A Madison Mom's Reading List

Demon Crossings

2012-01-31T20:48:00.001-05:00

Demon Crossings was written by Eleri Stone (who is a high school friend of mine).

From EleriStone.com:

Grace is a private investigator who rolls into the quiet town of Ragnarok, Iowa searching for a missing person. But the secluded farming community is not exactly what it seems and Grace is plunged into a world of Norse gods and fire demons where the Wild Hunt still rides the night. Instead of a quick resolution to an easy case, Grace is faced with the terrifying task of crossing between worlds to rescue a lost girl. In Ragnarok, Grace finds a family and a home. She also finds herself falling in love with the man who’s leading her into danger.

This is Eleri Stone's third book. I read the first 2 last year (although I've just realized the second book is still in my list of books that haven't been listed yet for last year.... I'm so behind!!!) and thought they were pretty amazing.... so I really looked forward to what Demon Crossings would be about. I was a little disappointment at first when I saw it wasn't going to be continuation of the Lost City Shifters series.

I quickly got over my disappointment. I found myself really liking Grace right away. (How can you not like a woman who gives her life to tracking down missing children?) And oh-my-goodness Aiden. Let me just say that Ms. Stone certainly knows how to write a romance hero. Um... wow!

I have to say I did have a bit of a soft spot for Fen though. Fen is short for Fenris.. and he's part of a line of Fenris wolf. So... he shapeshifts from man to wolf during the "hunt". When he becomes friends with Grace and shares information about himself I found myself wanting more of his story. (Hmm... what do you think Eleri? Could there be a story for Fen in the future?)

I will say one more thing about the book. It might not be something you want to read while sitting next to your first grader who is just learning to read. Or in public. I found myself sitting on the swim bleachers today next to a dad. I couldn't help but tilt my kindle away from him for fear he might glance and read over my shoulder. Yeah... quite a few of the scenes in Demon Crossings are probably meant to be read in quiet privacy. Let's just say this book is not any less hot than Eleri Stones previous 2. Ahem.

The Underside of Joy

2012-01-19T21:18:00.000-05:00

The Underside of Joy was written by Sere Prince Halverson. It is her debut novel and is currently the topic of conversation for the BlogHer Book Club.

Summary from sereprincehalverson.com:

To Ella Beene, happiness means living in the Northern California river town of Elbow with her husband, Joe, and his two young children. For three years, Ella has been the only mother the kids have known. But when Joe drowns off the coast, his ex-wife shows up at his funeral, intent on reclaiming the children. Ella must fight to prove they should remain with her while she struggles to save the family’s market. With wit and determination, she delves beneath the surface of her marriage, finally asking the questions she most fears, the answers jeopardizing everything and everyone she most loves.

Rather than the fairy tale version of step-motherhood that pits good against evil, The Underside of Joy explores a complex relationship between two women who both consider themselves to be the children’s mother. Their conflict uncovers a map of scars — physical and emotional — to their families’ deeply buried tragedies, including Italian internment camps during WWII and postpartum depression and psychosis.

I think if I was asked to describe this book in one word I would have to go with "tearjerker".

It's been a pretty long time since a book had me sobbing, but this one had me running for the tissue box by chapter 2. I would like to say "I couldn't put this book down" but I actually have to say I needed to put this book down. The devastation of having your husband die suddenly... and then having to not only deal with the grief... but the trauma of telling your children... and then on top of it all having to deal with possibly losing custody of your children; I just found myself needing to put the book down and walk away every few chapters. Each time the story found a bit of happiness... something would come up that would bring the death and loss and grief right back to the forefront.

I am not saying this was a horrible book that I had to force myself to read. In actuality, I believe it was a pretty amazing book. I would have to say that a writer that can have you feel a connection to her characters and her story well enough to bawl your eyes out in chapter 2 is a rather talented artist. I will also say that not all of my tears were sad tears. There was at least one moment that had me sobbing with happiness (and also needing the tissue box).

Some words that have stuck with me since finishing The Underside of Joy - "I know now that the most genuine happiness is kept afloat by an underlying sorrow." Such true words. I definitely see how this book teaches that with sadness you truly come to see what happiness you have in your life. You know what it truly means to be happy once you've seen the other side.

Disclosure: This is a paid book review for the BlogHer Book Club. All of the thoughts expressed are my own.

Gregor and the Code of Claw

2011-12-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

Gregor and the Code of Claw was written by Suzanne Collins. It is the final book of 5 in The Underland Chronicles.

From Scholastic:

Everyone in the Underland has been taking great pains to keep The Prophecy of Time from Gregor. Gregor knows it must say something awful but he never imagined just how awful: It calls for the warrior's death. Now, with an army of rats approaching, and his mom and sister still in Regalia, Gregor the warrior must gather up his courage to help defend Regalia and get his family home safely. The entire existence of the Underland is in Gregor's hands, and time is running out. There is a code to be cracked, a mysterious new princess, Gregor's burgeoning dark side, and a war to end all wars.

In this action-packed and suspenseful final installment in the acclaimed Underland Chronicles, Suzanne Collins unfolds the fate of the Underland and the great warrior, Gregor the Overlander.

While the books were meant to be young adult or young reader books... I really throroughly enjoyed this series. The characters were deep and fully fleshed out. They felt real (and that's saying something when the majority of characters are larger than humans and are rats, cockroaches and bats). A series that can make me teary-eyed over the death of a cockroach or upset over how rats are treated contains some pretty amazing writing. I'm left really wishing that Suzanne Collins would take another visit to The Underland. I'd definitely join her!

Gregor and the Marks of Secret

2011-12-27T14:49:00.000-05:00

Gregor and the Marks of Secret was written by Suzanne Collins. It is book 4 of 5 in The Underland Chronicles.

From Amazon (School Library Journal):

No good deed goes unpunished in the fourth installment in the popular series. Gregor and his sister Boots are regular visitors to Underland, where their mother is slowly recovering from injuries incurred in the previous episode. Gregor is supposed to be studying echolocation with his rat friend, Ripred the Gnawer, but hes doing very badly. Ripred has his own problems, largest of which is Bane, the once-sweet little baby Gnawer whom the protagonist refused to kill in Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (Scholastic, 2004). Bane, now a half-grown monster of a rat, is surprisingly charismatic yet emotionally stunted and easily controlled by the forces of evil. When Queen Luxa gets a message that the mice that saved her life in the jungle are in trouble, she and Gregor head out to investigate, accompanied by her cousin Howard, several bats, Gregors sisters, and a brave cockroach named Temp. The breathless pace, intense drama, and extraordinary challenges will leave fans clamoring for the conclusion of this fine series.

Another exciting installment in the series. I love that the stories just keep moving. Lots of action and quick thinking.

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods

2011-12-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods was written by Suzanne Collins. It is book 3 of 5 in The Underland Chronicles.

From Amazon (School Library Journal):

This third book continues the saga of Gregor's adventures in the amazing subterranean world under New York City. This time the 11-year-old is trying to save victims of an Underland plague, including Ares, his giant bat bond-mate, and Gregor's own mother. The quest for the cure takes the boy and his friends into new sections of the Underland where plants are carnivorous and a giant lizard serves as a guide. The Overlander is again joined on his quest by Boots, his toddler sister; Ripred, the rat; and Temp, the giant cockroach. As before, the quest is guided by a prophecy that only becomes clear in the later stages of the book. Collins maintains the momentum, charm, and vivid settings of the original title. The characterizations continue to be complex with each new book, revealing new sides to familiar individuals.

I have to say I really enjoyed how face paced these books were. There was very little downtime as the story progressed. They were just packed with action and adventure (on a very young adult level... or not even young "adult".) Sometimes I'm just happy to read a book that is just fun.

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

2011-12-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane was written by Suzanne Collins. It is book 2 of 5 in The Underland Chronicles.

From Amazon (School Library Journal):

With more than capable narration by actor Paul Boehmer, Suzanne Collinss second novel in the Underland Chronicles series (Scholastic, 2004) practically vibrates with excitement and adventure. It takes a bit of time to catch up on characters and events from the first book, but enough hints are dropped along the way to make this accessible to new listeners. Gregor is an Overlander, an 11-year-old who lives in New York City. Boots, his toddler sister, disappears into the Underland, a vast world beneath the city thats populated by enormous bats, cockroaches, and rats, while sledding in Central Park. Gregor knows he must return to the strange underground kingdom of Regalia to rescue her. Boehmer gives each character a distinctive voice, and he has the tone and timing of toddler Boots down perfectly. His voice reflects the change in Gregor as he matures under the weight of his responsibilities.

I will not spoil... but I love the little twist in this prophecy. Gregor needing to make a decision about what to do once he meets the Bane was definitely a moment that made you wonder what you might do in the same type of situation. Suzanne Collins definitely keeps it interesting.

Gregor the Overlander

2011-12-27T14:28:00.000-05:00

Gregor the Overlander was written by Suzanne Collins. It is book 1 of 5 in The Underland Chronicles.

From Amazon (School Library Journal):

In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the "overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging, particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre.

When I completed the Hunger Games Trilogy I just hadn't had enough of Suzanne Collins. While The Underland Chronicles is definitely a younger "young adult" series... I wasn't disappointed. While the books made for a very easy read, they still kept me interested and kept my imagination going. I rushed through all 5 books just dying to know how each book ended. And then... I was sorry I was so quick to read them. I really think that another book should be added to the series. Suzanne Collins could definitely take a look into the future of the characters I think.

Demonglass

2011-12-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

Demonglass was written by Rachel Hawkins. It is the book 2 of the Hex Hall series.

From Amazon:

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a risky procedure that will either destroy her powers forever — or kill her.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new housemates? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Witches, demons, etc. People who love them. People who hate them. People who are them. People who aren't sure what they are. Add in the general teenage angst. Still.... I'm looking forward to see how the story progresses when book 3 is released in March 2012.

Hex Hall

2011-12-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hex Hall was written by Rachel Hawkins. Hex Hall is the first book of a series. (Book 3 is scheduled to be released in March 2012.)

From Amazon:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she is a witch. Her non-gifted mother has been supportive, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—a warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who exiles her to “Hex Hall”, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fairies, and shape-shifters.

By the end of her first day, Sophie has three new enemies, a futile crush on a warlock, a tagalong ghost, and a vampire roommate. Worse, Sophie soon learns that an unknown predator has been attacking students. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries converges, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Kind of a Harry Potter meets Twilight... add in the House of Night series... stir it all around. Yep. That sounds about right. I did enjoy the story. I did move on immediately to read Book 2. I was disappointed to find out that Book 3 isn't out yet.

Everlasting: The Immortals

2011-12-20T13:04:00.002-05:00

Everlasting was written by Alyson Noel. It is book 6, the final book in The Immortals series.

From alysonnoel.com:

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

Without giving anything/too much away... I'll just say that the conclusion of The Immortals was just what I thought it would be while still being surprising. I think that's the way a lot of this series was actually. As an example: there were certain characters who would die as the story unfolded (in all of the books) but they never ended without surprising me a little bit in their final scenes. Either my feeling about them dying would give me a feeling I hadn't expected... or Ever would do something that I hadn't expected. The author kept me surprised even while thinking I knew it all.

I think there could be one more novel in this series. I would love a look at what happened years after the last page.

Night Star: The Immortals

2011-12-20T11:48:00.002-05:00

Night Star was written by Alyson Noel. It is book 5 of The Immortals series.

From alysonnoel.com:

Best friends make the worst enemies—they know all your secrets, your weaknesses, and just how to hurt you most...

After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen's future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath.

Not my favorite of the series... or the most memorable in my opinion.

Dark Flame: The Immortals

2011-12-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Dark Flame was written by Alyson Noel. It is book 4 in The Immortal series.

From alysonnoel.com:

In this eagerly awaited continuation of the bestselling Immortals series, Ever struggles to help her best friend Haven transition into life as an immortal—trying to keep her from doing anything that puts them at risk, while attempting to gain control over her enemy Roman, so she can finally obtain the antidote that will allow her and Damen to be together. But when the spell she casts backfires, resulting in a strange, foreign pulse that binds her to Roman instead, Ever turns to Jude and dark magick, desperately attempting to break free of the curse, and ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including her beloved Damen.

All I really want to say is.... Roman, Roman Roman. Talk about just loving to hate the "villain". I hate to give anything away... so I'll just say that by the end of this book I loved Roman... and was glad Ever made me feel for him.

Shadowland: The Immortals

2011-12-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Shadowland was written by Alyson Noel. It is book 3 in The Immortal series.

From alysonnoel.com:

Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world's darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just as their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen...one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into a bleak afterlife in the Shadowland, an eternal abyss for lost souls. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source...Jude Knight.

Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She's always believed Damen to be her soul mate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them from the darkness inhabiting his soul, Ever's connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before...

The series really starts to focus on past lives, karma and fate. There is a long running love triangle between Damon, Ever and Jude. Like other novels (ahem, Twilight) there is a struggle for Ever to try and decide who her true "soul mate" is.

Blue Moon: The Immortals

2011-12-20T11:35:00.001-05:00

Blue Moon was written by Alyson Noel. It's is book 2 in The Immortals Series.

From alysonnoel.com:

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen's past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

Loved Summerland. I loved the way they pulled in the past... and how Summerland gave Ever (and the readers) a way to see the past without them really being just "flashbacks".

Evermore: The Immortals

2011-12-20T11:26:00.001-05:00

Evermore was written by Alyson Noel. It is book 1 of The Immortals series. There are 6 books in the series.

From alysonnoel.com:

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

When I started reading this series I have to say I assumed it was yet another vampire series. (Not that I really have a problem with tha... I'm on board with the whole vampire novel obsession.) This was not vampires though. Immortals. Slightly different. No blood sucking... just elixer drinking. More of an alchemy thing. There are similarities though.

I enjoyed the fact that even though this definitely has the usual romance focus, it had the added twist of Ever losing her family. Ever (who's name takes FORVER to get used to) starts the series having survived a car crash that takes the lives of her parents and 12 year old sister. She's dealing with moving on with her life and is living with some major survivors guilt. I have to say one of my favorite characters is Ever's sister Riley (who got distracted when she was "crossing over" and now is "haunting" Ever.)

If you enjoyed Twilight or House of Night (or really anything you'll find by clicking my "paranormal romance" tag) I think you would enjoy this series too.

Mockingjay

2011-11-08T16:07:00.001-05:00

Mockingjay was written by Suzanne Collins. It is the 3rd book in The Hunger Games trilogy.

From The Hunger Games website:

Can Katniss Everdeen win the final fight against the Capitol?

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12...

THE FINAL BOOK IN THE HEART-STOPPING HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY.

My opinion is really completely in my Hunger Games post.
Really an amazing set of books. It's not surprising at all that the series is being made into movies. I can not wait to see them. I'm already excited just from seeing the brief trailers.

Catching Fire

2011-11-08T16:02:00.000-05:00

Catching Fire was written by Suzanne Collins. It is the book 2 in The Hunger Games Trilogy.

From The Hunger Games Website:

Katniss Everdeen survived the Hunger Games. Now the Capitol wants revenge.
After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns to her district, hoping for a peaceful future. But Katniss starts to hear rumours of a deadly rebellion against the Capitol. A rebellion that she and Peeta have helped to create. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless Katniss and Peeta can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying...

The terrifying sequel to The Hunger Games.

My opinion is really completely in my Hunger Games post.
I have to just add... that after reading the entire trilogy... I think the covers are perfect. I'm just horrible for judging a book by it's cover since I don't know what the cover means.

The Hunger Games

2011-11-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

The Hunger Games was written by Suzanne Collins. It is book 1 of a trilogy... and is set to be a movie soon.

From The Hunger Games website:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone fighting against you?

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation ofPanem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boyand one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying ﬁght to thedeath - televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretlyhunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games,she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

WINNING WILL MAKE YOU FAMOUS. LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.

I have to start out by saying that The Hunger Games was one of those book series that EVERYONE I follow online was talking about (I know that "everyone" might a slight exaggeration). It seemed to be THE book trilogy to read. I don't know why I do this... but when a book series gets so much hype I avoid reading. I don't know if I'm afraid I'm not going to like it as much as everyone else and will be let down... or if I'm afraid I'm going to like it too much and get drawn into an obsession. (um... Harry Potter... Twilight...) I really don't know why.

I finally gave in and looked the books up. I have admitted before that I (embarrassingly) am a person who first judges a book by it's cover. The Hunger Games cover... didn't impress me. I immediately thought "why is everyone so hot on this book???" I put off reading it again.

Finally... I gave in. I downloaded all 3 books at once and figured "fine... I'll just read them and get it over with." Well, I definitely can say I read them and got them over with. I couldn't put them down. Oh, my, obsession. I read all 3 books in a week in Florida this summer. I would put a book down... go put the girls to bed... and then come running back to the book almost out of breath from sprinting across the house. I was seriously that absorbed in the stories.

After finishing all 3 books I will admit I just about forced other people to read them. Forced. Seriously... if you haven't read them.... go... now... read.

Easily Amused

2011-11-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

Easily Amused was written by Karen McQuestion.

When I read Scattered Life and added it to my book list I said I liked it, but not enough to rush off and find another book by Karen McQuestion. That statement was absolutely true... and I have to admit that when I download Easily Amused to my kindle it was because it was on a list of low price ebooks and sounded worth the read. I realized it was the same author after I started reading. Oops.

Book description from karenmcquestion.com:

When twenty-nine-year-old Lola Watson unexpectedly inherits a rambling house in the suburbs, she thinks it just may be the cherry on a banner year. After all, she’s happily single, with fabulous friends and her dream job working at a popular magazine. Life is perfect—until her new neighbors make her their new “project,” a heartbroken high school friend crashes indefinitely at her house, and her younger sister announces she’s getting married…on Lola’s thirtieth birthday. Suddenly Lola’s not so keen on her newfound domestic bliss. But when she meets handsome, mysterious Ryan Moriarty, Lola dares to hope she’s found the perfect guy to one-up her sister and add a little spice back into her life. This light-hearted romantic comedy from Karen McQuestion is headlined by a charming cast of characters, led by the self-deprecatingly funny Lola. Breezy and fun, Easily Amused serves as a gentle, often amusing reminder that love can often be found in the place we least expect—under our very noses.

I think I feel the same way about this story as I did about the first. It was an enjoyable read. Lola, the main character, was interesting enough. I very easily disliked Lola's sister as much as she did herself. Hubert (Lola's friend) was a lovable guy. Ryan Moriarty (the mysterious neighbor) keeps you guessing. But again... I'm not in a rush to buy another of Karen McQuestion's novels. I guess they're just not my favorite type of books.

Graveminder

2011-11-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

Graveminder was written by Melissa Marr.

After reading and enjoying her Wicked Lovely series (I've read 8 of them) I was really interested to see if I would like another book by Melissa Marr... one not involving fairies. This novel is also considered her first work of adult (not young adult) fiction. I have to say I think I may have actually liked this novel better than the fairy stories.

Book description from Melissa-Marr.com:

Three sips to mind the dead . . .

Rebekkah Barrow never forgot the attention her grandmother Maylene bestowed upon the dead of Claysville, the small town where Bek spent her adolescence. There wasn't a funeral that Maylene didn't attend, and at each one Rebekkah watched as Maylene performed the same unusual ritual: She took three sips from a silver flask and spoke the words "Sleep well, and stay where I put you."

Now Maylene is dead, and Bek must go back to the place she left a decade earlier. She soon discovers that Claysville is not just the sleepy town she remembers, and that Maylene had good reason for her odd traditions. It turns out that in Claysville the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected; beneath the town lies a shadowy, lawless land ruled by the enigmatic Charles, aka Mr. D. If the dead are not properly cared for, they will come back to satiate themselves with food, drink, and stories from the land of the living. Only the Graveminder, by tradition a Barrow woman, and her Undertaker—in this case Byron Montgomery, with whom Bek shares a complicated past—can set things right once the dead begin to walk.

Although she is still grieving for Maylene, Rebekkah will soon find that she has more than a funeral to attend to in Claysville, and that what awaits her may be far worse: dark secrets, a centuries-old bargain, a romance that still haunts her, and a frightening new responsibility—to stop a monster and put the dead to rest where they belong.

The Peach Keeper

2011-11-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

The Peach Keeper was written by Sarah Addison Allen.

From the book description on amazon:

Walls of Water, North Carolina, where the secrets are thicker than the fog from the town’s famous waterfalls, and the stuff of superstition is just as real as you want it to be.

It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water’s heyday, and once the town’s grandest home—has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots.

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood—of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it.

Sarah Addison Allen has succeeded again in making a book a little magical and unreal seem very real and possible. She is definitely one of my a favorite authors. I also always find her book site to have some special features (um... recipes for things that sound delicious!).

Old Habits

2011-10-17T17:32:00.001-04:00

Old Habits was written by Melissa Marr. It is a "short" from the Wicked Lovely series.

From Melissa Marr's site:

Recently anointed king of the Dark Court, Niall struggles to forge a new relationship with his subjects—and with the former Dark King, Irial, his once-friend, once-enemy, and now possible-advisor.

The story is set in time between Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity (which I read and reviewed last summer). I have to say I just love that Melissa Marr went back and added short stories between full novels. It was a short and pretty quick read, but since it had been a year since I had read the other books in the Wicked Lovely series it did take some thinking and remembering. Once I realized what had happened before and after this story it was a really great addition. I really enjoyed the fuller character development.

I would highly suggest readying this story while the other books are still fresh in your mind (and even read it in the "correct" sequence rather than the written/published sequence).

2011-10-17T17:12:00.001-04:00

Wishful Thinking was written by Alexandra Bullen.

From WhatWouldYourWishFor.com:

Adopted as a baby, Hazel has never belonged anywhere, and has always yearned to know the truth about where she comes from. So when she receives three enchanted dresses, Hazel wishes to know her mother. In one miraculous summer, Hazel finds her home, falls in love, and makes an unexpected friend. But will her search to uncover her past forever alter her future?

Wish

2011-10-17T17:11:00.000-04:00

Wish was written by Alexandra Bullen.

From WhatWouldYouWish.com:

Nothing can change the fact that Olivia Larsen's twin sister, Violet, is gone . . . until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back. With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life, and they soon discover two more dresses, and two more wishes.

Love on a Dime

2011-10-17T16:47:00.001-04:00

Love on a Dime was written by Cara Lynn James. It is the first book in a series called Ladies of Summerhill.

Description from Amazon.com:

In an age of elegance and excess, Lilly Westbrook longs for a love both true and eternal.

Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Home of railroad magnates and banking tycoons--dashing young men and the women who aspire to marry them.

But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.
No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company...and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit.

But Lilly must put aside her feelings and follow the path that will maintain her family's social stature and provide the financial security that everyone is depending on.

Now Lilly faces a double dilemma. Can she continue to protect her secret identity? And will she have the courage to choose the man who will risk it all just to win her heart?

Honestly... I wouldn't have bought this book normally. I didn't have a specific title in mind to read next so I searched a couple of lists. I found Love on a Dime on a list of Kindle Freebies (it's no longer a freebie) so I gave it a try. How can you lose with a free book? I didn't even read the full description before downloading it. If I did I would have been intrigued by the story of a girl secretly writing dime store novels in a time when it would have been a scandal if anyone found her out. I've been enjoying "historical fiction" quite a bit lately. But... if I had seen the label "Christian fiction" I may have just clicked on to the next book on the list. In my mind the labels "Christian fiction" and "romance" don't necessarily fit together (depending on what your mind thinks of "romance" novels.)

All of that said, I guess the long and short of it is that I did enjoy the story but I'm not rushing off to get the next of the Ladies in Summerhill Series. If I find myself lacking an idea of what book I want to read next I might take a look at the next book in the series though.

Faithful Place

2011-09-08T20:20:00.000-04:00

Faithful Place was written by Tana French.

If you ask me what my favorite type of book is I would never giver "mystery" as my first answer. But... if it comes packaged in an enjoyable writing style, and is loaded with unbelievably real and fully developed characters... well, then, I just might love a good mystery.

Check out my full review on BlogHer Book Club!

The Beach Trees

2011-07-27T20:23:00.001-04:00

The Beach Trees was written by Karen White.

I’ve never been drawn to New Orleans. I never really felt like it was a place I just HAD to visit. I don’t know why. Just wasn’t. But now...

Check out my full review with BlogHer Book Club!

What Happened to Goodbye

2011-07-05T22:30:00.001-04:00

What Happened to Goodbye was written by Sarah Dessen.

Are you looking for a great easy read to add to your summer reading list? You may find Sarah Dessen's writing is just what you're looking for.

Check out my full review with BlogHer Book Club!!!

Rising Sunsets

2011-06-26T18:28:00.002-04:00

Rising Sunsets was written by D.H. Cermeño.

I received an e-mail a couple of months ago with the subject "Message from a new author". I was excited to read that the author of Rising Suns was asking if I'd like to read his book. The synopsis sounded interesting... and on reading the brief author bio I found he lives in the same Florida town where my brother's family lives. I was also going to be visiting my brother the week after I received the e-mail. (What can I say... I like random coincidences.) So... I e-mailed back to ask for a copy of Rising Sunsets.

David and I e-mailed back and forth a couple of times. I have to say he seems like a nice guy. I also enjoyed a link he shared to an op-ed piece he wrote for NorthJersey.com. (another coincidence since I live here in North Jersey.)

I completely enjoyed reading Rising Sunsets. It was written in a very easy going style and language. Once I found the time to read it, it was a nice quick read. (I've gotten so used to reading my kindle on the treadmill that an actual paperback book threw me off a little! I actually sat and focused on just reading!)
David Fletcher suddenly realized he doesn't know what he's going to do with himself after graduation. On a rather spur of the moment whim he signs up to teach English in Japan. He's quickly swept off to a new life in a new country.

Synopsis from D.H. Cermeño:

Rising Sunsets is an enlightening journey through the mind of
David Fletcher, a bright and ambitious young man who is
determined to conquer the world and prove his unsupportive
father wrong. When reality strikes and nothing works out as
expected, an unusual opportunity to go to Japan to teach
English to schoolchildren presents itself. There, he discovers
his true self and finds an inner strength and independence he
never knew existed. Throughout the story, David uncovers
Japanese culture and easily embraces the traditions until
suddenly, those age-old beliefs stand in the way of his
happiness. And, through an unexpected encounter with love, the
course of his life is changed forever.

I have never been to Japan, and I loved seeing it through David's eyes. There were so many details included in a relatively short novel. The descriptions of the countryside as he first sees the flowering cherry blossoms are just breathtaking. I loved the interactions between David and his co-workers and students. The way he described his introductions to Japanese culture and community left me in awe but with anxiety. He made me feel what a struggle it must have been to find a balance with those who accepted his presence as an American bringing diversity... and those who fought against him as an outsider. I'm quite impressed with how deeply he was able to touch on culture, romance, love and family.

I want to compare the novel to a journal. It wasn't written in the style of journaling, but it had a very personal feel to it. I read a review (I should never do that before finishing my own) that complained that the story bounced around... but it felt very natural to me. It read like I sometimes find myself thinking. You'll be going through your day... and you're suddenly reminded of something else. Something someone says to you will make you think back to something your mother used to say. It all flowed for me.

I WAS left with some questions. Actually... mostly... I really am just left wondering how much of the story is fiction and how much is biographical? There are similarities between the author and the novel... both taught English in Japan after graduating... both graduated with a degree in broadcasting... both seem to have a love of Japan. Did the author really have to deal with his own Yamaguchi? Did the author actually climb Mount Fuji? And... most importantly... is there a Yoshie???? I think my questioning these things just makes me realize how real Cermeño's writing made his characters and story.

Whatever the answers are... I just want to say right now... I want a second novel. The moment I finished reading I wanted to know what happened next. Whether any of the story is "real" or not, I need to know what happens after that epilogue.

(Oh, David... please tell me you're working on a book 2! And if you're not... you need to at least tell me what you imagine happened... or what really did.)

A Discovery of Witches

2011-05-31T13:56:00.003-04:00

A Discovery of Witches was written by Deborah Harkness.

If you've been following my book list here at all... then you're aware of my current fondness for paranormal romance. Ok, fine, it might be more obsession than fondness. Whatever.

Vampires, witches, daemons, magic. This book is full of them.

Please come read my full review with the BlogHer Book Club!

A Jane Austen Education

2011-05-24T11:21:00.001-04:00

A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter was written by William Deresiewicz.

I read this book as a part of the BlogHer Book Club. The main thought of my review? How can a someone love and hate a book all at the same time?

My full review can be found on BlogHer.

Caleb's Crossing

2011-05-03T17:08:00.001-04:00

Caleb's Crossing was written by Geraldine Brooks.

I'm excited to say that I read this book for the new BlogHer Book Club. You can find out what I thought about Caleb's Crossing by visiting my book review that is posted on Blogher!

I would have shared my thoughts sooner... but I just realized today that my review had been published over a week ago. Eek!

Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later

2011-04-05T21:32:00.001-04:00

Written by Francine Pascal.

Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later was a book I just HAD to read. Many years ago (many more than 10 years ago!) I read the original Sweet Valley High series when it began. That was in the early 80s (ACK!). It is very possible I was about 11 years old when I started the series. My Nanny (grandmother) would buy me the books as they came out. I remember hating having to wait for the next book to be published. I was always excited when she would tell me she found a couple more books.

From the Sweet Valley Confidential facebook page:

Now with this striking new adult novel from author and creator Francine Pascal, millions of devoted fans can finally return to the idyllic town of Sweet Valley, home of the phenomenally successful book series and franchise. Iconic and beloved identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield are back and all grown up, dealing with the complicated adult world of love, careers, betrayal, and sisterhood.

I'm a bit at a loss for words on how to describe this book. I WANT to say "I loved it!!! It was so fabulous!!!" But, let's just say that for the quality of writing and story... I'm embarrassed that I read this. But... for purposes of nostalgia... there is no way I wouldn't have read this book. It is exactly how I remember the Sweet Valley books. Elizabeth and Jessica and all of their "friends" might be 28 years old now... the books may have been intended for an adult audience... but they brought me right back to being a pre-teen girl.

I know it's being called an "adult novel" but I have trouble calling it that. Maybe it can be categorized as that because it's being marketed towards the readers from the 80s who are all adults now. But I don't believe it's in anyway "adult". A lot of the young adult fiction I've read lately was far more "adult" than Sweet Valley Confidential.

I will point out my main complaint about the writing; it jumped all over the place. It moved all over the time line: present day, flashbacks to a few years before, flashbacks to high school and college. It moved betweeen character points of view: Elizabeth's point of view, Jessica's pov, Todd's pov, Bruce's pov, EVERYONE's point of view. AND they would repeat the same scene from different points of view. Multiple views of multiple time periods from multiple characters. It made me a little dizzy.

So... was Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later a great book that I would recommend? Not to everyone. But, if you read the original series... I have to say it might be worth the nostalgia factor.

And, if they release Sweet Valley 20 years later? With 38 year old Elizabeth and Jessica? I'll be right in line to buy my copy.

Ascend

2011-04-05T20:37:00.000-04:00

Written by Amanda Hocking.

Ascend is the third book in the Trylle Trilogy. I read the book very quickly because I just couldn't put it down. I hated when the story was finished.

From Amanda Hocking's blog:

With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy’s fate seems sealed. But everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can’t save the ones she loves.

Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it’s all coming to an end.

I started reading this book and just could not put it down. It was read in full in less than 2 days. I was up late into the night reading because I just couldn't get enough... and couldn't wait to see what would happen to everyone. I hate to spoil books for people who haven't read them yet. I will say this... while the story did take a turn I didn't expect... I love how it ended. I just don't love that it actually DID end. I want more.

I really did love this entire series. Amanda Hocking's other books will definitely be added to my list in the near future (zombie romance here I come).

Torn

2011-03-22T21:14:00.000-04:00

Written by Amanda Hocking.

Torn is the second book in the Trylle Trilogy. I started this book yesterday afternoon and finished it today. I'm also already a few chapters into book 3... and I'm also already sad that I'm nearing the end of the series. I can tell I'm not going to have gotten enough of Wendy, Finn, Loki, Tove and... I could just keep going. The characters are all just so real in my mind. I'm going to miss them when I'm done.

From Amanda Hocking's blog:

Wendy thought she finally understood who she was and what she wanted, but everything changes when the rival Vittra come after her.

She's caught between two worlds, torn between love and duty, and she must decide what life she is meant to lead.

Wendy definitely finds a better understand of how her life has gotten to the point where she is now. She learns more about why things have happened. A lot of history is learned. History about Wendy's family. History about Finn's family. History the Trylle society... and why they are at odds with the Vittra. I'm always kind of amazed when author's can write in a way that makes you believe in a whole new world. Of course... maybe I'm also easily impressed with worlds of fantasy and romance.

I can't wait to find out how the story ends... but I'm also really not looking forward to being finished.

Switched

2011-03-21T21:26:00.001-04:00

Written by Amanda Hocking.

Switched is Book 1 of the Trylle Trilogy. After reading the first couple of chapters of Switched I immediately downloaded books 2 and 3. (I'm actually 1/2 way through book 2, which I just started this morning.)

Amazingly... this story is not about fairies or vampires. Can you imagine? A paranormal romance NOT involving vampires or fairies????

From Amanda Hocking's blog:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.

I hate to write anything for fear of spoiling the story. It's very face paced. Full of action and emotion... and definite young adult romance. In the way that (many) other recent books have made you think about vampires in a different way... this series has you rethink things.

Amanda Hocking is quickly becoming one of my favorite young adult authors. She has another series (I have to add to my must read list) about vampires (of course). And... so you know... she has written a paranormal romance with zombies. Zombie romance people. I'm feeling the need to point a couple of bloggers in her direction.

Darkest Mercy

2011-03-21T20:45:00.000-04:00

Written by Melissa Marr.

Darkest Mercy is the final book in the Wicked Lovely series (although I just saw Marr released an ebook in January 2011 called Old Habits that is set between Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity. hmmm....) Finally... FINALLY... we get back to Aislinn, Seth, Keenan and Donia.

From melissa-marr.com:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

I could not put this book down. To the very last page I was wondering how it would all end. I think I read it in 2 days... even with the girls keeping me busy. I read every moment I could. I'm not really sure what I can say without ruining the book for anyone planning on reading. Melissa Marr definitely has a way of making me feel connected to her characters. She makes you believe in fairies and, somewhat, in happily ever after.

Radiant Shadows

2011-03-21T20:16:00.002-04:00

Written by Melissa Marr.

Radiant Shadows is the fourth book of the Wicked Lovely series. Like the other books in this series, it follows along the same story... but branches off into different characters. I was once again waiting to find out more about Aislinn and Seth... but it didn't quite go there.

From melissa-marr.com:

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

While the book is somewhat a story in itself, I think if you just picked up this book before reading the previous ones you would find yourself extremely confused while trying to catch up with who is who. I recommend starting at the beginning.

I will say I enjoyed this book... it was definitely a page turner. I was up until unreasonable hours of the night, especially towards the end. That said... I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as Wicked Lovely (the first book of the series). I'm still wishing they would get the focus back on Aislinn, Seth, Keenan and Donia.

A Taste of Magic

2011-03-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Written by Tracy Madison.

A Taste of Magic was a fun quick book to read. All I can say is this... if anyone knows of an actual magical gypsy baker could you send me her card? I sure I could use some magical baked goods.

Who am I kidding? Some regular baked goods would be fine too.

From the back cover...

Elizabeth Stevens is one bite away from happiness.

Today is Elizabeth Stevens's birthday, and not only is it the one-year anniversary of her husband leaving her, it's also the day her bakery is required to make a cake--for her ex's next wedding. If there's a bitter taste in her mouth, no one can blame her.

But today, Liz is about to receive a gift. Her Grandma Verda isn't just wacky; she's a little witchy. An ancient gypsy magic has been passed through her family bloodline for generations, and it's Liz's turn to be empowered. Henceforth, everything she bakes will have a dash of delight and a pinch of wishes-can-come-true. From her hunky policeman neighbor, to her gorgeous personal trainer, to her bum of an ex-husband, everyone Liz knows is going to taste her power. Revenge is sweet...and it's only the first dish to be served.

Her Last Letter

2011-02-21T16:21:00.000-05:00

Written by Nancy C. Johnson.

I think I actually purchased Her Last Letter because it was on Amazon's list of free Kindle books. (It's $.99 now). I'm actually very glad I downloaded it. I haven't read a suspense or mystery in a very long time... and it might be enough to get me more interested in finding some better ones (and away from vampires and fairies? maybe? not?)

Back Cover Summary...

In the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs, not far from Aspen, artist/photographer Gwyn Sanders discovers a cryptic letter her sister Kelly left behind. The victim of a deadly hit and run, Kelly reveals she was sexually involved with her sister’s boyfriend and is scared for her life. Both Gwyn and her remaining sister Linda have since married their boyfriends, so either of their husbands could be guilty of murder. The sisters received a large inheritance before meeting these men, and know little of either man’s background. Worse, both Gwyn and Linda love their husbands deeply, but steps must be taken to find the truth. And the truth is complicated. Is it one of the two men, or another previous lover? Or none of them? Danger abounds and everyone is a suspect as Gwyn tries with the help of a gifted private detective to track a killer....

Mainly... this book is a murder mystery. I think, for me, it succeeded at being just what it was supposed to be. I was continually guessing throughout the book who the actual murderer was. Was it Gwyn's (the main character's) husband Trevor? Her sister Linda's husband Wolfgang? (seriously... his name was Wolfgang.) Was it Josh, Gwyn's old ex-boyfriend? Was it Craig... who the police think did it?

There were some exciting page-turner chapters... and there were some chapters that were dull and I found myself skimming. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. At times I couldn't put it down. Would I go out of my way to get another book by Nancy C. Johnson? Probably not.

Tempestuous

2011-02-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

Written by Lesley Livingston.

Tempestuous (Wondrous Strange) is the 3rd and final book in the Wondrous Strange series. I finished Darklight (the 2nd book) almost exactly a year ago. At the time I absolutely couldn't wait for this 3rd book to be released. As I started this book I totally confused this series with Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. (I read all of the books available in her series last summer.) I was glad I could go back in my blog here and figure out why I was confused. (Too many fairy books maybe? Nah)

Like the first 2 books, Livingston connected her story to on of Shakespeare's plays. This time it was The Tempest. I'm not as familiar with The Tempest as I was with Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet (I assume I'm not alone) but the excerpts Livingston included made me want to get a better idea of what it's about.

Description from LesleyLivingston.com...

“I don’t love Sonny Flannery.”

That’s the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn’t know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that’s hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley’s not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she’s got to find out who’s after his magick—and how to use her own. She’s got to uncover who’s recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She’s got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she’s got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he’s around Kelley.

The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous Strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston’s ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

Awakended: House of Night Book 8

2011-02-18T15:05:00.004-05:00

Awakened was written by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast and is the 8th book in the House of Night Series.

I think I enjoy this series more with each book. Each time I finish a book now I'm sorry that her next book isn't out yet. I keep a watch on when the next will be available since I just can't wait to see what happens next. Unfortunately for me... Awakened was just released... so I'm sure it'll be a while before I find out what happens with Zoey and her high school friends next.

Description from House of Night Series website...

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over her immortal consort Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?

A Scattered Life

2011-01-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

A Scattered Life was written by Karen McQuestion.

The is an "Amazon Exclusive" review from Carolyn Parkhurst that says

A Scattered Life is the kind of novel you’ll want to recommend to a friend without quite knowing how: as soon as you begin to say what the book is "about," all of the possible descriptions seem either too small or too big for the story contained in those pages.

I can completely understand that statement. I want to say I really loved this book... but I'm not quite sure why. It was a story that focused mostly on a woman named Skyla... and then fanned out to focus on Skyla's relationship with her mother-in-law Audrey, and her relationship with her new neighbor Roxy. The story was told through the points of view of all 3 women. It was about the nothing and everything that is everyday life. It was written in a way that made me connect with the characters... and at points brought me to tears.

I did like the book... but maybe not enough to rush off to find another book by the author. But... if I came across another of her books I would pick it up to see what it was about.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

2010-12-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

A Thousand Splendid Suns was written by Khaled Hosseini.

What a way to end a year of reading! I would say this is absolutely an amazing book. Historical fiction is absolutely not on my normal list of genres. I'm so glad I went with the recommendation though.

The story is heartbreaking while somehow being uplifting. The story of 2 girls from 2 different generations and 2 different backgrounds being forced to come together to survive. I have trouble believing the book is a work of fiction because the characters are just SO real.

Description from amazon, Publisher's Weekly:

Afghan-American novelist Hosseini follows up his bestselling The Kite Runner with another searing epic of Afghanistan in turmoil. The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny—"There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten"—is endorsed by custom and law. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters.

Mercy

2010-12-31T12:59:00.001-05:00

Mercy was written by Eleri Stone.

Now, while this probably wouldn't be a book I would find on my own and immediately want to read... I am so glad I read it. I will tell you I read the book because it was written by a high school friend. I have found that reading books by people I actually know is a really exciting thing. People I know have published books!!!

If you are thinking about reading... I will warn you... this book is HOT. And it is hard to put it down once you've started reading. I thought the story of jaguar shape-shifting people was really interesting... and the writing made it all seem possible and real. Can't wait to see what Eleri writes next!

Description on carinapress.com:

To the Yaguara, an ancient jaguar shape-shifting people living deep in the Amazon jungle, nothing matters more than strength. Iada is their champion; genetically pure, she has been trained since birth to fight. Her destiny is to become the next Queen of the Yaguara by winning the tournament of succession—a battle to the death.
Her opponent is Gabriel, a half-blooded outcast whose mother was human. To everyone's shock, he defeats Iada but does not strike the death blow—instead, he extends mercy, thereby claiming her as his mate.
Despite their enmity, the attraction between them is powerful, and soon they are mates in more than name only. Their mutual distrust serves only to fuel their passion—two champions bested only by their overpowering desire for each other.
But Gabriel has an agenda that threatens the most basic tenets of Yaguara society—and that will force Iada to choose between her people or her King.

The Sugar Queen

2010-12-31T12:21:00.000-05:00

The Sugar Queen was written by Sarah Addison Allen.

I suppose you've figured out that when I read one book I love... I search and find all of the author's books and read them at once. I'm curious to know if anyone else does this... or it is just a strange obsession I have with book reading? Please tell me I'm not alone.

From the book description on amazon:

Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.

Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.

Sarah Addison Allen definitely has a way of making things magical.

Again... the author's site is something to check out. Well... unless you're hungry. She has a recipe for Chloe's grilled tomato and three cheese sandwich that I would be eating right now if I had the 3 cheeses!

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

2010-12-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

The Girl Who Chased the Moon was written by Sarah Addison Allen.

Description from sarahaddisonallen.com:

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother's life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realizes that mysteries are solved in Mullaby, they're a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skipped across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, offering them to satisfy the town's sweet tooth - but also in the hope of rekindling a love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily's backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

Once again the author's site for the book is amazing. I love the little book excerpts that come alive in her "tour of downtown Mullaby". And the cake recipes???? I'm ready to run out and buy the ingredients for Hummingbird Cake!

Garden Spells

2010-12-31T11:32:00.001-05:00

Garden Spells was written by Sarah Addison Allen.

It was recommended by a friend on Facebook... although for the life of me I cannot remember who made the recommendation. I wish I did so I could thank them for pointing me towards a new author to love.

This book definitely reminded me of the movie Practical Magic (which is a favorite of mine). (I actually haven't read the book Practical Magic and now I'll have to add it to my list.)

There are 2 sisters (Claire and Sydney). Claire stayed in the family home to embrace her family "magic" and Sydney couldn't run away from that life fast enough. Claire was stable... Sydney was wild. The story of their finding each other again is quite magical.

Description on sarahaddisonallen.com:

Claire has everything she thinks she needs, until one day she wakes to find a stranger has moved in next door and a vine of ivy has crept into her garden... and her carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control.

I have to add... the author's site is fabulous. You can even find Claire's "magical" recipes. I wonder what a rose petal scone would actually taste like.

Brighid's Quest

2010-12-31T11:07:00.001-05:00

Brighid's Quest was written by P.C. Cast.

It is the second book of the Young Adult Parthalon series.

Description on pccast.net:

Fleeing her centaur clan's increasingly militant beliefs, Brighid Dhianna has begun to find peace and acceptance among the humans of Clan MacCallan. Still, she agrees to leave her newly formed friendships to guide her clan chieftain's grieving brother home. As she journeys, Brighid discovers that the long-dormant Shaman blood that runs so thickly in her veins will no longer be silenced. As seductive new powers begin to beckon, Brighid glimpses a future that is more impossible -- and more magical -- than any she could have dared to imagine.

But when tragedy summons her back to the Centaur Plains, Brighid must make a decision that will affect not only her friendship with the humans, but the centaur herd and indeed the world. For the Great Goddess Epona has set her on a new path that demands everything she has to give.

When the whole world is turning to her for help, healing the heart of a warrior doesn't sound so daunting . . .

Elphame's Choice

2010-12-31T11:03:00.002-05:00

Elphame's Choice was written by P.C. Cast. (Can you tell that I've enjoyed reading P.C. Cast this year?)

This book is part of the Parthalon series... in a way. It is labeled on P.C. Cast's site as "Young Adult Parthalon Books". I have to say I had a little trouble at first figuring out "when" the books were supposed to be... and how or who the new characters were related to in the Divine Trilogy. Once I figured it all out I did enjoy the books. They definitely follow and relate to the Divine Trilogy... but can be read alone.

Description from pccast.net:

I was marked from birth as belonging to the Goddess Epona--but that didn't make my life easy. Because of my "blessings," I was set apart, worshipped, unable to make real connections with others. Then came the Feeling, and with it a glimpse of my destiny. It led me to the MacCallen castle of legend, deserted since the terrible Fomorian war.

I followed the wordless call to breathe new life into a place long dead, but I didn't realize there were dark remnants of the war lingering in the nearby forest--victims and survivors who remained hidden. Others marked as different, powerful. Feared.

My choice was now twofold. I could keep to the happiness and safety of my newfound home, or I could choose a path that led to something more terrible, more dangerous, more thrilling than anything I'd ever expected.

And in that future I might never be alone again. . .

Divine by Blood

2010-12-31T10:56:00.001-05:00

(I apologize to anyone looking for a true review... I'm afraid I stopped having time to really review. That said... I still want to keep some sort of record of what I'm reading. So this site has really become a way to simply share and remember what I've read.)

Divine by Blood (Partholon) was writtne by P.C. Cast.

This is the third book in the Divine Trilogy.

Description from pccast.net:

Conceived in a lie and trapped in a tree throughout her gestation, Morrigan’s birth was truly magical. After that start, she spent the next eighteen years raised as a normal girl in Oklahoma.

Upon discovering the truth of her heritage, her rage and grief take on a power of their own, carrying her back to the world of Partholon. Yet, instead of being respected as the daughter of the Goddess Incarnate, Morrigan feels like a shunned outsider.

In her desperation to belong to Partholon, she confronts forces she can’t fully understand or control. And soon a strange darkness draws closer…

Divine by Choice

2010-10-02T15:35:00.001-04:00

Divine by Choice (Partholon) was written by P.C. Cast.

This is the 2nd book in the Divine Trilogy.

Description from pccast.net...

Shannon Parker has finally come to terms with life in the mythical world of Partholon. She loves her centaur husband, her connection to the goddess Epona and the pampering that comes with both! She’s almost forgotten her old life on Earth – especially when she discovers she’s pregnant…

Then a sudden burst of power sends her back to Oklahoma. Without magic, Shannon can’t return to Partholon – and so she needs to find help. Trouble is, it might take the form of a man as tempting as her husband. And along the way she’ll discover that being divine by mistake is a lot easier than being divine by choice…

Divine by Mistake

2010-10-02T15:30:00.001-04:00

Divine by Mistake (Partholon)was written by P.C. Cast.

The was the 1st book in the Divine trilogy. (Divine Beginnings was a prequel.)

The description from pccast.net...

The only excitement Shannon Parker expects while on summer vacation is a little shopping. But when an antique vase calls to her, she finds herself transported to Partholon, where she’s treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…

Somehow Shannon has stepped into another’s role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while there’s an upside – what woman doesn’t like lots of pampering? – it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she’s her double.

Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind…

Divine Beginnings

2010-09-26T15:20:00.001-04:00

Divine Beginnings was written by P.C. Cast. This book is labeled as the "Prequel to the tales of Partholon". (So... you can expect the actual Tales of Partholon to show up in my reading list soon.)

What can I say... I'm a big fan of P.C. Cast this year.

The description from pccast.net...

Divine Beginnings
Go back in time, fifty years before the events of New York Times bestselling author P.C. Cast's Partholon books...

Something isn't right at Guardian Castle, and Aine can't figure out what. As Healer, she's supposed to be making things better, but there's a darkness that can't be brightened. And then Aine finds an injured Fomorian--winged, dark, blood-thirsty and inherently evil. Or is he? Because there's something about Tegan that Aine can't resist...and once they've shared blood, Aine realizes that everything she's always believed is going to be cast aside....

Sweet Kisses - Memories of Hayden Chalmers

2010-09-26T15:11:00.001-04:00

Sweet Kisses - Memories of Hayden Chalmers was written by Heath L. Buckmaster.

I think this my favorite book written by Heath. (Did I ever mention I Heath during my freshman year in college?)

I can't express what a REAL character Heath created in Sophia. I felt so connected to her... and months after finishing the book I find myself still thinking about her.

I will say (while trying not to spoil any of the story) that I didn't love a certain part of Sophia's story. I found myself wanting to change it just a bit. I sent Heath a message... including my feedback... and he said hi Mother actually felt the same way. HeeHee. I would love it if you all would read this story and let me know if you feel the same way.

Sh*t My Dad Says

2010-09-25T16:24:00.001-04:00

Sh*t My Dad Says was written by Justin Halpern.

Before the book came out I already followed Sh*t My Dad Says on Twitter and on Facebook. I imagined the book would be hysterical... and it didn't disappoint. It also added some slight seriousness and major back stories.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

2010-09-25T16:17:00.001-04:00

The actual (LONG) title of the book is The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga). It was written by Stephanie Meyer.

My slight Twilight obsession wouldn't allow me to skip reading this book. If you're obsessed... totally read it. If you're not obsessed... or even "I kinda liked them"... skip it.

Burned: House of Night Book 7

2010-09-25T16:12:00.001-04:00

Burned was written by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. It is the 7th book in the House of Night Series.

No surprise... loved this book just as much as I did the first 6.

Stopping Time - Part 2

2010-09-25T16:05:00.001-04:00

Stopping Time, Part 2 was written by Melissa Marr.

It is a part of the Wicked Lovely series. This is a continuation of Stopping Time Part 1, obviously. Both parts are now available as 1 download.

Stopping Time - Part 1

2010-09-25T16:03:00.001-04:00

Stopping Time - Part 1 was written by Melissa Marr.

This book is a part of the Wicked Lovely series. When I read it it was available on Kindle in two parts. I see that it is now available as one e-book.

Fragile Eternity

2010-09-25T15:49:00.002-04:00

(I have to apoligize for those expecting book reviews. I just can't seem to get the posting done with reviews. But... I would like to catch up with at least listing the books I have read. I'll post the cover, the author info, and a link to the book site. Hopefully in the future I will find time to do actual book reviews again.)

Written by Melissa Marr.

Fragile Eternity is the third book in the Wicked Lovely series.

Ink Exchange

2010-06-04T21:52:00.002-04:00

Written by Melissa Marr.

Ink Exchange is the second book in the Wicked Lovely series. While it does follow the story of Aislinn, Seth, Keenan and Donia you will find that they are not the focus. The story seems much darker and more dangerous this time around.

Ink Exchange is written from the perspective of Leslie, a high school student who is friends with Aislinn... but knows nothing of faeries. Leslie's life is difficult. She lives with her father (who isn't very present in her life or his own) and her brother (who is a drug addict and actually let his drug dealer rape Leslie to pay for his drugs). She lives in constant fear.

In an attempt to take back her body and her life Leslie decides to get a tattoo. She is drawn to a particular tattoo design... and once she sees it she just must have it. She isn't aware that it is a special design, one that will create a connection between herself and Irial, the King of the Dark Court.

Changes and power struggles in the world of fairy have caused the Dark Court to weaken. Irial hopes that the connection that he arranged with Leslie will help him to strengthen his dark faeries (who feed on the dark emotions of mortals; fear, lust, hatred, betrayal, etc.). Leslie is suddenly pulled into a world she never knew existed.

Definitely another quick page turner. As each chapter closed I couldn't help but rush right into the next. It's almost addicting. Since the story is focused on the Dark Court it is definitely much darker and in some parts is downright disturbing. I'm less inclined to call it "young adult" reading.

I was slightly disappointing when I started the book. I was expecting it to continue right where it left off with Aislinn. It didn't take long before I was completely over it. Marr, once again, has a way to draw you in and become almost immediately connected to her characters. It was actually very impressive that the story in Ink Exchange WAS connected to everyone and everything in Wicked Lovely, but still was a strong story that could stand on it's own.

Wicked Lovely

2010-06-04T20:58:00.001-04:00

Written by Melissa Marr.

Wicked Lovely is another fairy story. (What can I say? Fairy stories seem to be my thing lately.)

Aislinn is a teenage girl who can see faeries. She inherited this trait from her mother (who has died before the book begins) and her grandmother. Since she was a small girl she has been taught to live by 3 main rules.

Rule #3 Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Rule #2 Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Rule #1 Don't ever attract their attention.

Aislinn has successfully lived by these rules even though she can see that she is surrounded by faeries. Faeries that no one else can see. Faeries who tend to be cruel to mortals who have no idea they're even around. (Have you ever had a phantom type pain? or poke? or pinch? Could be a fairy!) Unfortunately for Aislinn, no matter how good a rule follower she's been, she suddenly becomes very interesting to two very powerful faeries.

Keenan, the Summer King, believes that Aislinn is his missing Summer Queen. In order to save Summer... he must win Aislinn over and convince her to become his Queen. He has no idea that she knows all about the fairy... and therefore no idea how hard this task will be.

Donia is the Winter Girl. She is one of the previous girls that Keenan thought was destined to be his Queen. She is just as interested in Aislinn since it's her job to try to warn girls away from Keenan.

In the middle of it all, Aislinn is developing a relationship with Seth. Seth has been a good friend to Aislinn. Her best friend. He is her safe place. When she decides to confide in him about what is going on around her she finds her relationship with him growing.

I found myself almost immediately interested and intrigued by all of the characters in Wicked Lovely (mortal and fairy). Marr has a way of making even the most outrageous of the fairy seem possible. She had me struggling with which characters were really good and which were bad... which I found made them even more real... more rounded out characters. The story was exciting and fast paced and VERY difficult to put down.

Midnighters - Blue Noon

2010-05-13T21:22:00.001-04:00

Written by Scott Westerfeld.

Blue Noon is the third book in the Midnighters series. Once again, the third book picks up right where the second left off. One big change... suddenly the Midnighters find that the predictable secret midnight hour is suddenly not so predictable. Without warning time is suddenly freezing in the middle of the day. The five friends are in a mad rush to figure out what the change means. Westerfeld did an amazing job of getting across the excitement and anxiety felt by the characters. The idea of the secret hour expanding to swallow up the "normal" 24 hours of the day was really a huge thing to wrap your mide around. This portion of the story definitely had a more apocalyptic feel. I felt an urgency to finish the book, almost like if I didn't get there fast enough it would finish without me.

I won't ruin it for anyone... but, I have to say I didn't love the way the story ended. I won't say I didn't like what actually happened at the end of the book. It was shocking, and emotional, and surprising. But... I'm left wanting to know more. I wondering what's going on with the characters now. Midnighters is supposedly a trilogy, but I truly hope there is a story to follow. I feel like so many questions were left unanswered about what happens to the Midnighters. (Especially Jessica!)

Midnighters - Touching Darkness

2010-04-05T16:14:00.001-04:00

Written by Scott Westerfeld.

Touching Darkness is the second book in the Midnighters series. The book picks up right where the first left off. I feel like this book did a much better job of expanding on all five of the midnighters... where the first book seemed most focused on Jessica. You get a lot more background information in this book. The midnighters find out more about why the secret hour exists for them. They also learn more about the Darklings (the dark creatures that live only in the midnight hour) and have to fight them to save one of their own... and this time, it's not Jessica that Darklings are focusing on. Their eyes are on Rex who has powers as a Seer and can read and decipher all of the midnighter history. When they get Rex... what they want to do with him is rather disturbing.

Once again Scott Westerfeld does not disappoint as he writes in a way that is easy to read and follow... but creates a totally believable fantasy world that just draws you in and leaves you wanting more. You're left really wondering if there could be a secret hour.

Midnighters - The Secret Hour

2010-04-05T15:41:00.001-04:00

Written by Scott Westerfeld.

I'm a big Scott Westerfeld fan. His books are easy and fun to read... but the stories seem to stay in my head and keep me thinking. I have enjoyed all of his books... and Midnighters - The Secret Hour was no exception.

The story begins with Jessica Day moving with her family to Bixby, OK. At 15, she's not thrilled about being the new girl in high school. She quickly realizes that dealing with being the new girl isn't going to be the biggest change in her life. A few nights after she arrives in Bixby she wakes up at midnight to find the entire world frozen. She thinks it must be an amazing dream... the whole world still and silent and blue. (Even the raindrops of a night time storm are frozen in place.) She quickly learns it isn't a dream. The whole world really does freeze at midnight. Time stops for 1 hour... except for Jessica and a few others who call themselves "midnighters" (Jonathan, Melissa, Dess, and Rex). Jessica also quickly finds out that they aren't alone in the midnight hour. There are also creatures who live only in the secret hour. Dark scary nightmarish creatures. Creatures who seem to have it in for Jessica in particular.

Darklight

2010-02-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

Written by Lesley Livingston.

Darklight is the second book in the Wondrous Strange series. This book got off to a much quicker start than the first. It jumped right into the action. I felt a much stronger connection with Kelley (the main character)... although I'm still not sure I love her. I did still really enjoy the whole concept of the story though. And... I (once again) enjoyed her connection of Shakespears plays with her writing (this time it started out with Romeo and Juliet).

By the end of the book I can tell you one thing for sure... I should not read books that are parts of series that are not complete. I finished this book and it almost killed me knowing that I have to wait to find out what happens next. It's heartbreaking for me having to wait on the next book in a series I'm enjoying. I have a really hard time starting a new story when I feel like I haven't finished the last one. It's hard to switch gears and get into a new book. Lesley Livingston.... please hurry up and publish your next book!!!

Wondrous Strange

2010-02-14T14:29:00.003-05:00

Written by Lesley Livingston.

Wondrous Strange has fairies and mortals, romance and magic, just a touch of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I have to say that is my favorite Shakespeare play... if I had to say I had one. The mixing in of the characters and stories from Shakespeare made this story interesting to me. It was challenging to make the connections from the play to the story.

There are mixed reviews about Wondrous Strange. I personally enjoyed it. It did take me a chapter or 2 to get into the story. I don't know if I quite got who Kelley (the main character) really was... but she didn't get who she was either... so I guess I felt about Kelley how I was supposed to feel. Maybe I'll feel her more in Darklight (Wondrous Strange #2) which I am about 2 chapters into.

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The Last Days: A Sequel to Peeps

2010-01-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

written by Scott Westerfeld.

The cover of The Last Days says it's a sequel to Peeps. It IS a sequel in that on a time line The Last Days happens after Peeps. The book definitely follows in that the vampire causing parasites that were spreading in the first book have wreaked havoc in NYC and are bringing on apocalyptic condition. There is an entire new cast of characters. They don't have any connection to what went on in the first book other than they are living in the same NYC that is being taken over by the disease.

Where Peeps focused on the biology of parasites The Last Days focuses on music and the 5 characters coming together to form a band. If you haven't read Peeps, you will catch up with what is going on as the characters do. I had trouble trying to figure out exactly how to explain this book. I read a lot of reviews trying to get my thoughts straight and found one on Amazon that was definitely the most enlightening. Much better than my jumbled thoughts.

A couple of the characters from the first book do make an appearance in the final chapters... but you don't get any more of their story. There are also references to the first book here and there. Even though I wouldn't recommend reading this book without reading Peeps.. I could see enjoying the story anyway.

The Last Days was definitely much more fitting to the "young adult" genre than Peeps.

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Peeps

2010-01-24T20:59:00.003-05:00

written by Scott Westerfeld.

Yet another vampire story... but a TOTALLY different take.

A year or so ago I read Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series and LOVED it. I read the series one book right after the other and couldn't put them down until I was done with them all. (I did skip the "Bogus to Bubbly: An Insider's Guide to the World of Uglies", though.) I don't know why I didn't immediately buy more of his books... although it may have had something to do with getting swept up into some other certain vampire series. ahem.

In Peeps vampirism is a disease caused by a parasite. Once I got beyond every other chapter being about one type of parasite or another (in most cases... ew) I actually enjoyed the whole idea. It is more scientific and biological than any other vampire story I've read. It's interesting to read explanations about why vampires (in this book they are Peeps - or "parasite positive") crave blood, have aversions to light, avoid garlic, etc. I think from this point on I will have this parasite idea in the back of my mind whenever I read another vampire story or watch another vampire movie.

And, something Scott Westerfeld wrote about writing the book made me like it even more... "the book had to be original, but also icky, scary, funny, tragic, and (ahem) not sucky." That right there... that is exactly how to describe this book.

Little aside - I really don't know that I would consider this "young adult" catagory material. I'm in no way saying I didn't enjoy the book (I've already started The Last Days... the next Scott Westerfeld book). I'm simply going to say that it would fit more into the adult category.
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Tempted: House of Night Book 6

2010-01-18T17:53:00.003-05:00

written by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

I downloaded Tempted yesterday and I finished it today. All I can really say about finishing this book is that I'm going to have a horrible time waiting for Burned (book 7) to be available. I tried to order it the moment I read the last word of this book... but the hardcover isn't even being release until late April. I can't see ordering a hardcover book... and there isn't a date for the paperback... and it's not available yet for Kindle. I wonder how long it might be before it's available at the library. ACK!

I read the reviews on this book before I started reading and I was expecting to be disappointed. I don't think I agree at all with any of the reviews I read. I enjoyed it just as much as the first 5 books. I couldn't put if down. I was reading well past midnight last night... and I read during every moment Zoe and Ana allowed me to read today. Now I'm annoyed that it's finished and I can't move right on to the next book.

So... either this means the reviewers are all horrible judges of books... or I am. Hmm.

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Hunted: House of Night Book 5

2010-01-16T11:33:00.003-05:00

written by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast.

I read the first 4 books in the House of Night series last year. It seems you can't turn around without running into a series about vampires.

I won't lie... these books are no Twilight. But... I really enjoyed them. I was also thrilled to find out that even though I pre-ordered the paperback book (release in March) I was able to download the Kindle version now. Another Kindle perk. I feel like I'm cheating a little bit.

I want to compare this series to a Beverly Hills 90210 meets Sweet Valley High meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer (although I don't know if that's quite right). The series is VERY high school. If you take out the fact that all of the students at the House of Night (their boarding school) are vampires you have all of the normal drama and angst of any high school series. Boy trouble, bitchy girls, jealousy, etc, etc, etc. But, these do mix in vampires... and everything that goes along with them.

That said... I like these books. I start reading and I have trouble putting them down. I carry the book around and read whenever I have a couple minutes. And, although most of the reviews I've read on this series are not glowing... I like this series.

I will totally admit I enjoy reading young adult fiction. It's easy to read. It doesn't take a lot of time. It doesn't tend to take a lot of brain power. So... while chasing Zoe and Ana around... young adult fiction is just my speed right now. Expect lots of it on my reading list.

Has anyone else read the House of Night books? Did you enjoy them? Love them? Hate them?

The Dragons of Tarnack

2010-01-12T21:16:00.003-05:00

Written by Heath L. Buckmaster.

The Dragons of Tarnack is book 3 in The Princess Carrina series for young readers.

The website says this is "the third and final magical adventure" in the series but I'm seriously hoping Heath rethinks this (hint hint Heath). I finished this book and I'm still dying to know what would happen next. That is how good I thought this book was. The characters and their adventures became real in my head... and I can't accept that I won't be reading more.

You can completely expect to see more of Heath's books in my list of 100.

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The Venus Diary

2010-01-12T21:03:00.005-05:00

Written by Heath L. Buckmaster.

The Venus Diary is book 2 in The Princess Carrina Series for young readers.

I read Box of Hair (the first book) last year. Box of Hair was a good read. I enjoyed it and I knew that at some point I would read The Venus Diary. Then I got my Kindle. The Venus Diary was the very first e-book I downloaded. (Maybe because I wrote on Facebook that I got my Kindle and couldn't decide what to read first... and before the day was out Heath let me know that he could tell I hadn't bought any of his Kindle books yet. lol) I started reading the story and I just couldn't stop. It pulled me right in. I liked the first book... I LOVED this book.

A little background info on how I found this book series (and why the author commented on my Facebook)...

I went to college with Heath and we were in an interesting freshman program together. (I think stories of that program and the classes and our dorm could be an entire other book.) Heath and I weren't friends at all... although we had classes together. My real connection to Heath was through one of my very best college friends and roomies, Vanessa. V was my bestest friend at one point... and she was very good friends with Heath. So, Heath and I were acquaintances at best. Somehow I came across Heath online (Facebook maybe?). I quickly became a fan of his blog (Homo sarcasmus). Let's just say that I now wish I had known Heath better in college. I totally enjoy his writing. So... I couldn't resist trying his books.

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