Shadow of a Demon

Synopsis

"You must learn to communicate with him, to understand him," the Mother Superior of the Daughters of Mercy says of the thing that dwells inside India Terrano, the thing India regards as a demon. It is a Viseg, a creature that feeds on energy and can spit that energy out with tremendous destructive force. It has endangered India's family and blasted her fiancé's mind, leaving him a living corpse. It has made her a fugitive, hunted both by the Solarian Patrol, which intends to put her to death, and by representatives of an interplanetary corporation, which wants to experiment on her to learn to harness the Viseg's power.

I won this book thru FirstReads on Goodreads. I thought the synopsis sounded interesting and am looking forward to reading it.

New Years Resolutions

With the New Year fast approaching its time again for New Years resolutions. Like most of us, I make them and usually I try to keep them but needless to say it rarely works out. This year I am gonna do my best to catch up on all my review requests and try to diminish my to-read pile without adding to it along the way. What are you going to try to accomplish in the coming year?

Dreamsayer

Dreamsayer: Stories of the Five Worlds by Carrie R Olguin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a good read! The second of the Five Worlds Series, I thought it was even better than the first (which I enjoyed also). Jewel and Wolfe are lovers that were married as children but were kept apart by others for political gain. We are introduced to them as they finally come together altho Jewel doesn't know who she is with. Full of conspiracy, mystery, love and throw in a bit of steamy sex, this book has it all. It was interesting from the begining and kept my interest to the very end. I certainly look forward to reading more stories from the Five Worlds. Loved it!Would definitely recommend it to anyone over 18 who loves a good sci-fi love story/erotica.



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Eirelan

I just received this ARC that I won from Firstreads. This size is a bit daunting at over 700 pgs but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge. Hopefully I will be writing the review for this soon.

Synopsis

Eirelan is a dramatic saga of a people struggling to survive against great odds. The Province of the Twenty Clans, founded on the shores of Lough Ennell in Ireland, is about to celebrate its millennial year. As this milestone year approaches, the Province and its Celtic allies in Cornwall, Wales, Scotland and Brittany are threatened by an ever-colder climate overspreading Europe and by determined, powerful enemies on land and sea. The fight to defend the Province and its allies is led by Conor Laigain, a poet who dreams of peace and a hilltop cabin; his sister Fethnaid, an archer fighting in the Line of Bows who comes to realize that old ideas must change if the Province is to survive; Conor’s fiancée Mairin Fotharta, a warship captain in the Province’s naval squadron whose sleep is plagued by nightmares of a brutal childhood; and his towering Uncle Padraic, general of the army since the death of Conor’s legendary father Domnall. This is a story of human beings fighting for the right to live and enjoy the beauty of the world as they see it. When a great battle between the armies of the Province and the Ghaoth Aduiadh carpets a lovely meadow with thousands of dead and dying, Conor’s mother Liadan tries to console herself with words written by her father-in-law, philosopher Uinseann Laigain: “We must be content with life and love and the beauty of the earth. All the rest is dust in the wind."

Christmas Gifts

Thought I would share the titles that I have received so far for Christmas. I'm always excited to get new books at any time.





This one is one of those books I keep meaning to read but just haven't. Now is my chance.





This one, as noted in an earlier post, was the one I've been wishing for.

Merry Christmas

Wishing everybody a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! Whatever your religion or view of the world, I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with your families and make connections that we may have missed throughout the year. And here's to hoping you find that book you've been wishing for in your stocking this year!

A Christmas Carol

Currently revisiting a timeless classic. This edition is beautifully illustrated adding so much to the story.

Amaranth and Ash

Amaranth and Ash by Jessica Freely

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book. This was a love story that transcended society, caste, and gender. Set in a world reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin The Left Hand of Darkness as it is a planet that mellenia before had been populated by humans and the population had split into caste one of which was hermaphroditic. Racial and ethnic barrier were very much a part of society where the elite had it all and the Chel which were the lowest had nothing even denied medical treatment. In such a society where races didn't mix Amaranth and Ash went against such societal norms and fell in love. This was an awesome book that was so much more than their love story. The societal differences, altho exaggerated, are so relevant in our own where people can be biased based on differences. Certainly not for anyone under 18 due to erotic content, but done so tastefully its very much important to the story. You truely feel the love they have for each other. A wonderful book that is relevant in any generation.



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Synopsis

Genre: LGBT Futuristic FantasyIn a world where everyone has their place, Amaranth & Ash belong together.Amaranth is a vasai, born with both male and female characteristics, and a soul that can reach out and touch the souls of others in order to heal them. But a vasai’s services are only for the Elai, and they demand sexual satisfaction as well as healing from their beautiful servants. Frustrated with these constraints, Amaranth wants to use his talent to help those who really need it.Ash is a chel. Considered devoid of souls, chel are the lowest of the low. Not content with his lot, Ash steals from the middle class pel. One night he’s caught and brutally punished.A soul in agony calls out to Amaranth from across the city. When he discovers that it belongs to a chel, it only confirms his worst suspicions about the lies of the Elai. Amaranth takes Ash home and heals him, an act of rebellion that could cost both their lives.Amaranth's compassion for Ash soon turns to passion. Ash treats him like a person, not an instrument of sexual gratification. Neither of them have much experience with mutual pleasure but together they embark on an exploration of intimacy and desire that carries them to the heights of passion and love -- and shakes the very foundation of their world.Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: Intersex relationships, violence

Christmas Wishlist

With Christmas fast approaching we all have at least one book that is on our wishlist that we hope will be amongst the gifts under the tree. The book that I am hoping for (and have been asured by a friend that it will be there) is




What are you hopring to get this holiday?

Book of Prophecies

Book of Prophecies by Cesar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And honestly I'm not really sure what to make of this book. This is a book of prophecies made by Cesar in an almost Nostodaumus like fashion. He explains in the begining of the book how he comes to the prophecies that he makes and how the book is laid out. It is a book of 13 chapters of prophecies. In each chapter various prophecies are made followed by a "Cryptic Script" in reality its actually all pretty cryptic to me. I've always been fairly interested in prophecies like Nostrodaumus and they need to be taken one at a time and analyzed. I don't really have the time or patience to do so. But if you do, this would be perfect for you. At the end of the book is this cryptic anagram (no I didn't take the time to decode it, but if anybody does please let me know what you make of it) which looks like it could be quite a challenge. All in all, I did find it interesting and maybe sometime I can take a closer look at it.



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Flux

Flux by Mark R Faulkner

Awesome new book to be published next year. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This one definitely gets 5 stars easily.

Iain, after being hit by a bus, finds himself in Hell but is given a reprieve as doctors save his life. However, hell isn't ready to let go just yet. We are drawn in to Iain's rapidly deteriorating sanity and its very hard to tell what is real and what is going on in his mind. This story grabs you from the very begining and holds your attention til the very end where you are wishing for more. Not for those under 18 or the faint of heart as we read of unspeakable horrors of hell which are very much brought to life. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good horror story. In one word I describe this book as AWESOME!!!

Theif of Hope

Thief of Hope by Cindy Young-Turner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I apprciate the opportunity to read such a wonderful book.



This book is set in a world that is in the midst of a civil war in a land ruled by the Guild. They are a tyranical organization that uses violence to rule the people. Sydney is a troubled young woman who has grown up in poverty using any means to cope and survive. She is drawn into the world of wizards, the fae, and the people figting for their freedom. This book is full of wonderful characters that have really been brought to life. You feel their heartache and pain as loved ones are murdered before their eyes. But this book is not about pain and death. Its about hope and sacrifice and how one person can make a difference. This truly is a must read.



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This says it all

Goodreads Choice Awards

Congratulations to Veronica Roth for Divergent winning Goodreads 2011 award for Favorite Book of 2011!! I personally loved this book and was thrilled to see it win. Check out the winners in the other chategories.

http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice/2011

Book Burning

Here is a link to Cracked.com where it lists 6 reasons why we are in a book burning period in history. Apparently as new books come into libraries room has to be made somehow and instead of donating these books they are simply destroyed. Also when bookstores like Borders go bankrupt they would rather destroy the books instead of giving them away. Not only is this such a waste of books but how many trees were destroyed to make the paper they were printed on? One thing about ebooks, no trees were harmed in the making of them.

http://www.cracked.com/article_19453_6-reasons-were-in-another-book-burning-period-in-history.html

Hal Spacejock

Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this as a free ecopy in exchange for my honest review.



I usually don't like books that are futuristic space stories but I rather enjoyed this one. It reminded me alot of the movie Spaceballs but on a less adolescent level. I thought it was a really funny book with characters full of personality. Hal Spacejock is a pilot that doesn't have a clue how to fly his spaceship. He's accompanied by an aging robot, Clunk, thats trying to escape the scrap heap, and his onboard sarcastic computer Navcom. While trying to deliver cargo to escape debt collectors he's chased about the galaxy by Ferrell and his budy Terry as well as the debt collector and his robot hinchmen. All in all a fun read. If you like outerspace humor or just a good comedy this would be a good choice.



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Fighting Censorship

Delete Censorship is a site I ran across that provids information about books that have been banned, information about Banned Book Week, as well as information about court cases and other reference information. I'm a firm believer in our First Ammendment rights and don't like to be told what I can read and what I can't. As an adult I feel like I should be able to make my own decisions.

http://www.deletecensorship.org/books.html

Here's another site from the ALA about banned books and censorship.

http://ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/index.cfm

NPR Top 100 Science Fiction/Fantasy Books

Here's another list for you. These books were listed by NPR as being the top 100 sci/fi fantasy books. I've only read 20 of what is on this list which surprises me since that is my genra of choice. How many have you read?

1. The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
3. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
4. The Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert
5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
6. 1984 by George Orwell
7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
8. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
9. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
10. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
11. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
12. The Wheel Of Time Series by Robert Jordan
13. Animal Farm by George Orwell
14. Neuromancer by William Gibson
15. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
16. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
17. Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
18. The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss
19. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
20. Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
21. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
22. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
23. The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
24. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
25. The Stand by Stephen King
26. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
27. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
28. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
29. The Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman
30. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
31. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
32. Watership Down by Richard Adams
33. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
34. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
35. A Canticle For Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr
36. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
37. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne
38. Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes
39. The War Of The Worlds by H.G. Wells
40. The Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazny
41. The Belgariad by David Eddings
42. The Mists Of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
43. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
44. Ringworld by Larry Niven
45. The Left Hand Of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
46. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
47. The Once And Future King by T.H. White
48. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
49. Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
50. Contact by Carl Sagan
51. The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons
52. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
53. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
54. World War Z by Max Brooks
55. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
56. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
57. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
58. The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson
59. The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold
60. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
61. The Mote In God's Eye by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
62. The Sword Of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind
63. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
64. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
65. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
66. The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
67. The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
68. The Conan The Barbarian Series by Robert E. Howard
69. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
70. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
71. The Way Of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
72. Journey To The Center Of The Earth by Jules Verne
73. The Legend Of Drizzt Series by R. A. Salvatore
74. Old Man's War by John Scalzi
75. The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
76. Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
77. The Kushiel's Legacy Series by Jacqueline Carey
78. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
79. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
80. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
81. The Malazan Book Of The Fallen series by Steven Erikson
82. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
83. The Culture Series by Iain Banks
84. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
85. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
86. The Codex Alera Series by Jim Butcher
87. The Book Of The New Sun by Gene Wolfe
88. The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn
89. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
90. The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock
91. The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
92. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
93. A Fire Upon The Deep by Vernor Vinge
94. The Caves Of Steel by Isaac Asimov
95. The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson
96. Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
97. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
98. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
99. The Xanth Series by Piers Anthony
100. The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

The Black Book of Secrets

Synopsis

A boy arrives at a remote village in the dead of night. His name is Ludlow Fitch—and he is running from a most terrible past. What he is about to learn is that in this village is the life he has dreamed of—a safe place to live, and a job, as the assistant to a mysterious pawnbroker who trades people’s deepest, darkest secrets for cash. Ludlow’s job is to neatly transcribe the confessions in an ancient leather-bound tome: The Black Book of Secrets.

Ludlow yearns to trust his mentor, who refuses to disclose any information on his past experiences or future intentions. What the pawnbroker does not know is, in a town brimming with secrets, the most troubling may be held by his new apprentice.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an intriguing little book that I quite enjoyed. Written for the younger end of the spectrum of young adult or even for those of us that are young at heart, most anyone will enjoy this one. There is much that even though set in the past is relevent to today. We see, as is true in life, that we all have done things that we aren't proud of. Everyone has things in their past that they don't want others to know about. And this doesn't make them bad people, only human. Even those people that are prominent citizens or little old ladies that own book shops are not perfect. This was a fun book full of all kinds of characters and their very own secrets that we learn along the way. Am hoping there is more to come from the Secret Pawnbrokers.



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50 Banned Books

Here is another list that I have ran across. Its a list of 50 books that have been banned for various reasons. Which ones have you read? Should they be banned? I've read 22 out of the 50 so I have a few to go. I think that we should all be able to make the choice for ourselves whether or not we should read these or any books but that's only my opinion for what its worth.

The first 12 were banned by some schools, because they are considered inappropriate for children...

1.The Catcher in the Rye-J.D. Salinger
2.The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn-Mark Twain
3.Forever-Judy Blume
4.The Golden Compass-Philip Pullman
5.Lord of the Flies-William Golding
6. Harry Potter series-J.K. Rowling
7. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
8. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.
9. And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson.
10.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
11.The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier.
12.The Giver by Lois Lowery.

Numbers 13 through 22 were banned by religion and politics...

13.The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
14.A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
15.The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
16.Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe.
17.The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.
18.The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
19.1984 by George Orwell.
20.Animal Farm by George Orwell
21.Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift.
22.Candide by Voltaire.

Numbers 23 through 35 were banned, because of sexual content, and the use of profanity...

23.Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence
24.Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
25.Fanny Hill by John Cleland
26.Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.
27.The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
28.Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
29.The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
30.Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
31.The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
32.Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.
33.Rabbit, Run by John Updike
34.Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
35.Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov

Numbers 36 through 41 were banned due to race and gender issues...

36.To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
37.Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
38.The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
39.I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
40.Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
41.Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

The last ones were banned for multiple reasons...

42.Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
43.Native Son by Richard Wright.
44.Beloved by Toni Morrison.
45.As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner.
46.One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kessey
47.The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
48.In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
49.Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
50.East of Eden by John Steinbeck

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book! This was like Lord of the Flies on a much higher level. This story grabs you from the very begining when we are first introduced to the Glade thru the eyes of Thomas as he first arrives there. This group of kids has found themselves without any memory of their past or how they arrived here faced with impossible tasks and trying to survive. You find yourself wanting to know the answers to all these questions. This is a fast fun read that keeps you glued to it from the begining. Its full of mysteries and horrors that keeps you wanting to know whats going to happen next and wanting to know who is behind it all. If you love dystopia and sci fi this is a must read. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.



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Another Free Ebook

Action, adventure, suspense, and thriller in one story told with a liberal dose of humor.

Tom’s problems are not unique. His business is failing and his wife has to work too many hours to make ends meet. He is under some rather large financial pressures and wants more from his marriage and his life.

He finds his respite in the air as a private pilot. Unfortunately for Tom, he is behind on payments for his plane and is forced to take odd jobs from a local crime boss. Tom is no criminal, but the errands he is running are just slightly on the wrong side of the law and the money is almost good enough to allow him to make his plane payments.

Just as things begin to come under some semblance of control, he meets a woman who just might represent the adventure he seeks. He soon discovers that appearances, and beautiful women, can sometimes be deceiving.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/52864

Grave Goods

Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the third book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series. I was generous rounding this up to 4 stars I would actually give it a 3.5 but because I loved the ending I rounded up. This book is much like the other two. Adelia is given an almost impossible task for the time period in speaking with the dead thru forensics. And this time she is dealing with what is believed to be the bones of King Arthur and Guinevere. There are definite mysteries within mysteries and I was certainly kept interested. And there was a few things that were left unsaid but I did love the ending but I won't spoil it. If you have enjoyed the other MotAoD series you will like this one too.



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How Gods Bleed

Free Ebook




Ebook Short Description
The werewolf king Gorgoza is dead leaving the west in turmoil. With the king’s passing it is only a matter of time before someone has claimed the western empire for themselves, leaving the east ripe for invasion. But all hope is not yet lost for Cada Varl the Immortal, the being responsible for the creation of the werewolves may know of a way to destroy them once and for all.

This book is free on Smashwords at the following link. I haven't had a chance to read and review it. Let me know what you think and I shall be reading it soon.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101158

Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I won this book thru Firstreads and am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book.



This is the second book in the Infernal Devices trilogy. It picks up where the first book Clockwork Angel leaves off. So many questions left from the first book are answered we find out what is really going on with Will and the love triange with him and Tess and Jem develops further. But there is so much more to this book than just teen drama. It draws you in right from the begining and keeps you interested all the way thru. There is alot of underlying discussion about respecting differences in beliefs and how life is precious regardless of race or species. Its also full of humor and great characters that we are familiar with such as Magnus Bane (would love to know more about him). I'm already wishing for the next installment since there was alot of questions still left unanswered. There is still much mystery to be unraveled. If you enjoyed Clockwork Angel this is a must read. Loved it!



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The Spirit of Nora

The Spirit of Nora, A Novel by Lyle Scott Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

Stretched across a backdrop of bustling New York, romantic Paris, and rural Russia in the early twentieth century, The Spirit of Nora vividly portrays the emergence of a young Minnesota woman into a fiercely independent spirit. Leaving her home on the farm with her childhood friend Ella for nursing training in New York, Nora enters a changing world. After befriending two doctors on the train east, Nora and Ella spend many evenings with Tristan and Soren. But a terrible tragedy pulls Ella from Nora, who eventually travels farther east, searching for redemption for failing her friend.

Nora becomes wrapped up in the permissive lifestyle of French artists, embracing relationships with the lively Cassandra and talented Auguste. While in France, she is confronted with physical temptations and spiritual uncertainty until she learns of the communal setting established on the estate of the Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. The Spirit of Nora needs further nourishment for her wavering faith, and she continues yet farther east to Yasnaya Polyana to work with Tolstoy's translator. Through the following years Nora learns of hardship, love, war, and the difficulties in finding balance between right and wrong. Ultimately, she must come face to face with the legacy of her lost friend.

Expected publication: November 29th 2011 by Tate Publishing

ISBN139781613465899

Review
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and honestly I really liked it. Nora is a strong woman living in a time when woman are fighting for their rights. As a young woman she travels to New York City seeking her place in the world. After the loss of her friend she travels to Eastern Europe seeking penance for failing her friend. We follow her thru life with love and loss and all the ravages of war in Europe. As a strong Christian woman she find her place thru it all and seeks what God calls her to do. Its an interesting look at this time period in history thru Nora's life while WWI is going on and how Russia changed thru it all. This is a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction.



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Out of Oz

Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Synopsis
The stirring, long-awaited conclusion to the extraordinary bestselling series begun with Wicked, Out of Oz is a magical journey rife with revelations and reversals, reprisals and surprises — the hallmarks of the brilliant and unique imagination of Gregory Maguire.(less)


Hardcover, 568 pages

Published November 1st 2011 by William Morrow

ISBN 0060548940 (ISBN13: 9780060548940)

Review

This is a must read for fans of the Wicked series. This last installment finds Oz in the middle of a civil war with the Emerald City against the Munchkinlanders with our favorite main characters, Liir, Candle, Brr the Cowardly Lion and Rain, all caught in the middle. Loose ends are tied up as we learn what has happened to characters in the past like Trism and Lady Glinda. This book is hard to put down as one question is answered you then are led to others. Most, but not all, of the questions that I had about what had happend to whom was answered by the end of this installment. And there were certainly surprises that I didn't see coming. All in all, I loved this one. It grabbed you from the begining and filled in most of the blanks along the way.



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50 Book Challenge

I ran accross this challenge a couple of years ago and thought it might be fun. And since the New Year is fast approaching I thought this would be a good time to share it. I confess, I never finished the challenge, but life isn't over so there is time yet. Maybe in the coming year I shall finish the last few I never got to. In any case, here is the list. How many have you read?

50 Books to Read Before You Die

The Picture of Dorian Gray--Oscar Wilde
The Divine comedy--Alighieri Dante
Memoirs of a Geisha--Arthur Golden
The Count of Monte Cristo--Alexandre Dumas
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest--Ken Kesey
Robinson Crusoe--Daniel Defoe
Huckleberry Finn--Mark Twain
A Christmas Carol--Charles Dickens
Gullivers Travels--Jonathan Swift
Men Without Women--Earnest Hemingway
The War of the Worlds--HG Wells
Frankenstein--Mary Shelly
Life of Pi--Yann Martel
The Color Purple--Alice Walker
The Outsider--Albert Camus
The Way We Live Now--Anthony Trollope
Heart of Darkness--Joseph Conrad
On the Road--Jack Kerouac
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time--Mark Haddon
Rebecca--Daphne du Maurier
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland--Lewis Carroll
Anna Karenina--Leo Tolstoy
His Dark Matirials Trilogy--Philip Pullman
The Wind in the Willows--Kenneth Grahame
Moby Dick--Herman Melville
The Harry Potter series--JK Rowling
Money--Martin Amis
Birdsong--Sabastian Faulks
The Quiet American--Graham Greene
Ulysses--James Joyce
The Canterbury Tales--Geoffrey Chaucer
The Bible
Don Quixote--Micheal De Cervantes
The Diary of Anne Frank--Anne Frank
Brave New World--Aldous Huxley
The Catcher in the Rye--JD Salinger
The Great Gatsby--F Scott Fitzgerald
A Bend in the River--VS Naipaul
Hamlet--William Shakespeare
The Lord of the Flies--William Golding
A Passage to India--EM Forster
Wuthering Heights--Emily Bronte
Jane Eyre--Charlotte Bronte
The Kill a Mockingbird--Harper Lee
The Grapes of Wrath--John Steinbeck
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy--JRR Tolkien
1984--George Orwell
Pride and Prejudice--Jane Austin
The Bell Jar--Sylvia Plath
Catch 22--Joseph Heller

I have no idea who composed the list. And I know that with the listing of 2 series that there are actually more than 50 books here. Having said that, I still thought it was a fun personal challenge so I am passing it along. I have read all but 11, maybe next year I shall finally finish the list. Happy Reading!!

Currently Reading

Flux by Mark R Faulkner

Awesome new book to be published next year.

Iain, after being hit by a bus, finds himself in hell but is given a reprieve as doctors save his life. However, hell isn't ready to let go just yet.

A Sound Among the Trees

Synopsis

A house shrouded in time.
A line of women with a heritage of loss.

As a young bride, Susannah Page was rumored to be a Civil War spy for the North, a traitor to her Virginian roots. Her great-granddaughter Adelaide, the current matriarch of Holly Oak, doesn’t believe that Susannah’s ghost haunts the antebellum mansion looking for a pardon, but rather the house itself bears a grudge toward its tragic past.

When Marielle Bishop marries into the family and is transplanted from the arid west to her husband’s home, it isn’t long before she is led to believe that the house she just settled into brings misfortune to the women who live there.

With Adelaide’s richly peppered superstitions and deep family roots at stake, Marielle must sort out the truth about Susannah Page and Holly Oak— and make peace with the sacrifices she has made for love.

Paperback, 336 pages
Published October 4th 2011 by WaterBrook Multnomah
more details...
ISBN0307458857 (ISBN13: 9780307458858)


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I want to thank Firstread for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. It was truly a wonderful read.

This book tells the story of several generations of women who have lived at Holly Oak mansion begining before the Civil War and continuing to the present. This story is woven around history and gives us insight into how life was during the war. We see how family members were on different sides and were forced to make difficult and dangerous decisions. Love and loss were hand in hand. Sacrifices were made and love was often found in unlikely places. The stories about Susanah were told and in the telling things were often misinterpreted leading many to believe the house was haunted or the house was cursed.

This is an absolute wonderful read. Anyone who loves histrorical fiction or a good mystery will like this one. The characters and actions of the past were melded so well with the present that the book pulls you in and keeps you interested right from the begining. I definitely see this as one I would love to read again soon.



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The Son of Neptune

Hardcover, 513 pages
Published October 4th 2011 by Hyperion Book CH
more details...
ISBN1423140591 (ISBN13: 9781423140597

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was such a fun book! This is the second book in the Heros of Olympus series where we find out what happened to Percy Jackson when Juno removed him from Camp Half Blood. Percy has no idea about his past and find himself in a Roman camp with new friends and a new quest. So much information is covered in such fun ways. We learn all about the differences and similarities between the Greek and Roman Gods and why the changes came about. How the differences in civilization actually changed the personalities of the Gods and not only their names. There is also an underlying theme that is so relevent in this day and age and that is the unfairness of war and what it means to sacrifice for what is important. So many kids today have lost their parents to war the loss of Frank's mother and his home is something that they can relate to. Using humor Rick Riordan strikes a perfect balance between these subjects. This was an awesome book full of great characters and lots of hilarious scenes. I can hardly wait for the story to continue with the next book.



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Eve

Eve by Anna Carey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Hardcover, 318 pages

Published October 4th 2011 by HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN 0062048503 ISBN13: 9780062048509

Synopsis

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve’s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.

Review

Wow! Where to begin? This was an amazing book. I loved every word. This is YA dystopian that has a feel of The Handmaid's Tale meets Brave New World. Eve is a young woman raised in an all girl school with dreams of a happy life in the new city after a plague has wiped out most of the population. She learns that it all a lie and escapes into the wild that she'snot prepared for. She has to learn the lessons of life and love that she never knew. Eve grows up fast as she is pursued accross country by the King's men and finds love despite it all. She is forced to make difficult decisions between saving her friends and saving her own life. And is life worth living without the one you love? This is a powerful, moving book that draws you in from the first page and by the end you are wanting more. I can't wait for the second book in this trilogy. I would recommend this to anyone who loves dystopian literature.



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Slime and other stories

Slime and other stories. by Mark R Faulkner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was such a fun read! This was a group of short stories that has something for everyone. Some were scary and some were interesting and some were sad. Piskie was my favorite story in the book. It had a definite fairlike quality and and after reading it I thought "Wow, that was cool" But overall, I liked all of the stories and found myself wishing for more by the end of the book. It is a small book containing just 10 stories but all are different and unique. I would recommend this for anyone who just loves a good story.



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Synopsis

Ten short tales from the new master of Horror.

From the extraordinary to a unique take on the ordinary, Slime and other stories is a collection of ten short stories which will stay with you for long after you stop reading.

1 – The Trickster.
2 – Once a Warrior.
3 – Slime.
4 – Piskie.
5 – Live Entertainment.
6 – The Legend of the Rock People.
7 – Black of Night.
8 – Good Health.
9 – The Phone is Ringing.
10 – Face.

Kindle Edition
Published September 17th 2011

ROOM

Hardcover, 321 pages
Published September 13th 2010 by Little, Brown & Company (first published August 20th 2010)
more details...
ISBN0316098337 (ISBN13: 9780316098335

To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world. . . . It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma it's the prison where she has been held for seven years. Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in this eleven-by-eleven-foot space. But with Jack's curiosity building alongside her own desperation, she knows that Room cannot contain either much longer.
Room is a tale at once shocking, riveting, exhilarating--a story of unconquerable love in harrowing circumstances, and of the diamond-hard bond between a mother and her child.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a book that I think everyone should read. Told from the point of view of a 5yr old little boy who has only known the world that exists in a small shed where he was born and lives with his mother. We learn what life has been like for her after her abduction by a stranger as a teenager and how she has worked to give him a normal life. After their escape from the Room he has to learn to live among people and he sees how much people take for granted. His life within Room gives him insights that most people don't think about. This is a haunting and unique story that is a definite must read.



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The Last Werewolf

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Hardcover, 293 pages
Published April 7th 2011 by Canongate Books Ltd.
more details...
ISBN1847679447 (ISBN13: 9781847679444) .

Synopsis
Here is a powerful, definitive new version of the werewolf legend—mesmerising and incredibly sexy. In Jake, Glen Duncan has given us a werewolf for the twenty-first century—a man whose deeds can only be described as monstrous but who is in some magical way deeply human.

One of the most original, audacious, and terrifying novels in years

Review
When I started this book I really didn't think I was gonna like it. And its certainly not for everyone. It does start out rather dry but the story gradually pulls you in and you can't help but want to know what is going to happen to Jake. This story takes place in the gray areas of right and wrong. We see life from the point of view of the werewolf and how life and fate has made him what he is. He kills out of necessity and his kind has been hunted to near extinction. The human hunters feel like they are justified in this as protection to mankind. But is hunting anything to extinction justified? Great white sharks are deadly to humans but should we kill them all?



This was a perfect Halloween read for me. Its full of horror and bloody gore with the perfect amount of bestial sex thrown in. If you like that kind of read you will like this one. If not, I would suggest you look elsewhere. I look forward to revisiting this one maybe next Halloween.



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Beauty

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beast elicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story. In this version, Beauty is not as beautiful as her older sisters, who are both lovely and kind. Here, in fact, Beauty has no confidence in her appearance but takes pride in her own intelligence, her love of learning and books, and her talent in riding. She is the most competent of the three sisters, which proves essential when they are forced to retire to the country because of their father's financial ruin.
The plot follows that of the renowned legend: Beauty selflessly agrees to inhabit the Beast's castle to spare her father's life. Beauty's gradual acceptance of the Beast and the couple's deepening trust and affection are amplified in novel form. Robin McKinley's writing has the flavor of another century, and Beauty heightens the authenticity as a reliable and competent narrator.

Review

Robin McKinley did an excellent job of retelling the story of beauty and the beast. The life of Beauty is brought to life and we see her as a strong young woman who is very optomistic and fearless despite the fact that she has low self esteem. She is faced with the choice of going to live with Beast in order to save the life of her father. She sees this as an opportunity and an adventure, almost as if it is fate calling her. She goes there unafraid and makes a life there even tho she misses her family. We all know the story of how she does grow to love the beast. Its a timeless tale that has been wonderfully told and brought to life. A great read for anyone who loves the retelling of fairy tales.



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The Witching Hour

Witching Hour by Anne Rice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

In this engrossing and hypnotic tale of witchcraft and the occult spanning four centuries, we meet a great dynasty of witches--a family given to poetry and incest, to murder and philosophy, a family that over the ages is haunted by a powerful, dangerous and seductive being.

Review

I really liked this book altho I will admit that its certainly not for everyone. The length alone was intimidating (1038 pgs)

This book was the first in the trilogy of the Mayfair Witches. We are first introduced to Rowan who has no idea of the legacy that awaits her at the death of her birth mother of which she knows nothing. Michael, who Rowan saves from drowning, finds his fate intertwined with hers. We go on to learn all of the history of the Mayfairs thru the historians of the Talamasca. This history takes up the largest part of this book. Its really interesting to see how the family evolved and changed over time. We see evils committed not just from the demon Lasher but also those doing so in the name of God. In the name of God atrocities were committed by the burning of innocent women during the witch hunts of the inquisition. Carlotta also murdered and hurt many of innocent people all in Gods name.

After the culmination of the prophecy Michael is alone with his musings in his diary and there are quotes there that I thought summed up the book well.

"my reason tells me that such a system, in which anyone dictates our every move-be it a god, or a devil, or our subconscious mind, or our tyannical genes-is simply impossible. Life itself must be founded upon the infinite possibility for choice and accident. And if we cannot prove that it is, we muse believe that it is. We must believe that we can change, that we can control, that we can direct our own destinies."

"by free will, we can choose to do good on this earth, no matter that we all die, and do not know where we go when we die, or if a justice or eplanation awaits us. I believe that we can through our reason know what good is, and in the communion of men and women, in which the forgiveness of wrongs will always be more significant than the avenging of them, and that in the beautiful natural world that surrounds us, we represent the best and the finest of beings"

Overall I do believe that this is a read worth all the time an effort it took me to finish it. I was easily drawn into the story and certainly sympathized with Michael as well as other characters. If you want an interesting read and have the time this long read is definitely worth tackling.



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Thought I would introduce the newest family member. My granddaughter Ember Sky was born yestarday morning.

I, Lucifer

I, Lucifer: Finally, the Other Side of the Story by Glen Duncan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Synopsis
The Prince of Darkness has been given one last shot at redemption, provided he can live out a reasonably blameless life on earth. Highly sceptical, naturally, the Old Dealmaker negotiates a trial period - a summer holiday in a human body, with all the delights of the flesh.

The body, however, turns out to be that of Declan Gunn, a depressed writer living in Clerkenwell, interrupted in his bath mid-suicide. Ever the opportunist, and with his main scheme bubbling in the background, Luce takes the chance to tap out a few thoughts - to straighten the biblical record, to celebrate his favourite achievements, to let us know just what it's like being him.

Neither living nor explaining turns out to be as easy as it looks. Beset by distractions, miscalculations and all the natural shocks that flesh is heir to, the Father of Lies slowly begins to learn what it's like being us


Review

I loved this book, but I admit it is certainly not for everybody. It absolutely drips with satire.



In this book we hear Lucifer's side of the story about everything from his fall to what happened in the Garden of Eden and even about the crucifiction. If you are easily offended about religious matters then this is definitely not the book for you. However, for those of you who are not this is a fun read. It has humor, sadness, philosophy, and ways of looking at things that I had not thought about (and many that I had but would never say outloud). I'm glad I took the time to hear Lucifer's side of things because it was difinitely a wild ride.



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Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice, Five Worlds Series by Carrie Olguin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was certainly a steamy paranormal erotica, not recommended for anyone under 18. Sarica has the ability of cold and Rosche has the gift of heat and as their gifts battle so does their relationship. This is a book full of not only erotic action but a story set in other worlds as two people learn to give and take in love. Rosche, a nobleman, has to learn that love can't be demanded and Sarica has to come to understand that you don't choose who you fall in love with. A wonderful story with characters that make you understand their point of view. Anyone who loves paranormal romance will enjoy this one.



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The Inquisitor's Apprentice

The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received my copy thru Firstread and I appreciate getting the opportunity to review it.

This was such a fun read! Sacha is a Jewish boy living in a New York where magic is the norm and he has discovered that he can see magic. Recruited by the police department that works against magical crime he finds himself embroiled in a mystery that could result in his demise or worse. This book is full of interesting characters, fun history and unusual sci-fiction. It definitely draws you in from the begining and keeps you hanging on every word. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel and I certainly hope that there is one.



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Galileo's Daughter

Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I appreciate Firstread for giving me the opportunity to review this novel.



I'm being generous round this rating up to 4 stars. I would more likely give this one 3.5 stars but because it was so well written I rounded up. This is a memoir of the life of not only Galileo's daughter but of Galileo himself. It actually told more about his life and his work than about that of his daughter. Both of his daughters were placed in convents at an early age. Maria Celeste was his favored child. She found her place there and was at home whereas Arcangela was withdrawn and there was no correspondence between her and her father. Maria Celeste usually included information about her sister when she wrote her father.



This book would appeal to anyone interested in this period of history. Its very easy to read, as it flows very well. And it contains so much information about the way of life during this time as well as the papal politics. It also covers Galileo's research and accomplishments as well as his personal history. We also learn about life in the convents at the time as Maria Celest was there from an early age. All in all a very interesting read, but as history is not my genra of choice, I'm not sorry I read this but not likely to revisit it.



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The Serpent's Tale

The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series. Once again Adelia is called in by the King to find out who is guilty of murder. She finds herself snowed in at a convent along with the murderer as well as the Queen of England and the bodies are stacking up. This murder mystery is full of twists and turns and alot of subtlty that is easily overlooked. And even tho this is the second book in this series it can be read without reading the first one as Adelia's history is explained along the way. Its easy to feel for Adelia as she has to do her work without anybody knowing lest she be called a witch and burned at the stake. All in all a very good read. Anybody that likes a good mystery will enjoy this one.



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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book. I thought that it was such a fun read. It definitely started out really creepy at first and as the story progressed these mysteries unfolded in unusual ways. In most books with photos or artwork, the artwork/photos are used to enhance the story. In this book it felt as if the author had used the collection of old photos to weave the story. Admitedly, the peculiar children do have an x-men like quality to them but despite that they are very endearing and certainly keep things interesting. The ending left alot of unanswered questions. I hope the author decides to do a sequel because I would love to know how their adventure continued.



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My Dyslexia by Philip Schultz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is an interesting look into the life of a dyslexic. Philip Schultz talks about his life as he was growing up as a child with an undiagnosed learning disability. He described how it felt to be bullied and made fun of by other students because of his inability to learn to read. And he described his determination to learn to cope and overcome his dyslexia. It was interesting to me to learn that how much more there is to dyslexia besides difficulty reading such as difficulty telling time on an anaolog clock, doing math, or following directions. As a mother of a dyslexic child I found it interesting viewing life from this perspective. It definitely gives a glimpse into their view of life and the difficulties they have to deal with. I would recommend this book for anyone that has a loved one with a learning disability.



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Sebastian the Great by Scylar Tyberius

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a coming of age story of an unbelievably perfect boy who discovers as a teen that he is gay and falls in love with a boy who has just moved to the area. We see the inner struggles that he goes thru when he is still trying to admit it to himself and to the boy he is in love with. You also see the reaction of those he later comes out to. Some, those that are closest to him, are very accepting and others not so much. And some are very aggressive and angry as if its their business who he's in love with. Its very easy to get pulled into their teen drama as well as the very grown up struggles of bigotry and ignorance of some of those he comes into contact with.



With that being said Sebastian had the feel of being too good to be true. I understand the reasoning for this but at the same time some of his abilities went far beyond the norm. And there was a scene early on when one of his friends committed suicide that I thought was lacking. More should have occured there, no once called the police or ambulance but I won't elaborate due to spoilers.



Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It gives a good look into the feelings someone goes thru when they are exploring their sexuality and finding out its not what they anticipated. Ian kept saying "Why can't I be normal?" but really what is normal for one is not someone elses normal and he comes to understand this. Ian also finds out he has alot of obstacles and there are alot of haters in the world, luckily he has an equally wonderful support system which makes a huge difference. Many aren't so lucky.



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The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As with all the other books I've read by Sarah Addison Allen I really enjoyed this one. Its easy to get caught up in the lives of these three women because at some time or another we've probably been where they are. Josey with her overbearing mother, Chloe with her broken heart, and Della Lee running from ourselves and our life. There is magic surrounding all three, especially Della Lee. I thought it was pretty apparent what was going on with her in the begining but it still added spice to the story. Josey, even though she is 27, she still has alot of growing up to do. And its hard finding out that those we love and idolize have flaws and faults just like everybody else. All in all, I found this to be a fun read that draws you in quick and is hard to put down.



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