July 31, 2012

Top Ten Characters That I Would Love to Switch Place with for 24 Hours

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
Top Five Characters That I Would Love to Switch Place With for 24 Hours
Only five this week because I am busy promoting #TeamSimon! 
5
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
Magnus from City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
It would be so much fun to be in one of his parties with all the Downworlders! Maybe I'll even turn into a rat!
4
The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1)
Patch from The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
I'd love to run around the Nevernever for a while! 
3
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)
Tessa from Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
I'd love to experience Victorian steampunk London!
2
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Henry from Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
I'd love to be a super awesome vampire slayer mentor!
1
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
Tyrion from A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Tyrion is hilarious! I'd love to spend a day with his wit!


July 30, 2012

Why to Vote for #TeamSimon in this round of the #YACrushTourney

 Head over to The YA-Sisterhood to vote!
AND REMEMBER, FOR EVERY THOUSAND VOTES SIMON GETS I WILL ADD ANOTHER ARC TO THE #TEAMSIMON GIVEAWAY (YOU CAN SEE WHAT IS UP FOR GRABS HERE)
YA Sisterhood
Hi, YA Crush Tourney voters!
My name is Benji, I run the blog The Non Reluctant Reader and I'm here to be Simon from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare's advocate. Before I start telling you why you should vote for Simon, I'm going to say this: I'm a guy. I'm not attracted to guys (though if I was a girl, I probably would be). I'm writing this post from the sense of why I think Simon kicks butt. Though I know most of you guys want to hear about the looks, so I will talk about them. Just don't get any ideas about me, okay? :P


Today I'd like to welcome some amazing characters from The Mortal Instruments series!


First off, Clary, winner of the 1st annual YA Heorine Tourney:
"Simon is the best friend a girl could ask for. Ever since we met as little kids, we've been joined at the hip. As kids we'd have sleepovers and sneak in a portable DVD player and stay up late watching cheesy horror movies. The one thing I miss most from my mundane, normal life is the normal relationship Simon and I shared. Whenever there's a problem and Simon could do something, he does it. He's proved that time and time again when I'm in danger, he's got my back, even if he may risk his own life. He's a great friend and Isabelle is one lucky girl to get him."


Now, I'd like to welcome, the one and only, Jace Lightwood, winner of last year's Crush Tourney:
"He may not be the sexy, handsome, badass Shadowhunter I am, but he has saved me and Clary's butts. Even as a mundane, he was pretty fierce. Though he may ramble on about pointless stuff like some zombie TV show or the next anime cartoon, he's a pretty cool guy to talk to. Now, he hasn't mastered the fine art of sarcasm like I have (but who the hell can?) he is pretty witty. He might even make me, much to my dismay, laugh sometimes. Which is completely unnatural. But if Alec didn't exist, and he was a Shadowhunter, he'd be my first pick for parabi."
General Information

“Mom. I have something to tell you. I’m undead. Now, I know you may have some preconceived notions about the undead. I know you may not be comfortable with the idea of me being undead. But I’m here to tell you that undead are just like you and me … well, okay. Possibly more like me than you.”

Simon is a easy-going sixteen year old "open geek" who comes from a Jewish family. His father died when he was ten, leaving him along with his mother and sister (he's very affectionate for both of them, by the way) to coup for themselves. Though they've done a very good job of it, and he's a very "good kid", so to speak.  He's been best friends with Clary, the protagonist in The Mortal Instruments since they were little kids, and has secretly been crushing on her for as long as he can remember. He's the bassist of a band which name changes so often, it's impossible to know what they're called. In fact, it's probably already changed ten times since you started reading this. For those animal lovers out there, he's been a vegetarian since he was ten and can't stand the sight of blood. He loves anime and horror movies. 

Best Qualities - Witty, Loyal, and Soft
“Medium clever,” Simon acknowledged. “Like a cross between George Clooney in Ocean’s Eleven and those MythBusters guys, but, you know, better-looking.”

   While reading The Mortal Instsruments, you'll probably find yourself bursting out laughing during the series. More often then not, you're probably laughing because of something Simon said. Don't get me wrong, all the other characters are hilarious too, but hands-down, Simon is by far the funniest. He's always making witty jokes and hilarious comments that help keep what can often become a dark mood in these books lighter. And they're never trashy jokes, they're done very ingeniously and always at the perfect moment to have you rolling on the floor. And I'll let you in on a little secret, they invented the term "LOL" to describe Simon while texting.

   Simon is fiercely loyal. *spoilers* In City of Glass when the only way to get the vampire clan to fight alongside the Shadowhunters against Valentine is to let the clan kill Simon, Simon instantly agrees, against the will of Clary and many others. Though, it didn't work. Again he proves his loyalty in City of Lost Souls when someone has to call the archangel in order to bargain with him, Simon instantly volunteers, even though he knows the archangel will most likely kill him. *end spoilers* Simon is the kind of guy who whenever you need him, he's there for you, even if he may not like you very much.

   Though Simon can be fierce when he needs to save his friends, he is very soft and friendly. Though he doesn't let him be stopped from doing what needs to be done, he hates the sight of blood and hates violence even more. *spoiler* When he gets turned into a vampire in City of Ashes, he refuses to let go of his humanity and drinks only animal blood because he couldn't live with himself if he lost his humanity. In that sense, he's sorta like Edward from Twilight, except he doesn't sound constipated whenever he speaks. 

Looks
   "He's cute. Does he have a girlfriend?"
Clary hesitated a second too long before replying. "No."
The girl looked suspicious. "Is he gay?" 

   In City of Bones, Simon starts out as a nerdy looking kid with brown hair, brown eyes and glasses. Very skinny as well. Though he does have the looks of the sexy smartical style, which causes a girl to notice him in the quote above. Then in City of Ashes he gets bit by a vampire, which turns him into a sexier, more masculine version of himself, and it also causes him to loose his need for glasses. His hot and sexy "vampire mojo" as described by his friend causes him to get two girlfriends, one the gorgeous Shadowhunter, Isabelle, the other the werewolf who defies all paranormal rules that vampires and werewolves can't be lovers to get together with him, Mia. Even if Jace may be more attractive, Simon is not that bad either! 
Talents
"You know what's awesome?" said Eric, setting down his drumsticks. "Having a vampire in our band. This is the thing that's really going to take us over the top."
   In the books, Simon is described as being a pretty good bassist, though he never really takes his band too seriously, and often says that they "suck", but in truth he is good at what he does. In City of Bones, when Simon saves his friends using a bow and arrow, we find out that he learned to shoot with one while in boy scouts, and is good at it. He's also described as being obsessed with video games, and very good at playing them.

  Simon needs you're vote in order to beat Patch, the fallen angel bad boy from Hush, Hush. Okay, I could right a book on why Simon should win, but I'll keep it brief: Patch may have once been an angel, but Simon is ten times a better person then he is, I think you can always count on Simon to save your butts and then act humble, whereas not bragging is impossible for a bad boy, and c'mon, don't you want the underdog to win? So, I think that just about sums up why you should VOTE SIMON!!!!!!!!!!


Thank you to The YA-Sisterhood for planning such a great tourney, Cassandra Clare for creating such a great character, and all you Simon fans out there who are going to help us WIN!

Tweet why you think Simon should win on twitter using the hastags: #TeamSimon #YACrushTourney, and follow me for #TeamSimon updates: @NonReluctant


July 29, 2012

Behind the Blog - Favorite Sports

Beyond the Blog is a feature I do here that gives you a look at my non-blogging life!
In honor of the Olympics happening for this Beyond the Blog post I decided to give you a look at my...
Top Ten Favorite Olympic Sports
I'm a huge sports fan, and when I'm not reading, I will probably be watching or playing sports!
10
London 2012 Mascot Table Tennis Pin
Table Tennis
This game is surprisingly fun to watch, it moves so fast!
9
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Water Polo Pin
Water Polo
Though I suck at this sport, I love watching it so much! The athletes have to be so fit because they can never touch the bottom and have to be swimming at all times! That would be so hard!
8
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Sailing Pin
Sailing
Sailing is one of my favorite sports to watch and play! I live in a seaport town, so it's sort of like our religion here!
7
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Field Hockey Pin
Field Hockey
I don't like ice hockey too much, but Field Hockey is really fun to watch. I love soccer and it's sort of the same idea but you know, with a puck.
6
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Tennis Pin
Tennis
Tennis is a ton of fun to watch and play! It's the perfect mix of technique and speed!
5
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Beach Volleyball Pin
Beach Volleyball
I love watching this sport - women's and men's. It moves at such a fast pace!
4
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Diving Pin
Diving
Gymnastics isn't really my thing, but when you combine acrobatics with water I'm glued to it!
3
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Fencing Pin
Fencing
Fencing is great! I think it pays great tribute to the ancient Olympic games!
2
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Swimming Pin
Swimming
I'm on swim team, and every time the Olympics role around, team practice turns into Olympic watching! When I was younger Phelps was my idol! 
1
London 2012 Olympics Mascot Football/Soccer Pin
Football/Soccer
Soccer is my top favorite sport to watch and to play. I'm fiercely loyal about my favorite teams, and if I even see a oposing team jersey, there will be a brawl, lol!


July 28, 2012

Let The Games Begin!

Hope Everyone is all set to have a great Olympics! Go Team USA! (Or whatever country you're cheering for :P)

July 27, 2012

Team Finnick Til The End 24 Hour Giveaway

Julianna (Juli)
Yes, I know I am the advocate of #TeamSimon, but here's the deal, #TeamFinnick is my 2nd choice. He is amazing. So I decided to host a giveaway to help him win! 
Here's what's up for grabs:

Another preorder of The Hunger Games on DVD!

And, if Finnick Wins... I will pick two winners and each will win a preorder!


HEAD TO THE YA-SISTERHOOD TO VOTE!

Enter aft the page break!

July 26, 2012

Vote for #TeamSimon in the 2nd Round of the #YACrushTourney

YA Sisterhood
   Hello guys! First I would like to start off by thanking you guys for helping Simon win in round one of the YA Sisterhood Crush Tourney. And did I mention, it was by a landslide! Simon couldn't have been more proud of you guys! Now Simon has advanced to the next round of the tourney, in the Sweet Sixteen round. Now he is up against some very hard competition - Patch from Hush, Hush. But I'm sure with your help, he will emerge victorious once again. But as an incentive - as promised, there's a giveaway as an extra incentive.  Here's what's up for grabs:
Two Winners Will Each Win A Signed Copy of A City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare and a signed copy of any other signed copy of another Cassandra Clare book*.

And if #Team Simon advances to The Elite Eight, here's what's up for grabs:
Two Winners Will Receive Everything from Above and A Simon T-Shirt from Zazzle (see the list here).

Grab a #TeamSimon button!

YA Sisterhood
Enter after the page break!

July 24, 2012

Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds/Settings

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds/Settings
10
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Martin's world of Westeros is so diverse and spectacular! 
9
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Victorian steampunk England is so rich and enchanting!
8
The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The nevernever is so amazing! I love the icy winter court!
7
Wings (Wings, #1)
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
The world of the fey in this books is so amazing and lush!
6
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland, #1)
The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of His Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
I'm actually reading this right now and fairyland is so awesome and weird.
5
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling
The entire wizarding world is so rich and vibrant!
4
Twilight (Twilight, #1)
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Heck, I'm biased because I live within a hour of Forks, but so what?
3
Incarnate (Newsoul, #1)
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
The world is amazing with everything you could want. It's part dystopian and part fantasy!
2
Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy, #1)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Great high fantasy dystopian world with glittering palaces and dark shadows.
1
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Just so amazing... it's impossible to describe.


July 22, 2012

The Hunger Games DVD Preorder Giveaway

    Hey guys! It's time for a giveaway!
Here's what's up for grabs:
1 Preorder of The Hunger Games on DVD!

The deets:
Will be preordered from Amazon.
Open to the US/Canada only.
Ends 8/5!
*DO NOT LEAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION IN THE COMMENTS, AND ENTRIES THERE WILL NOT BE COUNTED*
Enter after the page break!

July 21, 2012

Book Haul (7)

Book Haul is a weekly feature here that showcases all the awesome goodies I got this week!
For Review:
Envy
Envy by Gregg Olsen
Gregg Olsen is hosting a lunch for bloggers where this book takes place and I was lucky enough to get an invite! Can't wait!
Betrayal
Betrayal by Gregg Olsen
Now I have the sequel to Envy too!
Blood Fever (The Watchers, #3)
Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff
This is the 3rd book in The Waters series and Penguin just decided to give it to me, but since I haven't read the first two, I'll probably give it away.


Okay, so last Sunday the fabulous Suzanne, owner of my local indie, Liberty Bay Books let me come in and scour their ARC pile, and we also discussed our new affiliation! Here are the all the awesome books she gave me!
Ashen Winter (Ashfall, #2)Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose, #1)The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There (Fairyland, #2)Shade (Shade, #1)False Memory (False Memory, #1)The ReplacementLeague of StraysThis Is Not a DrillPersonal EffectsFalling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)Every DayDeviantThe Silence of MurderiBoyAbove World (Above World, #1)UndeadA Breath of Eyre (Unbound, #1)Poison Most Vial: A MysteryDreaming Anastasia (Dreaming Anastasia, #1)The Golden DoorThe False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy, #1)
What did you get this week? Let me know in the comments?


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