"Oh man! That means Mexican Lassie is corrupt!" "Mexican me?"

 Wherein Jack Begins Picking Characters Apart

 I've been trying to decide who I would start with. I have a long list of characters I love, but I think a good place to start is with some of my all time favourites. So, I will be doing The Pevences for my first post. (I know, I spelled their name wrong. Naughty me.)

 Peter

 Susan

 Edmund

 Lucy

 I'm one of those people who probably read too much into the Narnia books. I like digging into them and seeing what I believe Lewis meant us to see. I had a friend once who picked the entire series apart with me over long, extended emails. She's the one who made me see a lot of what I think is often over looked.

 Now, I believe what makes a story especially good is the characters. Whether they are in-depth characters or ones we have to study to get. (I think Howl might fit into the study category.)

 Anyone who has read the Narnia books knows none of the characters fit the in-depth description. A lot might feel missing. There is not a lot of time wasted on what the characters are like. But instead, we are shown them, and the rest is left to imagination. 

 Starting with Peter. On the surface he's a typical brother. (Another thing I like about Lewis, he understood kids.) He looses his temper, he can be bossy sometimes, and he gets annoyed with his younger siblings. But we also come to see that he never hesitates to fight for those who need him. He cares about his siblings and has a very close bond with Lucy, he looks after her and does his best to protect her. He is honourable - such as when he wouldn't strike Miraz when he was down. 

 He was a wise king whom the Narnians loved, but I think he still made some mistakes as king. (Hints I picked up in The Horse and His Boy. Though maybe it was just me.)

 He was one of the greatest kings to ever rule Narnia, never forgotten. When times were at their worst, he found ways to help. (The Last Battle.) So, even when he came back to this world, he left part of himself in Narnia. It was always his true home, where he belonged.

 Susan. Being the oldest girl, she likely felt responsible for everyone else. Maybe even more so when Peter would loose his temper or do something without thinking it through completely. (Again, something I felt was more implied. She sometimes seemed to act like the older sibling, as if she had to be the voice of reason from time to time.)

 We know that, later, she became more interested in boys and parties and her looks. (Which we can kind of understand because it was often mentioned that she was a pretty girl. Also, she had grown up in Narnia, a lovely queen whom many wished to marry. That would go to any girl's head.)

 Susan was brave, and yet compassionate. Though she got annoyed sometimes, she wanted to help the Narnians as much as Peter. She was the kind of girl who would fight if it meant saving someone else.

 Edmund. The boy who fell into temptation, betrayed his siblings, and became one of the greatest heroes in Narnia.

 I believe it was Edmund's early betrayal which later helped him become the great man he turned into. In the books it is as if we can see he was envious of Peter. Maybe even of Lucy. The baby of the family everyone clearly adored. He would naturally want his moment in the spot light, and when it led to his siblings and all of Narnia falling in danger it changed him. His betrayal cost Aslan his life. Of course, no one ever told Edmund this, but I think he knew. (Again, in between the line reading throughout the series.)

 Later, Edmund fights for Narnia, over and over again. Also, I think his betrayal draws him much closer to Lucy. When Peter and Susan weren't able to return to Narnia it was Edmund who became the oldest sibling. It was he who looked after Lucy and made sure she was always safe. 

 Lucy. The youngest, and the one who I think is the most misunderstood.

 Many seem to think Lucy is too good, perfect, and therefore annoying. Agreed that perfect characters are annoying, but I think Lucy is far from it.

 She does loose her temper, she talks back to Aslan, she has her doubts and fears. But what makes her seem perfect is that she knew Aslan better than the others. She trusted him and was closer to him. And while all the others, aside from Susan, left part of themselves in Narnia, I think Lucy left all of herself. Even when she left at the end of Dawn Treader, I believe she didn't completely leave. She couldn't. Narnia was her home, more than this world. She belonged there. And more than any other creature or human, I believe she was the closet to Aslan.

 I think we all might know some people like this. Some who don't seem to really be a part of this world, even though they've lived here their whole lives. Who already seem to be gone. (Mostly it is people who have spent most of their lives ill. They know they don't belong here and want to go home where they will be well. This is what I believe Lucy was. She stayed in our world because Aslan sent her back, but she was always waiting for the day she could return to Narnia.)

 I know there is a lot of debate over the Narnia books. That they are lacking in character development and Lewis should have put more into them. He and Tolkien got into a disagreement over them, in fact, and I think it hurt part of their friendship.

 But I don't think books or characters all need to be alike. I don't think every book has to have in-depth characters. I like having both, because both ways make us think, if we are willing to try it. The characters which seem flatter - and usually these seem to be in British books, I point out J.K. Rowling for example - take more thought than the others. Books should be different though, with a vast array of characters. Or else reading would get boring very fast.

 What about all of you? Do you have a favourite "flat" character? 

 Don't forget, this is all part of my book release party. I will be giving away a free copy of my newest book, A Stretch of Loyalty. If you wish to enter, you can write a character post on your own blog and leave the link on mine. I will put your name in a hat and hold the drawing on the 14th of June.

 Quote is from Psych, because I like using any and all Mexican Lassie quotes I could find.

 Allons-y!

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." "The man who said that was later betrayed and killed by his ally."

 Wherein Jack Makes An Announcement And Admits That She's Probably Turned Into A Fan Girl.

 I've probably been enjoying my not having to edit holiday a little too much. The other day I was at the bookstore and found a book which looked like one I would enjoy. The next day I found it at the library, two days later I had it finished. (Ranting review will be up soon.) I've also been getting to know Clara. I was planning on doing a review of each episode, but when I tried it it didn't work, so I plan to review all of the second half of series seven as soon as I've finished it.

 Now, as I mentioned, I have a huge announcement, but I'm going to save it for the end of this review. Make sure you read it, the announcement, though as it is for all of you.

 So, yesterday, I took my mum to see Star Trek. I've mentioned before not liking the new movie, the first one they did in 2009. I liked Simon Pegg in it, but that was about it. However, when I heard who was playing the bad guy in the new one, I made plans to see it, two years ago.

 I might also mentioned I DID NOT like the original movies either. I've only seen the middle three, the Khan series. I love the old TV series, but these three movies made me want to hide. I found the first one creepy - you know, bugs in the ears and Khan's outfit was disturbing. The second I found a bit dull, and the third had too many bad words in it for my liking. (I just can't imagine the Kirk I've come to know from the TV series swearing that much.) Anyhow, to compare Into Darkness with those three movies would be rotten because I like the 2009 more than those. So I won't be comparing. Instead, I'll be doing a list of what I liked and disliked about Into Darkness. (I'll warn if I give any spoilers.)

 First what I disliked.
 The bedroom scene. 8-P I know in the show Kirk kissed almost every girl he met, but did they really need him sleeping with girls in the movies? (Another thing I disliked about the three Khan movies. His son.) Anyhow, I wish they would leave those scenes out. Though this one wasn't as bad as the first movie, but still.

 Spock and Uhura. When I watched the first three episodes in the show it did seem like she liked him. And that was weird enough in the show. But the kissing? Oh, and the argument, it made me giggle because it was so awkward. I felt bad for Kirk. Were they my friends I would have shoved them out of the ship.

 There were bad words in it, though it seems like the third Khan movie was worse. Or maybe I'm just thinking so because William Shanter was in those and to me he will always be Kirk. (If that makes any sense. I think I just expect more of the original Kirk.)

 Okay, now what I liked. And where I admit to having become a fan girl.

 MICKEY! It is Mickey, on the big screen! With his slightly crooked nose and his glowering look of, "If you were the Doctor I'd punch you." Aw, how much I've missed Mickey.

 The cool battles. Space battles are some of the best ever. Though they shouldn't bounce the camera so much, it makes one miss some of the action - and, some of Sherlock's cool running.

 Spock, McCoy, and Kirk. Though Kirk and McCoy bicker more in the movies than in the show, they still caught the three's friendship. Spock and McCoy always one step away from slugging each other, and Kirk kind of stirring up trouble between them just because.

 SCOTTY!!!!!!!! Scotty has always been one of my favourites, even before I watched the show. I knew about him first because my dad would randomly shout, "Beam me up, Scotty!" And I adore the original Scotty, but if EVER anyone could replace him it would be Simon Pegg. No one else could come close, ever.

 The Tribble. Because, really, life is better with Tribbles.

 The fact I they mentioned mud, and the fact I believe they were talking about Mudd. "HARTCORE FINTON MUDD!!"

 Pike. Because Pike is cool, always has been, always will be.

 The Red Shirts who I think died. Though I'm still unclear as to if they actually did.

 And last, but only because I save the best for last, Benedict Cumberbach. The reason I wanted to see it in the first place.
 Yes, BC, playing a villain. With his British accent, his long coat, and his evil glinting grin. BC, who one moment looked so sad I wanted to give him a hug, and the next was betraying everyone. (And yet, oddly enough, I wanted to give him a hug even then and say it would all be all right. Pretty bad when you spend the whole movie rooting for the bad guy.)

 BC is AMAZING! I knew this in Sherlock, of course, but he plays such a convincing bad guy! The moment I heard his voice on screen I grinned enough for my teeth to fall out, then I almost fell out of my chair when I actually saw him. And I almost cheered for him when he was running. (And I can't believe I'm admitting to half this.) Oh yes, and I stayed long enough afterward to see his long name flash across the big screen - it went all the way across it if anyone wants to know. In huge letters as the old theme from the show played. Another moment I almost fell out of my seat.

 So, in short. Would I recommend it? Yes, more than the first or the three Khan movies. (Besides, there were no buggies, though Khan did have a new means of killing which wasn't much nicer.)
 But I would recommend it with caution. There is the scene in the bedroom, there is a part where a girl is seen in nothing but her under clothes, and there are bad words - though I don't remember if there are a ton or not.
 Many in my family didn't like the ending, but again as I don't like the first three movies, I rather enjoyed the new twist.
 Would I see it again? Oh yes! As soon as it comes out. I'm even considering buying it. And now I won't mind shouting KHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!! At random.

 And now, if someone has seen it, you must let me know because I'm dying to know what everyone thinks of the ending.

 Now it is time to move on.

 This is about my book, which means I must set aside my fan girliness.

 When I published Haphazardly Implausible I held a party of sorts. Many of you joined in, writing blog posts about some of your favourite books, which entered you in a chance to win my book. For A Stretch of Loyalty I thought I would do something kind of the same.

 Instead of books, this time, I thought it would be fun to do characters. Here is how it will work.

 Over the next, less than a month before my book comes out, I will be writing a series of posts on characters. Heroes, villains, in-betweens and what I think makes them special. And I thought it would be fun for you, my readers, to join in.

 What you would do is write your own post about characters. It can be an annilization of your favourite characters, or even something about what you think makes certain characters memorable  Which kinds of characters do you like best? When you have written such a post, leave the link in a comment box on my blog. I will read your post and write your name on a slip of paper which will be put into a hat. (You may enter more than once.) On the 14th of June I will draw a name from the hat, which will determine the winner.

 So what do you all think? Does it sound like fun?

 Also, I'm planning on holding another party after my book is out, but I'm still working on details so I will explain more on that tomorrow. Right now I am off to bed.

 Quote is from the movie.

 Allons-y!

"I asked myself, 'What would Henry do?' And I took them!"

 I am just popping in for a fun announcement  I will be back officially on Monday and join in on the Great Clara Debate. 

 A month ago, or about that amount of time, a friend of mine and I decided we would start a project together. Her name is Kendra, she is the author of Sew, It's a Quest which I did a book review on awhile ago. You can find her blog HERE!!

 We have decided to write a book together! (And I just realized how bad I am at making book announcements.) Part of me wants to keep a lot of it secret so I can make huge announcements over a long period of time just to see if I can drive anyone crazy. But, that makes me sound evil, so I shall refrain myself.

 I don't think we really have a summery yet though, so I cannot release that. BUT I can release the title.

 The Worth Of A King.

 Which will give you some idea of what the book will be about. *Grin*

 Anyways, I am very excited about this project. The story is about two siblings. Kendra will be writing from the sister's point of view and I the brothers. 

 And, that is all I have time for because I have to get ready for work. As I said, I will be back on Monday, with lots of reviews and fun stuff.

 This quote is from the same episode of Psych as the Mexican Lassie one. It is a conversation between Shawn's dad and Jules' dad, after her dad stole something from a gang leader.

 Allons-y!

"Mexican Lassie!"

 Today is the 14th, which means it is one month to my newest book, A Stretch of Loyalty, coming out. It also means it is time, at LONG last, to reveal the cover.

 I had a lot of fun with this cover. Fantasy is easier to do than Steampunk I found. And, you get to involve cloaks, which makes it even better.

 Also, it helped that this picture was taken out in the country, so there was a less likely risk of those involved getting arrested for carrying weapons through a city.

 Once again, I think my photographer did an amazing job and I'm still in awe of his talent. If you wish to see more of his work you can find his website HERE!

 And now I've delayed as long as I can think to. If I wasn't in the middle of a REALLY good book (warning, another book review coming soon) and Doctor Who (for those wondering about my thoughts on Clara, I REALLY like her, I think she is going to be a lot of fun. Review on the second part of series seven also coming soon.) I would think up something clever to delay the cover reveal. But, the book is calling. And I only have a few days of editing freedom and want to finish it before it is over. 

 So, this is the best I can do at the moment.

 And here it is!

 Tada! What do you think?

 Now, in other news. I have a few new Psych quotes from the new season. This one is from one of my newest favourite episodes, when Shawn tries to get his dad and Jules' dad into becoming friends and they end up in Mexico trying to stay alive with gangs chasing them down. 

 Allons-y!

"Oh look, my tax dollars. Here to arrest me."

 Well, I did it. I finished the first...no, more like the third or forth...round of editing. Now I plan on taking a nice long break, reading lots, watching Doctor Who, and maybe having a Monk marathon before I start another round of editing.

 But at the moment, aside from my sleep deprived body demanding I crawl into bed, I feel like this.

"Free, free, free!!! Jack is FRRREEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 I don't think I'll be on much this week. I will for certain be on on the 14th for the cover reveal, but other then that I will be too busy sleeping and trying to recover for the next stage of editing. So, enjoy your week and, in the words of that buff dude who's last name I cannot even begin to hope to spell, "I'll be back."

 Quote is from National Treasure 2.

 Allons-y!

"I'm not pretty and you're not a hero and we probably won't have a happily ever after. But we have each other."

 Wherein Jack Reviews A Book

 Those of you who have been following my blog for awhile know what a huge fan I am of Philip Reeve, the author of the Larklight books. Not only is a great author who created the wonderful world of space pirates and outerspace houses, but he is also very nice. He takes time to answer emails from his fans - and gave me some pointers when I was first publishing.

 Anyways, Mr. Reeve might not be a very well known author, but out of everything he's written, he is most known for his Mortal Engines books. I've had these on my to-read list for a long time but finally began it when my library FINALLY got the first book in.

 The first book is called Mortal Engines and is about a boy named Tom Natsworthy. Tom lives in London, England, but it isn't the London we all known. In Tom's world the cities movie - steam powered - and they eat each other, using the parts they eat to fuel their own cities.

 Tom is an apprentice and works in a museum. He's an orphan from a lower part of London and is therefore looked down upon by many. However, one day he meets Valentine a daring, adventuring Archaeologist. He also meets his daughter Kathrine, a pretty, sweet girl who owns a pet wolf.

 For the first time in Tom's life things start to look better when these two take a liking to him. But this all changes when a strange girl shows up and tries to kill Valentine. Tom saves his life, but in doing so falls out of the city and to the world below. Now he is trapped down there with the bitter Hester Shaw - the girl who tried to kill Valentine. They have to work together if they ever hope to reach London alive - but working with Hester is easier said then done.

 I didn't think I'd ever like any of Mr. Reeve's books as much as I like the Larklight ones. Then I read Fever Crumb and he proved me wrong. Well, he has done so again.

 I don't really like future books, though the genre is growing on me, but this one was so different I was instantly drawn into the world.
 What I enjoy most about Mr. Reeve's books is that he doesn't waste time going into a ton of detail about what his new worlds look like. Instead he does what I like to think of as the Doctor Who introduction. He grabs your hand, pulls you in, and the next thing you know you're running for you life and experiencing his world as you try to survive. This book isn't bogged down with descriptions. Instead, I felt like I was there with Tom and Hester.

 Another thing I love are his characters. Again, he doesn't go into a lot of detail. (But I'm starting to think this is a British author trait. J.K. Rowling did the same thing. The characters might seem flat compared to other books, but I've noticed he just doesn't waste time with the, "he likes this and this and hate this and this." Instead, I got to KNOW the characters through their actions. I wasn't told about Tom's sense of justice, instead, I watched it when he got angry about people lying and using others for their own gain.)
 And speaking of Tom. It didn't take me long to fall in love with this quiet, homesick boy.
 I really dislike, how in books or movies, the hero always falls in love with the pretty girl and befriends the ordinary girl. And at first I thought Tom was going to be the same way. Kathrine is lovely, and when Tom sees her he likes her. And at first I thought it was for her looks. But then he met Hester.

 Hester has a hideous scar on her face. She lost one eye, her nose is all but gone, and her mouth is twisted. And when Tom sees her I expected him to turn away in disgust. Instead, Tom isn't really bothered by her looks, and he soon becomes fond of her twisted smile and is sad whenever she covers it up. He tries to become her friend, even when she does everything she can to make him hate her. He is nice to her and never turns away from her face like others do.
 And that is when I made a discovery about Tom that caused me to like him all the more.

 Tom didn't love Kathrine because of her looks, nor did he become "just friends" with Hester because of hers. Instead, Tom is one of the few characters who look past looks and sees what people are really like. In Kathrine he saw a sweet, kind girl who cared about others. In Hester, he saw her bitterness and hate, but he also saw the side of her she kept hidden. The side which liked to smile and laugh and have fun with her friends. (And then something cool happens, but that is all spoilers, so go read the book.)

 In fact, if I had any complaint about this book it would be that it was written by a British man. (And by that I mean he has the Moffat style.) He likes to kill characters you grow to love. I think it is a British pastime. (Doubt me? J.K Rowling. Brain Jaques. C. S. Lewis. And Tolkien also did his fair share of killing beloved characters. And of course, Moffat.) Maybe it's payback for loosing the war. No idea, but after one death I spent the rest of the day sulking. It was very cruel.

 Oh yes, and there were also airships in the book. (I had to throw that out because airships are cool and always make stories better.)

 Anyways, this is another book I would recommend, and as soon as I get caught up on some of my other reading I plan to get book two - because I'm going through Tom and Hester withdraws.

 Quote is one of my new favourites.

 Allons-y!

I'm Amy's imaginary friend, but I came anyways."

 Wherein Jack Makes Little Sense

 I've now reached the editing point where I find sleep to be overrated and often forget to actually do it. I nibble on things all day because I get side tracked whenever it is time for a meal. And I've been pretty much forbidden to leave the house as I've restored to wearing my editing clothes - in other words whatever happens to be lying on my floor or is easy to get to. The other day this consisted of tights, stripped green and gold socks, a skirt, and a tee shirt with a baggy sweater thrown over it all, and my converses. 

 Living in a college town, most people don't give me a second glance when I do go out in my editing clothes. They probably think I'm a typical student studying for finals. What does have me worried, though, is those who see me armed with large swords and bows.They might be able to explain away my dress code but likely find a harder time explaining my weaponry as I carry them around, looking for the perfect place to get bits of footage for the trailer. (And yes, I just used the word footage. It makes me feel like a movie director. "LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACCCCTIIIOON!") So, if I one day disappear, it might mean I was arrested.

 Or it might mean I fell asleep.

 I went to the library today and raided some new books. Now I have a great big pile again....

 And now the point to this post was lost, not that it ever had a point. I think I will just put it out of its misery and end it and try and edit a little more before I fall asleep.

 An 11th Doctor quote today because I've been missing him and the Ponds and I refuse to allow myself to watch Clara until my editing is done. Therefore, I fix this problem by quoting the Pond episodes at random times.

 Allons-y!