Reading is one of my favorite escapes. Lately, I've been reading a lot and for some reason that's what I want to blog about. I usually don't share a lot of myself online, blogging is just a way for me to brag about my family and an easy way for my family to know what's going on. I apologize for the extremely long blog, but I love books. Who knows you might find a book that sparks your interest. :)
What I've recently read in the last few months:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books 1-5, by Rick Riordan 4/5 stars
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books 1-5, by Rick Riordan 4/5 stars
What a fun series. I love reading all kinds of books, and being the curious person that I am, I picked up these books when I saw my nephews reading them. This series was written for 10-12 yr olds, but is a great read for anyone. At least I've really enjoyed reading all 5 of the books. It's one of those stories that you wish didn't end. I've been borrowing them, but soon they will definitely be on my book shelf. The story is very creative,exciting, full of adventure and friendship. If you enjoy Greek Mythology, you'll enjoy these books. Mainly, it's about this young ADHD boy who is an outcast and can't stay in one school for longer than a year. Then he finds out that his dad is one of the Gods, and now he is constantly fighting for his life against mythical creatures.
City of Bones, by Cassandra Clarke 3/5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. This is the 1st book in a trilogy, and I've only read the 1st book. The book was written for young adults, but I know many have enjoyed the series. Personally, I took me a long time to get into the book, but the story is still in the back of my mind and I might finish the other 2 books just to see what happens. The story is about this 15 yr old girl, Clary, who find herself thrown into this supernatural world. She encounters shadowhunters, all sorts of demons, and then somehow her past is entangled in this world but she doesn't remember. I did like how she wrote the relationship between Clary and a shadowhunter Jace...up until the end of the book, that's all I'm going to say.
Pendragon and the Merchant of Death, by DJ MacHale 3.5/5 stars
The Pendragon series is another book that I picked up out of curiosity due to my nephews really enjoying the books. I believe there are 10 books in the whole series. So far I've only read the 1st book. The book is about this 14 yr old boy, Bobby Pendrgaon, who thinks he is just a normal kid leading a normal life until his Uncle Press shows up and turns his world upside down. Right before a very important basketball game his Uncle tells him he is a Traveler, capable of time travel through these magical plumes, and Bobby has to save the world. Really good story telling, full of adventure and the conflicts of a growing teenager.
The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton 3/5 stars
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book at the library and it took my by surprise. This is definitely a book that does an amazing job at weaving story lines. What I had to get eventually get used to is the author jumping back and forth between 3 generations of women, giving background information that is important to the overall mystery of the book. The mystery centers around one of the character, Nell, who finds out on her 21st birthday that she was found alone on the docks in Australia when she was 2yrs old and the man who she thought was her father was the dock master who kept her as his own. At that point, Nell felt alone and determined to find out why she was left alone and forgotten. Overall a really good story if you don't mind the constant switch in time.
Vision in White, by Nora Roberts 4/5 stars
I've always been a fan of Nora Roberts writing (mostly her In Death series, she writes under JD Robb). She is amazing at weaving characters stories and giving each their own personality. This story is the first in a quartet of books. The 4 books overall will center around 4 single best friends, who happen to be business partners in an all-inclusive wedding service called Vows. Vision in White centers around the photographer, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot, who is very driven by her work and making the photos memorable. She is a shoe lovin work-a-holic, who never makes time outside of work until she meets Carter, a clients brother, and she decides to take a chance. If you enjoy a little romance and love the strength of friendship, definitely check this book out. I'm already looking forward to the 2nd book, Bed of Roses, which will center around the florist of the group.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins 5/5 stars
A friend recommended this book to me and at first I was skeptical, but once I started reading I couldn't put it down. This is an excellent book, full of adventure, suspense, and a little romance...kinda. :) I highly recommend reading this book. Hunger Games is the 1st book in a trilogy, and I can not wait until next month when the 2nd book Catching Fire is released. How do I describe the book?? Well it takes place in the ruins what once was America, now divided into 12 districts ruled by the Capitol. To keep the districts in order, every year the capitol forces each area to send one boy and one girl (who are chosen by a lottery) to participate in the Hunger Games, which is a fight to the death on live tv. The main story surrounds Katniss, a 16 yr old girl that lives with her mother and sister. When her younger sister is chosen for the game, Katniss volunteers to take her place.
Austenland, by Shannon Hale 3/5 stars
This is for all you Jane Austen fans. I know many that love Shannon Hale's stories, but it's not on my personal favorite list. Don't get me wrong, the story is really sweet and clever. You can honestly read the book in one day. Basically it's about a single 30-something Jane, who has a secret obsession....Mr. Darcy. She fantasizes about living in Regency time with the beautiful dresses, the manners, and simple way of life. Then she finds out that a dieing relative leaves her with a 2 week, all paid trip to an exclusive English estate that is completely immersed in Regency England. Everything from dress, to speech, activities, and it includes Actors that play the part to make the visit more memorable. Jane goes on this adventure to see if she can break her obsession and focus on reality when it's all over.
Before you read this book, you really need to check out Snyders Study series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study). Storm Glass is based on a character named Opal, who is a glass maker and a magician in training, who has a small roll in the the Study Series. I guess you don't have to, but to understand the book and the world she's created, it's easier to start from the beginning. :) Maria V Snyder creates a magical world full of discovery, adventure, and fun. These books are page turners, and you won't be disappointed.
Coming soon!! Really looking forward to read:
These are series I've really enjoyed, and can not wait for more! Now the question is..which book will I get at the library first?? OR should I just buy the books? :) I'll eventually add each of them to my collection, I love re-reading a good book.
Sea Glass, by Maria V Snyder -- September 1st
This is the 2nd book in the Glass Series by Maria v Snyder. So excited!!
The 2nd book after Hunger Games. :)
Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown -- September 15th
Dan Brown continues Rob Langdon stories and many have been waiting for this book to come out!! I've actually enjoyed all of Dan Brown's books, I like his writing style and how he always keeps me guessing.
Bed of Roses, by Nora Roberts -- November 24th
2nd book in the Bride Quartet.
More curious than anything else....on my maybe list:
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen, Seth Grahame-Smith
Other Books I've really enjoyed reading:
In Death Series by JD Robb (Nora Roberts alias) 4/5 stars
This series is a mystery fiction, full of suspense. It is placed in the future and is based on Lt. Eve Dallas, a hard nosed homicidal detective that believes in doing whatever it takes to solve a case. Currently there are 28 books in the series (yes I've read them all...more to come!), and I think 7 short stories in anthologies where 3 authors write 3 different stories compiled in one book. Anyway, she writes the characters so well in the series, and weaves those personalities and stories together beautifully.
Study Series, by Maria V Snyder 4/5 stars
I mentioned this series earlier. It compiles of Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study. The books are around a girl name Yelena, and the first book starts out when she is about to be executed for murder, but is given a chance to avoid death for now. She is given the option to become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. Under the Chief of Security, Yelena learns about different poisons, and risks her life every day tasting meals, hoping no one poisons the Commander. During this time, she discovers a magical talent that she can not control.
Fablehaven Series, by Brandon Mull 3.5/5 stars
Fun series that was written for young adults, but everyone will enjoy. The story is centered around Kendra and her brother Seth, who are sent to stay with their grandparents while their parents are on vacation. Little did they know their grandpa is the caretaker of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for all sorts of mythical creatures, good and evil. Seth is too curious and reckless, which gets him into a lot trouble. Dark creatures and demons are threatening the preserve, and they must figure out how to save not only Fablehaven, but try to stay alive.
Inheritance Series, by Christopher Paolini 3.5/5 stars
Full of magic, monsters, dragons, elves, destiny, suspense, it has it all. Great series. Eragon, a 14yr old who was raised by his uncle, stumbles on a blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. Overnight his world is turned upside down and his old farm town life is left behind and he embarks on an adventure to becoming a Dragon Rider. The young author does a great job painting a picture of the story in your mind.
The Host, by Stephenie Meyer 4/5 stars
I know many think of Twilight when they think Stephenie Meyer, and I love that series, but The Host is an excellent book worth mentioning. This is her first Sci-Fi novel that is geared more for adults. The earth has already been invaded by aliens that take over the minds and body. One mind, Melanie, refuses to let go over her mind that easily to the alien, Wanderer, that is trying to inhabit her. So 2 minds are sharing 1 body. Melanie starts flooding the mind with memories of her life as a human and of the man she loves. I know is seems far fetched, but once you start and get through the first 50 pages, you'll be hooked. Try it!
1 comment:
Hey! I like your book post! I've been working on one of my one lately...but opposite. The books I'm GOING to read. Hunger Games is the next book in our book club at church here- I wasn't too excited about it but now I am. The last one we read was The Persian Pickle Club- which I really liked and thought I wouldn't. It's about that "strength of friendship" you were talking about. I'd definitely recommend it as something different to read.
Hope you guys are doing well- maybe I should try the diet Jared went on! Just kidding, we're glad he's feeling better. And the girl's new bed is beautiful, by the way. So sweet that they sleep together!
Post a Comment