Book Review: Inheritance

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really do enjoy Christopher Paolini's writing, but this was my least favorite story in the bunch. It took me 2 months to read. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and the story, but I was disappointed in the ending.

Book Review: Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

   I have to wait until next fall for the next book?! my fault for starting a series that's not finished. Great book, just as good as the first book in the series. Dying to know what happens next in The Mark of Athena. Not only do you meet a few new faces, but it was nice to go back to Percy Jackson and see what happened to him. Riordan has to be one of my favorite authors. Here's his website: http://rickriordan.com/home.aspx

  This books starts with Percy Jackson (yay) and he is running around San Fransisco with his memory wiped..all except for the name Annabeth.  He finds his way to the Roman Camp, Camp Jupiter, where he meets a lot of skeptical people, but also meets some new friends Hazel and Frank.  The three friends find themselves on a quest to the North in Alaska, where everyone in the camp thinks they will fail.  The book is fast paced, exciting, and very entertaining.

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

   This was one of those books I saw on goodreads with good reviews. The story itself was fine, almost sweet, but nothing I'm going to run to the store to buy. Definitely a teen-book. Here's an overview I found on bn.com.

"All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? A debut fantasy romance for the ages; superlative summer read."

Book Review: The Lost Hero

My first book to read on my kindle! and I couldn't have asked for a better book. Can not wait until the next book is available at the library for ebooks. :)

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

   Loved this book! I didn't know anything about it other than Rick Riordan wrote it. I really enjoy the way he writes and gives life to each character. What a great surprise to find out that it's a spinoff from Percy Jackson series?! But in this book, Percy Jackson is missing... Here's an overview of the book.

"This new series weaves Greek and Roman mythology, where the gods show different personalities. Jason wakes up on a bus filled with problem kids from the Wilderness School who are headed to the Grand Canyon. He has no memory of his previous life, but seems to be with his girlfriend, Piper, and his best friend, Leo. The action takes off quickly: storm spirits attack them and capture their coach, who turns out to be a Satyr. Searching for Percy, who is missing, Annabeth arrives and takes the three to Camp Half-Blood, where they learn that they are demigods. By sunset of the solstice in three days, the teens must rescue Hera, Queen of the gods, or Porphyrion, the giant king created to destroy Zeus and unseat the gods of Olympus, will rise. Their quest takes them across the United States, sometimes flying on a mechanical, 60-foot dragon, as they use their power and wits against Medea, King Midas, and the giant cannibal Enceladus."

Book Review: Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just a quick overview for this fun book:

January 1946: writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.

Really enjoyed reading this book. It's basically a book comprised of letters back and forth between the writer Juliet, her friend, publisher, and a lot of new friends on Guernsey, one of the Channel islands. Very interesting, touching and informative of how it might have been during the German occupation on the island. Definitely add this one to your list.

Book Review: Timeless

Timeless by Alexandra Monir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maybe 2.5-3 stars. This book is definitely for a young adult audience.

This book was highly recommended, but I just didn't love the story. The story is definitely sweet, and my favorite part was the ending (read to find out). There will be another book in the series, and I'll want to read it when it comes out. Here's one review I found on bn.com

"Michele lives with her single mother, happy in their relationship, secure in her school and her best friends, Amanda and Kristen. But circumstances change and she is sent to live with her grandparents in New York. Michele knew that her mother had been totally estranged from her rich "blue blood" parents since she married and moved to California. Michele has never known her father. Her grandparents seem cold and uncaring. She has the room her mother grew up in, her meals are served in her room, and she rarely even sees her grandparents. While unpacking a box sent by her mother's lawyer, she finds a golden key that looks very old and was owned by her father. It twitches as if it is alive. Michele time traveled back one hundred years and that's just where it starts..."

Michele goes back and forth in time, learning more about her blue blood family, and meets the love of her life...but time keeps them apart. Romance, history, time travel. sounds interesting to you? you may enjoy this book.

Book Review: The Throne of Fire, by Rick Riordan

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you read the first book? the Red Pyramid? Riordan has a very entertaining writing style, and I loved reading this book. This is the 2nd book in the series, where Carter and Sadie Kane are the storytellers and main characters in the book. The author is very clever in how he meshes modern life with ancient Egypt and it's history.
looking forward to the next installment in the series.

an excerpt from the inside cover: " Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister, Sadie, have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command but they devious gods haven't given then time to master their skills at the Brooklyn House, a training ground for young magicians. And now their most threatening enemy yet - the Chaos snake, Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family...."

Book Review: Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

quick overview: Rachel has always been a good girl--until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé Dex. Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for Dex. She prays for fate to intervene, but when she makes a choice she discovers that the lines between right and wrong are blurry, endings aren't always neat, and you have to risk all to win true happiness.
--------------------------------------
I had a love hate relationship with this book. Not sure how to describle it, I wanted to know what was going to happen, but it felt...off. Still liked the book, and will probably checkout the movie that came out earlier this year that was based off the book.

Book Review: The Gentleman's Poet

The Gentleman Poet: A Novel of Love, Danger, and Shakespeare's The Tempest by Kathryn Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enroute to the Americas in 1609, Elizabeth, a young servant girl, sees her blinding headache as an ominous sign. Sure enough, a hurricane during the final leg of their journey tosses the ill-fated ship the Venture and its passengers/crew onto the shores of the Bermudas. In the months that follow, they deal with hardship, mutiny, adventure, danger . . . and a little romance. Elizabeth despairs of their ever being rescued, but she finds hope and strength in a new friendship with the ships historian, a poet traveling under the name of William Strachey. But Will is more than he seems. To many back home in England, he is known by a different name, Shakespeare. And he sees in their great misfortune as the makings of a magical, truly transcendent work of theater, the Tempest.
-------
Ok I totally borrowed most of that, but wanted to at least give you an idea of what it was about. I liked the book, but did not love it. Maybe if I had reminded myself of Shakespears play, the Tempest.

Book Review: First Grave on the Right

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
----
I'll be the first to tell you that paranormal is not my first choice in reading material. I picked up this book from the readers choice table at the library and surprisingly I really enjoyed it! The book is a debut novel from the author, the writing is smart and funny. Honestly can not wait to see how she writes the next novel. The book is a paranormal romance suspense...

Book Review: Sweet Misfortune

Sweet Misfortune: A Novel by Kevin Alan Milne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

   Sophie owns a chocolate shop where she sells Misfortune Cookies-dipped in bitter chocolate they contain messages she hand writes each day such as "Your car seems fine now, but just wait...it will eventually be a source of frustration and unexpected delay." What starts as a gimmick, turns into a surprise hit with customers. But when her ex-fiance moves back to their small Washington town, he is surprised at how bitter and unhappy Sophie has become. She proposes a bet--he must place an ad in the paper that simply states "Wanted: Happiness." If there are 100 good real responses, then she'll agree to one date with him.(mostly from excerpt from inside cover).

   I loved reading this book. Definitely would be good for a bookclub read, summer read, or if you just want to read a good book! One of those that was hard to put down, even wanted to cry a little at the end. Could not believe the layers that unfolded in the story. You think you have it figured out, then something else happens. must read.

Book Review: Bridal Quest

Yes...another romance novel. Once I start a series, it is hard to stop. ;)

The Bridal Quest by Candace Camp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the matchmaker series. Once again, could not put it down! The reoccurring character is Lady Francesca, the matchmaker. I actually enjoyed this book; it had a mystery intertwined with the storyline. Now if I could just get my hands on the 3rd book.

Here's a simple overview. "Lady Irene Wyngate swore she'd never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her caustic tongue. But there was one man she couldn't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He had been kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he had been restored to his family, he was still more at home in gambling dens than stately ballrooms. Matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for Irene's help to civilize him for marriage and find him a wife."

I went to find the next book at the library and even though the records have it on the shelf, it's LOST! The librarian could not find it anywhere. Need to be patient and wait a couple days for another copy to show up at my library--I hate being patient. ;)

***If you are not on goodreads.com go now! It's my favorite way to keep a list of books I have read, reviews, and keeping up on what my friends are reading..also where I get ideas for what I'm going to read next. Join and add me as a friend!  (Britt and Carla...that means you too) :)

Book Review: The Marriage Wager

The Marriage Wager by Candace Camp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

   You know that Romances are one of my guilty pleasures. Sometimes it is nice to take a break between my usual novels. My sister recommended this book to me, and honestly I could not put it down. You know those books you just have to keep reading even though it's past midnight just to see what happens? and before you know it's 2am and you've finished the book. Good book. Best part? This is only the 1st book in the Matchmacker series. I'm going to find the next one today at one of the libraries in the valley.   The book is fun, sweet, and cleverly written from the first page.
   The widow, Lady Houghston, makes a deal with her friend Lord Sinclair that she can insure that any young lady of his choosing will be engaged by the end of the season with her help. Lord Sinclair insists she can not win the wager, and the story begins. He picks Constance Woodly, a woman who through societies eys is almost a spinster at 29 yrd old. She currently lives with her Aunt and Uncle, chaperoning her two young spoiled cousins in London for their Season, not hers. Her Aunt Blanch has made it painfully obvious that she will be a spinster and there is no reason for her to be out in society unless she's helping her daughters. Then Lady Francesca Houghston steps in like a fairy godmother, offers to sponsor her, and give her a Season to remember.

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

   This is the 4th book in the series. I would have been ok if she had left it at the 3rd. The first 3 books were better and easier to read. I had the hardest time finishing this one. Luckily the last few chapters were the best part. The author has set up the ending for additional novels. Honestly, I'm curious to see what happens to these characters...hoping the last couple books (2 more to go) left will actually finish the story in a way the fans will be happy. Don't get me wrong, there are many who loved this book, it is just not my favorite in the series.

   In a nutshell: Jace and Clary's relationship becomes strained after Jace has these terrible, almost real dreams of killing Clary. One of those...we love each other but I'm afraid I'll hurt your if I'm near you relationships. lol. Then Simon still doesn't know how to be a vampire--but that's his own fault--not to mention he also has that mark/curse on his forhead he has to live with. Some new characters are introduced that look promising. Maybe this book is just setting the stage for the next.

Book Review: Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent book. I originally watched the movie, and then read the book.

The story centers around a traveling train circus in the 1930's. Right before Jacob is scheduled to take his examines to be a Vet, he finds out that his parents were killed in an accident. He misses his test, the bank owns the old home and vet practice, and he has nothing left. Eventually Jacob finds himself walking the tracks only to jump...unknowingly...onto a circus train. Now he's thrown into the life of a circus.

The story is sweet, romantic, sad, and exciting. Surprisingly, the movie follows the book very closely. Thourougly enjoyed the book.

Book Review: Moloka'i

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a beautiful story, highly recommend reading. The book is a historical fiction, starting out in Hawaii around the 1890's. The main character is a seven-year old girl Rachel, who dreams of visiting far off lands. Then one day, she starts to see a pink blemish on her leg, and is then taken to a quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. You feel her pain as everything she knows is taken from her, but then she starts a new life, creates a new family.



Vaguely in the back of my mind I remember something about a quarantined place in hawaii, but I had no idea the history of the settlement. The book was fascinating, the way people lived there...some gave in to the illness and died, where others refused to give up. I'm glad I read this book. Even though the characters are fictional, some of the stories are true, and the history of what happened on Hawaii at that time period are true. If you like historical fictions, add this one to your list.



View all my reviews

Book Review: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


By far one of my favorite books in the series (voyager is #3). The 2nd book took me more than 10 weeks to finish, I read this one in 2 weeks. I didn't want to put the book down. I can not really describe what happens without giving away spoilers. She takes you from battlefield 18th century Scotland, France, and then to the pirates in the West Indies. So much happens in this book. There were quite a few surprises...you know the kind that make you go "are you kidding me!" with many new/old characters. Not sure what else to say...if you're looking for a good series to start reading (not sure if guys will like it much..) where there's good character development and a historical fiction with a twist..then at least try the 1st book, Outlander. I'm off to get the next book at the library!

Book Review: Dragonfly in Amber

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


2nd book in the series. I honestly would have given it 2.5 stars. I loved the 1st book in the series, and I just had a hard time finishing the book. But even then I've already picked up the 3rd book in the series, hoping for more...

I got this from someone else's review on goodreads since it describes the book really well. "Dragonfly in Amber, the second book of the Outlander series, continues with another amazing journey (or rather retelling) of Claire Randall/Fraser beyond time. But this time, Claire is back in her own time, year 1968, with daughter Brianna, already a twenty year old lass. Coming from America, Claire goes back to Scotland to hasten aid of Mr. Roger Wakefield, adopted son of Reverend Reginald Wakefield, (of whom we met in Outlander #1), to investigate what happened to the men of Lallybroch after the war at Culloden, to know if Jamie Fraser had carried out his final wishes to save his men & to reveal to Brianna the true nature of her heritage."

Book review: Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is definitely a book series you can get lost in. So hard to describe. The author creates an exciting, romantic, love story....but it's complicated. Claire is a combat nurse from WW2 on a 2nd honeymoon in Scotland with a husband she hasn't seen for 6 years. While she is looking around some boulder (mini Stonehenge), she accidentally touches one and is transported 200 years in the past to 16th century Scotland. Alone, confused, scared...and not sure what to believe, she attempts to fit in, not sure if she can get back. She can not tell anyone the truth or risk death. Her path crosses with a man named Jamie Fraser, while she is being kidnapped by a clan, who thinks she is an English spy. Very dangerous, exciting, passionate, and some parts very detailed. To be upfront she tackles a lot of taboo subjects...somethings that may make some uncomfortable...sex. :) there are some steamy scenes, and other types that may make some squirm. This is not a steamy romantic novel, it's considered a historical fiction that happens to have a deep relationship between a man and a woman...and the many obstacles they must overcome. I am rambling. Give it a try if you are interested, my friends that have read the books are addicted. Waiting for the 2nd book (there are 8 books total--7 are published so far).



View all my reviews

Book Review: The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the same author that wrote the Percy Jackson series, which I love, so I was excited when it was my turn to read the book. The Red Pyramid was very entertaining, and I enjoyed reading about Egyptian Mythology. Honestly I stil think that Percy Jackson is a better series, but this one is still fun to read and I'm looking forward to what happens next.

The book is basically about a brother and a sister who are practically strangers being raised apart. Sadie grew up in London with her grandparents, and Carter traveling the world with his dad who is an egyptologist. Twice a year they see eachother and on one of those nights, something went really wrong at the museum. Their dad released some powerful gods, and the God Set has captured their dad, leaving them together on a crazy adventure around the globe with a cat for company.

They are thrown into a world they did not know existed...the egyptian gods are real, they find out their family has a strong history that goes back to the pharaohs, and they must somehow figure out how to stop the god Set before he releases more chaos on the world...while trying to save their dad.

View all my reviews