Until Forever by Johanna Lindsey
This was another bookshelf find. Although this time I was tricked into thinking that it was a book I had not read before. You would think that I would remember time travel, a viking, a cursed sword and William the Bastard. But I didn't remember it until I was a couple of chapters in. But since my memory is so tragically bad, even though I eventually recalled the book, I didn't remember the plot or the ending so it wasn't too bad.
I liked this book, I thought the way the author approached time travel was interesting, and the way she showed how changes in the past impacted the future was unique for a romance novel. Most of the time they just mess around in the past and don't care about the future. I actually prefer it that way, but I thought that this was an interesting alternative.
I also liked the ending. And I like the name Thornton 1 million times more than Thorn. But that is not saying much. I have come to discover how much the name of the MMC impacts my feelings about him. I never thought it really mattered before. Kind of weird, but interesting to note.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
No. 43: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
I needed a book to read at work today, and this was FREE from Amazon and I had never read it before so I decided to give it a try. It was fairly short and very very easy to read. It was similar to the movie but there were a lot more differences than I would have expected. I have seen the movie countless times so whenever the book differed (or I guess technically whenever the movie differed from the book) it threw me off. Some of the classic parts of the movie were not included in the book - Glinda didn't show up until the end (and her dress was white not pink) the ruby slippers were not ruby but silver, she didn't wake up at home in bed and say "you were there, and you were there!" Not a single tree threw a single apple. There were many more encounters with different types of people/animals/creatures in the book. And most shockingly perhaps, there were no representatives of the lollipop guild to be found!!! I was also surprised to see how little description there was in the book, it was much less vivid than I would have expected. Whomever transformed this book into the movie is a genius. I did save one favorite line:
"it is worth a lot of bother to be able to think properly"
I needed a book to read at work today, and this was FREE from Amazon and I had never read it before so I decided to give it a try. It was fairly short and very very easy to read. It was similar to the movie but there were a lot more differences than I would have expected. I have seen the movie countless times so whenever the book differed (or I guess technically whenever the movie differed from the book) it threw me off. Some of the classic parts of the movie were not included in the book - Glinda didn't show up until the end (and her dress was white not pink) the ruby slippers were not ruby but silver, she didn't wake up at home in bed and say "you were there, and you were there!" Not a single tree threw a single apple. There were many more encounters with different types of people/animals/creatures in the book. And most shockingly perhaps, there were no representatives of the lollipop guild to be found!!! I was also surprised to see how little description there was in the book, it was much less vivid than I would have expected. Whomever transformed this book into the movie is a genius. I did save one favorite line:
"it is worth a lot of bother to be able to think properly"
No. 42: The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever
The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
I grabbed this book of my bookshelf when I was organizing my shelves (which I find very satisfying) because I thought that it was one of my favorites. But it is not really. I liked it, but I didn't love it as much as I thought. The heroine was funny and interesting - although she got a little weird at the end. But the hero was too "damaged by a tragic past and now is afraid of love" for my tastes. Don't get me wrong, I love a damaged hero as much as the next person. Maybe more. But this was too much.
Edited to add: I looked back at my post from the first time I read this book and I said almost the exact same thing. At least I am consistent!
I grabbed this book of my bookshelf when I was organizing my shelves (which I find very satisfying) because I thought that it was one of my favorites. But it is not really. I liked it, but I didn't love it as much as I thought. The heroine was funny and interesting - although she got a little weird at the end. But the hero was too "damaged by a tragic past and now is afraid of love" for my tastes. Don't get me wrong, I love a damaged hero as much as the next person. Maybe more. But this was too much.
Edited to add: I looked back at my post from the first time I read this book and I said almost the exact same thing. At least I am consistent!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
No 41: The Cinderella Deal
The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Cruise
I don't know what it is with this author. Sometimes I love her books and sometimes I am kind of ambivalent. For this one I am ambivalent leaning towards "eh, it was okay, I kind of liked it." I don't really know how I feel. The FMC was quirky - and at first it was annoying, but she kind of grew on me by the end. Same with the MMC. Annoying at first, then increasingly okay until the end when I actually liked him. The secondary characters were either overly quirky (ex: Chickie) or unmemorable (ex: the best friend) or annoying (the Dad and step-family) I was interested in her paintings - the Lizzie Borden one sounded kind of awesome.
All in all it was fine. With some good parts and some irritating parts. But not bad for reading during lunch :)
I don't know what it is with this author. Sometimes I love her books and sometimes I am kind of ambivalent. For this one I am ambivalent leaning towards "eh, it was okay, I kind of liked it." I don't really know how I feel. The FMC was quirky - and at first it was annoying, but she kind of grew on me by the end. Same with the MMC. Annoying at first, then increasingly okay until the end when I actually liked him. The secondary characters were either overly quirky (ex: Chickie) or unmemorable (ex: the best friend) or annoying (the Dad and step-family) I was interested in her paintings - the Lizzie Borden one sounded kind of awesome.
All in all it was fine. With some good parts and some irritating parts. But not bad for reading during lunch :)
No. 40: Fantasy in Death
Fantasy in Death by JD Robb
This is the 30th or thereabouts book in the In Death series and I think the series is feeling its age. I couldn't really get into this book. I like a good serial killer in this series, not a future technology mystery. There was hardly any Rorke to speak of - which is a real tragedy. And not enough Peabody, also a tragedy because she is funny and I don't really care for Eve that much. After all these years she is getting on my nerves :)
Obviously I will continue to read this series as long as new books are printed, but I think Nora needs to up her game to make the series more interesting. Although I honestly don't know what she is going to do for a murder, I think this one was pushing it. I will be interested to see what she comes up with next.
Also, I did buy this book too. Oops again.
This is the 30th or thereabouts book in the In Death series and I think the series is feeling its age. I couldn't really get into this book. I like a good serial killer in this series, not a future technology mystery. There was hardly any Rorke to speak of - which is a real tragedy. And not enough Peabody, also a tragedy because she is funny and I don't really care for Eve that much. After all these years she is getting on my nerves :)
Obviously I will continue to read this series as long as new books are printed, but I think Nora needs to up her game to make the series more interesting. Although I honestly don't know what she is going to do for a murder, I think this one was pushing it. I will be interested to see what she comes up with next.
Also, I did buy this book too. Oops again.
No. 39: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
This is by the same author as the Scarlett Series (which I loved) but I didn't love this one quite as much. My primary concern was that the main character was 17 and yet her parents let her go off to Europe, unescorted, with no idea of where she would be staying or what she would be doing. Have these parents never seen Taken? Are they insane? Maybe I am crazy, but I would never let my girls go to Europe alone before they graduate high school. Never.
But, that aside, I still didn't love it as much as other books by this author. I liked it, it was funny and interesting and it made me want to go to Europe. But I didn't love it. I thought the last envelope was a total let down, I thought the Aunt was a flake, I thought the love interest was weird, and I cannot believe the FMC's parents let her run off like that!!!
Obviously I cannot get over it. I am going to read more books by this author. Even if I have to buy them. You may notice I did not mention the book spending freeze. I accidentally purchased this book. Oops.
This is by the same author as the Scarlett Series (which I loved) but I didn't love this one quite as much. My primary concern was that the main character was 17 and yet her parents let her go off to Europe, unescorted, with no idea of where she would be staying or what she would be doing. Have these parents never seen Taken? Are they insane? Maybe I am crazy, but I would never let my girls go to Europe alone before they graduate high school. Never.
But, that aside, I still didn't love it as much as other books by this author. I liked it, it was funny and interesting and it made me want to go to Europe. But I didn't love it. I thought the last envelope was a total let down, I thought the Aunt was a flake, I thought the love interest was weird, and I cannot believe the FMC's parents let her run off like that!!!
Obviously I cannot get over it. I am going to read more books by this author. Even if I have to buy them. You may notice I did not mention the book spending freeze. I accidentally purchased this book. Oops.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
No. 38: Shadow Music
Shadow Music by Julie Garwood
When I came home from work this afternoon everyone was taking a nap! I had to take advantage of a quiet house by curling up with a good book. It was very nice to read in peace. It would have been better if I could have read in bed, but there were people in it sleeping. Jerks.
Despite the sleeping jerks, I thought this was a good book. It was Julie Garwood's return to the Scottish highlands that I love so much. Although this was similar to a lot of her earlier books, it wasn't quite as good. I am not sure why though, it had a lot of the characteristics I enjoy - a likable FMC, a hunky Scottish laird (although his name is Colm which I am not sure how to pronounce so it was a little irritating) there were bad guys and treasure and many kidnapping attempts. And revenge, obviously. One thing I found a touch aggravating was that apparently the FMC is SO beautiful that two creepy older barons went to extremely great lengths (I am talking murder and plotting and lying to the king lengths) to have her. I cannot visualize a woman that gorgeous. But maybe she exists. Like a half-English Helen of Troy. Who knows.
Anyway, the book was good. I love Julie Garwood. She needs to write more books faster. Thank you.
When I came home from work this afternoon everyone was taking a nap! I had to take advantage of a quiet house by curling up with a good book. It was very nice to read in peace. It would have been better if I could have read in bed, but there were people in it sleeping. Jerks.
Despite the sleeping jerks, I thought this was a good book. It was Julie Garwood's return to the Scottish highlands that I love so much. Although this was similar to a lot of her earlier books, it wasn't quite as good. I am not sure why though, it had a lot of the characteristics I enjoy - a likable FMC, a hunky Scottish laird (although his name is Colm which I am not sure how to pronounce so it was a little irritating) there were bad guys and treasure and many kidnapping attempts. And revenge, obviously. One thing I found a touch aggravating was that apparently the FMC is SO beautiful that two creepy older barons went to extremely great lengths (I am talking murder and plotting and lying to the king lengths) to have her. I cannot visualize a woman that gorgeous. But maybe she exists. Like a half-English Helen of Troy. Who knows.
Anyway, the book was good. I love Julie Garwood. She needs to write more books faster. Thank you.
No. 37: It's In His Kiss
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Oh how I love the Bridgerton series!!! Whenever I need a guaranteed good book to read (because Amazon has failed me with its lousy free books selection and the stupid spending freeze is still on) I can turn to this series and know that it will be great! I needed a book because last night I went and took a bath in my parent's giant bathtub. My own bathtub is stupid and tiny - and there is almost nothing I love more than reading a book in the tub. As an added bonus, there is no potential for interruption by children because my children were home in bed!!!
I basically read the entire book in the bath and it was lovely. I can't save favorite lines in a real book as easily as I can on my sweet sweet Kindle, but I did manage to mark one:
"The two of you together are a menace" Penelope remarked.
"My aim in life," Lady Danbury announced, "is to be a menace to as great a number of people as possible, so I shall take that as the highest of compliments."
Lady Danbury is an excellent character and she is a recurring one to varying degrees throughout the whole series. Although this book is her best!
I have read this book many times and loved it every time. And written about it here. Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors, she strikes just the right balance between witty and funny and serious and emotional. And the characters are all likable, especially the MMCs who are all fabulously good looking and romantic despite themselves :)
Oh how I love the Bridgerton series!!! Whenever I need a guaranteed good book to read (because Amazon has failed me with its lousy free books selection and the stupid spending freeze is still on) I can turn to this series and know that it will be great! I needed a book because last night I went and took a bath in my parent's giant bathtub. My own bathtub is stupid and tiny - and there is almost nothing I love more than reading a book in the tub. As an added bonus, there is no potential for interruption by children because my children were home in bed!!!
I basically read the entire book in the bath and it was lovely. I can't save favorite lines in a real book as easily as I can on my sweet sweet Kindle, but I did manage to mark one:
"The two of you together are a menace" Penelope remarked.
"My aim in life," Lady Danbury announced, "is to be a menace to as great a number of people as possible, so I shall take that as the highest of compliments."
Lady Danbury is an excellent character and she is a recurring one to varying degrees throughout the whole series. Although this book is her best!
I have read this book many times and loved it every time. And written about it here. Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors, she strikes just the right balance between witty and funny and serious and emotional. And the characters are all likable, especially the MMCs who are all fabulously good looking and romantic despite themselves :)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
No. 36: Sushi for One?
Sushi for One? by Camy Tang
Yet another FREE book (the spending freeze lives on) and yet another "inspirational" or religious book. I have to admit I am not feeling the religious piece of these recent books. It seems very forced, like the author has to remind themselves "Oh wait! This is a religious romance - better throw something church-y in." And I have not found any of it inspirational. It is 95% complaining about church and 5% talking about the positive effects religion has had on the characters life. Very aggravating.
I found this book to be particularly irritating. Significantly with respect to the religion part, but I also did not like the FMC AT ALL. In fact, I wasn't overly fond of any of the characters, although the MMC Aiden wasn't overly terrible. The FMC though, she was extremely clumsy and accident prone for someone who is considered an athlete, she is whiny, cranky, constantly hurt or sick or about to throw up. She needed non-stop attention and care and then claimed to be independent and strong.
And she was kind of dumb. Yep, I said it. Not bright. I think she should have gotten therapy after her rape (8 years ago) I think she should have stood up to her crazy-evil-controlling Grandmother by telling her the truth and demanding that she stop putting her in uncomfortable situations with men. I think she should have stopped using her religion as a both a crutch and a shield. If she liked Aiden she should have tried to share her faith with him instead of deciding that she could never be with him because he wasn't a Christian. And then later when he decided to investigate his own faith he suddenly became acceptable.
So, clearly I found this book irritating :) I do not think I will read the rest of the series. And I think I am going to take a break from the religious themed romance/chick lit novels for awhile. At least until I can find one that does not make me crazily annoyed. I am sure there have to be some good ones out there. I know I have read them in the past. I will have to do some research.
Yet another FREE book (the spending freeze lives on) and yet another "inspirational" or religious book. I have to admit I am not feeling the religious piece of these recent books. It seems very forced, like the author has to remind themselves "Oh wait! This is a religious romance - better throw something church-y in." And I have not found any of it inspirational. It is 95% complaining about church and 5% talking about the positive effects religion has had on the characters life. Very aggravating.
I found this book to be particularly irritating. Significantly with respect to the religion part, but I also did not like the FMC AT ALL. In fact, I wasn't overly fond of any of the characters, although the MMC Aiden wasn't overly terrible. The FMC though, she was extremely clumsy and accident prone for someone who is considered an athlete, she is whiny, cranky, constantly hurt or sick or about to throw up. She needed non-stop attention and care and then claimed to be independent and strong.
And she was kind of dumb. Yep, I said it. Not bright. I think she should have gotten therapy after her rape (8 years ago) I think she should have stood up to her crazy-evil-controlling Grandmother by telling her the truth and demanding that she stop putting her in uncomfortable situations with men. I think she should have stopped using her religion as a both a crutch and a shield. If she liked Aiden she should have tried to share her faith with him instead of deciding that she could never be with him because he wasn't a Christian. And then later when he decided to investigate his own faith he suddenly became acceptable.
So, clearly I found this book irritating :) I do not think I will read the rest of the series. And I think I am going to take a break from the religious themed romance/chick lit novels for awhile. At least until I can find one that does not make me crazily annoyed. I am sure there have to be some good ones out there. I know I have read them in the past. I will have to do some research.
Monday, March 15, 2010
No. 35: Lord Carew's Bride
Lord Carew's Bride by Mary Balogh
This is the second reprinted book. It follows Dark Angel by a couple of years and features Samantha, the cousin of the FMC in Dark Angel. I have to say I didn't like this one as much. In a lot of the more traditional regencies one of the main characters has some kind of disability. In this one, it is the MMC - Hartley Wade who has a permanent disability following a horse riding fall as a child. It is not the disability itself that bothers me - it can be done very well (think Syndham Butler!) but in this book the MMC is not described as physically attractive to the FMC at all. Although I believe she admires his eyes. Otherwise she finds him kind of plain and ordinary looking. I am not ashamed to admit that I want my MMCs to be handsome. It makes the story more believable - even if they are only handsome to the FMC. She never once admits to finding him attractive, aside from his nice eyes. The other part I didn't care for was the fight. I think he should have just shot him in a duel and gotten it over with. But it wasn't that big of a deal. It is worth a read, but I preferred Dark Angel and I much prefer her newer books.
This is the second reprinted book. It follows Dark Angel by a couple of years and features Samantha, the cousin of the FMC in Dark Angel. I have to say I didn't like this one as much. In a lot of the more traditional regencies one of the main characters has some kind of disability. In this one, it is the MMC - Hartley Wade who has a permanent disability following a horse riding fall as a child. It is not the disability itself that bothers me - it can be done very well (think Syndham Butler!) but in this book the MMC is not described as physically attractive to the FMC at all. Although I believe she admires his eyes. Otherwise she finds him kind of plain and ordinary looking. I am not ashamed to admit that I want my MMCs to be handsome. It makes the story more believable - even if they are only handsome to the FMC. She never once admits to finding him attractive, aside from his nice eyes. The other part I didn't care for was the fight. I think he should have just shot him in a duel and gotten it over with. But it wasn't that big of a deal. It is worth a read, but I preferred Dark Angel and I much prefer her newer books.
No. 34: Dark Angel
Dark Angel by Mary Balogh
This is another older book reprinted into a two books in one series. I will confess that I bought this book too. Bad Holly. But I love Mary Balogh too. She is hard to resist.
Although, I was a little nervous because her older, more traditional regencies are not my favorite. I mean sometimes I kind of hate them. So I was nervous, but as it turned out, both of these were good!
In this book, the FMC is a pawn in a feud between two men - her fiancee of 5 years and a recently returned from exile rake who hates her fiancee. There is scandal (a couple of scandals actually) and fighting and a hasty marriage (I won't say to whom) and more fighting. I didn't really like Samantha, the FMC's cousin and I thought that part of the plot was annoying. But I suppose it did add more drama. If that is the sort of thing you like :)
This is another older book reprinted into a two books in one series. I will confess that I bought this book too. Bad Holly. But I love Mary Balogh too. She is hard to resist.
Although, I was a little nervous because her older, more traditional regencies are not my favorite. I mean sometimes I kind of hate them. So I was nervous, but as it turned out, both of these were good!
In this book, the FMC is a pawn in a feud between two men - her fiancee of 5 years and a recently returned from exile rake who hates her fiancee. There is scandal (a couple of scandals actually) and fighting and a hasty marriage (I won't say to whom) and more fighting. I didn't really like Samantha, the FMC's cousin and I thought that part of the plot was annoying. But I suppose it did add more drama. If that is the sort of thing you like :)
No. 33: A Man to Die For
A Man to Die For by Suzanne Brockmann
This is the other reprinted book in - Nowhere to Run. I didn't like this one quite as much as the first, but for no real reason. I actually really liked this one too (despite the even more jarring outdated clothing references) and I loved how they first meet - when he sticks her into a trunk. But my favorite part was when I realized that Felipe Salazar is Jim/Diego's partner from the first book! A series!!!
This book had more action than the first, more sneaking around and murders and shooting and a scary killer whale incident (which I think I would rather be shot than get in a tank with a killer whale, but that is just me. Death by shooting is preferable to death by being literally SCARED TO DEATH!!!)
Anyway, this one was good too, I am glad I broke my spending freeze to get it. I love Suzanne Brockmann.
This is the other reprinted book in - Nowhere to Run. I didn't like this one quite as much as the first, but for no real reason. I actually really liked this one too (despite the even more jarring outdated clothing references) and I loved how they first meet - when he sticks her into a trunk. But my favorite part was when I realized that Felipe Salazar is Jim/Diego's partner from the first book! A series!!!
This book had more action than the first, more sneaking around and murders and shooting and a scary killer whale incident (which I think I would rather be shot than get in a tank with a killer whale, but that is just me. Death by shooting is preferable to death by being literally SCARED TO DEATH!!!)
Anyway, this one was good too, I am glad I broke my spending freeze to get it. I love Suzanne Brockmann.
No. 32: Not Without Risk
Not Without Risk by Suzanne Brockmann
After much deliberation I have decided on a rule regarding multiple books republished into a single book. And here it is: if the books can be purchased separately (because they are independent novels) I will count them separately. If they are only available in a collection (for example a collection of novellas) I will count them as one book. So there you go!
This is one of two books republished in a single book entitled - Not Without Risk. Because Suzanne Brockmann is probably my favorite author, I decided to break my book spending ban and I bought it. In book form no less! I have all of her books and I like to see them lined up on my book shelf. In series order, because I am a little OCD that way :)
I liked this book. Her reissued books can be really hit or miss, but this was a winner. The FMC discovers that her boyfriend is running a drug smuggling operation. She immediately runs to the police as soon as she discovers this (which is brave and a little bit crazy) and they plan to put an officer undercover in her house, posing as her brother. Seems like a good plan. But then, the officer they are going to put undercover is none other than the man that broke her heard x number of years ago. So it is DRAMATIC! And they still love each other - but she is super pissed because he totally broke her heart. But he did it because of TRAGEDY and a misguided sense of unworthiness and guilt. And there is kidnapping and boats and shooting. All very exciting. The only downside were the references to clothing from decades past. Which is really only kind of funny and not actually a downside.
After much deliberation I have decided on a rule regarding multiple books republished into a single book. And here it is: if the books can be purchased separately (because they are independent novels) I will count them separately. If they are only available in a collection (for example a collection of novellas) I will count them as one book. So there you go!
This is one of two books republished in a single book entitled - Not Without Risk. Because Suzanne Brockmann is probably my favorite author, I decided to break my book spending ban and I bought it. In book form no less! I have all of her books and I like to see them lined up on my book shelf. In series order, because I am a little OCD that way :)
I liked this book. Her reissued books can be really hit or miss, but this was a winner. The FMC discovers that her boyfriend is running a drug smuggling operation. She immediately runs to the police as soon as she discovers this (which is brave and a little bit crazy) and they plan to put an officer undercover in her house, posing as her brother. Seems like a good plan. But then, the officer they are going to put undercover is none other than the man that broke her heard x number of years ago. So it is DRAMATIC! And they still love each other - but she is super pissed because he totally broke her heart. But he did it because of TRAGEDY and a misguided sense of unworthiness and guilt. And there is kidnapping and boats and shooting. All very exciting. The only downside were the references to clothing from decades past. Which is really only kind of funny and not actually a downside.
No. 31: Operation Sheba: Super Agent Series
Operation Sheba: Super Agent Series by Misty Evans
Another FREE book this one about the CIA and including the SEALs and FBI - a promising start I think! However, I didn't love the book as much as I wanted to. I think it was too long. Which is a complaint I have had lately and a surprising one because usually I complain that books are too short. But I thought this book should have wrapped things up a little sooner. The author kept throwing in unnecessary twists and scenes that made things kind of start to drag.
But I did like that the FMC was a field agent in the CIA and knew how to kick butt and shoot bad guys and blow things up. I liked the MMC - Conrad, and I liked Mike. I didn't like the resolution to that little love triangle (I think the note is a cop out!) but I thought the characters themselves were interesting. I also liked the death-faking part. Although I didn't love the FMC's reaction to it. I didn't hate it mind you, but I didn't love it.
I guess that is a good description for my feelings about this book. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I wanted to love it, but I just couldn't get there. But it is definitely worth a read if you like spy books. Which I do.
Another FREE book this one about the CIA and including the SEALs and FBI - a promising start I think! However, I didn't love the book as much as I wanted to. I think it was too long. Which is a complaint I have had lately and a surprising one because usually I complain that books are too short. But I thought this book should have wrapped things up a little sooner. The author kept throwing in unnecessary twists and scenes that made things kind of start to drag.
But I did like that the FMC was a field agent in the CIA and knew how to kick butt and shoot bad guys and blow things up. I liked the MMC - Conrad, and I liked Mike. I didn't like the resolution to that little love triangle (I think the note is a cop out!) but I thought the characters themselves were interesting. I also liked the death-faking part. Although I didn't love the FMC's reaction to it. I didn't hate it mind you, but I didn't love it.
I guess that is a good description for my feelings about this book. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I wanted to love it, but I just couldn't get there. But it is definitely worth a read if you like spy books. Which I do.
No. 30: Daring Chloe
Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker
This was another FREE book from Amazon. I am back on a free book kick because I used up the last of my gift cards (and money) buying the entire Percy Jackson series over 3 days. I have to say I was kind of disappointed by this book. The plot had promise, but the characters were irritating and the writing seemed very inconsistent. Apparently this is some kind of Christan chick-lit, but I didn't get much from the Christan point of view besides a few references to church (mostly avoiding church and complaining about it) a couple of bible verses and praying.
I had two main problems with the book. First was the characters. The author spent very little time describing the main characters (ex: Chloe, Tess and Becca) so that I could not get a clear picture of them in my mind. The primary description of Chloe, and the only one I can remember from the whole book is that Chloe has brown hair and glasses like Tina Fey. Becca likes birkenstocks and Tess is not as old as she seems. I like a more vivid picture of the primary characters than that. There was more description of some of the other characters - the women in the book club and Chloe's family - but not much. I kept getting the book club ladies mixed up in my mind and so I couldn't get that into their stories.
My second problem was the extreme variances in description. While there was a lot to be desired as far as character descriptions go, there were several paragraphs describing Chloe's apartment, several chapters describing Paris and the other destinations the book club's adventures took them and approximately 1 million references (both short and long) to the books the club read. Now, I won't lie, the Paris parts book made me want to see Paris desperately. But they didn't make me like the book any better. I though the book was too long and to broken up.
I am sure that I will not read the remainder of this series unless it is free too. And even then, I don't know if I have it in me.
This was another FREE book from Amazon. I am back on a free book kick because I used up the last of my gift cards (and money) buying the entire Percy Jackson series over 3 days. I have to say I was kind of disappointed by this book. The plot had promise, but the characters were irritating and the writing seemed very inconsistent. Apparently this is some kind of Christan chick-lit, but I didn't get much from the Christan point of view besides a few references to church (mostly avoiding church and complaining about it) a couple of bible verses and praying.
I had two main problems with the book. First was the characters. The author spent very little time describing the main characters (ex: Chloe, Tess and Becca) so that I could not get a clear picture of them in my mind. The primary description of Chloe, and the only one I can remember from the whole book is that Chloe has brown hair and glasses like Tina Fey. Becca likes birkenstocks and Tess is not as old as she seems. I like a more vivid picture of the primary characters than that. There was more description of some of the other characters - the women in the book club and Chloe's family - but not much. I kept getting the book club ladies mixed up in my mind and so I couldn't get that into their stories.
My second problem was the extreme variances in description. While there was a lot to be desired as far as character descriptions go, there were several paragraphs describing Chloe's apartment, several chapters describing Paris and the other destinations the book club's adventures took them and approximately 1 million references (both short and long) to the books the club read. Now, I won't lie, the Paris parts book made me want to see Paris desperately. But they didn't make me like the book any better. I though the book was too long and to broken up.
I am sure that I will not read the remainder of this series unless it is free too. And even then, I don't know if I have it in me.
No. 25 - 29: Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian
I read this series in about three days. It was good and the books seem kind of short and they were very quick reads. Because I read them so fast (and it was a couple of weeks ago) they all run together so I am going to do one review for the whole series.
Despite the many many similarities to Harry Potter, I thought the series was unique enough to be an interesting series and I didn't spend the whole time thinking "this is just like Harry Potter!" I only thought that when I was describing the series to someone else.
The main character is Percy Jackson, a kind of troubled kid who has been kicked out of every school he has been to and has a hard time learning because of ADHD and dyslexia. But, as it turns out, he is not an ordinary troubled kid, he is in fact the son of Poseidon! He discovers this when he makes his way to Camp Half Blood - a summer camp for other children of gods. Apparently the gods are very busy having half-mortal children all the time. The camp teaches them to fight monsters and try to stay alive.
The series follows Percy and his friends though several adventures and years at camp culminating in a final battle in Manhattan when the Titans (imprisoned by Zeus and the gods for thousands of years) have escaped and are seeking their revenge. I won't spoil it for you though :)
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian
I read this series in about three days. It was good and the books seem kind of short and they were very quick reads. Because I read them so fast (and it was a couple of weeks ago) they all run together so I am going to do one review for the whole series.
Despite the many many similarities to Harry Potter, I thought the series was unique enough to be an interesting series and I didn't spend the whole time thinking "this is just like Harry Potter!" I only thought that when I was describing the series to someone else.
The main character is Percy Jackson, a kind of troubled kid who has been kicked out of every school he has been to and has a hard time learning because of ADHD and dyslexia. But, as it turns out, he is not an ordinary troubled kid, he is in fact the son of Poseidon! He discovers this when he makes his way to Camp Half Blood - a summer camp for other children of gods. Apparently the gods are very busy having half-mortal children all the time. The camp teaches them to fight monsters and try to stay alive.
The series follows Percy and his friends though several adventures and years at camp culminating in a final battle in Manhattan when the Titans (imprisoned by Zeus and the gods for thousands of years) have escaped and are seeking their revenge. I won't spoil it for you though :)
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