One Book At A Time

Friday, January 8, 2010

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Author: Michelle Moran
Published: September 2009 by Crown Publishing Group
Pages: 431
ISBN: 9780307409126
Source: Library

Description: The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I have to admit, I didn't have a lot of background information going into this story. Of course I knew who Cleopatra and Marc Anthony wear, but that's about it. I was immediately pulled into this story. It's told through Selene's point of view (whose age is 12 through 15 in this story), so it's almost young adult. But, Selene's thoughts and ambitions are entirely those of a women torn from her family and the country she loves. It is powerful to watch her refuse to give up what she knows and bend to the rules of a country keeping her captive. Michelle Moran has a gift for capturing into words the world Selena lived in. The ending was bittersweet. I would love to see a sequel following the rest of her life.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Dark Reunion (Vampire Diaries #4) by L.J. Smith

Title: Dark Reunion
Author: L.J. Smith
Published: first published in 1992
Pages: 312
ISBN: 9780061059926
Source: Library

Description: The Final Conflict...The Last Deadly Kiss
Elena - Now she rises from the dead to recreate the powerful vampire trio.
Stefan - Summoned by Elena, he keeps a promise to her and fights the most terrifying evil he's ever faced.
Damon - Joining the brother he once called enemy, Damon battles this new horror with strength, cunning, and deadly charm.

I Give This Book 3.5 Stars!

I almost wish the series would have stopped at book three. This book was nothing like the previous. With Elena gone, the story doesn't have the same pull. The characters felt forced. I think it would have worked a little better if it wasn't Elena working her magic from the dead. And then end was very cheesy. I'm not sure if I want to read the new series.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Fury (The Vampire Diaries, #3) by L.J. Smith

Title: The Fury
Author: L.J. Smith
Published: First published in 1991
Pages: 9780061059919
Source: Library Book

Description: Stefan - Tormented after losing Elena, he's determined to end the feud with his brother, Damon--whatever the cost.
Damon - Mocking Stefan and Elena, he laughs in the face of doom.
Elena - Wild with her craving for blood, she confronts the ultimate evil.

I Give This Book 4 Stars.

I liked this book the best so far. It was dark, dangerous, and left me guessing until the very end. Elena was interesting as a vampire. Damon continues to surprise me. I just wish Stephan would get some life in him. He's so engrossed in Elena and his past relationship with Catherine, that there doesn't seem much else to his character. In the show, the choice is obvious, but not so in the books. I like how all the characters pull together to battle what is controlling the town. I wonder how they will play this book out in the TV show.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:
"You know, you two are ridiculous with your puffing and your testosterone and crap. I mean, I could summon the elements and kick both of your butts."
~ Hunted (House of Night #5) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Monday, January 4, 2010

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

First off, this is hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog. If you would like to participate, just head on over and join the fun!

Ok, it might be kind of biased to say the my favorite book I finished last week was A Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. I've been reading it for far to long. I didn't want to devote a week or so to read it, so instead I've been catching a few pages here and there.

Truly, Madly by Heather Webber was a fun romantic mystery that comes out in February. The lead character, Lucy, was witty and down to earth. I loved the mystery as well and will be looking forward to more of this series.

I liked The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran almost as much as I liked her latest work. I find myself completely enthralled by her descriptions of ancient worlds. She makes them feel real, and not just something I studied in history class. And, I didn't get the biblical references in either book. I was happy for the author notes in the back that point those out.

I'm not sure what to say about Ash by Malinda Lo. On one hand, the story is beautifully written. I loved the storyline with the fairies and their myths. I did have a hard time warming to the idea that she doesn't fall for the prince. But, it was still a moving story.

Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes was a fun read. But, it didn't hold my attention as well as some young adult books do. I would recommend it more for young teens. The mythology in it was fun and interesting though!

Hunted by P.C. and Kristin Cast is what I'm currently reading. This falls into several challenges (which I need to get posted). Mainly, my goal is to finish the series that I'm currently reading BEFORE I start any new ones. Book that fall into this challenge round out my list for the week as well. This will include The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman, Blood Game by Iris Johansen, and if there is time Extras by Scott Westerfeld.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

In My Mailbox and Library Loot!

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

library-loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Eva and Marg that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library.

I didn't receive or buy any books this week (that makes 2 in a row!). But, I did visit the library. This is what I picked up to read...

Extra's by Scott Westerfeld

Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Splendor by Anna Godbersen

Saturday, January 2, 2010

My best books of 2009

I've never put some much thought into what I read as I did this past year. I've read 118 books and 12 rereads. I've read some excellent books that I've passed on to friends and family! So here is my top 10...