This week's Top Tuesday topic is from The Broke and The Bookish's blog. I'm running *very* late, so I'll add photos and links to the books after I get off of work tonight, [edit: done!] but my, oh, my. I'm so "convicted" by this topic --Since these book series are all finished (published), I really need to finish them! (Or do I?)  I'm also fudging it a bit perhaps by including trilogies, but in no particular order ... =P

These books represent where I'm currently at in their respective series!

1.  The Matched Trilogy - Allie Ally Condie (2010-2012)
--I actually haven't finished Matched yet ... I had to return the book to the library.  I thought the dystopian world-building was intriguing, but I haven't really attached myself to the characters yet.  I may or may not continue depending on how book one ends (or if there's a film adaptation someday, I'll probably finish it).

2.  Divergent Series - Veronica Roth (2011-2014)
--I need to read Allegiant, once my library's copy comes back, LOL.  When I heard people talking about how they liked the films better than the Hunger Games ones, I was immediately intrigued.  I read the first book and like most dystopians, really liked the concepts and world-building.  However, I'm not as attached to Tris or Four ... I don't know why.  Hopefully the seeing the films will change that for me?  I'm definitely going to finish the series: Even though I haven't been spoiled by details (and I 'd like to keep it that way), I heard the ending was kind of controversial and many people were disappointed, so I'm bracing myself for some Mockingjay-type of ending or something!

3.  Fate of the Jedi series - Various authors: Aaron Allston, Christie Golden, Troy Denning (2009-2012)
--Apocalypse, the final volume in the 9-book story arc, has been on my "to read" list for several years now.  I initially borrowed the book in 2012 when it first released, but I had to return it before I could even start it.  These books are now branded "Star Wars: Legends" and no longer a part of the official Star Wars timeline since the Disney acquisition and the upcoming Episode VII: The Force Awakens.  I still mean to finish the series despite all the ... drama that's gone on in this series: the discovery of a lost "Sith" tribe (boo!), the public and government turning against the Jedi (boo! really?), the deaths (*teardrops*), etc.  Even if it's just to read X-Wing: Mercy Kill (which was set after this series in the old timeline).  Frankly, I need to catch up with the last three years of Star Wars fiction publishing in general. =P

4. The Grand Tour Trilogy (2012-1013) & The River of Time Series (2011-2014) - Lisa T. Bergren
--I'm sticking two series here:  I enjoyed Bergren's YA historical trilogy --I need to get my hands on the final volume, Glittering Promises.  A lack of funds prevented me from finishing the trilogy when it was first published and then it kind of slipped my mind. 

"The River Tribe" as I believe they're called, the River of Time fandom, was one of the most vocal/active fan groups I'd seen for a recent Christian YA series.  My library system didn't have the rest of the books when I initially read Waterfall (#1) --time travel romance isn't what I normally see in Christian fiction, let alone Christian YA, and it had some general market appeal as well, so I'd like to finish the series eventually.

5. Auralia's Thread Quartet - Jeffrey Overstreet (2007-2011)
--I'm pretty sure I finished #3, Raven's Ladder, but I don't remember reading #4, The Ale Boy's Feast.  I'm thinking of re-reading the entire series anyway to see if I still view it the same as I did as a teen (wonderfully poetic/lyrical prose, but almost too much for me at the time).

6.  Chiril Chronicles trilogy - Donita K. Paul (2009-2011)
--Yes, believe it or not, there's a "DKP" fantasy that I haven't gotten to, Dragons of the Watch (#3).  It's on my bookshelf still waiting for me. =)

7.  The Christy Miller Series - Robin Jones Gunn (1988-1999)
--I was given the entire series (along with the Sierra Jensen books) years ago, but I'm only going through it now.  It's ... interesting to see, much like how Christian fiction has grown and changed over the years, the same goes for Christian YA fic.  Not that the series doesn't have it's moments, but ... yeah. I don't quite know how to describe it and I almost feel bad ragging on such a beloved series.  However, I will say that it was one of the first popular YA series in Christian fiction, so for historical value (plus, it's so 90s!) ... I'm planning on finishing it. =P

8.  Tales of Redwall - Brian Jacques (1986-2011)
--I have The Rogue Crew still sitting on my shelf after I bought it several years after "Sir" Brian's death in 2011.  I still haven't been able to bring myself to read the last Redwall novel ever published...

9.  How to Train Your Dragon series - Cressida Cowell (2003-2015)
--Technically, How to Fight a Dragon's Fury, the final novel in the series, doesn't release until November of this year, but I'm sticking it on this list anyway (what's two months)? =P  If you've seen some of my other posts, you know that I'm a huge "Berkian" (How to Train Your Dragon fan), regarding DreamWork's animated films.  Seeing other Berkians write about how they enjoyed both the films and the book series, I thought I'd fill my lack of HtTYD (since I don't have Netflix to follow season 3 of the tv show, Dragons: Race to the Edge,) by reading the novels that inspired the movies.  I was warned that the books are way different than the films, but still ... I was taken aback as to how much was changed: other than a couple of character traits and their names, it's completely different.  As someone who normally hates when adaptations don't follow the books, I think HtTYD is an exception: I actually like the films better.  After reading book #1, I don't know if I'll continue the series ... it's definitely juvenile, not terribly horrible or anything but ... I don't know.  I heard it gets better as the series goes on (such as more the more recent releases), so we'll see.  

10.  Ranger's Apprentice series - John Flanagan (2004-2013)
--I finished the first four books and then (again) had to return the fifth to the library.  I really enjoyed this series thus far: it kind of reminded me of both Lord of the Rings and Redwall with their quests and adventures (though no talking animals here)!  But Flanagan's writing was much more quicker paced (perfect for YA).  I definitely will be continuing this series --out of this list, they're the books I'm most excited about.

If you've participated in this week's TTT, feel free to comment and leave a link to you list!  What are some finished (published) series that you haven't completed?  Why?  Are you planning to finish them?  Most of my "haven't finished" series seem to be out of either laziness (need to reserve those library books), lack of interest, or sentimentality. =P

Official Logo (c.) DreamWorks

Back in October, I posted my reaction to stills released of the upcoming (at the time) Dawn of the Dragon Racers short. If you remember, I theorized the character models would be re-used in the upcoming season 3 of DreamWorks' Dragons series. Well, it looks like my guess was practically correct!

This past Sunday at Wondercon 2015 in Aneheim California, DreamWorks Animation revealed more details of the upcoming season of their popular How to Train Your Dragon tv series.  Season 3, Dragons: Race to the Edge will be aired exclusively on Netflix and takes place a few years before the events in the second How to Train Your Dragon film.  Fangirlish.com interviewed the executive producers of the series, giving us an article with the most details of season three thus far.  Berkians (How to Train You Dragon fans) will have to hang on until June, when the first thirteen episodes of the season are released, but DreamWorks has given us some official images for the fandom to speculate and theorize over.

(c.) DreamWorks - The dragon riders finally aged up on the tv show

  The new character designs for Dragons: Race to the Edge, which are the same or quite similar to the framing scenes of the Dawn of the Dragon Racers short. Astute fans quickly noticed changes such as Hiccup's braids and red tunic. Hmm ... Astrid did tell Hiccup and Toothless in Dawn of the Dragon Racers, "I always knew red was your color." 
I binge watched the first two seasons of Dragons last year and thought it was one of the better television shows on the Cartoon Network.  Though there still was a lot of silly humor, there were some episodes that had great character developments. Now that they've aged up the characters, I'm hoping that we'll see Hiccup and Astrid's relationship transition from friendship to the solid, romantically-tinged one hinted at in HTTYD2. That's one of the things I appreciated about the first two seasons --Hiccup and Astrid's friendship and support of each other was highlighted over a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, which I felt was appropriate for their age at the time (no older than 16 in the tv show).  I also hope that Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut get more characterization other than just comic relief as they were in HTTYD2, but we'll see.

(c.) DreamWorks - Toothless & Hiccup

And the Berkians on tumblr.com celebrated ... ;-)

I'm rarely on tumblr, but it seems the majority of Berkians/HTTYD fandom hang out there ... Apparently the fandom exploded over Hiccup's *new* rust red tunic as seen with kingofthewilderwest's post.

My favorite tumblr reaction, however has got to be suicunesrider who wrote: 

"ever since the new Race to the Edge images, there’s been great debate over whether Hiccup looks better in red, or green. but we all know this is petty, and does not matter. for we all love him for what he has on the inside. And would never squander over feeble appearance... also he looks best in black ..."

The post was accompanied with a picture of Hiccup in his HTTYD2 black and brown leather flying suit. =P

Basically, the only thing I'm bummed about is that the series is exclusively on Netflix, which my family doesn't have.  Netflix has released past seasons of their exclusive dramas such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black on DVD. Though I don't know of any of their children's programming released on DVD, I hope Dragons: Race to the Edge will be one of them (I'll be the first in line to purchase).

With the 87th Academy Award winners  announced yesterday, I thought I'd go over the animated feature films nominated for the Oscars and other awards over the last quarter.  I meant to get this out before the Oscars were revealed, but long story short, I accidentally erased my blog post (note to self, always write up in a word processor first)! *facepalm*  So without further adieu ...

Oscars - Best Animated Feature Film:
Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studio
--So, I admit, the Berkian (How to Train Your Dragon fan) in me was disappointed that Big Hero 6 took home the Oscar, but I am eager to get my hands on "BH6" (especially now that it won the Academy Award).  After checking out this interview with Disney Animation Studios Chief Technology Officer, Andy Hendrickson talking about new graphics technology developed for BH6, I'm curious to see how "this film is more complex than our [Disney's] last three films combined."
 

The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
--I just saw The Boxtrolls (the first stop-motioned animated film I've seen in recent memory) last week and I ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would!  I was particularly intrigued by their combination of traditional techniques and new technology (e.g. lasercutting, using 3D printing to create the puppets, using CGI animation with stop-motion, etc.) Note: the DVD version contains roughly 45 minutes of behind the scenes extras and featurettes --much better than other bigger studios have provided on their DVDs *cough*Disney'sFrozen*cough*DreamWork'sTheCroods*cough* Check out one of the featurettes on the costume design below:


How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation SKG
--For me, HTTYD2 definitely lived up to the hype: --dramatic, emotional, more mature storyline, raised stakes, a shocking twist, amazing animation (I think the snow and ice environments rivaled or were better than Frozen's), beautiful lighting, wonderful voice acting ...
Of course it wasn't perfect: there were a couple plot threads that I feel could have gotten expanded upon if they had more time.  They tried to do a lot (maybe too much?) and perhaps that's where Big Hero 6 topped them ... As with Disney Animation and BH6, DreamWorks Animation also developed new animation technology and HTTYD2 was their first film to be completely created with it. Called Apollo, it received the juried Ub Iwerks Award from the International Animated Film Society this January "for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation."


Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
--An Irish animated film by Tomm Moore, co-founder of Cartoon Saloon.  His previous work, The Secret of the Kells, also was nominated for best animated feature.  I never really paid attention to international animation until now, so this was new to me.  It looks very beautiful, almost like the illustrations from a picture book.  I'm glad that there are still animation companies creating feature films that have that traditional, 2D style ... Check out the trailer below:
 

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Kaguya-hime no Monogatari or The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a Japanese animated film by Isao Takahata.  He is known as the co-founder of Studio Ghibli (with the famed Hayao Miyazaki). Based on the 10th century Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, I was stuck by the lovely pen and ink strokes that evoke Asian brush paintings.  Truly looks like a work of art and I can't wait to see it.  See the official English dubbed trailer below:


72nd Golden Globes - Best Animated Feature Film
--Along with Big Hero 6, The Boxtrolls, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 (which won the award), the Golden Globes also nominated these two animated films:

The Book of Life - Reel FX Animation Studios/Twentieth Century Fox
--Produced by Guillermo del Toro (best known to me for the slightly dark, fairy tale inspired film Pan's Labyrinth).  Like The Boxtrolls, the quirky, stylized art makes it stand out from the other animated films this year.  It's very unique and distinctive, though it seems to be aiming at the kids audience by being comedic.  Another film I've yet to check out.


The Lego Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures--So I was a bit surprised at people saying The LEGO Movie was snubbed by not being nominated for the Oscars.  I had previously dismissed this film as one aimed at kids by using juvenile humor and ... well, it's LEGO.  Obviously this was just a hour and a half long commercial for their toys, right?  (Just kidding.)  However, I've found that quite a few adults and film critics enjoyed this film.  Also, the animation is supposed to be pretty good as well, so ... I'll be giving it a shot when I have the time.


Do you have any favorite animated films from 2014?  Have you watched any of the animated films mentioned here?  Any of the movies here catch your eye?  Why?

[Edited for formatting, Golden Globes info]

ZinePak edition of HTTYD2's Soundtrack

I'll just say upfront, I'm not a music person.  That is, I've never really been musically inclined, though I think I do sing on key. ;-)   However, I do love listening to music and some of my favorites since in high school are soundtracks and film scores.  Needless to say, don't expect any music theory or correct usage of musical terms here.  =)

From Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, to The Chronicles of Narnia films ... I love it when a composer "reuses" or "reinterprets" memorable motifs and themes.  To me, it's like saying "hello" or "welcome back" to an old friend.  John Powell does something similar here with How to Train Your Dragon 2, but as with Howard Shore or John Williams, he also adds new pieces and themes that work wonderfully in the Viking world of Berk and beyond.  He doesn't just rehash.  But don't take my word for it, you can listen to it on SoundCloud, where the official publisher (Relativity Music Group) currently has the entire HTTYD2 film score streaming for free online.

A sneak peek at book reviews to come!

Astrid, Toothless, Hiccup, and Snotlout sport new looks between the movies.

Shirt:
 Astrid wears a sleeveless red top.  It's a muted, kind of rust red and there's a similar texture to the fabric as her shirt from the first movie.  It's probably meant to simulate knitting or maybe nalbinding (a more ancient craft).  There is variety to the stitch size and sections of the fabric seem to shift their rust red tones subtly.  Her top has a jewel neckline, with a small slit in the center (probably for ease when dressing). 

  

Back of caplet with hood and hair detail

Caplet: 
Over this, she wears a new, short dark brown fur caplet.  It's fastened with four leather strips connected to a silver-gray ring (see above image).  The hem of the caplet looks like it's curved like the bottom half of a circle.  From certain images, it looks like the inside of her cape isn't fuzzy fur (see arm warmer reference image below).  It looks lined with a suede or perhaps the backing of the pelt she used, so it's smoother.  It could be fur in the lining, but I decided to make it suede for my costume --I'll find out for certain once the blu-Ray is released.

Hood detail, different angles.  Also can see the shape and length of the caplet.

Hood:

Arm warmer and caplet lining detail

Arm Warmers:
Her arm warmers are probably completely lined with the off-white fur that forms the cuffs, which would explain the bulk.  They completely cover the palm of her hand and run just to her elbow.  There are no individual finger slots, except for her thumbs.  Each arm warmer is likely patterned out of two pieces, since there is a seam on each side.  The seam is top-stitched on both sides of the seam with brown thread.  Brown leather lacing or cord binds the arm warmers in a particular pattern (as seen from the reference images).  The same type of leather lacing also binds her upper arms in the bicep area.
Her skirt is made of two layers.  The first layer is a tan colored fur.  The nap of the fur is short and probably close to the length of the nap on the dark brown fur of her caplet.  If you look at the full body image, the skirt sits on her natural waistline (around her bellybutton) and the hem ends at about her fingertips. 
The over-skirt is made of brown leather panels, which have rounded ends and narrow a bit to the waist.  If you look closely, it seems like the panels are held at about the "beak" section of the skulls which seem to attach the panels to the narrow brown leather waistband of her skirt.  In the movie, we see that the panels are completely sewn to the fur skirt, so they don't dangle from the waist, but I wouldn't suggest that for real-world practicality.  If you don't want to remain standing the entire time you cosplay Astrid, attach the panels only at the waist, so you can flip the spiked skirt panels out of way when you sit down!

Pouch detail

The skulls are similarly shaped, but have small organic differences.  They are about two times larger than the skulls on her caplet. There seems to be about 10-12 panels, with a skull attached on top of each, minus one on her right hand side, where it is replaced with an oval-shaped leather pouch.  It might be stretched or formed leather, since it looks quite structured.  There is a darker brown strip that seems to serve as the fastener to the pouch.  There are also four silver-gray spikes on each panel.  The two closest to the waistband the skirt are slightly smaller than the spikes near the wider bottoms of the panels.  There's a narrow "collar" or rim of sorts at the base of each spike (see skirt image), which probably have something to do with how the spikes are attached to the skirt.

Knee pad and pouch detail

Leggings and Knee Pads:
Her leggings are a dark indigo blue and they fold and crease around her legs above the knees a bit. 
Over her leggings she wears two brown leather knee pads.  There are no straps crossing the back of her knees, so they might be sewn to the leggings.  However, there are short little tabs or something on four sides of each knee pad ... I'm guessing that's the actual way they're rigged.  There are also two curved lines on each knee pad which are probably sewing or structural lines.

Boot detail, note bands on toe

Boots:
 Her boots are brown leather or suede.  They are flat, with no heel and the shaft of the boot is covered in fur.  Tan colored fur with a wide off-white fur cuff.  There are brown leather cord stitching and criss-cross designs on the front of the tan fur and there are three leather strips crossing at the toe of each boot.

Hair detail, click to enlarge

Hair (and Makeup?):
Finally, her hair.  Astrid's golden blonde hair is put in a much more elaborate style.  Her fringe (that is, her bangs) are shorter than in HTTYD and is swept to her left.  She also has some longer pieces framing her face on the sides.  On her right side, it seems those strands end just above her shoulder or barely brush them.  Her hair is parted at the top of her head, where a narrow knotty braid (perhaps a dis-proportioned three strand braid with one very narrow section) frames her face like a headband that joins into a side braid on the left side of her head.  It looks like either a knot braid, round braid or three strand braid, wrapped with a section of hair.  This main braid is tied off with brown leather cord.  She wears a leather headband (I believe it's called a kransen), a bit lighter brown than the rest of the leather in her outfit.  It goes under her bangs and the narrow braid, but over the rest of her hair.

I'm not sure what type of makeup Vikings may have had, but Astrid's eyelashes look like she used a bit of mascara!

My version of Astrid Hofferson --how'd I do?

A few more notes on proportions and colors:

- The width of the leather strips fastening her caplet seems to be the same width as the three strips covering the toe of each boot.

- Her caplet's hem ends just above or at her waist, above her skirt's waistband.

- The brown leather of knee pads and her over-skirt's panels look the same.

- All the silver-gray metal on her outfit is "worn" or "aged" ... not quite a gunmetal look, but almost.

- The fur used for the main part of her boot covers looks to be the same or a similar color to the fur used for her skirt.

- The fur used for her hood lining, cuffs on her arm warmers, and the cuffs on her boots are the same or similar.
- The tan suede-like material for her hood and her arm warmers look the same. 
- The brown leather cord on her arm warmers and tied on her upper arms are the same.

Stay tuned for more --I'll be posting on how I created my costume soon!  Be sure to link and comment if you use my research guide for your Astrid costume --I'd love to see it!

[Edit: updated labels Jan. 4, 2015]

The sheep is about 3"-4" and fits in my hand pretty well ...

Duck and Hide! (c.) Dreamworks Animation