Tsar by Ted Bell
I borrowed this book from Jesse, and embarassingly enough, this book is about a million times better traveled than I am. This book just got back from Bora Bora.
But anyway, this was a good book. I think it is set slightly in the future (not the immediate present because the world leaders are different, but still alive). It is about spies and Russia and cool slightly futuristic technology like giant zepplins and brain computers. It was a pretty long book but I managed to read it in two days, the farther along I got in the book the better it got. I liked the main character (a spy) because he was awesome, but realistic, not like James Bond, but a little like James Bond. I also really liked the secondary characters, and there were a lot. I did not however like the FMC at all. I thought she was weird and weak and her motives were questionable - there wasn't enough explination. Also this book had Navy SEALs, which you know I love.
My two favorite parts were my favorites for totally different reasons. First, I liked that the MMC had a fire pole in his bedroom that went down into a lagoon under his bedroom (he lived in Bermuda) That just seems so awesome - jump out of bed and slide into the ocean!
Second was a really disturbing and gross part about this crazy prison in Russia purposely built on a nuclear waste site so everyone got horribly sick from radiation poisioning (unless they died from being impaled first - eewww). But the cool part was that former Russian President Putin was imprisioned there and had a secret lead lined room in his cell. That is pretty stinking cool.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
No. 132: Springwater Wedding
Springwater Wedding by Linda Lael Miller
So technically, since this is a contemporary book, and not post-civil war, I did read something different than usual. Although it is still set in the same town as all the other Springwater books, so it is really not that different. But I found it in my library pile and it was almost due back and I think (hope) that it is the last un-read Springwater book.
But it wasn't very good - I prefer the historical westerns to the contemporary ones. This book had too many cliches, and my cliche tolerance level is pretty high. I did like the sherriff whose name was Purvis (good name) and his relationship with Nell and his mother. The rest of it was so-so. I really am going to read something totally different now. Probably.
So technically, since this is a contemporary book, and not post-civil war, I did read something different than usual. Although it is still set in the same town as all the other Springwater books, so it is really not that different. But I found it in my library pile and it was almost due back and I think (hope) that it is the last un-read Springwater book.
But it wasn't very good - I prefer the historical westerns to the contemporary ones. This book had too many cliches, and my cliche tolerance level is pretty high. I did like the sherriff whose name was Purvis (good name) and his relationship with Nell and his mother. The rest of it was so-so. I really am going to read something totally different now. Probably.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
No. 131: Caroline and the Raider
Caroline and the Raider by Linda Lael Miller
So, it turns out I checked out about a million Linda Lael Miller books from the library. I am not sure why, I am kind of sick of them, but if I have a book that I have not read, I am compelled to read it. This particular book had a pretty good plot, a little different - the FMC and MMC were both initially promised to other peole, and they were trying hard not to like each other (for awhile) and then it kind of went downhill. All of the "romance" parts were horrible!!! The dialogue and descriptions were just ridiculous. I could not stop rolling my eyes, and on several occasions I actually snorted out loud. Which was kind of embarassing when I was reading it at work during lunch. Peole kept looking in my office like they were concerned about me.
So, I think it is time for a break from the old west post-civil war Linda Lael Miller books. They are all sounding the same and kind of annoying.
So, it turns out I checked out about a million Linda Lael Miller books from the library. I am not sure why, I am kind of sick of them, but if I have a book that I have not read, I am compelled to read it. This particular book had a pretty good plot, a little different - the FMC and MMC were both initially promised to other peole, and they were trying hard not to like each other (for awhile) and then it kind of went downhill. All of the "romance" parts were horrible!!! The dialogue and descriptions were just ridiculous. I could not stop rolling my eyes, and on several occasions I actually snorted out loud. Which was kind of embarassing when I was reading it at work during lunch. Peole kept looking in my office like they were concerned about me.
So, I think it is time for a break from the old west post-civil war Linda Lael Miller books. They are all sounding the same and kind of annoying.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
No. 130: Springwater
Springwater by Linda Lael Miller
I basically read this entire series backwards, starting with the newest release and only now, after reading the rest of the series, did I read the first one. Even though I had it all along in my massive pile of books from the library.
But you know what, I think this might be the best of the lot. It was a much better story, I actually really liked the FMC and the MMC. There were great secondary characters, especially the daughter who was totally hysterical. She is supposed to be 6 but kept saying things like - "he is spectacular" so I plan on teaching Ella the appropriate use of the word spectacular first thing in the morning. This book also had a different sort of plot that was very compelling - they reluctantly fall in love, confess it to each other, don't do much about it except for one kiss, but are prepared to go their seperate ways. Kind of interesting. Of course, since it is a romance novel, they live happily ever after :)
I think there is supposed to be another one in this series coming out at Christmas, I am sure I will read it.
I basically read this entire series backwards, starting with the newest release and only now, after reading the rest of the series, did I read the first one. Even though I had it all along in my massive pile of books from the library.
But you know what, I think this might be the best of the lot. It was a much better story, I actually really liked the FMC and the MMC. There were great secondary characters, especially the daughter who was totally hysterical. She is supposed to be 6 but kept saying things like - "he is spectacular" so I plan on teaching Ella the appropriate use of the word spectacular first thing in the morning. This book also had a different sort of plot that was very compelling - they reluctantly fall in love, confess it to each other, don't do much about it except for one kiss, but are prepared to go their seperate ways. Kind of interesting. Of course, since it is a romance novel, they live happily ever after :)
I think there is supposed to be another one in this series coming out at Christmas, I am sure I will read it.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
No. 129: Twilight (3)
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Forget the 5 new books that I bought and the 15 or so library books that are waiting in a pile in the living room for me to read, I had a bad day so I decided to re-read Twilight. And you know what, it was just as good the third time as it was the first. This time however, I had recently read the released part of Midnight Sun (Twilight from Edwards perspective) so for about half the book, while I was reading Bella's POV, I could think about and remember Edwards. And since Edward is by far the best thing about the series, it was awesome. Now I want to re-read Midnight Sun, and then probably re-read Twilight again before the movie comes out next month. It is a never ending cycle I guess. But really, I have never read a book before that I have thought about so much once I was done reading. I read this book for the first time in the beginning of July - almost 4 months ago - and I still think about it all the time. I think that is a sign of a great book. Even if it is an embarassing teenage vampire romance :)
Forget the 5 new books that I bought and the 15 or so library books that are waiting in a pile in the living room for me to read, I had a bad day so I decided to re-read Twilight. And you know what, it was just as good the third time as it was the first. This time however, I had recently read the released part of Midnight Sun (Twilight from Edwards perspective) so for about half the book, while I was reading Bella's POV, I could think about and remember Edwards. And since Edward is by far the best thing about the series, it was awesome. Now I want to re-read Midnight Sun, and then probably re-read Twilight again before the movie comes out next month. It is a never ending cycle I guess. But really, I have never read a book before that I have thought about so much once I was done reading. I read this book for the first time in the beginning of July - almost 4 months ago - and I still think about it all the time. I think that is a sign of a great book. Even if it is an embarassing teenage vampire romance :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
No. 128: Springwater Seasons - Jessica
Jessica by Linda Lael Miller
This was my least favorite of the four. I hate it when a misunderstanding makes the characters act so unreasonably! So annoying! So the FMC was super irritating. The MMC was not much better because he apparently fell in love with her even though she claimed to hate him. The other part I hated was that she had twin new babies that she was going to raise after her brother and sister-in-law died but the vast majority of the story happened when someone else was dealing with the babies. Like she left and was gone for several days, then got back and then got married right away and went on a honeymoon. All with no babies. That is irritating. So this was the worst, but reading them all in a row wasn't too bad because I got a lot of follow up on the previous characters.
This was my least favorite of the four. I hate it when a misunderstanding makes the characters act so unreasonably! So annoying! So the FMC was super irritating. The MMC was not much better because he apparently fell in love with her even though she claimed to hate him. The other part I hated was that she had twin new babies that she was going to raise after her brother and sister-in-law died but the vast majority of the story happened when someone else was dealing with the babies. Like she left and was gone for several days, then got back and then got married right away and went on a honeymoon. All with no babies. That is irritating. So this was the worst, but reading them all in a row wasn't too bad because I got a lot of follow up on the previous characters.
No. 127: Springwater Seasons - Miranda
Miranda by Linda Lael Miller
So this one was a little funnier than the first two. The MMC and FMC got married in the first chapter, which was a big difference. I thought this book would have been better if it was longer too. I liked the FMC better in this one, because I had a whole previous book to get to know her, and I was happy that she ended up with a happy story. With these short books I don't think there is enough character development. But since all the stories go together, you get a little follow up in the subsequent books, so that is good.
So this one was a little funnier than the first two. The MMC and FMC got married in the first chapter, which was a big difference. I thought this book would have been better if it was longer too. I liked the FMC better in this one, because I had a whole previous book to get to know her, and I was happy that she ended up with a happy story. With these short books I don't think there is enough character development. But since all the stories go together, you get a little follow up in the subsequent books, so that is good.
No. 126: Springwater Seasons - Savannah
Savannah by Linda Lael Miller
I didn't like this one as much as the first, although I liked the MMC. The whole I'm-a-saloon-girl-no-respectable-woman-would-talk-to-me thing is kind of annoying especially when it turns out to be no big deal. So not that great. Also, the MMC was a little too angsty without enough background. So what, exactly, about being a surgeon during the civil war made you want to drink yourself to death? I need more information Doctor.
I didn't like this one as much as the first, although I liked the MMC. The whole I'm-a-saloon-girl-no-respectable-woman-would-talk-to-me thing is kind of annoying especially when it turns out to be no big deal. So not that great. Also, the MMC was a little too angsty without enough background. So what, exactly, about being a surgeon during the civil war made you want to drink yourself to death? I need more information Doctor.
No. 125: Springwater Seasons: Rachael
Rachael by Linda Lael Miller
This is the first of four Springwater Seasons books (there are a couple more in the series too) they are all really really short quick reads.
I liked this one because even though the FMC was a little irritating (for some reason old West school teachers often are) the MMC was pretty funny. I did like when Rachael went around to meet her new students, and I particularly enjoyed when she went for tea with the MMC and his daughter.
This is the first of four Springwater Seasons books (there are a couple more in the series too) they are all really really short quick reads.
I liked this one because even though the FMC was a little irritating (for some reason old West school teachers often are) the MMC was pretty funny. I did like when Rachael went around to meet her new students, and I particularly enjoyed when she went for tea with the MMC and his daughter.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
No. 124: The Serpent Garden
The Serpent Garden by Judith Merkle Riley
This is another book that was recommended on the blog of author Stephanie Meyer. I didn't like it quite as much as her previous recommendation (The Hunger Games) but this was a really interesting book to read. It was set in England and later France during the early reign of Henry the VIII.
Which, in an unrelated note, everytime I read his name I start singing the Herman's Hermits song Henry the VIII. You know what I mean:
"I'm Enery the 8th I am, Enery the 8th I am I am. I got married to the widow next door, she's been married seven times before and every one was an Enery - Enery! She wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam - No Sam! I'm her 8th old man I'm Enery, Enery the 8th I am!"
But it was good - a little mystery, political ingrigue, some religous stuff (a demon and some angels), a lot of interesting stuff about painting because the main character was a painter - very interesting. They actually called her a paintrix which is a cool word. There were also some funny lines from a book the FMC reads called "The Good Wyfe's Book of Manners" which is advice on how to be a good wife. I think my favorite is "Love of novelty and amusement is a bad thing in a woman, for it leads her from her duty." I think this might be true because I have 100 craft projects going on and a very messy house :) Or at least it was messy until Aaron cleaned it!!!
I think I am going to lend this one to my Mom and Dad and see if they like it too.
This is another book that was recommended on the blog of author Stephanie Meyer. I didn't like it quite as much as her previous recommendation (The Hunger Games) but this was a really interesting book to read. It was set in England and later France during the early reign of Henry the VIII.
Which, in an unrelated note, everytime I read his name I start singing the Herman's Hermits song Henry the VIII. You know what I mean:
"I'm Enery the 8th I am, Enery the 8th I am I am. I got married to the widow next door, she's been married seven times before and every one was an Enery - Enery! She wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam - No Sam! I'm her 8th old man I'm Enery, Enery the 8th I am!"
But it was good - a little mystery, political ingrigue, some religous stuff (a demon and some angels), a lot of interesting stuff about painting because the main character was a painter - very interesting. They actually called her a paintrix which is a cool word. There were also some funny lines from a book the FMC reads called "The Good Wyfe's Book of Manners" which is advice on how to be a good wife. I think my favorite is "Love of novelty and amusement is a bad thing in a woman, for it leads her from her duty." I think this might be true because I have 100 craft projects going on and a very messy house :) Or at least it was messy until Aaron cleaned it!!!
I think I am going to lend this one to my Mom and Dad and see if they like it too.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
No. 123: Rustler
Rustler by Linda Lael Miller
This is the third (I think) book in the Stone Creek series. It was pretty good, plot wise, but there were some lines that made me either laugh out loud (in shock) or say something (like holy cow) and blush. So, that was interesting. In this series all the characters have something in their past that they are trying to hide - criminal background, illegitimate child etc. So a lot of the book is each character trying to hide their secrets or else turn their lives around, which is fine, but I think I prefer a little more action. The one part I really liked is where Wyatt (clearly this is set in the West, post-civil war) was the deputy sheriff and he convinced a bunch of bad guys to turn over their guns because of a town ordinance (that he just made up) and locked up all the guns in the jail. Then later, when they wanted their guns back they tried to break into the jail using dynamite but they blew up the jail and their guns. That was pretty funny. Also when Wyatt sent a telegraph to his brother, the real sheriff, he said something like. "Jailhouse blew up. Nothing left of it. Which is also pretty funny.
This is the third (I think) book in the Stone Creek series. It was pretty good, plot wise, but there were some lines that made me either laugh out loud (in shock) or say something (like holy cow) and blush. So, that was interesting. In this series all the characters have something in their past that they are trying to hide - criminal background, illegitimate child etc. So a lot of the book is each character trying to hide their secrets or else turn their lives around, which is fine, but I think I prefer a little more action. The one part I really liked is where Wyatt (clearly this is set in the West, post-civil war) was the deputy sheriff and he convinced a bunch of bad guys to turn over their guns because of a town ordinance (that he just made up) and locked up all the guns in the jail. Then later, when they wanted their guns back they tried to break into the jail using dynamite but they blew up the jail and their guns. That was pretty funny. Also when Wyatt sent a telegraph to his brother, the real sheriff, he said something like. "Jailhouse blew up. Nothing left of it. Which is also pretty funny.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
No. 122: Darkfever
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
I finally got around to reading the first book in this series. It was as good as the other two. It was nice to get a little back story (not actually back story but beginning story really) particularly the message from her sister, and more about recurring characters. I definitely like this series. I hope that she hurries up and writes more!
I finally got around to reading the first book in this series. It was as good as the other two. It was nice to get a little back story (not actually back story but beginning story really) particularly the message from her sister, and more about recurring characters. I definitely like this series. I hope that she hurries up and writes more!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
No. 121: Pirate
Pirate by Linda Lael Miller
I have read this book like 7 or 8 times. Not on purpose, but I forget that I have read it, and when I read the cover I think "time travel! pirates! sounds good" So I get it and then after a chapter or two I remember that I have already read it. But by that point it is too late and I have to finish. It is a pretty good book, but better the first time for sure.
I have read this book like 7 or 8 times. Not on purpose, but I forget that I have read it, and when I read the cover I think "time travel! pirates! sounds good" So I get it and then after a chapter or two I remember that I have already read it. But by that point it is too late and I have to finish. It is a pretty good book, but better the first time for sure.
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