Review-The Viking Quest (Whole Series)

The fourth and in my opinion, best book in the series!

Summary-(Because I am reviewing the whole series at once I am going to put up the summary of the first book!) Briana O'Toole (Bree) felt that her life was going to change on her 13th birthday. What she did not realize is how drastically this change would be for herself and her whole village. Viking marauders take her and her brother, Devin, to their ship. Both children must figure out how to fight for their freedom, while still trusting that God knows what is happening and has a plan for their lives.

My Thoughts-I read this series for the first time several years ago so I can't remember quite what I was expecting from this series.  But I do know that I was very excited to try out the series what with it being about vikings and such, things which I don't read about often!

Character Notes- To start, the main character Briana O'Toole! I loved her character because I really related to her in that her reaction was exactly what mine would have been! Briana is very strong in mind and spirit! As the series progresses I really admire her because of her determination to do what is right! She also was very trusting in the Lord.  Have you ever dreamed of having the perfect brother?  I would like to introduce you to Devin. He is the most awesomest, caring brother ever! He and Bree make the perfect team! Devin is loyal and strong in mind and body! Now for Mikkel. Oh goodness! Where to start! In the beginning Mikkel is so incredibly arrogant! His goal is to become a better person. To be worthy of trust and respect. I really enjoyed reading about his journey and Bree's and Dev's because I feel that even though in the end they all had the same goal their individual journeys were very interesting to watch!

Story Notes-Now I will admit that several parts were cheesy throughout the series. I noticed that this only happened when Johnson (author) left the plot to make remarks such as- Bree sighed. Each time she started to believe that Mikkel had really changed, his dark secret came up. "Will Mikkel ever get over his love of fame and money? Will we ever be able to completely trust him?"   Continually, rhetorical questions like that came up and it really started to get annoying! I loved how Johnson described things! I could see the mists of Ireland and the bounty and wealth of Vinland. She didn't just tell, she showed! I felt like the story really flowed between the five books. 

Summing It Up-Aside from a few cheesy gospel sections the message of the story was great---to have courage to do whats right. I know that that sounds cheesy in itself, but think about it. I loved the characters and didn't mention half of them! I really enjoyed this story! I would say its for 10-12 year old's and I give it 4 1/2 out of 5.

Competitions and New Years Resolutions!

  

I understand that that looks pretty confusing but allow me to explain! I proposed a reading battle to my sister Ava. My goal is to read 30 books before my sis and vice versa! We have until the end of the 2013. Here's what I have lined-up- A Tale of Two Cities, Harry Potter (The WHOLE series), and the 2nd book in the Legend Series-Prodigy.

Now getting my hands on Prodigy is a matter of whether or not I have any Christmas money left by the time it comes out in January! :) Now, that is only nine books which means that I need to find 21 other books to read! I welcome any suggestions that you all might have! Wish me luck! School keeps me really busy, but then again it keeps my sis busy too. We'll see how this works out!

The Hobbit

 

 Oh my goodness, gracious me!!!!! I went and saw the Hobbit about a week ago and was blown away! I was a bit worried about what would happen with them making it into three movies but the end really 
 worked! Another thing which I really liked about it is that it followed the book beautifully! There was one slight addition that has to do with a rivalry between Thorin and an orc, but I actually don't think that it took away from the movie at all! Martin Freeman was amazing as a young Bilbo and it was great to see Ian Mckellan as Gandalf again! This movie was an absolute and complete success!!!! Peter Jackson made the decision to film the Hobbit at 48 frames per second. Simply meaning that the cameras take 48 pictures per second versus the 25 fps used in the earlier movies. This makes for a clearer film with less blur. I heard that there was some negative feedback from people saying that that made the movie seem too focused on the makeup and set design, made it seem too lifelike. My point of view- what the heck is wrong with lifelike?!?! I didn't notice anything wrong with the set and so what if you can tell that a dwarf is wearing a fake nose? (not that I could tell) That isn't the 48 fps's fault that's the makeup peoples fault! I loved the film quality and thought the lighting and camera angles were pristine! I can't wait for the next one to come out! It is going to drive me crazy!!!! 

This movie is a must see! I give it 5/5 stars!!!

 

If you don't think this is the Ultimate picture you have a major problem!!!!! 

This is also my 100'th post! Hip Hip Hooray!! But hopefully my 200'th post will come quicker then my 100 did! Haha Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

 

 I don't know about you but I absolutely cannot believe that it is Christmas Eve!!!! Now, my family does presents a bit differently then I think most people do. We open our gifts on Christmas Eve then do stockings Christmas Day morning. Which means that tonight, of comes the wrapping paper! I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy new year!!!!!!

 

Choir Concert and Carolers!

This past Monday I had my second choir concert. Our first one wasn't really themed but this one was.  Christmas! We had a medley which included several of my favorite christmas carols. We had a pretty good time! I would love to be in a choir outside of school but I'm not sure when or where that would happen!

 

 Three days ago a group of people from a local church came to our neighborhood and were christmas caroling! I had never seen anyone caroling in person and it was really cool! I have wanted to go christmas caroling since I was little and still do!  I think that one of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World! I love how up-beat it is! Let me know what your favorite carol is!