Completely Classic: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Completely Classic is a feature (started here!) that discusses modern and other Classic literature.

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone in feeling discontent. Harbouring an unnatural desire for solitude, and a perverse distaste for the pleasure of compulsory promiscuity, Bernard has an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress.… Huxley's ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.

I had to read this book for one of my English classes, and being that it is a well known modern classic, I was pretty excited to finally be let in on all the hype. The book overall, was a pretty good utopian/dystopian read, although it lacked a little bit of excitement as far as my tastes go.

I think that that book describes an insightful and fresh society that differs from any other dystopian civilisation that I've ever encountered. It was also surprising that it doesn't come across as so horrific as others in the genre. Huxley's projected view on the future definitely begs to be considered a plausible option, and shows a very different side to relationships, families and friendships.

I loved the characters, with all of their differing insights and lives. I also enjoyed the biographical information, learning in detail about the society and how everything works and came about.

Overall, I think this book is a must-read, obviously it has a reputation for being a classic. It may not be the most thrilling read, but it definitely makes the reader think long after the novel is finished, and, like any good dystopian novel, leaves some deep (almost allegorical) questions.

Still thinking--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Till death
Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.
Do
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.
Us
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life-or death-story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.
Part
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true-no matter what rules she has to break.

                                                                -Chapters Canada

Dead Rules was a surprisingly good and fun read that was full of intriguing themes and new plot ideas. At first glance, I loved the book and the cover, but was a little underwhelmed at the premise. I'm glad I decided to pick this one up though, because although it reminded me of other series about life after death, and death themes among books in general, this particular one was unique and interesting enough to hold it's own in a varying category.

One of the things that I enjoyed most about Dead Rules was how interesting it was. I loved finding out about things that I was wondering about, and even though there was a lot the reader didn't know going into the novel, I still wasn't frustrated, which I found to be a really good balance. As we discovered about Jana's death, and about the fascinating deaths of her new friends at death school, I became more and more into the book, and really wanted more. In fact, after having read the book, there is definitely potential for a sequel, and I am really hoping that Dead Rules sees a sequel, because I am really not ready to say goodbye to Jana's world just yet.

The idea for the book, as a whole, was just so unique and everything that encompassed this new realm was both interesting and realistic. I really love when an author can seamlessly create a state parallel to our existing one that is implausible, but also fits perfectly into phenomenon and mysteries of our society. I just love jumping into these kinds of worlds and living there for a while.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal or supernatural story lines and also readers that may be skeptical towards the genre, because it really was a great read, and didn't seem at all weird or unreasonable!

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

As aforementioned, I really didn't have high hopes for this book, since I have read numerous other books in the ghost genre, and they weren't anything special. Dead Rules was a breath of fresh air though, in a stiflingly similar genre. As soon as I was introduced to Jana, I wanted to know more about her death and about all of her new acquaintances in Death School, and the mysteries of their deaths.

I didn't really care too much for Michael, obviously, he was so clueless and downright mean about everything to do with Jana, even though she was crazy about him and he was responsible for her death. Like geeze, stop stringing her along, she was obviously waaaaay more into the relationship than you, you could've at least let her down easy. I never really understood what he was even trying to achieve when he set about waxing up her bowling shoes. Like was making her fall and humiliating her just supposed to embarrass her enough to make her less eager, or make her break up with you? This just made me hate him more, and I loved that Russell built up the anger like this, while on the other side we see the dramatic irony play out with Jana willing to jeopardize everything for this phony a-hole that kills girls without even blinking. But he got his in the end, oh did he ever!

I absolutely adored Mars (I mean come on, I would give my left arm for a man with that kind of warmth! Seriously, I am always cold..), but I really wish we would have seen a little more action on the romantic spectrum. In a way, though, I really wouldn't have changed it because it was just so realistic. As much as I love the 'love-at-first-sight' aspect of mostly every other YA book in existence, this made the story seem that much more realistic in a totally implausible setting, which balanced the book completely. If Mars Dreamcote (love the name, btw) was at all cocky or outwardly vying for Jana's attention until she couldn't resist, it would have made the book too much for me, and taken away from the main themes.

I really do hope that we get to see more from Jana, Mars and Michael (since he is now dead!). I loved that he got killed off, and in a totally unexpected way, because the whole time that is what Jana was striving for, but I obviously didn't think that it was actually going to happen. It was totally unpredictable, and I really commend Russell for taking a cliche idea and giving it enough originality and surprising-ness that it totally payed off. I love this book, and I will definitely be recommending it in future!

Yay for books that surprise us in good ways!--Cheers & Enjoy♥

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Standing on the fringes of life... offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. 

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.                                             -Chapters Canada                                                    

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is truly a book that stands out from the rest. With a one-of-a-kind narrator and some pretty dynamic events, this books never leaves you without wonder.

I have heard so many good things about this book, but surprisingly little about its actual plot. I was pretty confused when I started reading it. The concept seemed cool, but the narrating voice was puzzling, which kind of added to the intrigue and overall effect of the book. I'm not going to give it away (until after the jump, of course) because I think that's what makes this book as good as it is, and the mystery is what makes the book.

Having said that, the book wasn't epic to me. I still came out of the book kind of confused and with a lot of unanswered questions, which I'm not sure if I really liked. I also got the impression that it was a slice-of-life kind of book, which is probably my least favourite kind. The characters seemed to just be there, not really adding to the book; not really taking away from the story. I guess I'm just ambivalent to it I guess. To tell you the truth, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this novel, and it definitely keeps you thinking about it long after you've finished.

Overall, I think I just found it kind of vague. And I can't decide whether I like that or not. One thing's for sure though: it's definitely curiously notable. And I'm looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out in 2012.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

The book starts out by pulling me in with its unique style: we don't really know who the narrator is, nor do we know who he is writing letters to. And we never really find out, which is frustrating and neat all at the same time. Which is pretty much how I feel about the whole book. I can appreciate the odd writing and storyline, even though it leaves me with so many questions.

I immediately noticed that the protagonist was different, and I just kept waiting to see in which specific ways. Well we never really find out do we? And I think that's how the author wants it to be. Even now I am constantly trying to categorize Charlie, but then I think, it doesn't really matter does it? Charlie is just Charlie. He is smart and different. And that's just what makes him him. Whether he is autistic, schizophrenic, or just eccentric, Charlie is just Charlie. And I think that's another pretty awesome concept wrapped into this thin little narrative. It is so complex yet simple at the same time. So puzzling and strange and sad yet happy.

Throughout the book, we learn things at Charlie's pace, and see everything through Charlie's eyes and mind. Which at times can be frustrating, but most of the time rewarding and wise. Probably my most favourite thing about the book is Charlie's infinite wisdom. There is no filter for him, and he has the amazing ability to see things at face value and interpret things in an honest and true way, that 'normal' people just can't.

I loved being inside of Charlie's mind for the meager 200-and-some pages that I had with him, but he definitely left an impression on me, and I think that this book will stick with me for a while. Chbosky has the rare ability to write about the seemingly unknown, and in such an accurate way.

I don't really know who to recommend this to, since I think that it could be relatable and relevant in any situation, and to anybody, really. Just an all round interesting read.

Still thinking--Cheers & Enjoy♥

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She''s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And-most importantly of all-she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary''s best friend, Simon, can''t help her. His mother just found out that he''s a vampire and now he''s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side-along with the power of the curse that''s wrecking his life. And they''re willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he''s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls-neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. 

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

I finally got this out from the library (after waiting far less time than I originally thought, which I think I remember describing as 27 years) and could not wait to read it. I've read all of the other books in the series, and was super pumped to get my hands on it, since I refuse to buy it until it comes out in paperback, and therefore matches all the rest of the books in the series on my shelf.

I must admit that I was slightly disappointed. And I even feel bad saying it, and as though I have to defend the statement. It wasn't a bad novel by any means, obviously nothing by Cassandra Clare could never be anything but amazing, but I do remember thinking several times as I was reading it, that it simply wasn't as good as its predecessors.

The love story seemed pretty wrapped up after the last novel, City of Glass, and I would've been perfectly happy leaving the story as it were. Having said that, I did enjoy the new storyline to some extent, but it did come off as slightly forced, since it's hard to out-do that of the previous installments. I also found myself really confused about the new plot since I wasn't at all sure about the direction it was going, and also the new twist to what I naively thought would be a well-deserved healthy relationship between Jace and Clary. The whole time I just kept thinking that it was lacking some kind of emotional depth, and really focused more on hot and heavy romance, which I'm not complaining about, but still.. a little bit lacking.

By the end of the book, though, I found everything wrapped up well, and I realized that the book did need to be the way that it was since it had to build an entirely new plot for the books to come. And I'm really excited for the next books; this one ended pretty excitingly!

I obviously recommend this to anyone who has read the previous books in the series (as if I even need to say that), but the first ones are better, in my opinion, so just be prepared for that.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

The book started out pretty intriguingly with Simon, and his part of the plot. And I didn't really remember a whole lot about where we left off, just that things ended in the favour of the good guys, and that Jace and Clary were able to be together.

I always find myself feeling really sorry for Simon, since we all knew that Clary would never love him the way she loves Jace. And then to see him struggling through being a vampire, I just really feel awful about him having to lie to his mother and such. Being a vampire goes so against his entire personality, and it's something that he really struggles with, and I did along with him.

I also struggled a lot with Jace. At first I found myself annoyed since he was so moody and I didn't know why, and I just wanted him and Clary to be together already! When I finally did find out about his dreams and what was wrong with him, I liked the direction the story took, and I am especially excited to see how that comes into play in the coming novels. I just knew that the ending wasn't going to go well, and sure enough, stay tuned for more turmoil concerning Jace and Clary, and their ever stress-filled relationship!

I actually was really excited to learn that evil Sebastian is coming back into the story, because we didn't really see a lot of him, and despite the fact that he's about as evil as they come, I kind of want to see him more, and I have this delusion that he might end up turning good, or at least doing some kind of bonding with his sister and mother. Wishful thinking, I know..

All in all, I really do just want to see what happens with all the characters. The dysfunctional yet stubborn relationship of Jace and Clary. The cute and unexpected one of Simon and Isabelle. The complicated and budding one of Maia and Kyle. The steady and evolving one of Alec and Magnus. The tried and true one of Luke and Jocelyn. They all have so much going on, and I want to see more development from them as much as I want to find out what else happens to do with evil and Downworlders and runes and what not.

The book was still pretty good, like I said before, but I really must regretfully say that I'm not as excited for the next book, and there are other series and books that are probably going to take up more of my time and excitement when the next book comes out.

Quite ambivalent--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs

The key to a modern murder lies in the sands of history.


Examining a badly decomposed corpse is de rigueur for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. But puzzling damage on the body of a shooting victim, an Orthodox Jewish man, suggests this is no ordinary Montreal murder. When a stranger slips Tempe a photograph of a skeleton unearthed at an archaeological site, Tempe uncovers chilling ties between the dead man and secrets long buried in the dust of Israel. Traveling there with Detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe plunges into an international mystery as old as Jesus, and centered on the controversial discovery of Christ''s tomb. Has a mastermind lured her into an elaborate hoax? If not, Tempe may be on the brink of rewriting two thousand years of history -- if she can survive the foes dead set on burying her.

                                                                                                                         -Chapters Canada


Another hit delivered by real life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. This time we see Tempe jet-setting to Israel, which was great, but as you'll notice, this book got just a smidgen less of a rating due to its dense content. The writing style was spot-on Reichs: epic.

There was a very heavy religious theme that sometimes weighed down the book for me. I enjoyed it, when I was able to wrap my head around it and understand what everything meant. I think that this book was definitely targeted to a specific audience, but I still found it thoroughly entertaining with the usual Temperance Brennan mystery, intrigue, and amalgamation of her personal life and issues.

The ending, as well, I found to be slightly different than the other books in the series, and took on maybe a little bit more of a realistic quality, since not everything was tied up and solved so perfectly as it usually is. Another reason that it wasn't as exciting as its predecessors was the slight lack of romantic development. But still quite satisfactory. And I am told that the next book will get more into that, so... I'm going to go read that now!


Yay for skeletons!--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.
I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode.
But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.
I never expected to be sixteen again...then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

                                                                                -Chapters Canada


I really enjoyed this book. I have read my fair share of vampire books, but let me say that this one definitely stands out from all the rest.  Firstly, the young (well...) heroine actually chooses to be human, and therefore doesn't choose the guy. I think this concept is just revolutionary!  All joking aside, I think this was definitely a well needed change, and I have yet to read anything similar, where a vampire gets turned back into a human.

Having said that, I also want to give recognition for the plausibility of the plot. Everything seemed just a little bit more normal and relatable than in the typical vampire romance novel, which we have been seeing so much of as of late. I really enjoyed experiencing the new (to her) world that we happen to live in, and it really made me think of how far our society has come in a very short period of time. This was also gave way to some perfect little snippets of humour. The romance was actually a little bit of a downside for me, for the most part.  As much as I wanted to like, Justin, I wasn't really buying it. Which is suprising for me, because you can pretty much push any form of romance my way and I will devour it. In this case it just didn't seem sincere and believable.  It was like Justin just wasn't quite deep enough to embrace the maturity and situation in which Lenah found herself. I guess we will have to see in the follow-up how that develops.

This book was overall a good read, and I would recommend it not only for teens, but anyone who is looking for a vampire-switch-up of sorts.  You will not be disappointed.


Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!


Right from the beginning, it is easy to see that this book is different from all of the other vampire ones out there.  Lenah Beaudonte (love the name) is an ancient vampire who is recieving the ultimate gift from her long-time soulmate: mortality.  And he is sacrificing himself to do it, a process that is hardly ever completed because it demands utter selflessness to be successful. So after hundreds of years of being a vampire, Lenah finally becomes human again, and is thrust into our world with only a few minutes guidance from her (mate?) and a few notes and gifts he leaves her.

Not long into her journey Lenah discovers Justin, who to me just seemed like glorified eye-candy. He was presented as immature right off the batt and was still dating a shallow bimbo. But he seems to fall for Lenah and embraces her past in its entirety. Trouble is always looming for Lenah, though, because her second vampire lover,Vicken, is going to realize what Rhode accomplished, and come to find what he believes is his: his Queen, Lenah.

Of course her old coven inevitably finds Lenah and takes her away. Which was pretty unexpected for me. I didn't expect for her to just hastily be ripped from the life she had built for herself at boarding school, and forced to do the ritual for Vicken.  (I was pretty confused about Vicken, whether I wanted to like him or not, and most of the time I felt myself pittying him.  Because the way that Lenah described him made him seem so noble, and like he really, truly loved her as well.  And of course he is going to come for you, he loves you and are connected by bond. Can you really blame him?)  I could have also done without Tony.  He didn't really come off as likeable, and I always feel uncomfortable whenever a pathetic stalkery dude falls for the girl that clearly only likes him as a friend. And this was one of those cases times about a thousand.

Despite a few minor setbacks, I really enjoyed this book, and think the sequel will be another hit. I recommend it to anyone who likes vampire fiction!


Sequel to come--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea's photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man-a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives-and their futures.

                                                                                                              -Chapters Canada


So I immediately wanted to buy this book when I saw it, just because of the gorgeous, artistic cover.  Unfortunately the cover can sometimes be the deciding factor for me when I choose a book to read.  And this one had all the right things going for it.  Loved the colour.  Loved the picture.  Loved the font and placement of everything!  Gorgy-gorge-gorge.

Another reason why I wanted to read it was because, let's be honest, we all know what we were thinking: Hilary Duff wrote a book?  I had to see if it was good.  And it was.  I actually love the concept, and am really looking forward to the sequel.  Probably the only bad thing I would have to say about it was that the words just seemed too big on the pages.  It went by too fast.  I guess this probably is a good idea if you are thinking of the target audience: teens.  But for me it kind of just cheapened it.  Made it too fluffy or something I can't quite put into words.

So the book is targeted to teens, but I feel that it does appeal to an older audience too.  I absolutely loved the concept (so much that I had to mention it twice-tehe), and I think it was interesting to see that someone like Hilary Duff, that I think a lot of us assume doesn't do any deep thinking, can come up with some pretty novel ideas.  I think she seriously has a future here.  The romance aspect was infectious, and kept me wanting more, and still now I'm craving Sage!  The sci-fi aspect was also perfection in my opinion, and I found it was really different from a lot of the books I've been reading lately that seem too obvious.  The synopsis didn't give away too much, and throughout the book there weren't those kinds of clues that are so obvious to the reader, but not to the character.  You know what I'm talking about!  Overall really good read.  I'll take Hilary the writer over Hilary the too-sugary actress any day!


Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!


So let me just say that I have always loved the concept of Reincarnation.  I have yet to really read a book that has done it really well though.  I read one about a year ago, that I was anticipating for so long, and I was so disappointed.  That's why I'm glad that this book did not give away the concept right off the bat.  I always hate it when a book is too predictable.

Clea is the main character, and when we are introduced to her, her father has been missing for about a year.  Very sad, I know.  I think that Hilary conveyed this emotion beautifully, and I really felt it with Clea.  Of course there was a guy who is clearly in love with Clea, Ben, but I loved that they didn't end up together in the end.  (Knock on wood for the sequel).  It kept me guessing because the true love interest, Sage, wasn't introduced in person until much later on in the book.  I just really cannot say enough how perfect that aspect was.  I don't know if this was the desired effect, but I loved the way everything transpired.  And at the end, I nearly screamed with Clea as she very nearly broke when Sage revealed that he was going to kill himself.  The emotion evoked was so strong, and I love when I can really get into the book with the character.

Having said all these wonderful things, I didn't really enjoy the character of Rayna.  She just wasn't really developed enough for me.  Like we had the description of her in the beginning, but I think that over the course of the whole book I must have pictured her as four different people.  And she never seemed to act like she was previously described.  I actually found her annoying...  But I guess nothing can be perfect!


Until the next installment--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace. When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her? As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart? This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.                
                                                                               -Fantastic Fiction

So I read this book a few weeks ago after seeing it in Chapters and realizing that it was tied in with the upcoming movie.  What I didn't know was that the book is actually based on the movie, not the other way around, which is usually the case.  Although this presented both pros and cons, overall, I think it was a pretty good book.

Fun Fact: the movie, therefore the book, stemmed from Leonardo DiCaprio's idea.  Yummm..

So since it happened to be based on the movie, I felt that it wasn't that rich in detail.. or something that I just can't quite pinpoint.  It's kind of the opposite of when a book gets turned into a movie, and you have to leave stuff out because there is no way that so much content can fit into 2 measly hours.  In this case, about 2 hours did not make for very thick (the only word I can come up with to describe this sentiment I cannot explain) reading.  It seemed to just fly by, and obviously, when I go to watch the movie, there will be nothing coming as a surprise.  This can be construed as either good or bad.

Having said that, a very good idea was leaving out the last chapter, which I am assuming will be released at the same time as the movie, as to not completely spoil the movie for people that have read the book.  I think this is genius, and cannot wait to find out how this romantic yet creepy histoire concludes.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

So the book starts out with an introduction to the main character, Valerie, and her family.  We also get a little insight into the crazy lifestyle of the village where she lives. (I always love a little dystopian creepiness).  Basically, there is a wolf living somewhere, that only agrees not to slay the townspeople if they offer him sacrifices every once in a while.  At a very young age, Valerie has a close encounter with the Wolf, thus already flagging her as weird.  I thought that it would turn out that the Wolf was really just misunderstood and he was actually gentle and loving (too many werewolf books for me I guess!)

This is sooooo not the case.

Basically the wolf kills Valerie's sister pretty early on, during the Blood Moon, which apparently is not all that common in the little village.  So they bring in some recruits.  The creepy renound Father Soloman is brought in to slay the wolf, and basically, after the Wolf kills a whole bunch more people, tells the people that the Wolf is stronger than he has ever seen.  Oh and also that it is one of the towns-people. 

So things take a turn for the scandalous when the Wolf takes a liking to Valerie, we never really do find out why-perhaps in the movie?-and wants her to leave the village with him, saying he will spare the rest of the inhabitants.  At the same time though, Valerie is struggling with trying to figure out whose eyes the Wolf's eyes remind her of.  Is it Henry, her basically arranged marriage; Peter, her unrequited lover; or her Grandmother, who has always been a little off.

Of course, Father Soloman finds out that Valerie has been communicating-sort of-with the Wolf, and predictably decides to use her as a sacrifice for the village, deciding that this is the only option, because the Wolf is too strong.  She escapes.

This is pretty much where the book ends, and I am super pumped to find out who she chooses to stay with, whether they are the wolf or not.

Follow-up to come--Cheers & Enjoy♥