is supposed to be incredible with weapons. It was just impressive to see that.

But the idea of the book, the deeper psychological and philosophical idea seemed to be completely ignored in the book. So I was a little upset about that.

C’est la vie…nothing you can really do.

If you haven’t read the book, it’s a good movie. If you have read it, you might be a little underwhelmed.

For a more detailed technical review, check out here!

Happy Watching!

The Mist (2017) TV Show

 in Books / Movies / TV by

The Mist (2017) TV Show

Starring

Morgan Spector – Kevin Copeland
Alyssa Sutherland – Eve Copeland
Gus Birney – Alex Cunningham
Danica Curcic – Mia Lambert
Okezie Morro – Bryan Hunt
Luke Cosgrove – Jay Heisel

Summary

“After an eerie mist rolls into a small town, the residents must battle the mysterious mist and its threats, fighting to maintain their morality and sanity.”

-From IMDB.com

Review

So honestly, I hated this TV show. Sure, it was pretty entertaining and a decent TV show as just a show, but since it was based on a short story I had pretty high expectations for the show. But of course, I never go into it too excited because they always seem to mess up these shows…

I did really enjoy the movie and while the ending was pretty different from the book, it was still well done.

I don’t know about this TV show though. I really hated the actors that they chose for the roles. Of course most of them were just so pretty and too perfect and I just hated that kind of stuff. And what was it about the daughter being immune?? Like what?! Where the hell did that come from? That was never in the book and wasn’t answered.

Like of course the TV ended with SOOOO many questions not being answered, and was angled for a season 2, but I don’t really want a season 2. It’s supposed to leave lots of questions in the air and all of that stuff, but you KNOW that the producers, if it will make them money, is going to make a second season.

But I don’t know…

The show was pretty gruesome. While the movie was only an hour and a half of some creepy stuff, and blood, the TV show was 10 episodes of that. I don’t know, it just didn’t sit well with me in the entire TV show. It was entertaining and I finished the entire season, but would I watch it again? No. Will I watch season 2? Probably, just because I’m curious.

But if you were thinking that the TV show was going to stick to the short story, then you will be utterly disappointed, because very little actually stuck to the short story.

Overall, I mean it was a decent watch, and if you have Netflix, maybe worth checking out. But it you were looking for it to be close, then probably don’t waste your time on it. There’s so many other great King movies/tv shows out there currently.

Happy Watching!!!

BOOK TOUR for Wicked Truths by Michelle Areaux!!!

 in Book Events / Books / Uncategorized by

Book Tour header

Giveaway down below too!!!

Book Tour Banner

Wicked TruthDeath seems to follow seventeen year old Sadie Sanders everywhere she goes–literally. As a mediator to the dead, she must constantly face fighting demons and the occasional angry dead girl. In WICKED TRUTHS, the third instalment of the WICKED CRIES series, Sadie learns that some secrets are meant to stay dead, for the truth, once it has been uncovered, may be wickeder than she could have ever imagined.

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Paranormal, Clean Romance
Pages: 178
Release Date: 1 Oct 16
Blog Tour Date: 1 – 8 Oct 16
Post Review: any time

Death seems to follow seventeen year old Sadie Sanders everywhere she goes–literally. As a mediator to the dead, she must constantly face fighting demons and the occasional angry dead girl.

After a dangerous and almost deadly first year in Salem, Sadie’s parents decided to send her away for the summer to visit her Aunt Morgan in the small town of Nicholasville, Kentucky. After uncovering a murder hidden for centuries, she embarked on a deadly mission to solve the crime while trying to enjoy her summer vacation.

Now back in Salem, Sadie has found another hidden secret in the wicked town. Secret underground tunnels are hidden under the streets of Salem, beckoning to those with wicked souls. When Sadie encounters a ghost named Laura roaming the streets of Salem, she and her friends Noah and Lucy must uncover the clues leading to Laura’s death, which is made even more complicated by the fact that Laura has no memory about her life or death. To make matters worse, Sadie must also track down the person who has been sending her threatening messages in an effort to stop her mission for justice.

In Wicked Truths, the third instalment of the Wicked Cries series, Sadie learns that some secrets are meant to stay dead, for the truth, once it has been uncovered, may be wickeder than she could have ever imagined

Buy Links:

Google Play : https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michelle_Areaux_Wicked_Truths?id=VGn_DAAAQBAJ
Kobo: http://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=W1PQs9y/1/c&mid=37217&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.kobobooks.com%2Febook%2Fwicked-truths

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/wicked-truths/id1151939508?uo=8&at=1l3vwPw

Kindle : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LQV7T4G?tag=ammbt-20

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0991725433?tag=ammbt-20

Also by Michelle Areaux – Coming Soon!

Wicked Cries Book 1Wicked Cries – Book 1 of the Wicked Cries Series

For 16-year-old Sadie Sanders, dealing with the dead is growing tiresome, especially when they expect her to be their messenger from the afterlife. But when her family moves to Salem, Massachusetts, and she finds the diary of a young girl named Elizabeth who was accused of witchcraft, she may need some help. Soon, Elizabeth begins to haunt Sadie, first in her dreams and then when she’s awake. As Sadie delves into Elizabeth’s journal, she slowly uncovers the secret Elizabeth needs to reveal, and it’s one that could change the course of history. Sadie needs help, and she wonders whom, if anyone, she can tell about it. Worried that her friends and family wouldn’t believe her, or worse, prevent her from continuing her journey to find the truth, Sadie has a choice to make…and it’s not going to be an easy one.

Wicked Cries Book 2Wicked Lies – Book 2 of the Wicked Cries Series

Sadie Sanders believed her life couldn’t get any worse when her parents moved her from sunny California, to gloomy Salem, Massachusetts. Of course Sadie was wrong–dead wrong.

After a dangerous and almost deadly first year in Salem, Sadie’s parents decide to send her away for the summer to visit her Aunt Morgan in the small town of Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Seeking normalcy from her twisted life as a messenger for the dead, Sadie hopes her stay in the small Kentucky town will be the break she needs from her paranormal obligations and a way for her to escape the demons that haunt her.

Unfortunately for Sadie, the dead don’t take a break, not even for summer vacation. Soon after arriving in Nicholasville, Sadie discovers a murder that’s been haunting the town for centuries. Refusing to ignore the injustice she uncovers, Sadie sets off on another wild adventure.

In Wicked Lies, book two of the Wicked Cries series, Sadie’s quest for justice just may be the thing that finally ends her career as a messenger to the dead, and her life

Social Media Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13735516.Michelle_Areaux

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Michelle-Areaux/100010465868027

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelleareaux

 

Guest Post: My Publishing Journey

hiking-1312226_1920Hello all, my name is Michelle Areaux and I am excited to talk with you all today about my crazy journey in the publishing world and what inspired me to write my debut novel, Wicked Cries. When I first got the idea for Wicked Cries, I was a college student at the University of Kentucky. I was studying English as part of my degree to become a middle school language arts teacher. My true dream was to be a writer, but let’s face it: I needed a “real” job in case my dream job never came true. Thankfully, I accomplished both dreams.

My inspiration for this novel came from my interest in the Salem witch trials. I have always been intrigued by moments in our history that really defined an historical moment. I began researching the history behind the Salem witch trials. Once I began delving into the unanswered mysteries around the people, the town, and the events that transpired, I knew I was in trouble; I was hooked. I had to know more about their stories. I needed to capture that moment, but put my own twist and find my own destiny for those people. I wanted to create characters and put them in fantastic dilemmas while having a control over their fate. I also wanted to create raw characters that readers could identify with and who shared the same quirks, insecurities, strengths, and dilemmas we all face.  So…I began writing a story about a young girl who found a journal hidden in a restored home her parents had purchased in Salem, Massachusetts.  I wanted this character, who I named Sadie, to be a martyr for the victims and to stand up against the hate and unfair treatment of those involved. While researching the history of the events of this tragic moment in our history, I became obsessed with telling this story. As silly as it sounds, I felt like I was becoming an advocate for the people who were shamelessly condemned. Of course I had to add in a cute boy and a mean girl to add some more spice to the story line.  Even though this story is fiction and contains fighting ghosts and paranormal activity, the concept behind the plot is real.

Fast forward ten years.  I am a middle school language arts teacher, mother of two crazy little boys, and a wife of a very patient, and motivating husband. Wicked Cries sat untouched for almost ten years. Finally, after gaining the courage to share this story with my husband Anthony, he encouraged me to send it to agents and publishers. Now, I wish that I could say this journey was easy and that the first publisher I sent my query letter to jumped at the chance to represent me. But, sadly, that is not the case. It took another year of sending my manuscript to agents and publishers before Black Rose Writing took a risk on me and my novel and offered me a publishing contract. Black Rose Writing has been amazing, and the authors I have met along the way have been helpful and great mentors.  My novel is sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, Black Rose Writing’s website, and at The Morris Book Shop in Lexington, Kentucky.  The publishing journey has been crazy and exciting at times. Holding my novel in my hands was a true accomplishment and a dream come true. But having my family, friends, and students read the story and share their thoughts about the characters with me was exhilarating.  My goal in becoming a published author was not to get popular or become a rock star like Jamie McGuire, Stephenie Myer or J.K. Rowling. No, I wanted to become a writer so I could share my stories with others and live my dream. Wicked Cries is more than just a story about a girl who fights ghosts and learns about the Salem Witch Trials. This story contains real life scenarios that teens and adults face.  I wanted the story to be fun, educational, and something anyone could connect with.  I guess the momma and teacher in me took over when writing this book.

For anyone reading this who aspires to be an author, my advice to you is simple: never give up. I know it sounds so cliché, but it is true. Once you have the idea and the itch to write a story, do it! Keep writing. Send out your story to anyone willing to take a peek at it. What’s the worst that could happen–someone says no? If you don’t try, you will never know. My novel was published ten years after its making. Forget the timeline, don’t stress about how long it takes to get noticed. Keep focusing on your dream and you will get there.

Book three in the Wicked Cries series, Wicked Truths, is now available via EMSA Publishing, wherever online books are sold. Look for the reprints of Wicked Cries and Wicked Lies by EMSA Publishing before the end of the year.

*Image by MaxMann through Pixabay CCO Public Domain agreement https://pixabay.com/en/hiking-map-orientation-hiking-shoes-1312226/

 

AND DON’T FORGET!!!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Click the link above to participate!)

Author Bio

headshot

Michelle Areaux is the author of the Wicked Cries series. Her love for literature began at an early age and flourished over the years into a passion. Currently, she resides in Nicholasville, KY with her husband Anthony, and sons Connor and Cooper.

American Classic Checklist

 in Uncategorized by

I found this fantastic list from Bridgett on her blog Writing and Musing. How many of these have you read? Comment which ones you have, how many out of 50, or do a blog post about it to keep sharing it and link below in the comments.

I’ve read only about 8 of these…so I need to get my act together and start getting through them. Those underlined are the ones I’ve read.

How about you?

 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

My Antonia by Willa Cather

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick Douglas

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J.  Gaines

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Call of the Wild by Jack London

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Complete Stories and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe

Anthem by Ayn Rand

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Native Son by Richard Wright

Author Interview with Colleen Houck

 in Author Interview / Books / Fantasy / Fun / Interesting / Young Adult by

I got the unimaginable honor to interview Colleen Houck, the author of my two favorite books, Tiger’s Curse and Tiger’s Quest. I asked her a lot of questions and I have to thank her for taking the time to ask my questions. Her answers were very interesting.

I would like to thank Collen Houck for doing an interview with me. It was such an honor and I cannot wait to read her next book Tiger’s Voyage. Thank you for taking the time.

Now let us get to the fun part. Reading my annoying questions and reading her amazing answers.

Enjoy!!!!!

What inspired you to write The Tiger Series?

I loved the story of Beauty and the Beast and knew I wanted to do a play on that. After I chose a white tiger for my beast, research led me to India and the tiger myths of that culture.  I plotted out the entire series shortly after that.

Where did you get the character ideas from – did something fuel the idea for the characters, or was it pure imagination?

I put a lot of myself in my main character Kelsey though she has much more courage than I do.  Mr. Kadam is half Mr. Spock and half Mr. Roark from Fantasy Island.  I name secondary characters after my nieces and nephews and loaned Kelsey my grandmother.  So I’d say that parts of my characters are based on real people and the other parts are imagination.

What made you want to start writing?

I was inspired to write after reading the Twilight Series.  I loved the romance and the epic quality of the books and when I found out that Stephenie Meyer was a stay-at-home mom who just got up one day and started to write a book, I thought, “Why not me?”  It was knowing her story and J.K. Rowling’s that gave me the courage to give writing a try.

Have you written any other book or are you thinking of writing any more books?

I’ve written a few children’s books featuring my poodle but I never tried to get them published.  I’ve also written a few short stories that I think are fun but the Tiger Series is my first major attempt at writing.  I have a long list of story ideas that I hope to turn into books someday.

Do you have a favorite type of genre of book which you like to read?

I’m a sucker for romance but I prefer it to be more on the mild side so YA is a perfect fit for me.  I love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, and just added Steampunk to my list as well.

Are you currently reading anything, and if so what is it?

One of my favorite series is the FIRELIGHT series by Sophie Jordan and the book I am reading next is Amy Plum’s zombie romance (interesting isn’t it) called DIE FOR ME.  I also like recommending Beth Revis.  Her series is ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.

When you saw how popular your books were and the reviews that they were getting, what was your initial reaction?

Excitement!  My favorite thing is talking to people about my books and seeing other people get just as excited as I am is incredible.

What is the hardest part about writing?

I really struggle with the battle scenes.  Romance comes easily for me and I love writing it but I sometimes slog through battle and pick my brother’s brain to get everything set up just right.

What do you think helped get your book so popular (besides it being such a great story?)

I’m a good self promoter. I work really hard at marketing myself and try to stay open to the fans as much as possible.  I want to give them a great experience with my books so I hold a lot of contests and respond to fans as much as possible.  Also I think there are a lot of multi-cultural elements in my series that appeal to a worldwide audience.

Do you have any regrets or any things that you wish you could change about the books which you have published?

I feel very satisfied with how the books are coming out.  If I would change anything it would be to add more.  There are so many little side stories I’d like to tell and pieces of the world there that I’d like to explore but that will have to be saved for later books.

Out of the entire set of characters which you have created, who is your favorite (if you have one?)

My favorite character is Mr. Kadam.  He is someone I really admire and wish was real.  I’d love to be able to meet him and talk with him.

Do you own any pets and if so what are they?

I did own a little toy poodle.  She passed away a year ago after living with us for fourteen long years. I haven’t felt ready yet to get a new pet.

If you could choose any animal to be your pet, what would it be?

Probably another poodle.

Do you ever wish you could be transported into your book, so you could live, experience, and see the world which Ren, Kishan, and Kelsey experienced?

Everyday.

When you are not writing, what could you be found doing?

Watching movies, reading, catching up with my family, and going shopping with friends.

What are your top 5 favorite books (not including your own?)

GONE WITH THE WIND, ECLIPSE, A WRINKLE IN TIME, OF MICE AND MEN, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA.  (These are just a few but I have many more)

If you were sent to a desert island, which five things would you take with you(you don’t have to be realistic)?

A net, a knife, seeds, rope, my husband

What is your writing ritual?

I write in the afternoons.  I always light a scented candle and have a fridge full of drinks and snacks. I keep my plush tigers nearby for inspiration.