*BOOK BLITZ*: Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/194551907X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=194551907X&linkId=584775b4f3f6678c204c3832afb0a35e

Digging in the Stars

by Katherine Blakeney

Published by: Blaze Publishing

Publication date: March 28th 2017
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.
Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.
Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves.

TEASERS:

  
“Please remain seated as we begin our descent into Thror. Welcome, and enjoy your stay.”

The time for action was at hand, and she still didn’t feel ready. The flight felt much shorter than she’d expected.
The girls exchanged bewildered looks across the aisles. Stunned silence. They couldn’t have missed that final announcement. Avoiding Professor P’s gaze, Carter still felt the look of shock the professor shot across the cabin. Once, Carter had seen herself arriving on Thror as a great explorer. Instead, she would be remembered as a half-baked deceiver and kidnapper. The Throrians would have called her a scent-changer.

* * *
Carter had been so close to her goal. She saw that crack with her own eyes, a portal into a lost ancient world, chambers filed with carvings, images that had never been recorded or reproduced. The greatest discovery of this or any other century, waiting less than twenty feet away. Waiting for her. And Conrad had been there first. The moment she thought it, she felt guilty. She was allowing herself to get carried away by archaeological fervor, mentally competing with Conrad, when he might have paid a terrible price for his discovery.

* * *
"So let me get this straight," Lizzie broke in, her tone dripping with cynicism. "Our little prodigy's ailing, long-lost, apparently gorgeous sweetheart over there has been leading us all by the nose and feeding her hints, all so he could bring her here and use her as a walking key? How romantic!" She gave a harsh laugh that sounded more like a bark. "And here I was, thinking I had unfortunate taste in men."

* * *


Author Bio:

I am an author and independent filmmaker/stop motion animator with a BFA in Stop Motion Animation from the School of Visual Arts in New York and a PhD in Film Studies from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK). My thesis focuses on silent film adaptations of late nineteenth and early twentieth century Gothic novels, with a special emphasis on psychological and aesthetic representations of the Monster figure. My debut novel, a YA Sci-Fi adventure called Digging in the Stars, is forthcoming with Blaze Publishing on March 28, 2017.
Raised by an Egyptologist mother, I grew up among museums and excavation sites, where I developed an unhealthy fascination with ancient art and mythology. I divide my time between bringing 12”-tall people to life in my studio in Edinburgh, excavating ancient tombs in the Egyptian desert, and researching Gothic literary monsters in silent film. I have worked for more than 10 years as photographer and videographer for the South Asasif Conservation Project, an archaeological expedition in Egypt and I have published numerous articles on film and archaeology.
I write, direct, design, and animate short films and commissioned projects in my studio in Edinburgh, Scotland and have been employed as an animator, screenwriter, modelmaker and art director for studios in Edinburgh, South Korea and Qatar. I have produced commissioned projects for IdeasTap in London, the Arts Trust Scotland and the British Library. My shorts have won competitions and screened at various international festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe. In 2015, my short film The Burglar With the Yellow Hand was nominated for an Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK) Research in Film Award.
You can find out more about all aspects of my work on my website, http://yorwickcastle.com

My new blog http://KatherineBlakeneyStardigger.blogspot.com is all about Digging in the Stars and my references and inspirations as a writer.


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Review: Head Over Heels (Geek Girl #5) by Holly Smale

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007574657/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0007574657&linkId=add21efa7f77bb9665375a4149c0ab71

Published: April 7th 2016 by HarperCollins Children's Books
Rating: 4 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

“My name is Harriet Manners, and I will always be a geek.”

The fifth book in the bestselling, award-winning GEEK GIRL series.

Harriet Manners knows almost every fact there is.

She knows duck-billed platypuses don’t have stomachs.
She knows that fourteen squirrels were once detained as spies.
She knows only one flag in the world features a building.

And for once, Harriet knows exactly how her life should go. She’s got it ALL planned out.
So when love is in the air, Harriet is determined to Make Things Happen!
If only everyone else would stick to the script…

Has GEEK GIRL overstepped the mark, and is following the rules going to break hearts all over again?

Review: Sunny Side Up (Geek Girl #4.5) by Holly Smale

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A52I86A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01A52I86A&linkId=072dc27c67cedc9fc1fd6df234ce1b21

Published:June 30th 2016 by Harper Collins Children’s Books
Rating: 3 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

My name is Harriet Manners, and I am a geek.

A brand new summer story from the no. 1 bestselling and award-winning GEEK GIRL series!

Harriet Manners knows many facts.

And she knows everything there is to know about Paris… except what to do when you’re the hottest new model at Fashion Week.

Can Harriet find her je ne sais quoi or will it be sacré bleu! on the runway?

Review: All That Glitters (Geek Girl #4) by Holly Smale

http://amzn.to/2mPvqgQ


Published:  February 26th 2015 by HarperCollins Children's Books
Rating: 5 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek.

Harriet Manners has high hopes for the new school year: she’s a Sixth Former now, and things are going to be different. But with Nat busy falling in love at college and Toby preoccupied with a Top Secret project, Harriet soon discovers that’s not necessarily a good thing…

Review: Picture Perfect (Geek Girl #3) by Holly Smale

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006233364X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=006233364X&linkId=c605e4a432a9f34aec208de065dfe342


Published: June 5th 2014 by HarperCollins Children's
Rating: 5 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

"My name is Harriet Manners, and I'll always be a geek."

It's the hilarious third book in the No.1 bestselling, award winning GEEK GIRL series!

Harriet Manners knows more facts than most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States. She knows that its official motto is "Ever Upward". She knows that 28% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon.

But she knows nothing about modelling in the Big Apple, and how her family will cope with life stateside. Or how to "become a brand", as the models in New York put it. And, even more importantly, what to do when the big romantic gestures aren't coming from your boyfriend...

Does geek girl go too far this time?

The laugh out loud follow-up to award winning GEEK GIRL and MODEL MISFIT will have you in stitches.

Review: Geek Drama (Geek Girl #2.5) by Holly Smale

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0008113475/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0008113475&linkId=46328e26fd0465048801e754c77d25d1

Published: February 26th 2015 by HarperCollins Children'sBooks
Rating: 4 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

“My name is Harriet Manners and I am a geek.”

Harriet Manners knows that the hottest observed place on earth is Furnace Creek in Death Valley. She knows that dolphins shed the top layer of their skin every two hours. And she knows just how badly auditions can go, especially when you’re a model. But she has no idea what to do when her arch-nemesis decides the school play is the perfect opportunity to humiliate her…

Can GEEK GIRL survive the bright lights of the stage?

Review: All Wrapped Up (Geek Girl #1.5) by Holly Smale

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0008195447/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0008195447&linkId=261f49cd9f606afee6754b3d8269b60f


Published:  November 5th 2015 by HarperCollins Children's Books
Rating: 5 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

All I want for Christmas is… a new GEEK GIRL story!

Harriet Manners knows a lot about Christmas.

She knows that every year Santa climbs down 91.8 million chimneys.

She knows that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was almost definitely a girl.

She knows that the first artificial Christmas trees were made out of goose feathers.

But this Christmas is extra special for Harriet, because four days ago she had her First Ever Kiss.

Now she just needs to work out what's supposed to happen next…

A romantic festive treat from the internationally bestselling award-winning author of the GEEK GIRL series. Also includes a BONUS previously unpublished GEEK GIRL short story TEAM GEEK!

Review, Reviews, Reviews....


Hello Bookworms

From here on in I'm starting on a quest.

Yes, the kind of quest that involves climbing, seeking, finding and exploring with a whole lot of adventure.

No, I'm not getting on the 43b bus to any place in particular.

I'm aware that while my Books and Authors Reviewed page is vastly varied I have a hard time trying to finish a series.

Mainly because I read a lot of Arcs and the final book in a series doesn't always have one because the series has become so immense the publishers don't feel the need to send them.

So, in the true spirit of being a Bookworm I'm going to finish what I started, and yes, finish some series reviews off.

I'm also aware this may need a few rereads of books I reviewed at the very beginning of my blogging life. But hey, fun, fun, fun!

Here I begin my quest!

Toodle-Pip

-CB x

Review: Rebellion (The 100 #4) by Kass Morgan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316503037/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0316503037&linkId=8004d3f750f72eada9509a6881dfd68f


Published:  December 6th 2016 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Rating: 3 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:


Centuries after nuclear war destroyed our planet, humanity struggles to rebuild. It’s been a month since the dropships landed and the Colonists joined the Hundred on the ground. The teens, once branded juvenile delinquents, are now leaders among their people.

The Colonists and the Earthborns are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone’s horror, they’re attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. The newcomers kill scores of people, seize prisoners, and pillage crucial supplies. When hotheaded Bellamy and his analytical girlfriend Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clarke find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends.

Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors, religious fanatics with one goal: to grow their ranks and “heal” the war-ravaged planet… by eliminating everyone else on it.

But centuries of radiation exposure have taken their toll, forcing the cult to take drastic steps to survive. And unless the rescue party arrives soon, the teen captives will face a fate more terrifying than anything they could imagine. In this thrilling fourth installment, the hundred fight to protect the people they love on the dangerous planet they always dreamed of calling home.

Review: Homecoming (The 100 #3) by Kass Morgan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316381969/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0316381969&linkId=36fed0987c3cd878aa8faf7e544d2ed0

Published: February 24th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Rating: 5 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.

These new arrivals are the lucky ones—back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone—but after making it safely to Earth, GLASS’s luck seems to be running out. CLARKE leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can’t stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice Chancellor and his armed guards, and BELLAMY must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he’d left behind.

It’s time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they’ve found on Earth, or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.

Review: Day 21 (The 100 #2) by Kass Morgan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316234575/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=albwormblogge-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0316234575&linkId=49bd42d7b4bae62f2c7053ea47bfbb79

Published: September 16th 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Rating: 3 out of 5

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Available from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.

In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together.

Review: The 100 by Kass Morgan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316234494/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316234494&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=06124444d5ed219b70c27daa9c7cb5e4


Published: September 3rd 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Available from:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.

CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.

Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope.

Arc Review: Wishbones by Virginia Macgregor

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0008217297/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0008217297&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=fc13020dba557539530c4ed7639ed742



Expected Release: May 18th 2017 by HQ

Rating: 5 out of 5

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Available from:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

Feather Tucker has two wishes:

1)To get her mum healthy again

2) To win the Junior UK swimming championships

When Feather comes home on New Year’s Eve to find her mother – one of Britain’s most obese women- in a diabetic coma, she realises something has to be done to save her mum’s life. But when her Mum refuses to co-operate Feather realises that the problem run deeper than just her mum’s unhealthy appetite.

Over time, Feather’s mission to help her Mum becomes an investigation. With the help of friends old and new, and the hindrance of runaway pet goat Houdini, Feather’s starting to uncover when her mum’s life began to spiral out of control and why. But can Feather fix it in time for her mum to watch her swim to victory? And can she save her family for good?

Arc Review: Perfect (Flawed #2) by Cecelia Ahern

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250074126/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250074126&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=70a5ff6b1b941fb8c4374cb5b0f42aab



Published: April 4th 2017

Rating: 3 out of 5

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Available from:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVAV77A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EVAV77A&linkCode=as2&tag=albwormblogge-20&linkId=ea92513938cc39286e1553af826d5485http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-once-spoken-carly-drake/1116804113?ean=9780857990822

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Synopsis:

Celestine North lives in a society that demands perfection. After she was branded Flawed by a morality court, Celestine's life has completely fractured--all her freedoms gone.

Since Judge Crevan has declared her the number one threat to the public, she has been a ghost, on the run with Carrick--the only person she can trust.

But Celestine has a secret--one that could bring the entire Flawed system crumbling to the ground. A secret that has already caused countless people to go missing.

Judge Crevan is gaining the upper hand, and time is running out for Celestine. With tensions building, Celestine must make a choice: save just herself or to risk her life to save all Flawed people.

And, most important of all, can she prove that to be human in itself is to be Flawed?