Monday, June 10, 2013

'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' Teaser Poster is Out!

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug teaser poster
... there's Benedict Cumberbatch as a big, bad, dwarf-hating dragon.
The Motion-capture character himself doesn't actually appear on this new poster for the second film in Peter Jackson's Hobbit series, which trades goofy dwarf portraits for something moodier. Look at the entrance to the Lonely Mountain in the center of the image, though, and you'll spy a veil of mist coverin a tantalizing golden gleam, which could represent either the treasures within the mountain or Smaug's fire breath. Good luck, little Bilbo (Martin Freeman) -- you're gonna need it.
(source:  EW Inside Movies) 
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will premiere December 13, 2013. Peter Jackson's final Hobbit film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again is scheduled to be released one year later on December 17, 2014.

Last week, Entertainment Weekly released a first look at Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, an elf warrior.  This is what Lilly had to say about her character, Tauriel, "She's slightly reckless and totally ruthless and doesn't hesitate to kill."  However, Tauriel does not even exist in the original novel, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Check out the full article at:  Entertainment Weekly
Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) (photo credit: James Fisher/EW)

The new teaser trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will be revealed this Tuesday, June 11th, at 10AM (PST)/1PM (EST).

My Thoughts:

Well, we all know that making a film adaptation of any novel is a challenge.  It is known that many parts of a book will either be in the film or cut out.  And, for the most part, the film adaptation will add or substract to the film. With such a large amount of fans of the author and/or the books, there will be those who absolutely hate it or absolutely love it.  We just have to remember that it is only a film adaptation, it's not the book.  I have seen my fair share of film adaptations of my favorite books, and some were terrible and some actually was well done.  Everyone will have a say about any film adaptation of their favorite books.  We just have to remember that these films cannot put "everything" in the film.  I think as long as the book was read and researched before writing the screenplay, then the film itself would stay true to the essence of the story, and/or the vision of the author.  

I also like that many directors, screenwriters and/or casts are actually in contact with the authors during filming.  Not all, but so far, there have been a few that have actually had the author's involvement during filming.  I think that's great to have authors on set.
  
To name a few authors involved, on any level, during filming, Stephenie Meyer with The Host, Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia with Beautiful Creatures, Cassandra Clare with The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.







Saturday, June 8, 2013

NovelReality's Teen Wolf Season 3 Episode 1 - Tattoo Recap & Review!


Check out, my friend, Victoria's Teen Wolf Season 3 Episode 1 recap.  In this vlog entry, Victoria has a guest, Megan, from iFandoms Collide.  Megan visited Louisiana all the way from Califonia.

They discuss what happened and their likes and dislikes of this Teen Wolf Season 3 premiere episode. 

Stay tuned for more vlogs from NovelReality blog page and YouTube channel for more recaps, review and reactions to many of Victoria's favorite TV shows, movies and more! 

Please follow and subscribe.


My Thoughts:

Yup! Victoria and Megan pretty much covered it!!  

Huh... Looks like we are in for quite a bit of alpha action.  Really!!??!! The twin alphas come together into one HUGE wolf!! Uh huh!! And, who is the girl who was trying to save Isaac...hmmm!!! And, she was looking for Scott...the alpha....hmmm! What is it with ALL the animals killing themselves...out of terror.  Like Scott (Tyler Posey) said, the deer was terrified.  What about all the pets in the vet clinic.  What's up with that!!??!! 

Looks like we are in for an interesting Season 3 of Teen Wolf!!! Keep checking back with NovelReality for more recaps and reviews of Teen Wolf!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Richelle Mead Talks 'Gameboard of the Gods' and Other Stuff

Gameboard of the Gods book cover
Excitement was in the air as I prepared to go to San Diego for a book signing being held at the Mysterious Galaxy (MGSD) bookstore. Mariah and I were going to meet Richelle Mead...again, since the last time in 2011 at RT Teen Day. So, yah, we were excited! I purchased my copy of Gameboard of the Gods in advance to get my ticket for the signing line.  The event was a ticketed event...purchase the book and get a ticket for the signing. 

As soon as Mariah got out from school, we were on our way to San Diego for the night's festivities with the amazing author, Richelle Mead.  

Mariah and I had a somewhat smooth drive up until we hit the I-805.  Luckily, the traffic wasn't at a dead-stop.  Yes, we made good time.  We even had time to sit and chat with my friend, Pamela!  Yay!!! We finally officially have met.  We have had several almost meetings at various events, but this event was the one that we were actually able to come together and have fun. 

Being our first time going to an author event at a Mysterious Galaxy bookstore, I wanted to get there early so I could check out the place and ask a few questions regarding the event.  The store is a small and quaint place in San Diego...not difficult to find. And the staff were amazing and helpful...yes, they rocked!  
Mysterious Galaxy San Diego
After purchasing my books, we settled down outside of Starbucks and started chatting...about what!!!  Books, authors and events!! But, before I forget, Vampire Academy "Molnija Mark" shirts, "Molnija Mark" keychains and Vampire Academy sampler book were being given away free with a purchase of Richelle Mead's books...of course. As time passed, we finally were able to get seats inside the bookstore for this exciting event.  We met several other fans as well! This was definitely a fun-filled night for booklovers. As we waited for the event to start, we got to chatting with other fans, and I was amazed at the multi-generations of fans that came out.  Yes, multi-generations of fans!  That's also the great thing about Richelle Mead's books...she writes adult and YA novels! 
Our book haul! Yah, I know! What can I say...I'm a booknerd! :)
Our "Molnija Mark" shirts we got free with our purchase.
"Molnija Mark" keychain
Soon enough, MGSD filled up pretty quickly as the 7 o'clock hour came around. Many of us even saw Richelle Mead walk in. Of course all chatter stopped as we all watched on when she made her way to the back of the store before the event.  As all the seats were taken, this event soon became a standing room only event...haha!!! That's how much fans love her!! Awe-inspiring!  
Richelle Mead at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego (photo: MGSD)






And, the event began!!!  The audience listened with awe as Richelle Mead talked a bit about her new adult novel Gameboard of the Gods. The Q&A  soon followed.  Fans were excited!  Even questions about the upcoming Vampire Academy movie was discussed...well, as much as Richelle Mead she knows and can reveal to us.  

Check out the following video clips of this fun event:







Richelle Mead also gives fans some details about the Vampire Academy movie....AND, she also reveals the release date in clip #4. 

And, yes, there was a giveaway raffle after the Q&A as revealed in clip #5! Yay!!! Richelle Mead and Mysterious Galaxy raffled off a few Vampire Academy shirts and Succubus Heat, book 4 of the Georgina Kincaid series (her first adult novel series). Richelle Mead also mentioned that the "Molnija mark" shirts are available to purchase at Arcane Vault. Succubus Heat was the last to be raffled off, and, guess who won.....Mariah! Yay!!! That is so awesome. I was already planning to get the entire Georgina Kincaid series, too! And, now, I don't have to buy book 4...haha!!! We even got it signed!

Mariah's prize from the raffle

And, the signing begins!!!
And the signing has started!
The front of the line
Richelle Mead signing Pamela and Cassandra's books
Richelle Mead signing books for a fan whose aspiring to be a writer

Richelle Mead chatting with a fan
Richelle Mead shows a picture of her baby boy to a fan
Line of fans for the signing entering the store
Mariah in line again!
Richelle Mead also signed our photo from the RT Teen Day in 2011!  She even remembered it!  She was pregnant at the time, too!  It was so awesome to chat with her a bit about that fun day!


Photo with Richelle Mead at RT Teen Day 2011
View the photo album of this event at:  Movies, Shows & Books 

To learn more about Richelle Mead's books, go to Richelle's Books

All in all, the event was exciting and fun as many fans attended to meet and to chat with Richelle Mead on all thing about her books and the upcoming Vampire Academy movie. It was definitely an enjoyable night with many excited and fun fans! The Mysterious Galaxy San Diego staff was also amazing in hosting this event. Many thanks for having exciting author events like this at MGSD!!!  Much love and appreciation to Richelle Mead for making the time to spend with us, fans! 

And, now, I must read all these amazing books by Richelle Mead! 

Although Mysterious Galaxy San Diego is not a very big bookstore, there are pretty amazing author events happening in these littlle, independent places.

Mysterious Galaxy bookstore is the place to be for author events!
Check out their Facebook pages:

Our photos with Richelle Mead!!!
Richelle Mead and Mariah
Richelle Mead and Mariah
Richelle Mead and Jasmine
Here's our signed copy of Gameboard of the Gods!!!
My copy of Gameboard of the Gods signed
I even got a signed copy for my friend, Victoria



Man of Steel - Official Nokia Exclusive Trailer [HD]


Nokia and Warner Bros. Pictures have teamed up for a global co-marketing partnership with one of the year's most eagerly anticipated movies ==> Man of Steel 


Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14, 2013

Man of Steel is presented by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, and directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen).

Man of Steel stars:
  • Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman
  • Amy Adams as Lois Lane
  • Michael Shannon as General Zod
  • Laurence Fishburne as Perry White
  • Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent
  • Diane Lane as Martha Kent
  • Russell Crowe as Jor-El
Produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder.  Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters are serving as executive producers.

Screenplay written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster. 

Published by DC Entertaiment. 

©2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.MAN OF STEEL and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.



My thoughts:

Who's ready for some Superman!!??!! I know I am!!  Just from the trailers that have been released looks absolutely AMAZING!  I think it was great casting Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman.  

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

'Insidious: Chapter 2' Trailer Is Here!


The famed horror team of director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell returns with the original cast of Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Barbara Hershey and Ty Simpkins to bring to the screen the terrifying sequel to Insidious.



From the makers of Saw and Paranormal Activity, Insidious: Chapter 2 follows the haunted Lambert family as they seek to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

Check out the first trailer of Insidious: Chapter 2:


After their terrifying ordeal in Insidious, the Lambert family soon realizes that they are still not safe from the spirit world and reveals a mysterious childhood secret that has them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

(source: MovieWeb)

The original cast has returned to reprise their roles in this horror sequel:
  • Patrick Wilson as "Josh Lambert"
  • Rose Byrne as "Renai Lambert"
  • Barbara Hershey as "Lorraine Lambert"
  • Lin Shaye as "Elise Rainier"
  • Ty Simpkins as "Dalton Lambert"
  • Leigh Whannell as "Specs"
Insidious: Chapter 2 haunts theaters September 13, 2013!  



Haven't seen Insidious yet, check out the trailer: 


My thoughts:

Whoa!!! Just from watching the trailer, it definitely has the element of terrifying surprise.  Guess I'm going to watch Insidious on Netflix, so that I'm ready for the sequel when it hits theaters...haha!!! I love the fact that the original cast reunited to reprise their roles.  

Is it coincidence that September 13th is on a Friday....haha!!!

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Character Posters

Don't we just love character posters!!??!!  Of course we do, especially when favorite books are being adapted to film.  As we all know, character posters of Clary and Jace were revealed at WonderCon 2013 in Anaheim, CA.  Fans were ecstatic!!  Fans were swooning at how amazing the posters turned out.  Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower are our Clary and Jace!  

Can anyone see any other actor/actress to portray Clary and Jace other than Lily Collins an Jamie Campbell Bower?? I can't. After watching the trailer, I was amazed at how much these two fit the characters so well...but, then, that's just me.  Everyone is going to have their own vision of who the wanted to portray these awesome characters from Cassandra Clare's novel, City of Bones. But, as far as I am concerned, the cast is perfect!!!

Lily Collins as "Clary Fray"
Jamie Campbell Bower as "Jace Wayland"
Then, soon to follow more character poster reveals of Simon (Robert Sheehan), Valentine (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Magnus Bane (Godfrey Gao)!  Really!!! With each poster reveal, the excitement for the release of the film in August goes up a notch.  I don't think I can "sigh" enough when looking at these posters! 


Robert Sheehan as "Simon Lewis"

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as "Valentine"
Godfrey Gao as "Magnus Bane"
And, now, character posters of Alex and Isabelle Lightwood has been revealed...<gasp>.  The resemblance between Kevin Zegers and Jemima West portraying siblings in the film is quite uncanny...don't you think!!??!! Amazing!!! 


Jemima West as "Isabelle Lightwood"
Kevin Zegers as "Alex Lightwood"
Now, seriously, aren't these character posters just fabulous and amazing!!??!!

Who's next to be revealed in a character poster? Will there be more? Or is this it for character poster!!??!! Maybe of Jocelyn (Lena Headey) or Luke (Aidan Turner)?  Or maybe a character poster for Hodge (Jared Harris)?  Hmmm... We will have to wait and see.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Happy Book Release Day: Richelle Mead's 'Gameboard of the Gods'

Age of X Series

Set in the near future, this new adult series picks p after a deadly virus has reduced the world's population and restructured countries and borders. The Republic of North America has fought its way out of the ashes to become the most advanced nation in the world by adhering to its policies of forced genetic breeding and denial of the supernatural. But the RUNA now finds itself questioning its founding principles as strange forces begin stirring in the world, forces that a brilliant but decadent exile and an aristocratic super soldier find themselves in the middle of...

Gameboard of the Gods


Richelle Mead, the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines YA series -- whose books have sold more than one million copies in hardcover -- debuts on the Dutton list with Gameboard of the Gods, the first novel in her Age of X series.

In a futuristic wold nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military's most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger.  As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first book of Richelle Mead's Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccessess:  sexy, irresistable characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

(source: richellemead.com/books/ageofx)

Purchase Gameboard of the Gods at retailers:

Happy Book Release Day, Richelle Mead!!! 


Following the huge successes  of the YA Vampire Academy series, Richelle Mead begins another journey in this new adult series with the first book, Gameboard of the Gods.  Along with the excitement of her novel, Vampire Academy, the first book in the YA Vampire Academy series, is being made into a full-length feature film!!! How exciting and amazing is that! 

Richelle Mead is currently on tour promoting Gameboard of the Gods. 

For more information of the tour, go to: Richelle Mead's Appearances.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Amber Argyle's 'Witch Fall' Cover Reveal

I’m so excited to reveal my latest cover to all of you! I really struggled with the scene to use for the cover, and I’m so glad I went with this one-and thanks to all of your input on the many decisions to be made for this book. I adore the turquoise, reds, and golds. Look at the play of light on the surface of the water. The stone dragons are perfect, as is the palace they guard. Laura Save really outdid herself—and she’s such a sweet person! I love working with her.

Witch Fall is the last book in the Witch Song series (though there is a short story in the works). Though it is a prequel, I recommend you read it last. It’s due out this October. I’m in the midst of a massive rewrite, and I’m working hard to meet that deadline, if only my children would cooperate. *sigh*

Here’s the back cover: 
Synopsis:
All things fall. 

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind—and among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.
 
Lilette is one of the few who sees the signs of decadence and decay within the Witches. An outsider amidst her own kind, can she delay her people’s annihilation long enough for them to survive the war that is coming?

Here’s the links:
Find AmberArgyle here: 
Amber Argyle
About Amber:
For the first twelve years of my life, I lived in a two bedroom ranch house at the base of a mountain. Besides my parents, my family consisted of three brothers—the oldest of which enjoyed beating me up. Ironically, the younger two were terrible wimps. I rode horses, moved sprinkler pipe, and mucked out barns (when they could catch me). We didn’t have a lot of money, and the part of the ranch we lived on was eventually repossessed by the bank. Subsequently, we had to move to town (I know. I should have written Westerns).
I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelors degree (English and physical education), a husband, and a two-year old. I was a member of the collegiate honor society and graduated cum laude (which basically means I’m an overachiever).
My second son had severe colic, often crying for 16 hours a day. By the time he was four months old, I was in a very dark place. I discovered that I could prop him up between my arms and type for brief periods of time. Creating stories quickly became a cathartic addiction I couldn’t function without.
It took seven manuscripts and five very long years before my debut novel, Witch Song, came out.
I currently live in Northern Utah with my husband and three children.