if i stay (novel)

Taking a break from The Dresden Files to read -- surprise! -- if i stay by Gayle Forman.     

if i stay

5 out of 5 so-glad-i-read-it stars

"This morning I went for a drive with my family. And now I am here, as alone as I've ever been. I am seventeen years old. This is not how it's supposed to be. This is not how my life is supposed to turn out."

I am so glad that I decided to read if i stay by Gayle Forman. I can't believe I was going to be one of those people that just watches the movie and never reads the book. The book is always better than the movie adaption; I must have had a serious lapse of judgement to forget this. I mean, I almost let an amazing story slip past me because of the film version. What was I thinking? Obviously I was not. I must thank Emily May of Goodreads (follow this link to see her reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4622890-emily-may?ref=ru_lihp_up_rv_6_mclk-up2393414703) for her review on this novel. When she says a book is worth reading, 9 out of 10 times she's right. Her review on if i stay made me say screw the movie, I'm reading this book. I am so grateful that I did.

"There's something comforting in that. To go down as a family. No one left behind."

Plot-Line:

As some of you may know from the movie trailer, if i stay is about a girl named Mia Hall who is involved in a terrible car accident. It was a day like any other, until it suddenly wasn't. Forman jumps right into the story, giving us a little bit of happiness with the family all together, only to rip the rug right out from under of feet. Bam -- car crash, dead parents, dying siblings. How could life change so suddenly, so horribly? There's some supernatural aspects to the novel, as Mia's body may be in a coma, but her mind is conscious -- or maybe this is her spirit? Mia is able to experience everything that is happening to and around her body; however, she cannot feel anything physically. She cannot walk through walls, or just wish herself somewhere and poof! be there. There are restrictions on what she can do. No one can see the Mia outside of Mia's body, and she cannot communicate with anyone, but she is aware of everything that is happening. Soon Mia realizes that it's her choice, whether to leave or to stay. How does she stay without her family, but how does she leave without Adam? This is a terrible burden that Mia has to suffer, and it is ultimately up to her what happens to her life.

"I'm not sure this is a world I belong in anymore. I'm not sure that I want to wake up."

Notable Parts:

There are many parts that I love about this novel. The relationship between Mia and her best friend, Kim, is developed wonderfully. The history they share just makes them even closer. Her relationship with Adam is not perfect, and they suffer many challenges ahead of them. Between Julliard and the rise of Adam's band, plus the differences in their personalities have them facing some hardships. Music is what brought them together, but is that enough? Also, Mia's insecurities are explained in such a realistic and relatable way in the novel. She's also not insecure all the time; she can and does stand up for herself, but it's understandable why she feels like the odd-one out of her family sometimes, why she feels like she doesn't fit in. Forman's writing has us experiencing every hardship right along with Mia, has us facing the same shocking decision: when your family is all gone, would you stay? Or would you go?

"I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard."

Differences From the Movie:

There are many similarities in the novel and the film adaption; many scenes follow the book exactly. However, it's all in the execution. What seems cliche in the movie doesn't seem cliche at all in the book. Well, there's still that "play me like the cello" part, which, while at first made sense in the novel, did get a little weird when Mia says how she literally sawed her bow back and forth on Adam's stomach. Ummmmm what? This scene does help Adam and Mia get past the beginning stages of awkwardness in their relationship, so good for them that they overcame all the awkward I guess. Jamie Blackley is definitely the perfect actor to play Adam, although, after reading the novel, I'm not so sure about Chloe Grace Moretz. I still like her as an actress and think she did a wonderful job on the film, but I think her portrayal of Mia needs to be adjusted -- mainly to make Mia seem more secure, as Mia in the book is not as insecure as Moretz portrays her to be in the film. The movie adaption of if i stay is true to the novel, right up until the very end, but it's the way Forman writes out each scene that makes the novel so much better. Music is still a very important part in the novel like it is in the film, and Forman makes some really good references and choices of music in her novel. However, I just have to say that Willamette Stone is such a better band name than Shooting Star.

"Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you."

Overall:

It was a seriously screwed-up, failed experiment of mine to watch the movie and then read the book. I almost missed out on a great novel because I'm not too crazy about the film version. I always, always, read the novel first, and I'm never going to watch the movie first again. I don't know why I did in the first place. If I can't get my hands on the novel first, I'll just have to wait to watch the film adaption. Going to be as simple as that from now on. I am forever grateful that I picked up this novel and didn't let the movie adaption dissuade me from it for long, because if i stay is the type of novel that makes you think about your own life and what you would do if you were in a similar situation to Mia. It will stay with you for a long time. I cannot wait to start reading where she went and to find out what happens with Mia and Adam's story.

"If I stay. If I live. It's up to me."

And just because/wise words from Gayle Forman:

"Love can make you immortal."

Summer Knight (The Dresden Files #4)

Continuing on with The Dresden Files, now onto book number four: Summer Knight.

Summer Knight

5 out of 5 Sidhe-ful Stars

"I had to wonder: What do you wear to a war?"

Jim Butcher had added another great installment into his widely popular urban-fantasy series. Summer Knight may be one of the best Harry Dresden stories told yet (up to book 4). The action is better, the mystery is better, and the execution of the story is better. Considering the high caliber Butcher has established in these aspects of his previous novels, this is a great feat to accomplish.

“You’d think as long as I was gambling with my soul, I would have thought to get Mab to throw in fifty bucks an hour plus expenses.”

The Plot-Line:

Harry's choices in the previous novel, Grave Peril, have an important impact in Summer Knight. The White Council has come to Chicagoland to discuss the war with the Red Court, and they are not happy with what has occurred. To make matters worse, just before leaving for the meeting, Harry is approached by a most interesting character: Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness, Monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe herself. Harry doesn't want any involvement with faerie politics, but he doesn't have much of a choice with this situation. After the White Council suffered a devastating blow from the vampires, the Red Court has proposed that if they are given Harry, they will cease fighting. Because of the fear the vampires have instilled in members of the Council, handing over Harry becomes a very real possibility. In order to prove himself to the White Council and avoid being handed over on a silver platter, Harry must complete a formal Trial to establish his rank as a wizard. This Trial includes honoring Mab's request of Harry in exchange for her promise of safe passage through the Nevernever for the Council, an essential part of defeating the vampires. Harry agrees and finds himself searching for the Summer Knight, whose murder has allowed a powerful mantle to go missing from the Summer Court. If Harry doesn't solve the mystery behind this murder, and fast, not only is he faced with death by vampire, but the whole world could perish, too. 

"The strong conquer and the weak are conquered. That is Winter. That is what you have learned," she said, "That is what makes you dangerous."

Notable Parts:

We're given so much more information about the world of The Dresden Files, from the White Council, to the Sidhe and the other faeries of the Nevernever. We're introduced to Ebenezer of the White Council, who has connections to Harry and allows us to learn more about Harry's past, along with other Senior Council Members Martha Liberty, Injun Joe, and the Gatekeeper, who I definitely hope to read more about. The development of the Sidhe courts, of the Knights, Emissaries, Lady's, Queens, and Mothers (one of each for Summer and Winter) may replace my love of the werewolf development back in Fool Moon. And speaking of werewolves, Billy and the Alphas are back! These characters have really grown from their last appearance, and become an essential asset to Harry. We're told about other types of magical creatures, such as wyldfae, ogres, ghouls and changelings, and something happens with Murphy that has taken way too long to happen. Finally, there is an appearance of a character you would never expect, although you can probably guess from the foreshadowing that is used, and said character changes the course of the whole novel, of what Harry has believed to be true for over a decade. Also, Harry has an awesome line that pretty sums up the whole book towards the end of the novel, which I really want to cite, but will not in order to avoid spoilers. You'll know it when you read it.

"The only people who never hurt are dead."

A Curious Observation:

Was it just me or did Butcher start using the word 'basso' a lot? He's never used it in the previous novels and then bam, it's popping up everywhere. Just thought that was funny. Also, we're always told about Harry wearing his leather duster and sometimes cowboy boots, but there is never any mention of a cowboy hat. On all the covers for The Dresden Files, Harry is always wearing a hat. Which leads to the question: does Harry even own a cowboy hat? An important question that must be answered, Mister Butcher.

“All of those faeries and duels and mad queens and so on, and no one quoted old Billy Shakespeare. Not even once.” 

Overall:

Summer Knight is an amazing story, and even though each novel has it's own separate mystery, Butcher continues to tie everything together in an almost effortless way. I wish I could plan out novels like he does! Harry's self-blame is not as evident as it normally is, and when it is present, it's justified in a reasonable way. Also, Murphy's button-nose is not mentioned! Huzzah! Everything about Summer Knight is great, and us readers can tell that Butcher is really coming into his own with The Dresden Files, making each novel more and more complex, and in turn making them that much more fun to read. I can't wait to see how the next novel, Death Masks, plays out.

“I don't believe in faeries!”

Grave Peril (The Dresden Files #3)

And The Dresden Files series continues, now moving onto book number three, titled Grave Peril.

Grave Peril

4 out of 5 Ghostly Stars

"Vampire Court is now in session."

Jim Butcher does not disappoint in this continuation of his series, The Dresden Files. He delivers non-stop action, presents his characters with seemingly-impossible decisions, and sucks his readers into each scene, having his audience feel like they're fighting right along with our hero, Harry Dresden. We're told even more about the magic in this world, ranging from earth magic, evocations, thaumaturgy, sorcerers, vengeful ghosts, and faerie godmothers. Well, technically sidhe godmothers, but same thing. Harry has some really bad foes to face in this chapter of his life, and things start to look really grim. Can this next big bad be defeated, or has Harry met his match? 

"Working on the assumption that some sadistic higher power would make sure my evening got as complicated as it possible could, I had formed a plan."

The Plot-line:

Grave Peril starts off with our favorite wizard Harry zooming down the street in his Blue Beetle with his friend Michael, speeding to get to a hospital before the sun sets. I admit, for awhile there I was confused on what was happening. Who is this Michael person? What's going on at the hospital? However, by the end of the second chapter, things become clearer; the border to the  Nevernever is in a state of flux, making it easier for ghosts to travel to the human world. And some of these ghosts are acting pretty pissed. Harry soon finds out that these ghosts are being tortured, having black, ice-cold barbed wire wrapped around them from neck to ankle, and the pain is causing these ghosts to go mad. Who is behind this black magic? And why are they targeting these ghosts at Harry and his friends? While Harry is dealing with the spirit-world acting all crazy, he also has to deal with the vampires of the Red Court, whose leader Bianca has invited Harry to witness her elevation in rank to Margravine of the Vampire Court. Nothing suspicious there at all. And then there's his evil sidhe Godmother, who is hellbent on making Harry uphold a bargain he made years ago. Harry's got a lot on his plate in this novel, and he better watch his back, or he may wind up becoming a ghost himself.

"Hell's bells," I swore. "I hate it when I don't figure out the mystery before it's too late."

Notable Parts:

There are some great metaphors and similes in Grave Peril, and I found myself really liking them -- enough for me to mention them. Butcher's writing style really flows throughout his novels, making them easy and enjoyable to read. His signature blend of humor and wit mixed with action and mystery makes his books very entertaining. We're also introduced to some new characters, one being Michael (mentioned above), who happens to be the Fist of God and wields a very powerful magical sword, named Amoracchius. There's also Thomas, a vampire of the White Court, who may not be half-bad. Murphy doesn't play as large a role as she normally does, while Susan becomes very important during the second half of the novel. Some tough decisions are made towards the end of the novel, and the effect of these choices will play a large role in the next novel, Summer Knight. We also get some interesting scenes and information about ghosts that I think is pretty cool. The foreshadowing throughout Grave Peril is great; the readers cannot disregard anything -- everything Butcher writes, he writes for a reason. This makes solving the mystery that much more fun. 

"I felt guilty for that -- maybe irrational, true, but if I'd been a little smarter or a little faster, maybe I could have saved those people's lives. No one else saw it that way, but I did."

Reason for knocking-off 1 star:

*see quote above* I am not fond of all this self-blame that Harry irrationally feels over every bad thing that happens. Bob and others even tell Harry that he's being irrational, but Harry seems stuck in his ways of feeling responsible for everything that happens to everyone he knows. He even admits to himself at times that he's being irrational, and yet he continues to blame himself. This character trait doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon -- or ever -- so I guess I'll have to learn to look past it. Harry is also still 'chauvinistic' to a fault, even stating that character fault himself: "I hate it when a woman asks me for help and I witlessly decide to go ahead and give it, regardless of perfectly good reasons not to." If Harry himself notices these things, why doesn't he try to change them? He gets himself into some sticky situations that could easily be avoided if he didn't try to console and/or reason with the evil females in this novel and just do his job. This probably will not change either, so I'll learn to deal with it. The Dresden Files are an amazing-enough series that I will look past these annoying character faults, because everything else is awesome.

“I'm not a philosopher, Harry," [Michael] said. "But here's something for you to think about, at least. What goes around comes around. And sometimes you get what's coming around." He paused for a moment, frowning faintly, pursing his lips. "And sometimes you are what's coming around.” 

Overall:

Grave Peril is great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Harry and friends are interesting characters that are placed in tough situations and have to rely on their unique skills to save themselves and others. Butcher is a very talented writer, and he knows what his audience wants to read. I can't wait to start the next book in The Dresden Files, called Summer Knight. To anyone who hasn't started this series yet, I strongly suggest picking up Storm Front right away; to those that are caught up in the series, no spoilers!; and to those keeping pace with me, know that Grave Peril is a great installment in a top-notch urban-fantasy series.

"Magic defines a man. It comes from down deep inside you. You can't accomplish anything with magic that isn't in you, somewhere."

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2)

Next stop, the second installment of The Dresden Files: Fool Moon.

Fool Moon

4 out of 5 Wolfish Stars

“Sometimes, being able to use magic was so cool.” 

Wow. Fool Moon may not have as much mystery as Storm Front, but the action is a thousand times better and the pace moves quicker, hooking the audience with each scene. There's not much time to rest during this novel, as it moves from scene to scene, delivering new facts and problems to face during each one. As you might be able to guess from the title, Fool Moon deals with werewolves, but Butcher adds a nice twist to the common werewolf, and he grabs your attention and doesn't let go until the very end of the novel.

“Whatever had killed him, it hadn't been human. His face was gone, simply torn away. Something had ripped his lips off. I could see his bloodstained teeth. His nose had been torn all the way up one side, and part of it dangled toward the floor. His head was misshapen, as though some enormous pressure had been put upon his temples, warping his skull in.” 

The Plot-line: 

As I said before, the pace moves much quicker in Fool Moon than it did in Storm Front, and we're given a very interesting take on werewolves. Not only are there werewolves in this novel, but also hexenwolves, lycanthropes and loup-garous. Each different type has its own distinct qualities, and at first it is hard to remember which is which, but as the story goes on it becomes clearer. Now, for the story-line itself: there's been serial killings happening, a group of them a month earlier from when the story starts, and then again during the current timeline. S.I. Lieutenant Karrin Murphy seems to be the only one who realizes these killing are happening around a full moon, and is quick to turn to Harry Dresden for help, especially when she sees a wolf-pawprint at one of the crime scenes. It's up to Harry to determine what's really going on in the supernatural sense, and he is one-hundred percent correct when he says, "It never rains, but pours." It's almost like a snowball effect throughout the whole novel; just when you think it can't get any worse, Butcher proves you wrong. Poor Harry can never catch a break. We're also introduced to some new characters, specifically FBI agents who only seem to get in the way of Harry and Murphy doing their jobs, but are actually very essential to the story of Fool Moon. Butcher adds twists and turns whenever he gets the chance, and he really knows how to write some good action scenes.

"Don't mess with a wizard when he's wizarding!"

Reason for knocking off 1 star:

Butcher likes to remind his readers about how Harry considers himself old-fashioned and chauvinistic, and this really becomes prominent in Fool Moon. I noticed it in Storm Front, but it didn't really bother me too much. However, I could not look past it in this novel. It's one thing to be chauvinistic, but completely different to treat all women like they are damsels in distress. Harry constantly refers to the women in The Dresden Files as vulnerable, even going so far as to relate Murphy to a cheerleader basically each time she's mentioned. Murphy is a kickass female character in this series, handling deadly supernatural creatures better than anyone else, and is very adamant about upholding the law at all costs, even if that means arresting Harry if she has to. And then Harry comes in, talking about her cute little button-nose again, which when mentioned once is fine, but when it's constantly repeated begins to get on my nerves. Also, I understand that Harry feels he needs to protect others and blames himself when things go wrong, but I also reach my limit with this aspect, too. Harry keeps others in the dark, hides information from them, and justifies his actions by telling himself he's protecting them. And then he blames himself when others get hurt, mainly because he didn't share important information. Harry needs to understand that he may be a powerful and knowledgeable wizard, but even he has his limits and cannot protect everyone. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine when main characters constantly blame themselves for things they couldn't have stopped anyway, but I do understand why they feel that way. Being powerful comes with responsibility, and I understand the need to protect everyone and blaming oneself when you couldn't protect someone important to you. I also would have liked more information on Harry's past; we're told a bit, but not much, and I need to know more about what happened with Elaine and Harry's old mentor, Justin, and how Harry has become who he is today. Stop teasing us Butcher! We need to know! 

“My magic. That was at the heart of me. It was a manifestation of what I believed, what I lived. It came from my desire to see to it that someone stood between the darkness and the people it would devour.” 

Overall:

I really enjoy Fool Moon and think it is a wonderful addition to The Dresden Files. Butcher creates some interesting supernatural creatures, and I really like his take on werewolves. Similar to Storm Front, once the mystery is solved, everything is quickly wrapped up in a couple of pages. However, Butcher adds a new avenue of thought at end -- there have been too many coincidences happening lately of Harry getting put into dangerous situations, which leads to the question: who's trying to kill Harry? I like that this is added on at the end, and I hope that we readers get an answer to this question soon. Fool Moon is a fast-paced, highly entertaining novel, and I can't wait to start book three, titled Grave Peril.

"It isn't enough to stand up and fight darkness. You've got to stand apart from it, too. You've got to be different from it."

Storm Front (The Dresden Files #1)

Wow, it's been awhile! Sorry for the disappearing act everyone; it's been pretty busy lately. I haven't been able to read many books as I've wanted to, but I've finished a few that I'd like to get a review out on, specifically the first novel in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher!

Storm Front

4 out of 5 Wizardly Stars

HARRY DRESDEN—WIZARD

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. 

No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or

Other Entertainment.

I've heard very good things about The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, and it's about time I read it! Butcher has created a world in which wizards, vampires, werewolves, demons, faeries, ghosts, talking skulls, dark magic and more are alive and kicking. Most humans don't seem to believe that these supernatural beings exist, but there are some who do, and who turn to the local wizard -- Harry Dresden -- for help.

Storm Front begins with Harry Dresden being contacted by Chicago P.D. Special Investigations Lieutenant Karrin Murphy. There's been a double homicide, and Murphy needs help. She'll need a wizard's insight to catch whoever's been using black magic to commit murder, and Harry's the best -- well, only -- wizard for the job. Thus begins the investigation to find the murderous black mage before he strikes again, and to prevent him from taking out Harry in his next deadly spell.

"My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk.” 

Harry Dresden:

Harry Dresden is the only known wizard that is a private investigator for hire. He's also a consultant for the Chicago P.D. on crimes that surpass mortal capability and seem unexplainable. He's the guy to go to when situations don't make sense, when suspicious magic-related crimes occur. After a brutal murder in which two people's hearts are literally ripped out of their chest, Harry's called in for his expertise. Quickly after this, Harry finds himself involved in a complex, deadly situation involving crime, mystery, dark magic, demons, a mob boss, a vampiress and lots of danger. However, he's the only hope for the police in finding this powerful killer and stopping him before he strikes again. Harry's a very likeable character, although a bit old-fashioned, and you can always count on him to mix in some humor along with all the danger and lighten up the situation a bit. We're given hints about his past, about how he got where he is today, but nothing too in-depth. I look forward to learning more about him in the next couple of books. One power that Harry has that I find very interesting is his ability to soulgaze. “When I look into someone’s eyes, into their soul, their innermost being, they can see mine in return—the things I had done, the things I was willing to do, the things I was capable of doing.” This is only one magical ability that a wizard has among many. Potions, spells and summoning circles oh my!

"Magic. It can get a guy killed."

Story line:

The plot-pace for the first novel in The Dresden Files is a bit slow, but necessary to explain and build this different world. We're given information on how magic works, the different ways it can be used, the power-players in Chicago's underworld, the people on the White Council who run the Laws of Magic, and the faerie realm of the Nevernever. I like how all the plot-lines and different parts of the story are all intertwined. The pace really picks up towards the end and becomes very intense, but the story seems to wrap up too neatly with a nice bow on top once the mystery has been solved and the main battle fought. I figured out the mystery a little bit before Harry, and it is definitely entertaining watching him investigate the murders. The different clues and important, dynamic players were handled brilliantly. I would have liked more information on the magic side of this world, but all in due time. 

"Magic came from life itself, from the interaction of nature and the elements, from the energy of all living beings, and especially of people. A man's magic demonstrates what sort of person he is, what is held most deeply inside of him. There is no truer gauge of a man's character than the way in which he employs his strength, his power." 

Now, the reason for knocking off 1 star. I feel some parts of the novel are a bit predictable, and while I really like the story Butcher has created, there is nothing that made me absolutely love Storm Front. Don't get me wrong though: it's engaging, has a good mystery and very likeable characters, and is a great start to the series. This is definitely a series I'm going to be keeping up with -- actually catching up with since 15 books in the series has already been released! I've  already started the next novel -- Fool Moon -- and am about halfway through, and so far, the story is awesome. I'm trying to pace myself with it, but the plot-line has really sucked me in, and we get to experience more magic! If you haven't read this series yet, I strongly suggest picking up Storm Front and getting started -- The Dresden Files is the definition of Urban Fantasy.

I was Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. I was a wizard. Wizards control their power. They don't let it control them. And wizards don't use magic to kill people. They use it to discover, to protect, to mend, to help. Not to destroy.

American Sniper

American Sniper

5 out of 5 Intense Stars

"If you think that this war isn't changing you, you're wrong. You can only circle the flames so long."

Wow. This movie, about a real-life hero, will leave you speechless. You will feel as if you are actually fighting with Chris Kyle (portrayed by Bradley Cooper), not just watching a movie on a screen. A film based on war, family and country, it hooks you on the first scene, and after that you'll be unable to look away. American Sniper is a powerful story that tells you about a legend of war, what he sacrificed for his beliefs and country, and it will change you. Bradley Cooper puts on an amazing performance, and Clint Eastwood reveals the harsh truth of war, describing the lives soldiers lead. An absolute must see, American Sniper is an intense film that accurately describes the life of the legend Chris Kyle, and if there's only one movie you watch this year, it should be this one. I feel like I haven't written much on my review, but there's not a lot to say (I'm still a bit speechless) - I guess the main thing to say is watch this movie. You will absolutely not regret it, and it will change your perspective on war, on family, on country and on the world.

“People tell me I saved hundreds and hundreds of people. But I have to tell you: it’s not the people you saved that you remember. It’s the ones you couldn't save. Those are the ones you talk about. Those are the faces and situations that stay with you forever.”

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Hey everyone! This week's post is going to be on another anime called Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and it's probably one of the best that I've ever watched. So, without further ado...

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

5 out of 5 Rebellious Stars

When there is evil in this world that justice cannot defeat, would you taint your hands with evil to defeat evil? Or would you remain steadfast and righteous even if it means surrendering to evil?

Holy crap. Now this is a story about revolution, about fighting for what you believe in, fighting for justice, fighting to create a better world. Japan is now known as Area 11, having been taken over by the Empire of Britannia after several years of war and resistance. Britannia is a large area, completely taking over North and South America and moving on to other continents. The Japanese are now referred to as 'elevens' and are looked down upon by the Britannians; however, while some Japanese may have accepted defeat, there are still others who resist, who fight for their freedom from their oppressive ruler. It's during one of these rebel attacks that Lelouch Lamperouge finds himself in a truck driven by said rebels, right in the midst of a deadly fight. He then realizes that the truck he is in is carrying poison gas that is actually a Britannian weapon. After a car chase and some more action-packed scenes, the capsule that has the poison gas in it opens, but instead of poison coming out, it's a girl with green hair and golden eyes. She asks Lelouch if he desires power and proposes a contract to him. Lelouch accepts and is given the Power of Kings, also known as Geass; he now has the power of absolute obedience. Mix the power of Geass, Lelouch's extraordinary intelligence and his desire to make the world a place in which his sister can live happily, and you have the beginning of a revolution.

The world cannot be changed with pretty words alone.

Lelouch:

"If the king does not lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?"

Lelouch Lamperouge is actually Lelouch Vi Britannia, eleventh heir to the throne. After the war with Japan and his mother's death, Lelouch and his sister, Nunnally, live in Japan, hiding the fact that they are Britannian Royalty. Lelouch, after obtaining the power of Geass from the mysterious woman C.C., decides to make the world a better place for his sister and to avenge his mother. "The world will change. I will change it." He becomes a rebel leader, known as Zero, and leads the Order of the Black Knights against the Empire of Britannia. Lelouch, when Zero, becomes a symbol for all the people of Japan; "Those of you with power, fear us! Those of you without it, rally behind us! We, the Black Knights, shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world!"  A lot of people compare Lelouch to Light from Death Note, and that is definitely true in regards to their intelligence, but I think Lelouch is more humane than Light. The ending of each anime strongly displays the difference in the characters, and even throughout the anime, Lelouch shows how different he is from Light. While he is extremely intelligent, Lelouch is also a great leader and his love for his sister is admirable. Lelouch has a hard life, but he does everything in his power to make a difference. His knows exactly what to do with his Power of Kings, Geass, and, while he is selfish at times, Lelouch is the start of a revolution, and I don't think anyone else would have been able to accomplish what he did. The end of the anime proves how much his character has grown throughout all the episodes, and Lelouch becomes one of the most selfless characters I've ever read about.

C.C.:

Within the endless flow of time, I am alone.

C.C. is an immortal witch who has the ability to bestow the power of Geass on others. Now, after giving the power of Geass to Lelouch, she becomes his ally. She is his right-hand-man and helps him lead the Black Knights. Their only tie to each other is the contract; they consider themselves accomplices, using each other for their own benefit. C.C. helps Lelouch with his rebellion and keeps him alive so he will be able to keep up his end of the contract, to grant one of her wishes. She is definitely an interesting character, and my favorite after Lelouch. Without her, Lelouch would not have made it as far as he did. They make a powerful team, and it's entertaining watching them work together, leading the Black Knights against Britannia. C.C. is a very important character in the show, using her own intelligence to help Lelouch and keep his identity of Zero a secret. "We are Partners. If you are a Witch, then I am a Warlock." --Lelouch to C.C .

Only those that are prepared to fire should be fired at.

Suzaku:

"A victory won through dishonest means is no victory at all."

Suzaku is the son of Japan's last Prime Minister and now works in the military as an Honorary Britannian Soldier. He was friends with Lelouch when they were children, and that friendship is present when the two reunite at Ashford Academy. Lelouch and Suzaku are similar in that they both want to change how Japan is treated, how controlling Britannia is, but they have very different ways in which they think this change should happen. While Lelouch wants to kill his father, the Emperor of Britannia, and fight to bring on this change, Suzaku wants change to happen from inside Britannia and spread. He believes that this change must be achieved through just ways; for Suzaku, the end does not justify the means. Peace achieved through violence is not real peace. This is a completely different perspective from Lelouch, and Suzaku causes big problems for Lelouch throughout the anime.

Overall:

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is an amazing anime that is a must watch. It's action packed, using the weapons known as Knightmare Frames, which are humanoid war machines. It's got a bit of romance in it, a couple of brilliant plot-twists, and some awesome side characters (I especially like Kallin; she's a fighter, and a very important asset to Zero. Plus, she's badass). It took me awhile to get used to the art-style since I watched this after Death Note, but I got used to it pretty quickly and really like the style used. Unfortunately, this anime is not on Netflix, but the website Animeshow.tv has all the episodes with good quality, so I recommend using this site to watch this fantastic anime (http://animeshow.tv/Code-Geass-Lelouch-of-the-Rebellion/). I love Lelouch's character and C.C.'s too; Suzaku may annoy me - a lot - at times, but I respect his actions and his character. There is a lot of speculation on what happens at the end of the anime, but I know what I think (no spoilers) and for me, it's an absolutely perfect ending to one of the best shows I've ever watched. There's so much to learn from Code Geass; what you're willing to sacrifice for what you believe in, how far you'll go to achieve your goals. There is some religious aspect to the show, but it just makes the anime that much more complex. If you haven't watched Code Geass, I suggest starting it ASAP. You do not want to miss out on this one.

Change will never come about if you don't make it happen.