Chyna on The Vampire Academy vs The Convenant Series

For our final battle of 

March Match-Ups, I bring you 

Chyna from Lite-Rate-Ture!  

Please give her a warm welcome!

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Let’s compare The Vampire Academy to The Covenant Series. We all know who Richelle Mead is and also our worldly famous writer Jennifer L. Armentrout who is also J.Lynn. When I first met Half-blood, the first book of the covenant series I was obviously allured by the cover and the plot. I wasn’t a very serious reader at that time, but as I got to know more about Jennifer’s Covenant series I heard that the story was inspired by Richelle’s Vampire Academy. I was wondering why so many readers hated the Covenant and even refused to be in the same room with it. They were enraged by the copycat Jennifer L. Armentrout, but Jennifer did say that it was inspired by the Vampire Academy. Many just didn’t think it was only inspired, but more of based upon the novel itself. It was very similar so the readers who loved The Vampire Academy ended up hating on the Covenant series.

I tested the theory itself by letting my Vampire Academy fan-friend read the Covenant series yet she couldn’t finish the book.  I hadn’t even mentioned The Vampire Academy and so she was the one who mentioned how similar it was so she stopped reading and told me she gave up on it. She hated it in fact.

I can’t really get myself to compare these two because I have yet to read The Vampire Academy. The Covenant series is the first series I’ve read in Jennifer’s books and I fell in love with it and so now I am unsure of my addiction towards The Covenant series because it’s not an original plot. I was always a fan of forbidden love, but cliche can also be a code word for copied or cheated. It’s unfair for Richelle Mead that her story was said to be stolen by JLA, but I don’t think it was. The early readers of The Vampire Academy continue to be disgusted by The Covenant series that they didn’t even want to know more about the series.

I never got the chance to actually read The Vampire Academy as I said earlier, but I won’t anymore since I hate to change my perspective towards Half-blood. It wouldn’t be fair for Jennifer and Richelle. I hate to compare two beautiful series. They are different, but have a few similar plots. The Vampire Academy is Richelle’s book while The Covenant is Jennifer’s. Sure, they both have forbidden love, but Richelle’s novel has vampires while the covenant has demons. They’re both cool and paranormal. Don’t tell me having the same genre means they totally copied from each other. Oh please, let’s not be children here.

Thank you for having me!

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Thank you Chyna!

What are your thoughts on The Vampire Academy vs The Convenant Series?

Featuring Kathleen Kelly of Celticlady's Reviews

Today please welcome Kathleen Kelly, 

who blogs at Celticlady's Reviews.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

I am Irish and love anything associated with Ireland. I have been to Ireland twice and found it to be a beautiful, mystical place.

How long have you been blogging?

Since 2009

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I love to share my passion for reading and I do participate in a lot of book promotion tour companies. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and has been for as long as I can remember. I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era. I do prefer Irish/English history, in particular the Tudor era.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I can't remember exactly when this happened, but I found that I could escape my real life and become someone else, even for a short time.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

I do not care to reread a book but I have to say the only one I remember doing that with was Gone with the Wind.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Oh no....

What's your favorite place to read?

I guess I would have to say, in my living room although I do read every night in bed before I go to sleep.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

I have an iPad and two Kindle Fires and I also read on my phone when I go somewhere. I also love books too.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

numerous, the only room in the house that does not have a bookcase is in the bathroom, only because the humidity would ruin the books.

My TBR pile is...

a mile high.

What's a book that's changed your life?

I can not really think of a book as changing my life other than the fact, like I said before, I can escape into someone else's adventures.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I would have to say that some of the books my husband reads, especially the Civil War ones. I just am not interested in that type of book.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I guess it depends on the book. I have so many books that are scheduled to read that if I can not get into a book in at least the first 75 or so pages, I can not read it.

What's one book that intimidates you?

I think that the book that intimidates me would be the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I have read three of the series but there are so many after that I got tired of the series..

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Anywhere in Ireland.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

I love to spend time with my family, traveling and video games.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I am not a huge fan of book to movies, I think a lot is lost in the translation of the story. I would prefer to read the book than watch the movie.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Barbara Erskine
Historical Novel Review
Passages to the Past

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The Eclectic Reader

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Thank you for joining us today, Kathleen Kelly! 

Remember to check out Kathleen's blog, Celticlady's Reviews, 

and leave a comment or question.

Jenn: Stephen King vs Joe Hill

We are almost through our month of March Match-Ups, but we are still going strong! I am so very excited to bring you Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelves today as she takes on a battle between father and son. Well, it's not really a battle, but you have to read on to get all the details!

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When I was asked by Tif to write a post comparing the works of Stephen King and Joe Hill, I knew I couldn’t say no. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I’m obsessed with a big fan of Stephen King.  What? You didn’t know that about me? Well, here’s a little backstory:

*fades to black*

As a child, I often spent the summer with my grandparents. My grandmother was the librarian of the small town in which they lived. Many an afternoon was spent with her in the library.  A voracious reader, I always grabbed the biggest, heaviest book off the shelf. One afternoon, the summer I was turning thirteen, that book I grabbed was Stephen King’s It. Now, my grandmother never questioned my reading choices, instead nurturing my love of books and reading. This is a good thing, otherwise my discovery of the great King’s work would have happened much later in my life.  So I read It. It terrified me in ways I had not yet experienced, in the best of ways of course. I couldn’t have enough. So, just a few days later I returned to pick up another of King’s books off the shelf. It was Pet Semetary, followed by The Tommyknockers. It went on, endlessly. The moment I saw a new King novel I just had to have it. Every.single.thing. that man has written, I have devoured.

Fast-forward several years. I belonged to one of those book-of-the month clubs. I forgot to send back the card indicating I didn’t want the next month's book, so low-and-behold, it shows up in the mail. That book? Joe Hill’s The Heartshaped Box.  As I read, I distinctly remember thinking “this reads a lot like Stephen King!” So much that it became my mission to know as much about Joe Hill as I could. This was about the same time Hill announced his parentage. His parents were none other than Stephen and Tabitha King. I KNEW IT. Deep down in my soul, I knew they somehow had to be related. And so, my obsession adoration of Joe Hill began.

Ok, back to the point of this post. I’m supposed to be doing a King vs. Hill thing, but I just can’t do it. Why? Because you should read both. Both men are equally talented, their writing similar yet different enough for it to be original. So instead, I’m taking the liberty of changing things up a bit and instead featuring my favorites from each of these fine authors!

Stephen King

King’s backlist can get a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. That’s where I come in! King’s older novels have a completely different feel to them than his more current ones so I do recommend you sample a bit of each. Following are my favorites:

The Stand: the world has succumbed to a devastating plague. A truly brilliant novel of good versus evil.

Pros: Perfect King book to try out if you don’t want the dark and grisly horror of some of his other work.

Con: Page count. The first version published was nearly 900 pages. A few decades later The Stand was re-released at its original page count at 1200 pages. Of course, I’m going to tell you to read the uncut version. It’s worth it.

The Shining: Duh! This one is a given. Even if you have seen the movie, read.the.book.

Pros: It’s just awesome. Truly. Better than the movie!

Cons: You may develop a fear of big hotels, especially in winter.

IT: This one is SO much more than just a horror novel.

Pros: A truly brilliant examination of small town culture. It just happens to be a horror novel as well.
Cons: Not a fan of clowns? Yeah, you sort of can’t avoid them with this one!

11/22/63: Not actually scary at all. A truly unique spin on the Kennedy assassination.

Pros: It’s like a History Channel/Stephen King mash-up. Quite brilliant.

Cons: Um...none?

Doctor Sleep: A “sequel” to The Shining. Readers revisit Danny as an adult.

Pros: Um, a sequel to The Shining isn’t enough for you?

Cons: If you didn’t read the novel but only watched the movie, it’s not going to have as big an impact for you. So, see above (and read the book)!

Joe Hill

Just like with his talented father, I really think you should read EVERYTHING Joe Hill has written. What? you need more reason than that? Ok...here are my favorites:

Heart-Shaped Box: The novel that introduced me to the awesomeness that is Joe Hill. Basically, a rock star is haunted by a ghost he purchased on the interwebz. Enough said?

Pros: Uber scary! Insert all the cliche adjectives for this one lives up to all the acclaim!

Cons: It may evoke a fear of online shopping.

NOS4A2: I get all tingly when I think about the first time I read this one. Although Hill stands out on his own as an author, it is in this novel that all his King-genes come shining through (like that!?).

Pros: Uber creepy in the best of ways. 
Cons: May develop a fear or aversion to all things gingerbread-scented.

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Thank you so much Jenn!  This was so much fun!!

Tell us ... What are your favorites by this father and his son?!?  If you had to choose one or the other, which would you choose?

Featuring Caroline of Caroline Wilson Writes

Today please welcome Caroline, 

who blogs at Caroline Wilson Writes.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

Caroline Wilson Writes started out as a blog to chronicle my journey as a historical fiction writer. While I am still writing, I've recently turned my focus to reviewing books and featuring other historical fiction authors.

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging in August of 2010 when I was looking for representation of my novel "Rebel Heart."

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I think because I am an author, it lends a special slant to my reviews. I understand what a historical author has to go through in terms of research. Taking the established facts of a particular time period and then working into a fictional narrative can be challenging.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Historical fiction. I'm just caught in the past! I've been that way since a child. I certainly had my fair share of fairy tales growing up, but around age ten I became obsessed with the Old South (USA). I watched movies like "Gone With the End" and "Jezebel" and was even reading non-fiction about the roles of women in the Antebellum South.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

My grandfather used to read to me. I specifically remember "The Secret of the Seven Crows" by Wylly Folk St. John being a favorite. We used to vacation in Florida every summer, so he would either read to me or we would listen to books on tape.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

I think I've read Jennifer Donnelly's "The Tea Rose" about ten times. I read in for the first time in college and was spellbound. It was exam time and so I need to be studying but I couldn't put it down. I think I read it in less than 48 hours and then re-read it once exams were over so I could focus on it better!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

It really doesn't matter to me.

What's your favorite place to read?

In bed or on my couch. I'm unimaginative like that.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

A cup of tea is nice. My cat Amelia (named for Amelia Bedelia). I now have to read with bifocals (yikes).

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

constantly being cleaned out. I keep books based on whether or not I will read them again. So I take the ones that didn't impress me and trade them for credit at the local book swap.

My TBR pile is...

over a one hundred books long...and counting.

What's a book that's changed your life?

"Gramercy Park" by Paula Cohen. That was the first book that I ever threw across the room because the villain was so evil. I also cried. 

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I know I might start a riot, but "Harry Potter". I just don't get it.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I try to finish, but if it's a struggle I move on to something else. I try to go back to it at some point as being in a specific frame of mind can help the process especially with historical fiction.

What's one book that intimidates you?

"Moby Dick." I know it's a classic, but really? It's about a whale.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Russia a la "Anna Karenina." How cool would that be?

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

I run or write. I just finished my first half marathon recently and I have several works-in-progress in various stages of completion.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Baz Luhrmann's adaption of "The Great Gatsby" is a more recent favorite. I'm not a huge DiCaprio fan but he was born to play Jay Gatsby. I love how Luhrmann captures the frenetic energy of the Roaring Twenties.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Passages to the Past
Reading the Past
Madame Guillotine

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

I am "The Eclectic Reader" apparently. It's not entirely true since I am pretty much wedded to historical fiction.

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Thank you for joining us today, Caroline! 

Remember to check out Carolines's blog, Caroline Wilson Writes, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Joy Weese Moll of Joy's Book Blog

Today please welcome Joy Weese Moll, 

who blogs at Joy's Book Blog.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

You will not believe how hard I worked to come up with a name for my blog. Multiple brainstorming lists, requests for input from as many people as I could get to help, and checks to see that the names weren’t already being used. Of course, the best ones were being used and I got conflicting advice from my peeps about the best names from my brainstorm. So, in the end, I decided to go with what I thought search engines might like, the oh-so-basic “Joy’s Book Blog.”

How long have you been blogging?

My book blog just turned 3. Before that, I had a library blog for a few years starting in 2005. 

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

As a librarian, I follow the tenets of librarianship including “Every book its reader” and “Every reader his or her book” (See The 5 Laws of Library Science). Rather than rate books that I review, I think about the appeal of the book for different types of readers.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Nonfiction. I read more novels, but I don’t always have that much to say about them, so I often cover them in a Sunday Salon or Monday reading post. With nonfiction, I enjoy pulling out things that may make a difference in how I approach life or the world.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I found a photo of myself “reading” as a toddler. According to my mother, I came home from school one day early in first grade and said, “Mother, you said I would love learning to read and I really, really, do!”

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

Going on Sixteen by Betty Cavanna. For several years running, it was the book I checked out of the library on the first day of school because it eased the transition from summer to school year for me.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

I’m a librarian. Need I say more?

What's your favorite place to read?

Bathtub

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

I may have the world’s largest collection of bookmarks.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

…at the library. Isn’t it nice of them to store all my books for me?

My TBR pile is...

…all over the house. 

What's a book that's changed your life?

The End of Overeating by David A. Kessler started me on a successful journey to read 70 healthy lifestyle books and lose 70 pounds.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I like books by authors like Mary Jo Putney and Sharon Shinn where I can really sink into the world of the story and stay there for a long time. Other readers describe these as “slow.” 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I follow the 50-page rule by Nancy Pearl, the librarian’s librarian, because there are too many books and not enough time. Now that I’m over 50, I’m also following her corollary to subtract a year (because there are too many books and even less time). So, this year at age 51, I only have to read 49 pages before I decide if I’ll finish a book. When I’m one hundred years old, I will have earned the right to judge a book by its cover!

What's one book that intimidates you?

All those long Russian novels, even though I suspect I would like them.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

London. I hope, this fall.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Gardening, cooking, traveling, photography, exercising

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Right now, I'm loving the series that is a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories: Sherlock. London, itself, is practically a character.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

The Steadfast Reader 
Estella's Revenge
Girlxoxo.com

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The Eclectic Reader
You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors. (Yep! That describes me well!)

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Thank you for joining us today, Joy! 

Remember to check out Joy's blog, Joy's Book Blog, 

and leave a comment or question.

Tif Takes On The Hunger Games vs Divergent

Have you ever been in a book club when a member compares your current read with a popular book?  A popular book that just so happens to be one of your own favorites?  And, you kind of gasp just a little bit like you cannot believe they just did that?  Well, that was me recently with the book Divergent by Veronica Roth, and the comparison was to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  Well, that got me thinking ... how does Divergent compare to The Hunger Games in the book blogging world?   I asked and I think I got my answer.

Let's first start with a little background information . . .

The Hunger Games features a world made of 12 districts, made up essentially of needs (i.e., transportation, fishing, lumber, etc.).

Divergent's world breaks down into 5 factions (or, in my opinion, technically 6 when you consider the factionless), separated by personality traits (i.e., honesty, knowledge, selfishness, etc.).

Both of these worlds essentially put people into categories.  When people are put into boxes, they are meant to break free of them!

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The Hunger Games is led by Katniss Everdeen, a strong young woman who has learned to survive in her imperfect world.

Divergent is led by Beatrice Prior, a young woman who comes to discover that she is stronger than she initially gives herself credit for.

Both of these girls can kick your butt anyday!

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The Hunger Games is really about survival, but love does come into play in a triangular fashion.

Divergent is also all about survival and love falls into her lap along the way.

Yep, survival and love in both.

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Despite all these similarities, there is only one winner for me if I absolutely have to choose one:  The Hunger Games.  I found the categorization into resources more believable than personalities.  I thought the writing was better.  And, I thought the entire series was strong.  Granted, I am not quite done with Allegiant, the third in the Divergent series.  However, I devoured The Hunger Games within days ... for the entire trilogy.  The Divergent series began dragging for me with Insurgent and I don't find myself drawn to the story as much as I did with The Hunger Games.

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Thankfully, my vote is not the deciding factor.  I now turn to some fellow book bloggers to share their views on the two trilogies . . .

Kate from Midnight Book Girl

Hunger Games, hands down. I really loved Divergent, but I did not like book 2 or 3. I kind of felt like Roth didn't really have a vision for where the story was going. I think Collins is just better at world building. 

April from The Steadfast Reader

Yep, a thousand time The Hunger Games. Admittedly, I only read 'Divergent' (this is how much more I prefer The Hunger Games) the reason behind it was that I couldn't relate. The stunts that the Dauntless had to perform seemed reckless and unnecessarily dangerous (that's not bravery, that's stupidity). But, then I'm not the key demographic either. :) I also agree with Kate from Midnight Book Girl that Collins did a much better job at world building. I'm all about the world building.

Kayla from Bibliophilia, Please!

I loved The Hunger Games, but I couldn't get into Divergent. I found the world-building a bit harder to believe because the factions didn't really make sense to me. I also didn't have the connection with Tris that I had with Katniss. I've heard that Insurgent is a better book than Divergent, but I doubt I'll ever read it.

Monika from A Lovely Bookshelf on the Wall

I read all of the Hunger Games straight through. Could not put them down, couldn't wait to read the next book, was SO GLAD I'd waited until all three were out before ever starting the series for that very reason. ;) Divergent was very good, I enjoyed it, but I haven't been as compelled to read on. I want to, eventually, but no feeling of "I MUST find out what happens!!!" you know? So for me, Hunger Games wins.

Tanya from Girlxoxo

Another vote for THG. In Divergent I think the premise behind the society didn't make sense. And it only got more nonsensical at the end of Insurgent. I haven't read the final book in the series yet though.

Melissa from Palmer's Picks for Reading

It took me two tries to get into The Hunger Games....and once I did, I enjoyed it and Catching Fire. But Divergent sucked me right in. I found Tris to be an interesting and complex character...strong and intelligent. I liked Four and wanted to watch their relationship grow. There were times in the three books that I wanted to smack both of them but I could not put these books down.

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When I put out this little call for an opinion, I really did not expect to see such an overwhelming response to one trilogy over the other.  I really thought it would be more of a battle.  Alas, it was not and the winner is . . .

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

Now, it is your turn to weigh in.  Which series do you prefer:  The Hunger Games or Divergent?  Why?

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Tif is one of the creators of Book Bloggers International 

and can be found on a regular basis over at Tif Talks Books.

Featuring Shan of Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea

Today please welcome Shan, 

who blogs at Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

I'm not very creative and when I was trying to come up with a name for my blog, I just couldn't. And then I took a look at myself, sitting there in my reading spot, curled up under a blanket and with a cup of tea and I thought, that works! And being new to the blogging world, I didn't realize just how long a name it was! So I tend to shorten it to Good Books and Tea.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for just over 3 years now. It's hard to believe that it's been that long, the time has certainly flown by.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I have very diverse reading tastes and my blog reflects that. I don't think I fit into any genre boxes and there is something for everyone.  

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Canadian Literature (CanLit) and British Chick Lit. Those are my two favourite genres and I seem to be reading more and more of them as time goes by. I also find that diversity is a major theme in my reading and I enjoy books with characters and stories from all cultures.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Honestly, so many of my early memories have to do with books. I can remember the books I loved from a very early age. Though not the earliest memory, I remember as a child I would get upset when I'd have to turn out the lights for bed, so I'd take my book to the bathroom and sit on the edge of the tub and keep reading, thinking I could fool my parents. Every single night.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell to the no! I barely can tolerate folding over the pages. I've been noticing more and more that people are writing in library books and that really gets on my nerves. Especially when they are getting it wrong.

What's your favorite place to read?

On the beach. But since that doesn't happen very often for me, my bed or in the corner of my L shaped couch.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

neatly organized by genre. On the big bookshelf, the top shelf is for autographed books and 2014 releases. The second shelf is for CanLit. The third shelf is for books I love from any year. The bottom shelf is classics and health and environment. The smaller bookshelf has three shelves for Chick Lit and one shelf for Urban Christian Fiction. Any book that doesn't fit on either shelf is in a pile somewhere in my bedroom.

My TBR pile is...

on the shelves of my bedside table. It never seems to go down.

To DNF or not to DNF?

In the past I would push on with a book no matter how much I didn't like it. But I've decided no more and last year I started to DNF. It's very liberating.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Any classic over 400 pages. There are so many that I want to read but the length intimidates me. I've been working on The Count of Monte Cristo for the past year and half. I prefer to read a new book every few days rather than spend weeks on one.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Novelicious
Farm Lane Books Blog
Leeswammes' Blog
52 books or bust

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The Exacting Friend - it makes sense, I'm very ordered about my reading, keeping lists of what I want to read and sticking to it. And of course, I don't have time to read all the books I want to read, nobody has that much time!

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Thank you for joining us today, Shan! 

Remember to check out Shan's blog, 

Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Brigida Alexandra from Read and Caffeinated

Today please welcome Brigida Alexandra, 

who blogs at Read and Caffeinated.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

The name is 'Read and Caffeinated', because it's about good reads and caffeinated is for a condition I personally see as energized and alive. So it's about to feel alive and the best of yourself by enjoying your reads, and also, a cup of caffeine-contained drink is a perfect addition to that.

How long have you been blogging?

About 4 years.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

Through my blog, I try to change the perspective of booklovers, that they're fun because they love and read books, but they're also more than that. I slip other cool stuffs which could make book lovers enjoy they time while reading books or even to look more fantastic.

Due to my heavy perceptions in reviewing books, I create still life photograph for the book cover for each blogpost since 2 months ago. So, usually bookbloggers only post the book cover, but I create it into still life theme to make it cuter. Feminine design and simple layout creates balance, so books are deemed as not just heavy stuff.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I love erotica, psychological, history and other novels. I read without limits. Any important message I got from the books, I'd love to review.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Pasung Jiwa by Okky Madasari, an indonesian novel and it takes quite long time to finish. I cried a lot during reading the book.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

Fifty Shades of Grey.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Why not! =)

What's your favorite place to read?

In my bedroom, in a library or a cafe/coffee shop.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

Bookmark, of course.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

overcrowded.

My TBR pile is...

hmmph!

What's a book that's changed your life?

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I love dystopian. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

A book by Indonesian writer, Nayla.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Bali for Ubud Writer's Festival.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Cooking, writing, watching movie and playing video games.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

My fave....Devil Wears Prada

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

The Readables
Wildly Read
Peri Hutan

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The All-Rounder

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Thank you for joining us today, Brigida! 

Remember to check out Brigida's blog, Read and Caffeinated, 

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Ashley's Ultimate Battle: Lord of the Rings vs Game of Thrones

You guys!  

I am so excited to introduce the ultimate of battles today, 

courtesy of Ashley from Closed the Cover.  

Read on and then weigh in!

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Yes, I know this debate has raged on for a few TV seasons now but I have not yet weighed in so I chose it for my topic of choice here on Book Bloggers International during March Match-Ups and Duels. Anyone who is familiar with my site most likely knows that I do not read fantasy novels; however what many of my readers may not know is that there was once a time when I could not get enough of them! I’ve probably read just about every fantasy novel ever published prior to 2012; despite surrendering fantasy novels I do still re-read the Lord of the Rings series and I do still read the Song of Fire and Ice (Game of Thrones) books. I thought perhaps readers would find my opinion interesting considering it’s not a genre I normally discuss. So, which is better? It’s a best of 3! Read on…

The Ladies: Lannisters and Starks vs ummm…an Elf 
Winner: Game of Thrones 

Honestly, this isn’t even a contest. Other than the elf (yes, I know her name is Lady Arwen) is there any woman in Lord of the Rings worth remembering? NO. It’s all about the Hobbits and the Wizards and the Kings and the Orcs all of which are men. Women in Lord of the Rings are merely an afterthought, hanging out at home and waiting for their men to return. Women in Game of Thrones are amazing! Catelyn Stark (no spoilers) is a fierce woman despite not being a warrior. She is a strong momma-bear who savagely protects her children. Cersei Lannister is a bitch to the millionth degree but she does what she does for her family and those she loves. Selfish? Of course, but that’s her way of survival. Arya, Sansa, Jeyne Pool, and more, the women are certainly a force within Game of Thrones and are extremely powerful characters. Tolkien didn’t give women enough credit.

Dragons: Daenerys’ dragons vs Smaug and other creatures 
Winner: Game of Thrones 

Millions of Tolkien fans will disagree but I give the edge to Daenerys and her hatchlings. Daenerys’ hatchlings hatched after dragons were thought to be extinct and Daenerys herself carries the blood of the dragon. Readers (and viewers) are able to connect with these dragons from egg to birth to growth. While they may not be as villainous (at least initially) as the beasts in Lord of the Rings they are better characters and that’s why I read books – to connect with characters.

The Bad Guys: Every other Lord or King vs Every other Lord or King, Orcs, Minions and Each Other 
Winner: Lord of the Rings 

Lord of the Rings takes this one. Every single person who even so much as looks at “the ring” becomes obsessed with it. Everyone is a villain – no one can be trusted. The fantasy level is wayyy amped up in Lord of the Rings and dwarfs (see what I did there?) the magic and fantasy in Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones has King fighting King and internal deceit and treachery but Lord of the Rings has that and more.

This could go on and on as we could debate language (edge: Lord of the Rings), maps and landscape (edge: Lord of the Rings), boyfriend material (edge: Game of Thrones) but I think three topics is enough for me. I call it as such: WINNER – GAME OF THRONES.

Disagree? Tell me why.