What's on Screen?: The 10th Kingdom

We all have movies that we watch multiple times for a variety of reasons. Like comfort food they become familiar, letting us enjoy them on various levels. The 10th kingdom is like that for me.

This isn't a short movie. It was originally aired as a multi part miniseries on television. Which may lead some of you to think it would be a bit cheesy. Some parts are. But it is still something that I enjoy watching. I've seen it enough that I don't have to watch the screen to enjoy it. I have happy memories of watching it.

They go through a variety of fairy tale and nursery rhyme themed areas, that will bring happiness and laughter even to children based on the types of scenarios presented. And while some things seem a little dated now, it is still highly enjoyable.

Anyway, ja... not a lot to say. Just... wanted you to know I am trying. Still trying. Things are going back to normal soon...Maybe? I have another doctors appointment soon. So... I'll let you know.

What's on Screen? Tale of Tales

SPOILER warning! If you intend on watching this film you may not want to read my commentary about it. I say this not because I am going to be giving a play by play, but because I want you to have a chance to make your own opinions. If you're not worried about that, please by all means read away.

Tale of Tales was earmarked as a movie that was trending on Netflix so I thought I would give it a try. I watched the whole thing. I have a few observations, but the biggest sentiment by the end of the movie was a sense of dissatisfaction.

I say this because I feel as if the film lacked closure. This may have been intentional to challenge the viewer to decide what should happen next. But I found it disappointing. You never find out what happens when the prince finds his mother missing, or what happens to the vain "queen". But maybe that was the point of the film? To leave us wondering and thinking about how the stories may have ended?

The costumes were absolutely gorgeous though. I can't even begin to express how excited I was as the film started off strongly with gorgeous costumes. In the image posted above you can get a slight preview of them, but they're absolutely fabulous. I am so very impressed by their costume designer. I would watch the movie again simply for the costumes. That should tell you a lot I think.

There were some points in the film that were a bit gruesome. But none of them were as bad as some of the things they show on tv nowadays. (Oh man, that makes me sound old.) But the way it's shown, and the way it's presented makes sense in the storyline.

Anyway, it's an alright movie. But I don't see how it earned trending status. But hey, it could have earned it because people were wondering the same thing. Why is this here?

Do you have any movie recommendations? Let us know below.

Drafting 1

This is the first part of a story that I'm working on. I'm curious to find out if anyone has anything good or bad to say about it. This is my personal writing, so please do not copy it or post it anywhere else. If you do and I find out, I will be forced to deal with you and copyright. Thank you for respecting my work, and please feel free to read and enjoy, and if you feel inclined share with others who may be interested.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Slowly, a bit reluctantly the girl behind the counter accepted the handful of coins. I smiled, as apologetically as possible as she counted out the three dollars. I could hear the people behind me grumbling, but I couldn't raise my eyes to meet theirs. I felt ashamed and alone, watching and listening to this clip of what was my life.  They were acting like I was worthless, and that I wasn't doing anything about it. They had no right to judge, but as people often do, they found it easy to judge me without knowing anything about me. The cashier gave me a receipt without smiling, and I picked up my purchase. Six eggs and a loaf of stale manager's special bread.

What had my life come to? I never imagined that it could go this way. But here I was. Not a penny left to my name, the likelihood of an eviction notice looming over me. I felt discouraged, if only one thing could go right. I couldn't even remember the last time something did.

People always say that it's our choices that keep us from succeeding. But in all my choices, no matter how often I paused to reflect on them, I could see nothing that should be holding me back.

With a sad sigh I sat down on the curb, letting the warm late spring sun warm my face. I held my precious purchase on my lap, wishing that maybe there was something more. But I wouldn't say that I couldn't try to be content. I would try to be.

After all, unhappiness is something that is created mostly in our minds.

Let me be honest though. I'm so tired of everyone that thinks the stories that start out once upon a time are the ones they should believe. It gets old fast. People think that every story will have some sort of happy ending. But let's be honest here, if you actually looked at most of the stories and the way that they originally ended, they didn't end happily.

I know, I sound kind of cranky today. But hey, it's not my fault I woke up with a crimp in my wings, and can't remember where I last saw my magic wand. I spent my last bit of change on some food that won't really fill me, just ease the pangs of hunger in my stomach. In fact, I can't really remember where it was that I spent last night. Not really a good sign when you're supposed to be a fairy godmother.

But you do know, that people take us for granted. They don't even really think we're around anymore. In fact they're quick to tell you that there is no such thing.

Heh.

In a way that makes our lives that much easier. Why? Because if you can't believe then the magic isn't really going to be worth wasting on you. It's not free you know, it is a very taxing thing to put energy and time into. Besides, it's not always something we can do either.

My mind whirled in it's unhappy state. Wishing there was someone that might be able to help me. But knowing that there wasn't going to be any help. We have a tendancy of falling between the cracks, forgotten by most places and people because we don't stand out.

I looked at my pale skin, other than the slightly green tint to it, I looked like nothing special. My wings were invisible to anyone that didn't believe in magic, and even children rarely could see them now. My hands had smudges of dirt on them from collecting coins from the sidewalk, so I rubbed them firmly on my pant leg trying to get some of the dirt off.

In that moment of distraction, when I wasn't paying attention to the world, someone ran me over with a cart.

I let out a sharp yelp, startled. My heart fell slightly as my bag fell from my lap, and I heard the sound of breaking eggs. So much for eating most of the week. Scrambling I tried to pick myself and my bag up, only to have it taken from me by a darker hand. I lifted my head eyes wide, feeling slight panic. But he helped me up with a truly apologetic expression on his face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you there I was busy trying to figure out what else I need to pick up at the store." He spoke with a slight accent, and it made me feel curious about him. His clothing didn't suggest anything out of the ordinary, a navy blue sweatshirt and some well worn jeans. His boots may have seen better days, but the layers of stains and dirt on them suggested that he knew what a true days work meant.

His dark green eyes flickered as he studied my face, and I felt a blush creep up into my cheeks as I realized they kept darting towards my shoulders. He was a believer.

"It's not your fault. I shouldn't have been sitting on the curb." I held my hand out for my bag hoping to cut the interaction short before he asked any questions. But he was already looking inside it, his brow furrowing as a frown curled his lips downward.

"I must apologize for breaking your eggs. It seems I managed to squish your bread as well. Would you mind waiting here with my cart, and I will go get replacements for them?" His tone was sincere so I nodded, taking the cart from him and looking around.

"Is it alright if I go over and wait on the bench for you?" I knew that I sounded slightly sheepish, but I didn't want him to think I was going to run off with his shopping.

"Yes that would be wonderful." He smiled, flashing a mouth of white teeth that were uneven and slightly chipped, but well taken care of.

I nodded at him and smiled lightly back before tugging the cart over towards the bench. I didn't want to know what was in it, because I could already hear my stomach growling. The idea of food, enough food to actually quench my hunger was enticing. But it wasn't right to just take things that weren't yours. So I sat waiting quietly pondering my life.

I had been having a terrible time of late. People had been brushing me off left and right. It was like there was no job for me. I either had too much experiance, or not enough. He seemed to be having a decent time of it, from the way he looked, he was well kept. I let my eyes at least look at the cart I was waiting with, and my stomach growled louder and my hands folded over it pressing and trying to quiet it. He had a ham, milk, and a cart full of other things. But the milk, just the idea of it made my mouth water. So I looked down at my feet studying the scuffed toes of my black sneakers, trying to ignore the urge to run off with the cart.

I felt a hand tap my shoulder and looked up to see him holding two bags. He smiled, apparently pleased that I hadn't run off with his cart. It surprises me when people are so trusting. There's part of them that is unsure if they should be, but they want to believe that there is still some good in the world.

"Would you help me get the cart to my car? I don't know where yours is, but these two bags are yours." He smiled, and I knew that my confused expression implied I didnt understand.

"I can help yes, but why are there two bags for me?" My tone was curious. I stood up smoothing my worn clothes down and trying to look a bit more presentable before I followed him, pushing the cart quietly.

"Well, for one thing I made a mess of your purchases. The other is you look like you're a nice girl and could use it." He paused as he reached a small red convertable that had it's black top down. "And it's not every day I run into either of those." He unlocked the trunk before turning to look at me. "Do you have a car here to take them home with you?" His tone implied genuine concern, and my heart melted slightly.

"No. But that's alright. It's only a short walk to get home." I held my hands folded in front of me as he filled his trunk up with the groceries from the cart.

"Are you feeling alright? I did hit you a bit hard with the cart." He didn't look at me when he spoke, but put the rest of the groceries, even the two bags he had brought back from in the store into the trunk of the little red car.

I felt butterflies in my stomach and wanted to protest as he slammed the trunk shut. Meaning without him saying it, I wasn't getting those groceries until I had answered his questions. "I'm alright, just a little bumped and might have a bruise or two."

He shook his head at me and moved one hand slowly, reaching over my shoulder to brush his fingertips lightly against one of my wings. I winced, because that did hurt a bit. But I shook my head trying to grin as my hair moved. He frowned again, not distracted from my reaction at all.

"No, that most definetly does not seem to be alright." He frowned pulling his hand back. "Forgive my impudence, but I figured you would not mention that."

I couldn't help letting out a small sigh, a frown on my face as I gave up the false happy expression. "No, I wouldn't mention it. Because most people would think I was lying anyway." I looked away from him, my arms crossing over my chest as I leaned on the corner of the car.

"Do you really live close enough to this place to walk, or is that something that will be bad for you?" He wasn't giving up easily, but he seemed to actually care which was a shock.

"I live close enough to walk. Not an easy walk, but it wouldn't be the end of the world." I forced a smile as I met his eyes. "It wouldn't be the first time you know, that I walked home."

"May I give you a lift then?" He asked, yet he hadn't asked for my name yet. Which was kind of a nice thing in it's own way.

"I'd appreciate that a lot." I didn't fake my smile this time. I'd always wanted to ride in a red convertible.

He moved around to the passenger side and opened the door. "Please join me then?"

Chivalry! Honest to goodness chivalry. I couldn't keep from smiling as I carefully stepped into the car and settled in with a wince against the seat. He looked slightly concerned about it, but I grabbed the seat belt and buckled in.

"Thank you. I've never gotten to ride in a red convertible before." I couldn't keep the happy tone out of my voice, and I hoped that it would make him feel better. All his frowning and the concern he seemed to show was starting to make me feel a bit uneasy.

He moved around to the other side of the car, and let himself in. I watched him from the corner of my eye as he started the car. He moved like a cat almost. Very at ease, and like there was no one in the world who could stop him. I thought about that for a moment, it would be nice to have the ability to feel that way. To be unafraid of the rest of the world.

"I tell you what. If you will tell me your name, we can go for a ride rather than me taking you directly home." He glanced over, a twinkle in his eye. "After all, if you've never ridden in one before it may be something to enjoy."

I bit my bottem lip and chewed on it some debating. What harm could come of it? I responded with a shrug. "Alright. I've got nowhere to be, so it really would be a wonderful treat. My name is Nancy."

"Nancy? That's a pretty name. You don't hear it very often." He responded as he pulled out of the parking lot onto the street. He watched the road now, and I leaned my elbow on the side of the car, face turned up as I enjoyed the breeze the cars movement made.

"I know. I've thought about changing it to something more interesting, but I always wonder if I would regret it." I paused with a laugh. "And what is your name?"

"My friends call me Sol." He slowed the car to a stop at a red light, and glanced over. "They've always liked to tease me, but I think it could have been worse. My father named me Solomon."

I reached over and patted his shoulder gently. "Ah, yes, not a common name either. But it is a good strong name." I wiggled my nose and let out a laugh as the light turned green and he set the car off going a bit faster.

"Yes. It is a good name. I've never wanted to change it. It's a good thing to be different after all. If we weren't all a little different the world would get to be a rather boring place." Solomon spoke easily and I could hear my inner voice agreeing with him. Heck, it was even chastising me.

"True, being different can be a blessing. But sometimes it can be a curse all of it's own."

"Maybe, but even a curse has it's finer point." He turned the car towards the lake and the air got a bit cooler as we drove alongside it. I watched the small waves roll in to crash out of sight against the cliffing we drove along.

"You do realize that you're driving in the wrong direction to go to my home?" I interjected, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable in my aquantences company.

"I figured as much. I hope you do not mind coming to my home first? I think I have a few more groceries that need to hit the refrigerator than you do." He paused the car at another red light and I toyed with the idea of getting out of the car. But the idea of groceries had set my stomach to growling again.

Horrified I clamped both my hands over my stomach and hung my head. "Sorry. No I do not mind."

He looked at me before letting the car move again. "You sound hungry."

I could feel the red hue tintint the tops of my ears and cheeks. "Just a little  bit hungry." I admitted quietly.

"How about I fix you a nice dinner and you can tell me a story while we enjoy it?" He turned down a side street and pulled into a driveway. He let the car idle a moment as he shifted to look at me. "I bet you know a lot of good stories."

I couldn't decide if he was teasing me or being serious, so I shrugged. "I don't see why that would be such a bad idea. Though I must tell you now I don't know any good stories. Mostly sad ones."

"That's alright I don't mind." He nodded and turned the key, the car slowly coming to a quiet rest as he tugged it loose. He reached down to his left, and must have hit a button on the car because the trunk popped open. "Would you be so kind as to help me bring the groceries into the house?"

I nodded, feeling more comfortable. Because I was starting to note in his behavior that he was making sure to take heed of anything that might need to be done. He invited me in, true, that's more a vampire's issue than that of a fairy, but it did mean my powers wouldn't be restricted when I crossed the through the doorway.

I wondered slightly, if he knew that or not. As far as I knew it wasn't common knowledge to most people. But then most people couldn't see my wings either. I went to the back of the car and pulled some of the bags from the trunk and followed him towards the front door of the house.

"Please pardon me for the mess inside. I spend a lot of time at work and I don't really have enough spare time to keep it cleaned up for company." He grinned, green eyes studying my face before he pushed the door open.

I was shocked. The place was a disaster area. I hadn't seen anything like it since my 12 brothers, their wives, and their children had come to visit me over the winter holiday. I took a deep breath and followed him into the house, carefully stepping over discarded items as I followed him through to the kitchen.

"You weren't kidding. You ever thought about hiring a maid?" I asked with a playful tone.

"Have thought about it. But I never have the time to do any interviewing. I'm out to early in the day and by the time I get home, most of the agencies have closed for the night." He laughed as he set to putting away the groceries.

Looking around the kitchen I spotted a clean spot on one of the counter tops and went to sit on it. "Well, to be honest it's not always easy to find work either. So I think you should be grateful for the work you have even if it leaves your home in a bit of a pinch."

"And what would you know about work troubles?" He asked as he looked through some cabinets, eventually pulling out a few pots and pans.

"I know I'm having a lot of trouble finding work. I'm apparently far from memorable and they never believe my resume." I couldn't help but laugh as I realized he was sorting through some cans under a cabinet.

"I see. Well, how often are you available and what kind of hours do you think you could spare?" He mused as he finally settled on two cans.

"I'm hoping for some full time work. But I'm afraid that by the time I manage to find some they're going to have evicted me." I shrugged and played with one of the holes in my sweatshirt.

"I see." Sol pulled the milk out of the refrigerator and started to work cooking something in a pan. "Do you think maybe there's a reason that we chanced upon each other today?"

I looked over, knowing that my brows were furrowing and that there was a large question brewing in the back of my mind. So I went ahead and blurted it out. "Are you offering me a job?"

"Kind of? I could use a lot of help around the house here, am sure you've noticed." Sol laughed some more as he moved dropping some bread into the toaster as he pulled out some sliced roast beef from the refrigerator.

In the back of my mind I couldn't help but wonder what kind of food budget Sol had to be able to eat so well. But then, he was working, and he didn't seem to have anyone around the house to take care of.

"Well, then what exactly do you mean?" I thudded the heels of my sneakers against the cabinet door, in a kind of pat-a-pat pat rythmn. The sound was helping to calm my nerves, just in case I was misunderstanding what he meant.

Sol turned away from the pot he was stirring to look at me. "We'll figure it out over time. But consider yourself employed, and hell, there's an apartment over the garage. You can move in during the week if it would be easier for you."

I stopped moving and just stared. What was Sol thinking. But the voices in my head whirled around. Discussing pro's and con's. But in the end the logical side of my mind won.

"Alright. That sounds like a fair start."

What's on Screen? Winter's Tale

I know everyone else is watching Star Wars, but there's other movies that are available to watch. I'm not ready to see the new movie yet, even though it sounds like it's good. So how about something lighter, yet still imaginative?

Winter's Tale
2014/color/118 minutes
Fantasy

A fantasy film with a basic plot of good versus evil. It starts off in early industrial America, and we see people fall in love, as well as go through tragedy. At first to be honest I thought it was going to be a movie about fairies, or fairy type creatures. But I was surprised to have this thought dashed seeing a familiar face (Will Smith I think) playing the part of Lucifer.

There's a surprising twist as the movie gets closer to it's end. And I'm trying not to give away anything that would be a spoiler because this really was a great movie to watch. Though, I may recommend watching it in Summer because it has a very cold feel to it.

This is a family friendly film, though it may not hold the attention of younger children. It's very mellow though, and I would recommend it as one to curl up with someone on the couch to watch. It's nice to watch something that isn't gory or terrifying for a change.

Envious Heart

This is an interesting animation with an operatic soundtrack. I hope that it makes some of you smile. I think it was a gem of a find.

The Butterfly Dragon

Every time I watch this animation it almost brings me to happy tears. Compared to some of the animations and videos we've looked at in the past,it is very simplistic. But the story and music combined are beautiful.

What's on the screen? : Grimm's Snow White

Yeah there's more movies about Snow White out there than most people want to care to count. There's cartoons, and live action, computer animations, all kinds of stuff. But the story is one that people are always going to be fascinated with. Good versus evil, a happy ending...or at times a not so happy one. But in most of them, we always see Snow White get the Prince.

So what made this version something that I was interested in? We see a struggle for freedom, some dragon like beasts, and some variations from the everyday story that make it appealing. The acting is decent, given that it isn't a film with an A list roster, at least as far as I know. The computer graphics aren't bad, they're certainly better than the cheesy mechanical beasts you'd see in a film from the 70's like The Magic Sword. And you come to like the characters.

Unfortunately, Snow White, as usual doesn't get given much depth. But hey, what can you expect from a character who has always been considered a damsel in distress. She's pretty much a  flat character. Even the prince could have done for a bit more character development. The supporting characters, also known as the elves, were far more interesting and seemed more put together. But then again I do tend to cheer for the underdog.

It's not a bad film. It is not the best film. But it isn't a bad one either. It's one that would be fun to watch with a group of people, because you don't need to pay a ton of attention to keep track of the action. Though, you may miss some of the more interesting effects or continuity mistakes if you don't pay attention. Like when the Huntsman takes Snow's ring, when they pan back to her she's still wearing it. Little things like that give you something to notice, but they're not distracting.

Recommendation? Yes, if you have time to kill. Just don't expect a blockbuster.

Easy Bake Coven : Fun Fantasy Read

Modern literature is becoming full of paranormal and fantastical beings. While most of it has been focusing on vampires of various sorts, this particular book offers a twist to the fantastic. We get to meet some witches at first, but then things become a bit more complicated.

Easy Bake Coven
Liz Schulte
338 Pages

When people see the word coven, most of them automatically envision a circle of witches.  In this case we're dealing with a small circle of friends who call themselves the Easy Bake Coven. That's where the book gets it's name from.. But while the book may imply that witchcraft is going to be the focus within its pages. Yet in this instance that assumption is wrong.

We're dealing with a more encompassing piece of literature. A menagerie of fantastic beings flit within the pages of this book. This creates a believable world, that offers a few different glimpses at various races we don't get to see commonly in a positive light.

And since I'm not really feeling like spoiling the book for you... I recommend you check it out as soon as you can. It's a fast paced fun read and you'll enjoy it.

A Darker Side to Charming

There's a lot of different kinds of books that have been written of late that have to do with fairy tales. There's so many versions and ways that people that present characters for people to enjoy. Cinderella is one of those stories that have been told over and over. But sometimes there's a nice fresh take on the story that helps to add a bit more depth and a few darker points to the happy ending.

Image from Amazon.com

Charming : A Cinderella Prequel
L.R. Briggs & S.E. Steinbrenner
369 Pages

Charming isn't the name of any of the characters in this story. The main character is a boy named Jode, who is in all ways, forgettable and un-noticable. We get to see him evolve through various states of self consciousness.

The story revolves around the idea that in order to become great there are trials and tribulations that one must go through. This is an idea that isn't unknown to most readers. But the extent to which we see this idea used is rather intriguing. It helps to pull you into the story, giving you reason to wonder what's going to happen. And to be honest this one isn't predictable.

But it is a good read. While the cover kind of points a female reader in the direction of this book, I believe it is written in a style that a male audience could find appealing. While it has some adult content, it's not gruesome or erotic, so teens can read it safely. All in all it's a well done book in my opinion. It leaves some things unanswered but not in a manner that leaves the piece unfinished. So if you're looking for a nice fantasy read I think you should check it out.

Grandfather Pluyta's Song

I was going through some of my older files recently, and I stumbled upon a folder buried in my writing folder. It's of a few short things I had been working on when Maru was working on the Jinopets project. It didn't last too long, but I remember how much fun it was. So I'm going to post a few of them here to share them with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did then.

This is what a Pluyta was.

 The dawn of time

Was not long past

When our story first began

And the phoenix Aeroh took to flight

Giving the day its light

But not to be outdone by her

The silver Nigard took to the sky

And where the shadows fell at night

Made stars, and phoenix he reflected.

The waters bubbled and broiled as deep beneath the sea

The Nasinar started to chant

And creatures filled the sea

On the land the earth was barren

 But the Metak saw to that

Forest soon were growing

And the scent of flowers filled the land.

Khaurn though scorned the daylight

And took to making caves

Kenja being quick to the chase took to the plains

The others all divided, living close and far

And each of them was different

But no single one can be called the star

For in truth as is reality

To be fruitful and have joy

There must be some interaction

And everyone must have a voice

After the jino’s had taken to the world

Humans seemed to just appear and populate

Far corners of their earth

And as we find now, as we see

Jino’s and humans are family

For together there is much to learn

Together they can destroy or build

Which brings us to today

Remember that the choice you make

Can affect another’s day

Descendants

Before Sunrise

Take a few minutes and watch this adorable film short. The art is wonderful.

Entropy

Today's video is a neat cartoon short entitled entropy. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

I do apologize for the lack of information in most of the posts this past week, but to be honest I haven't been feeling very well. I've been feeling very sick, and I haven't been able to post much because my attention span isn't really there to be able to.

Bait

Just a little something to watch and make you laugh. (that is if you understand what it's getting at.)

Ghost Story (SPOILERS)

Ok, so I just finished reading a book that I've wanted to read for a while now. And I'm SO DAMNED ANGRY! To be honest, I haven't read a Dresden Files book that I don't like. But this one has me enraged, frustrated and just miffed. I mean... this book had me sitting here in tears for cripes sake.

Ghost Story
Jim Butcher
496 pages

First of all, I suppose I should give you a slight reaction about the book in general, a little blurb so to speak. If you're unfamiliar with The Dresden Files Series, you're really missing out on some great reads. This one is no different, but I do recommend that you start by reading the series from the beginning or by reading the Side Jobs short story anthology. The book itself has a great storyline, and an interesting plot.

As a reader, I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen. It's always nice to be able to feel that excited about a book. As usual the characters are given enough personality, that we can either like them or hate them. Not to mention, there are enough hints at back story that even if it is the first book that you're reading from the series, you can understand how and why certain characters interact with each other the way that they do.

Personally I find the complexity of the relationships and situations between the various characters to be fascinating, as well as believable. There are situations and characters that we can relate to. The basic story plot revolves around unraveling a mystery to find out who killed Harry Dresden , and why. Mysteries are always a good read, as they challenge us to figure out what happened.

WARNING: THE REST OF THIS BLOG POST IS FULL OF SPOILERS!!!

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK YET DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ok, so the basis of this book is that Harry Dresden is DEAD! Yeah, that's what my reaction was too. How and why was he dead (I think I must have skipped a book in the series because there's some stuff that was mentioned that I must have missed in general.) NOT TO MENTION how frustrated I was trying to figure out why a ghost could use magic at all.

AND ALL FOR WHAT? YEAH only to find out that he's not dead at all >.<. I sat here crying my fool head off reading and feeling so sad thinking that he was done for, only to find out that NUUUUUUUUUUU he isna dead at all and that there is more. I hate when they do that! I mean why make us start preparing for the "END" of something wonderful, if you're only teasing us? It's not fair.

GRRRRR I hate when books do that. Mess with your emotions by making you think someone important you've come to look up to is gone. Yeah... Ok... anyway.... yeah >.> End rant ~_~