Bella Swan
Katniss Everdeen
Rose Hathaway
Kaylee Cavanaugh
Leave any explanations or discussion in the comments.
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Showing posts with label characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label characters. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Weak vs. Strong Wrap-Up
Last week, I presented four lead heroines that I felt fell in different parts of the Weak Character--Strong Character Scale. Now, it's up to you to decide. Which character is your favorite?
Bella Swan
Katniss Everdeen
Rose Hathaway
Kaylee Cavanaugh
Leave any explanations or discussion in the comments.
Bella Swan
Katniss Everdeen
Rose Hathaway
Kaylee Cavanaugh
Leave any explanations or discussion in the comments.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Weak vs. Strong: Kaylee Cavanaugh
Soul Screamer's Kaylee Cavanaugh is someone I'd consider to be weak with moments of strength, at least at the beginning. Towards the later books, I'd consider her more of a strong character, but that's a discussion for another day.
At the beginning of the series, Kaylee has no idea what's going on with her or anything about bean sidhes, reapers, or the Netherworld. Because of this, she must rely on others to fill her in and help her control her bean sidhe nature. She's weak in the sense that she doesn't have the necessary knowledge and she is physically overwhelmed by some of the characters and challenges she faces.
What I like about Kaylee is that she doesn't allow this weakness to overtake her. She doesn't have knowledge, so what does she do? She seeks it. She's not as strong physically as some of her opponents, so she finds creative ways to engage them in an attack. Kaylee doesn't allow herself to be overwhelmed by her challenges. She starts off as a weak character with moments of strength and develops into someone I'd consider to be a strong character (although, she is disadvantaged in many ways).
What do you think about Kaylee? Should she be weaker or stronger? Stay how she is?
At the beginning of the series, Kaylee has no idea what's going on with her or anything about bean sidhes, reapers, or the Netherworld. Because of this, she must rely on others to fill her in and help her control her bean sidhe nature. She's weak in the sense that she doesn't have the necessary knowledge and she is physically overwhelmed by some of the characters and challenges she faces.
What I like about Kaylee is that she doesn't allow this weakness to overtake her. She doesn't have knowledge, so what does she do? She seeks it. She's not as strong physically as some of her opponents, so she finds creative ways to engage them in an attack. Kaylee doesn't allow herself to be overwhelmed by her challenges. She starts off as a weak character with moments of strength and develops into someone I'd consider to be a strong character (although, she is disadvantaged in many ways).
What do you think about Kaylee? Should she be weaker or stronger? Stay how she is?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Weak vs. Strong: Rose Hathaway
One of the best examples I have of a well-rounded strong and weak character is Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy series. She's a character I would consider as strong with moments of weakness.
Rose is clearly a kickbutt fighter from her guardian training. She can not only keep up with the boys in her class, but she is considered better than most (if not all) of them. On top of being able to kick your butt, she's intelligent, sexy, sassy, and fun. What's better than that?
Although Rose is a strong character, there are things too large for her to handle. She needs help sometimes and has to learn how to ask for it. Also, she does become overwhelmed emotionally on occasion (with good reason). She doesn't necessarily like others to see it, but she does break down with some people she's comfortable with. This gives her a realness that's hard to replicate.
Overall, I'm 100% satisfied with Rose as a character. She's strong, yet vulnerable, and learns from her mistakes. What do you think?
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Weak vs. Strong: Katniss Everdeen
Katniss Everdeen is the anti-Bella. She's exceedingly strong and independent. So much so, that she rarely shows any vulnerability. When she does reveal her vulnerability, it is often when she is alone, like she can't break down to other people.
In my opinion, Katniss comes off as a little too strong. Don't get me wrong, I love her as a character. I think she's a great character and a good person for young people (and not-so-young people) to read about. However, she holds her emotions inside. She can't bare to let other people see any hint of weakness. Given her circumstances (particularly the Hunger Games themselves), this makes perfect sense. However, it doesn't give us a good well-rounded experience of Katniss.
I've heard readers say they love Katniss as a character, but they wouldn't think they'd ever be friends in real life. Now, that's not necessarily a criticism, but I think it can be. Katniss is so rough around the edges that readers don't think they'd be able to make a real connection to her if she was a real person. To me, this signifies a character that could benefit from allowing their vulnerable side to show more often.
What do you think? Should Katniss tear down some of her walls? Continue on as is? Or harden herself even more to become stronger?
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Weak vs. Strong: Bella Swan
Okay, let's just get this one out of the way early. Who's our favorite damsel in distress? Bella Swan
The biggest complaint I ever hear about Bella is that she's too weak as a character. She allows her love for Edward to completely take over her life. She relies on him and can't function when he's away from her. Additionally, she's weak physically. She's described as a small person who can easily be overpowered by humans, let alone vampires. For this reason, she rarely fights back for anything that happens to her (what's the point?).
I'm actually going to argue this one a little. I think Bella is extremely strong-willed. Yes, you may disagree with what she's fighting for (to be indefinitely connected to Edward), but it is something she fights for. She's determined to get what she wants and won't be easily swayed by others. And, let's get real here, it would be kind of pointless for her to fight back against vampires. She's entirely too human.
Now, my rebellious let's-say-something-nice-about-Bella-because-I-still-kinda-like-her stuff aside, she does fall on the weak end of the scale. I would have preferred if she was a bit stronger and I think her likability would have improved greatly if she was. Sure, I wouldn't expect her to be physically very strong, especially against vampires, but isn't she really smart? The book implies that she is. If so, why isn't she portrayed as a great strategist or something? Having that extra element would have made her more interesting and shown off how she could be an asset to the Cullen Coven.
So, what do you think? Is Bella fine as is? Needs a strengthening make-over? Or (heaven forbid) should she have come across as weaker?
The biggest complaint I ever hear about Bella is that she's too weak as a character. She allows her love for Edward to completely take over her life. She relies on him and can't function when he's away from her. Additionally, she's weak physically. She's described as a small person who can easily be overpowered by humans, let alone vampires. For this reason, she rarely fights back for anything that happens to her (what's the point?).
I'm actually going to argue this one a little. I think Bella is extremely strong-willed. Yes, you may disagree with what she's fighting for (to be indefinitely connected to Edward), but it is something she fights for. She's determined to get what she wants and won't be easily swayed by others. And, let's get real here, it would be kind of pointless for her to fight back against vampires. She's entirely too human.
Now, my rebellious let's-say-something-nice-about-Bella-because-I-still-kinda-like-her stuff aside, she does fall on the weak end of the scale. I would have preferred if she was a bit stronger and I think her likability would have improved greatly if she was. Sure, I wouldn't expect her to be physically very strong, especially against vampires, but isn't she really smart? The book implies that she is. If so, why isn't she portrayed as a great strategist or something? Having that extra element would have made her more interesting and shown off how she could be an asset to the Cullen Coven.
So, what do you think? Is Bella fine as is? Needs a strengthening make-over? Or (heaven forbid) should she have come across as weaker?
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Monday, November 7, 2011
Weak vs. Strong
I recently had an interesting twitter conversation about weak and strong characters. In my opinion, characters are the most realistic and work the best when they have a mixture of weak and strong. A character who is strong all the time is boring and one who is weak all the time is annoying. But, when you can combine the characteristics, make a weak character have moments of strength or have a strong character reveal his or her vulnerability, that's when magic happens.
Personally, I'm in love with tortured strong characters. Nothing brings me more delight than watching my favorite strong characters break down (I'm sadistic, I know).
What about you? Do you like the strong lead or a weak one who finds strength? Do you prefer the strong to stay strong and the weak to stay weak?
All this week I'll be exploring different characters and where they fall on the strong/weak scale. I will say that an entirely weak or entirely strong character isn't wrong, it's just not my favorite. Authors have a variety of reasons for the choices they make, regardless of whether or not I like them. I'm going to stick with lead heroines for this discussion and you can see how they compare.
Personally, I'm in love with tortured strong characters. Nothing brings me more delight than watching my favorite strong characters break down (I'm sadistic, I know).
What about you? Do you like the strong lead or a weak one who finds strength? Do you prefer the strong to stay strong and the weak to stay weak?
All this week I'll be exploring different characters and where they fall on the strong/weak scale. I will say that an entirely weak or entirely strong character isn't wrong, it's just not my favorite. Authors have a variety of reasons for the choices they make, regardless of whether or not I like them. I'm going to stick with lead heroines for this discussion and you can see how they compare.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Writer Wednesday
Characters can make a break a story, no question. The problem is, readers and writers have different opinions of what a good character is. In my mind, there are three different types of characters: realistic characters, role models, and fantasy characters.
Realistic characters are those characters often found in contemporary fiction (though, definitely present in all genres). These characters are real. They are the people you meet on the street, your friends, your family, you. They have good and bad aspects of themselves that are portrayed throughout the novel. And, their flaws are not the type of "I'm too loving, that's why I'm over-protective" type of flaws. They're real flaws like, "I'm stubborn and kind of moody," or "I lie a lot."
GOOD: Realistic characters feel real. You can relate to them and see yourself in their shoes. You can also watch them grow from the mistakes they inevitably make.
BAD: Realistic characters can be frustrating. Some times you want to yell at them for the stupid decisions they're making. Also, when you're looking for an escape from real life, reading about such realistic characters isn't always the kind of fix you need (at least, it's not for me).
EXAMPLE: Samantha Kingston from Before I Fall. Samantha is a popular girl who smokes, drinks, and is not always nice. She's got plenty of flaws and they're all out on display (especially in the beginning). But, she's real. All those bad things she's done, are they really all that bad when you think about your high school experience? Even if you didn't do all those things, they aren't exactly breaking the mold here.
Role models are the types of characters you want to be. They are healthy characters who make good decisions and should be looked up to for those reasons. Sure, authors may give them some flaws too, but these are often more minor flaws that they are able to overcome or the "I'm too loving, that's why I'm overprotective" kind of flaws. Role models are often characters that you'd want to hang out with because they are just good people.
GOOD: Role models give the reader something to strive for. These characters set a good example and show the reader that they can do the right thing in tough situations. I find that many people seem to want all YA characters to be role models because they want the young adult readers to only be reading about good influences.
BAD: Role models are often unrealistic. Do you seriously mean to tell me that while in the middle of a huge, chaotic fantastical plot where secrets have been harbored for years, you're part of some strange new world, and lives may be at stake, that you're really worried that some magical being may have magically stolen a $2 cup of coffee? That's noble and all, but I doubt that's what would really be on your mind in that moment.
EXAMPLE: Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments. She's eager to please and doesn't want to upset anyone. She has high moral standards and does her best to always stick to them. Even when she's angry or does something that would upset someone else, she always comes back around. She can see her own flaws and work on them.
Fantasy characters are similar to role models. They are the people we want to be or the people we want to be around. Role models are all noble and such, but they don't always say or do the right thing (socially). Their morals are right where they belong, but role models may still not be able to whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Fantasy characters can. They know exactly what to do or say in every situation. Sure, they may have some of those not-flaws, flaws like "I'm too loving, that's why I'm overprotective," but they usually don't have many real flaws either. Fantasy characters are most prominent in romance, but they can be found anywhere.
GOOD: As the title implies, fantasy characters give you exactly what you want: fantasy. Reading books about these characters completely takes you away from reality and satisfies the wish-fullfillment aspect of reading.
BAD: Fantasy characters are entirely unrealistic. Don't go try to find your real man based on a fantasy character because it won't work. He's not out there. Honestly, if I found someone in the real world who acted just like a fantasy character, I'd probably run away screaming. No one is that perfect and anyone who appears to be has got something hidden up their sleeve.
EXAMPLE: Edward Cullen. He always says the right thing, does exactly what you'd want him to, and his flaws make you love him even more (ie, too overprotective because he loves you). He's practically the definition of fantasy character.
Of course, these designations aren't completely black-and-white. There's lots of overlap and mixing that occurs. For me, I think the best characters are a mix, particularly a mix of realistic and role model. But, I also love reading about fantasy romance leads.
Which types of characters do you like to read about most? Are there any other clear-cut examples in your mind?
GOOD: Realistic characters feel real. You can relate to them and see yourself in their shoes. You can also watch them grow from the mistakes they inevitably make.
BAD: Realistic characters can be frustrating. Some times you want to yell at them for the stupid decisions they're making. Also, when you're looking for an escape from real life, reading about such realistic characters isn't always the kind of fix you need (at least, it's not for me).
EXAMPLE: Samantha Kingston from Before I Fall. Samantha is a popular girl who smokes, drinks, and is not always nice. She's got plenty of flaws and they're all out on display (especially in the beginning). But, she's real. All those bad things she's done, are they really all that bad when you think about your high school experience? Even if you didn't do all those things, they aren't exactly breaking the mold here.
Role models are the types of characters you want to be. They are healthy characters who make good decisions and should be looked up to for those reasons. Sure, authors may give them some flaws too, but these are often more minor flaws that they are able to overcome or the "I'm too loving, that's why I'm overprotective" kind of flaws. Role models are often characters that you'd want to hang out with because they are just good people.
GOOD: Role models give the reader something to strive for. These characters set a good example and show the reader that they can do the right thing in tough situations. I find that many people seem to want all YA characters to be role models because they want the young adult readers to only be reading about good influences.
BAD: Role models are often unrealistic. Do you seriously mean to tell me that while in the middle of a huge, chaotic fantastical plot where secrets have been harbored for years, you're part of some strange new world, and lives may be at stake, that you're really worried that some magical being may have magically stolen a $2 cup of coffee? That's noble and all, but I doubt that's what would really be on your mind in that moment.
EXAMPLE: Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments. She's eager to please and doesn't want to upset anyone. She has high moral standards and does her best to always stick to them. Even when she's angry or does something that would upset someone else, she always comes back around. She can see her own flaws and work on them.
Fantasy characters are similar to role models. They are the people we want to be or the people we want to be around. Role models are all noble and such, but they don't always say or do the right thing (socially). Their morals are right where they belong, but role models may still not be able to whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Fantasy characters can. They know exactly what to do or say in every situation. Sure, they may have some of those not-flaws, flaws like "I'm too loving, that's why I'm overprotective," but they usually don't have many real flaws either. Fantasy characters are most prominent in romance, but they can be found anywhere.
GOOD: As the title implies, fantasy characters give you exactly what you want: fantasy. Reading books about these characters completely takes you away from reality and satisfies the wish-fullfillment aspect of reading.
BAD: Fantasy characters are entirely unrealistic. Don't go try to find your real man based on a fantasy character because it won't work. He's not out there. Honestly, if I found someone in the real world who acted just like a fantasy character, I'd probably run away screaming. No one is that perfect and anyone who appears to be has got something hidden up their sleeve.
EXAMPLE: Edward Cullen. He always says the right thing, does exactly what you'd want him to, and his flaws make you love him even more (ie, too overprotective because he loves you). He's practically the definition of fantasy character.
Of course, these designations aren't completely black-and-white. There's lots of overlap and mixing that occurs. For me, I think the best characters are a mix, particularly a mix of realistic and role model. But, I also love reading about fantasy romance leads.
Which types of characters do you like to read about most? Are there any other clear-cut examples in your mind?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Heart-Breaker Recap
I hope you all had as much fun with my sidekick/funny man week as I did. It was great to get your feedback and discussion about some of my favorite characters. You all are a passionate group, that's for sure.
As I suspected, most of the votes were against me (or, my team, I should say).
Heart-Breaker #1:
Dylan 6%
Logan 19%
Zachary 76%
No surprises here. Zachary didn't make it to the finals of the YA Crush Tournament for nothing. I suspected most votes would go to him, but I'm proud of the Team Logan and also the support for Dylan. :D Totally didn't expect him to get the votes, but glad he did.
Heart-Breaker #2:
Ash 75%
Puck 25%
Also, no surprises here. Ash is a great character, whom I also love dearly. However, I hadn't yet read Summer's Crossing at the point I wrote this post. Oh man, do I love Puck even more or what?
Heartbreaker #3:
Nash 28%
Tod 72%
Aaaaand....holy Tod am I glad he won! :D I suspect this has a lot to do with his potential for being a romantic interest in the next book. Again, pointing to the YA Crush Tournament, I wasn't surprised at this outcome.
So? What can I make of these results?
I stand by my first conclusion: I fall for the wrong freaking dude...most of the time. But that's okay. I'll keep my sidekicks, my funny men, my heartbreakers. If you don't want them, more for me!
As I suspected, most of the votes were against me (or, my team, I should say).
Heart-Breaker #1:
Dylan 6%
Logan 19%
Zachary 76%
No surprises here. Zachary didn't make it to the finals of the YA Crush Tournament for nothing. I suspected most votes would go to him, but I'm proud of the Team Logan and also the support for Dylan. :D Totally didn't expect him to get the votes, but glad he did.
Heart-Breaker #2:
Ash 75%
Puck 25%
Also, no surprises here. Ash is a great character, whom I also love dearly. However, I hadn't yet read Summer's Crossing at the point I wrote this post. Oh man, do I love Puck even more or what?
Heartbreaker #3:
Nash 28%
Tod 72%
Aaaaand....holy Tod am I glad he won! :D I suspect this has a lot to do with his potential for being a romantic interest in the next book. Again, pointing to the YA Crush Tournament, I wasn't surprised at this outcome.
So? What can I make of these results?
I stand by my first conclusion: I fall for the wrong freaking dude...most of the time. But that's okay. I'll keep my sidekicks, my funny men, my heartbreakers. If you don't want them, more for me!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Heart-Breaker #3: Tod Hudson
Last, but absolutely not least, Heart-Breaker #3:
Tod Hudson from SOUL SCREAMERS series by Rachel Vincent
**SPOILER LEVEL: Moderate (through book 3ish)**
Tod Hudson is your friendly, neighborhood, grim reaper. Okay, so maybe he's not always so friendly, or neighborly, but he is a reaper. He's described as having curly blond hair, bright blue eyes, and "cherubic lips." He was a bean sidle before death, so his eyes do that cool swirly thing too. Tod has a wicked sense of humor and specializes in showing up at the most annoying time. I swear the line, "Damn it, Tod!" is Nash's most uttered phrase.
Oh my Tod, the ways in which I heart you. First, did I mention he's hilarious? He's got that quick witted humor that makes me laugh out loud. If taken seriously, his words would make him sound like a serious jerk, but he's not. Being a reaper takes some emotional strength and I suspect Tod uses humor to deal with it.
Second, Tod may come off as a jerk sometimes, but he's incredibly protective of those he loves. Example, he went to the Netherworld to help save his ex-girlfriend's soul. When he couldn't do it, he spent time with her soul everyday to help keep her sane. Also, have you read REAPER? What is more self-sacrificing than that? Tod wasn't always this protective of Kaylee, but she doesn't need him to be. He's her friend and she can handle herself, for the most part. That said, he's always there to help when she asks and he has become more careful of putting her in danger. He stands up for her against Nash, but doesn't fight her battle for her.
Third, I love the curse potential with his name. "For the love of Tod," "Oh my Tod," "For Tod's sake," "For all that is Tod and holy," are some of my favorites (*not in the books). Honestly, after reading the books, I went around randomly saying "Damn it, Tod!" to all my siblings and friends (*in the books). Hilarious.
Tod hasn't been a romantic interest in the books, but I'm hoping that changes with IF I DIE. He is totally swoonworthy and I'd love to see him with Kaylee. He's not a total bad boy, but not a complete sweep-you-off-your-feet good guy either. He's your hilarious friend that you begin to realize is hot and not such a bad guy to be with.
Let's end with a picture, yes?
Um, yeah. *wins my heart*
Tod Hudson from SOUL SCREAMERS series by Rachel Vincent
**SPOILER LEVEL: Moderate (through book 3ish)**
Tod Hudson is your friendly, neighborhood, grim reaper. Okay, so maybe he's not always so friendly, or neighborly, but he is a reaper. He's described as having curly blond hair, bright blue eyes, and "cherubic lips." He was a bean sidle before death, so his eyes do that cool swirly thing too. Tod has a wicked sense of humor and specializes in showing up at the most annoying time. I swear the line, "Damn it, Tod!" is Nash's most uttered phrase.
Oh my Tod, the ways in which I heart you. First, did I mention he's hilarious? He's got that quick witted humor that makes me laugh out loud. If taken seriously, his words would make him sound like a serious jerk, but he's not. Being a reaper takes some emotional strength and I suspect Tod uses humor to deal with it.
Second, Tod may come off as a jerk sometimes, but he's incredibly protective of those he loves. Example, he went to the Netherworld to help save his ex-girlfriend's soul. When he couldn't do it, he spent time with her soul everyday to help keep her sane. Also, have you read REAPER? What is more self-sacrificing than that? Tod wasn't always this protective of Kaylee, but she doesn't need him to be. He's her friend and she can handle herself, for the most part. That said, he's always there to help when she asks and he has become more careful of putting her in danger. He stands up for her against Nash, but doesn't fight her battle for her.
Third, I love the curse potential with his name. "For the love of Tod," "Oh my Tod," "For Tod's sake," "For all that is Tod and holy," are some of my favorites (*not in the books). Honestly, after reading the books, I went around randomly saying "Damn it, Tod!" to all my siblings and friends (*in the books). Hilarious.
Tod hasn't been a romantic interest in the books, but I'm hoping that changes with IF I DIE. He is totally swoonworthy and I'd love to see him with Kaylee. He's not a total bad boy, but not a complete sweep-you-off-your-feet good guy either. He's your hilarious friend that you begin to realize is hot and not such a bad guy to be with.
Let's end with a picture, yes?
Um, yeah. *wins my heart*
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Heart-Breaker #2: Puck
Continuing our funny man/sidekick week, I present to you, Heart-Breaker #2:
Puck from THE IRON FEY by Julie Kagawa
**SPOILER LEVEL: Slight**
Puck (aka Robbie Goodfell, Robin Goodfellow) is Meghan's best friend at the beginning of THE IRON KING. He's also the same Puck from A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM. He's a prankster. The court jester. He's constantly causing trouble and teasing Meghan. Puck has red hair and green eyes. Plus, he's fey, so he's obviously beautiful. Don't believe me? Just look at this image from the back cover for THE IRON KNIGHT:
*dies*
Okay, back to why I love him. *takes one more peak at picture* Puck is Meghan's friend from the beginning. He knows her. It's not a lust-at-first-sight kind of thing that happens all too often in YA books. Puck has spent years around Meghan, being her friend and protecting her (though she didn't know about that bit). And you know what? Meghan likes him too. Sure, she's only seeing him as friend material (at least for now), but she likes him. She finds comfort in his presence and would do anything to protect him as well.
Not only is the sexy, sarcastic Puck able to make us laugh, but he can kick some serious butt too. He's skilled with weapons and can duke it out with the brooding bad boy, Prince Ash. Since Ash's fighting prowess is highlighted as exceptional, that means Puck's no light weight. He's a serious contender in any match. Better yet, he gets a mischievous glint in his eye and a wicked smile on his face as he does so (reference picture above).
Prince Ash fans, I'll concede that the tortured soul has my empathy too. He's a good match for Meghan and has tons of awesome qualities to his name. But, given the choice between the two, I'd pick Puck everytime. I'd want someone who can make me laugh, not just have my back in a fight. All that broodiness is a real downer when you've already got the weight of the Nevernever on your shoulders.
Puck from THE IRON FEY by Julie Kagawa
**SPOILER LEVEL: Slight**
Puck (aka Robbie Goodfell, Robin Goodfellow) is Meghan's best friend at the beginning of THE IRON KING. He's also the same Puck from A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM. He's a prankster. The court jester. He's constantly causing trouble and teasing Meghan. Puck has red hair and green eyes. Plus, he's fey, so he's obviously beautiful. Don't believe me? Just look at this image from the back cover for THE IRON KNIGHT:
*dies*
Okay, back to why I love him. *takes one more peak at picture* Puck is Meghan's friend from the beginning. He knows her. It's not a lust-at-first-sight kind of thing that happens all too often in YA books. Puck has spent years around Meghan, being her friend and protecting her (though she didn't know about that bit). And you know what? Meghan likes him too. Sure, she's only seeing him as friend material (at least for now), but she likes him. She finds comfort in his presence and would do anything to protect him as well.
Not only is the sexy, sarcastic Puck able to make us laugh, but he can kick some serious butt too. He's skilled with weapons and can duke it out with the brooding bad boy, Prince Ash. Since Ash's fighting prowess is highlighted as exceptional, that means Puck's no light weight. He's a serious contender in any match. Better yet, he gets a mischievous glint in his eye and a wicked smile on his face as he does so (reference picture above).
Prince Ash fans, I'll concede that the tortured soul has my empathy too. He's a good match for Meghan and has tons of awesome qualities to his name. But, given the choice between the two, I'd pick Puck everytime. I'd want someone who can make me laugh, not just have my back in a fight. All that broodiness is a real downer when you've already got the weight of the Nevernever on your shoulders.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Heart-Breaker #1: Logan Keeley
Let's start off this week's sidekick/funny man celebration with:
Logan Keeley from SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready
Logan Keeley from SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready
**SPOILER LEVEL: Minimal**
Logan Keeley is Aura's boyfriend at the beginning of Shade. He's described as having a lanky build and spiky bleached hair with black streaks. He's the singer/guitar player for his family's Irish band, The Keeley Brothers. His character is so fully fleshed out, he jumped out at me from the moment he came onto the page. Instant love.
Logan's on the brink of greatness. He has an amazing family, loves his girlfriend, and is about to break into the music industry with all his talent. Then he's an idiot and dies. *bangs head on desk* Freaking breaks my heart.
BUT! He's still around as a ghost. And he still loves Aura.
Given the difficulty of being with the dead, I completely understand why Logan doesn't remain the main love interest. His story is a tragedy and Aura needs to move on with living people. That said, I can't get behind Zach when Logan's still present, even if it is in ghost form. Sure, Logan's impulsive, immature, and has a little bit of a temper. BUT! He's in a difficult situation (have any of you ever tried being a ghost?). He doesn't know how to handle it. He's watching the love of his life start to get closer to another guy.
If being dead isn't hard enough, watching everyone try to move on while you're still there (kind of) has to be torture.
Is he immature? Yes. Does he make some terrible decisions? Absolutely. Do I love him any less? Nope. Logan's got that rare kind of energy that's infectious. When he's happy or excited, it's impossible to not join him. There are so many moments that make me fall in love with him, but I don't want to be too spoilery. Let's just say, he clearly loves Aura with all his heart.
Now, what about the competition? Zachary Moore is a great guy. He's kind and considerate. He tries to help Aura through losing Logan and is always there for her. Is he a good guy? Sure. The problem: I can't get Logan out of my head. In this case, I do actually want Aura to get with Zach because being with a ghost isn't healthy. *helpful advice* However, it's almost painful for me to read. I need Logan to move on, so my heart can go to Zach. (Hmmm...sounds like Aura's dilemma too.)
Oh, and Dylan Keeley is pretty cool too. *smiles*
With all due respect to Team Kilt, Keeley Brothers FTW!
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