I Reckon I'll Continue Reading

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Bk. 11) by Charlaine Harris

Disappointed.  I hate to say it, but I was disappointed by the plot, the writing, the characters, the story, the whole book.  I do not place these books on a high pedestal, and this book was reported to me as not the best one of the series.  So even with low expectations, I was still sadly disappointed. 

I do not read Sookie Stackhouse books because they are intellectual, interesting or even time consuming.  I read these books because they are fun, easy, and they have some great romance in them.  This book was none of those things.  There was one sex scene in the entire book and the love theme between Sookie and Eric was sadly missing.  Where did the Eric that we love go?  Sarcastic and independent with his draw to Sookie that is so strong we feel it through the pages?    

One personality trait that I had not seen before while reading this series was that Sookie talks like a 70 year old woman sometimes.  I know she is supposed to be southern and she is supposed to have these southern sayings and such, but I am also southern and I have been reading Sookie Stackhouse books since I was her age or younger and with this last book I felt like she was an old woman.  I know no 25 year old that talks like that and I have lived in the south my entire life.  It’s just weird.  Sookie’s personality has changed and not for the better. 

It had been a very long time since I read the book previous, Dead in the Family, and therefore I had forgotten about the blood bond that came along with the marriage between Eric and Sookie.  I did not forget how angry I still am with Bill and how much I do not like him as a character, so please let me know why there is a nude scene between Sookie and Bill?  This is just a way for Harris to make her Bill fans happy.  Well Bill sucks and does not deserve Sookie, keep Bill out and keep Eric in!  Just my opinion, it’s my blog, you don’t have to agree. 

I gave this book 2 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, I would recommend this book only to those who are fans and wish to continue with the rest of the series.  I am reading on with the series because I still love the characters, but there better be more to sink our teeth into (pun intended) or I may have to give Sookie and the gang an eternal rest from my reading list.  Keep Reading my friends. 

War Makes Monsters of Men

Monsters of Men: A Chaos Walking Novel by Patrick Ness

I have recently read many ends of stories, so far this year I have finished several series that I have read for many months and in some cases a year.  This is yet another end of a story.  When I started The Knife of Never Letting Go it was a suggestion from a friend who loved it, the same friend did not enjoy The Ask and the Answer and didn’t even try to read Monsters of Men.  I read The Knife of Never Letting Go, but decided to get the audio books for the second and third installments.  I loved them all and I was so glad that I listened to them because the actors that performed the recording did an excellent job.  I had the book and the audio book and if possible I usually preferred to listen instead of reading it myself, that is how well of a job they did on the recording. 

This series is about several groups of invading aliens and how they interact with the native species.  This new world is full of communication, the men can hear each other’s thoughts while the women remain silent.  This causes many problems and with the settling of the aliens comes many troubles that lead to wars.  We enter the story after the Spackle (native species) War and before the war that ends all wars.  Our story in this third book follows not only Todd and Viola, but we also are in the voice of 1017, the banded Spackle that we meet in The Ask and The Answer.  Of course it was different being in the voice of the Spackle that hates Todd so much especially since the audience and Viola love Todd.  It was an interesting twist so that we could see the story from every angle.   

This book had one of the craziest endings of book history (slight exaggeration).  I was actually quite shocked by the course of the events in the last several chapters and couldn’t get it off of my mind for quite some time after finishing.  I cried at the end and was upset at the turn of events. 

Throughout the series I fell in love with the relationship with Todd and Viola, it was love, but not lust.  There was a relationship that was beyond a teenage love with all that they had been through and conquered just brought them back together and closer.  I enjoyed the entrance of Lee into the story and how Viola was not swayed from her devotion to Todd and was not even tempted to go in the direction of a new found interest. 

As most books go, I miss the characters when I am done with a book and that still goes with this series.  I loved them, they became my friends and I miss them now that the story is over. 

I would recommend this series to any reader of all ages.  And if you like to listen to your books, this should be next on your list.  Keep Reading my Friends!  

I am the Circle and the Circle is me

The Ask and the Answer: Chaos Walking Novel by Patrick Ness

We find Todd exactly where we left him in The Knife of Never Letting Go, the first book of the Chaos Walking trilogy.  He is in the Cathedral begging for Viola’s life.  He had carried her to Haven only to meet Mayor Prentiss and his herd of men from Prentisstown.  In this second book of the trilogy, the audience reads both Todd and Viola’s perspective and we follow their paths as they are separated but both residing in New Prentisstown which was formally known as Haven.  There is so much going on in this book, it would be hard to outline it all. 

I love the characters, both Todd and Viola are great characters to sink into their thoughts, Viola whose thoughts are secret to those around her because she is a woman and Todd’s Noise speaks to all because his is a male.  It’s interesting to see Todd’s decisions and actions through Viola’s thoughts and no matter how bad his actions are she never loses faith in him.  The author also tries to bring another male character into the mix for a love triangle, but I wasn’t buying it.  There is no one else except Todd. 

I loved the ending.  I was sitting on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen, but as the last book, cliff hanger.  I was actually given The Knife of Never Letting Go as “the craziest cliff hanger of all times.”  I’m not sure that I agree with that, but my friend also didn’t enjoy The Ask and the Answer and I did.  I think second book has a bigger cliff hanger than the first and I cannot wait to start Monsters of Men to finish this series and find out what happens.

The Ask and the Answer was an interesting title.  I assumed it had to do with Todd and Mayor, excuse me, President Prentiss’ first interaction where President Prentiss says a sentence about asking and answering, but in all actuality it has to do with President Prentiss’ rebuttal to Mistress Coyle’s terrorist group, The Answer that started during the Spackle War when the new settlers came to the new world. 

All of this to say if you like Aliens, War, hearing men’s thoughts, suspense, with a little splash of romance (maybe), then this series is for you.  I found it at the library, but I’m sure you can find it at any book store.  I hope you enjoyed the blog and I hope you enjoy a good book soon!  Keep reading my friends! 

A Love Story That May Last Forever

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

We begin Clockwork Princess with Tessa and Jem engaged.  Mortmain is still at large and the threat of his automatons is very heavy on the Shadowhunters.  The leader of the Institute is being threatened by internal forces.  And so much is going on that it’s hard to outline this in one blog. 

As I finish book three of this beloved series, my heart is heavy and filled with sadness.  There is a relief when a series is completed, but also it is like parting from good friends.  I feel as I know these characters, I learned with Tessa Gray about the Shadowhunter world.  I felt what Will felt as he learns about his curse and I feel life slipping away from Jem as he tries to hold on for those that he loves.  This was a love triangle that I honestly hoped she would pick them both.  In a world where that is not possible my hope was Will.  I loved the redemption in his story, how he was hard to love, but would surprise us with kindness throughout the entire series. 

I loved and hated the ending.  I loved Tessa looking back over her life, sharing us memories on the Blackfriars Bridge.  There were so many questions answered and happy thoughts revisited.  I loved it.  Anytime I get to spend some time with new and old favorite characters I want to devour any information I can get from them.  The ending was interesting.  I can see why Clare went in that direction, I probably would not have gone in that way, but then again I have no published books and Clare has almost 10 on shadowhunters.

Of course I would be crazy to not mention the repeated errors that I found.  The Lightwood brothers names are Gideon and Gabriel, there were several times when the names were used incorrectly and I was confused when his brother arrived.  Also misspellings and words being used incorrectly.  I do not blame Clare, but I do blame whoever edited her books for her.  I can obviously look past these mistakes because I love the characters so much, but I know several readers that would not be able to do so.

I will miss this series and the characters, they were most enjoyable to read and I wish it wasn’t the end.  Farewell Will, Jem and Tessa, maybe we’ll meet some of you again in the City of Heavenly Fire.  Keep Reading my Friends!

Monsters in the Sea, No Problem for Poseidon's Son!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book Two: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is surprised by a very quiet seventh grade year after his first summer at Camp Half Blood.  When he found out he was a demigod, he was not only surprised to find that his father was one of the big three gods, but his father was Poseidon.  The last day of school he finds monsters in the gym.  He is saved by his new friend Tyson and Annabeth comes to the rescue and ushers Percy to camp.  The only problem is Camp Half Blood is in trouble.  There are monsters on the hill which is impossible because of the Tree that supports the border.  The tree that is made of Thalia, a daughter of Zeus has been poisoned and there is only one way to heal it.  We all know that Percy, although forbidden to leave camp by several different people in leadership over him, he goes to find the one thing that will save the camp, the Golden Fleece.  He also has been having dreams that Grover is in trouble.  His Satyr best friend that is on a mission to find Pan, but he is in big trouble and is speaking to Percy through his dreams.  The Fleece and Grover are connected and Percy and Annabeth along with Tyson will have to go and retrieve the Fleece and find Grover or die trying.

I read the first Percy Jackson when I saw the movie trailer and I knew that this series was right up my alley.  I like the book a lot and the movie although changed for theater version, I still enjoyed it very much.  I was just recently looking at movies coming out this summer and I was happily surprised to see the second book of Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters is coming to theaters in August.  I immediately reserved the book with the library and read it.

The second book was better than the first.  I don’t know if it’s because we know the characters now or because the writing is better or if I just enjoyed it more, but I like it better.  I can’t wait to continue with the series and read more of Percy Jackson’s crazy adventures.  We know that his character is a lot like Harry Potter, trouble will follow him just because of who he was born to be.  I can’t wait to see how the prophesy molds how the books will continue and end.  It’s a little like Harry Potter in that way as well.  At this point we are just unsure if the prophesy is even about Percy at all.  I for one cannot wait to find out.  I have the third book on hold at the library already!  Keep Reading my Friends!   

The End of the FAYZ

Light: A Gone Novel by Michael Grant

Book #6, the ending of the FAYZ.  I cannot believe that this series is over.  Gone was my first pick for book club.  It was recommended to me from my friend Melody and I’m so glad I read it.  My friend Renae and I continued to read even when other book clubbers decided it wasn’t for them. 

I loved the story of Sam, he was my favorite character even with his ups and downs.  Poor guy had some serious problems throughout the story, too many to get into in this blog, you’ll have to read to find out.  I loved Lana and of course her dog Patrick, Astrid and all the other characters.  After spending so much time with the kids of the FAYZ, I just can’t believe that it’s over. 

It’s hard to talk about the book without giving spoilers, so just in case I slip, beware there are probably going to be spoilers ahead.  I honestly don’t want to go into much detail about the story or what the characters go through in this last book, but just in case, you have been warned. 

The ending was quite perfect.  I don’t know what I pictured for the ending of the FAYZ, but a showdown between Caine/Little Pete and Gaia.  It was quick and over.  I actually guess I was waiting for Little Pete to reverse the effects of the FAYZ or be it was a bad dream and he wakes up in the power plant with the adults finally getting the siren turned off and the whole time was a nightmare in Little Petey’s mind.  I’m so glad that didn’t happen, it would have cheapened the pain that the survivors went through for all of those months. 

My other thought was that when the barrier came down, all of the terrible events, such as the children that died would come back, like they had fallen asleep.  Again I’m glad that this didn’t happen either although it was sad to lose such great characters like Orc, Breeze, Duck, and even Caine.  I’m glad that this option didn’t happen because as an author, Grant had to make hard decisions about characters and plot, and I respect the choices he made.  It makes me upset when authors take the easy track to make the audience happy when it is less realistic.  If an author can look at the end result and not picture a fan throwing the book across the room, I think that’s a good goal to achieve. 

I hate that Connie Temple, Sam’s mom spent all her time while the barrier was up doing everything she could for Sam and the other kids, and then he finds out a little about her past and he just can’t be around her anymore.  It’s sad to me.  With all of the growing up he did while in the FAYZ, he still has some growing up to do. 

Well those are my thoughts on this last book of the Gone series.  I’m so glad I read this and I look forward to other books by Mr. Grant.  Thanks for reading my blog and leave a comment if you have any thoughts.  Keep reading my friends!

Light or Dark? Who would claim you?

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1) by Kami Garcia

Ethan, a sophomore in high school in small town Gatlin, South Carolina, lives a normal teenage life.  He plays basketball, he gets good grades, he behaves in and out of school.  He lives with his father and house keeper Amma, who is more like a grandmother to him.  He hangs with the cool popular kids in his class and he and his best friend Link do the entire necessary checklist items to stay on that cool list themselves.  Ethan’s entire life changes when the new girl, Old man Ravenwood’s, niece moves into town and upsets the balance of the school’s cool kids.  We begin with Ethan on the first day of school when he wakes up from a reoccurring nightmare with the scent of rosemary and lemons and the familiar longing for the girl in his dream.  On his way home, Ethan almost runs Lena, the new girl, over while she stands in the middle of the road, stranded from her uncle’s hurse breaking down.  As Lena and Ethan’s friendship grows, he finds more about her family and a past that demands to be reckoned with, as they have been connected throughout the last century.  The only problem is, that Lena is a caster, sort of like a witch, the only problem is, Lena is running out of time.  On her sixteenth birthday, Lena will be claimed for either the Light or the Dark.  As they race the clock, and grow in their budding romance, many outside sources try and keep them apart. 

I loved Ethan.  He was a fun protagonist to read and I enjoyed his personality and his thought process.  Poor guy, he didn’t have a choice, he was claimed by Lena before they even met.  Even if he wanted to run from the new relationship, he couldn’t have done it.  I always enjoy a love story that it’s as if fate had its hooks in Ethan before he even knew what was going on.  There is something special about Ethan as well.  He can do things that other humans cannot do.  He is capable of communicating with Castors, sees visions, and can go in places that are specifically held sacred for Castors only.

I received this book from the library and I had to quickly read it before it was taken from me electronically.  I also had another book to read after Beautiful Creatures, but I like the book so much that I bought the second book in order to read it as soon as my reading schedule opened up.  So, would I recommend this book, sure!  It was a fun read, with interesting characters and a great plot.  I couldn’t wait to see what happens, and it ends with a semi cliff hanging ending so it makes me want to keep going. 

The only par t of the story line that I just thought was crazy was how insane every character was about the Civil War.  I have lived in the south my entire life, now in several states in the south and I have never met anyone that was obsessed with the Civil War like this entire town was.  I just wonder if there are places in this country that are really like that.  Just a thought.

I am glad I read this book, I can’t wait to go on in the series.  I want to watch the movie just as soon as possible.  It didn’t seem to do well in the theaters, so maybe we can catch it on Netflix pretty soon.  Keep Reading my Friends!