On My Shelf Tag

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Book To Adaption Wish List

Nine Books I Want To See Adapted:

1. Clockwork Angel is the first book in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. Along with the Mortal Instruments, Clare's series have become international bestsellers. The Victorian Steampunk styled book is a fun read and would make an amazing book. I'm thinking Sweeney Todd meets Harry Potter.
2. The Looking Glass Wars has amazing cinematography potential and a unique and interesting story line, all which lead to the possibility of a breath taking and enjoyable film. Frank Beddor's novel follows the story of Alice from Alice In Wonderland, only with a twist. It is also part one of a trilogy which leans towards a series of fantastic films.
3. Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief has already been transformed  into a film as part of the ongoing Percy Jackson's franchise. Although I did really enjoy the films and the casting of Percy, I felt like I wanted more. Possibly a film that had stuck closer to the books story line instead of changing it completely. I just want a do over. 
4. Beyond The Deepwoods is a book that is very close to my heart as it is one of my childhood favourites. Again, this is a book that has great cinematography already suggested and the possibility of a franchise as it is part of the Edge Chronicles. But also it could be a stand alone film. Personally, I feel like this could be adapted in a similar way to How To Train Your Dragon as it has so many fantastic fantasy creatures that a animated feature might to it more justice. And also then it could feature some of the amazing art that the book contains. 
5. Glass Houses is the first book in one of my favourite book series, The Morganville Vampires. The novels have a web series in production, but I feel that the books deserve a real TV series along the lines of Game Of Thrones or The Vampire Diaries. The characters are appeal and possible eye candy for both male and female audiences. The story is intricate and enjoyable, a highly recommended read.
6. The Outsiders, as far as I can gather, is a studied novel in American High Schools. It is also an interesting book about life in the 1950's written by a teenager about her friends. The film was previously adapted in the 80's staring the Brat Pack and has become a cult classic, but that was 30 years ago and the story may need a new adaption. If not, the current film is enjoyable if not slightly confusing. 
7. Inkheart is another book that already has an adaption, but was negatively received by critics and didn't remain very faithful to the book. Again, this has the potential to become a franchise. As well as having a story line that is very easy to immerse yourself into, the plot is different and creative and a truly enjoyable fantasy novel. 
8. The Wind Singer is a novel that stands out in my memories from my childhood. It was read to me by a teacher and since then I couldn't find it until recently. But re-reading it, I realised that this book would fit in with the recent film trend of dystopian post-apocalyptic novels. Only this would be perfect for a younger audience as well. It's set in the city of Aramanth, which is divided into segments based on a family test result. The message of the novel could be converted well into a film. 
9. The Cuckoo's Calling really stands out to me as a BBC television series. You may have already seen the review I posted earlier in the week about the second novel in the series, The Silkworm, and from that you can probably tell that I love the Cormoran Strike Novels. As crime novels usually follow a basic storyline, I enjoy the fact that these novels mix it up a bit by moving in different circles than ones usually covered. The background of the main characters are also intreguing and draw you in. They could make an amazing series of crime fiction worthy of the BBC.

To buy the books mentioned, click the links listed below
 The Infernal Devices: X
 The Looking Glass Wars: X
 Percy Jackson And The Lighting Thief: X
 Beyond The Deepwoods: X
 Glass Houses: X
 The Outsiders: X
 Inkheart: X
 The Wind Singer: X
 The Cuckoo's Calling: X

Splendour

As a born and bred Nottingham gal, it is basically law to attend the resident Nottingham music festival "Splendour" each summer.

Last year myself and Holly went and saw the likes of astounding Nottingham artists such as Dog Is Dead, Kagoule and Jake Bugg (as well as nonlocal artists by the likes of KT Tunstall and Nina Nesbitt). This was my first year of Splendour, hosted at Wollaton Hall, and it was excellent; this of course left me with high hopes for the 2014 lineup.

With forecasts of rain, hail, thunderstorms and sunshine for yesterday's festival, the weather was the typical British summer. This however didn't dampen our spirits (only our clothes) and we enjoyed many acts, my personal favourite being the Happy Mondays!

The stalls were also especially good this year, as I picked up a lovely skirt for £2 and a backpack for £3 to add to my wannabe vintage goddess wardrobe. There was also multiple tshirt stalls, including a "Save the bees" tshirt that I need to order!

Overall it was a fun day out with friends, and I won't soon forget the weather which made my raincoat pockets into tiny ponds!

Til next time,
Maya xo

Review: The Silkworm

Introduction

As a lifelong fan of J.K. Rowling, I was very excited when it was released that a book I had recently purchased, The Cuckoo's Calling, was revealed to have been written by the novelist in 2013. I read the book on holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it, I love crime fiction. The promise of more novels following the cases of Cormoran Strike sent a flutter to my heart, so imagine my delight when The Silkworm hit shelves. 

The Plot

Behind the ambiguous title lies a fantastic story about a writer, Owen Quine, who is discovered murdered after being missing for two weeks. Like every crime novel, there are many stand out and suspicious characters that the protagonist, Strike, has to muddle through in order to find the killer. Rowling, under the pseud name of Galbraith, presents these characters in a true to life and often comical manner through the eyes of Strike or his assistant Robin. All this set against the turbulent backdrop of modern day London. 

The novels name drives from a fictional novel that the victim had finished and failed to publish before his death. The novel Bombyx Mori, meaning silkworm, features an unsavory and metaphorical depiction of the victims colleagues and family, used to reveal hidden secrets and issues to the public, and presenting each of the seven people featured with a strong motive for murder. 

It then follows Strike as he struggles with the opposing police investigation, lack of leads and issues with the Watson to his Holmes, Robin. 

Final Word: I really enjoyed this novel as well as its predecessor. When the next Cormoran Strike novel is released, I will be waiting! 

To buy the book, click here: X

Introducing Myself Part Two

Hiya,

I'm Holly and I'll be posting all the other stuff (including most of the posts so far). Ideally, we will be posting once a week. These posts will include reviews, recommendations and the likes. For now, here's a picture of Maya and I.

Eh, love Holly

Posted by: Holly

Introducing Myself

I don't know how to begin this so I'll just say hello, I'm Maya and I've been recruited(??) to help with this blog! Holly is one of my best friends and I'll be posting way cooler stuff than her ;-) I don't have much else to add right now so enjoy this picture of Holly and I for now.

Til next time,
Maya xo

Posted by: Maya

Spector - Enjoy It Whilst It Lasts

Although this is a not a new album (released in 2012), it has only recently come into my possession. The main reason for this is the new HMV sale. Yes, the album was £2.99 but so far has been worth every penny. And I mean that! 

There are some catchy dance pieces in there, “Chevvy Thunder” is a personal favourite of mine, especially as I find myself blurting out the lines “Chevvy Thunder” very loudly in the most random places.

"Never Fade Away" has such a strong ability to maintain in the consciousness that I don’t think I’ve stopped humming the melody for the last 2 weeks. There is absolutely no reason to "enjoy it whilst it lasts" as the song will probably remain there for months. 

The beats and tunes stick strongly to the British Indie music scene, with the cheery thud of the drums and the cryptic and often bizarre lyrics that you are never quite sure of. This album is fantastic for drives, parties, revision, walking, working and basically every element of the soundtrack of your life. 

I am giving this album 4 stars, as although the tunes are catchy, there is a lack of variety and structure to the album. But structure and variety are for losers anyway.

To buy the CD, click here: X