Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Blog

 

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-For-Books.

“In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite “banned or frequently challenged book”?”
Click here for 2010-11 list in PDF format. You can also click HERE to view past years and choose from any of those titles!

I've read several books on the 2010-2011 challenge list.  But, hands down my favorite is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  But, I also enjoy the entire Harry Potter series which is often on the banned or challenged list (I'm surprised it's not on this one).

 

 

Hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character? 

Poison Study by Maria V Snyder

I have no idea who I would cast as Yelena and Valek.   I don't really have a clear picture in my head of someone who could play either roll.  I would love to see what other people thought though.

Review - Phoenix (Beautiful Dead #4) by Eden Maguire

Title: Phoenix

Author: Eden Maguire

Series: Beautiful Dead (Jonas, Arizona, Summer)

Pages: 304

Published: October 1, 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire

ISBN: 9781402239472

Source: Publisher sent for honest review

Description: Everything has been building to this moment, but Darina knows that solving the mystery of her undead boyfriend's death will lead to their final parting. Her emotions in turmoil, Darina begins to unscramble the facts, but she's up against mounting obstacles that blur and block the truth. With time running out and Phoenix in danger of being sent back into limbo forever, Darina is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

I Give This ...

I have to admit this book was what I was looking forward to.  The entire series I've been waiting for Darina to be able to solve Phoenix's death.  The idea that someone you love could play such an intricate part in whether you could pass on or being eternally stuck in limbo is one that I wouldn't have thought of.

I don't blame Darina for being so anti Beautiful Dead.  I wonder if she thinks if she ignores the upcoming anniversary of Phoenix's death, if she just won't have to deal with it.  I think the hardest thing for her is coming to terms with this time Phoenix really will be gone.  So for awhile there, she really just checks out.

But when she finally decides the helping Phoenix really is the best way to go, she goes at with all her heart.  If when finding out all the details really put her in danger.  When no one else believes that she can come through it all, she tries harder.  I wasn't surprised at what really happened that night.  It makes a lot of sense in hindsight.  I was surprised at the depths people will go to hide other crimes committed in a long string of events before Phoenix's death.

So, why I liked the story line, I found the book to be on the slow side.  I for some reason just wasn't as invested in it as I have been the past books in the series.  I was also really expecting something more for the ending. 

Review- Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed

Author: Ally Condie

Series: 2nd (Matched)

Pages: 384

Published: November 1, 2011 by Dutton Junvenille

ISBN: 9780525423652

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description: In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.  Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever. 

I Give This ...

When I finished this book, I honestly didn't know how I felt about it as a whole.  Writing this review, I'm still not sure.  It's not that it was a disappointment.  I think so much of it fell flat for me.  It wasn't what I was expecting at all.

Cassia is determined, and really I like that about her.  But, I think sometimes it makes her blind to what is really going on around her.  I admired that she would go to such great lengths to find Ky.  She endures a lot and treated well beneath her station in this society.  But, then she doesn't want to be treated any differently than the people she works with.  I also think it is a way of punishing herself for sorting Ky to this life in the first place.  But, there is a part of me that isn't sure she's really in love with Ky.  I feel like she's more in love with the idea of him and what he represents.  He's her chance to buck the system.  And if following him to the ends of society is what she had to do to get that, then she will do it.  But, what does Ky have to do to keep her attention?  I don't think she was tuned in to his feelings as well as she should have been.

I found that I liked Ky quite a bit more in this story.  He may be bitter, but it's not overwhelmingly so.  He's trying to survive and hold on to the hope that he might see Cassia again one day.  I liked that he found people to trust in, and it was sad when society once again found a way to reap those people from him.  I also felt like we learned a lot more about his past.  This is what made him become more real for me.

Despite all this, I still like Xander the most.  I think he will go to any length to keep Cassia safe, even when she doesn't realize that he is the one pulling the strings.  He's willing to sit back and watch her come to him.  There's just something about him that I love.  Especially when we learn the truth about what he has been hiding from everyone.

It's the plot and ending that got to me the most.  I never felt like the story was really going anywhere.  Even when Cassia and Ky find each other, it felt anticlimatic.  There's very little action and lots of  information to process.  It has a very middle book of the series feel to it.  Plus the ending was just off.  I think I would have liked a cliffhanger more than what we actually get.  We go through all this trouble to trace the rumor of uprising, and this was all we got?  I felt cheated of a real ending.

I'm still curious as to how this might play out.  And of course who Cassia might actually choose in the end.  So, I'll read the next one in the series!

Review - The Predicteds by Christine Seifert

Title: The Predicteds 

Author: Christine Seifert

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 342

Published: September 1, 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire

ISBN: 9781402260490

Source: Publisher sent for honest review

Description: Your future is not your own... "We wanted to know what makes a good kid good and a bad kid bad. Can you blame us for that? We found an astoundingly, marvelously simple answer: The brain isn't so much a complicated machine as it is a crystal ball. If you look into it, you will see everything you want to know." -Dr. Mark Miliken, senior researcher at Utopia Laboratories

Who will it be?  Will the head cheerleader get pregnant?  Is the student council president a secret drug addict?  The whole school is freaking out about PROFILE, an experimental program that can predict students' future behavior.  The only question Daphne wants answered is whether Jesse will ask her out...but he's a Predicted, and there's something about his future he's not telling her. 


 I Give This ...

 

The idea behind this really sounded fascinating.  Imagine the knowledge that could be pulled from this type of program.  Unfortunately I felt that it felt a little short of my expectations, and I didn't fully understand how PROFILE worked.

 

I really enjoyed the fact that Daphne was so connected to PROFILE without even really knowing it.  Her mom was the creator of the program.  But, when she started to have a serious disagreement with how the program was being used she simply walked away from it.  But, not before Daphne herself was tested.  I liked how Daphne integrates herself into her new high school when they move.  She's the type of person that gets along with everybody.  She tolerates the popular crowd, but makes no excuses for hanging out with whoever she wants too.  I like her reactions when she learns about PROFILE and what it does.  

It's interesting watching how the school and public reacts when the information from PROFILE is released.  It's like a new form of segregation.  I found it fascinating that the idea of what you could do in the future might define who you are know.  And everybody reacts so badly to it, even those who are PROFILED to do something so simple are grouped with those who were predicted to be violent criminals.  They are treated less than human.

The part of the book that just didn't really capture me was the PROFILE program itself.  It just didn't really make sense.  I didn't understand how a program could predict if you might get pregnant in high school or commit murder.   I don't think it could be 100% accurate, and that's how people were treating it.  It left no room for people to make the right decision, instead just seemed to count on the fact that they would always make bad ones.  I also didn't like how two-sided Daphne could be about the results.  She was determined not to treat the predicteds any differently.  Yet, she constantly was mistrusting Jesse because of his results.

So, it was interesting but not executed the way I had hoped.

Jen Nadol Author Interview!

Top Ten Jobs I’ve Had

Cassie works in a coffee shop in The Mark and a mortuary in The Vision.  I haven’t done either of those jobs, but here are ten I have done, worst to best:

10. Babysitter – My friend Beth babysat all the way through college and loved it.  I did it full-time one summer, watching a 2 year old boy while his mom played tennis.  He wasn’t a bad kid, but how many times can you play with the same toys?  It was SO BORING.
Age: 13 
How long: One summer.  And I never babysat again after that.  Ever.

9. House Cleaner and Filer – Since babysitting wasn’t for me, my dad got me work cleaning apartments and also had me file stuff at his law office.  The cleaning was fine.  The filing? Not so much.
Age: 14 
How long:   2-3 months.

8. Bob’s Big Boy Waitress – Polyester.  Hair Net.  Liver n’ Onions.  Enough said.
Age: 16 
How long: 2 years

7. Line Stander – In DC there are lots of congressional hearings where important people talk about important stuff.  Only a certain number of other people are allowed in to listen, but the people who want to listen are too important themselves to wait in line.  So they pay people like me to hold their place.  Beginning at 6am.  And you’re not allowed to sit down or bring a book or any kind of electronics.  You just have to stand there and stare at the wall until your important person shows up around 10. 
Age: 22 
How long: 4 excruciating hours

6. Human Resource Manager – Dept. Store – My first “real” job.  The economy was terrible and I was just happy to have one since my bf who’d graduated a year earlier was still working at a deli.  I was just out of college it felt a little like play-acting to be talking to grown-ups about their body odor problems and why they couldn’t get to work on time.  I learned a lot.  Some of it I didn’t really want to know.
Age: 22 
How long: 3 years

5. Corporate Human Resources – Same Dept. Store - Boring middle-management type stuff.  I don’t recommend it.  I got to move to NYC, though.  That was cool.
Age: 25 
How long: Eternity…that’s what it felt like around 2pm every day.

4. Cashier – TC Sports Outlet.  My best friend worked there too, along with four college guys of varying cuteness.  What’s not to like?  Oh, yeah…maybe making $3.85/hour? (yes, that was legal) 
Age: 15 
How long I worked there: 1 year?

3.  Assistant, Assistant Manager – Dooney & Bourke Outlet – The first summer after college I broke my arm the second night I was home (you can assume it was in the stupidest possible way).  I had no job and desperately needed one so I went through my interview with a sweater draped casually over my cast, which I only removed after I’d gotten the job.  Loved it – busy store in a cool loft with all my friends working in other outlets nearby. 
Age: 19 
How long: 2 years on & off

2. Shoe Salesperson – This was a fun job.  I like shoes.  I liked working on commission (except the weeks I got paid $0).  I liked the people I worked with.  I spent too much money where I worked. 
Age: 20  
How long: 1 year+

1.Writer – The only job I’ve ever had where I couldn’t wait to start work every day.  I definitely made more at some of the other jobs - possibly all of the other jobs - but, to me, it’s still the best job ever.   

 

Jen grew up in Reading, PA, hometown of John Updike, Taylor Swift and fellow YA author A.S. King (nope, she didn't know any of them). She went to college at American University in Washington DC, graduated with a BA in Literature, then spent the next twelve years doing something totally unrelated to pay the bills. Now she lives north of NYC in an old farmhouse with her husband and three young sons. She is thrilled to finally be writing, the thing she always meant to do.

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

Nothing!!     

I actually kind of liked not having anything this week.  I desperately need to catch up on my reading pile!

Review - Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Title: Carrier of the Mark

Author: Leigh Fallon

Series: 1st in Carrier Trilogy

Pages: 352

Published: October 4, 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 9780062027870

Source: Around The World Tours

Description:   Their love was meant to be.  When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.  But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

I Give This ...

 

I'm going to give this a 3 for the really strong beginning.  I was thinking this was going to be "that" book after a series of books that were just so-so,  But then somewhere around the middle, the story just feel apart for me.  I found myself rolling my eyes a lot.

I initially really liked Megan.  She's put up with a lot and always tries to put her best foot forward.  I can only imagine being uprooted as often as she had and having to start over every time.   I like the idea of her father and her living in Ireland (it's the one thing I regret, never spending a semester abroad).  Ireland is just not the setting of very many stories.  I also initially liked how the storyline was going.  Megan's interaction with her new friends were fun and lighthearted.  The introduction of Adam was intense.  And why the story was going to be paranormal,  I was hoping it was going to be different.

That's when the story began to read more like fan fiction for me.  There are seriously so many parallels between this book and Twilight.  Considering this book got it's start online, I really do wonder if Twilight isn't the inspiration for this novel.  There is only so many times you can read the same plot line (and sometimes the conversation even felt the same) before it's gets too repetitive.  I plowed through it hoping there would be something that would set it apart.  There wasn't.

I really did like the idea of the carriers.  Each person represents an element that gives them certain powers.  For millenniums there haven't been all 4 elements together with equal powers (I'm not sure how that works).  Together they have the power to realign the elements, this correcting all that is wrong with the world.  I found this fascinating, and am almost tempted to continue this series just for the realignment idea.  I did find the explanation of how the people decedent from the goddess are marked or carriers to be very confusing.  I've even studied genetics, and the process made no sense.  But, maybe it's suppose to be that way.

Overall this was just a disappointment for me.  If you like Twilight fan fiction, you probably would like this one.

Waiting On Wednesday - Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

Title: Audition

Author: Stasia Ward Kehoe 

 

When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she's deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem's muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she's chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.

 

 

 

 I really am intrigued by the idea of dance mixed with romance.  Plus, I like verse novels and am interested in reading more in this style!

 

 

 

Review - The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 416

Published: October 18, 2011 by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 9780545224901

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.  Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

I Give This ...

 

I really wasn't sure on this one from the start.  But, Maggie has such a unique way of writing her stories that I was more than willing to give it a try.  I'm finding myself disappointed with her books as of late though.

The Scorpio Races was missing something.  I never really felt connected to the story.  I kept trying to feel something for Puck and Sean.  I wanted to care about them and their reasoning behind running in the race.  But, it never came.  And since I wasn't invested in their stories, I had a hard time reading the book.

I did enjoy the mythology presented in this novel.  I don't know a lot about the folklore behind the idea of the water horses.  But, I really liked the way it was presented here.  I did have a hard time wrapping my head around what they should look like.  One minute I would imagine an actual horse but then it wouldn't fit with the action of killing someone.  A lot of the time I kept picturing the thestrals for Harry Potter.  

I just felt disconnected from the entire story.  Not really memorable for me.  

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'm having a hard time accepting the fact that I'm barely getting through 3 books a week lol.  I feel so far behind on my reading.  I will catch up though.  I'm enjoying my new job and feel like it's a good fit for me.  Plus, I don't feel like I'm giving up any time with my kids!  My house seems to be suffering though.

Read Last Week: 

• Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
• Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
• The Predicteds by Christine Steifert

Currently Reading:

•  Crossed by Ally Condie

Up This Week:

• Phoenix by Eden Maguire
• Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol Carr
• Crossed by Ally Condie

Swapped: 

• The Other Countess by Eve Edwards

This or That with Lani Woodland

I got that chance to ask Lani Woodland a few this or that questions.  I love this type of interview because it put the person on the spot.  Plus, you learn some things you might not have known (or thought to ask )!  Lani is the author of The Yara Silva Trilogy (Intrinsical and Indelible), which I highly recommend!

American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? So You Think You Can Dance (sorry it's my favorite reality show)

Computer or Television? Computer ( I can watch TV on the computer)

Sandals or Sneakers? Sandals

The Simpsons or Family Guy? The Simpsons

Coke or Pepsi? Dr. Pepper :)

Spring or Fall? Spring

Call or Text? Text

Math or Science? Gah! Niether. Literature.

Lip Gloss or Lipstick? Lipgloss

Rain or Shine? I love the sunshine but rainy days are nice once and a while too.

Coffee or Water? Water with lemon

Fly or Read Minds? Wow. That's a hard one. Read minds, I think. My husband would want the ability to fly so I could catch a ride with him. :)

Harry Potter or Twilight? Movies? Harry Potter. Books? I enjoyed both series.

Skydive or Bungee Jump? Neither but I do love roller coasters.

Ocean or Mountains? Ocean. I love putting my toes in the water and burying them in the sand.

Crunchy or Creamy Peanut Butter? Crunchy.

Pink or Blue? Blue.

Read the Book or Watch the Movie? Read the book.

Swedish Fish or Gummi Bears?  Gummi Bear

Truth or Dare? It depends who I'm playing with. :) Usually I would pick truth.

Lani Woodland has been an avid reader since elementary school when she first discovered the Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins series. In sixth grade she began writing plays and recruiting (with force when necessary) her friends to act them out. Most of these early works were inspired by She-Ra, the epitome of girl power to her young self.

She graduated from BYU with a BS in Family Science. Lani has always loved scary stories, and has a hard time enjoying any book without at least a little romance in it. She lives in Southern California with her husband, their two children and a large collection of board games. She has worked as a spot-welder, babysitter, janitor, photographer, gymnastics coach, and movie extra. She enjoys bonfires at the beach, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, speed talking, chocolate as a cure-all, and the word "precisely".

Review - Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer

Title: Eyes in the Mirror

Author: Julia Mayer

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 214

Published: August 2, 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire

ISBN: 9781402240409

Source: Publisher sent in exchange for honest review

Description: Every teen girl fantasizes about having a double and best friend rolled into one-an alter ego with whom she can trade places, allowing her to disappear. Samara is a troubled and lonely adolescent, prone to cutting, who desperately craves both intimacy and escape from her unfulfilled life...until she meets her reflection, Dee, the seeming answer to all her problems.

I Give This ...

 

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it was definitely not what I got.   It's an interesting book dealing with real world issues with a touch or paranormal.  While I did enjoy it overall, I felt it was really light-hearted for the subjects broached.  

I liked Dee but didn't really care for Samara.  For the longest time, I actually wondered if they were really the same person and that the other was created as a way to deal with their problems.  Dee seemed like a genuine person although I never really understood her obsession with the idea of another dimension.  Samara seemed entirely selfish.  It seemed like her problems stemmed from her own desire to be aloof and standoffish.  

As they mingle their lives across the two dimensions, the story takes an interesting turn.  And this is were the story lost me a little bit.  It just doesn't feel like it's as serious as it should be.  Especially considering the topics and what happens.  It also feels like the story just drops you a little.  So little time passes in the beginning.  And then large chunks of time pass with no idea what has happened in the lapsed time.  It felt disconnected.

Overall, the book was ok for me.  It didn't really leave a lasting impression. 

Review - Sapphique (Incarceron #2) by Catherine Fisher

Title: Sapphique

Author: Catherine Fisher

Series: 2nd (Incarceron)

Pages: 462

Published: December 28, 2010 by Dial

ISBN: 9780803733978

 Source: Library

Description: The only one who escaped . . . And the one who could destroy them all.  Incarceron, the living prison, has lost one of its inmates to the outside world: Finn’s escaped, only to find that Outside is not at all what he expected. Used to the technologically advanced, if violently harsh, conditions of the prison, Finn is now forced to obey the rules of Protocol, which require all people to live without technology. To Finn, Outside is just a prison of another kind, especially when Claudia, the daughter of the prison’s warden, declares Finn the lost heir to the throne. When another claimant emerges, both Finn’s and Claudia’s very lives hang on Finn convincing the Court of something that even he doesn’t fully believe. Meanwhile, Finn’s oathbrother Keiro and his friend Attia are still trapped inside Incarceron. They are searching for a magical glove, which legend says Sapphique used to escape. To find it, they must battle the prison itself, because Incarceron wants the glove too.

I Give This ...

 

I have to admit, I wasn't really drawn to Incarceron.  I probably wouldn't have ever picked up this book if it wasn't for the fact that I could get it from my library.  I was a little intrigued by the idea of Finn adapting to the world outside of the prison.

 I'll also be the first to admit that this book really surprised me.  I liked it quite a bit more than the first in the series.  I think it's because it takes place in a world that I can understand.  I liked Claudia's devotion to proving that Finn is the real heir to the throne.  I liked Finn's internal battle with this idea.  I also liked the struggle he has with the idea that he left people he cared about in Incarceron with no immediate way of getting them out.  I really enjoyed the idea of the other claimant to the throne.  Someone who looks, talks, and acts more like the prince that Finn possibly can.  

So why the three rating?  I still can not grasp the idea of Incarceron itself.  Every time the story switches to a viewpoint from someone inside the prison, I lose interest.  The prison as another dimension that rests on a key chain...interesting.  The world inside the actual prison...not.   It's just not for me.   I really tried too.

So another story that left me with conflicting emotions.  I'm thinking this was just a two part series though and that the story is done.  I'm grateful for that.

Review - The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring #1) by Kiki Hamilton

Title: The Faerie Ring

Author: Kiki Hamilton

Series: 1st

Pages: 352

Published: September 27, 2011 by TorTeen

ISBN: 9780765327222

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.  Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.  Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…  

I Give This ...

 

There were lots of things that drew me to this novel.  I've found that I enjoy a number of books that involve fairies, so this was sounded good on that fact alone.  But, I'm also drawn to books set in historic England (Tudor usually but also enjoy regency).  So this book became a must read for me.

I really enjoyed Tiki's character.  I liked the background of coming from money, but willing to live on the streets instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop by living with family.  I think it shows strength of character.  Especially when she makes it her mission to help other on the street.  She may not be able to provide them with the same opportunities she once had, but she's going to give them the best life possible.

I was intrigued by the rest of the cast of character.  Rieker is an interesting sort, especially when we learn of the double roll he plays.  I really did not see that one coming.  It makes him that much more endearing.  Turns it out, he has a lot in common with Tiki and it make his devotion to her that much more sweet.  I love Prince Leo in this story.  I was kind of hoping he would be the love interest, but happy with the roll he plays in the story.  I also like the little family of orphans that Tiki takes care of.  They are there for each other no matter what.

I really liked the story line.  The ring has been part of the royal family for centuries and its ties to the faerie realm are interesting.  I do feel like the story has just barely touched on this element though.  It seems most of the story takes place in the real world, with just a glimpse of the other.  I'm hoping the next book in the series really gets into the folklore behind the ring and what Tiki really is.

If your looking for a combination of paranormal mixed with historical fiction, this is it.  I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next installment!

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 feel like a need a day or two to catch up on life.  I'm only working part-time, but I really feel like I haven't got a good schedule going that lets me accomplish all I use to get done.  I know it's just because I've been a stay at home mom for the past 6 years and use to doing things at my leisure!  We're getting there though.  Enjoying this new journey presented to me!

Read Last Week: 

• Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
• Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer 

Currently Reading: 

• Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Up This Week:

• Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
• The Predicteds by Christine Steifert

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review:  

• Scorpio Race by Maggie Stiefvater
• Carrier of the Mark be Leigh Fallon

Swapped:

• Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

B & K's Reading Daze

I have two girls who love to read as much as I do.  Granted they are 5 and 3, so reading isn't exactly what they do.  I'm so excited that this love of mine seems to be passing on to them.  So B & K's Reading Daze highlights some of the books they have enjoyed over the past month. 

K's Books: 

Title: Pinkalicious: School Rules

 

When Pinkalicious brings her imaginary unicorn, Goldie, to class one day, she learns that with her companion by her side, school rules!

K has just starting to really like the Pinkalicious books.  I think we need to add more to our library!  I think they are a nice step up from what we've been reading.

B's Books: 

Title: It's Sharing Day

  

It's Sharing Day! Join Dora and Boots on their way to Abuela's house for a special Sharing Day lunch. First they have to pick up ingredients for their special dessert. Along the way, they learn how important and rewarding it is to share.

This is a book we've read a lot in the past couple month.  I picked it up at a yard sale and it's quickly become a favorite.  Both my girls have loved Dora though!

Review - Indelible (The Yara Silva Trilogy #2) by Lani Woodland

Title: Indelible

Author: Lani Woodland

Series: 2nd (Intrinsical)

Pages: 416

Published: September 27, 2011 by Pendrell

ISBN: 9780982729724

Source: Arranged Tour

Description: Yara is beginning to understand just how much her life will change now that her Waker abilities have emerged. She has come to terms with the fact that seeing ghosts is part of her life, but she isn't ready to let being a Waker dictate her choices. All she wants is a ghost-free senior year with her boyfriend, Brent, and her best friend, Cherie. But Yara soon discovers that there are more dark secrets in her school's history than just the curse she broke. While an angry ghost makes Yara question everything she thought she knew about spirits, she and Brent learn that there are long reaching consequences to last year's adventures. As new enemies emerge and old ghosts resurface, Yara finds herself in the center of another deadly mystery, and this time she has to contend with the living as well as the dead.

I Give This ...

 

I love it when I enjoy a sequel more than the first!  And that's saying a lot because I really liked Intrinsical.  The cast of characters remains true to themselves and the storyline is fantastic.

I didn't think it was possible to like Yara any more than I already did.  But, she's just a great all around character.  She's still struggling with what she is.  I think because her abilities appeared so suddenly, she really trying to escape what she was born to do.  She tries to take the easy way out sometimes, and doesn't truly believe that she can help the ghosts.  I still really enjoy her friends and her family.  They really do fill out the story well. 

I liked how the story involved the living just as much as the dead.  It seems there's a secret group hidden in the school and they crave more power.  The founder of the school was hiding the secret to this ability from his own sons, and this group is determined to find it.  His wife's ghost is guarding the key to all of it.  And she's seems to have it in for Yara.  I was intrigued by how violent she could get towards Yara.  I enjoyed learning a little about how the group worked and what they believed they could eventually do.  It was creepy how much they knew about Yara and Brent.  They used their weaknesses against them to get exactly what they wanted. 

I think my favorite parts involve Yara and Brent together.  I really enjoy their relationship.  I liked watching them interact with each others families (even though Brent's parents don't seem to like Yara).  I like how they try to protect each other, even if it's really not what they other person needs.  I love how devoted they are to each other, but not in an over the top way.

I really just enjoy this series.  There's way to much to try and cover in a short review.  I'm looking forward to the last in the series!

Revew - The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Title: The Future of Us

Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 309

Published: November 21, 2011 by Razorbill

ISBN: 9781595144911

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description: It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out. 

I Give This ...

 

Everything about this book called to me.  I loved Jay Asher's first book, and look forward to his next project.  And although I haven't read anything by Carolyn Mackler, I was intrigued by what the partnership might bring to the story.  I ended up liking it just as much as I thought I would.

I actually though Emma and Josh were perfect 90's teens.  There were so many references to the time period that I just loved.  I was a teen in this exact time period, so I really identified with everything that was going on.  I laughed at the memory of that first AOL CD, beepers, ancient cell phones, and all those things.  I really stopped to think of what my 15 year-old self would think of my posts on Facebook if it was accidentally stumbled upon.

I found it interesting that Josh was determined not to mess with the future.  At first I think it was because he liked the glimpse he got of it.  But then I think it was more to do with watching Emma drastically change her own just by the little things that she did.  I also thought it was interesting how knowing what happens in the future effected their day to day decisions on things.  I did have a little trouble with how Emma read everything to mean she was unhappy.  There really is so little information you can obtain for status updates on Facebook. 

I do think this story makes light of everything.  There are so many areas this story could have touched upon that would have made it darker.  But, it's just a fun story that really makes you think about what you are doing right now might have some sort of effect on the future.  I'm not sure how much today's teens will identify with the idea of no internet and few cellphones.  But, I think adults who like to read young adult will totally get a kick out of this book!

 

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!

It's been a great 3 day weekend for the family.  We went to visit my parents for a couple days.  The girls got to go horseback riding.  And then we went up into the mountains for huckleberry picking.  We're back home now and just a day of relaxation before it's back to the routine!

Read Last Week: 

• The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
• Indelible by Lani Woodland
• The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton 

Currently Reading:

• Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Up This Week: 

• Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
• Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Swapped:

• The Shadowy Horses by Suzanna Kearsley
• Betrayal by Lee Nichols