Lord of the Rings | Buddy Reading!

After re-watching the Fellowship of the Rings for probably a thousand times I finally decided to actually read the books. I don't know why it took me so long. I think i didn't believe it had much to offer. (of course Ive heard how amazing it is) but like most I thought "Ive seen the movie, im ok" But after getting into reading in 2018 I wanted to branch out more and read books I never really thought of. Im excited to delve deeper in Tolkiens lore and get more of a back story to all these characters Ive loved from the movie!

Random Write| Star Wars Character Design

Genetics and Planet History. |
Faiyen Fuocello (Fwo Che-loh) is native to a planet in the outer rim.Names Haelios (not in true Star WARS lore this is made up)its close proximity to the sun has the inhabitants accustomed to solar rays. Like the majority of the surface people on his planet Faiyen has bleached blonde hair and dark tan skin. His people are know to have bleached birthmarks/ markings. Faiyens are centered around his eyes in a starburst fashion. Further distinguishing him from his people is a non genetic pigmentation in their eyes they call "Sun Kissed" which is a rare coloration of their eyes that cause them to look amber/ orange. With the sunlight catching them they can look quite beautiful, this is usually the only cause for slavers to take Haelions. They make for bad slaves due to their reliance on sunlight, though this isnt required to keep them alive it does maintain their attractiveness and over all strength. Their people are mostly left alone as they are more primitive and dont lack much power in the way of technology or force sensitivity, which makes them too much of a bother to enslave or use being so far out in the system.

 

Early Life and Appearance| The Finding by the Jedi and Sith

 Faiyen was a very athletic child. Unbeknownst to himself for quite a time he didnt know he could attribute his athleticism to the force. In his youth he wore what most of his people fashioned. Light clothing that wasnt too thick, usually shorts and no sleeves to soak up as much of the Sun. His blond hair was shaved on the sides  and long in the middle worn in a warhawk as was the fashion most his age. Faiyen was also quite quizzical and curious. Being sun touched, he was aware he was different but beyond that he knew it was more than just the color of his eyes. He could sense things, and more than that: while the other kids and adults concerned themselves of matters closer to home, never dreaming of anything beyond, Faiyens mind drifted to that beyond.

From ages 5-7 he began to realize what he had. Though knowledge was limited on his planet the few visitors and merchants that came provided enough information or a way to download information from across the galaxy.

He learned of the Jedi, and as he learned his senses grew. Once he understood what to expect and what he was, his powers began to develop more. He would meditate and could feel past his world. It was a little past his turning of 7 that he realized if he could sense out in the Galaxy, others too, could sense him.

First Contact

 Faiyen could sense it coming. Whatever it was, it was coming to his planet and he knew it was for his connection to the force. Most had warned him of slavers because he was Sun Touched, but he knew this was different. He sent out a message to the faraway capital of Coruscant, but he knew they wouldnt get to him in time. He had to take care of it himself and survive until the Jedi came for him. 

Palpatine commanded his Sith followers to search and  always seek out force sensitive people. Before the time of Maul, Dooku, Greivous and the clone wars, they had more subtle ways of capturing potential force users. In Faiyens case they sent a bounty hunter. Usually told a lie about why they want them captured, and though most of the time the children are too untrained to make a difference, but against Faiyen, this would be a grave error.

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     Faiyen walked the path for what felt like the hundredth time. Tracing every street, alleyway and crevice. If he was being hunted, he would use every advantage he had. He went to the rooftop where the grand finale would be held. Two spots on either side of the roof held two portable holo-projectors. He checked them to make sure they were primed and ready to go.

The noise of ozone breaking drew his attention to the sky. A ship was heading straight for their dock. Faiyen picked up his bow, it wasn't perfect but it would do the job. He flicked the string, making a hum reverberating the strength. He smiled, gulped the last of hesitation and dashed off toward the docking station. Nimbly hopping from building to building. Fear drained from him as if the wind ripped it from his skin itself, leaving him with just a smile plastered on him at a thought of what was to come.

     

     The hunter wiped the sweat from his brow and fanned out his jacket. 'This place was ridiculously hot,'  he thought. He'd be happy once he snatches this kid and gets go back to the big pay check and spent it all on ridiculously over priced drinks at his favorite bar on Nar Shaddah. He didnt know how his employer always found these kids, and quite frankly didn't care.  He was so lost in thought about his fantasy on how he would spend his bounty he barely heard the twang of shot and back stepped just in time for an arrow to crack against the wall next to him around his legs. He snapped his face in the direction of the shot and glared at a kid poking his head over the wall.

"Hey kid! What the hell! " 

The native looked down and embarrassed, he chuckled awkwardly. " Sorry! I thought you were someone else!" 

The hunter started at the kid, "what do you mean? you could have killed someone!"

The kid squinted his eyes in amusement, just as the sun glinted of his eyes, like two sparkling suns and the kid brushed off a comment "I wasnt aiming to hurt!" and like that the kid ran off . But it wasn't before the Hunter realized who he found, the bright orange eyes. This kid was his target. He thanked his lucky stars, this dumb kid just fell in his lap. Gripping is taser rope hooked to his belt he took off after the native.

     

     Faiyen flew through the alleyways, a left here and a right there. He could hear the heavy foot falls of the hunter behind him. Faiyens theory was right, the Hunter was too skilled to be taken out with one shot. So Faiyens plan was as followed, use his knowledge of the town to lead the hunter through a course that would tire him out. He used a balance of hard running to give away his location to the hunter then turn quietly, sending something down an opposite direction to keep the Hunter going the wrong way. Sparingly taking shots to hit the Hunter with his bow. To Faiyens satisfaction, it worked. The Hunter began to become too tired and distracted and at least 3 arrows hit their mark. 2 of them were deflected by his armor but Faiyen managed to find a weak spot where it was just cloth and the Hunter gasped out agroan of pain as the arrow pierced the flesh under his right shoulder. The hunter was human, so his heart was on the opposite side, but it made Faiyen hesitate for a second. It didn't occur to him that he could have killed the hunter if he hit his left side. But he couldn't focus on that now for his hesitation left just the opening the Hunter needed. The Hunter turned his furious eyes onto Faiyen and with a evil grin and a crack of his whip he threw out at Faiyen. The attack almost managed to hit him if it wasn't for Faiyen twisting sideways out of the way, but this landed him on the ground and another whip cracking right toward him, there would be no dodging this. Faiyens energy swelled and he thrust out his hand, the whip hitting an invisible force that shimmered yellow as if a ripple on water. The Hunter looked shocked, which turned the tables as Faiyen leapt forward with speed the Hunter wasn't expecting. Vaulting over the hunter and placing a well aimed blow on back of the hunters head. The crack of his bow hitting the hunters head rang out through the alleyway. Not waiting  to confirm the damage, Faiyen took off, he knew this wouldnt take out the Hunter. He sprinted down the path he had memorized every day since his plans conception, it was time to end this.

     The hunter roared down the path Faiyen took, flinging his whip back left and right creating long sizzling slashes in the wall. He was gaining on Faiyen, no longer holding back, throwing caution to the wind he charged down the alleyways. He turned just in time to see movement up to the roofs and an arrow fly down from the right side. In two quick movements he jumped to the left dodging the arrow, planting his boot on the wall and propelled him to the right where he finally saw the kid in view hunkered down right in the middle of the roof, and with no where to go as the Hunter flew toward him.

     In the Hunters frustrations and exhaustion what he didnt see was Faiyen ricochet his arrow from the left rooftop which made the appearance of coming from the right. Nor did he notice the two little projectors on the rooftop. As his hands began to wrap around Feiyan they merely passed right through and just landed with a hard thud on his face. He barely had time to register what was happening before the rooftops cracks spread and broke away as he tumbled through, with just a last glimpse of blonde hair waving in the wind and startling orange eyes shimmering in the sun. Before he even landed below many arrows shot out of holsters in the room below, attached to stings and coated in black tar like substance from beasts below the planet. The hunter was trapped, the hunter had failed, and Faiyen stood above in the opening a large smile plastered on his face savoring his first true victory.

 Arrival of the Jedi

Master Shaak Ti arrived to a grinning boy swinging his feet and basking in the sun. Faiyen hops off the wall and runs over to the Torgruta, he bows as Shaak Ti descends the ships stairs giving him a quizzical look.

Faiyens reddens when he sees her look, "Is..is this not acceptable?" He stutters becoming self conscious of his greeting. The corner of shaak tis lips curl with the hint of a smirk, bowing back she replies "Oh no, quite acceptable, You misread me. I was merely wondering, were you expecting me?"

Faiyen brightened at her ease of acceptance. His nerves drifting away. "Oh yes! I could feel you coming, like I felt the bad man." Shaak Ti betrayed her call for just a second but it registered with Faiyen, he continued. "Did..you not know the bad man was coming." She looked out over the village a seriousness in her eyes, "Show me." She smiled placing a comforting hand on his head.

Fiayen showed her the man, who in his desperation bit a capsule of poison hidden in his mouth. Clearly the people who hired him were very serious about privacy, and their identity. After checking with Faiyen it was clear he was not there simply because he was to be a slave but for his connection to the force. Shaak Ti was very impressed. This boy displayed most qualities needed to be a Jedi. She relayed, in her initial reports, that Faiyen connection and focus was above average of his age. Though he was not able to effectively move objects with telekinesis he was able to create strong force shields that often shone in a yellow or orange color. 

When asked of his parents, Faiyen described a problem of his world. The sun was becoming too dangerous, centuries caused the Sun to become unhealthy. He wved a hand out toward his town, which was mostly deserted as an example of the lack of people on the surface anymore. Alot of Haelions went underground and adapt to a sunless life. Though this prolonged their life, they forever changed and could not go back to the surface. Faiyen ,at the time of his departure of his home planet, had said goodbye to his parents one year prior. It showed, to Shaak Ti, his understanding in change and ability to let go and accept loss. A trial most jedi fail. Shaak Ti and the rest of the council were happy to allow Faiyen to become a youngling and train to become a jedi. Their main relief was this bounty hunter was not able to capture this young force user, but brought concern, how many of these children have been targeted, and captured by an unknown enemy.

Faiyen was 7 at the time of Phantom Menance. Making him two years younger than Anakin Skywalker. Shaak Ti was not made Feiyins master as she was promoted to council soon after her return replacing Master Yaddle. 

 Clone Wars and After

 Faiyen was a admirable Jedi. He became a knight in the midst of the Clone wars. He was still a bit  on the young side but the war had caused an acceleration of most things during this time. He soon was in command of his troops though, they took smaller battles and skirmishes or defensive jobs. 

His skills had developed him into a dangerous opponent when it comes to close combat. He was very quick, using the force to speed in fast and get out. More of a scalpel than a hammer. His acrobatics and senses never dulled as his ability to dodge and predict shots were only heightened throughout the war.

He uses a common lightsaber but ended up commissioning a shorter thinner blade that he holds  with a reverse grip. This he can use better for quick attacks where he usually dispatches the limbs of enemies quickly.

His use of telekinesis was average but nothing impressive. His shield however continued to be a staple of his abilities even later being strong enough to stop blaster bolts.

He still wore clothing similar to when he was younger, short sleeves and pants trimmed just below the knees. Still in a similar robe style to other Jedi, more armor during the clone wars.

His hair kept the similar style to his home, shaved sides in a warhawk fashion but much longer twisted into a braid that reached his lower back. He would never say it outloud but he thought it looked and felt cool when he was flipping and speeding around, the way his braid whipped around. Its even helped him a couple of times as a back up weapon.

When order 66 was initiated, Faiyens senses did not fail him. He sensed the darkness as hundreds of jedis were killed. Faiyen was fortunate to be on a sun planet full of beaches. Not currently in battle he was taking a moment to himself on the cliff sides meditating. He managed to evade the troopers and dispatch them. Angry from their betrayel (unknown to the fact they were mind controlled) he showed no mercy that day. Going so far as to stopping the blaster bolts of troopers and directing them back to kill the owners. 

Faiyen received the warning from Obi-wan and yoda, not returning to Coruscant and going into hiding.

After this Faiyen seldom used his lightsabers after Order 66. Mostly his small shoto blade. Instead adopting again his home planets style of combat, a bow. But no longer was he firing wood and metal. He began to carry an advanced blaster bow that fired energy that could piece or stun. It also came equipped with a portable shield he could use to block fire so he wouldn't have to risk using his force powers as much. Conveniently, however, it actually let him use his force powers and enemies would just attribute to hitting his bow shield.

He spent most of his time as a bounty hunter, helping the people in small ways but never officially joining the rebel alliance.

What If Its Us | Review

Ben is basically me, the school , the sims, the stories. Has me pegged. Its a main reason why I think I liked this book so much.

I really enjoyed this book. I flew through it so fast. The beginning really hooked me, I liked how they were a bit awkward in the beginning so none their relationship was perfect. It actually seemed pretty long to me for a contemporary so I was surprised how fast I went through it. I think its a cute, wholesome tale and would definitely recommend!

"I could throw up. Hudson runs down the steps and please, please, please fall and dont get up until Arthur and I are long gone."
(I know this is followed up by a pretty bad fight but I cracked up laughing so hard imaging this and Arthur and Ben acting like they didnt see it and just walk away)


I mostly Sided with Ben for the majority of the book. Arthur definitely started to come off as immature (granted hes only 16) The blow up after Hudson was a huge turn off for me. Trust is a big deal and Arthur threw it away so quickly. There was no reason that Ben would have been going behind his back. He also seems to lack confidence (I assume due to his inexperience) but still seemed off character.(though this makes him more well rounded and realistic, so Im torn if this is bad or not)

This is most of my issues with the book is that any of the fights they have seem kinda..dumb, especially coming from Arthur.  One of the main problems is in the end they say they are connected, but you cant really see where Ben and Arthur bettered each others lives or learned from one another. The ending honestly didnt bother me, I think it seemed very realistic and I think its pretty clear they will be seeing each other again, I wouldnt even mind a sequel or novella.

I dont read too many contemporary so maybe I haven't read some really good ones. But from what I read of relationships in general (no matter the genre) these couple are alot better crafted than most which a big reason why my star rating is higher than most reviews I think.

Slight Spoiler|
Its cute all the friends got back together I just wish It tied in more with the  the coupling, like if Ben Arthur actually had something to do with the group of friends reuniting. They dont.

I wish they elaborated on more interesting aspects. Like when Ben learns Arthur followed him into the post office, its commented on by Ben thoughts but its not cute and elaborated on. Or when Hudson recognizes Arthur from panera. That was supposed to be the cute part of them looking for each other at the beginning and its mostly glossed over afterward.

Bens ending is actually kind of sad. Besides the fact that its AWESOME that he finished his book he seems kind of alone. He isnt even super thrilled about his last two friends left in New York and why the hell did Sam and Dylan go to school in Illinois? It almost seems quite clear Dylan left Ben for Sam. But thats my main gripe about the ending.

Magnus Chase | The Hammer of Thor | Review

For some reason it took me a while to read this book. BUt this seems to happen with all of Riordans books in the past couple of years. But I still 100% enjoy the ride.

This book is dripping in wit and smart humor. I think its good for kids to read humor like this. Its not particularly advanced for "adults" but definitely is a cute witty humor that is quite charming to read.
Some times the Demi god books humor is a little too on the nose or cheesy. But I think it fit quite perfectly with these characters and how they interact.

I always love the diverse characters and stories they bring. Even if I cant relate (for example Alex being fluid and Sam being muslin) But it definitely makes it more interesting and representation in a non harmful manor is good for a younger audition to give them an introduction that people beyond your world exist and is ok.

"I can be very charming" Alex said "and dont worry, it'll be your turn soon."
"To...be charming?"
"That would be impossible " Alex wrinkled her nose in a very sif-like way

I think this novel I liked alot more than the first. I think once a we get past the initial "amateur" book (which is like every first novel of Riodrans) and the characters are more confident and strong my interests is piqued alot more.

Would recommend this to any fan of Riordans series, it wont let you down.

Amber & Dusk | Review

Let me start with a disclaimer, its probably my fault I DNF'd this book. When I received this book and heard the description. A girl who wanted to come into a court and make herself belong with the powers of illusion. I was VERY intrigued and fascinated. I imagined this cunning, intelligent girl scorned by her abandonment own and deceive her way through this court. (If youve read Captive Prince very similar to Laurent)
Mirage would talk about wanting to play the "game" learn secrets and all that. Which would have been REALLY cool with her powers. I imagine her disguising her self as others, or even making herself invisible and learning all these secrets. I dont think she ever really plays the "game" its not that kind of court book.
She should act like a Slytherin, instead we get a Gryffindor.
We get a prideful, hot headed, head strong girl. Like a bull in a china shop she just crashes into this fancy posh court and claims she belongs.
My main problem with this (for the non spoilers) is this story and plot doesn't fit this character and especially not her powers of illusion. Anyone I think familiar with this power set knows it as deceptive, intelligent, tricky, and cunning ability. This is not Mirage at all. I can understand that the point was that Mirage didnt want to mirror the current world but dream up her own. Sounds interesting sure but didnt fit the plot that was created.
One of her really good friends Thiibo is randomly rude to her alot for no reason. And Im not sure why she just doesnt say f*** this bye.

Everyones constantly telling her to leave and warning her, but she doesnt want to stay because shes brave and wants to help, nope, she just thinks she DESERVES to be there and its her RIGHT. It just makes a bad character to follow.
I got to page 253 so..yeah I read most of it and this is still my feelings.
I read the last chapter and could surmise a bit of what happened, but it just was too frustrating to continue.
It also reminded me ALOT of Shatter me, just primarily the relationship between Mirage and Sunder, and I am so definitely not a fan.
Id give the book at most 3 stars because I think writing is quite nice with its descriptions and set up a good world. This just wasnt the book for me. Just disappointed from what I excepted from this kind of book.

Below is detailed scenes that I think would have developed better, so you could call it spoilers:
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Right at the beginning of her meeting the court she goes in all dirty..and I just thought it would have been interesting for her to cast an illusion on her self to look really gorgeous.

She could spy on sunder with her illusions.

The scene with the Red Rain Ball where she was deceived into not being able to use her powers. So she just runs off to Sunder to call him out on it, and he basically just woos her and says some nonsense and they move on. (I get it later he was protecting her from showing the empress her powers but it was dull and boring.)
What REALLY should have happened (especially if she is supposed to be this strong willed blunt girl) is Mirage just rip off her necklace, throw it down and just make this epic Illusion and just awe the crap out of everyone. I was FEELING all this pent up annoyance and injustice and just NOTHING happens. It was really frustrating to read.

Lastly, I feel it would have been more interesting for as a villain. She even told Dowser (i think) that she would be an assassin for the Empress with her powers. So that would have been cool. OR even the fact that she could take the Empress' place and no one would know because she would be tricking them.

I just feel like the author did nothing interesting with her powers and am really dissapointed.

Running With Lions Full Review

"We're missing Dinner, fellas" says Mason.
"Yeah" Willie whispers. He points upward. The sky stretches toward infinity, a tapestry of every shade of purple and blue, dotted by dim stars. "But we're not missing this"

This book was a suprise, a treat, a joy and now a favorite.
I think the first thing to know about my review is this book really spoke and understood me. Though Im 26 and would recommend this to young adults in highschool or maybe just graduated, this book is for aanyone. I was alot like Sebastian. I was into soccer, I was the friend who was usually sober and looked after others, I didnt have alot of confidence.
So all this may (i would say skew) effect my review. To say it simply I thought this book was beautiful. The beauty was hidden behind some teenage angst and some young male bs but its defintly there. I teared up on two occasions.
One when the love interests admits that even though they werent friends anymore he went to Sebastians game just to see him. This was increbibly touching and just wholesome.
Second, which is far deeper, Sebastian is caught putting himself down about his apearence. Honestly the whole book needs to be read up until that point to really sundersand. You dont see it so obviously, you know hes not ok with his appearence and his history, but with most guys, it doesnt strike you as an issue until I got to that scene. The way Emir comforts Sebastian is just..beautiful.
And thats why I would recommend this book. Its full of great messages and beautiful moments. Of Sebastian discovering, and finding him self, and more importantly being ok with what he cant find about himself.
Sebastian wantign to be the "best" friend but realizing its ok to not always be that and to let others take care of you.
Its good for anyone goign into highschool, in highschool, and even most importantly after highschool. It can really help you process you werent alone and that the way your life turns out is ok.
Just loved this book. please give it a read!

Best Books of 2018

The Captive Prince Series
Two fantastic main characters. Great plot development and the intellect into how the story progresses from both main character was such a joy. I haven't flown through a series this quick in a long time. Recommend to anyone that is ok with Spartacus style maturity and gay romance.


Strange the Dreamer
Loved following this main character. Laslow is such a modest and just GOOD character. I liked his mind and imagination. I enjoyed the slow build up and suspense of what the mystery to the story was. Although I had some issues with the ending I still immensely enjoyed this book,

Ill Give You the Sun
I dont read too many contemporary novels. This might have been the first of this year but man did I love it. Im an artist so I really enjoyed their actions and passion for art. I was really into one of the siblings story not wanting to change perspectives and then it would flip back 3 pages into a new chapter. Sad, but compelling and beautiful I loved this book.


Carry On
This was a fun one! I liked the idea that you didnt have to know his WHOLE story. Being in his final year of magic school I enjoyed the references to his life I wasn't there for but still felt natural and not over explained. The 3 main characters were a joy and the romance I thought was cute. The suspense of them getting together was definitely worth the wait and the plot twist I thought was fascinating. Recommend to anyone whos a fan of Harry Potter and a cute romance who wants a light hearted read.

Running With Lions
This is coming in on the wire. I finished this right on New Years Eve and I think deserves a spot. Mostly because how much I could relate to this book, The high school angst, the relationships (friends and a little more) the anxiety of your future. Truly wonderful and I enjoyed every minute with Sebastian.