Some Pretty Good Reads

There are a few books that I've read recently that are pretty good. My favorite thus far out of the set is The Mysterious Benedict Society.

This children's lit book is about four brilliant children who pass a series of tests to do some undercover spy work to save the world. It reminds me of Lemony Snicket's, A Series of Unfortunate Events, but not so depressing. LOVED it. There are 2 more out and I haven't read them yet but they are on hold at the library.

The next book, I liked quite a bit. Reminded me of Gail Carson Levine's works. It is called Amaranth Enchantment.

It tells of a girl called Lucinda whose parents left for a ball and never came back. She is orphaned and through a series of events, meets and dances with a prince and then tries to steal from him. It's fun.

The last one is a bit of a dark take on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. It is called A Curse Dark as Gold.

It is very losely based on the original story. There are an orphaned pair of sisters who own a mill that is cursed. The mill means everything and they are willing to sacrifice everything for it. It is more of a mystery, but has a dash of romance and magic.

Rachel Wins!

the random number generator came up with #5 - and you're it! I believe I have your current address - I'll email you to make sure. 

Sorry it took me so long to get around to this! 

k

Catching Fire

Catching Fire is out now, it is just as amazing at Collins' first book, and to celebrate this Bookclub's 100th post, we're having a giveaway!

This giveaway serves two purposes - okay really just one.  We haven't actually HAD bookclub for months now and I want to see if anyone actually reads this blog any more. 

SO. leave a comment (everyone is welcome) and next wednesday one lucky reader will get a copy of The Hunger Games AND Catching Fire!! 

that's right folks, one of each!  now we'll see if anyone comes by in the next five days...

Nurtureshock

this looks very interesting, and after reading a few reviews I am extremely curious about what the book has to say/discuss about children and parenting.  I don't think I'll ever be able to say, "Don't argue with me!" again without a twinge to my conscience.  darn. 

Aurelia

so, it was okay.  i suppose the problem was less that the book wasn't stellar (though it wasn't. readable yes, enjoyable sure, stellar no) and more that I just finished reading Fire, by Kristin Chashore.  (dh snagged me an early copy at comic con) Fire was very good. I liked it better than Graceling and am impressed with her writing style. 

I have them both if persons of the local variety need summer reading.  :)

The Princess and the Bear

I read another book by Mette Ivie Harrison last year, titled The Princess and the Hound which my younger sister liked but I couldn't get into. The Princess and the Bear is loosely its sequel. The book was more likeable I thought but I still have a hard time getting into her writing style. If you read the first one and liked it you are probably going to love this one. 

New Books Out

I didn't even realize it but Being Nikki is out already! I'm glad, because Airhead ended at a fully non-ending-optional point and it was very frustrating. Hopefully we get some real development and action in this one - as the first felt like a lot of set up and then AN END! gah!  

So I've ordered it, and will allow it to be borrowed, naturally.

Also, Bloodhound is out and has been read by Craig (who liked it but not nearly as much as Terrier) and Hannah (who liked it more than Craig but also said it's not as good as Terrier). 

I also have this book available for borrowing. After I finish it....   :)

Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Brandon Mull has done it again. Fablehaven #4 is even better than the last one!  Craig devoured the book in a few days and then I read the whole thing one day while he took the kids to Disneyland.... 

Book 5 will be the last one and comes out next year.  I'll try to stand the wait.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book is absolutely page turning. Think of it as the show Survivor, but lethal. Instead of getting voted off the show, you die. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. Downside is the sequel isn't due to be released till September 2009.

Also, Suzanne Collins' series Underland Chronicles are pretty good. The first one is called Gregor the Overlander.

Absolutely loved it!

Review and a Warning

well, oops. 

Wildwood Dancing was pretty good. Slow-ish and much "the world is on my shoulders" of the main character, in true Juliet Marillier style. And I could have used a bit more in the love story department, but there managed to be TWO love stories so can I really complain? It was well written and the plot's pretty good. 

However, despite being promoted along with the most recent Princess Diaries book, Ransom My Heart is NOT rated for youth. Or most discerning adults. It turned out to be a full-fledged, hard core, smut book. 

Not that I'm trying to condemn those who like such things - I just know that you fair readers are not that type, and so the warning. You dunna wanna read it, girls. It'll make your toes curl. And your cheeks burn. 

Things to Look Forward to

Wildwood Dancing is the first YA novel written by Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters fantasy books that came out about 5 years ago, set in old, old Ireland. Those were good, but a bit deep and sometimes depressing. This one is based on the tale of the 12 dancing princesses. Haven't read it yet, but it's out and at the library and there's already a sequel.  I have hopes.

Ransom my Heart is Meg Cabot's new book, written under the guise of her main character from the Princess Diaries books. If it's anything like Nicola and the Viscount, (one of Cabot's two regency romances for YA readers) then it should be a fun read. It's out now, but I doubt the library has it.
Finally! Bloodhound comes out at the end of April, and is the sequel to Terrier, which many say is Tamora Pierce's finest work to date.  We've been waiting for this one for a couple of years now. Yay!
Shannon Hale has another book coming out also! Looks to be an adult romantic tale, along the lines of her Austenland. I did not catch the release date, but her publisher was recently giving out advanced copies at an event so it shouldn't be long now.  

I'm looking forward to a fun Spring of good books. Winter has been a little bleak!

Dragon Flight

I just finished the sequel to Dragon Slippers and I liked it even better than the first.  Jessica Day George is looking like a promising go-to author and it's always nice to be able to be supportive of a peer.  She, like Stephenie Meyer, graduated from BYU and is a married mom. (gives one hope. also - motivation)  :)

It was a quick read (about a day) and very fun. And I got it from the library, so there's at least one copy available.. 

 

North and South

If Elizabeth Gaskell's novel is anywhere near as good as the recent BBC miniseries, then this book is going to be awesome.  I've never posted about a book that I have not read, but the miniseries was. so. good.  You can read the first page of the novel on amazon (you have to go to a different edition though, as the link above doesn't have a "look inside" feature). 
I rented the 4 part miniseries recently because it was recommended on Meg Cabot's blog - even though I have to admit that the cover of the DVD set looked a little.... boring.   It is set in northern England, around I believe the 1830's or so.  The characters are all very well played and very sympathetic.  

I also might be a little bit in love with Richard Armitage's character at the moment...