City of Bones Cast Q&A and Meet and Greet!

On Wednesday (July 31) I was able to meet Jamie Campbell Bower, Lily Collins, and Kevin

Zegers from the City of Bones cast. They were the most down to earth actors ever. 

During the signing, Kevin Zegers, Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower greeted everyone with big smiles and were so happy to see us. 

Jamie Campbell Bower: "Thanks for waiting to see us. It's great to meet you." 
Lily Collins: "It's lovely to meet you." 
Kevin Zegers: "Hey, sweetie. How are you?"

They gave fans hand fives and honestly, treated them like if they were friends. I don't know why that shocks me, but it does. To me, it made them feel more like people I could relate to and not just stars that I see on the big screen. 

During the Q&A it was so much better; all three of them were completely shocked with how many people came out to see them and were standing in the heat just to hear them ask questions. They stood up and started taking pictures on their phones with the sheer volume of people that were standing there. Jamie even said that the fact that so many people were out there made him "super happy." 

They revealed many things about themselves and their characters:

Lily revealed that she read the books and wanted to be Clary; that when she heard it was being turned into a movie got on her email and emailed all sorts of people. She also revealed that she is very close to her mother and was happy to portray that closeness on screen. She said that when she watched the final screening of City of Bones that it was hard to tell when she was acting and when she was having fun because she enjoyed being there and working on the set so much.

Jamie cracked jokes the whole time during the Q&A about Justin Bieber being a poser and how he would really mess up lines during filming. He also revealed that his favorite part about being Jace was Jace's vulnerability. Jamie also revealed that at the end of ever movie, he keeps a momento from the movie; in this case, he had (and was wearing) the Morgenstern ring which he showed the audience (who, again, cheered wildly).

Kevin laughed along with Jamie and Lily and revealed that if he had to choose something other than being a Shadowhunter, he would want to be a warlock (which was followed by loud cheering from the audience). He also revealed that his favorite character other than Alec was Simon (although the audience was hoping to hear Magnus in that answer). 

They were having as much fun as we were. None of them expected a whole audience to go wild over the word "greenhouse" or over their answers and stories. I don't know, I guess it shocked me that they were as happy to see all of us as we were to see them. Seeing them really made me excited about The City of Bones and it also made me excited for the next one (which they frequently mentioned during the Q&A.)

If they do end up reading this, I just want to thank them for taking their time to come out to meet fans and say hello. It was absolutely brilliant.   
 

Book to Movie: City of Bones and Catching Fire

Seeing all this new information coming in about the City of Bones and Catching Fire movies is kind of exciting. Where do I even start? For those of you that have read books and have watched the movies come to life in front of you like if the books had come to life and were talking, you'd know what I'm feeling; those characters and their stories have become a part of you and you wonder how you've managed to live with out them. 

First off, it feels like I've been waiting a life time for the Catching Fire movie to come out. I mean, I read the Hunger Games trilogy when I was in seventh and eight grade (6 years ago). I mean. Wow. I remember begging my mom to take me to the book store after school to buy the final installment (which I got at a discounted rate at the time cause it was the first rate, lol. Go past me!). 

Anyway, seeing these stories on a movie screen, playing right in front of you, is just an amazing feeling. Especially when it's done right, which thankfully the director of the Hunger Games got it pretty well. It's also pretty phenomenal when you see stills like these coming out.  I mean, just look at them! I have to thank the casting director of the Hunger Games  and Catching Fire. I'll be honest, when I saw Jennifer Lawrence was playing Katniss the first time around, I was kind of iffy about it. I didn't know what to think, but when I saw the first movie trailer, and the teasers I knew that no one else could play Katniss like Jennifer Lawrence. That goes the same for Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. Of course, this casting only hypes me up for Catching Fire. 

The full cast was finally revealed recently and I'm so happy. The people that they've chosen couldn't be any better. For me, it's still a question of how this movie will be laid out. Will it be like the last where Caesar Flickerman is hosting it like we're watching the actual games again? How will they present the violence in this second installment (which in my opinion the second book is definitely a lot bloodier)? I've seen stills of them in the actual arena, them during the reaping, in the training room with the other tributes, but there's not much else. Unfortunately, we won't know these answers until November 22, but I'm still ecstatic to find out!

I joined the City of Bones fandom a lot later than most. I didn't pick the books up until my Sophomore year, which was almost two years ago. But when I did, I fell in love. Where do I even start with these books? I fell in love with Jace, Clary, and Simon and I tangled myself in their problems, and issues, and worries, and fears. I was hoping Shadowhunters really do walk the Earth protecting us from the demons that are trying to destroy. Again, the casting didn't start settling in until I saw the first trailer. I guess it's just me and having to see the actors in play that makes the casting really set in. 

I fell in love with Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace in--what?--two seconds? Though, I'm pretty sure the fandom was dead set with Alex Pettyfer playing the role of Jace. (I mean seriously, there were pictures comparing him to the cover all over the Internet. You think I'm joking?) Lily Collins took the whole length of the trailer to convince me that she was the one to play Clary. I'm not sure why, but she was and I love her just the same. From what I've seen so far, I can tell that this movie is going to be well done. Of course that doesn't mean anything, as we saw from the Book to Movie rendition of Beautiful Creatures. *rubs temples* (If you need to, refer to my Beautiful Creatures MOVIE Follow-Up post.) I do really have high hopes for this movie though. However, we haven't had a previous movie to judge if this one is going to be good or not like we have for Catching Fire. I'm just putting my trust the director will see that things go well.

We'll have to wait until August 23, which isn't that far, let me tell you. I can't wait to see Jace, Clary, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and Simon in action for the first time! 

Trailers:

Catching Fire:

City of Bones

 
 

CITY OF BONES movie!

As I'm sure you've heard, the City of Bones movie comes out this year in August! If you haven't heard and you want to learn about it, the trailer is below. If you haven't even read it then get off this dang page and pick it up! You have months to read it!

It's kind of surreal for it to be made into a movie. I remember when The Hunger Games became a movie and I flipped out. I started reading the City of Bones series in the eighth grade, around the same time that I started this blog and also around the same time that I read THG. It's been so long--a little over three years now--and I'm overly excited that they're making a film adaptation of it. 

From what I've seen in the trailer (below), it's pretty close to the book. I mean, of course, there are always things that aren't going to be exactly adapted (e.g. how she finds the Shadowhunters the first time in the club). And Jace has an accent. That made me smile because it's really cool that he has an accent. It didn't describe on in the book, but I think it's really beautiful. And it makes Jamie Campbell Bower (who is beautiful) a very interesting Jace. As long as it's not a Percy Jackson and the Olympians repeat, I think I'll be good. 

If you haven't watched Percy Jackson, please don't. Read the book. It's so much better. 

The cast is as follows: 

• Lily Collins as Clarissa "Clary" Fray
• Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace Wayland
• Robert Sheehan as Simon Lewis
• Jemima West as Isabelle Lightwood 
• Kevin Zergers as Alec Lightwood
• Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Valentine Morgenstern
• Lena Heady as Jocelyn Fray
• Aiden Turner as Luke Garroway
• Jared Harris as Hodge Starkweather

(Just look them up on Google, since the pictures I wanted to put didn't work)

I'm very, very excited. Anyone else?

Trailer:

 

Book Review: City of Glass

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Release date: 2009
Rating: 5/5
Publisher: McElderry Books
Book Summary:

To save her mother's life, Clary travels to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters--never mind that by doing so she is breaking the Law, which could mean death. Even worse, Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by Shadowhunters who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. Luckily, Clary finds an ally in the mysterious Sebastian, who holds a strange attraction for her. As Valentine musters a demon army, can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their ancient hatred and work together? And can Clary harness her newfound powers to help save them all--whatever the cost?

Review:

I didn't realize I haven't posted up this review! Whoops!

The third (supposed to be final) installment of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, City of Glass offers a winding tale of Clary's and Jace's family. . . and Valentine's.

Clare does not fail when it comes to The Mortal Instruments. She has beautiful descriptions that make the area come to life around you; the smells, the tastes, and the sounds. Her cliffhangers when she switches from one character's point of view to the next has you turning the pages trying to find out if that last character is okay and not being eaten by a demon.

Things you don't expect fly out from the shadows and get shoved into your face as if saying "HA, we got you again. What are you going to do about it?"

There are times when your heart breaks and other times when your heart soars and you wonder when there will be a section that you can rest from the emotional rollercoaster.

All the characters you've known from the other two books--Jace, Clary, Simon, Alec, Isabelle, etc.--all develop even further and show you sides that you probably wouldn't have guessed would have come out in those characters.

I'm not sure what the heck will happen in the next two books because of the way that this book ended (another surprise you won't see coming!), but I know that it will be just as emotional, and crazy as these books have been.

I highly recommend reading this book if you've read the other two: City of Bones and City of Ashes.

I can't wait to pick up City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls.  I know Cassandra Clare won't disappoint!

~M.A.Chase♥

Where I Talk About Things

Hey everyone!

A little update about my reviews: I finished City of Glass yesterday so a review for that will come up! Hopefully, I'll be able to purchase City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls soon so that I may finally complete the series (even though another book is coming out after CoLS?).

I finished my first round of editing for my WIP! I'm so excited because I've never taken a book this far into the process! If anyone has any suggestions for agents that would take high fantasy, or fantasy, or anything of the sort please let me know, because I will be looking soon! ;D

Well, that was just another little update from me. Expect a review soon!

Goodbye!


~M.A.Chase♥

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Release date: 2008
Rating: 5/5
Publisher: McElderry Books
Book Summary:

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires and faeries? Clary would love to spend more time with her best friend, Simon. But the Shadowhunters won't let her go--especially her handsome, infuriating newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil--and also her father. When the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, the terrifying Inquistitor suspects Jace. Could Jace really be willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

Review:

The second instalment of The Mortal Instruments series doesn't fail to disappoint. Cassandra Clare's wonderful prose and her enticing descriptions always impress. I caught myself thinking about this book during tests at school! It was so amazing. I was always eager to know more.

In this page turning sequel, Clary Fray faces all sorts of challenges and discoveries that I don't think even she was ready for. Jace is her brother, Simon is in all sorts of danger, and the Inquisitor is doubting Jace's trustworthiness and putting him in extreme danger.

The Inquistor was a very interesting character in this story. She was tense and uptight, putting her foot down as a leader even though Maryse Lightwood is a control freak. She didn't trust Jace from the beginning, but what in her past has created this dissension?

Every page of this book had tension and action.

Ever page of this book wows you.

Every page of this book has a wonderful story to tell.

I loved this book from cover to cover! Currently reading City of Glass so the review should be up soon!

~M.A.Chase♥

City of Bones

Title: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Release date: 2007
Rating: 5/5
Publisher: McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster)
Book Summary (back of the book):

When Clary Fray heads out to Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered in odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons--and keeping odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with vengence, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mondane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . .

WARNING: There may or may not be spoliers in this review. Just saying, if you haven't read the book then, yeah, don't read this.

On to the review;

Wow. This book was good.

I started reading this in B&N one day, and like after that I couldn't stop thinking about Clary and Pandemonium. Then for Christmas this book was one of my gifts. (: I think this was like the best gift I got. I was that excited. It took me a while to start it.

Anyway, when I did. I couldn't put it down.

It was AMAZING.

Jace = <3

I so wish that thing with the thing, with the thing during that time didn't happen that prohibited this person from being with this other person because that thing with the thing just got me all sad and mad.

*cough*

The plot was great and it really had me hanging for some parts. I mean, poor Simon! I got so scared. "/

There was a lot of action (which I enjoyed), romance and Shadowhunter kick butt stuff!

I cannot wait to follow Clary and the Shadowhunters into the next book, (:
~M.A.Chase♥Review:

Updates

Hello again everyone! Have't posted duet some family issues over the weekend, but now I'm back! How are you guys doing? Ready for updates?

Alright, well, first off I just need to scream. *clears throat* Ahhhh! I finally reached eighty THOUSAND words!It feels so great to think that in only ten thousand more words I will have arched my goal (:

I promise I'm almost done with City of Bones then after that I can concentrate on Iron Queen and en City of Ash. My science teacher says City of Glass has a huge part in it. I'm excited to read it and find out. (: #plansforfuture


I wrote a small little short story thing that's like three paragraphs maybe a little more that I will post. I don't know. I might make a separate page just for my short story things. #thinks

Hope you guys had a wonderful weekend and that all of you have a great week!
~M.A.Chase♥

Bookish things(kind of)

I'm reading Laura Kreitzer's Phantom Universe and I'm LOVING it. I think she'll be one of the authors that I read all there books. (: Wait up for my review on it.

In other news, I've gotten over 77K in my WIP and I'm soooo happy! I'm 3K from 80K and after that 10K count down to 90K my big goal! If one day I come on here and the post is all jibberish and all you can understand is 90K then you know I've finally reached my goal! After that I'll finish my book freak out some more then start editing. (:

In other news, I have City of Bones by Cassandra Clare here. It's staring at me to read, but I need to finish Laura Kreitzer's Phantom Universe (which is addicting, btw) before I start any other books, though I will be forced to start reading it as it's the only book on my bookshelf that I haven't already read (though I need to finish Linger and Mockingjay, but THAT'S NOT THE POINT) and I need a book for English "Independant Reading".

I'm also thinking about starting to do some of my book review through video so I can literally TALK about the book and it's not a whole bunch of written words on a internet blog. (: I've never done a Vlog before in my life so I warn you I'm still getting the hang of talking to no one in particular in front of a camera (as I already do that anyway while I'm writing, but THAT IS ALSO NOT THE POINT).

I auditioned for a part in another play for drama and I'm freaking out about the part cause I don't know WHO got it. I hope I did, but I don't want to crush my friend's chances either. They've had experience since they did a last year, but I actually had the experience of performing in front of a live audience and performing in front of judges for competition (BTW we're going to STATE competition!) and stuff. It's not my fault if I get the part and she doesn't right?

On a lighter note, my contest is going swimmingly! If you haven't checked out the contest you should click here to see the post. It's a *signed* copy of Laura Kreitzer's Shadow of the Sun and the first in her Timeless series (which I reccommend you read). The contest ends February 1st, 2011 in which I will use Random.org to choose a winner.

If there happen to be any authors or publishers that took the time to actually read this rambling post (which is probably one to none) I want to hold a big promotional giveaway in late March, early April for a big blogiversary! It will be my one year anniversay and I want to make it as big as possible. (: If you are interested please e-mail me with the email I've provided int the Contact Me page.

That is all for my really random post. Hope you enjoyed. (:

~M.A.Chase♥