Tiger's Destiny (Tiger Saga #4)
by Colleen Houck
350 pages (nook edition)
Short Version: Kelsey, Ren and Kishan have come to the final quest to break the tiger curse.
Why I Read It: I have been waiting for this book since I finished the third one. I couldn't wait to see how the saga would end.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
With three of the goddess Durga's quests behind them, only one prophecy now stands in the way of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan breaking the tiger's curse. But the trio's greatest challenge awaits them: A life-endangering pursuit in search of Durga's final gift, the Rope of Fire, on the Adaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
It's a race against time--and the evil sorcerer Lokesh--in this eagerly anticipated fourth volume of the bestselling Tiger's Curse series, which pits good against evil, tests the bonds of love and loyalty, and finally reveals the tiger's' true destiny once and for all.
My Thoughts: (WARNING: This review contains spoilers!!!)
Overall, Tiger's Destiny was a great ending to the Tiger Saga. Tiger's Voyage left off with Kelsey being kidnapped by Lokesh and her making the decision to be with Kishan, although she was unsure about it. With an ending like that I could NOT wait for book 4.
We picked up right where we left off. Lokesh has Kelsey and the boys are out to save her. I'm going to skip the actual details of everything and just focus on a few parts of the book though. Kelsey's heart is so unsure of the brother she should be with. When Ren turned her down and she chose Kishan, she promised to stay with him and see it through. When Kishan proposed her heart was even more twisted up. Ren was beside himself for pushing Kelsey away, but he stayed devoted waiting for her at all times. Houck did a great job of making it hard to guess who Kelsey would choose in the end. I have always thought it to be Ren since they had such a connection, but Houck would put in lines such as "I kissed the one I loved..." and you would have no idea which tiger it was since Kelsey loved both.
The final battle in Durga's quest is where I figured it out. The whole ending of the book was amazing. Meeting Durga in the past, the emotions of their quest coming to an end, the battle, and the final sacrifice. I was so close to tears a few times, which is not something that happens to me often.
Usually I am sad when a series like this ends, but it was done so well that I feel satisfied and complete. Some day I'm going to have to come back and read them all over again.
4.5/5 Stars
#17 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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#7 in 2012 Wishlist Challenge
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In Leah's Wake
by Terri Giuliano Long
306 pages (Nookbook edition)
Short Version: Leah wants to make her own decisions in life, not be ruled by soccer or her parents.
Why I Read It: I think I downloaded this book when it was $.99 for a day. It sounded interesting so I thought I'd check it out.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
The Tylers have a perfect life--beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine, more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years, just wants her sister's approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly together kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life...until Leah meets Todd, a former roadie for a rock band.
As Leah's parents fight to save their daughter from a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties, their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage. Meanwhile, twelve-year-old Justine observes her sister's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family-leaving her to question whether anyone loves her and if God even knows she exists.
Can this family survive in Leah's wake? What happens when love just isn't enough?
My Thoughts: I was disappointed by this book. I don't really know what I expected but it definitely wasn't what I got.
Most of the characters drove me crazy. I understand Leah's wanting to act out because of all the pressure from her parents to play soccer. I'd probably get sick of it too if I were her. She starts hanging out with Todd thinking he is the coolest guy ever. He pressures her into things like drinking, drugs, and sex that Leah probably wouldn't have gotten into if it was not for him. Then Leah's mind just seems to get lost. She believes she is going to marry Todd even though she gets mad at him quite often, she thinks her parents don't love her at all, and she believes she can truly make it on her own as a 17 year old with no job experience or even a high school degree. At least in the end she starts to figure herself out.
Then there are Leah's parents. They cannot seem to get along enough to try to get their daughter back, which ultimately pushes her away even more. Instead of being a united front, they were completely divided. They were so focused on Leah and her problems they sort of forgot Justine was even around.
Justine is the only character I liked. She is smart and sees way more that everyone expects her too for a 12 year old. She wants to protect Leah and sees how her parents push her away even more.
As I think over this book, I think I was expecting more action and emotion. I expected more of the drugs, sex and parties from Leah's side of it, and more devotion and trying from her family. Overall the book lacked these strong emotions, which could have made it more enjoyable to read.
2/5 Stars
#8 in 2012 Mount TBR Challenge
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#16 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2)
by Deborah Harkness
593 pages
Short Version: Diana & Matthew travel back in time to learn more about her magic and search for the missing manuscript.
Why I Read It: I loved Discovery of Witches so I had to continue on with the series.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel,A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782.
Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending,Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.
Deborah Harkness has crafted a gripping journey through a world of alchemy, time travel, and magical discoveries, delivering one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the season.
My Thoughts: I have to admit when I read Discovery of Witches (All Souls Triology #1) I did not know that it was part of a triology. I assumed it was a stand alone book, even when the ending was left pretty open. When I found out there was a book #2 I was so excited. Shadow of Night was very good, but I have to admit I liked Discovery of Witches just a little bit more.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel. Matthew and Diana travel back to 1590 in search of a witch to help Diana with her magic and to search for the manuscript that holds the secrets of the creation of all creatures - witches, vampires, and daemons. In 1590 Matthew de Clairmont was friends with people such as Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth and more. The way Harkness integrated their lives into the past as well as with the other creatures was very believable and creative. Matthew and Diana grow as characters as they find out more about each other. Matthew reverts back to his former self as he was the first time he lived in 1590, keeping his many secrets to himself. Diana has to learn to fit in to this time period instead of just studying it as a historian from the future. Eventually both characters grow to trust each other and share their secrets as well as blend to the lifestyle. Occasionally there is a chapter from the present about Matthew's family finding pieces that are clues to his and Diana's actions in the past. Paintings of them, letters, and slight changes in history are just a few disturbances to the past that the de Clairmont family find in the future.
One slight disappointment was the magic. In Discovery of Witches, Diana's power is exploding from her as she accepts who she is. With these outbursts she learned just how powerful she may be. In Shadow of Night she goes to the past to find a more powerful witch who can help her understand her magic. But going into the past has changed her powers; they are no longer exploding from her. I felt like it took awhile for her to find a teacher and start to learn about it. I missed the random outbursts of fire, water or glowing when Diana was upset. Eventually Diana and Matthew make progress with her magic as well as with locating the manuscript, Ashmole 782. They realize they are a huge part of life and death, and possibly the creation of creatures.
I cannot wait for more info about Book 3 (Title and release date are TBD). I'm sure it will be an amazing ending to a wonderful story!
#15 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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#6 in 2012 Wishlist Challenge
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A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harness
588 pages (nook book)
Why I Read It: This is a re-read for me. I wanted to refresh my memory before reading Shadow of Night.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.
My Thoughts: SPOILER ALERT! MY REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED :o)
This book is just as good as I remembered. The first time I read it I believe it was the first book with witches that I had read and I was mesmerized. The historical references are also very interesting to me. They make the story seem more real, as if there could be vampires, witches, and daemons living in this world.
There are a lot of small details and connections in this book so I am unsure of where to go with this review. A Discovery of Witches focuses on Diana Bishop, daughter of two very powerful witches, and Matthew Clairmont, century old vampire. Diana refuses to use her magic after her parents died when she was seven. But after calling up an enchanted manuscript and falling in love with a vampire, she soon can't ignore her magic any longer if she wishes to survive what is ahead. The Congregation is made up of 3 vampires, 3 witches, and 3 daemons and act as a governing law over the three species. They want the enchanted manuscript Diana called up as well as the secret to her powers, and they will use any means to try to get what they want. With the Congregation out to get her, Diana must face the fact that she is a witch, and a powerful one. She steps up to learn her magic, which is much more powerful than anyone ever expected.
I really enjoy the relationship between Diana & Matthew. There are no immediate, love at first site feelings, especially between a witch and vampire. Of course, when love is forbidden it only seems to become stronger and eventually that does happen. Their feelings grow for each other slowly through the first few chapters before announcing their love for each other. Their relationship is a big part of the book since they are determined to change the hundred year old rules about species mixing with each other.
Reading through the different settings is also fun. They begin in Oxford where Diana is studying for the year. Then Diana and Matthew head to France, Sept Tours to be exact. Here Diana learn more about Matthew since he is in his home with his mother. Matthew is full of a century of secrets that he is very closed off about. The descriptions may not be the most detailed but I can still picture myself in the castle settings. My favorite part is when they are in the Bishop house in New York. It is the exact image of a witches home, and is haunted too. I love being able to picture the scenes and feel like I'm watching what is happening as I read. In the end they time travel back to the year 1590 in England. I'm sure this is where Shadow of Night will pick up and I can't wait to begin reading it. The first time I read A Discovery of Witches I did not think Matthew and Diana survived their trip back in time. At the time I did not know there would be another book coming out. After re-reading I have reconsidered my previous conclusion and I am hoping they fulfill their goal in travel back in time.
5/5 Stars
#14 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)
by E L James
448 pages (nook book)
Short Version:
Why I Read It: Once I started the trilogy I had to finish it.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true.
My Thoughts: WARNING MAY CONTAIN CONTENT NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE & SPOILERS!!!
Well I think this was my least favorite book of all three of them. James should have stopped after Fifty Shades Darker. The beginning starts out good- Ana & Christian are on their honeymoon. I enjoyed how flashbacks of their wedding was incorporated so you still get the details of the wedding and beginning of their honeymoon. Once they return to life at home things start to go down hill for me. Ana and Christian seem to constantly argue about the same things. He wants to control everything about her but she wants to maintain some of her independence. Fight - makeup sex - happy couple. That is the cycle for most of the book. And there is the fact that Christian is "fifty shades" and Ana is trying to make him realize he is a good person with a heart.
I knew Jack Hyde would be involved some how since that is what Fifty Shades Darker ended with. We see nothing of him until he tries to kidnap Ana, in which case he is caught immediately. This happens fast with nothing really leading up to it and now that the bad guy is caught there is not much else to write about except their sex lives.
In the middle of the book James passes time by just showing emails back and forth between Christian and Ana about how they enjoyed what they did the night before. You have to pay attention to the dates to realize time is passing. It seems as if James ran out of things to write about. After the emails there are little problems that pop up just to keep things going, like Leila visiting Ana at work.
At the end we find out Ana is pregnant and this is like the grand finale. Christian freaks, runs to Elana, while Ana is mad at the way he handles things. Then Jack Hyde pops up again kidnapping Christian's sister and calling Ana for ransom money. This part of the story was ok but just seemed out of no where since we heard nothing of Jack Hyde since he was captured. Ana saves Mia and ends up in the hospital. Christian thought he lost Ana again so he all of a sudden realized what she has been saying the entire time - that she really does love him and he is worthy of it. He is no longer "fifty shades of fucked up."
I still enjoyed Ana's character. Being Mrs. Grey suits her. She seems to gain composure and confidence with her new lifestyle. In Fifty Shades of Grey, Ana was a clumsy innocent girl, now she is confidently, sexy, and always learning new tricks from her husband. Christian is still his same sexy character, but you slowly see him changing and learning from Ana also. He becomes romantic and patient, learning how to deal with his emotions. I knew he would eventually come to terms with himself and no longer be "fifty shades."
Overall, not my favorite in the trilogy but I am happy to have read all the books and know what all the hype is about.
2/5 Stars
#13 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)
by E L James
403 pages (nook book)
Short Version: Christian and Ana further explore their relationship as Ana learns more of Christian's past.
Why I Read It: The first book, Fifty Shades of Grey, left of with a very open ending so I had to find out what was going to happen.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.
My Thoughts: WARNING MAY CONTAIN CONTENT THAT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE!
The second book in the trilogy picks up exactly where the first left off. It was like just starting the next chapter. Again, this book was ok just like the first. The writing is still not the greatest and some of it started to get repetitious, but I still enjoyed reading it.
I have to admit some of the scenes in the book had me gripping to know what was going to happen. With Leila, Jack and Elana things always seemed to get out of control. (I'm not going in to details so I don't spoil anything!)
It seemed that all of the sex scenes started to be the same. There are so many of them! The place and time where they do it may change but the descriptions and feelings conveyed were beginning to be the exact same every time. The same is with Christian and Ana's insecurities. They are constantly questioning each other's devotion. I understand that is part of who they are but it was getting a bit old towards the end.
Speaking of the end, the books could have finished after this one and everyone would have lived happily ever after. However, James had to add just a few more paragraphs of Jack, Ana's ex boss, trying to seek revenge. I'm just going to make a wild guess and say that is what book 3 will be about. I am wondering how it will turn out since the focus has really been on Christian's issues which have now been somewhat cleared up.
I liked Christian more in this book. Maybe because he is no longer a Dom with subs. I like his bossy attitude but he is also learning to control himself. I still enjoy Ana as well. For the most part she stands up for herself even when head over heals for Mr. Grey. Any girl that can hold her own is ok in my eyes.
Well I am on to the third book of Fifty Shades to see what it is about.
3/5 Stars
#12 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Fifty Shades of Grey
by E L James
391 pages (nook book)
Short Version: Innocent Anastasia Steele meets the most attractive, successful man in Seattle, Christian Grey, and ends up in an unexpected sexual relationship with him. Can she handle what he has in store for her?
Why I Read It: I had to see what all the hype was about. I heard many mixed reviews and decided to make my own judgements.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.
The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.
Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?
My Thoughts: WARNING - MAY CONTAIN CONTENT UNSUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE & SPOILERS!!!
I went into this book a little bit jaded. I had worked with some ladies who were reading it at the time and all of their comments about how bad the writing and story line was really stuck with me. In the beginning all I paid attention to was the writing. They were right, it was not the greatest, but not the worst either. I typically do not read romance/erotica books either. I think I was expecting something much worse than what I got from Fifty Shades of Grey.
Throughout most of the book I feel like I sided with Anastasia. I don't think I could wrap my mind around being a submissive. I liked that she had a smart mouth and stood up for herself most of the time. When it came to the sex though, I feel like it was a bit unrealistic that she was having orgasms so easily and got an "A" in oral sex her first time. She was so inexperienced and had a clumsy personality so I think James should have fit that in a bit more in the sex scenes. I really liked that Ana listened to her inner goddess and subconscious throughout the book.
Now Christian Grey. I did not like him at all in the beginning. He is spoiled and too rich for his own good. He has the attitude that he can do what he wants and always gets his way. As the book went on, and you see his younger playful side with Ana at times, I began to like him more. I am so curious as to what made him "fifty shades of fucked up." I kept thinking he would give in to Ana and let her touch him since she followed him to the Red Room of Pain. Of course this does not happen in the first book, so I am forced to move on to the second one.
Overall, it was not as bad as I was expecting it to be. I'm already on the second book, Fifty Shades Darker, so obviously I liked it a little.
3/5 Stars
#11 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Easy
by Tammara Webber
548 pages
Short Version:
Why I Read It: I found this book on the Nook Daily Find. The summary sounded interesting so I decided to read it on my loooong plane ride.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.
Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees—hoping for more.
Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they’ve hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.
My Thoughts: This was a great read on my 5 hour plane ride. From the summary, I assumed the book would start out when Jacqueline and her boyfriend were getting ready to go to college. It actually began after their breakup and even though I wasn't expecting this it was a good place for the book to begin.
I liked Jacqueline right away. I felt like I could easily relate to her. She knew when to set boundaries and how to stick with them. This is something every girl should learn and be confident about. Jacqueline gets into some situations that unfortunately happen in real life, not just in books. Her responses to these situations are great examples of what you should do if it were to happen to you. (I know I am being vague about this, but I don't want to spoil the book).
When Jacqueline meets Lucas he is the total opposite of a guy she would normally go for. But she thinks maybe this time she should go for it anyways. Lucas has hidden secrets about his past, but they have shaped who is. I really liked Lucas and totally have a crush on him! Lucas is the character that shows there is more than meets the eye.
Then there is Landon- the tutor Jacqueline only interacts with through email. He is more of her type; intelligent, funny, and a good guy. But they have only interacted through email. Jacqueline begins to have a crush on him too, until she finds out his secret.
I know this review is a bit vague and all over the place, but I do not want to give anything away. It was a great book that brought me back to my college days. It also brings up some serious situations that can happen in real life, and does a great job at showing the right thing to do.
4/5 Stars
#10 in the 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Hope's Daughter
by Melanie Cusick-Jones
320 pages (e-book)
Short Version: Cassie and Balik begin to question life on the space station. When they go looking for answers, their world begins to unravel.
Why I Read It: I won this ebook in a giveaway. The summery intrigued me and I love the cover.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
Life should be simple for Cassie.
For the small population of Earth survivors who live on the Space Station Hope everything they do is planned and scheduled, down to the cyclical food menus, their roles in the station, even how many children they have.
Despite rigid controls directing her life, Cassie feels more out of synch than ever and worries she won’t find a place for herself within the station community. Perhaps that’s because she’s hearing things inside her head that can’t possibly be real. Or maybe it’s the regular elopements of her peers, heading off to a romantic future in the Married Quarter of the space station, whilst she’s never even been attracted to a boy – no matter how hard her best friend Ami pushes them at her. Then there are the odd questions her work placement partner Balik keeps raising. His questions are just as troubling for her as his distracting smiles and eyes that seem to see inside her.
As Cassie draws closer to Balik she finds that everything else in her life begins to shift. He tells her things that call into question the system they live within. She can't believe he is right, but at the same time she finds it hard to deny the sincerity of his ideas. Could there be a connection between Cassie’s problems and Balik’s questions? The truth will drag them both to a terrifying and deadly conclusion beyond anything they could have imagined.
My Thoughts: This book was amazing! Any time I picked it up to read, I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn't let go. One of the best things about it was how I was able to relate to the character's emotions and feel what they were feeling. I was happy, anxious, nervous, angry, just like Cassie and Balik. Speaking of Cassie and Balik, I loved them! In the beginning Cassie seemed a little quirky the way she had conversations with her conscious. Some of those conversations made me laugh out loud. Of course the voices she was hearing was not helping her out either. And then there is Balik- handsome, smart, caring Balik. I really enjoyed getting to know him with Cassie. He opened up to her and no one else. This helped build a great relationship between them. It wasn't too rushed or too slow. Balik likes to ask questions and challenge the station's ideas and systems. His curiosity is very appealing. And of course that is what gets the two of them mixed up in things they are not supposed to know. I don't think I am going to go into this much for fear of spoiling an amazing book you should all read. I will say the answers to their questions about life on the space station was not what I was expecting at all! I was surprised by each new event and I love that. It is so much more enjoyable if I cannot guess what is going to happen next. The ending to Hope's Daughter had enough closure to end the story but left some opening for a sequel. The next book in the series is Rainbow Maker's Tale and I cannot wait to get my hands on it to read!
5/5 Stars (You should all read this book!)
#9 in the 2012 Ebook Challenge
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The Dovekeepers
by Alice Hoffman
501 pages
Short Version: Four women tell their stories of being run out of Jerusalem and surviving in the desert.
Why I Read It: The title and cover of this book caught my attention awhile ago. When I found it in the bargain books at Barnes and Noble I jumped on it.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her twin grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman, who finds passion with another soldier. Shirah is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power. The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the siege, as the Romans draw near. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.
My Thoughts: This book was amazing! I was slow to begin it because I was so busy with work but as soon as I got home I was sitting for hours reading as much as I could until I finished.
The book was written in 4 parts, each part from a different point of view. I was not expecting this and after getting to part 2 was unsure of it. I continued reading and really like how it turned out. Each story was intertwined and continued where the other left off, but also told each woman's individual story. The epilogue in the end was well written and much needed. If it were to leave off after Part 4 there would be a lot of questions, but Hoffman handled the epilogue very well and I felt as if it came to a complete end. This is the second book I've read from this historical time period (the first being The Red Tent by Anita Diamont) and I cannot imagine what these women and their families really went through. They are all so courageous and strong. As I got to know them through their stories it just added to my admiration of them. The magic and witches drew me into the story even more. Hoffman did a very good job making this a part of their lives and not something make believe.
This book is amazing and I think everyone should read it!
5/5 Stars
**I apologize for this short, lacking review but I am running like crazy to get packed for my next trip and am a bit scatter-brained. I just wanted to get something of a review typed so I do not have to bring the hardback book with me. As I slow down and continue thinking about the book I may update my review later.
#8 in 2012 Mount TBR Challenge
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#6 in 2012 Wishlist Challenge
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Cheat and Charmer
by Elizabeth Frank
543 pages
Short Version: Two young sisters were once a part of the Communist party, but now it is coming back to affect their lives as Dinah is pressured to testify in order to keep her life the way it is- as the wife of a famous screenwriter and director. Cheat and Charmer follows the lives of Dinah and her family as she testifies and the consequences after.
Why I Read It: I picked this up in a used bookstore and the time period is was hooked me. Anything from the 1920s to 1950s is always so interesting.
The Book: From Goodreads
Twenty-five years in the making, a first novel that has already been compared to The Sun Also Rises and The Last Tycoon, Cheat and Charmer is certain to be one of the most admired literary debuts of the season. Written by Pulitzer Prize—winning biographer Elizabeth Frank, Cheat and Charmer is a masterful and richly detailed work of fiction–a Tolstoyan novel of marriage, sisterhood, art, politics, compromise, and betrayal set in Hollywood, New York, Paris, and London of the 1950s.
Dinah Lasker grew up in the shadow of her sister, Veevi, a stunning beauty and emerging star who enchanted both the Hollywood set and its imported New York literati. But Veevi’s home was also a hotbed of political activity, owing to her marriage to Stefan Ventura, a Bulgarian filmmaker and high-profile Communist. At the end of the 1930s, when things go badly for him in Hollywood, Ventura and Veevi flee to Paris and into the lengthening shadows of Hitler and fascism.
Cut to 1951, when Dinah is subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee, which threatens to ruin her husband, Jake, and derail his successful career as a Hollywood writer, producer, and director unless she cooperates. Can Dinah live with herself if she names Veevi–whom she both loves and loathes–in order to save her husband and preserve her idyllic married life? The choices Dinah makes set in motion an unforgettable chain of events. Like Anna Karenina, Dinah must face the consequences of her choices and her needs.
Written with elegance and style, Cheat and Charmer grippingly dramatizes the interior lives of Dinah, Veevi, Jake, and their social circle. Spanning decades and following complex characters on their impassioned pursuits through America and Europe, this is a novel of grand scope, about love and deception, idealism and accommodation, the lies we live, and the truths we cannot avoid.
My Thoughts: I have to say this book is not what I expected, but I am not really sure what I expected. I grabbed this book at a used book store because the cover and brief description on the back caught my eye. It mentioned New York, Paris and London in the 1950s- sounded good to me. I also knew it was about sisters, which I often enjoy reading about since I grew up with a brother. After finishing this book I have to say it was a bit boring.
Dinah is pressured to testify about being a Communist by her husband so she does not ruin his career as a screenwriter. I thought this would be something exciting and create some action in the plot. Instead the rest of the book just went on about their lives after testifying, which really was not much different. Of course it did affect some things in Dinah's life, like her sister who she named as a Communist. Weirdly enough this brought Veevi back into Dinah's life. The whole book just seemed to be a daily account of the Lasker's lives. And nothing exciting really happened to them.
I really disliked some of the characters. Number one was Jake Lasker, Dinah's husband. He cheated on his wife all the time and thought he was justifying it to himself because he always went back to his wife. Scumbag. Poor Dinah never even suspected because she loved her husband and assumed he felt crazy about her the way she was crazy about him. Dinah and Veevi where both well written characters but they drove me nuts sometimes. Dinah needed to stand up for herself more, especially against her sister who always had everything. Veevi needed to realize the world did not revolve around her. Elizabeth Frank did a very good job creating the sister's relationship.
The end of the book was probably the best part. Finally there was some action that created feelings for me. I was nervous and sad and happy. I was just disappointed it took 400 pages to get to these feelings. I won't go into detail because I do not want to spoil anything.
If you enjoy reading about the daily doings of a somewhat dysfunctional family and the backdrop of the 1950s in Hollywood you may enjoy this book. It just wasn't right for me.
2/5 Stars
#7 in 2012 Mount TBR Challenge
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Pure
by Julianna Baggott
358 pages (nook book)
Short Version: Pressia finds a Pure and together they come to realize they may not be so different after all.
Why I Read It: I saw a few reviews for this book and after reading the synopsis decided I needed to check it out.
The Book: (From Goodreads)
We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.
Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.
When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.
My Thoughts: ***Spoiler Alert! This review may contain spoilers***
I think this is only the second dystopian book I have read after The Hunger Games series and I really liked it. The images of life after the Detonations were kind of creepy but also fascinating to me. I think sometimes if I were to read too many dystopian, or any genre, I will eventually be able to guess what is going to happen all the time and not enjoy it as much. Pure was mostly unpredictable for me which was great. I kept wanting to know what would happen next. The songs and riddles were great because I kept trying to figure them out as well. I was very surprised to find out Pressia and Partridge were brother and sister. I kept expecting some kind of love triange to form between Pressia, Partridge, and Bradwell but I was kind of happy that didn't happen. I really liked that Pressia and Bradwell's relationship was developed all the way to the end of the book. I don't like when characters meet and are in love right away with no chemistry formed. It is not realistic. However, I feel like Lyda was left behind a bit when it came to developing her. Her character was great while she was in the Dome. Then they let her out and it was like nothing of the outside bothered her. She was seeing the destruction for the first time and humans fused with object, yet it was like she had no reaction to this which is just not very believable for me. Partridge could not stop looking at things and wondering about them when he was first out. He also took care to cover up that he was Pure, but Lyda never did. I just think she was sort of left behind when it came to her coming out of the Dome. I also have to mention El Capitan and Helmud. I loved them. El Capitan had a good heart and I was so happy he was on their side, especially since at first he just wanted to kill a Pure before he died. And Helmud, well I think he is smarter than everyone thinks he is.
5/5 Stars
#8 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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#5 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs
219 pages (e-book edition)
Short Version: Jacob searches for the truth of his grandfather's past by visiting the island where he grew up.
Why I Read It: The title and cover caught my attention and made me curious.
The Book: From Goodreads
A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
My Thoughts: Warning: May contain spoilers!!!
I'm not sure what I really think about this book. It was entertaining and an easy read, but the story never seemed to go anywhere. Jacob's grandfather always told him stories of the island he grew up on and showed photos of the other children who lived there, children who were peculiar. As Jacob grew up he stopped believing, but after hearing his grandfather's last words before passing away, Jacob was forced to look for the truth. So this was the first part, Jacob searching for the truth about the past. Then he finds it. The peculiar children are real and live in a loop on September 3, 1940 where the day resets every day so they survived the Nazi bombing on the island. Miss Peregrine explains how they all came to live on the island and how they have survived so long.
Jacob finally found a place he fits in, but he is still going back and forth between the loop and his life in the present day. At this point there is not much going on in the story except Jacob's day to day journey to the loop to hang with the children. So where was the story going now?
All of a sudden they have hollows and wights trying to kill them and capture Miss Peregrine because she can control time. Hollows and wights are monsters that come after peculiars. The children go after her and while getting Miss Peregrine back they find out the wights are planning something terrible. And for the first time the loop does not reset. So the children decide they are going to fight. And Jacob makes his decision to stay and not go back to his ordinary life. End of story. Just when there could have been more action the story is over. I looked into it and there will be a sequel released in spring of 2013. However, I don't know that I will read it. This was just a bit disappointing for me. I was expecting a creepy paranormal tale but the creepy factor just wasn't in this book.
I did enjoy the photographs throughout the book! It was great to have all the vintage photos to go along with each of the peculiars described. "All the pictures in this book are authentic, vintage found photographs, and with the exception of a few that have undergone minimal postprocessing, they are unaltered." The fact that they used real photos is awesome! If anything the photographs would get me to read the sequel when it is released.
2.5/5 Stars
#7 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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#4 in 2012 Wishlist Challenge
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Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
279 pages (e-book edition)
Short Version: A futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story with cyborgs, a deadly plague and of course an irresistible prince.
Why I Read It: I saw a bunch of reviews of this book and was curious about it. Plus I love the cover!
The Book: From Goodreads
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
My Thoughts: I just finished this book at the pool and I wish it wasn't over. I had to come inside and write this to get my thoughts out before I could focus on another book. I wish the second book in the Lunar Chronicles was out so I could start reading it right away!
Anyways...This was the first fairy tale retelling I think I have read and I loved it. It was a perfect mix of new and old story. Of course you have an evil stepmother and stepsisters, a handsome prince, and a poor girl who can't go to the ball. But then you have a twist- the poor girl is a cyborg who knows nothing of her past, is the best mechanic around, and in fact gets along with one of her stepsisters. Cinder was a great character. She stood her ground more than any other Cinderella would have against the evil stepmother, but she was still not completely in control of her life which was what caused problems. Cinder is a very genuine cyborg; she cares for those who are important to her and keeps a loyalty to them. She could never let Prince Kai know she was a cyborg. He would be disgusted, but she couldn't seem to stay away from the prince charming.
Speaking of prince charming, Kai annoyed me at times. He of course had a lot on his shoulders with becoming emperor after his father's death and also having to deal with Queen Lavena from Luna. However, he acted quite childish at times with his joking and snarky remarks during serious situations. Kai has a lot of growing up to do quickly as the new Emperor. I am hoping to see this in the following books of the Lunar Chronicles.
As for the plot, it was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed it. With the basis being the story of Cinderella and the other pieces thrown in (the search for Princess Selena, those immune to the plague, Cinder's relationship with the Prince) you can pretty much guess how it all turns out. That being said they completely left the ending open. You find out all your guesses are right, then they stop the story so you are left wondering where they are going to go with it. I just looked into the second book of the Lunar Chronicles, Scarlet, to see when it was coming out (2013 is way to long!) and now I'm wondering how they are going to continue with Cinder's story. Scarlet is the story of Red Riding Hood, but hopefully they do not completely leave Cinder out. (each book of the Lunar Chronicles will feature a different fairy tale).
All in all this was a good read and I will patiently await the next book in the series. I will also be looking into reading more fairy tale retellings. Any suggestions??
4/5 Stars
#6 in 2012 Ebook Challenge
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#3 in 2012 Wishlist Challenge
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