path of a wordbender

Amanda is a literature-loving, RumBelle-shipping, corny joke-telling, semi-colon supporting, book reviewing, LotR/SG/superhero/Disney-fangirling Avatard, Browncoat, Whovian and future published author. Her blog has moved! This is now where she fangirls.

[amandakthompson]

Why Opal Deception -not Eternity Code- is Artemis’ key turning point

Holly teases about keeping an eye on him and Artemis laughs it off; he's already got his parents and Butler doing that. And then Holly says something utterly profound and compelling: "Well then, maybe it's time you let them."

I have always seen The Eternity Code as Artemis' key turning point from villain/criminal to hero/anti-hero. I was wrong. While it was undoubtedly a big step in the right direction, Artemis does not fully embrace the new direction -he did, after all, make that massive charitable donation irreversible in case he became weak later and decided to steal it back. Before he could try embracing it, the mindwipe robbed him of further improvement in that area. Basically, his development in The Eternity Code was the foundation for the actual key turning point of his character that we see in The Opal Deception.

When he tells Holly that he already has two parents and one bodyguard trying to keep him on the straight and narrow, it's got a weight to it; I picture him sort of scoffing at it, implying they're efforts are not only unsuccessful, but a wasted effort. Useless. Holly's reply is so profound and so obvious I expect it hit Artemis upside the head. "Well then, maybe it’s time you let them."

Up to now, Artemis has paralleled the patterns of every villain he's faced to some extent. Ever since the first book, our favorite genius has been stuck in the same vicious cycle, maybe learning new lessons and strengthening his conscience each time, but always falling victim to the same basic flaws and cycling through the same mistakes, despite the helping hands and watchful eyes of his loved ones. So far, every villain Artemis has faced has been a friendless, ambition-at-all-costs kind of bad guy. And so far, Artemis has been the same way himself. But what if he wasn't anymore? What if he came to value friendship above greed and ambition? What if he took the chance to become the hero? What if he let Butler and Holly and his parents help him?

Artemis Fowl Read Along at amandakthompson.blogspot.com

[amandakthompson]

Artemis Fowl took down Opal Koboi with a box of truffles.

Does that mean she got her just desserts?

[amandakthompson]

oh the irony

Has anyone else noticed that villains managing to ironically screw up their own schemes is a running theme in the Artemis Fowl series?

Artemis Fowl: Cudgeon goes to extremes for promotion which ultimately leads to his demotion.

The Arctic Incident: Cudgeon thinks himself unbeatable, and the inevitable 'I'm untouchable' monologue is what Foaly uses to turn Opal against him.

The Eternity Code: Jon Spiro's hatred of Phonetix is how Artemis orchestrates his downfall, while Artemis' own greed leads both to Butler's death and the loss of his memories -two of the things he values the most in the world.

The Opal Deception: Opal humanizes herself to conquer the world, which overrides her magic, but not before she's trapped herself with the very last vestiges of the mesmer. Before this, her greed for decadent chocolate is exactly what Artemis uses to trick her. Or, as Artemis so aptly puts it, "It's human nature, and Opal is a human now, remember?"

[jadefowl]

Time to express what seems to be the unpopular opinion

I know people are fearful about the movie trailer but I’m actually extremely hyped for the movie. I know it’ll probably be nothing like the book but I want to love it nevertheless because Colfer is sanctioning whatever changes are made, unlike rick riordan who couldn’t have any say.

Will it be different? Definitely. Will it be bad? Maybe.

But I’m going to enjoy it no matter what because honestly?? Nobody HAD to make this film. It almost WASNT made. So seeing cannon content that could bring new people in, and old fans back, to the fandom makes me happy.

[amandakthompson]

PREACH

[amandakthompson]

The Skeptic’s Guide to Enjoying the Artemis Fowl Movie Anyway

Hello, there! I would be the skeptic. That's me. Hi.

Like many people, I've been waiting almost two decades for this film, and most of that time was spent believing that it would never actually happen. But it is.

Finally.

And I've been skeptical since they published that bombshell of a casting announcement.

But something magical happened when I watched the teaser trailer and saw that movie poster. I wanted to love it. And even if in the end I don't love it, I at least want to enjoy the ride -the wait, the flurry of excitement over new tidbits, the anticipation of more trailers, the undeniable euphoria of finally getting an Artemis Fowl movie.

Right now isn't the time to be a sourpuss. Right now, it's time to believe. So here's a 8-step guide on how we can deal with our skepticism and enjoy the upcoming Artemis Fowl film in all its glory anyway.

Step 1: Be Disappointed -Then Move On

Branagh says Artemis won't be the villain, instead it's more of a hero origin story. Be disappointed. It's okay. I'm sure there isn't a Fowl fan out there who isn't disappointed in this, or some other aspect of the film, so let the disappointment settle in. Embrace it. And then move on. Either accept the movie for what it's going to be, rather than what you wish it would have been, or admit that you don't want it and walk away.

Step 2: Recognize That It Won't Be The Book

Very, very few books have ever translated their near-entirety to film adaptations, and Artemis Fowl will not be one of them; not because the filmmakers decided they could do better, but because a lot of the book's ideas won't transition well to film. These are two vastly different mediums with different audience expectations. So instead of moping about what the film won't be, get excited about how the film might translate the core elements that made the book awesome into a new adventure.

Step 3: Anticipate A Different Ending

Now, this is just my supposition; there's no evidence as yet that the ending will actually vary much from the book, BUT if Artemis is not going to be the outright villain of the piece, it makes sense another will have to emerge. And IF this is meant to be an origin story, there is the possibility that the film's story might not end with Artemis' kidnapping success, but instead with a situation that requires Artemis to somehow get involved with another conflict, emerging a more heroic figure.

Step 4: Keep An Open Mind

Okay, lots of people are saying this. It's easier said than done, I know, but remember that this movie is going to be a different creature entirely, and comparing it word-for-word to our beloved book is akin to apples and oranges. Plus, just remember that Eoin himself is so excited about many of the changes he's said (according to Branagh): "God I wish I'd thought of that...I'll put it into the book. I'll certainly put it in the reissue."

Step 5:  Treat It As A Stand-Alone Story, Rather Than A Potential Franchise

While it's not beyond the realm of possibility that, if successful, this could turn into Disney's next franchise, they're not going to plan on it from the get-go and leave this film open-ended. This is going to be a self-contained, complete story, which probably means it will borrow a lot of elements from later books, maybe specifically concerning Artemis' character arc, in order to deliver that 'emotional satisfaction and delivery' Branagh assures us. It will improve the quality if we judge the film on its own merit, rather than against the lost potential for as-yet non-existent sequels.

Step 6: Confront Your Skepticism

You have two choices.

Decide if you want to be a skeptic, nitpicking details for a thing we have waited nearly two decades for, because after all the waiting, we deserve perfection, right!?

Or decide if you want to enjoy every thrilling moment and development of this Impossibility. Because the Artemis Fowl film was an impossibility. It was an 'almost', a 'could have been', an 'if only'. And now it's an 'almost here', a 'will be' -but our if we keep holding onto our skepticism, it will continue to remain an 'if only.'

Most movies don't rise like a phoenix out of the ashes of 17 years in Prodcution Hell, but ours did.

Our Artemis Fowl film has already defied the odds once. Are we going to tame our skepticism to see if it will do it again?

Step 7: Watch this trailer breakdown from Artemis Fowl Confidential, because it will remind you WE'RE FINALLY GETTING A MOVIE, D'ARVIT!!!

Good or bad, love it or hate it, we can't escape the fact that we're getting a movie, an actual, real-life, live-action, BIG BUDGET movie, with all the bells and whistles, and a crew that -especially from this interview (and also this one ) with Kenneth Branagh- obviously loves and respects the books and Eoin Colfer for writing them. Just like us. ^_^

8. Get Excited

Whether in the end we love the movie, tolerate it, shrug it off, or despise it, we're still getting an Artemis Fowl movie -and this new incarnation is bound to introduce the series to new generations, young and old. The Artemis Fowl fandom is about to get much, much bigger. And that is a very good thing.Right now, I can mention Artemis Fowl on a whim and only a handful of people ever know what I'm talking about. But just imagine this time next year: Artemis Fowl could be a household name.

[amandakthompson]

(I Don't Like) Lollipops -An Artemis Fowl Parody

One does not simply ignore an idea for an Artemis Fowl song parody.

[amandakthompson]

15 Things to Keep You Sane Waiting for THE RISE OF KYOSHI

With the announcement of The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee , the upcoming YA novel expansion of the A:TLA universe, there's really only one...

With the announcement of The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee, the upcoming YA novel expansion of the A:TLA universe, there's really only one question to ask:

How do we survive the wait to July 19, 2019?

You, my friend, have come to the right place.

[amandakthompson]

Literary Book Gifts + Promo Code

Looking for ways to express your love of literature? Literary Book Gifts has got your back and I've got a 20% off promo code just for you!

Literary Book Gifts is a company that specializes in bringing books to life for book lovers and readers of all ages. It's a virtual wonderland for classic book lovers -and I'm not just saying that because they feature, among many others, an Alice in Wonderland design. "I believe that it is important to express your personal ideas to the world,"says company founder, Melissa,"and t-shirts and totes are some of the most obvious ways to do it."

[amandakthompson]

Hello, Tumblr, my old friend It’s nice to fangirl here again

[mysharona1987]

[amandakthompson]

Filing this away under ‘Important’

[minnichi]

Why all Royai and Parental!RoyEd fans should read The Abducted Alchemist

THIS PREMISE.

“MISUNDERSTANDINGS” 

RIZA’S REACTION 

THIS FREAKING COUPLE

AND THIS.

BONUS: 

(P.S. This book is very affordable on amazon and ebay) 

[amandakthompson]

Seriously, FMA fans have GOT to read this. minnichi made me and I swallowed the thing in a night.

[amandakthompson]

Is the Possible LOTR TV Show a Good Thing?

On Friday, Varitey.com dropped an exclusive that Tolkien's estate and Warner Bros. Television are in talks with Amazon Studios about a Lord...

I know people have opinions on this possible Lord of the Rings TV show bombshell. Lay it on me.

[amandakthompson]

Thor: Ragnarok Review (spoiler-free)

Originally posted on my blog.

I can sum up what I love so much about this film in two words:

CHARACTER INTERACTION

The character dynamic in this is spot on and, more importantly, it works overtime in oh so subtle ways to develop and deepen the characters we know and love, hate, or simply tolerate.

Take Hulk, for example. I've never been a big fan of The Incredible Hulk comics and -while the MCU has taught me to love adorkable, haunted Bruce Banner- I'm still iffy on the Hulk himself. When I first found out that Hulk would be playing such a big role in this film, I wasn't thrilled. But you know what? IT TOTALLY WORKS. They really focus on Hulk as a separate character and develop his personality enough that, well, now I actually like the Hulk. For maybe the first time ever. Guys, that's huge. (ahem. no pun intended.)

I was actually skeptical about a lot of the characters chosen for this film (mostly Hulk) but what could have been a disastrous chemical imbalance of personalities works out as a fantastic meshing of opposites and opposition. Because it's not just about the 'team' (Thor, Hulk, Loki, Valkyrie) dynamic that works together as a whole. They've delved deeper into the characters, taking more of an Avengers-style approach, giving each character unique dynamics and relationships with each other that paints the Thor franchise as a whole, I think, in a fresh coat of paint. Within the relationships there is so much foreshadowing and inversion dynamics in play as well, the qualities of one reflected in the flaws of another and vice versa. There is so much mirroring, so many layers, it's a wonderland for a character-lover like me.

So let's pull up those 5 THINGS I'M MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO from my initial Road to Ragnarok post and compare.

1. Loki

Loki has worn a lot of hats throughout his existence in the Marvel universes and I love the turn they take with him here. Scaling back from his epic Supervillain role, down to his more realistic amoral core, going back to the character's roots in Norse mythology (in more ways than one), all of it deepening and -dare we hope?- developing his character.

Minor Spoiler: Thor: Ragnarok doesn't deliver any dramatic redemption arcs or character development for Loki, like it 'kind of did' in The Dark World -and it's perfect.

2. Thor and Loki's Relationship and Dynamic

Oh. My. Gosh.Yes.Just yes.Everything about this is spectacular. 

Asgardians, we know, are prone to overreaction and theatricality. I mean, Odin banishing Thor and stripping him of his power to teach him a lesson, Thor and his ilk breaking Loki out of prison and committing treason to save the universe -the first two Thor films are filled with these big dramatic flourishes and reveals. Thor: Ragnarok handles these scenarios differently. The big moments and reveals -like when Loki is ousted and the truth about Odin- aren't the point of the story, they aren't The Plot; instead, they're character moments and they were treated as such. They have a more intimate, down-to-earth feel. They're simple. Simple but so powerful. There's no shouting or grand speeches -just being. Thor being Thor. Loki being Loki. And a little squabbling. I mean, come on, they're still brothers.

Overall, this simplistic approach makes those moments more important and to have more of an impact, because the film takes time to focus on character (unlike my complaint with Thor.)

Thor especially demonstrates growth and -in one of my favorite moments- he POINTS IT OUT TO LOKI, telling him that people are supposed to develop and grow. Thor tries to guide Loki, but he doesn't get preachy about it, which makes him feel so much more human and, possibly, more able to relate to Loki, especially this new angle of him we see.

One of my absolute favorite things is Thor's habit of throwing things at/through Loki to determine whether or not he's flesh or illusion. How realistic is that?!?

I FREAKING ADORE THESE TWO.

3. Hela

Again, OH MY GOSH.I did not expect the twist they took with this character, but it fits so well. Again(!) offering up more layers and more dynamics between the familiar characters that continues to deepen the characters and their relationships, not only in this film, but in the films that have come before. Cate Blanchet is amazing in this role, but we already knew that was going to happen.

4. Story

EVERYTHING!

You know me, I get distracted by all things character. But the story here is awesome, not just for the next step in the MCU, but also for it's use and adaption of elements from both the comics and Norse mythology.

5. Kirby Krackle

To my utter shame, I did not actually notice the use of this artistic element. This time around. Distracted by character, remember? I got so caught up I did not distinguish any uses of the Kirby Krackle, but I totally plan to keep an eye out for it during my next viewing. THOR: RAGNAROK HAD A LOT OF QUESTIONS TO DEAL WITH AND I LOVE THE WAY IT DECIDED TO ANSWER THEM. At the same time, it carries on the family theme seen in the other Thor franchise films and it continues to develop and mature Thor's journey to become and understanding of a true hero. The whole narrative has a nice but different feel to it, like Thor has finally figured out his own identity and his own voice, instead of trying to follow in his father's shadow or live up to expectations.

This a serious contender for my favorite Marvel movie of all. And I haven't even talked about Banner meltdowns and what an awesome character Valkyrie turned out to be! (Who, by the way, is not just your run-of-the-mill, kick-ass, I-can-do-anything-a-man-can-do female character overrun with testosterone. She is actually awesome, due to backstory and character.) 

This movie freaking rules.

The one thing I am not sure about is some of the humor they chose to use, like the slapstick comedy and a lot of Thor screaming/yelling/yelping. This kind of humor was funny first viewing, but has a notorious rep for getting tiring quickly there after. It really depends on how the humor holds up over time to determine whether this was a 4 star or 5 star film for me.

The question isn't "Should I see this film?" but "When?"

Have you seen Thor: Ragnarok yet? What did YOU think?

The Road to Ragnarok Don't miss a post!

Back in Black + Road to Ragnarok

Comic Review: Loki: Agent of Asgard

Review: The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris

Rewatching Thor

[amandakthompson]

An editor for anyone interested in getting some professional work done on their story, now or in the future. http://thndr.me/yL9jEJ

[amandakthompson]

To Read Or Not To Read?: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne & John Tiffany

I have mixed feelings about this story, but let me premise it by saying this: I don't regret buying this. I like it enough that I will read it again. There are things in this story -scenes, characters, moments, emotions- that I love, that I adore, that I wouldn't part with for the life of me. I readily -even greedily- accept these as canon. The plot, on the other hand, is basically terrible. There are so many issues with it, I am forced to file it under 'fanfiction' in my brain because there's no way. No. Way. I read this through in one night, banging my head on many, many occasions. By the end, I was pretty exasperated by the cliches. It's not a great story. It's fun and exciting, and I admit it completely enthralled me -but the major components really frustrated me. So much so, I had almost written it off. Then I went to work. And for hours, I couldn't stop thinking about it. About then I had to admit that Cursed Child did some things right.

Read more...

[amandakthompson]

To Read Or Not To Read?: REVIEW: The Martian by Andy Weir

My Adventures in Science Fiction continue!

I grabbed this book because of the movie, like many people probably did. The difference with me is that I really put my foot down about not reading this book. Even when The Martian hit theaters, even when everyone raved about how good it was, I waited until the movie came to the cheap theater in town (months after release) before I saw it. Usually, I'm adamant about reading books before seeing their movie versions, but for this one I was just as adamant I would see the movie first. To be honest, I never expected I would read this book.

Read more on my blog!

Or watch the video review:

(Pssst! You can even do both. No judging here, bookworms.)

[amandakthompson]

To Read Or Not To Read?: REVIEW: Sword in the Stacks by Jen Swann Downey (Ninja Librarians #2)

I'm very happy to say I was NOT disappointed in this sequel. Let me explain. I've been obsessing over the first book in this series for almost two years, and when a reader obsesses like that -thinking back on all the great moments, good story, and fun characters- that same reader might possibly unintentionally set that book on a pedestal that the sequel just can't compete with. With that first book on a pedestal or not, Sword in the Stacks was magnificent. Picking up pretty much where we left off, Dorrie and Marcus must convince their parents to allow them to apprentice with the time-hopping, evil-fighting, censorship-opposing Lybrarians out to save the world -one piece of writing at a time. Not only is this sequel magnificent, I might actually like it better than the original. Aside from the great story it tells -the daring adventures! the madcap run-ins with famous historical figures! the inevitable breaking of rules and general child-hero mayhem!- it really delves into a side of Librarianship that's important to understand: A complete lack of censorship. 

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