Review: The Heir

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Five Stars

Published May 5, 2015

HarperTeen

After finishing The One I thought that the world of Illéa was over and I was content with everything. America and Maxon was going to live happily ever after and everything was perfect. 

Nope.

What kept my interest throughout the entire story was the fact that everything was in shambles and that Maxon and America could not fix everything. Nobody got that happily ever after and nothing was perfect. Such a rare thing to find these days in YA. But let's discuss what was probably the best part of the entire story: a male Selection. Thirty Five men all fighting for my hand? Who wouldn't want that? Princess Eadlyn apparently. What makes her such a great character is her hatred of the Selection and the great lengths she goes to rebel against it. When she tries to make everything better, it usually resulted in something worse. I feel like a terrible person for thinking that all of the hardships in this story are the best parts, but to me it is because it reflects how life really is and I love that. 

If you are a fan of the first three books then you must continue with this one. You get the perspective of the other side of the Selection and get to delve deeper in the world that Kiera created. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one to see how all of this concludes. 

Kiera Cass Event: Wellesley, MA

I had the wonderful opportunity to go down to Wellesley, MA a few weeks back to meet one of my favorite authors, Kiera Cass for her tour on The Heir! We had a long car ride from our small Vermont college to the event, something around four hours in the car where I slept and my friends sang and talked. (I am literally the worse road trip buddy since I sleep to avoid getting sick!) In the end it was definitely worth it since we had a total blast getting off campus for the day.

In line shenanigans as we wait to get our books signed

The event was crowded and we were all squeezed into the basement of the bookstore. We were some of the oldest fans of the books there and it was super awkward watching all of these younger people show up in tiaras and pretty dresses. (Good for you guys for daring to wear tiaras since I wanted to but was super intimidated to!) Kiera answered some really great questions from the fans and she was really hilarious in person. My favorite answer is probably what the original ending to The Selection was. It was super crazy and completely different than what actually happened. 

 Photo of Kiera answering questions from our seats

If you have seen previous posts on my tumblr account (sammijeanfox.tumblr.com) then you know that I adore sewing and often make character dolls for my friends as gifts. Last Christmas I made my friend an America doll and Kiera saw photos of her on my friend's tumblr. I knew that amidst studying for finals and binge watching Game of Thrones that I would have to make Kiera her own doll and voila! 

America Singer doll made by me

It took lots of patience and lots of hard work, but I managed to finish her on time! And Kiera adored her, but unfortunately did not have room for her in her carry on so I have to mail her out after finals week concludes. I am super glad that she loved her though! I even gave her the songbird necklace and bracelets from Maxon and Aspen. Her gown was fun to design because I have never tried making a dress like that before and it was fun to experiment different ideas. 

Photo of Kiera and I

Ultimately, my friends and I had a huge blast going to meet one of our favorite authors. Despite the long trip down, it was well worth it in the end to meet the wonderful Kiera. If you have not checked out her Selection series, I highly recommend them. It is without a doubt my favorite dystopian read and all of the princess elements brings you right back to childhood daydreams of one day becoming one. If you have the chance to go and meet Kiera, I definitely say go for it! 

Review: Lockwood & Co.

Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud

5 Stars

The Screaming Staircase published August 29, 2013

The Whispering Skull published September 16, 2014

Disney Hyperion 

Going into this story, I did not expect to fall in love with the characters and world as much as I did. With every sentence I felt myself getting sucked deeper and deeper into the story and I had such a hard time going about my life after finishing.

What captivated me from the very beginning was not the concept and plot of the novels. It was the relationships between the three main characters: Lucy, Lockwood, and George. Character development is something that I always pay attention to in stories and is something that makes the story for me. I was absolutely in love with the interactions between Lucy and Lockwood from the very first page. When George was tossed into the mix, I knew that I had found one of my newest favorite reads. The relationship is believable, something you would find out in the real world between a trio of friends. And the trio! I did not believe that anything could top Harry, Ron, Hermione or Percy, Annabeth, Grover for me but somehow this group of friends has quickly risen to be one of my favorite.

The plot overall was perfect. There was great pacing and the right amount of action and suspense to keep me glued to the pages. Usually I am a little cautious on reading anything to do with ghosts seeing as I live next to a graveyard and am easily spooked. (I still to this day, an almost twenty year old, cannot watch a full episode of Ghost Whisperer without freaking out.) This was not the case with this story. While some elements did frighten me a bit, anyone can sit down at midnight and read this without fear of the dead reading over their shoulders. Stroud also does a splendid job tying together everything from each section of the book. That important object from first section? Trust me. It's very important for later development. I love it. I originally thought that it was just something completely random and forgotten but boy was I wrong.  

If you are looking for a fast pacing, enjoyable read then I highly recommend these books. Look no further for your next favorite read. 

Updated "Shadowhunters" Casting News

Amidst my last week of classes,  there has been multiple news of castings for ABC Family's Shadowhunters. Our new cast for the major characters are almost complete and I am pleased with each and every one of them.

Katherine McNamara as Clary

I have never seen anything that Katherine has been in, but she definitely looks like Clary. I was glad that they picked someone willowy and small like Clary and I believe that she will do the character justice. 

Alberto Rosende as Simon

Again, I have never seen Alberto in anything. I was a little weary at first with his casting. It was not until they put Simon's iconic glasses on him and posted the videos that I felt confident with his casting. I'm still not sure of the whole accounting student thing that they added to his character, but I will have to see the show to make my final thoughts on that. 

Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle

I have not seen Emeraude in anything just like with Alberto and Katherine. I have not really formed that much of an opinion of her yet, so I will have to make my final judgement on her once I see the show. I loved movie Isabelle and so I have been a little more fussy on this casting than others. 

Matthew Daddario as Alec

Like with the others, I have not seen Matthew in anything as well, but I do know his sister who played Annabeth in the Percy Jackson movies. I'm excited to see what he will give to Alec since I love his character so much. 

Isaiah Mustafa as Luke

I find it hilarious that the Old Spice commercial guy is going to be playing Luke. I am beyond excited to see him in the show. I can't wait to see how he portrays the character. 

What are your thoughts on the new cast? Do you prefer the movie cast or the new one? Comment below!