Month: June 2020

Part 72- The Necromancer book review

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic ,

Hello! I know I didn’t write yesterday- because I had so much to do I got overwhelmed and started getting tired- but I’m back!!!! So yesterday, I finished The Necromancer and I am going to do a book review on that today, as my topic. Without further ado, let it begin…

Summary:
Finally home in San Fransisco, Sophie and Josh are more confused about what’s ahead of them. Scatty’s gone, Machiavelli is coming to unleash thousands of monsters on the city from Alcatraz, and John Dee is still after them. Neither of them has mastered the actual elemental powers they will need to defend themselves, and what’s more is that they must ask themselves, whether they can trust Nicholas Flamel or not. Worse, can they trust anyone?
Review:
The Necromancer was ok. I have to be honest and say that, The Magician was the best book I’ve read so far- in the series. There was a lot of action in teh 3rd book, and when it started in The Necromancer, it went well, before going down into boredom. It started getting less interesting in the middle. There wasn’t much to feel excited or visualize about. No action or anything. Yes, there was action, but none that was of any interest in my opinion. It didn’t come out as great as I had been expecting. Especially the newest character. Virginia Dare. She’s supposed to be this mysterious immortal who has an incredible flute that can do a lot of strange and magical things and supposedly killed her master and survived. There wasn’t a lot about her, like about her being mysterious besides just saying- ” he knew little about her”. 
I did like the ending though. There was a part near the end where it was sooo interesting. So, throughout the book, there has been a mentioning of Danu Talis, and how the magic civilization fell. What we don’t know is how. Everyone has been saying, I was there, I saw it happen, but in the near end of the book, there is a chapter where Sccatach, Joan,Saint- Germain, Palamedes, and Will go back in time 10 thousand years ago with a mysterious man to when Danu Talis was still thriving. this is because, they were in teh Final Fight, which brought it down. they were the ones who made this happen and made it happen. now, I’m not sure how- yet- as I am just starting the Warlock, but I do know, that it is going to be EPIC!!!!!! I cannot wait to find out what happens. 
Also, remember what I said in teh last review, about teh covers being connected to teh plot. Well, I have cracked teh code for the cover of The Necromancer. The main image on teh cover is a skull with golden eyes. Yes, Necromancy is about raising teh dead, but this crystal is so much more than showing that. This crystal skull is ancient magic, which is used to find where josh went after he mysteriously leaves the Shadowrealm. The smaller symbol beneath that is supposed to be an Aztec symbol. When Josh is learning fire Magic, Prometheus gives him a sunstone- with the same symbol carved on it- and that becomes Josh’s trigger symbol. I cannot tell what the one on teh left is, but I have a feeling the one on the right is possibly a Japanese symbol because there is a new character who is Japanese. 
Anyway, that is my review of the book. It was not as descriptive or informative as the others, but I do hope that you have enjoyed and learned more about the book through my opinions. Bye!

Part 71- A very akward blog

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment Life during Pandemic, School Life

Hi! So today is Friday, and my, what an exhausting and tiring and busy week it has been. I cannot wait for tomorrow and I just hope today goes by quickly. I do have Marathi shala, but to be honest, I am just a bit excited about that. I need to write this blog really quick, but even though I have so much time before class, I want to relax more because I am really tired. Plus, I have a new piece that I have just started, and thanks to my dedicated time and practice, I have been able to finish I and play it through with little mistakes, meaning, that I can try to play it with teh accompaniment. I can finish it quicker, start the new one quicker, and finish my book faster. Huzza! I want to practice that a bit before I start to relax. There’s not really anything else. I mean, I did solve a difficulty rating 4 out of 5 Sudoko puzzle yesterday and forgot to write about it, but otherwise, nothing else. This is such an awkward blog. Haha. Erm…… there really isn’t anything else to write about. I mean, I have a lot of topics I need to write about, but right now is not the best time to write about them. Soooo yeah….. Bye.

Part 70- The Sorceress book review

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic ,

Hi! So, today is Thursday, but it very much feels like a Friday. And, though it sounds good, trust me, right now, it is not a good feeling. Today is going to be another book review day. On, The Sorceress! I have to say, these books are just getting better and better. I love it. I highly recommend that everyone checks these books out. 

Summary:
Paris was left a wreck by Dee and Machiavelli, yet the Book of Abraham’s missing pages are in safe hands kept away from the Dark Elders and Dee. After Scattach goes missing, and Perenelle stays stuck on Alcatraz, Sophie and Josh must head towards London with a weakening Nicholas Flamel, a city John Dee has under control. Their only protection and hope are to learn the third Elemental magic- Water Magic- from an Elder. The only option is Gilgamesh the King, and he’s absolutely insane. 
Review: 
As the book has started and gradually progressed, I have started understanding the series more and more. At the start, I was completely BAFFLED by the plot and about what has been happening, but slowly it has started ironing out and becoming clearer. I now understand the covers and the titles of the book, which is a big clue about what the story is going to mainly be about. The Alchemyst was more about Nicholas Flamel and the two symbols at the bottom became clearer to understand. Through the plot, the twins are mentioned for having a pure silver and gold aura. Silver for the moon, and gold for the sun. The two symbols are a sun and a moon. This story was about Nicholas Flamel, and the twins you are the twins of the prophecy. In The Magician, it explains more about Dr. Dee, who is a Magician, and the symbols are the trigger symbols for Fire magic. The main design is also one of Fire, which is the 2nd Elemental magic they learn. In the Sorceress, this one is more about Perenelle Flamel. There were far more scenes or chapters with Perenelle. The main design is a cup filled with water, the next elemental magic they learn. The symbol on the left is a spider, and through books 2 and 3, Perenelle is associated with an ancient Spider Elder who helps her. Now, moving on.
There is so much magic through the book than before. There wasn’t a lot of magic in Book 1, only small explanations of auras and small bits and spells done by Nicholas, but now there is A LOT more. More thrill. More to what I might have been looking for when I first started the series. The first book lacked a lot of magic and greatness. It didn’t give a lot about teh magic characters, only saying that they are The Immortal Nicholas Flamel, or Perenelle Flamel, or Scattach the Warrior Maid. But now, there is so much. So much more description through teh book. Now, I can start to imagine and visualize myself in the scene as the twins meet Shakesphere or when Josh uses Clarent- the sword. There are also so many surprises. Like, I expected Gilgamesh to be an actual king, not the person he is mentioned as in the book. Plus there is a lot of mystery, small ones that last for a few seconds, and some that leave you open-mouthed and in desperation to read the next book. Near the time of meeting Gilgamesh, there is so much confusion. Like the characters are arguing on who is an enemy to who or what they did. So many turns and changes. Amazing.
But, then again there are a few things that I did not like. There were a few mysteries left behind in teh end. like, what happens to the ancient Spider Elder? Of course, these are meant for the next book, but then again, there are still a few that needed to be explained further. Billy the Kid. He’s supposed to be this great immortal who did something that got him immortality in his 20’s. What did he do? There wasn’t any description or information on what he did or anything. Machiavelli had a background story as well as Dee. Why not Billy the Kid? Another thing. When Scattach goes missing, they didn’t fully explain what happened to her. How she came back. They just say that she battled her attacker for a long time, lost him, and went back to Joan and Saint- Germain.  Can’t they explain what happened properly? I feel like there should have been so much more to that. She’s The Shadow, a legendary warrior, and she just wins a battle as simple as this?? No no no no no. It should be more informative. That’s what this story and the series lack. Information. 
ANyway, I hoep everyone stays well, and my book review was well. I will see you in the next post. Bye!

Part 69- An annoying change of plans, but exciting treats

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic ,

Hi, so I am in a bit of a rush today. I have to do something incredibly boring and something at all means I do not want to do at 5:30, but I have to because it’s a task given by dad, and task given by parents are ones you have to do, no matter how much you refuse and don’t want to do it. I know that by the time I post this, it will be around, but, I just wanted to write this so I don’t forget or get tired later. Updates: So, I just finished The Sorceress this morning, and have started The Necromancer. This is Book 4, and that means that I am just 1 book away from reading The Warlock, which is Book 5. YES! The story still prevails, and it continues to thrill and interest me as one book starts and finishes. 

I was supposed to do a book review on that today, but then dad’s utterly boring and annoying task showed up, so I had to change my plans a bit. UGH!!! I am extremely busy, dad! I literally had to almost rush through my Kumon Reading packets after hearing this, and now I am practically madly typing away on my keyboard to finish this blog. What else? I dunno. I guess, I just found a new song that I like. How Long- but I prefer it sung by KIDZ BOP. It’s really catchy. I’m actually listening to it as I write this bit. Ummmm, I get Bubble Tea either tomorrow, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, because it’s just going to be me and Mumma at home, as dad is going on a ride. Sooo, yeah. I just asked Mumma if I could get some as we planned on the fun we were going to have, at home, when he was away, and I asked if I could get some. Obviously, she said yes- why would I have said that I’m getting some if she hadn’t said yes?? Lol. Ok, so it is 5:02, and I have no clue about if I should keep writing or just finish up. Ooh, I get shrimp for dinner. Mumma made some for dad’s bike friends- for the ride, and we get some as dinner for tonight. Ummmmmmmmmm…… Yeah, I guess that’s all. I knwo this was one of the strangest posts I have written, but thanks for staying and reading on. Time to go do that super boring and annoying task dad gave me. Bye.

Part 68- Japanese updates, food updates, and book longing

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic

Hi, so my post is a bit late so I’m gonna write a bit less, and probably a bit more mediocre like. Lol. Plant update: So, I was watering my plants last night, when dad came, and we were observing the plants when we realized that there is actually a cucumber plant growing with the okra plant bunches. Oh no. Apparently one of the seeds accidentally grew with the okra, so I have the plant mixed in. What’s worse, is that the cucumber plant is the one that seemed to be growing healthily with the okras. Meaning- the biggest one in leaf and stem size.  Ack! What’s good, is that my pineapple seems to be getting used to its surroundings. It is losing a few leaves because of the heat- Texas heat is very painful, especially in the summer- but it is not dying. My tomato is just as it is. It has not shown any sign of dying or growth. So…. yeah. Umm, I finished most of my book- The Sorceress, and that means that I can start Necromancer faster, finish it faster, and start reading the actual book in the series that looks interesting. The Warlock. I know people say not to judge a book by its cover. Like, even if it doesn’t look cool, try reading it, but The Warlock looks sooo cool. I mean, doesn’t this cover look cool? As well as The Enchantress!

But, I’ve got to read all the other books first. The story will be even more amazing that way. I’m improving in Japanese. I’ve finished Katakana 1, and am starting Intro 1. I’ve completed all 4 levels of Hiragana and Greetings. I’ve learned to say Hello, Nice to meet you, My name is, I am Japanese, I am from Japan, I am Chinese, I am from China, Sorry, Good night, Good Morning, Likewise, Bank, Fruit, Telephone, Student, teacher, school, bird, cat, dog, numbers 1-7, and so much more. It feels really exciting when you can learn new things! I know I’m learning Marathi as well, but for some reason, learning Japanese is more fun than Marathi- probably because I am using an app. Still, it’s exciting. Umm, I guess that’s it. I hope everyone is well, and safe. BYE!!!!!!!!!!!

Part 67- The Magician Book Review

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic ,

You know, writing a series for this long, almost every day, makes you wonder how much you’ve done or actually accomplished. I’m at 67 parts now. I’m awfully close to 100, and I’m not sure when I should stop the series.  I’m thinking about ending it near the start of school, or I could continue it, and write about how the school has changed for COVID-19 safety. 

Hello!!!! Today’s topic is going to be another book review. I finished the 2nd book of the series I am reading, just last or 2 weeks ago, and I am doing a review on it. This one is about Book 2 of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. This book is, The Magician. 
I have to say, The Magician was a much better book than the first. it made me feel more interested in reading the rest of the series, and it had more action. It was much better. Let’s start with Likes and Don’t like.
Summary: 
Nicholas Flamel, Sophie, Josh, and legendary warrior Scattach have come to Paris. A place teeming with more enemies and associates such as Niccolo Machiavelli, than friends. Perenelle is still trapped, and Nicholas is running out of time to save her. To learn the 2nd elemental magic, Fire Magic, Sophie must train with Saint-Germain, Nicholas’ old student, alchemist, magician, and a rock star. 
Liked:
This book had more action and it was clearer to understand. Even though it was mainly in one setting or one country the whole time, it turned out really nicely. So much suspense and magic and action, it was awesome. Even though the book had more characters, they were all used and no one was left out or forgotten about. In the last one, there were a few characters that wouldn’t come into the next book and it was maid well to explain why they wouldn’t, but they didn’t really do much. They only had like a few times when they showed up, whereas, even though some characters would be defeated or would not show up again, it was well plotted out on how they would not return, and were mentioned more. 
Dislike:
I have to say, there wasn’t a lot of things to not like in this book. There are a few things though. In the beginning, when introducing a new character, they were explaining where he was and what he had been doing as he lived- because he is immortal-, but it doesn’t really tie into the rest of the story. Was I just to mention what he liked to do or would it come in handy? I wasn’t sure. Another thing, in this book there is more info and more parts with Perenelle Flamel. Throughout, they have been saying things like, The Sorceress is unbeatable, she is really powerful, etc. I know that as she is aging, her powers are weakening, but still, her powers don’t see that extraordinary or powerful to me. I would like more parts with Perenelle showing more of her extraordinary powers.
Other than that, the book was such an improvement compared to the first one. I have started reading Book 3- The Sorceress, and it is very fascinating. 
I’m not going to give any spoilers, but, I have to say, this book is convincing me that Nicholas Flamel and his wife may not be all heroic and amazing as everyone says. That perhaps, they may not be on the “good side” nor the “bad side”. Just, on their own side. NO MORE SPOILERS!!! Anyway, I hope everyone is well and checks out these books. Despite the first book not being as impressive, it is a remarkable series that is well written, and I think everyone should check it ou.t BYE!!!

Part 66- Father’s day Treats

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment Family, Life during Pandemic ,

Hello! Today is father’ day, and I just wanted to wish a very happy father’s day to all the amazing dad’s out there. I hope you have a lot of fun and enjoy this special day! What I got for my dad, is actually something I am going to make. So, I like to watch a lot of cooking videos, usually, ones from the youtube channel- Tasty, and they usually are sweet treats. The reason that they are sweet treats, is because I want to create special food for my family and friends and sweets are really special, so it really fits. Plus, they have a lot of decoration and look really good. So, I usually don’t create any of these recipes because we usually don’t have all the supplies, or I just don’t feel like making them, but, every once in a while, we will 100% have all teh materials, so I want to get cooking! I actually found this really cool, Cookies and Cream mousse recipe. It’s only 3 ingredients, Sandwich cookies, Heavy Cream, and Powdered sugar, and very simple and easy to make. I’m hoping that we can eat them for dessert tonight, but I just have to figure out when to make them. I want it to be like a surprise, a very tasty and special surprise. I have finished task one, and I need to continue task 2 to start my next one. Task 2 includes using a mixer, which is loud, and my dad is asleep, so, yeah. Don’t want to wake him. Anyway, I hope everyone is well. This has been a very very brief blog, not even a blog. This is just a random paragraph written. um, I hope everyone stays healthy and well, and every father has a good time today. BYE!!!!!!

Part 65- DACA

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment Law and Justice, Life during Pandemic, Social Responsibilities ,

Hello! So, we have another new topic. This one is about DACA. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Its purpose is to protect immigrants that came to the U.S. when they were children from deportation. It does not provide an official legal status or a pathway to citizenship, but it does allow them to be ” lawfully present” without the threat of deportation. Now, you may be asking, well, what is deportation? Deportation is when you are thrown out of a foreign country. Today, I am going to be sharing my thoughts, not my dad’s, not mumma’s, not anyone else’s, but MY thoughts, on DACA. 

Well, first of all, this topic came up to be written about after there was front story news about, ” Dreamers celebrate DACA’s preservation” written by The Dallas Morning News. Now, I don’t know a lot about DACA, but I do know that it was created by President Barack Obama, and President Trump wanted to get rid of it, or just not have it. So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on DACA.
I think DACA is both good and bad. I mean, at the start, these are children who don’t know what is happening and are in a foreign country. They are illegal, meaning that they aren’t even citizens of the strange country around them, and don’t know what to do. I believe that DACA is very helpful, because, without it, the children would have been immediately deported back to their country. But, there could have been many reasons why they would have come to the U.S. in the first place. If you think about it, when the children go back, they will also be like foreigners to their original country, meaning that they don’t really have any place to live or stay. The U.S. government will not deport the children for 2 whole years, which is a good side, but also bad. What happens after 2 years. How can they become legal citizens, or do something so they are not unlawful in 2 years or even after 2 years? Though they can apply for a renewal of the action, and they are encouraged to do so 4 or 5 months before the 2 years are up. This is a good thing. But one question. How old are the children? Are they like teens, pre-teen, infant? How can they do all this? They don’t know what to do, they are living in a completely foreign country that isn’t even a home for them, and they have 2 years time for not being deported- putting aside renewal options. 
But, there is one more side to this. I mean, I’m not sure if it is possible or if it might happen, but with this act, people might be like, Oh, the U.S. isn’t gonna deport me back to where I came from. I have 2 years to stay there and I can always ask for another 2 years. More and more people might come, and it’s not right. If they want to come, they shouldn’t be illegal. It’s okay for them to be immigrants, but not come illegally. But then again, these children didn’t know. They probably didn’t have a choice. What should we do? What can THEY do? 
Anyway, it is late. I had started writing this a little while before Marathi Shala, and the rest is after it. It is 7 p.m. and it is getting late, plus I am getting a bit worn out for teh day. Tomorrow we are having new adventures and another barbeque- very very safe one that is socially distancing- and I am ready for dinner. BYE!

Part 64- Whiskey

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment General Topics, Life during Pandemic ,
Hello!!! Today’s topic is a very strange one. So, dad gave me a topic on whiskey, and a book to research and read about it. I have to say, I still don’t understand the greatness of Whiskey. Or Whisky, as they spell it in Scotland, Japan, India, etc. Except for the U.S. and Ireland. 
So, there are different types of Whiskeys. Scotch, Bourbon, etc. They all are different in different countries and made differently. Yet, they still are the same thing. A spirit, or liquor. Plus, they are aged. For years. And years. The top 5 major countries producing whiskey are Scotland, the U.S. Ireland, Canada, and Japan. 
Scotch- Scotland Whiskey- is traced back to the 15th century, and was initially valued for its medicinal powers, and early examples were of herbs and berries. Bourbon is more popular in teh U.S. and is more concentrated in Bourbon County, as there apparently is one, but around teh towns of Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort. In Tennessee, a different yet distinctive style of whiskey is made. An example is a brand- Jack Daniels. Crown Royal, a Canadian whiskey brand, and all Canadian whiskey brands are made from blends of different grains and combine rye, corn, and malted barley. Though Japan is one of the 5 leading whiskey producers, Japan has the youngest whiskey industry. The model for their whiskeys is single malt scotch. 
Moving on. Here are my thoughts. Why are people so into this? I mean, its just whiskey, and they all are. There are so many different styles, but they are all the same thing. It’s not a big deal. Right? OF course, many people would be shouting, ” You’re wrong! Whiskey is so unique!” I don’t understand what’s just so great about it! Plus, if you want to convince me, then give me a book that doesn’t just tell you the origins of all different whiskeys. Like the book, I am holding right now- dad. 
Ehh, but I guess it is cool that despite the fact that they are the same thing, they all are made in their own way. Like, the malts ( whatever they are) are different and how they are made, and what tastes better or goes better with them.  I guess you could say that it is pretty cool. 
Anyway, I hope everyone learned, maybe just a little bit about Whiskey, or more than they originally knew. To be honest, I did learn a few more things. Like, I never knew that there were multiple types or where they are common. Bye!

Life of 12 year old- Coronavirus Lockdown- Part 63

Rovija Khapre 0 Comment Life during Pandemic

Hello! Today is a great day, though there are so many things bad happening around that I don’t know whether I should be happy it is. Would it affect the bad things, or have it stay the same. But then again, a bad thing must happen for a good, and a good thing must happen for a bad. ( Sorta) Does that mean that because the Coronavirus is a bad thing, there will be something good alongside it? After it?? Questions. So many of them. Sometimes I think that there aren’t enough answers in the world to answer them. What do you think, readers? How is your day going so far? To be honest, I do think that today isn’t the best one. It became an extremely strange day, for me. Does it happen to you like that? Where it starts off as a good day, but then progresses into a bad one until it becomes a good one, in the end, just a little bit? Ack, I’m not writing about anything interesting! Sorry!

A lot of the deaths- the death rate- from COVID- 19 has been reducing, which is such a relief. At least, I think it’s the whole world, or maybe just the U.S. The only bad part is that the number of cases hasn’t been reducing. At this time, you can’t help but feel terrified. At my doctor’s appointment, I have to say I was a bit nervous when they took my temperature. Because, well, I wonder what would happen if I had Corona. It would be the worst thing ever. I was so nervous to know if I had a fever or not. And I guess a lot of people are like that as well. Though, it doesn’t show. Right now, it’s been chaos, this year. Despite the fact that a pandemic is going on, protestors have been everywhere, causing mayhem or not. I think that cases have still been going on because of this. People want these to go on, the protests until there is equality. But, can it wait. Can we wait for the pandemic to be over first? You don’t know who is infected or not, and it becomes even riskier when there are thousands of hundreds of people on the streets, closely knit together and touching.  Ack, I’m getting too deep again!
I think that’s it, for now. I hope that the virus is over faster and that the deaths stop along with the cases. I also hope that something happens about these protests. I don’t know what, whether it is giving equality, or something else, but something. Bye