BOOKS

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

When literature student, Anastasia Steele, goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Author: E.L. James

Genre: Provocative Romance

Rating: ****

I'm normally not interested in "romance" novels - especially provocative ones at that! However due to this book series booming success I thought I would see what all of the fuss was about. Though the sex is quite expicite and frequent there is more to the story, and a captivating story at that., The characters are rich in personality and depth and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I do, however, struggle to see how the movie can be tastefully done without being anything short of porn.

BLUE BLOODS

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: ***

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious private school. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

This teen/young-adult fantasy series has a really unique twist on the vampire-pandemic that has hit the book world. I must admit I have always been partial to vampire stories, even before it became "popular". Though this series is targeting the younger reader it is fun and creative. I think it would make a captivating movie series.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: ****

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.

Dragonlord Linden Rathan, last-born of a race of immortal weredragons, has spent six hundred years alone, searching for his soultwin while his fellow Dragonlords watch over humanity's Five Kingdoms.

When the Queen of Cassori dies mysteriously, Linden and the other Dragonlords are called upon to prevent civil war as two human claimants vie for the regency. As the battle for Cassori's rule escalates, Linden becomes the target of the Fellowship, a secret society of true-humans who could actually destroy his immortal life.

Then he meets a beautiful young ship captain named Maurynna who may be the only one who can help Linden bring Cassori back from the brink of chaos.

Author: Joanne Bertin

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: ****

THE LAST DRAGONLORD

A LITTLE PRINCESS

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Genre: Classics/Drama

Rating: *****

Sara Crewe is an intelligent, polite, and creative young girl. Born to a wealthy soldier in India, Sara was brought all the way to London for a formal education and to escape the inevitable hardships of India. At the upscale boarding school, Sara is forced to tolerate the haughty, disdainful headmistress, Miss Minchin. when a distressing event unfolds to leave her impoverished and at the mercy of the jealous Miss Minchin Sara is subjected to servitude, but with the help of several dear friends (both seen and unseen), she remains as proud and unwavering and imaginative as ever, proving to all that anyone can be A Little Princess.

One of my all-time favorite books. Both heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. I loved the mini-series made in '86, but never saw the 1995 movie. I think this classic is worthy of a movie re-make.

This is another book that I was hesitant to read. The idea of children killing each other as sport did not appeal to me, but a friend convinced me that it was about so much more than that and that I should read it. So I did, and it was sensational! The movie came out a few weeks later and I was vastly dissapointed in the choice of cast. That is why I choose to feature it here so I could show who I would have cast instead.

This is my wildcard selection. I'm not sure how well known this book is, but I remeber as I was reading it I couldn't help imagining what an amazing movie this would make and who would be perfect for the roles. I would actually say this is the book that inspired the Fantasy Casting website. Though not the best written book, it is filled with intrigue and adventure. The storyline is gripping and the characters are riviting. I can imagine this would be portrayed well on film,

coming soon

REDEEMING LOVE

Author:

Francine Rivers

Genre:

Christian/Drama

Rating:

Five Stars

HUSH HUSH

Author:

Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre:

Fantasy

Rating:

Four Stars

LADY SUSAN

Author:

Jane Austen

Genre:

Classic/Drama

Rating:

TBA