Welsh Freaking Rocks

Quote of the Day: "Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."

Well... this is a little awkward. Yes, I did another disappearing act. I hibernate randomly - it's something I can't control. And the internet reliability is dire in this fair kingdom of wonder and magic in which I reside.

But enough of that. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Only it won't be that happy, will it? Because apparently we're all dying at the end. I've come to terms with that, though. I've decided that as long as I get to read and finish Clockwork Princess first, I can die happy.

Maggie's Little World of Literature

An update on my current reading habits: I have this thing going. I'm reading a modern novel, along with something classic, whether it's another novel or a play. For example, it was Silence (Becca Fitzpatrick) and the Importance of Being Earnest (my homie Oscar Wilde). Now, it's Clockwork Prince (Cassandra Clare) and A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens). A simple system, but it's getting me through my reading list a lot quicker.

So, Silence. I've finished it and it was brilliant. I have to say, Becca Fitzpatrick outdid herself with this one and I was proud. Anyone who's interested in reading the Hush, Hush Saga, I would advise you to do so as soon as possible. Sexy angels, a lot of chemistry and a brilliant plot without overdoing the action (for anyone who's not all that interested in that sort of thing). It will be worth your while.

The Importance of Being Earnest was very good. I mean, I love Oscar Wilde to absolute bits, but I never expected his writing ti make me laugh like this. It was a little too slapstick for my liking, but not enough to actually bug me. It's dead short, unbeatable dialogue and a few interesting twists at the end. Loved it.

And that brings me onto CLOCKWORK freaking PRINCE.

As you can imagine, from that sentence up there, it is probably the most amazing book I've ever read and I've read some mind-blowing books. This is just... ugh! I can't eve describe it!

Right, I'm going to confess here. Normally, I wouldn't doubt Cassandra Clare in the slightest, but City of Fallen Angels was a little disappointing compared to City of Broken Glass, so I was worried about Clockwork Prince, because I loved Clockwork Angel so much. But I have no idea now why I was worried, because it's beautiful. It's a miracle in... a couple of hundred pages. It's a work of art. And I'm not even finished yet.

It's weird though, because I used to hate Will, but now I'm warming to him. I feel dead sorry for him because he's happy right now, but I know he won't be for much longer and it's almost making me sad. But it can't make me sad because Jem is doing me proud. I love that guy and I was afraid he was never going to get a chance at wooing the girl, but after what I've just read, I'm doubting Will's ever getting another look-in.

Seriously, though, the book is an emotional roller coaster. On every page I'm either in fits laughing at Will or I'm inches from tears thanks to Jem. And I freaking love it!

So, I'm just about to start on chapter... nineteen, which is called If Treason Doth Prosper. A very high and mighty title... I'm feeling kid of worried now. And I'm nearly finished, which makes it worse. But I do have plenty to keep me occupied for the net year.

I'm reading The Hunger Games next. I've heard great reviews and they're making the movie this year, so... seems worth my while.

Now, you would have to wonder what the hell I'm doing reading A Tale of Two Cities and it's simple. Will and Tessa have this connection in The Infernal Devices series and it seems to be half based on their love of this one book, so I want in on the secret, I want to know what they're talking about when they quote it (which they do a lot. They had great memories in the Victorian era, though Will's cheated in that department, as it turns out) and I'm willing to endure Dickens' over-dramatic writing style to achieve that.

Dooby dooby doo...

So, on the subject of my own scribblings, I didn't achieve my goal thing. I still haven't finished Just A Game, but I am on the second last chapter. I've just killed off a character. It was hard, but I did it. For the umpteenth time.

My futuristic, sick, weird, new idea has flopped for the moment. I still love the concept, but it's just too complicated to develop while I'm working with JAG.

But I do have another couple of new bits in the works. I love one in particular. It's all Celtic and faeries and the Tuatha Dé Dannan and stuff, but modern, kind of. It's quite interesting...

And that's it as far as my world of literature goes.

In other news, I really want to see War Horse, the film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel by none other than Steven Spielberg himself - mmph. I haven't read the book, but I've read some of Morpurgo's other novels and they're pretty damn wonderful.

Now, I have to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. I do not have a choice in the matter. I've got to see this movie. It looks so damn beautiful.

Speaking of which, Sherlock on BBC1 is the most mind-blowing show on TV right now. I swear by it. Benedict Cumberbatch (what a name!) certainly gives Robert Downey Jnr. a run for his money as Holmes.

Oh, and I'm learning Welsh. Yes, Welsh. Because Welsh freaking rocks.

So... I think that's me for tonight.

Over an' out.