Top Ten Book Covers... With a Twist

Hello everybody!  You should never judge a book by its cover... but I'm am going to be doing today anyways. I initially wanted to do a post on my top ten favorite book covers, but then I thought of a more interesting idea. I love hardcover books even if they are more expensive I will almost always buy a hardcover over a soft cover. So I thought I could do a top ten list of my favourite book covers under the dust jacket. Just a disclaimer this list may be biased because I am going to base it off novels I own; so there could be prettier books out there. I just have yet to get my hands on them. Anyways without further ado lets get into the list!

10. Tigers Quest

 

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck is a perfect example of how simple designs can be the most elegant. The typography and use of black and gold are both bold yet refined. Also although you can't tell by the picture the top two corners of the book are embossed which really adds to the overall affect.

9. Siege and Storm

 

 

Next on my list is Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. I love so much about this cover. I think the bright red cloth is beautiful and helps to reflect the passion found within the story. The typography on the spine is absolutely stunning and, the dragon design at the bottom of the spine makes it look cohesive and exciting. My only complaint about this cover is the fact that the front of the book is completely blank. The spine is marvelous and very well designed. In contrast the plain front of the book falls flat.

8. Plain Kate

 

In eighth place is Plain Kate by Erin Bow. Which is another book with amazing typography and letters with luster. I appreciate the unique colour scheme used on the cover. Typically book covers are black or grey so this one really stands out from the monotone colours. Also the bright turquoise and  buttery yellow really compliment each other. The only downfall is once again the boring front cover.

7. Fairest

 

In spot number seven on the list we have Fairest which is a novella by Marissa Meyer. Similarly to Siege and Storm this cover has a beautiful spine and a blank cover that looks plain in comparison. I love how the letters on the side are shimmery, and do we even need to talk about the typography? It is freaking incredible. I also really like the design on the bottom of the spine I'm not sure if its a castle or a crown but it looks very nice and both item relate well to the novel. The reason I placed this book higher on the list than other books with similar designs is due entirley to the art on the inside of the cover. 

 

I can't even describe how much I adore this! it painted such a brilliant image of Queen Levana's castle within my mind as I read the book. I mean wow this art is fantastically gorgeous. (I'm not certain that's grammatically correct, but I'm gonna go with it)

6. Four

 

Next book on the list is Four by Veronica Roth. When I took the dust jacket off this book to see if I wanted it on this list I actually gasped. The Ferris Wheel design on the front cover is sleek and cool just like Four's character and the mix of dark blue and gold is splendid. I also think the spine looks exceptional and although the typography isn't my favourite on this list it is simple and eye-catching. Overall this cover is very aesthetically pleasing and cohesive.

5. Perfect Ruin

 

Fifth on the list is Perfect Ruin by Lauren Destefano. The spine of the book is the most gorgeous I have ever seen and probably ever will see. Everything about it is flawless, the use of negative space, the design, the shimmer, the typography. The spine of this book is a work of art. It may have placed even higher on this list but, the overall cover isn't as wonderful as some due to the plain front. 

3. Unhinged

 

Unhinged by A.G Howard makes me want to cry tears of joy simply because it is so beautiful. (and also a really good book) Where do I even start with this cover? The colours look expectational together, and the typography is like something out of a book of Fairytales which is very fitting. I also love the inclusion of moths on the front cover design because it is foreshadowing to the contents of the novel. This cover is truly a thing of beauty.

2.  Wonder Struck

 

Do I even need to explain why I put Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick on this list? Look at it, it is unlike any cover I have ever seen because the cover itself is art. Its as if someone picked up their paintbrush and decided to paint a masterpiece on the cover of this book. The image and colours within it are striking and have so much depth to them. Also this book is filled with illustrations so it is not only wonderful for the mind, but for the eyes as well.

1. The Cure for Dreaming

 

I always picture The Cure For Dreaming by Cat Winters on a shelf in Victorian London. It just fits so well there because it has an vintage charm to it and the typography on the front and spine reminds me of beautiful calligraphy. Honestly I don't have the words to describe how much I love every aspect of the appearance of this cover. The shining, iridescent letters add a whole magical element to it and the use of negative space on the spine is incredible. It would be a real challenge for any book to come close to bumping this one of the top of my book. The overall aesthetic of it is mind-blowing. 

I hope you enjoyed me getting waaaaaaay to excited about book covers. I hope to post again soon so keep coming back!

The Book Scenarios Tag

Hello! After disappearing for so long I figured I should write another post. I love watching booktube videos on you tube and when I saw this tag I thought " I have to do that!" So here it is my book scenarios tag. I tag Danika and Brianna at https://abookishescape.wordpress.com  .Without further ado lets get into the post!

1. You have to get rid of all your books and you can only keep one from each of these three genres- contemporary, fantasy, non-fiction and one other genre of your choosing. What books do you keep?

Contemporary: Ok I'm gonna be honest here I have never really loved contemporary books but there are always some exceptions. I love John Green books but I don't see myself re-reading any of them and time soon so I don't think I would keep one of those. If I have to choose a contemporary that I love and would re-read over and over again I would have to choose Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I love this book and relate to it so much because like Cath I am an introvert, I love writing fan fiction and I have a twin. It is overall the perfect book for me. 

Fantasy: This is very difficult because I love fantasy. However I have to choose a Harry Potter book. I love Harry Potter and it is what jumps into my mind the moment I hear the word "fantasy." I loved all the Harry Potter book but The Deathly Hallows is definitely my favourite. It was the perfect mixture of laughter, tears and magic. It was a bittersweet ending to the series and will always be close to my heart.

Non-fiction: I don't have a large collection of non-fiction books to choose from in the first place, but the moment I read this question I knew exactly what book I would pick. For christmas I received a book called Doctor Who the Vault, which is all about the filming process of Doctor Who which is one of my favourite shows. I love drama and learning about the filming of shows fascinates me. The book contains beautiful photography and overall I just love it.

Other genre: The final genre I would choose from is mystery. I love mystery and detective novel and if you've read my past posts I feel like you know where this is going. I would save my copy of the complete Sherlock Holmes. I have a copy of all the stories in one book so it counts for the question but I would still technically get nine books in one. Sherlock Holmes is one of my favourite series and my favourite characters so this is a clear choice for me.

http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780141040288/penguin-complete-sherlock-holmes

2. You're at the bookstore and you hear a teenager telling their mom they don't like to read, but their mom insists they pick something. You walk over and recommend a book you think is great for people who aren't big on reading- what book is it?

Ok this is a tough question I am used to recommending books to my friends who like me all love reading with a fiery passion. I also feel like the kind of books someone likes depends a lot on the person. However I feel inclined to answer this question with a John Green book because his books are fairly short and incredibly well written. More specifically I think I would recommend An Abundance of Katherines because it is awesome, super funny and the lightest read of all his books in my opinion.

http://worderella.com/2014/09/reading-abundance-katherines/

3. You're not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which book do you read to put yourself in a great mood?

If I'm going to be perfectly honest I would love to answer this question using a novel but, the book I always go to for a pick me up is actually a graphic novel by the stupendous blogger Allie Brosh. Her blog and the book in question are both called Hyperbole and a Half. The book is ridiculously funny but also very thoughtfully written with a lot of consideration for reasons why people can feel down. Overall it is perfect and funny and I've already read it a million times.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years. What book would you have most likely caught yourself reading?

Ok I am a teenager as of right now and the books I have been reading the most are the Sherlock Holmes books (surprise, surprise). So that would be my answer.

5. Your friend surprises you with a four day trip which you have an hour to pack for. What book do you take to read along the way?

If I have to choose one book to read on such a long trip I'm naturally going to pick a long book (no matter how heavy it is). The longest book in my to be read pile as of right now is In the Afterlight clocking in at 533 pages. If I was rushing to pack I would grab it and hope it would last me the whole trip.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/16150831-in-the-afterlight

6. Your house has been robbed! Don't worry- everyone is safe, but your bookshelf has been raided. What's the book you hope is safe?

First of all I hope this never ever happens, I would cry. My answer to this question would be my third edition copy of The Sign of Four (the second Sherlock book). It was printed in London in 1893 and is in wonderful condition. Also those of you who love reading as much as me probably love the smell of books, and I gotta say if you ever have the pleasure of smelling a book printed in 1893 you will understand why I am so attached to this book.

7. Your friend borrows a book and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) just pretend you hadn't noticed b) ask them to repurchase it or c) secretly do the same to something of theirs?

I would not do c because knowing my friends any damage to my books would be a complete mistake. I also feel like they would offer to repurchase the book, but if they didn't offer I would feel way to shy to ask so a seems like the most likely answer even though I would be upset.

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to this tag and I hope to be back soon with another post!

The Hound of the Baskervilles review

Hello again! Sorry for the absolutely astronomical amount of time I've taken to post. I've been very busy with school and writing my own stories so I haven't had much time to read or write reviews. Anyways enough with excuses, I have finally written a post about The Hound of the Baskervilles which is the most famous Sherlock Holmes story. This review is a bit more formal than what I normally write but it should still be interesting. So without any further ado lets get into the review!

The Hound of the Baskervilles Review

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles

Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Genre: Mystery/ Detective

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Star Rating: ***** (five stars)

Synopsis of the text:

A visit from the eccentric Dr. Mortimer brings forth one of the strangest and inexplicable mysteries that the great detective Sherlock Holmes has to solve. The doctor brought with him a manuscript, which told of the legend of The Hound of the Baskervilles, a fearsome hound rumored to target and kill every heir within the Baskerville linage as a result of a curse placed on Hugo Baskerville. Dr. Mortimer’s good friend sir Charles Baskerville died of a heart attack surrounded by the paw prints of a gigantic hound. Sherlock questions the existence of a supernatural beast but insists he must stay in London to take care of other business. Leaving Dr. Watson to travel to the moors of Devonshire with Dr. Mortimer and the last remaining Baskerville, Sir Henry. Watson’s adventures on the moor are told in a series of letters addressed to Holmes. He describes his encounters with the peculiar naturalist Stapleton, his beautiful sister and the mysterious Laura Lyons. As Watson struggles to piece together the mystery he begins to notice a mysterious stranger wandering the moors. Dr. Watson sets out to discover the identity of this curious man and determines that it is Sherlock who has been secretly following the events and has discovered the identity of the killer. Stapleton’s true identity as a Baskerville heir is exposed and a plan is set in motion, using Sir Henry to lure the fearsome hound out onto the moor. In a showdown with the dog, the killer escapes only to sink into the marshes where he kept the dog and meet his own death. Upon returning to Baker Street Holmes and Watson reflect on the curious events of the case, and regard it as one of the most exceptional mysteries they have ever encountered.

List of Characters:

Sherlock Holmes

Round: Sherlock is well-developed character with a unique personality. A round character is multi-dimensional and Sherlock Holmes definitely fits that description. You know about his strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, describes every element of Sherlock from his tall lanky appearance to his methods of deduction. He is one of the most widely portrayed characters in fiction and for good reason. He is so well developed a reader can picture him in their minds as if he was a real person. Static: Sherlock is a static character within his very nature, he is a logical man with an aversion to change. He believes he has figured out the correct way to live his life and refuses to change himself or the world around him. He never moves away and he never marries. Sherlock in his very nature is static and this rings true throughout The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sherlock does little within the book other than employ his usual brilliant skills of deduction and solve the case. He is constant and predictable, but this allows the reader to truly connect with and understand him as a character.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Dr. John Watson

Protagonist: Even though Sherlock Holmes is usually the protagonist of the books in this mystery Watson is the narrator of the stories and Sherlock Holmes “stays” in London. In actuality he secretly travels to the moor to investigate the mystery but does not show up within the book until the last few chapters. Leaving Watson on his own struggling to solve the mystery while racing with a ticking clock.

Round: John Watson is a round character because like Sherlock he is complex and well developed. We know about his caring and bold personality. As a reader we know about his past as a vetran and we know about the unfortunate death of his wife. As the narrator Watson serves to bring Sherlock’s genius to the understanding of the reader and with his empathetic and courageous nature he does so quite well.

Dynamic: Throughout the extent of the novel Dr. Watson develops as a character because he learns how to function without Sherlock and learns that he is capable on his own.

Stapleton

Antagonist: Stapleton is responsible for the murder of the characters within the novel and his cruel treatment of the hound and even his own sister paints him as a horrible man and a clear antagonist within the story.

Static: Stapleton is a static character because he does not develop or change throughout the novel. He is a terrible man from beginning to end and never indicates learning any moral lesson due to his death.

Round: Stapleton is a round character because we learn all about him and his past as the pieces of the mystery are put together. He has a developed backstory, which included him owning a school that he eventually had to close. He is manipulative, cunning and cruel. All these traits are clearly communicated to the reader making him round.

Three conflicts:

Man vs. Nature

One of the main sources of conflict within the book is the ferocious hound kept and trained by Stapleton to attack members of the Baskerville family. The hound is eventually shot to death by Sherlock Holmes but not before it claimed the lives of both Sir Charles Baskerville and an unfortunate convict who was hiding on the moor.

Man vs. Man

Stapleton is the main antagonist of the story and in turn is the main source of conflict within the novel. He is secretly an heir to the Baskerville household and is using a ferocious hound to kill anyone who stands in his way. Sherlock and Doctor Watson are conflicting with him to try and ensure the safety of Sir Henry Baskerville, however the killer is the source of his own demise when he falls into the marsh he was keeping his hound and perishes.

Man vs. Himself

Dr. John Watson is sent to the Devonshire moors on his own and he must learn to cope without Sherlock throughout the novel. Watson is challenged to use what he’s learned from working with Holmes to solve the mystery and must face the pressured of his job. Luckily Dr. Watson finds Sherlock just in time to reveal the true identity of the killer and save the life of Sir Henry Baskerville.

Three elements of fiction:

Metaphor: “We looked back on it now, the slanting rays of a low sun turning the streams to threads of gold…”

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used metaphors throughout The Hound of the Baskerville to greatly enhance the text. The metaphors created brilliant imagery and painted a picture of the melancholy surroundings the novel took place in.

Symbolism: “ We have him, Watson, we have him, and I dare swear that before tomorrow night he will be fluttering in our net as helpless as one of his own butterflies.”

Due to Stapleton’s profession as a naturalist and, his fascination with catching butterflies a net is often used as symbolism with The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sherlock often mentions his plan to form a net around Stapleton as a means of capturing the killer and ensuring he won’t escape. Stapleton is associated with butterflies because like him the hobby seems harmless at first but when Dr. Watson discovers his room full of dead insects pinned to the wall a deeper element of his nature is revealed.

Suspense: “There was a thin, crisp, continuous patter from somewhere in the heart of the crawling bank. The cloud was within fifty yards of where we lay, and we glared at it, all three, uncertain with horror was about to break from the heart of it.

Suspense is a very important literary device within the novel and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses it often to help enhance the readers’ experience and get them to emphasize with the thrill of emotions the characters feel as they try and unravel the mystery. The use of suspense creates interest within the story and leaves the reader desperate to know how the plot will unravel.

Review:

Overall I loved this book! The mystery was engaging and suspenseful and Stapleton is my second favourite Holmes villain. He was wonderfully eccentric and interesting, and although I found the fact that he was the murderer predictable lots of plot twists kept it interesting. The use of metaphors and suspense was wonderful within the novel and I always had a vivid mental image of what was going on. I can definitely understand why this book is so famous and I highly recommend it. 

Paper Towns: Book Review

Ok first of all I am so sorry I was gone for so long my life got crazy! However I am back with another post about a fantastic novel I just read (Paper Towns by John Green) so without further ado lets get to it.

Brief Summary of the Book:
Everyone gets one miracle in their life and Quentin Jacobsen's miracle is living next to the endlessly captivating, fearless and utterly extordinary, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Margo and Q were childhood friends who become more distant as time wore on. So when Margo burst into Q's window dressed in all black and beckoning him to and experience an adventure with her Q agrees hoping to reconnect the with the girl he has always adored from afar. After one crazy night of late night grocery shopping, breaking into Seaworld and carrying out the perfect plot for revenge Q is hopeful that something may bloom between him and Margo. Until she disappears the very next day, leaving Q only with a set of vague and difficult clues that lead him to her. Fearing her safety and desperately trying to discover who the real Margo Roth Sprienglstien is Q sets out on a mission to find her. Facing creepy abandoned buildings, intense poetry and a giant road trip that will take him to a Paper town. Q discovers more about the girl of his dreams and himself then he could possibly imagine.

Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Thoughts on the Novel:
You need to read this book. It is a simple as that the characters are amazing and so relatable the plot is interesting and interwoven in a fascinating way. John Green infuses the book with humor while deeply reflecting on human emotion and what it means to truly be yourself. I loved this book I laughed, I cried and it made me think. Like really think, like lay in bed and contemplate your entire
existence sort of thinking. The most amazing thing about this book is how relatable it is, despite the
epic storyline is seems so plausible. You can't help feel wonderment towards Margo and groan at Ben's brilliant stupidity and relate to Q's experience in high school. You become so involved in the story line the pages turn themselves (ok not literally but close enough). However despite all this I have to say my absolute favorite thing about this book was the characterization of Margo. When you are introduced to her you automatically see her as this impossibly brave and bold character that you just want to be. However as you get deeper into the story you discover her flaws hidden beneath the surface and you come to terms with the fact that everyone has their shortcoming but that in no way makes them less of an incredible person. Margo was  just as lost as the rest of us no matter how confident in herself she appeared and the amount revealed about her in the book really touched me. This daring, courageous version of her is really a superficial version, a mask that she puts on because  she loved the idea of "being Margo" and so did everyone else. The thing is we all wear this masks deep down we are all connected, and we are all paper people and that's ok because at the same time we all have our inner Margo Roth Speiglemans and when you read the book you'll come to
understand what an amazing thing that is. We are all a little cracked but those cracks let the light shine through. So in short this book is definitely worth the read. The only thing I didn't really like was the road trip. That whole section of the novel had a slightly choppy feel and it was a little to long for my liking. However this book will leave you with an obsession with "Stars Fell on Alabama" and a warm feeling in your heart. So just go read it. Now!

http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/014241493X

Playlist: To the Girl on Fire

I decided to create a playlist composed of music that I think Peeta would use to describe Katniss and his relationship with her throughout the trilogy. I hope you enjoy the songs I chose and hear the story I was trying to create within this playlist.

*all credit to the artists of these songs

• Everybody Wants to Rule the World~ Lorde
• I Bet My Life~ Imagine Dragons 
• Little Do You Know~ Alex & Sierra 
• All I Ever Wanted~ Brian Melo 
• Fire & Rain~ Mat Kearney 
• Between the Raindrops~ Lifehouse
• Au Revoir~ OneRepublic
• Her Diamonds~ Rob Thomas 
• Say Something~ A Great Big World 
• Stay With Me~ Sam Smith 
• Fix You~ Coldplay
• Your Man~Matt Ryczek 
• Daylight~ Maroon 5 
• I Will Follow You Into the Dark~ Death Cab for Cutie 
• Marry Me~ Train 
• If I Lose Myself~ OneRepublic
• If I Die Young~ The Band Perry 
• Heartbreak Story~ The Wanted 
• Scars~ Allison Iraheta 
• Crawling Back to You~ Daughtry 
• Broken Strings~ James Morrison & Nelly Furtado 
• Demons~ Imagine Dragons 
• Skinny Love~ Birdy 
• Patient Love~ Passenger 
• She Will Be Loved~ Maroon 5 

http://thehungergames.wikia.com/wiki/Peeta_Mellark

My Own Tag: Hogwarts is Your Home

I have officially decided to create my very own book tag!! *applause* Anyways I have decided to call it the (drum roll please) the Hogwarts is Your Home Tag and the questions will allow you to mentally immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. In honour of going back to school I wanted to create a tag that allowed me and anyone else doing it to pretend we are going to Hogwarts instead. So without further ado here is my tag:

1. What house would you be sorted into and why? 

Ravenclaw!! I think I would be a Ravenclaw for sure. I enjoy school and learning and I often to random research on everything and anything in my free time becuase I love gaining new knowledge. I also have a good memeory so I excel at retaining the things I learn. I also truly love puzzles and brain-teasers so getting into the common room would be good fun. It is also said that Ravenclaw is the house for the more eccnetric and imaginative Hogwarts folk and I am very creative and my ideas can be a little random at times. I feel like I would just love being in Ravenclaw and spending time in the beautiful common room. I feel like I could also be a Hufflepuff because I am an extremly hard worker and I am typically quite sweet.

http://ireadtorelax.blogspot.ca/2010/11/movie-review-harry-potter-and-deathly.html

2. If you could invent any spell what would it be/do?

If I could invent any spell I would invent one that allowed you to enter any fictional world. This means that with a simple incantation and wave of your wand you could enter any book or TV show. This would be helpful with Hogwarts homework because you could experience what you're learning it also would be amazingly fun to just hop into the world of Sherlock Holmes or any other fictional world you wish to explore. It would be like an adventure within an adventure! I think the incantation for my spell would be fictilous exlpora. 

3. If you could have J.K Rowling write a book about any of the secondary characters (so not out main trio) who would you choose?

Oooh this is a hard question I gave myslef. Luna is my favourite character so I feel inclined to pick her but I feel like a story about the marauders adventures at Hogwarts could be really interesting so I guess despite my initial response I would chose James just to learn more about him, Siruis and Lupin when they were young (and running about as animals) and how he ever got Lily to fall in love with him. ;)

4. If you could design any wand for yourself what wood it be made of? what would the core be? How long would it be? What would it look like?

My wand would defiantly be made out of willow I just love willow trees and I think the wood that comes from them is really lovley. Core wise I wouldn't want any of the three "typical" cores just becuase I want my wand to be unique so perhaps Veela hair like Fleur's wand for really no reason other than I think that would be a really awesome and unique core. As for length I think I my wand would be 4 3/4 inches. I think my wand would be especially suited for charms and surprisingly swishy so there you have it my dream wand. 

5. Create your own fantastic beast. Where would you find it?

My fantastic beast would be a combination between a snow leopard and hawk, it would be similar to a Griffin but it would be found in the more Northern regions of the land. It would have the body of a mountain goat but the fur and face of a snow leopard and the wings and front feet of a hawk. 

6. Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?

I definitely think my best friend would be Luna Lovegood I feel like we would get along well because we are both dreamers who are kind, compassionate and have a soft spot for magical creatures. We are both eccentric and due to that people underestimate us but we don't let that bother us and we work to accomplish whatever we out our mind to. Like Luna I am artistic and truly value my friends so I feel like her and would connect and be best friends at Hogwarts. It must be the nargles! 

7. Would you play on the quidditch team why or why not? and if you did which position would you play?

I would definitely play on the quidditch team because I think it would be so much fun. I would either want to be a seeker or chaser. Seekers are quick and agile and I believe I am both those things. Seekers would also have to have good eyesight and attention to detail which I posses. Being a chaser would also be fun as you would get to enjoy the team element of quidditch and learn all sorts of manoeuvres and strategies that come with the sport.

8. What form would your patronus take? 

 I think my patronus would take the form of a unicorn because unicorns strike me as very sweet and kind animals and I am to be a sweet person. Unicorns are also very dream-like and I consider myself a dreamer. Unicorns are also playful and energetic creatures and I am a bubbly and energetic person. I feel like a unicorn would definitely be my protector. 

9.  What would your favourite Hogwarts class be? 

My favourite Hogwarts class would be Care of Magical Creatures because I have always loved animals and I feel like learning about magical creatures would be fascinating and so much fun. I would love to work with all the creatures you hear about in the Harry Potter books and I feel like I would just love that class. 

10. Its your first time visiting Hogsmeade which shop do you head to first?

Defiantly Honey Duke's! I feel like it would be so much fun choosing from the massive array of sweets and just soaking in the sweet, warm and colourful atmosphere of the shop. I would defiantly stock up on chocolate frogs, sugar quills and Droobles best blowing gum. 

http://en.board.goodgamestudios.com/fashion/showthread.php?459-I-Want-to-see/page3

11. You've finished your last year at Hogwarts what career do you pursue? 

I would be a magizoologist as Biology is a subject that interests me and I want to be a Marine Biologist so I feel like I would love the magical equivalent of this job. I would get to understand and study unicorns and thestrals enough said. 

So there you have it! My Harry Potter tag now typically once you complete the tag you would tag seven other blogs. (seven being the lucky number and all) However since I am relatively new to the blogging community I'm just going to tag: http://abookishescape.wordpress.com/ which is an awesome blog you should all check out! If you want to do this tag go ahead I officially tag you! If you do the tag on your blog pop the URL in the comments below and I'll check it out. Without further ado mischief managed. 

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!!!