Tag Archives: Cynthia Stacey

Do Ghosts have reflections?

Posted on February 24, 2014 | 1 comment

 photo by gamingbolt.com

I pose this question to any and all.  I have a dilemma in my latest story and I am just not sure how to address it.  The issue surrounds ghosts and their abilities. Do ghosts make a reflection in the mirror?

I have heard stories of people looking in a mirror and seeing a reflection of a ghost or something behind them.  When they turn around the ghost is gone.  Even the ghost at Disney World can be seen in the mirror sitting with you on the Haunted Mansion ride.

photo by http://www.sundialtone.com

What do you think?  Reflection or not?  Help me out please. 🙂

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Posted on February 20, 2014 | 2 comments

Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth.  Published Oct 22, 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books.  CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. (Goodreads Excerpt)

What to say other than I am sad it is over and sad sad sad at the way it ended.  Don’t get me wrong as the book was brilliant but I wish the author could have ended it a little differently.  I understand why she did it, given the characterization and the development of the book.  But, sigh…I just wanted something different.  It made me cry.  The cover of the book says it all…

                One choice will define you.

The story is masterfully told and I really enjoyed reading the different perspective of Tobias and Tris.  I love both of these characters and enjoyed watching their story unfold.  Both characters are flawed and real and I came to understand both of them and accepted their choices as being true to character.

I was surprised by the twists in the book.  It was very interesting to see how the secrets and lies of the government unfolded into more secrets and lies.  I don’t want to give anything away, but you really need to pay attention to who is telling what story and for what purpose.  It makes the story interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is real and what isn’t.  I am amazed at the authors detail with her world building.  The story is very complex and she captures it all with detail and explanations.  I can’t wait to see if the movie lives up to the book. 

I was going to give it 4 stars because the ending was sad and disappointing, but the more I thought about it, I have to give it 5.  It was beautifully told and we can’t always have the ending we desire. 

5 stars for me.

 

 

2 Comments

Posted in Reviews

Tagged , ,

Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2)

Posted on February 20, 2014 | Leave a comment

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.  Published Dec 28, 2013 by Ascension Press.  CDN $1.99 Kindle edition.

It’s been over two months since Lucky and Liora decided their fate outside the cave. Over two months since Kieron left to finish his mission. So why hasn’t he returned? Crushed and confused, Liora finds comfort with a mysterious stranger, a guy whose motives include more than just healing Liora’s broken heart. Meanwhile, Lucky finds herself in the arms of an old friend…the one who has always laid claim to her true soul. When the reason for Kieron’s disappearance becomes known, loyalties will be tested, friends will be betrayed, loves will be lost, and hope will be found. Once and for all, Lucky and Liora will have to chose their destiny. And not everyone will survive their choice.  (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well this one is hard to comment on without giving away too much.  I really enjoyed learning more about Liora/Lucky and how they manage to live their alternate lives the way they do.  It is a very interesting concept that is explored very well.  It amazes me how the author has created two alternate realities that coexist side by side and only occasionally interact.  I thought it would get boring or annoying but it is so interesting and well done that it works.

The love story triangle gets really messy here and I am not normally a fan of this but in this case it works.  What is intriguing is that with Kieron missing, both girls have an opportunity to explore other interests that are separate from each other.   I have a soft spot for Bones which really crushed me to see what happens ( I don’t’ want to spoil it so that is all I will say. ) He is so sweet and caring and full of awesomeness (is that a word?)  Anyway he is my favorite. ..sigh…

The story is action packed and full of adventure from beginning to end with a huge cliff-hanger at the end that makes you want to run out and get the next one.  I am dying to find out how Liora/Lucky deal with their little problem especially now that….oh wait I can’t tell you…sorry you will have to read it to know what I mean. 

5 stars for me!


Leave a comment

Posted in Reviews

Tagged , ,

WWW Wednesdays (Feb 19)

Posted on February 19, 2014 | 10 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Recently Finished:  Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth.  and Fire with Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.  I finished both on vacation and loved them.  I will post a review soon.

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)Currently Reading Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi.  I have barely started this so no comments yet.

Up Next?

These are what I have my eye on but I’m not really sure.

   Legend (Legend, #1) Curse of Shadows and Light (Demonblood, #3) Secret (Elemental, #4)

Legend by Marie Lu

Curse of Shadows and Light (Demonblood#3) by Penelope King

Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer.

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

10 Comments

Posted in WWW Wednesdays

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Teaser Tuesday (Feb 18)

Posted on February 18, 2014 | 8 comments

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

He’s looking at the wall and a the floor and at the bedsheets and at the way his knuckles look when he clenches his fists but no not at me he won’t look at me an dhis next words are so, so soft.

“Because they’re dead, love.  They’re all dead.”

1% on kindle

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

I loved the first two books in this series and can’t wait to dive into this one.  I haven’t started it yet, just took a peek for the teaser.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

8 Comments

Posted in Teaser Tuesdays

Tagged , , ,

WWW Wednesdays (Feb 5)

Posted on February 5, 2014 | 5 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Recently Finished Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  This is a fantastic series.  I don’t want it to end! Here is a link to my review:

https://cynthiastacey.com/2014/01/30/insurgent-divergent-2-by-veronica-roth/

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2)Currently Reading Fire with Fire (demonblood #2) by Penelope King.

Up Next?

I am dying to read Allegiant (Divergent #3)!  I am going on vacation this week so I also have Ignite Me (shatter Me #3) on my kindle.   Yayyy!!! Lots of awesome reading to do.

 Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

5 Comments

Posted in WWW Wednesdays

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Teaser Tuesday (Feb 4)

Posted on February 4, 2014 | 19 comments

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

I can’t walk these hallways without remembering the days I spent as a prisoner here, barefoot, pain pulsing inside me every time I moved.  And with that  memory is another one, one of waiting for Beatrice Prior to go to her death, of my fists against the door, of her legs slung across Peter’s arms when he told me she was just drugged.

I hate this place.

Page 4

Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Allegiant (Divergent #3)by Veronica Roth

OMG I love this series.  I haven’t started this one yet as I am saving it for my vacation this week. (I snuck a peek just to put it in the teaser tuesday) I Can’t wait to delve into it!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

19 Comments

Posted in Teaser Tuesdays

Tagged , , ,

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Posted on January 30, 2014 | 4 comments

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  Published May 1, 2013 by Harper Collins    CDN $10.91Kindle edition

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.

The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT. I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead. (Goodreads Excerpt)

WOW, I have to say WOW.  I am so amazed at this story.  Insurgent was as good as Divergent (which is rare) but a little sadder at times and perhaps a little more emotional when you take in all that Tris has to go through including her strained relationship with Four that is tested to the limits.  They go through ups and downs and everything in between leaving the reader in agony over the outcome of their relationship.  

I love the quote on the cover, ONE CHOICE CAN DESTROY YOU.  Like holy cow, no kidding.  This book is all about choices.  Tris has to make some really tough ones that she knows may cost her everything in the end.  She struggles with herself and what she is and risks everything to make the right decision.

I love how the author builds on Divergent and keeps going.  It never lags or drops but keeps you on the edge of your seat.  We learn more about the factions and more about the characters that belong to them. Tris’ whole world is wrapped into a web of secrets and lies and she must decide if the truth is worth everything she might have to sacrifice to obtain it.  The Candor manifesto wraps up this story nicely.

Like a wild animal, the truth is too powerful to remain caged. 

I don’t want to give too much away, but Insurgent is a fantastic sequel to Divergent.  It is amazing, thrilling, full of intrigue and emotion and leaves you breathless and wanting more.  I can’t wait to read Allegiant.

5 stars for me.

 

4 Comments

Posted in Reviews

Tagged , ,

Wordless Wednesday (Jan 28)

Posted on January 29, 2014 | 2 comments

 photo by lillisokey-lovewallpaper.blogspot.com

I love Wordless Wednesday.  I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’.  So please  LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

2 Comments

Posted in Wordless Wednesday

Tagged ,

WWW Wednesdays (Jan 29)

Posted on January 29, 2014 | 11 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

Divergent (Divergent, #1)Recently Finished: Divergent by Veronica Roth.  OMG I loved this book!  Here is a link to my review:

https://cynthiastacey.com/2014/01/23/divergent-by-veronica-roth/

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Currently Reading:Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  This is a fantastic series.  I don’t want it to end!

Up Next?

I am thinking of the third in the Divergent series Allegiant, of course!  or Fire with Fire (Demonblood #2)

 Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2)

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

11 Comments

Posted in WWW Wednesdays

Tagged , , , , , ,

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Posted on January 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

I have to say that I am a big fan of Tom Clancy and his character creation of Jack Ryan.  My favorite is Clear and Present Danger where Jack is played by Harrison Ford.  Having said that, you don’t have to know the back story or anything else about this movie to enjoy it as a stand alone. 

Chris Pine is an excellent Jack Ryan.  I’m a little partial to his acting after Star Trek.  The movie is based on the back story of Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst/operative.  In this version, a young Jack is wounded during a tour in Afghanistan and is recruited by the CIA.  Kevin Costner plays his handler.  (Also a big fan of Costner…just saying.)  Jack uncovers a plot by the Russian government to collapse the US economy.  Jack is tasked with an undercover mission to go to Moscow and investigate.  His plans are interrupted when his suspicious fiancée Cathy (played by Keira Knightly) meets him in Russia and ends up in the thick of the action and blowing Jack’s cover.  If I never saw any other Jack Ryan movie I probably wouldn’t notice anything odd, but this Cathy just doesn’t seem to fit the version in my mind developed by the other movies.  She is too mistrusting, too into the whole covert spy thing and just…too much.  She does a great job misleading the bad guy however so we will forgive the writers for the rest.   

While the first half hour or so of the movie drags and is a little boring, it picks up quickly and delivers a non stop action spy thriller worthy of praise. It is sometimes a little cliché, but it delivers as promised. I really enjoyed the movie and look forward to other versions.

4 stars for me.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

Teaser Tuesday (Jan 28)

Posted on January 28, 2014 | 13 comments

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

I WAKE WITH his name in my mouth.

     Will.

     Before I open my eyes, I watch him crumple to the pavement again.

Dead.

My doing.

1% on kindle

Insurgent (Divergent, #2) Insurgent (Divergent #2)by Veronica Roth

Really Really REALLY enjoying this series!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

13 Comments

Posted in Teaser Tuesdays

Tagged , , ,

Is it Friday Yet? (Jan 23)

Posted on January 23, 2014 | 3 comments

 photo by lovemeow.com

Ok seriously, this guy is so cute!  Take him home and call it the weekend.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Is it Friday Yet? post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

3 Comments

Posted in Is it Friday Yet?

Tagged , ,

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Posted on January 23, 2014 | 7 comments

Divergent (Divergent, #1) Divergent by Veronica Roth.  Published April 25, 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books. CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue–Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is–she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are–and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her. (Goodreads Excerpt)

OMG..what can I say?  I am absolutely enthralled with this book!  I was hesitant to get into it at first.  I had heard that it was a lot like Hunger Games (Which I loved) but I didn’t want to read a knock off of a great book.  HOLY COW was I blown away.  It was similar to Hunger Games but so totally unique.  I can’t get over the world building in this book.  The attention to detail is amazing.  I was not a big fan of Dystopian books, but I sure am now.

OK calm down now…what to say about the book other than it was amazing?  Lets see, I love Tris’ character.  She is real, flawed and everything.  I love her spirit and her courage and even her vulnerable side.  And Four, OMG this man is fantastic.  The interaction between them is heart wrenching.  The Chemistry, the vulnerability and everything else keeps you on the seat of your pants waiting…

I love a story with a lot of action and this one delivers with a Capitol A.  OMG it is non-stop.  I don’t want to give too much away but it doesn’t disappoint in the action from training that is NUTS to say the least,  government secrets,  heart stopping dare devilness (is that a word?), bad guys and good guys turned bad, and everything else action…this story has it.

I loved it so much; I have already downloaded the next book and am deeply engrossed into it!

5 amazing stars for me.  This is in my top 5 favorites for sure.

7 Comments

Posted in Reviews

Tagged , ,

WWW Wednesdays (Jan 22)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | 9 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

Stir Me UpRecently Finished: Stir me up by Sabrina Elkins.  Really Really enjoyed this book.  Different from my normal reads but great.  Review here: 

Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Divergent (Divergent, #1)Currently Reading: Divergent by Veronica Roth.  OMG I am LOVING this book.  Almost finished!

Are you kidding?  I love Divergent so much, Insurgent (Divergent #2) is already downloaded on my Kindle!

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)  

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

9 Comments

Posted in WWW Wednesdays

Tagged , , , , , ,