Will, Jem and Tessa are locked in a fight against the shadows of Mortiman and his army of spies and mechanical devices. Tessa still has no idea of what exactly she is and how she has the powers that she posses, although they are handy on occasion.
Will is still trying to find the demon that cursed him with the assistance of Magnus Bane. Jem struggles with the addiction that is killing him but without rhe drug he will only die quickly and painfully. Tessa runs into her brother Nate again and must decide how to deal with him.
Filled with action and intrigue Clockwork Prince leaves you slathering for more and on reading the final page you close the book with a thud and proclaim that the next installment must come quickly.
An enjoyable read, fast paced and just enough romance to keep things interesting, even for non-fans of romance.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson knows he is Percy Jackson but not much else. He is being chased by two gorgons that he keeps killing and they keep coming back to life after just a few hours. He has not idea of where he is but keeps feeling a calling to go in a particular direction. He also only has a faint idea of anything about his past.
Arriving at Camp Jupiter while under attack and carrying an old lady that looks like a left over from the hippie movement would seem to be about as strange as things could get but that is only the start of an exciting adventure.
The title gives the largest clue of the setting for this tale of The Heroes of Olympus, Neptune is Poseidon's Roman aspect and most of the rules of camp are different from Camp Half-blood. Neptune is not an honored god of the Romans which causes Percy a bit of dispair to start his day.
Joined by Hazel who has a twisted path as a daughter of Pluto and Frank who feels to big for his body and has no idea of what his strength might be even though he has the conformation of a warrior, Percy goes to Alaska, the land beyond the gods.
The very best chapter concerns the Amazon stronghold. More can not be said just enjoy reading it and smiling in several different places.
Very enjoyable book which made will make you review once again your knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Arriving at Camp Jupiter while under attack and carrying an old lady that looks like a left over from the hippie movement would seem to be about as strange as things could get but that is only the start of an exciting adventure.
The title gives the largest clue of the setting for this tale of The Heroes of Olympus, Neptune is Poseidon's Roman aspect and most of the rules of camp are different from Camp Half-blood. Neptune is not an honored god of the Romans which causes Percy a bit of dispair to start his day.
Joined by Hazel who has a twisted path as a daughter of Pluto and Frank who feels to big for his body and has no idea of what his strength might be even though he has the conformation of a warrior, Percy goes to Alaska, the land beyond the gods.
The very best chapter concerns the Amazon stronghold. More can not be said just enjoy reading it and smiling in several different places.
Very enjoyable book which made will make you review once again your knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey
Killasandra Ree has dedicated the last ten years of her life to music only to be told at her final audition that she will never be a star and will be regulated to singing in a supportive role. Rather than sing in an auxilarary spot she packs her bags and leaves her student life behind.
She finds herself at the spaceport and hears the whine of the crystal drive on a drone. This is noted by a visiting Crystal Singer who sweeps her up into a whirlwind of travel and luxury. When he falls ill she escorts him back to Ballybran from whence he came against the advice of the director of the music school who is livid when he learns of her plans.
Despite multiple warnings Killa signs on with Ballybran and changes her life forever. If she becomes a Crystal Singer she will live an extended life with plenty of credit to travel the universe. If she fails at singing she will still live a very long life but will not be able to leave the planet.
The first in a triology McCaffrey as always does an excellent job of melding science fiction with fantasy. Even after a fourth reading the writing is fresh and enjoyable.
She finds herself at the spaceport and hears the whine of the crystal drive on a drone. This is noted by a visiting Crystal Singer who sweeps her up into a whirlwind of travel and luxury. When he falls ill she escorts him back to Ballybran from whence he came against the advice of the director of the music school who is livid when he learns of her plans.
Despite multiple warnings Killa signs on with Ballybran and changes her life forever. If she becomes a Crystal Singer she will live an extended life with plenty of credit to travel the universe. If she fails at singing she will still live a very long life but will not be able to leave the planet.
The first in a triology McCaffrey as always does an excellent job of melding science fiction with fantasy. Even after a fourth reading the writing is fresh and enjoyable.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Untamed ~ P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
In this installment in the saga that features Zoey Redbird and The House of Night there is the required teen drama, adults out to stab people in the back, the understanding stranger and visions of doom and destruction. In other words, a typical young adult novel.
I will admit I had to put the book down for long periods of time because Zoey was acting like a skank ho and that is something that bothers my reading sensibilities. She does admit later that she was wrong for the way she acted and hated lying to her friends about most everything she did and said. Zoey's ending behavior is much better than her beginning.
The finale is not really a finale, more of a go out and buy the next book to see what happens next. Just a bit to commercial for my taste.
This is a take it or leave it series for myself. I might read more of them but will not go out of my way to do so.
I will admit I had to put the book down for long periods of time because Zoey was acting like a skank ho and that is something that bothers my reading sensibilities. She does admit later that she was wrong for the way she acted and hated lying to her friends about most everything she did and said. Zoey's ending behavior is much better than her beginning.
The finale is not really a finale, more of a go out and buy the next book to see what happens next. Just a bit to commercial for my taste.
This is a take it or leave it series for myself. I might read more of them but will not go out of my way to do so.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Dragontime by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey
Anne McCaffrey returns to the world of Pern to write with her son Todd. Her influence is felt in the middle of the book but the beginning and the end are all Todd's, that is not a compliment by the way.
The story line moves to much depending on timing and timing causes paradox so can only be done on a very limited basis. At one point things are flowing well and then another disaster strikes for no apparent reason as far as plot goes. The major flaw in my honest opinion is that the "rules" of Pern are broken on a regular basis.
If you could just read the middle half of the book and leave off the first three and last two chapters you will be pleased, otherwise it might be worth passing on.
The story line moves to much depending on timing and timing causes paradox so can only be done on a very limited basis. At one point things are flowing well and then another disaster strikes for no apparent reason as far as plot goes. The major flaw in my honest opinion is that the "rules" of Pern are broken on a regular basis.
If you could just read the middle half of the book and leave off the first three and last two chapters you will be pleased, otherwise it might be worth passing on.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Blood Oath - Christopher Farnsworth
Think James Patterson meets Anne Rice at a writers conference and they have to author a book together. Luckily it all turns out pretty good. Christopher Farnsworth has created a new area for political thrillers and vampire obsession. The storyline is fast paced, interesting from may standpoints and you finish wondering what happens next.
If you like a book that makes you want to yell at some of the characters or hit them in the face this is the thriller for you. I look forward to the next installment, The President's Vampire.
If you like a book that makes you want to yell at some of the characters or hit them in the face this is the thriller for you. I look forward to the next installment, The President's Vampire.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Beastly by Alex Flinn
Kyle Kingsbury is every young girls dream, rich with a famous dad, outstanding good looks and cutting wit. He is also spoiled, shallow, vendictive and downright mean. The perfect combination for a hoity toity private school in New York City.
Kyle who can have whatever he wants likes to draw attention to himself by being mean to the peons of his school. He goes to far though when he ask a strange coed to the dance with no intentions of honoring his request.
Unfortunately or is it fortunately, this is not a student but an actual witch. She cast a spell that turns him into a beast. If he can find love within two years he will gain back his human body, if not, he will remain a beast the rest of his life.
A modern beauty and the beast set in New York City this retelling of a familiar tale is well done with a very modern feel without losing the point of the original. I will look for other novels by Alex Flinn as this was a page turning adventure.
Kyle who can have whatever he wants likes to draw attention to himself by being mean to the peons of his school. He goes to far though when he ask a strange coed to the dance with no intentions of honoring his request.
Unfortunately or is it fortunately, this is not a student but an actual witch. She cast a spell that turns him into a beast. If he can find love within two years he will gain back his human body, if not, he will remain a beast the rest of his life.
A modern beauty and the beast set in New York City this retelling of a familiar tale is well done with a very modern feel without losing the point of the original. I will look for other novels by Alex Flinn as this was a page turning adventure.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Luce has been placed in a reform school. She has always seen shadows but no one else sees them. What this means is she has a reputation for being mentally unstable.
She was having a normal date when the boy she was with burst into flames. Since she can't remember or explain what happened the school is the best option given to her by the court system.
The other students are a bit different to say the least. A punk girl, a southern belle, the nerdy boy, the two lovers, bookworm groundsman's daughter and then there are Daniel and Cam.
Cam always says the right thing and Daniel is always a butthole. It is Daniel though that makes her dream of him. The question is, are the dreams reality?
A very good book and I am looking forward to the second in the series, Torment.
She was having a normal date when the boy she was with burst into flames. Since she can't remember or explain what happened the school is the best option given to her by the court system.
The other students are a bit different to say the least. A punk girl, a southern belle, the nerdy boy, the two lovers, bookworm groundsman's daughter and then there are Daniel and Cam.
Cam always says the right thing and Daniel is always a butthole. It is Daniel though that makes her dream of him. The question is, are the dreams reality?
A very good book and I am looking forward to the second in the series, Torment.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Robin and The Kestrel
Mercedes Lackey continues her following of the Free Bards, wandering musicians that are closely aligned with gypsies within the twenty kingdom.
Robin and Kestrel have married, have a fine new wagon with excellent mares and are ready to travel the road. Strife finds them almost immediately though, a compromised axle forcing a stay of several days within a permenant gypsy camp where they hear disturbing rumors.
Non-humans are no longer welcome within the kingdom, Free Bards find their usual places taken by the official bards as The Church is preaching against anything that might be construed as enjoyable. Further travel finds the root of the evil in Westhaven.
Limited character development but an excellent essay on how when one small freedom is given up for the "good" of all it leads to more and more limitations within society. I found it to be a thought provoking novel disguised as a fantasy.
Robin and Kestrel have married, have a fine new wagon with excellent mares and are ready to travel the road. Strife finds them almost immediately though, a compromised axle forcing a stay of several days within a permenant gypsy camp where they hear disturbing rumors.
Non-humans are no longer welcome within the kingdom, Free Bards find their usual places taken by the official bards as The Church is preaching against anything that might be construed as enjoyable. Further travel finds the root of the evil in Westhaven.
Limited character development but an excellent essay on how when one small freedom is given up for the "good" of all it leads to more and more limitations within society. I found it to be a thought provoking novel disguised as a fantasy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Awesome book! Some twist had been hinted at throughout the series but others were unexpected. The characters develop and grow with events, some of which are sad which is as it should be.
Simon takes some huge strides in accepting his life, of course being locked in a dungeon will either give you time for reflection or drive you crazy. The prisioner in the next cell does give him many points to ponder.
Clary has to stop and think, controlling her impulses is a new state of being for her and she is not always sure she likes it.
I came to like Jace more with every passing page. He has so many things to deal with, emotionally, physically and socially and does it with his usual style.
To say more might give away to many details so I will stop at this point except to say I am looking forward to the next installment which appears next month.
Simon takes some huge strides in accepting his life, of course being locked in a dungeon will either give you time for reflection or drive you crazy. The prisioner in the next cell does give him many points to ponder.
Clary has to stop and think, controlling her impulses is a new state of being for her and she is not always sure she likes it.
I came to like Jace more with every passing page. He has so many things to deal with, emotionally, physically and socially and does it with his usual style.
To say more might give away to many details so I will stop at this point except to say I am looking forward to the next installment which appears next month.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Georgia is The "Peach State" by Bruce Larkin
Georgia is the "Peach State" by Bruce Larkin is a concise summary of the state of
Georgia. Each page has a large, colorful photograph of the main idea of that page.
Facts are presented in a simple manner that are easy to understand and remember.
Facts that were not mentioned but which are common for bits of knowledge about
Georgia is that is is the largest state east of the Mississippi River and the
production of Vidalia onions known for their sweet taste.
Overall this book gives good information, has an appropriate reading level, 2nd grade, and neat
divisions of information.
For older grades it would make an excellent example of an informational package.
Georgia. Each page has a large, colorful photograph of the main idea of that page.
Facts are presented in a simple manner that are easy to understand and remember.
Facts that were not mentioned but which are common for bits of knowledge about
Georgia is that is is the largest state east of the Mississippi River and the
production of Vidalia onions known for their sweet taste.
Overall this book gives good information, has an appropriate reading level, 2nd grade, and neat
divisions of information.
For older grades it would make an excellent example of an informational package.
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Moment in Time by Melba Hamm
This book begins with a suspensful first page and continues to draw the reader into the story all the way to the end. There are several twist and turns with just the right blend of the occult to keep you on the edge of your seat. There is even romance for the reader that enjoys that. I have read it twice and it was better the second time than the first, not something that can be said for many books.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sucks To Be Me: The All True Confessions of Mina Hamilton Teen Vampire (maybe)
Mina has a life changing or is that death changing decision to make. This comes on top of deciding what to wear, the cute boy in her class, who will she go to prom with, and dealing with her weird uncle.
Kimberly Pauley gives a fun twist to the popular vampire genre. Written in the format of a diary with snide little comments thrown in here and there it is an enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next.
Besides being a fun read written in a quirky manner Sucks to be Me goes hand in hand with the major decisions that high school student make every year. Who they date, grades, what to major in at the college they choose, all are life changing decisions.
This would be an excellent book to use in a classroom in middle or high school. With so many possible scenarios of decision making it would get students thinking about what they do today and how it affects the future.
Kimberly Pauley gives a fun twist to the popular vampire genre. Written in the format of a diary with snide little comments thrown in here and there it is an enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next.
Besides being a fun read written in a quirky manner Sucks to be Me goes hand in hand with the major decisions that high school student make every year. Who they date, grades, what to major in at the college they choose, all are life changing decisions.
This would be an excellent book to use in a classroom in middle or high school. With so many possible scenarios of decision making it would get students thinking about what they do today and how it affects the future.
Foundation (Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles Book 1 by Mercedes Lackey
For fans of Valdemar, lovers of Companions and ones that dream of being Chosen this story line might make you think twice about your desires. Even though we always like to think that he ones in charge know what they are doing life does not work that way and even creatures such as Companions and their Chosen do make mistakes.
I really enjoyed this book with a different time setting and characters I did not know. Mags takes ignorance of the world and gains a completely new outlook. I especially enjoyed the problems that were being faced in Haven with the numbers of new Chosen coming to the city. Everything in Valdemar is not always joy and happiness.
Book Two Intrigues picks up where Foundation leaves off so there is more to the story of Mags and Dallen.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Mare in the Meadow
This is an Animal Ark book, 4th grade reading level, a nice chapter book for the reader moving up to that level.
Set around a vet clinic in England the main focus is the problem of how to get someone to ride a horse for a lady in the neighboring community. There is also a new nurse in the office, a lost bunny and a girl that watches them ride but will not admit that she loves horses.
Characters are not developed very much and the writing is average but the focus of the Animal Ark series seems to be about getting children to read and enjoy it more than anything else.
Set around a vet clinic in England the main focus is the problem of how to get someone to ride a horse for a lady in the neighboring community. There is also a new nurse in the office, a lost bunny and a girl that watches them ride but will not admit that she loves horses.
Characters are not developed very much and the writing is average but the focus of the Animal Ark series seems to be about getting children to read and enjoy it more than anything else.
The Wednesday Wars
Holling Hoodhood, yes that is his name, is the only Presbyterian in a class full of Catholics and Jews. You may wonder why that is important with good cause. No, he is not pushed aside or made fun of, he is left alone on Wednesday afternoons while all of his classmates go to religious classes.
His teacher, Mrs. Baker decides that he can only do so much cleaning so they begin to read Shakespeare to expand his mind. In the meantime there are escaped rats, Holling in tights with feathers on his butt, crosscountry practice, more rats, a girl, problems at home, and adventures with the Yankees.
I loved this book. It is very well written, deals with things I would have never thought of due to location and time period and has just enough humor to make you smile every other page.
His teacher, Mrs. Baker decides that he can only do so much cleaning so they begin to read Shakespeare to expand his mind. In the meantime there are escaped rats, Holling in tights with feathers on his butt, crosscountry practice, more rats, a girl, problems at home, and adventures with the Yankees.
I loved this book. It is very well written, deals with things I would have never thought of due to location and time period and has just enough humor to make you smile every other page.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Blackveil by Kristan Britain
Karigan G'ladheaon is sent off to give messages to her father and time for a brief visit home. While there she discovers much more about her family than she had previously known. She is also given a message from an ancient Elt which she then "forgets" until the proper time.
The Elt's are going into Blackveil and King Zachary must send representatives with them if he wants to gather any information. Karigan is chosen due to her experiences in Blackveil and her special ablilites.
There are lots of twist and turns in the book, several story lines and an unsatisfactory ending. In the end little is wrapped up and you are left expecting much more.
Hopefully Miss Britain is already at work on the next installment and will not take four years to send out her next work.
The Elt's are going into Blackveil and King Zachary must send representatives with them if he wants to gather any information. Karigan is chosen due to her experiences in Blackveil and her special ablilites.
There are lots of twist and turns in the book, several story lines and an unsatisfactory ending. In the end little is wrapped up and you are left expecting much more.
Hopefully Miss Britain is already at work on the next installment and will not take four years to send out her next work.
Book Reviews
Reading a good book is fine and wonderful but it is even better to discuss what has been read. The best books make you think and analyze why characters followed the paths that brought them to the conclusion. On occasion they will make you want to hit them with a stick for being foolish or laugh until tears come to your eyes at their antics.
A really good story will have you dreaming of that world when you close your eyes at night and when you travel into the story you like you have arrived at a well known friend's home.
A really good story will have you dreaming of that world when you close your eyes at night and when you travel into the story you like you have arrived at a well known friend's home.
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