Genetic mutants or World Heroes?

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Growing up in a cage can be hazardous to a person’s developmental health. Somehow the six, winged bird children that grew up in cages at “the school” made out ok. They were rescued by Jeb Batchelder who adopted Max as a child of his own, thought to be dead the flock has lived without adults, rules, and cages for some time. All goes horribly wrong when the flock is attacked by Erasers and Angel the youngest is taken back to the school. The flock including Maximum Ride, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, and the Gasman devise a plan to rescue Angel from most certain death.

The first book of the Maximum Ride series was great. The characters are easy to care about. I enjoyed Max and the others. The one character that I had a great time reading about was Fang. I think that throughout the series there will be a lot more coming from him. He’s a great character and I’m excited to see what develops between him and the other characters. I also enjoyed Max’s changing perspective of Fang and how Fang surprised the others with things that he said.

That raptor just ate him!

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Can you imagine reading this book before watching the movie? I have seen the movie multiple times, probably more than 20, and I was still on the edge of my seat at the end. I loved that they changed the details from the book to the screenplay. It made reading the book even more enjoyable. While reading this book I kept reaching for Simon and asking him why they didn’t put certain scenes in the movie. They were incredibly suspenseful and exciting. There were also characters that lived in the movie that died in the book. I thought that was very interesting.

Based from a screenplay that Michael Crichton read, this book is about genetically recreated dinosaurs. The question that this book rises is not whether humans can do things, but should they? Ian Malcolm a mathematician that was brought onto the project of Jurassic Park to give his theory about the outcome of this experiment. He states that when things seem to get better, that is when the bottom is going to fall out. The mathematical chaos theory is what this whole book is about, that and humans trying to escape an island before they become a carnivore’s meal. When scientists think that they can do anything and don’t look into the end result of those decisions, then there will always be consequences for actions either of the scientists themselves, or the people they bring into the picture.

The book was well written and enjoyable. The characters were easy to love or hate. It was a great book that I highly recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Faith a Large Subject for a Small Book

Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

This true story starts with Mitch Albom telling the audience the story of his lifelong Rabbi asking him to write is eulogy. At the time he was confused by the request and assumed that the Rabbi must be sick or about to die. Eight years later, Reb Albert Lewis and Mitch Albom grew very close and the book is about their journey. Interspersed within the story is also the story of Henry. Both life stories are heartwarming and stories that will stick with the audience for a while.

This is not my normal book choice. I have read another book by the same author years ago called, The Five People you meet in Heaven. My opinions of that particular book will probably never make the blog, for many reasons. Let’s just talk about two. First it was a very long time ago and I can’t remember any details about the book, the Five People book was suggested to me by a friend. The second reason is I didn’t like it enough to go find the book and reread it and spend time blogging about it. I feel the same about Have a Little Faith.

First of all it was a sweet story, I was glad Albom got to know his Reb before he died, oh, sorry spoiler alert. The book is about the Reb’s eulogy. It’s like I just walked into Star Wars Episode 1 and said, oh that cute little kid is going to be Darth Vader. Anyway, so, I am glad about Albom getting to know him since he was scared of him his entire adolescence. I admit that there were a few times that I cried, and laughed, and I did finish the book, so it wasn’t completely hogwash.

Beyond that, the lessons he learned because of knowing the Reb were ideas that I guess I would have thought a person would learn through life instead of from one man. He learned that religions are different. Being Jewish or being Christian, in the world they can mean the same thing. They can both do good works and the actions come from the heart. Just because you have a horrible past doesn’t make you a horrible person, God can change a person’s life.

To me it comes down to one basic truth, the most important truth. What do you do with Jesus? That is all. I will not go further into my beliefs, I will not condemn anyone because that is not my job. If you like true stories then this could be the book for you. If you are more of a sci-fi, fantasy, thrill seeking reader, then I’m sorry for this blog and stay tuned, more vampires, werewolves, or wizards to come.

Thanks for reading!

Not remembering could be a beautiful thing... or maybe not.

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

What would you do, if you wake up in the hospital and you can’t remember the last 3 years of your life? You not only have new people in your life (new friends, new husband), but you look totally different with a new body and new teeth. She walks into a job that she’s the boss from Hades and it looks like someone is after her job. As she’s trying to learn the new her, her new husband, and everything that goes with that, her husband’s architect won’t leave her alone. He keeps saying that she is his lover when all she wants to do is get to know her husband and get on with her life. As she tries to find herself in the plain clothes in her huge closet and the neat and orderly area of her office, she feels even more lost. Will she remember who she is before her life unravels around her?

This book is a beach read. That’s what I like to call a book that you can sit on the beach with plenty of distractions around and still know exactly what’s going on in the book. It’s an easy read with not a lot of action. Actually I got pretty bored with it and wanted it to be over before I finished. I have read a few of her books in the past and they are a fine read, but don’t pick up this book if you are looking for something that will stimulate your brain. If you need something that will distract you from the crazy world you are living in, then go on and pick up this book or one of her other books. But if you think it’s a big waste of time, I’m not going to argue with you.

Sorry this blog stinks.

At the end will life have been worth it?

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Jacob Jankowski may be ninety-something and sometimes fears that he’s losing his mind, but his memories of the time he worked as the vet for Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth is as strong a memory as ever. The recent orphaned, homeless, and Ivy League college dropout has found himself on a circus train during the great depression. He not only finds a job with the circus, but along the way he finds friends in the least likely ways.

After reading that synopsis, I know what you are thinking, most boring book ever. But please hear me when I say, it was awesome! Even though my summary was boring, you have to believe me that the book was superb! Water for Elephants will have you hooked from the first page. Literally I started reading it late one night, not intending but to read a few pages to get me started, and by page 7 I didn’t want to put it down. Within the next couple of days I read it in its entirety and wished that it never ended. It’s a sit on the edge of your seat, can’t wait to see what happens next thrilling story of survival, love, and a life worth living.

I don’t want to give too many details in my blog because I don’t want to ruin anything for you if you are going to read it, which I highly advise you to do. But, I do just want to talk about the author for a moment. I was so entrapped by her writing, it didn’t matter what the characters were doing, she made the subject at hand the most interesting action ever. I don’t know why I should care that an ninety or ninety three year old man got corn on the cob, but man I wanted to drive and find him and give him an apple or corn on the cob, or both. Gruen has a way with words that is hard to come by. Every word of it was gripping and I could taste it, touch it, and feel it from the beginning to the end. Books like this are hard to come by, so read it!

The Name Carrots will Change her Heart Forever

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne Shirley, the unwanted orphan, adopted by brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Not the boy that they expected but through the years they fell for the creative, imaginative girl. This is a heartwarming story of life, love, and a small home called Green Gables.

When I grew up, I can remember spending hours, days even down in my grandparents basement watching Anne of Green Gables. I watched it many times, to the point of knowing some of the lines by heart. I loved her vivacious character and artistic flair. She was so imaginative and loveable. Little did I know that this was a book. I found out a few years ago and have had it on my to-read-list ever since. I have often searched the Library, but T-Town either doesn’t have it or something is wrong with the card catalogue. But to my surprise and delight, Half Price Books had it for cheap and I snatched it up.

Let’s pretend that for just a moment that Anne Shirley is a real person. Anne is the type of person that when you know her you become a better person because of her influence. I can imagine that Diana, Jane and even Josie became better people and more imaginative and more fun just from knowing Anne. Another great concept about the character of Anne is that she knew herself. She knew what she loved, hated, and everything in between. She may not have loved all there was about herself, but she knew all the little things about herself regardless.

I loved the battle between Anne and Gilbert Blythe. Their love was meant to be from the beginning. I know that Anne had that competitive drive in her and she drove herself to excellence through Gilbert. Could she have done it without him, probably, but would she? Maybe not. Either way, the ending is great and it made me want to keep reading the series. I have Anne of Avonlea and the blog will come soon.

So, what do you think? Is Anne of Green Gables a Classic? Have you read it? Do you think you may in the future? Let me know!

Mockingjay is not only a status symbol, it's a way of life

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The country of Panem is a war. District 12 is destroyed, and Katniss Everdeen has been airlifted from the Quarter Quell, but her saviors have left Peeta behind. Not understanding her place in the rebellion, and not having faith in the new way of life, Katniss is in constant turmoil. She doesn’t know what to do without Peeta, she knows that she is being watched at all times, either the cameras are watching or the escapees of District 12 or the powers that be of District 13. Unable to place herself in the correct spot, she wanders until she has to make up her mind. Mockingjay is the perfect ending to one of the greatest series in young adult literature.

I recently reread The Hunger Games and Catching Fire in order to remember details that may have been lost along the way over the last year. This decision did not mistake. As I reread the first 2 books of the series, I relived the horror, suspense and phenomenon that was The Hunger Games Series. As this series is placed on the big screen, these books that already have a very large following will blow up. I anticipate the day that these movies come to fruition. This series teaches of politics and human nature. It is filled with love and longings that are magical. It also shows how important even the smallest player in the games can make a huge impact. Not everything is tied up in a nicely wrapped package at the end, but the ending was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed one single word. Collins had a vision and determination when writing this series and hopefully it will be effective in its message.

I love to read, especially on vacation. My friend Genie and I went up to Oregon to see my mom when Mockingjay was scheduled to be released, so I ordered my copy from Amazon, had it shipped to my mom’s house with 1 day shipping. It was expensive, but totally worth it. I finished Catching Fire for the second time, wrote my blog and dove into Mockingjay. I had it the last day of my vacation and then my travel day home. I read it on the first plane, the 4 hour layover in Denver, and then cracked it again on the 2nd plane that landed up in Dallas to end our trip (at 1 am). On the first plane leaving from Spokane, WA, a gentleman about my age pops his head over my seat and inquires about my book. Politely I tell him that I’m enjoying it. He then tells me that he has read the series and was excited that I had the last installment. Up to that point I was enjoying it, but during that first flight, craziness broke in the book and I just kept hoping that the guy in seat 13A would get his copy soon because it is an excellent read.

I really can’t efficiently give a detailed review without spoiling the end for everyone. I was happy with the way the series ended and felt that it was a great way to end a great series. I was upset with Katniss throughout almost the entire book, I wanted to slap her and was glad when Haymitch finally got through to her about how to best help Peeta through his horrible ordeal. I cried with Katniss as she relived the horrors of all the people she had lost, and I smiled as I closed the back cover on the last page. I will reread this series and I hope that you will give it a chance, email me if you want to chat about the details of the world of the Hunger Games, I would love to discuss! Leave me a comment! Are you ready to read, have you already read, or are you disgusted by the thought of the Hunger Games, I know Katniss would be.

The Girl on Fire Ignites

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire has survived the Hunger Games. As victors, she and Peeta are the stars of the show. All begins wrong when President Snow shows up at her home in District 12 and threatens everyone that she loves. She will soon start the victory tour and if she plays the audience right, then she'll save the ones she loves, if not then torture and death are immanent. Once the tour is over she wonders if she has played her part correctly, but is quickly derailed by more turns. Will she survive the impending doom that lays before her or is she just another piece of the Games?

Catching Fire is a great second novel. There are twists and turns that will surprise the reader at every level. I love that Collins has surprises at every level. I have no idea where the story is leading and then here comes a turn of events that I didn't see coming. It's very intriguing. Catching Fire will keep you on your toes and keep you reading until the last page. Even when the last page comes, you can't wait until the next book.

There are a couple of ideas that I’m excited to see come through in the third installment. I won’t go on until the series is over.

Somehow I was distracted after I read Catching Fire the first time. I never wrote my blog. As I anxiously awaited the release of the third book, Mockingjay, I thought that this would be a great time to reread this series that I liked so much. As I reread every word, the feelings of the first time came back to me very unexpectedly. I just assumed that I would read and go on, but there were a lot of details that I had forgotten in the Hunger Games and Catching Fire. It got me all fired up about reading Mockingjay. Now, a year later, here I am writing my blog and I still don't know what to say about the book. I've already given too much information in my summary and I don't want to give up any more details, so I'll just leave you saying, read this book. It is one of the best series I've read, ever.

Let me know what you think about this series. Leave me a comment.

The Kitchen's on FIRE!

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Since Sookie Stackhouse found her brother Jason in a shed bitten all over his body by a werepanther, she knew that the change was coming. Jason has a pretty good outlook on his coming future, more than most Weres Sookie knows. Everything is going pretty well in Bon Temps until a sniper decides to focus his murderous attention on the dual natured in the small community. Sookie not only has to worry about her brother becoming a victim of the sniper, but she also knows that Jason’s fellow werepanther’s think that the shooter is him. She has to settle the score before the next full moon or his brethren may be after him too.

A few big changes take place in this book, one being Jason, another is Sookie’s house is caught on fire. While she’s sleeping in it, by someone she doesn’t know, and drama as always with the vamps and weres. Another is Eric. He can’t remember his time that he spent with Sookie and she refuses to tell him about his little confession that he wanted to stay with her forever. I can relate to this, if the man said he wanted to quit his life and start anew with me and couldn’t remember it, I think I would wait it out and see what would unfold. Dead as a Doornail also gives a big intro to the relationship with Quinn the Weretiger. I enjoyed Quinn it puts another dynamic into what Sookie’s looking for in a relationship, gives some character to what she may be missing with the vamps.

Largely I can’t remember what happens between the books. This series is not something that will blow your mind or even give you a minor head ache from thinking. They are purely entertainment. If you are looking for a series that blows your mind, you’ve come to the wrong place, but if you want a fun series that keeps you entertained, enjoy!

I am so TEAM ERIC!

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

I have to ask what you would do… if you saw a man running down the road in his bathing suit. So, what would you do? I have to be honest, I would punch on the gas so hard that rocks would probably fly in his face, but Sookie, kind hearted Sookie, stopped to find that it was no man at all, but it was Eric the vampire. He not only was running naked down her road, but he also has no memory of how he got there or even who he is. Without his memory of who he is, he’s a much kinder, gentler Eric. Quickly they realize that whoever took his memory wants to do more than that to him, they want to take his life. As Sookie investigates into what happened to Eric she is continually drawn into the world of the supernatural. Witches, vampires, and werewolves may have to battle it out in order for Eric to get his life back, but is that what Sookie wants? This new Eric is so different from his normal self and she wants this sensitive Eric to stick around.

When I first borrowed this entire book series from a couple of friends of mine, I noticed after I read the first few books that the forth book had a blonde vampire on the cover, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. After all I was no Bill fan, but I also hate change, but I was pleasantly surprised by the change that takes place in this book. This is my favorite of the entire series. This book is the hinge book. Everything changes after Sookie catches Bill in the act of being unfaithful to her in Club Dead, now things change even more. With Sookie baby-sitting Eric, it’s easy for her to forget her disdain for the vampire and free her emotions and open up her heart to someone she never expected.

Something that I’m enjoying about the books is that when you think that the danger is over there is probably going to be at least one or more horrible things that’s going to happen after that. Of course anything that happens at the end of a book is not the end of that subject, it will be revisited in a later book.

So, what did you think? Did you like the change of characters? Are you on Team Bill or Team Eric?

Fakers, Posers, and the Living Dead

Passing Strange by Daniel Waters

Karen DeSonne has passed as normal her whole life, even though she was just that, “passing.” She never has been a normal girl, not even when she was alive. Even though she has had to “live” with the consequences of her actions, she seems to never learn from them. Here she is a differently biotic being and making the same mistakes as before she killed herself. The only problem is now she is the only zombie that can help her other dead friends. The undead have been forced into hiding and the only way to get them out of their hole is to find the person that really has been doing all the horrible things that the zombie’s are being blamed for. New regulations have the zombies in hiding and it is up to Karen to figure out who is framing them, even if that means dating the biggest anti-zombie zealot Pete Martinsburg. She will have to unravel what’s going on before it’s forever too late.

I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. I wrote down the day that it was going to come out and that morning I went straight to Books A Million to pick up my copy. I was excited to see what was going on with the characters that I had gotten to know through Generation Dead and Kiss of Life. But my main feeling after finishing Passing Strange was disappointment. I just wasn’t as involved in Karen’s story as I was in Phoebe’s. Changing main characters within a series is a risky idea, and I’m not sure that he should have taken that risk. I know exactly why Waters did it, it’s because there was no action with Phoebe, all the action was with the dead, not the living, but somehow it did not translate into the third book as well as I would have liked.

The ending of this book sucked, it all of a sudden became a story to her lost love, her lesbian best friend, WTH??? It just got weird and I didn’t like the change that it made. If he wanted it to be like that, make the entire series like that, a story to Monica, but you can’t just change all of the rules at the end of the book, I want a refund!

Waters also needs to reconsider his editor. I found multiple typing errors in the book. I remember finding them in the other book as well. If a mistake was brought to my attention in my first book, I could possibly forgive it and hope that it has multiple printings so I could rewrite, but in my second? I would fire him so fast his head would spin. If I was an editor, I would read the book I was getting paid for at least 3 times. But, if an author is editing it himself, I think that is very unwise, there is no way you are going to find what another set of eyes will. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine, I’ll get over it.

So, what did you think, have you read this series? What are your thoughts? Thanks for reading, leave a comment!

Finally Werewolves come into the picture...

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Bill has gone missing. He’s in another state and Eric thinks he knows where he is at and he’s not vacationing, he’s in trouble. Next thing Sookie knows, she’s off to Jackson Mississippi to investigate her missing vampire at the supernatural’s only bar called Club Dead. When she finally does find Bill it’s going to change their relationship forever.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the new character of Alcide Herveaux, the sexy werewolf. He was a rock when Sookie was in a lot of pain and needed a friend. Even though nothing happened between them, this is the beginning of a great relationship between Sookie and the Were’s. This book also introduces a lot of new information about the vampire world that Sookie had no idea existed. Of course Eric is not a very large role in this 3rd book, but he’s still charming and helps Sookie out even though she didn’t know she needed it. What I enjoyed about this book is the dynamic of Sookie’s relationships are changing.

Road Trip to the Big D

Living Dead in Dallas by: Charlaine Harris

In the second installment of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, Sookie has a brush with death as a creature sends a message to Eric Northman, the vampire bar owner of Fangtasia in Shreveport. She is torn to pieces by this monster and to save her life, the vampires, including Bill and Eric, have to suck the poison out of her blood stream before it kills her. Because they did this great service to her, she now owes them. There has been a vampire in their nest go missing. Eric sends Bill and Sookie to Dallas to read the human minds around the situation so that they can find the missing vamp. Also, back home in Bon Temps, one of her co-workers winds up dead and no one seems to care about who the murderer is and maybe who is next. With some crazy twist and turns, Sookie is in some crazy trouble while she’s in Dallas and then when she comes back home as well.

I enjoyed Living Dead in Dallas. There were some more introductions to not just new vampires, but new creatures as well. Sookie has quickly realized that her comfortable world where she was the freak, is not as normal as she once thought.

We get to know Eric a lot more. We were introduced to him briefly in Dead Until Dark, but within this installment we get to know his character a little better. Eric is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. He is drawn to Sookie, I can’t tell if there is something about her that draws her to him or if he just wants her because he can’t have her. I love his sarcasm, and whit. He says things to Sookie that I just can’t believe, but he keeps me laughing. There are a couple of great scenes with him at the end of the book that are great! There is one great Love triangle beginning to take place right before my eyes.

Brother and Sister vs. The One Who is the One on The New World Order

Witch and Wizard by: James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

Whitford and Wisteria Allgood, commonly looking kids. Whit is the allstar quarterback and Wisty is his always finds trouble little sister. Everything changes the night the New Order takes over. With Whit and Wisty taken from their home and placed in prison, what’s the charge? They are charged with being a Witch and a Wizard. Even during that first raid strange things happen with Wisty, she disappears, and then catches on fire. As they journey, they are utterly alone, they are moved to another prison because they are regarded as highly dangerous. Whit is scheduled to be executed on his 18th birthday which is less than 4 months away. They are starved and it doesn’t look like it can get any worse. They have no idea where their parents are or even if they are still alive. They didn’t know there was anything extraordinary about them until they were arrested for being different. As they learn about what the world is now about, they also learn that they will play a very special part of a prophesy that doesn’t look good for the Allgoods, but what if it’s better for all mankind?

Witch and Wizard was a good read. If it was a school report, I would give Patterson a B. It held my attention and was a fast read. The only problem is that I read it and then immediately started reading other books, so I can’t really remember all of the details of the story. Before the second installment comes out I’ll have to re-read it.

I do remember that I enjoyed Wisty’s character. Her sarcastic attitude was fun to read. She kept saying “I’m a scary witch,” which was a funny additive since she said it before she even believed it. The journey for the Allgoods to discover who they were was an exciting trip filled with laughs, scary moments, and sad times.

I also liked the dual point of view between Wisty and Whit. They had a special relationship that makes you think back to the days when you and your bother were kidnapped and imprisoned for just being yourself, oh wait, that didn’t happen.

Well this is a short blog, but I hope you give the book a chance, it was a quick read from an interesting view point.

As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater


Grace and Sam can finally be together without the fear of Sam leaving forever. It’s March, still winter, Sam doesn’t always believe in his cure, but as the story progresses, he wants to for Grace. Grace is happy, not just happy, she’s thrilled to have her winter wolf by her side. Now that she knows that Sam will be with her forever, she starts to have an even less certain picture of what her own future looks like. Cole, the rock star turned werewolf, wants the escape, but he’s phased early and can’t figure out why he can’t just stay a wolf always. Isabel is still messed up over the loss of her brother. She blames herself and can’t shake the feeling that she killed him.

If you read Shiver, you know that it had a dual point of view, Linger has 4 different points of view. I have read that some find it distracting and not as good of a read because of so many characters being intimately involved in the main story line. I disagree, I enjoyed the multiple view points. I liked getting to know Cole and Isabel more intimately, know what they are thinking in the different situations. Isabel is a character that you love to hate and hate to love. I like the character because Grace does. She’s different and doesn’t quite belong to the group. Then here comes Cole, and they have an incredible first encounter, and then it seems they always have unforgettable meetings. Most of them include Cole being naked, not like that of course, because he’s a wolf and the wolves don’t wear clothes. It was nice to know what was going on, the chemistry between the characters from all of the perspectives.

One idea that I find confusing and it runs through both books is whether the wolves have their human brains or not. All of the characters do not remember most things when they are in their wolf form, but there is a string of things that take place that makes me think that before all of this is over, there is going to be some huge revelation about how the brains of the wolfs work. My two examples are, first Jack, Isabel’s brother, knew that Grace knew that he was a wolf. At that time the only confrontation between the characters was while Jack was a wolf, but he told Isabel that Grace knew his secret and where he had been disappearing to. In this book, Isabel confesses something to Cole and he doesn’t think it’s the first time she had told him that bit of information, and he’s right, she told him while he was in wolf form. So, just an interesting thought that may or may not turn into something later as the series progresses.

The last concept that I want to throw out there is the emotions that this book takes you through. I laughed, I wept, cried out in disbelief, I love Maggie Stiefvater! She is an incredible writer. She has a way with words that most authors don’t. She gives me inspiration to write. The emotional journey that she takes the reader on is incredible. First in Shiver, I remember laying the book down on my chest and balling, and again with Linger, I could not stop crying. I couldn’t believe how much power her words had over me. While nearing the end I was very thankful that I’m not one of THOSE people that read the ending of the book first. I had no idea what was going to happen and there were so few pages left. I kept turning and the resolution wasn’t coming… well you’ll just have to read it to find out what happens.

I can’t wait for the next installment! Any thoughts? Have you read this series? Do you want to? Leave me a comment!

I hope that burger was worth it Bree...

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by: Stephenie Meyer

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is an Eclipse Novella. It is a short view of the enemy vampires through the eyes of Bree. Bree is a new born, around 3 months old, she is hungry and doesn’t know any of the rules about her new life as a vampire. Riley was not her creator, but he was her keeper, it was his job to not only make sure that he got numbers, but also to keep them hidden and safe. Bree had figured out that Riley had lied to them all, but was unsure if he was being lied to or if he was making up the lies. Well, any twi-hard can tell you what’s going to happen in the end. Meyer doesn’t change it because we got to know the character, but in her introduction she speaks of wishing the ending was different.

I enjoyed this novella, very much. It made me want to read the entire series again. I know it made me want to watch Eclipse in the theater again. No matter how I try, there seems to be no escape from the Twilight world. I do have to admit that I love the story and the magic of this world that Meyer has created. But, thankfully I do realize that it’s not real and I’m not a collector or anything.

The best part of the book was Bree and Diego’s relationship, it helped Bree reach out of her self-absorbed life and open up to the possibilities of a new life without the other new born vampires that she had lived with for her entire second life. Diego was a little older, and therefore a little wiser. As the reader, you hope for the best for their relationship, but know what the ending is going to be.

The one thought that I would have changed, was the fact that there was one vampire that came and attacked at the end, you know the one that crushed Jacob. Who was that? I assumed that it was Diego. But, Bree was so sure of him being killed the night he stayed and talked with Riley and their creator. So, that leaves the question, who was that last vampire that came out alone to continue the battle with the Cullen family?

So, what did you think? Agree or Disagree, did you like the Novella? Leave a comment and let me know.

Vampire Bill Changes Everything...

Dead Until Dark by: Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse is rumored to be a simple girl in the small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. She and her family have lived in the area her entire life. If anyone had a different opinion about Sookie it may be that she’s not only simple minded, but a little crazy. See, Sookie has a sort of disability. She can read people’s minds, as a telepath, you don’t get real close to the people around you. She has always been able to know when someone liked her, or didn’t, when someone was being fake or real. This has always put a damper on her love life. All of this changed the night Bill Compton came into Merlotte’s bar, where she’s a waitress. She knew at the very moment he walked in that he was not of the living. Bill is a vampire. Since vampires “came out of the coffin” two years prior, Merlotte’s had never had a vampire patron. Sookie knew in the instant they had contact that things were about to change. There was something besides the vampire issue that was different about Bill, she couldn’t read his mind. Quickly things go from normal to horrible as “Fang Bangers” start turning up dead. Jason Stackhouse, Sookie’s older brother is the main suspect, since he had slept with most of the victims. Sookie has to use her disability to clear her brother’s name and make sure that Bill doesn’t get blamed as well.

Dead Until Dark is riveting. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It’s southern living meets Interview with a Vampire. I must also say that it is rated NC17. It’s erotic and sensual, but not trashy. There is great suspense and it keeps you guessing who the murderer is all the way through. There are quite a few characters in the book, and all of them are memorable no matter how small the character is in the book. Harris does a great job of making sure whenever she mentions someone she gives you just enough about them to keep them fresh on your mind. We meet a few other vampires in this first installment of the series.

It’s hard for me to pick out things that I didn’t like in the novel. I guess as the reader progresses you just want Sookie to be happy, you feel with her and learn of a new world with her. She is always curious about how faithful Bill is to her, but still loving their time together. I know if I would have read through the book (and the entire series) a little slower, I could have picked out a few things, but I’m not going back now.

I very much enjoy Sookie. She is a brave, spunky character that doesn’t get into too much trouble where it is unbelievable, but you still wonder what her life would have been like if she hadn’t met Vampire Bill. Bill awakens this person in Sookie that she doesn’t know exists.

So, what do you think? Have you watched True Blood? Have you read the series? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment.

Fire Meets Fire

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
The third book for the Inheritance Cycle was pretty good. It continued the story well and the ending was just enough of a cliff hanger that the audience will want to continue reading the series. I am curious how it’s all going to end. I’m not sure when the next book is coming out, but I’m looking forward to it.

What sticks out? Eragon and Saphira’s relationship is stronger and deeper in this book. As the characters grow and we learn more about them, we also learn new things with the characters. I felt real emotion with the characters and the reader can definitely feel the bond between Eragon and Saphira growing. Also in Brisingr, it’s the first time the audience hears the story from Saphira’s perspective. A few surprises thrown at us, more information about Brom, we hear Galbatorix for the first time.

What I didn’t like, there were a lot of unnecessary details. There were some scenes that Paolini could have gone into more detail, where other details seemed unnecessary. The book seemed to drag in some areas and then rush by in other areas. I think the book could have probably been about 100 pages shorter.

I want nothing more than for Eragon to take Arya in his arms and kiss her really with everything he has. There is no reason for them not to be together. Her excuse is because he is so young, but who cares if they are both going to live forever. Age really is just a number when forever is the outcome. There was one section where Eragon and Arya were in the Empire traveling together and alone and I came up with all kinds of ways for them to get closer, such as when they extinguished the fire and it became very cold, I wish they would have used body heat to stay warm. Or there was the time when they first met up and they went up to her room to stay… and a few other instances that I made up in my mind. There are two reasons I believe that something has not happened to increase this romance. First of all the author is a young man. When he first wrote Eragon he probably didn’t even know how to include a well written romance into the story. I’m not saying that a man can’t write a romantic book, but all of the best romance novels I’ve ever read were authored by women. My second thought is that he is drawing us in by the anticipation of the maybe relationship. There is nothing better than a reader continuing to read because they can’t wait to see what happens next. I believe that this is Paolini’s thought behind what he does with Eragon and Arya’s relationship.
There was a pretty cool fight scene where Murtagh and his dragon fought Eragon and Saphira, it was awesome that Eragon was able to overpower Murtagh and Eragon said that it would be no big deal to overcome the other dragon, Thorn.

The story slowed throughout the middle, whenever Nasuada separates Eragon and Saphira it is pretty slow going. It seems like most of the characters are everywhere doing a lot of different things, but nothing is going on.

Thoughts? Have you read the Inheritance Cycle? Are you waiting impatiently for the last installment to come out? Let me know what you think!

2 dead guys, 1 goth girl, the story continues.

Kiss of Life: A Generation Dead Novel by: Daniel Waters

The second book of the Generation Dead series begins right where the first left off. With a surprise ending, I had to quickly find the second installment. I read it within a weekend and now I’m awaiting the 3rd book with baited breath (Passing Strange). Haha, ok, maybe not. But it was a really good book and I have added it to the list of books to come out in 2010. The third book comes out this summer, yet another entertainment avenue to look forward to (Eclipse in Theaters, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows installment #1, and some books to look for- Linger by Maggie Stiefvater and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins).

In the first book, I really appreciated the way the other had us reading from a few different people’s perspective. The second book caries on the way the first left off. We are not left in the dark about what the bad guys are thinking or who’s causing trouble, because we are in his mind and know what he’s doing and thinking.

Kiss of Life was a typical love triangle, one girl, and two guys battling for her affections. Usually during these love wars I can pick sides confidently, but in Kiss of Life I felt very fickle about which guy Phoebe should end up with. I changed my mind at least 3 times throughout the book, and at the end I still wasn’t sure even though Phoebe had made up her mind.

Being the perfectionist that I am, I did find a few typing errors in the book. Things like “The” instead of “They.” It’s something I could ignore, but if I wrote a book and my editor didn’t catch something like that I would be heartbroken.

I don’t have a lot to say about this book, my opinions from the first book stand true in the second. I think its well worth reading. It’s sort of sad at parts and exciting in others. Read it and let me know what you think. Are you excited about Passing Strange, installment number 3 coming out? Let me know, leave a comment!

wanna see a cool water trick?

Percy Jackson & The Olympians; The Lightning Thief by: Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson thought of himself a troubled adolescent. He was kicked out of every school he had ever attended, a trouble maker with ADHD and dyslexia. Everything changed in his life one day on a field trip to the museum, he vaporized his math teacher. From that day he realized that he was different and now all of the myths that he learned about from ancient Greece are alive and well and part of his world. All of a sudden he’s being blamed for steeling Zeus’s master lightning bolt and World War III is about to break loose on western society. Not only is all of this news to Percy, but he’s being sent on a quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and get it back to Zeus within 10 days. Before the summer solstice he not only has to find the bolt, he also has to come to terms with his father’s abandonment, the oracle’s prophecy of a friend betraying him, and find away to free his mother from Hades’ clutches. It’s a big order for 10 days, even for a demigod.

What I liked: Good Character development. I liked Percy, he’s a good kid even though he’s fallen on some hard times in his short life, he’s a fun character to follow. Riordan did a great job of describing the relationship between Percy and his mom. I felt their bond between them. She is all he has family wise since his father left and you could tell that she loved him very much. It was dynamic. I also liked his friends Annabeth and Grover. The threesome stick together even though the road is hard, heck, they go to hell and back, literally. I enjoyed the exchanges between Annabeth and Percy. They act like brother and sister and it’s a fun relationship to watch grow.

Another aspect that I enjoyed was the plot. It was well thought out and excellently executed. I could feel the danger that our heroes were in and knew that they were going to overcome their obstacles.

Last but not least there was a good pay off at the end of book one. It had the feeling of more to come, we know there is a bad guy out there and our heroes plan to stop them since the gods won’t, but there was a twist at the end of this book that I didn’t see coming. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s not over until the last page is turned.

Things to change? Why so young? I haven’t continued to the next book, but I’m curious why the heroes are so young. I can’t see adults letting young pre-teens out on America to go talk to the god of the underworld that is across the nation. Oh well, it happened, just a little farfetched. The age might go perfect with the series, like in Harry Potter, we watch that kid grow up through the series and therefore it makes sense that he is 11 in the first book. I’m excited to see the outcome and follow Percy through the rest of his adventures. I know there is more to come, so stay tuned for another blog.

Here’s just a thought I’m having. This book is solidifying my theory that there are no new stories out there. Let me see if this sounds familiar. A trio of kids set on a mission, from the outside they look totally normal to the rest of the world, but in reality they are more different than anyone can guess. The set is made up of 2 guys and 1 girl. The girl is wise, a know it all, the side kick is the comic relief, and the hero is from a troubled family, before he finds who he really is, he’s always getting into trouble but isn’t a bad kid. The truth is revealed to him by a wizened teacher that leads him to his destiny, but doesn’t choose it for him. Stop me if you have heard this before… I’m not picking on Riordan, Percy Jackson book 1 was great. I enjoyed it and am here to say that I recommend it as a book worth reading. I’m just saying, the more I read, the more I see that there are no original ideas that we just steal little ideas from the ones that came and wrote before us (I only say us, because I really want to write some day, not today, but some day). Just a thought that I’m fleshing out. Don’t throw stones, not yet anyway.

Differences between the movie and the book, are they good or bad? Good! I hate it when Hollywood makes big changes to great books. All that to say, I’m not that upset about the changes that were made to The Lightning Thief they were good changes. I think it went to the big screen great and I was entertained throughout. It was almost a different story with the same character’s names. Did this upset me? No. I guess I just have to remember that sometimes books don’t go straight to film well they need a little help from the screen writers.

So, what did you think? Have you read book 1, the series, or watched the movie? What was your opinion? Let me know and leave a comment, it will make my day!

a gothic poem starts it all, how will it end?

Generation Dead by: Daniel Waters

A Phenomenon has swept across America, where teenagers are dying and aren’t staying dead. The “Living Impaired” or “Differently Biotic” kids are outcasts. They are loathed and feared all over the country. The Administration at Oakvale High are a little more open minded, therefore the Zombies are starting to come to the area. When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it. Adam, her neighbor and long time friend, realizes he has deeper feelings for her than friendship, but is he too late? Has she already fallen in too deep with Tommy? Adam will do anything for Phoebe, but what if the best thing for her is to stand by and watch the woman of his dreams with another guy, a dead guy?

Adam the best friend/neighbor of the story is the guy I was pulling for. This is uncharacteristic of me, usually I pick the main character to be with the girl in the end. Tommy is the Edward Cullen, the Peeta, the Romeo. Instead I liked Adam, and I wanted Phoebe to pick Adam too. My feelings have changed quickly with the ending of the book. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on the second book, since I’ve already read it. Anyway, back to Adam. He is the friend that is always there for her. That will listen to her and is her shoulder to be cry on, Adam is her rock. Tommy is the Zombie boyfriend that should be the one we are rooting for, but there is always the question of his motives. Phoebe is constantly wondering if he likes her for who she really is, or if he likes her because it is a good political move.

What I liked: Perfect timing. This author used such grace when he presented new information. He didn’t rush into every subject within the first few chapters. He let the story flow as needed. For example, I was about half way through the book when the audience was introduced to Phoebe’s parents. At first I thought that was weird, but for a Goth girl that has friends, why would she introduce her parents to us until it was absolutely the right time? I didn’t feel like information was shoved at me within the first few chapters, I felt like we got to know the characters slowly throughout the story. Excellent writing on Waters’ part.

What I didn’t like: If I had one complaint about the book it would have to be that it is a little preachy. The story line is that there are people that are different and like it or not, they are there. We either can embrace them for their differences or we can shun them and for that reason we are not good people. I felt like the entire book we are being forced to love the Zombies just because they are different. I can understand that they were humans and now, even though dead, they are still the same person, but don’t tell me that I have to accept a group of people just because you want me to. I didn’t know if it was a Race issue that Waters’ was trying to get across or if it was just a good story that he wrote. Was this a politically charged book, or just an idea that would help the world if we embraced it in our lives? Again, I didn’t necessarily disagree with him, I just was curious about his motives.

One thing I do know is that I enjoyed this book very much. I hope that you take the time to look it up and read it. I have already finished the second book and the blog is coming. Please leave a comment or don’t, it really doesn’t matter either way. If you read the book let me know what you thought. Did you think it was awesome, or did you think that it was crazy?

Fallen Hot Angels? Sign me up!

Hush, Hush by: Becca Fitzpatrick

Everything in Nora Grey’s life is pretty normal, just a plain day of school turns her world upside down as her Biology teacher switches her lab partner from her best friend Vee Sky, to the dark silent dangerous new guy, Patch. Not only does she have to work with Patch in Biology, but she has to write a paper about him, and really get to know him. As time passes and Patch shows up everywhere that Nora is, she starts to feel like she’s being followed. Not only is she getting paranoid about being followed, she starts to feel drawn to Patch, in an un-earthly way.

While reading Hush, Hush; I was instantly drawn to the character Patch and was hooked to know more about what was going on with him. I mainly wanted to know the mysteries behind him. But as I read on, I realized that this was just another book. Nothing special. Nothing to write home about. I was right, I usually am. Like I said, while I was reading this particular book, I was engrossed, and I wanted to keep reading it. Once I was done, I couldn’t remember Nora’s name without looking it up, I couldn’t remember exactly what happened throughout the story, because it was unmemorable.

What I liked: Patch. I really liked his character, the good guy brewing underneath the hard bad boy exterior. I loved the way Fitzpatrick described the lust that was growing between Nora and Patch. There were some steamy scenes that really drew the reader in.

What I did not like: I did not like the ending. It was no surprises, just a typical ending, I guessed what was going on quite quickly. Every new character that was introduced, you could see that they were not who they said they were. Another part I didn’t like was Nora would always seem to be doing something really stupid. You know when you are watching a horror movie and you are screaming at the characters to not go into the upstairs room where the mysterious noise has just come from, but they do anyway? That was what I kept thinking during Hush, Hush, “You are going to get yourself killed out of straight idiocy.” I also didn’t like that Nora was supposed to be Ivy League material and she was described as a pretty normal straight A student. To me, the character descriptions were lacking. Another thing that bothered me was the straight blasphemy that took place within the pages. For example, how can you have a book about angels and not say a word about God. I’m pretty sure that the Angels would have had something to say about their creator, good or bad. Also the concept that an Angel could have his wings stripped by other angels and then he can get them back just by saving one humans life seems a little ridiculous, even to me and I like to read the farfetched stuff!

Over all I do think it was an okay book, I would recommend that if you like to read and want something quick and easy, it’s a good one to pick up. But just know that I would rank it around 2.5 out of 5. What did you think? Lots of people said it was one of their favorites? Did you like the book if you read it? Do you want to prove me wrong? I gave it to a friend to read, we’ll see if she read it and what she thought. Leave a comment!

Winter Approaches...

Shiver by: Maggie Stiefvater

What does it take? What is the recipe to write an epic romantic novel? What does it take to delve into a story so rich that it changes your very state of being? Is it that the author has never been touched such a love, or is it that they have experienced the deepest love that a person has ever experienced and must share such experiences with the world?

Maggie Stiefvater has reached into the very heart of what is binding and undying for the reader. As an author she has reached down into her very soul and pulled out the purest form of love where nothing else matters, but the oneness of the characters. From the first moment that I opened the front cover I was swept away in the consciousnesses of Grace and Sam. The riveting characters draw the reader into their web from the first sentence. It is a story of love that is in reach but cannot be obtained. Shiver is a simple story with no twists or turns to speak of, but the reader follows the story as Stiefvater leads us down a path of no return.

Grace and Sam have never thought of love as something that they can grasp, Grace has her 2 best friends, her distant parents, and the wolves. Sam has his pack and the girl. When Grace was eleven years old, she was attacked by the wolf pack that lives in the woods behind her house, only to be saved. As she grows up and the wolves are always present in her life, she never realizes what the future will bring. Sam and Grace are meant to be together, but the end is coming. As they struggle to hold on to their love, the past, present and future are always questions in their minds.

The absolute most amazing part of the book was the author’s way of description. I could not believe how riveting the explanation of the smells and sounds and sights that the lovers had for one another and their surroundings. Examples being, “In an overstuffed closet that smelled of stale memories and mothballs, I found a puffy, bright blue jacked that made me looked like a blimp…” The amazing attention to detail had me locked into the story, so much so, that I finished the book within 24 hours.

Another aspect of Stiefvater’s writing that I enjoyed was her character development. It only took her a sentence or two at a time to tell us exactly what was going on with a character. It was great going back and forth between Grace and Sam’s mind, she did that very well.

I happened upon another reader’s blog after finishing the book and I had to strongly disagree with her opinion. The blogger said that she didn’t like the fact that Grace fell for Sam as a wolf before she knew that he could turn into a man. I think that it is the most beautiful aspect of the story that she could fall in love with him in wolf form. There was not a lot of description about how Sam looked, and I believe that it didn’t matter what he looked like to her because she loved his soul. I think that it made the story more beautiful because it was deeper than the physical appearance. I also think that she would have loved him all of her life even if he never turned into a man. It wouldn’t have turned into anything romantic of course, but I think that he would have protected her with his life if anything should have ever tried to harm her. He would be a great protector even if their relationship was nothing physical or human. I believe that it went so much deeper than that.

Plenty of bloggers have said this was one of their favorite books of 2009, what do you think? Do you want to read it? If you have read it, what did you think? Leave a comment below!

Dragons, Elves, Dwarfs, Strange creatures not of this world... What more could a girl ask for?

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Eldest, the second book for the Inheritance Cycle begins with tragedy and is continued throughout with hard times for Eragon. Since Saphira picked him to be her rider he has had many hard times along the way, and they do not diminish as he grows.

Eldest is viewed from 2 sides. One side is from Eragon’s point of view, and the other is from his cousin Roran’s. Roran has quite an adventure ahead of him as he realizes that the Empire wants him for some reason unknown to him, he quickly realizes that it has something to do with Eragon. As we journey with Roran, we learn more about his love, Katrina. We also watch a small village ban together to save Roran from the Ra’zac. As he travels he is more aware of the trouble he is truly in and he takes matters into his own hands as he becomes, Roran Stronghammer.

Eragon’s travels lead him on a different path, as a Rider, he is required to go to Ellesmera to train with the Elves. Alongside him is the Dwarf Orik and Arya. Eragon spends much time with the Elves, many great things take place, but I will not go into all of that, the most important part is that suddenly he realizes that the Varden is going to war against the empire and he leaves the elves before his training is completed with a promise to go back. There is a great battle at the end of the book that if I give any details about it, it will ruin the story for you, hence the vagueness.

My opinion about Eldest is that it was a good read. For some reason this book and it’s preceding book took me some time to get through. When the author wrote Eragon, he was a young child. The writing style is very simple and hard to read at some points, but I couldn’t expect any better. It is a great story and Paolini does a great job of introducing the characters and leading us through Eragon’s journey. As the books go on, the story becomes more alive and interesting. I found myself trying to guess what was going to happen next. This blog is a little short because I have read a few books since I read this particular episode and I can’t quite think of anything to write about. I do suggest this book, it is a good read and an interesting story. Is it the best book I’ve ever read before? No, not even close, but it was good and entertaining.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about the series. Did you like it? What do you think is going to happen between Eragon and Arya? Any thoughts on the ending of Eldest? Were you surprised by the change in the story? Let me know!