Sunday, October 31, 2010

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture JunkieI also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!


Review: 
My Unfair Godmother (My Fair Godmother, #2)Nevermore (Nevermore, #1)
 
  • My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison (Around The World Tours)
  • Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (Star Book Tours)

Purchased:


Firespell (Dark Elite, #1)Tempest Rising (Jane True, #1)


Darker Angels (The Black Sun's Daughter, #2)The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane, #2)Demon Chick
  • Firespell by Chloe Neill
  • Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
  • Darker Angels by M.L.N. Hanover
  • The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells
  • Demon Chick by Marilyn Kaye

Library:

Wings (Wings, #1)
  • Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Bad Queen (Young Royals) by Carolyn Meyer

The Bad Queen: Rules and Instructions for Marie-Antoinette (Young Royals)Title: The Basd Queen
Author: Carolyn Meyer
Series: Young Royals
Pages: 420
Published: April 2010 by Harcourt
ISBN: 9780152063764
Source: Net Galley ebook






Description: History paints her as a shallow party girl, a spoiled fashionista, a callous ruler. Perhaps no other royal has been so maligned--and so misunderstood--as Marie-Antoinette.  From the moment she was betrothed to the dauphin of France at age fourteen, perfection was demanded of Marie-Antoinette. She tried to please everyone--courtiers, her young husband, the king, the French people--but often fell short of their expectations. Desperate for affection and subjected to constant scrutiny, this spirited young woman can't help but want to let loose with elaborate parties, scandalous fashions, and unimaginable luxuries. But as Marie-Antoinette's lifestyle gets ever more recklessly extravagant, the peasants of France are suffering from increasing poverty--and becoming outraged. They want to make the queen pay.  

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I've only read one other book about Marie Antoinette, so when this one came up I thought I would give it a shot.  Since, it seemed more of a young adult book, I thought maybe I might enjoy it more.  While, I'm sure plenty of people (teens especially) might enjoy this book, I was surprised to find it didn't differ that much from the book I already read.

I'm having a hard time understanding Marie Antoinette as a person and this book doesn't help me much.  I think this book focuses more on her youth which makes sense since it is a young adult novel.  Being the youngest girl of 16 children, I get the feeling she didn't get much attention in her household.  That is until her mother married her to the Dauphin of France.  All of a sudden she's very much in the public eye.  But, I don't think she was adequately taught on what the means.  She tries to please too many people at first and doesn't know how to balance it all.  And then she decides to focus on herself, with very little regard for the consequences.  It's almost like she thought, "I'm royalty and I desire all of these things no matter what the cost." 

Yet, I wonder if it didn't matter what she did. I wonder what might have happened had she listened to the advice her mother was constantly giving her.  But, I think the French people were already disenchanted with royalty long before she was there.  She could have lived like the rest of the people and the commoners probably would have still seen her as an outsider.  It's heartbreaking to watch the people target her and the rest of the nobility.  I think it would have be a terrifying to time to live in France.
I think you would enjoy this book if you haven't read anything else about Marie Antoinette.  For me, it didn't add anything new to what I've already read.  I would like a book that focuses more on her adult life.  I've read that she cut household expenses and tried to do other things to ease the people's suffering.  But neither of the books I've read touch on those things.  I just feel like I'm missing something about her life.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Blog

Book Blogger Hop 
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING!

"What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"

An entire room full of books and beautiful shelves to contain them all.  I'm talking about the rooms you read about in nobility or royalty's homes (ok maybe not royalty).  That part of Beauty and the Beast were Belle walks into the library is one of my fantasies.  I really don't need something that elaborate, but it's a book lovers dream!




If you have, or would have a daughter, what book would you want your daughter to read?

There are many books I want my daughter's to read.  But, I really hope they enjoy The Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley High as much as I did.  I have both of the collections I cherished as a girl, hoping one day to be able to pass it along to them. 

Personal Demons (Personal Demons #1) by Lisa Desrochers

Personal Demons (Personal Demons, #1)Title: Personal Demons
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Series: 1st in planned series
Pages: 364
Published: September 2010 by Tor Teen
ISBN:  9780765328083
Source: Star Book Tours






Description: Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.  But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

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I really wasn't sure about this book for the first time I saw.  Intrigue got the best of me, and I decided to give it a shot.  In the end, I still have mixed feelings for it.

I hate to say that it didn't start out strong.  I carried nothing for Frannie and half the story is told from her point of view.  100 pages into it, and really considered moving on to something else.  But, it got the best of me and really had to know why Heaven and Hell wanted her so badly.  She grew on me a little by the end.  Her powers are especially interesting.  So is her desire to not let Heaven or Hell dictate how she's going to live her life.   

I did like Luc and Gabe.  Although, I don't feel we get to know Gabe as well as we should.  I'm hoping the next book is partially from his point of view.  He character definately has some draw to it.  Which brings us back to Luc.  He sure doesn't act like a demon for most of this story.  It's like he's draw to Frannie from the start and can't complete his mission.  Which leads me to believe that some serious mistakes were made if Hell wanted her that badly.  His characters changes were very sweet.  It's the ultimate girls dreams of reforming the perpetual bad guy.

So, yeah it was a little bit strange to read a book I really didn't like in the beginning.  But, I feel for it in the end.   It wasn't enough to give it 4 butterflies though.  I have to see what the rest of the series has in store for us!



 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Relentless by Dean Koontz

RelentlessTitle: Relentless
Author: Dean Koontz
Pages: 356
Published:  March 2009 by Bantam
ISBN: 9780553807141
Source: Personal Copy
 








Description: Bestselling novelist Cullen “Cubby” Greenwich is a lucky man and he knows it. He makes a handsome living doing what he enjoys. His wife, Penny, a children’s book author and illustrator, is the love of his life. Together they have a brilliant six-year-old, Milo, affectionately dubbed “Spooky,” and a non-collie named Lassie, who’s all but part of the family. So Cubby knows he shouldn’t let one bad review of his otherwise triumphant new book get to him—even if it does appear in the nation’s premier newspaper and is penned by the much-feared, seldom-seen critic, Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows the best thing to do is ignore the gratuitously vicious, insulting, and inaccurate comments. Penny knows it, even little Milo knows it. If Lassie could talk, she’d tell Cubby to ignore them, too. Ignore Shearman Waxx and his poison pen is just what Cubby intends to do. Until he happens to learn where the great man is taking his lunch. Cubby just wants to get a look at the mysterious recluse whose mere opinion can make or break a career—or a life.  But Shearman Waxx isn’t what Cubby expects; and neither is the escalating terror that follows what seemed to be an innocent encounter. For Waxx gives criticism; he doesn’t take it. He has ways of dealing with those who cross him that Cubby is only beginning to fathom. Soon Cubby finds himself in a desperate struggle with a relentless sociopath, facing an inexorable assault on far more than his life.  

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I've been reading Dean Koontz for years.  I think his books aren't for everyone.  But, I love them (usually).  This one was no exception.  In the end, I didn't fully buy into the theory of why the critic was terrorizing Cubby, but I didn't care because the rest of the novel more than made up for the ending.

This book was as fast past of most of his horror novels.  It takes place over a matter of days.  When the book still has the normal feel, I was actually a little tense over the events.  Who wouldn't be if you wake in the middle of the night to someone in your room and the power cut.  While, the events eventually become a little bit more unbelievable (Koontz books often become very science fiction or paranormal), they are still downright terrifying.  Having people track you down relentlessly and realizing they've done it to other people before you is a great storyline.  And Koontz doesn't mince words in describing some of the torture these villains have used against their victims.

Oddly enough, there's humor in this novel as well.  I was particularly fond of Milo by the end of the story.  He had some great lines throughout.  Being a boy genius wise way beyond his years brings an interesting twist to the story.  He can do things his parents never though possible.  Which in the end actually saves the day!  I also really loved Penny.  You would have to be a special character to have a genius for a son and a husband with the kind of background he does.  Add in the dog with a special "talent" and it's just a great story.  Cubby is also a great narrative.  I enjoyed watching how he reacted to each terror that surrounds them especially in light of what happened to him as a child.

I was really happy to finally get around to reading this one.  Koontz is just so hard to predict.  Sometimes his story venture to far off the map to really enjoy.  But, this was great!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

My Fair GodmotherTitle: My Fair Godmother
Author: Janette Rallison
Series: new book but not really a series
Pages: 320
Published: January 2009 by Walker Books
ISBN: 9780802797803
Source: Library








Description: After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, sophomore Savannah Delano wishes she could find a true prince to take her to the prom. Enter Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar: Savannah’s gum-chewing, cell phone–carrying, high heel-wearing Fair Godmother. Showing why she’s only Fair—because she’s not a very good fairy student—Chrissy mistakenly sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. Finally she sends Tristan, a boy in Savannah’s class, back instead to turn him into her prom-worthy prince. When Savannah returns to the Middle Ages to save Tristan, they must team up to defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious and undeniably sexy Black Knight. Laughs abound in this clever fairy tale twist from a master of romantic comedy. 

I Give This ... 
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I was prepared for something light-hearted with this bookWhat I was unprepared for was how much I thoroughly loved it.  It's just an all around fun book.  Add in the fairy tale element, a "fair" godmother, and a modern day prince only missing the official title and you have a story that appeals to both teens and adults.

I wasn't sure about Savannah at first.  She seemed the typical teenage girl that everyone else wants to be and also loves to hate.  I didn't like the way her sister handled the relationship with Hunter.  But, I also think Savannah could have behaved differently.  Enter in the picture the fair godmother.  I actually wish we got more of Chrissy.  She seemed like a riot!  I loved how the classic fairy tales weren't actually what we think.  Who doesn't want to be Cinderella or Snow White?  Well, in this story you don't.  

I loved Tristan.  He was like the true knight in shinny armor.  I can't imagine what he thought when Chrissy showed up at his house and told him he had to become a prince and had to go back in time to do it.  I thought he fit in really well into the middle ages.  He was book smart and knew how to behave and what certain customs were.  But, he was also able to be street wise.  The romance was sweet between Tristan and Savannah.  You knew it was there from the beginning, yet the author allowed it to grow.  It wasn't overwhelming, but you were rooting for them the entire way. 

I can't wait to see what Chrissy is up to with her new charge in the next book My Unfair Godmother!

Monday, October 25, 2010

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I ventured out of my comfort zone a little this week and found 2 books that I really enjoyed.

I started off the week with Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers.  I thought it was good, but the beginning really failed to capture my attention.  But, I was curious and kept reading.

I decided to read Nine Rules To Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean next.  I put this one on my to-read list after reading her young adult novel.  I was afraid it was going to be to romancey (I don't think that a word) for me.  I was surprise dhow much I liked it.  And the book has real substance to it.

I needed to read Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder.  It was a little slower than the first in the series, but I liked the developments in the story.  I was also pleased to see some elements come to an end.  I am really curious to see what happens with one particular event in the next book.  It seems way more important than the story tries to make you believe.

I also finished Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean.  I liked it better than the first book.  It still has the romantic elements that will knock your socks off.  But, I liked the characters more, and that's saying a lot because I enjoyed Callie and Gabriel from the first novel immensely. 

I'm currently reading She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell.  I seem to have a thing for this type of  book as of late, so I hope it's good.  I have 2 tour books coming in this week, My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison and Nevermore by Kelly Creagh, so I plan on reading those.  I will also read The Grand Delusion by Heath Sommer. 

Sunday, October 24, 2010

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture JunkieI also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

For Review:

Personal Demons (Personal Demons, #1)Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a LordSpy Glass (Glass, #3)The Summer Son
  • Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers (Star Book Tours)
  • Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean (Netgalley)
  • Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder (Net Galley)
  • The Summer Son by Craig Lancaster

Won: 

Unraveled (Intertwined, #2)
  • Unraveled by Gena Showalter

Library:

Tantalize (Tantalize, #1)
  • Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

    Saturday, October 23, 2010

    Moon Spun (Unbidden Magic #3) by Marilee Brothers

    Moon Spun (Unbidden Magic, #3)Title: Moon Spun
    Author: Marilee Brothers
    Series: 3rd in Unbidden Magic
    Pages: 246
    Published: July 2010 by Bell Bridge Books
    ISBN: 9781935661955
    Source: sent for review by Publisher







    Description: Junior's back from Mexico with his movie-star entourage. Beck's using his half-demon charms to "heal" a new girl. Mom's still wacky and now she's dating Principal Hostetler. High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace, and the moonstone pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. In other words, Allie Emerson's life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and it's about to get even weirder. You're a faery princess. So says the mysterious Ryker, whose handsome talents include turning himself into a hawk. By the way, he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land--Boundless. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school. The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other-world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale and magical destiny.

    I Give This ...

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    I think I might have been expecting to much with this one.  After enjoying Moon Rise quite a bit, I was hoping Moon Spun would continue on the same path.  But, I almost feel like the author is trying too hard and mixing too many elements.

    First off, Junior is back.  I'm not sure what it is about the guy but I'm just not feeling it.  I liked Beck, but it this one he turns into an ass and disappears for most of the story.  Add in the third guy (really did we need a third) Ryker and it just gets sticky.  Ryker seems to be the most intersting, but then fairies usually are.  Thankfully Allie decides at the end that she doesn't need men, but we will see how long that lasts.

    So we add in the element of fairies, and that's were I was beginning to lose interest.  I think we could have just stuck with the moonstone and the prophecy and it would have been enough.  But, the story is starting to get complicated and I'm not sure were it's going.  Plus, I'm beginning to feel like it's dragging out a littleBut, I will probably continue on if there is another one.  I've invested this much time, I was to see what Allie does with the prophecy.



    Friday, October 22, 2010

    A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6) by Diana Gabaldon

    A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander, #6)Title: A Breath of Snow and Ashes
    Author: Diana Gabaldon
    Series: 6th in Outlander
    Pages: 980
    Published: August 2006 by Delta
    ISBN:  9780385340397
    Source: Personal Copy




    Description: The year is 1772, and on the eve of the American Revolution, the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Men lie dead in the streets of Boston, and in the backwoods of North Carolina, isolated cabins burn in the forest.  With chaos brewing, the governor calls upon Jamie Fraser to unite the backcountry and safeguard the colony for King and Crown. But from his wife Jamie knows that three years hence the shot heard round the world will be fired, and the result will be independence — with those loyal to the King either dead or in exile. And there is also the matter of a tiny clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which reports Jamie’s death, along with his kin. For once, he hopes, his time-traveling family may be wrong about the future. 

    I Give This ...
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    I doubt anything I can say about the series and this book in particular will make you read it or any of the others.  I think there are those who refuse to pick up this just because of some preconceived notion they have.  And then there are your die-hard fans.  Those who love anything Diana Gabaldon writes.  I'm some were in the middle.  I haven't loved all the books, but am amazed at the talent portrayed in them.

    I was worried were the story was going after the last two novels.  I knew we had to hit a point were the action would pick up again, but I didn't know if it would be enough to compel me forward.  The first 500 pages are much like the previous two books.  It's all about the details.  But, I could tell the tension was building.  The date on the newspaper was approaching as was the pending war with England.  And then the last 500 pages just exploded.  There's murder, theft, kidnapping, and many other things.  It reminded me of the adventures in the first three books.  I was anxious to see how all the pieces fit together.  I was also happy to see some things settled the way the should be.  

    So for those who have felt the series has faltered a little and haven't read this one yet, I would recommend it.  I would say it's my 3rd favorite of the series (I know right it the middle, but it's hard to beat Outlander and Voyager).  And, if you haven't even started this series yet, I urge you to give it a try!

    Thursday, October 21, 2010

    B & K's Reading Daze

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    This will be my first attempt at this, so we will see how it goes :) 

    First off a little bit about my girls so you know what they might gravitate to in the way of books.  I won't be using their full names.  B is 2 and will be 3 in December.  She's my tomboy.  She loves cars, animals, and being rough.  Everyone always says it's the older one who is hard on the younger sibling.  It's not that way in this house.  She's also behind in speech, so I tend to read simple books to here to help along her vocabulary.  She loves her books and most days can be seen carrying around 3 or 4 of them.  K is almost 5.  She's a very girly girl if you know what I mean.  She loves to dance!  She also loves animals.  She has an awesome imagination!  She's very smart and seems be good with memorization.  After I read her a story, she can tell it back to herself pretty well.  She's really likes the level 1&2 Barbie books as well as Clifford the Big Red Dog. 

    Both of my girls have a pretty good collection of their own books and also love to visit the library.  We've made it a girls things and go almost every week.  This month I've decided to showcase one book from their own collection and one from the library that we've really loved.  The library book will be the second one.


    B's Books:

    Binky (Leslie Patricelli board books)Binky by Leslie Patricelli

    Anyone who's spent time with a toddler knows that few crises compare with the (even temporary) loss of a favorite binky. Here, in her humorous, bold graphic style, Leslie Patricelli plays up a scenario near and dear to every toddler's heart, raising the plaintive question: can there be any peace in the house when a beloved binky is not to be found?




    Well this one is definitely on the younger side, but it's the go to book in our house.  In fact, we've read it so many times, K can read along with me.  I think this one especially has helped B with her vocabulary.  We've also loved the other books by Leslie Patricelli.  Blankie was a favorite of K's when she was little.


    PhotobucketZoo Babies - no author ISBN 086611862
    B really likes this one.  It has some of her favorite wild animals in it.The story is simple with bright colorful pictures.  She especially likes the Monkey and the Hippo!















    K's Books: 


    Daddy HugDaddy Hug by Tim Warnes

    Daddies come in all shapes and sizes—slimy and scruffy, long and fluffy! And daddies make all different kinds of noises—squeak and chirp, buzz and bumble! But what do all daddies have in common? They make us feel safe and snug with tender daddy hugs! 



    The pictures in this one are awesome!  And the story is cute.  I think my parents bought this book for K and she really likes it.   I think it has to do with the animals.  There's a very wide range in this story.  We've read it quite a few times!

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    A Little Witch Magic by Robert Bender
    At first I wasn't sure about this one.  I was afraid it might be a little scary because the witch seems a little mean.  But the story ends up taking a turn and in the end we both really liked it.  The pictures are perfect for Halloween! 







    Boo to You, Winnie the Pooh! 

    One I was surprised we didn't like was Boo To You, Winnie The Pooh! by Bruce Talkington.  It's wordy and even I stumbled over the passages.  K got bored with it.  The illustrations were really good though.


    Wednesday, October 20, 2010

    The Scarpetta Factor (Kay Scarpetta #17) by Patricia Cornwell

    The Scarpetta Factor (Kay Scarpetta, #17)Title: The Scarpetta Factor
    Author: Patricia Cornwell
    Series: 17th in Kay Scarpetta
    Pages: 430
    Published: October 2009 by Putnam
    ISBN: 9780399156397
    Source: Personal copy







    Description: It is the week before Christmas. A tanking economy has prompted Dr. Kay Scarpetta—despite her busy schedule and her continuing work as the senior forensic analyst for CNN—to offer her services pro bono to New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In no time at all, her increased visibility seems to precipitate a string of unexpected and unsettling events. She is asked live on the air about the sensational case of Hannah Starr, who has vanished and is presumed dead. Moments later during the same telecast she receives a startling call—in from a former psychiatrist patient of Benton Wesley's. When she returns after the show to the apartment where she and Benton live, she finds an ominous package—possibly a bomb—waiting for her at the front desk. Soon the apparent threat on Scarpetta's life finds her embroiled in a surreal plot that includes a famous actor accused of an unthinkable sex crime and the disappearance of a beautiful millionaires with whom Lucy seems to have shared a secret past.  Scarpetta's CNN producer wants her to launch a TV show called The Scarpetta Factor. Given the bizarre events already in play, she fears that her growing fame will generate the illusion that she has a "special factor," a mythical ability to solve all her cases. She wonders if she will end up like other TV personalities: her own stereotype.

    I Give This ...
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    I've been dreading writing this review.  It actually pains me to give this book such a poor ratingI use to love anything Patrica Cornwell wrote.  But, I've really been struggling with the series for a couple books now.  It's lost some of it's focus and has became something else.  I decided to give it one more shot and purchased this book.  And then it sat on my shelf for almost a year.  Now I know why.

    The story started out strong.  I was hoping the book would stay focused on this crime and solving it.  I was wrong.  I totally lost interest shortly after the bomb was delivered.  The story starts to focus on a different case and I started to wonder what the point was of the initial murder.  There's way to much dialogue throughout the whole book.  The characters tell you the story instead of the author.  I found my mind wandering and skimming the pages.  

    The story jolts back to reality so fast I didn't have time to process it all.  Why can't past characters just die off or stay out of the sotry?  Why do all of them have to come back and continue to haunt Scarpetta?  And I'm tired of the vibes between all the character.  I haven't like Wesley since he came back into the story.  Marino is barely there and a shadow of what he use to be.  And don't even get me started on Lucy.  I think I'm done and that isn't something I ever thought I would say.

    Tuesday, October 19, 2010

    A Lion Among Men (Wicked Years #3) by Gregory Maguire

    A Lion Among Men (Wicked Years, #3)Title: A Lion Among Men
    Author: Gregory Maguire
    Series: 3rd in Wicked Years
    Pages: 312
    Published: Octoober 2008 by William Morrow
    ISBN:  9780060548926
    Source: Library







    Description:  In the much-anticipated third volume of the Wicked Years, we return to Oz, seen now through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion.  While civil war looms in Oz, a tetchy oracle named Yackle prepares for death. Before her final hour, a figure known as Brrr—the Cowardly Lion—arrives searching for information about Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West. Abandoned as a cub, his path from infancy is no Yellow Brick Road. In the wake of laws that oppress talking Animals, he avoids a jail sentence by agreeing to serve as a lackey to the warmongering Emperor of Oz. A Lion Among Men chronicles a battle of wits hastened by the Emerald City's approaching armies. Can those tarnished by infamy escape their sobriquets to claim their own histories, to live honorably within their own skins before they're skinned alive? 

    I Give This...
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    A question I often get asked is "Have you read Maguire before."  Yes, I have and for the most part of enjoyed his work.  But, I think it takes dedication because his stories are offbeat and woven in an interesting way. I loved Wicked and was thrilled to hear he had written a sequel.  I read Son of Witch and thought it was ok, but felt the story and gone on in a different way.  I didn't think it was the Oz I remembered.  

     I feel the same way about this one.  Only Maguire has strayed even further from the path.  At times I found it extremely bland and wondered what this particular event had to do with the present story.  But, then something would click and I would be into the story again.  The Lion was nothing like what I imagined him to be and he seemed to hold a grudge against Dorothy (which is not how I pictured it in my head).  I wasn't entirely sure if he was really working for the government or had his own hidden agenda.  

    I'm not sure I would even call Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men a continuation of the story started in Wicked.  Except there seems to be some small thread of prophecy that connects them all.  I haven't found it yet because when this story ended, I was extremely frustrated to realize there is probably going to be another one.  It's not done yet and I don't know if I feel dedicated enough to finish what I've started.

    Monday, October 18, 2010

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


    What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

    I've had a great reading week.  All of them have been good books.  It's always fun when that happens.

    I started off the week with Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison.  It was my least favorite of the week but it was still good.  I liked the set-up and will definitely be continuing the series!

    Next I read Storm Glass by Maria Snyder.  I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint.  I've really liked everything I've read by this author.

    I started The Silver Blade by Sally Garner next.  This is a sequel to The Red Necklace.  I enjoyed the continuing story of Yann and Sido.  I also really like the setting of the French Revolution.  I wonder if there will be another one.

    Last, I read Wildthorn by Jane Eagland.  I was surprised by this one.  I liked the mystery, the setting, and the characters.  I was also surprised by the romance.  It was a different for the time period.

    I'm currently reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.  I had kind of forgotten how angry Harry is in this book.  The movie down plays it.  I also plan on reading Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, Sea Glass by Maria Snyder, and Ten Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean.  If there's time, I will also read Ten Way To be Adored When Landing a Lord also be Sarah MacLean.

    Sunday, October 17, 2010

    In My Mailbox

    In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture JunkieI also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

    For Review:


    The Grand DelusionSolid (Solid, #1)
    • The Grand Delusion by Heath Sommer
    • Solid by Shelly Workinger

    Swapped:

     
    • Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
    • Soulless by Gail Carriger
    • Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
    • Under My Skin by Judith Graves

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