Follow Friday #48

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for hosting Follow Friday every week!

I hadn't done a legitimate post in a while so I figured I'd try and wade back in with this one.

Q: Happy Mother’s Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction?

A: I think it would definitely have to be Mrs. Weasley. She's the kind of mom I like to think I am when it comes to my children. Mess with me and you'll have hell to pay. But she's so incredibly kind to Harry and treats him like her own. She's strong and a force to be reckoned with. Gotta love her.

What about you? Who is your favorite fictional mom?

Review - Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.

It's been a while since I just HAD to stay up and read a book until I finished it. Not that there aren't books that weren't worth it, because in the last couple of months I've read several... but with Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger I kept telling myself I was going to "just finish this one chapter and then go to bed" and I kept forgetting. Before I knew it I was done (and it was 3am).

I loved this story because for once it wasn't a girl finding out she was this mysterious person and a guy being the one to help her once she did. Vane didn't know who he was or why he kept dreaming of Audra. Or why he had such bad luck with girls. He was good looking and charming, but something always seemed to go wrong on his dates. Audra is a dedicated guardian sworn to protect Vane at all costs. An oath she doesn't take lightly. She isn't there for fun and games or hugs and kisses (something she has to keep reminding him about). She's there to make sure he's ready for what's to come.

Vane is cocky. But not in a bad way. He's not arrogant and his attitude isn't one of superiority. He's just.. cocky, in a funny sort of way. I loved seeing his thought process throughout the story. Audra is sad. She's dedicated and she's persistant, but she's sad. An empty shell of a person..er... sylph. I could literally feel the guilt that radiated through her the entire book. As well as Vane's feelings for her.

The story reminded me of Harry Potter at first. Vane was "The Boy Who Lived". He survived the tornado that killed his parents. He was the Miracle Child. There's a whole world who knows who he is, but he has no clue. He's got a past he can't remember no matter how hard he tries. It also reminded me of Avatar: The Last Air Bender. But I'll let you read to find out why.

There wasn't a lot of action, not in the way I normally see it. But the book was fast paced. I didn't want to put it down (obviously after a while... I didn't). I have this Peter Pan thing where I've always wanted to be able to fly (the whole "If you could have one superhero power what would it be?" thing) and this book brings me about as close as I'm going to get to it. Weird, I know, but what can I say. Kind of makes me wish I had some secret past I didn't know about where I was a Windwalker like Audra.

This was a fantastic story and I'm really relieved to find it's the first in a series. After the curveball thrown at the end, I would have been super disappointed if it had been a stand alone novel. There are a few.... fantasies.... that Vane has that would make this inappropriate for younger audiences, but I would definitely recommend it for anyone 16 and over. In fact, I would probably INSIST that you read it. It was that good. I can't wait for book number 2!

Harry Potter Gets a New Cover

Much like Anne of Green Gables, Harry Potter is getting a new look. However, this one will not be as disappointing. At least in my opinion. It's funny the things you stumble upon when looking at completely random posts on Buzzfeed.

I love the new cover because it keeps with the same feel as the previous ones illustrated by Mary GrandPre. The new covers will be designed by artist Kazu Kibuishi in honor of the series' 15th year (wow, it's been that long already?).

 

That's Mary GrandPre's original and wonderful cover version on the left. And Kazu Kibuishi's new version on the right. I love the new cover. I really do. I love the old covers, but you really get a new look in to the stories with Kazu's. It's absolutely stunning. I think these new covers will definitely do the story justice.

What do you think?

 

Oh... by the way....

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

 

Follow Friday #46

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for hosting Follow Friday every week!

This week's question is a toughie....

Q: What is the first thing you would do if you woke up to find yourself in your favorite book? via @GizmosReviews

A: There are so many different books for me to choose from I don't know which one is my all time favorite. I'd go for the Harry Potter series first of all, in which case I would run and make friends with Ron, Harry, and Hermione of course. Then there's Pride and Prejudice and if I woke up in THAT story I'd probably go for a walk with Lizzie Bennett or something. Then there's The Chronicles of Narnia. I'd want to wake up in time to see the creation of Narnia with Diggory and Polly.

I just can't pinpoint one favorite book. And this may sound weird, but I often find myself wondering this very thing. But... alas... it will never happen.

How about you guys. What would you do?

Review - So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

Act Three, Scene One
Betrie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue Nate from Sedna, the Sea Goddess. Now, all she has to do is reunite her father, the Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own.

Exit Stage Right
However, things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her father has vanished, Sedna is out for revenge, her own actions have trapped the Théâtre Illuminata in a strange kind of limbo, and the stress of her in-between state is tearing apart the fragile threads of her mother's sanity. Bertie's best hope for salvaging the situation may lie in a summons by Her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the Distant Castle, and the hope of winning the magical boon given to the best performance. Bertie is caught between her growing responsibilities to home and family, and the dream of flying free - just as her heart is torn between her two loves, Nate and Ariel. With so any forces pulling on her, how will Bertie be able to choose which wish to make come true?

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev is definitely an amazing conclusion to the Théâtre Illuminata series. Somewhat heartbreaking, but absolutely amazing.

Bertie has rescued Nate and is in search of  a way to bring her family back together. The Scrimshander has disappeared though so that's a little difficult for Bertie. Not to mention things between her, Ariel, and Nate are as complicated as ever.

Personally, I've always been Team Nate. Sexy, rugged Pirates are kind of my thing. It honestly was never a question, even through most of book three. I always thought Ariel was cocky and arrogant and just a giant jerk. I hated the fact that he was pulling Bertie away from Nate. Hated it. But by the end of the book I was actually incredibly heartbroken that he was gone. I actually wished he'd come back. Don't get me wrong, I'm still totally team Nate... but it was a sad, sad ending.

Bertie is such a different person by the end of the series. At the beginning she seems a typical mischevious teenage girl up to no good but at the close of book three she's grown leaps and bounds beyond her years and I forgot she wasn't twice her age. From a bother to the Mistress of Revels who can bend and twist and move the earth with mere words, she's become one of my all time favorite characters.

Her silly little faerie companions are wonderful as always. And even seem to have grown up a tad themselves at times. But then they remember how hungry they are and all pretense of maturity is gone as they search for sweets to fill their bellies. I love them and their devotion to Bertie. They truly are wonderful little friends.

I think Nate has come to terms with the fact that Bertie isn't who she was before. She's not someone in constant need of a babysitter, a rescuer. Sure she gets in her fair share of seemingly impossible situations, but instead of fighting her battles for her, Nate has learned to fight along side her instead. He's there for her when she needs him and he knows to leave her be when she doesn't.

The series is, by far, one of my favorites to date. It ranks up there with the likes of Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, The Wolves of Mercy Falls and The Hunger Games, etc. I was incredibly sad with the knowledge that once I turned the final page of the book, there would be no more to follow it. That it was over.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something fantastical and magical to read. And even for those of you looking for the complete opposite. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the slightest.

Missing Harry Potter

Today I kind of got the itch to watch Harry Potter again. Maybe it's seeing all the Harry Potter Halloween costumes and wishing there was one that I could buy (incidentally, I am taking my girls trick - or - treating this year as Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games). Maybe it's realizing again and again that there are no more books. No more movies. Harry Potter is done.

I don't think any book or any series will impact my life as epically as this one. I wish I could get my girls into it the way that I was. Sadly, my little one is too little and my big one just doesn't want to read them.

But I figured I would leave you all with this. Found it online, hope you enjoy.

Stacking the Shelves # 2

First of all, thanks to Tynga's Reviews for hosting Stacking the Shelves every week.

I haven't done one of these posts in a while because apparently I've just bought all the books my shelf will hold (and my wallet will support) for a bit. However, I did go to a yard sale this past weekend and got myself a cool little treasure.

What you can't see is that it has gold fringe all the way around. I took this picture with my cell phone though so it's not a terrific one. But how cool is that? The other side just has a big H on it in gold. And if you look close, you'll see everything in gold is glittery too.

What did you all get this week?

Adventures in Babysitting: Harry Potter Edition

So I've been babysitting my nieces for the last few weeks. My sister's German au pair (and my friend ::sad face::) left to go home and she had no one else to watch them. So... cue my entrance. I must say, I am the greatest auntie in the world. We've been to an insect zoo, a civil war museum, the pet store, the SPCA, the movies to watch Ice Age 4, the pool... they've played with snakes and brought home frogs from church.

Unfortunately, I'd packed all of my awesome into the last couple of weeks and as of yesterday, I'd run out of things to do. Or at least, that's what I thought. Thanks to ideas from my wonderful boyfriend however, I quickly came up with rainy day funness and so more awesomeness ensued.

First we went to the craft store for clay and poster board and crayons, etc. Then to Walmart for Cream Soda, Butterscotch pudding, and some Powerade Zeros for myself.

We got home and I went to work drawing up posters with a name of each one of the Tri-Wizard Tournament contestants. So four posters total. I put a number with each name and had the girls pick a number randomly and then gave them the poster that corresponded with said number. Then they got to work decorating their "cheerleading" posters.

While they did that I got to work on my own project (this is where the polymer clay comes in). I'd always wanted to try making something out of clay... so I attempted a little Severus Snape and a little Quidditch Broom. Results were not wonderful, but they weren't bad for my first try.

See? Not horrible. But like I said... not wonderful either. I'm sure if I keep trying I'll get better. Who knows.

The girls finished up their posters and I moved on to phase 2 of their Harry Potter night. Butterbeer. I poured about 2-3 cups of Cream Soda into the blender, added a ton of ice and two Butterscotch Pudding cups, and turned it on high for a minute et voila. Frozen Butterbeer. Yum. Got Goblet of Fire into the DVD player, passed out the Butterbeer and had the girls sit down with their posters. And there they've been ever since.

Hooray for Harry Potter. I may not be able to get them to actually read the books, but at least I can get them to watch the movies and enjoy those.

Cheers!

Gifts for the Avid Reader

Just surfing around Etsy again and found some interesting things to show you all.

Hunger Games Inspired Necklace by bottledwonders

Recycled Book Paper Earrings by FoldingTheLibrary

The Hobbit Tolkien Geekery Flower Brooch Altered Book by whatanovelidea

I Love Mr. Darcy Necklace, Pride and Prejudice Jewelry by heavenstobessie

Alice in Wonderland Glass Miniature Drink Me Necklace w/ handmade label by GeekOUTlet

Wrap Up With A Good Book Scarf: Pride and Prejudice- longer length by storiarts

Altered Book Art-Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by Raidersofthelostart

Harry Potter FANTASTIC Time Turner WATCH necklace by oldjunkyardboutique

Hope you all enjoyed some of these. They're all for sale on Etsy so go check them out!

Follow Friday #41

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for hosting FF every week!

This week's question:

Q: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?

A: Hmmm... that's a hard one. I don't know. First thing that popped into my head was Tucker from Unearthly, by Cynthia Hand... but I don't know who I'd put him against. Then Cole from Maggie Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series pushed Tucker out of the way. But again, don't know who I'd have him battle it out with. I think they are both phenomenal characters (I totally love them) but I don't know if I'd want them to battle anyone really. Ugh. Always with the hard questions. Maybe Eragon from the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini vs. Harry Potter. :-P What do you think? Both able to use magic, but two totally different types of magic. Would be interesting.

Who would you pick?

Follow Friday #36

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for hosting Follow Friday every week!

This weeks question:

Q: BeefcakeandBabes Asks: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?

A: Hmmm.... I read a lot of epic fantasy so there aer LOTS of unique and unusual character names. Like Murtagh or Galbatorix or Islanzadi from the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. Legolas, Eowyn, Faramir and 99.9% of the names from Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Hermione (I know this one may only be unique to me), Albus Dumbledore (I love what this one means), Minerva McGonagall from Harry Potter by JK Rowling. Katsa and Po from Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Sabriel and Lirael from the books of the same name by Garth Nix. There are probably tons more that I could find but I think I've taken up enough room. :-P

Music Videos About Books

Was catching up on some Alex Day videos on youtube when up popped something interesting in the side bar. So I clicked on it. And here's what video graced my computer screen.



It's really cute. I loved it. It was fun and funny. And I loved about 2 minutes into it when the Mad Hatter takes Alice's hand. And the Red Queen's faces are priceless.

And then I saw this one:



And I loved it too. Sometimes the cleverness of people astounds me. The songs are catchy and just interesting to listen to. You all should check them out! Who doesn't love Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter?

Daring You to Read - Fire Bringer by David Clement - Davies

Daring You to Read is hosted every week by Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews.

Here's how it works:

- You choose a book you’ve read, loved and would dare your readers to read!

- The book you choose must be an older release (at least 6 months ago), because let’s be honest, we’re all quite aware of the latest releases.

- Write your own blog post, using the button and linking back to Tynga’s Reviews, inviting your readers to read your chosen book.

- Come back on Tynga’s Reviews and put your link in the linking tool.

- Browse other bloggers Dare and let them know if you’ve read their featured book, or plan on reading it.

- Super easy and an awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

This week I'm daring you to read Fire Bringer by David Clement - Davies.

Young buck Rannoch was born on the night his father was murdered and into a herd of deer where hunger for power has gradually whittled away at all that is true and good. He knows he must escape to survive. Chased by stags, with their fearsome antlers sharpened for the kill, he begins a treacherous journey into the unknown, and ahead of him lies a shocking and formidable search for truth and goodwill in the shadow of the Great Mountain.
One day he will have to return to his home and face his destiny among the deer to fulfill the prophecy that has persistently given them hope: that one day a fawn will be born with the mark of an oak leaf on his forehead and that fawn's courage will lead all the deer to freedom. Filled with passion and a darkness that gradually, through Rannoch's courage in the face of adversity, lifts to reveal an overwhelming feeling of light, Fire Bringer is a tremendous, spirited story that takes the reader deep into the hearts and minds of its characters as they fight for their right to live in peace.

I read the book at the beginning of the year. I'd never heard of it before picking it up at the library I don't think (it's been a while, so I don't remember what made me grab it off the shelves). I loved it though. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, but with animals instead of people. I saw a lot of reviews on this that said it was a rip off of Watership Down by Richard Adams, but I have to admit, I've never read the book so I wouldn't know.

And honestly, who cares if it's like another book. Everyone gets their ideas from somewhere right? This book was an exciting read that made me angry at some characters and fearful for others. Any book that can make me feel ANYTHING (other than feeling like I want to throw it out the window, that is) is a good book in my opinion. And if you can take an idea that's been used before and do it again with a new twist, one that interests and entertains people, more power to you.

So go to your local library and pick this up.

I dare you. :-)

Follow Friday #28

Follow Friday is hosted every week by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.

Originally, I had a different post ready for this. I was supposed to be skiing and tubing and having all kinds of fun tomorrow at a resort a few hours away.

Obviously, I am not there. Want to know why?

No snow.

Hard to make snow when it's 65 degrees every day. :-X

So on with our regularly scheduled programming.

Q: If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

A. The first book that popped into my head was definitely Pride & Prejudice. The manners, the romance, the landscape. Families were close then. Cared about each other. The second book that popped in to my head IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING Pride & Prejudice was Harry Potter. For obvious reasons. I'd only want to be there if I got to go to Hogwarts though. I couldn't be a muggle. Or a squib. No thank you.

How about you?

Follow Friday #26

Follow Friday is hosted every week by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

This week's question:

Q: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

A: Ugh, a tough tough question. There are so many books that I think everyone should read. :-P It's hard to choose just one. I should cheat with this question and say Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or even The Chronicles of Narnia. The truth is, I don't know if there IS just one book that I'd recommend to absolutely everyone. I know that I've told everyone I know that they should read The Hunger Games. Does that count? I really can't think of just one..... hmmm.

On that note, I CAN tell you that there are books that I think you  guys should check out. I've got two giveaways going on right now that NEED ENTRIES!! All you have to do is comment with your email address. Please? One ends SATURDAY. That one would be for 2 signed copies of Tears of the Broken by A.M. Hudson. She's really great and up until a bit ago her book and been online for everyone to read. She's just recently published it in paperback and she's really excited. It's great. I suggest you enter for a chance to win a copy! With the other, Bluebell publishing is offering a copy of Experience by Meg Kerr. It's a sequel to Pride and Prejudice and it's just wonderful. I love it!

Please go enter. Please?

Ok, now that that plug is done, I'm off to see what books you guys would recommend to everyone!

Bookworm Christmas Gifts

Marcie from To Read or Not to Read had a really good idea when she posted some bookish Christmas jewelry gift ideas. I thought I'd take a page out of her book and show you some of the things I've found that I think would make great gifts too!

Links are posted below the pictures so you can get there easily!

Steampunk Harry Potter Time Turner Necklace

I mean seriously, how cool is that. I love it.

Mr. Darcy - Pride & Prejudice Quote Necklace

::Swoons:: Oh how I love Mr. Darcy.

A Study In Scarlet - Sherlock Holmes Mystery Charm Bracelet

I love how this one is so busy. It's gorgeous. And the little Sherlock Holmes charms are great!

Winnie The Pooh Earrings

I love the miniature typewriter! It's wicked cute. Tons of detail.

Alice in Wonderland - Mad Hatter Sterling Silver Ring

I don't know what to say about this other than I love it.

Pirates of the Caribbean - Steampunk Skull Necklace and Key

Ok, I know this isn't a book, but I still <3 POtC. And The blue in that necklace is outstanding.

Harry Potter - Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans Charm Bracelet

Looks good enough to eat! But don't try, because it's polymer clay. :-) Very well done.

Ok, so it's taken me a loooong time to get this entry done. I've gotten distracted nearly every time I've looked at something on Etsy and now I'm watching Pride & Prejudice and Mr. Darcy is demanding all of my attention now. :-) So I hope if you were looking for gifts for your bookish friends, these gave you some ideas! 

Follow Friday #24

It's time again for Follow Friday! I'm a bit late posting this one, but better late than never right?
This weeks question:

Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

A. Well, there are a few different things.

1. First of all, I'm thankful for Jess aka The Cozy Reader. I don't remember how exactly I found her blog, but in doing so, I found literally HUNDREDS of books that I couldn't wait to get my hands on. Some of them, unfortunately, I'm still waiting on. But I'd been in a reading rut, and I got so many great "suggestions" from reading her.
2. Second, I'm thankful for Siobhan at Totally Bookalicious for being my ONLY follower for the longest time when I restarted my blog.
3. I'm thankful for memes. Without them I wouldn't have gotten to meet some of the coolest book bloggers. I love checking in with The Story Siren every week to see what new books she has. It's a blast looking for teasers every Tuesday to post on Miz B's wall at Should Be Reading. And then of course there's Follow Friday brought to us by Parajunkee. I love reading her BB101 posts too. It's so fun to participate in these things and it gave me a chance to "meet" a lot of really cool people.
4. I'm thankful that blogging has opened up the book world to me. I've had the good fortune to meet Maggie Stiefvater in person during a book signing as well as authors like A.M. Hudson, Shelley Watters, and Lisa Mantchev online. They are all fantastic people and are all wonderful authors.

Books that I'm thankful for?

Harry Potter. Definitely. I used to read. A lot. And I know I've posted about this in here before somewhere, but I'm going to do it again. There was a time when I was severely depressed and couldn't figure out how to get out of my own way. I probably hadn't picked up a book in forever. And then I remembered Harry Potter. I'd read it in highschool, but I decided to pick it up again. Which was a big for me because I hadn't felt like even opening the cover of any other book in a long time.

Reading Harry Potter took me away from all the stuff that was being thrown in my face left and right. It let me be someone else for as long as I could stay awake and read it. It gave me something to look forward to and be excited about. And as silly as this may sound, while I'm reading, the characters in the books are my friends. It was my escape. They took me away to somewhere better. They let me stop hurting and being angry. I could breathe again.

I think Harry Potter will forever be my all time favorite series.

And with that, I've written too much and bored you all.

What were you all thankful for this year?

Review: Eragon (Audio CD) by Christopher Paolini (narrated by Gerard Doyle)

So in anticipation of the final installment in the Inheritance Cycle, I re-listened to the audio CD version of Eragon by Christopher Paolini. I think I said in a recent post that this audio version is narrated by Gerard Doyle and I have to say I think he is just fantastic. He is tied with Jim Dale who narrates Harry Potter (and has played parts in movies like Pete's Dragon). 

Eragon has been one of my favorite series and I think the narrator plays a big part. I love Saphira's voice and honestly, I can't figure out how he does it without destroying his throat.

Now, there are times when Christopher Paolini goes in to TOO MUCH detail, and it kind of drags on when you're reading, but when you listen to someone else read it, it's not so bad. It's entertaining and best of all, it keeps my GIRLS entertained too. Which is generally a hard thing to do.

I love the series and really wish it had ended with Brisingr, but I understand there was just too much to fit in to one book. But he sure has taken his sweet time letting go of this fourth one. A lot of people say the series mimicks Lord of the Rings with the Urgls being like the Orcs and what not. But really, I don't care. Everyone gets their ideas from someone right?

I definitely suggest everyone who's read the book pick up the audio CDs. Even if you haven't read it and hadn't planned on it, you should pick up the audio CDs. Let someone else do the reading for you.

In My Mailbox #19

IMM is hosted every week by Kristi The Story Siren.

I didn't receive any new books in the mail this week.

But I got something almost better.

I found a ton of OLD books! Books that I'd been missing for years and had counted as lost completely.

I found all of my Harry Potter books that I'd been missing (and I now have 3 copies of The Sorcerer's Stone) so now I don't have to rebuy them! I found all the of the books in the original Bartimaeus Trilogy (although now I understand there's a 4th book) by Jonathan Stroud. I found my copies of Eragon and Eldest, by Christopher Paolini, to go on the bookshelf with my copy of Brisingr. I found Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I found Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. And more that I can't remember.

Follow Friday #21

Follow Friday is hosted every week by Parajunkee. Go check out her page for details and such!

This weeks question:

Q: If you could have characters from a book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a TV series, which characters would you choose and why?


A. Part of me wants to say Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory and the characters from Harry Potter. Because I love Sheldon and I just think it would be hilarious. Another part of me says Jax from Sons of Anarchy and Katniss from The Hunger Games. Or better yet, Katsa from Graceling. Because Jax is just kick @$$ enough to get business taken care of, but caring enough to be swoon worthy. ::sigh:: I <3 Jax.
 
What characters would you pick?