Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlett vs. A Study in Pink

Again another misleading title perhaps that should be my specialty. When I say versus I mean I'm gonna be writing a comparison. No these two versions of Sherlock are not gonna duke it out in an epic boxing match. Sorry. However Sherlock Holmes is an amazing story so this post should still be really interesting (fingers crossed). For those of you who don't know a Study in Scarlett is the first full novel in the Sherlock Holmes series by sir Arthur Conan Doyle . A Study in Pink is the first episode of BBC's Sherlock Holmes which takes the classic books and puts a modern spin on them. I absolutely love the show and have already watched all the episode's and since I've read a Study in Scarlett it was fun to draw comparisons between the two. 

Characters: for this post I'm only going to compare Sherlock and how he transferred from the pages of a book to modern times on the small screen. 

Sherlock Holmes: A description and contrast of the character

A Study in Scarlett:

"In height he was rather over six feet, and so excessively lean that he appeared to be considerably taller. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save those intervals of torpor to which I had alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression and air of alertness and decision. " ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ( A Study in Scarlett chapter 2)

A sketch of how I imagined Sherlock Holmes:

A Study in Pink:

"You being all mysterious with your cheekbones, and turning your coat collar up so you look cool." ~ Dr. John Watson The Hound of Baskerville

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes:

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2013/10/9-things-you-need-know-about-benedict-cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch has been called one of the best Sherlock's on screen,and for good reason. He truly takes Sherlock's strange personality and brilliant mind and brings it to life. He matches the book Sherlock in several aspects yet he is different from how I originally imagined Sherlock. Now I can't imagine a Sherlock that isn't Benedict Cumberbatch because both the character from the book and show compliment each other so perfectly in mannerisms alone. Overall I think the show did a fantastic job of modernizing Sherlock and creating a character that is someone you can root for and follow despite his flaws.


Review Time:


A Study In Scarlett:

Brief summary of the book: In the first novel in the Sherlock Homes series Dr. Watson a war doctor returning from service in Afghanistan finds himself becoming the flat mate of the world's only consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. Which of course causes him to experience a lifetimes worth of adventure. Soon after meeting Sherlock he finds himself pulled into investigating a crime scene where a man is found dead in a abandoned home, and the only clues are a book, a wedding ring and the German word rache written with blood on the wall. As Holmes and Watson delve further into the case the discover a complex plot love, revenge and an old feud resolved by chance, poison and the hands of a dead-man walking.

Star rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: Full of adventure, a rich, plot and fantastic characters its not even a question why these books are classics and Sherlock Holmes is one of the most celebrated characters in literary history. Holmes is brilliant and his deductions are always astonishing and never fail to impress. When you read a Sherlock Holme's novel it truly feels like you are in Watson's shoes following the strange but shrewd detective around as he solves the mystery using clues you would have never suspected. I loved the aha moment in this book when all the pieces of the puzzle come together and you understand the crime. The only part of this book that confused me was when it randomly transferred from Holmes almost solving the case to the criminals backstory but after reading a few pages it made perfect sense to me. Overall I HIGHLY recommend a Study in Scarlett and I'm so glad I started reading about the wonderful mis-adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.


A Study In Pink:

Brief summary of the episode: In the first episode of BBC's Sherlock Holmes the classic book character has been taken out of the victorian age and put into the twenty-first century. Dr. Watson first meets the famous detective when looking for a place to stay once he returned home from service in Afghanistan. He soon finds himself sharing flat 221 B on Baker Street with the famous detective. As soon as he meets the doctor Sherlock Holmes shows off his deductive powers and tells Watson all about his life using his limp, posture and mobile phone. Then Watson finds himself at the scene of the crime. Three people have committed suicide in the exact same way with the same poison leading Sherlock to believe they are linked when a fourth vicim shows up. Sherlock uses her wedding ring, strange not (rache) and oddly the colour pink to locate her suitcase and eventually the killer.

Star rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the episode: Words cannot describe how much I love this show. It is brilliantly written, action packed suspenseful and full of complex characters. The way the books were adapted and modernized in the show is just fascinating and brilliant. For example in the novels ( a sign of four)  Sherlock Holmes uses the marks around the part where you wind up a pocket watch to deduce that Watson's brother has shaky hands from drinking where in the show this scene is changed so Holmes uses the charging slot of a mobile phone to determine the same thing. As I read the books its so much fun to see these hat-tips to the original Sherlock Holmes. You can tell the creators of the show (Gatiss and Moffat) love the books and that love is displayed amazingly on screen. From Sherlock's sarcasm and wit to Watson's secret love for danger. The actors in this show also do an incredible job Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Sherlock is absolutely brilliant from the way he speaks, to the way he acts and carries himself based on Sherlock's mood. Again I highly highly recommend this show and I wish series four would COME FASTER!!!

The Problem With Triangles

So your probably looking at the title of this post thinking "triangles why is she writing about triangles that has nothing to do with books." Which is true of course book aren't even shaped like triangles however I am not writing about plain old triangles I am writing about the infamous LOVE TRIANGLE *ominous music playing in the background*  For those of you who don't know what a love triangle is allow me to explain. A love triangle is when two characters are competing for the love of another or one character is in love with two characters and has to choose between them. An example of this is the love triangle presented within the Hunger Games trilogy. In which Katniss loves both Peeta and Gale and has to choose between them. I could give a million more examples (which is part of the problem) but I think without further ado its time to get into the post.


Love triangles the literary phenomenon that seems to be present in almost every YA book ever published. It's a source of turmoil, choice and often conflict between two characters so what's the big deal? Those sound like elements that could add to a novel. The truth is love triangles aren't all bad they typically allow for three of the characters in the novel to become quite well developed and they always add a degree of interest when you start to pick a side. However they still annoy me and several others to no end and here is why. The main issue is overuse seriously does every YA novel on the face of the earth need to have a love triangle can't tension and choice be created elsewhere within the book perhaps  from somewhere original and creative? To help illustrate my point i'm gonna list every book with a love triangle from the top of my head: The Hunger Games trilogy, The Twilight series, Matched, Shatter Me, Requiem, Splintered, City of Bones, The Iron King, The Selection, Rain, Fragments etc. I think you get the point. My one other main issue with love triangles is the melodramatic tone they often create. By that I mean it can get kind of annoying when the world is in danger and all the main character can think about is which guy to choose. Ok rant over please keep in mind that this is all my opinion and to each their own. So what do you think about love triangles? I'm so not in love with them.

Book Haul and Reviews

Recently I went to the bookstore and got a lot of books for the summer time. I have now finished reading all of them and I thought I should share a bit about each book and what I thought of it with you.  Perhaps this post will inspire you to get one of these books for summer reading.


The haul:

Here is a pic of all the books I bought :) 

Reviews: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13601681-after-the-end

Brief summary of the book: After the end follows the story of a teenage girl named Juneau who grew up in the Alaskan wilderness alongside a clan of people who supposedly escaped the decimation caused by a nuclear war and found refuge there. Juneau is happy with her life in Alaska but everything changes when her clan is kidnapped while she is out hunting being all her people have left she leaves the only life she has known behind. However when she leaves she discovers that things in the outside world aren't what they seem. With the help of a rebellious teenage boy named Miles, Juneau must find the truth beneath all the lies she's been buried under and face a new reality. After all she is her clan's only hope. 

Star rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

My thoughts on the novel: This book was incredible to put it simply. I loved the idea behind it the minute I picked it up off the shelf. A dystopian book that isn't actually dystopian? The book was unique and riveting all the way through with a rich and many layered plot, endless action, interesting and relatable characters and best of all so many clever surprising twists that made this book impossible to put down. I loved the character dynamic between Juneau and Miles with her innocent, introverted yet brave and relentless nature paired with his sarcasm, standoffishness and a hidden tendency for kindness. Even when camping in the woods these two never left you bored between their endless arguing and confusing feeling for one and other. I also loved how all the parts of the book and characters either helping or hindering Juneau on her quest came together for the final realization at the end of the novel. All I can say is I highly recommend this book and there better be a sequel!!!!!

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2014/02/28/veronica-roth-four-a-divergent-collection-cover-exclusive/

Brief summary of the book: Four is a part of the divergent collection however it is separate from the series. As opposed to telling the story from Tris's perspective it tells it from Four's. Therefor you get to learn more about Four's life before, Tris arrived at the Dauntless compound and get a fresh look at some of the events that happened while she was there. The book has four parts: the transfer, the son, the traitor and some extras scenes taken divergent from  but written Four's perspective. The first three sections are about Fours' life before the divergent series took place. The transfer being about why he transfered to dauntless and his experience becoming part of and intergrating into the faction. The second one highlights his life at home back in abnegation and the hardships he went through. The final part is about how he discovered that Dauntless was making plans along with the Eridute and how he tried to stop them. It also focused on his divergence and what it meant to him and his character. 

Star Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: I loved the Divergent series and getting a new perspective from Four was really interesting. I liked how the book was arranged in four parts and I enjoyed getting more insight into both the Dauntless and Abnegation factions. This book was well written, action-packed and overall an interesting read. The only reason I didn't give it a full rating was because some of the material wasn't a new addition to the divergent story rather it was just a part of the books written in a different perspective. Well it was interesting to hear parts from Four (I especially liked the parts regarding his opinion and relationship with Tris)  it felt a little been-there done that. Overall I would recommend buying this book if you liked the Divergent series as it is fast-paced, informative and follows a well-developed character and story line.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15822336-the-girl-with-the-iron-touch

Brief summary of the book: The Girl with the iron Touch is the third book in the Steampunk Chronicles. The "band of mistfits" arrives back in London to discover that their enemy the Machnist may not have been defeated like they thought. When Emily gets kidnapped she must face off against him and create a plan in order to survive and protect the ones she loves while the rest of the group will do anything to save her. When both sides clash it takes the help of an unexpected ally to save them.

Star rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: I have loved every book in the Steampunk chronicles and this one was no exception it was filled with surprising plot twists, intense action, mystery, romance and the same extremely dynamic  and just plain awesome group of characters. However there are a few reasons I am not giving this book five stars, first of all I found that the beginning of the book was a little slow and didn't have the same fast paced action as the others in the series. However it did pick up and around the middle of the book I had a hard time putting it down. I was also a bit disappointed by Jasper's lack of presence in the novel. I love all of Cross's characters so much including the charming and quick-witted cowboy. I especially grew to appreciate his character when we learned more about his past in the previous book (The Girl in the Clockwork Collar) I understand that throughout the novel he is upset but I missed the good natured attitude and humour he added to the books especially because Sam and Griffin were both moody and quite throughout the novel. Then we get onto the relationships. Lets start with Sam and Emily because I am soooo happy with the way their relationship played out in this novel they are so perfect for each other and Sam's devotion to Em really helped the book move along. Next there is Finley and Griffin which I was kind of disappointed by to be honest I feel like the innocent teasing relationship was lost and I was kind of frustrated by the fact that they could't stop thinking about each other for one second to help their friend who was in danger. However all my complaints aside this was a good book and I would recommend it along with the Steampunk chronicles as a whole.

http://cuddlebuggery.com/blog/2014/07/01/hot-new-titles-july-1st-2014/rain-amanda-sun/

Brief summary of the book: In this sequel to the novel Ink, Katie decides to stay in Japan and confront both the Ink and her feelings for Tomohiro. She is certain that she will be able to pick up the pieces of her life and their relationship and keep them togehter despite the reprocussions caused from him being a Kami and his drawings coming to life. However Katie's life spins out of control as she discovers the secret to her connection with the Ink, clues to Tomohiro's power  and is torn between feelings for Tomo and Jun.

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: I was so excited for the sequal to Ink and I was honestly not disappointed. I loved the inclusion of Japanesse culture and mythology along with a complex plot, lots of suprises and an intresting story line. I found Katie relatable and I liked getting to know Tomo more outside of his brooding "bad boy" mask.  The inclusion of Jun as a friend and advisor to Katie was interesting and he honestly had me fooled. Also I must say I didn't hate the love triangle within this novel (gasp I know right) but, it worked well with the plot and added a whole new level of tension and excitement. Another component of the book I truly enoyed was the inclusion of a few illistrations I just loved the style and the really helped draw me into a story all about the power of the ink. Overall I highly reccomend this book and I really hope there will be another! :)

http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/pandemonium/images/28918696/title/pandemonium-book-cover-photo

Brief summary of the book: Pandemonium is the sequel to Delirium and it begins after Lena has escaped the city and fled into the wilds to live a life without the threat of the procedure and (spoiler alert) Alex. In the wilds Lena meets a group of people who like her escaped the procedure and created a life outside of the city walls. Throughout the novel Lena must face the harsh challenges of the unforgiving wilds while facing the ghosts of her pasts, injuries and a challenging future. This novel is told in alternating parts between past and present (now and then). Lena's past consisting of her struggles in the wild and her present consisting of an attempt to create a new life in a different city which ends quickly when Lena is kidnapped along with the leader of the DFA's son Julian. Together they must find a way to escape while battling a government who will do anything to control its people and, rebels who will do anything to defy the government.

Star rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: Even though I was confused at first I loved how this book was written in two parts because it really contributed to the feeling that Lena was simtaneously recreating herself and trying to piece her life back together. Like Delerium this book was richly plotted, full or twists, romance rebellion and some truly unique and relatable characters. This book constantly held my attention and honestly suprised me with all its twists and turns. I also loved the transition of Lena's character from an unsure, love-struck teen to someone rebellious, tough and fast thinking. One thing that frustrated me however was how fast Lena got over Alex I understand that in order to survive she had to out the past togehter but it felt like he was easily replaced by Julian. However overall I highly reccomend this book and I can't wait to start reading Requim.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18089999-frozen

Brief summary of the novel: Yet another sequel! Frozen is the sequel to Taken in this book Gray along with several members of the restance must journey across a harsh winter landscape in hopes of finding mysterious test group A and gaining the numbers and resources needed to rebel agaisnt Frank's corrupt hold on power. However they face unpredictable dangers on their journey like hostile environment, cities riddled with plauge, attacks from the Franconians all leading up to the discovery that group A is not what they expected. Facing danger from all sides the groups only hope is help from an ally they never expected.

Star rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the novel: I could not wait to read this book the moment I picked it off the shelves becuase I loved Taken so much. This book was also soooo good the action was non-stop and the plot was fast paced. This was yet aother book with lots of suprsing plot twists; it was an interesting read with some new awesome characters (I loved Jackson and all that he added to the novel) and page turning action. The only complaint I have about this book is that I found the inclusion of a love triangle kind of frustrating and I was disappointed about what happened between Grey and Bree because I love Bree's character. Yet I understand why things didn't work out. Anyways I highly recommend this book and for the millionth time I WANT ANOTHER!


Well I hope you guys liked my book reviews there will be more coming soon :) If there is any specific book you want to see a review of comment the title and author down below