Friday, May 31, 2013
Mark of Athena
HI all. Just a quick posting for today. I have just finished reading the latest installment in the Heroes of Olmpus series (I know, I'm a little behind), the Mark of Athena. Once again, I was not disappointed. I have really enjoyed this spin-off series just as much as the original Percy Jackson series. I like the familiarity of the characters and the new twists that continue to be added. The reworking of both Greek and Roman mythology is sometimes genius (in my humble opinion). I love the blending of the style and the new additions to the quest. I look forward to seeing where this adventure goes in the next book as well. (I can't help but wonder just how long this series will continue. I feel like it has one, two more books max before Riordan has tapped it out as well). I have to admit, I was surprised by some of the paths taken in the book as well, but I enjoyed following them to their endings. If you're a fan of the series, definitely check it out!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Every Day
So today (yes, just today), I read David Levithan's Every Day. I have had this book for a while, but I hadn't picked it up yet. I heard it was good, and I can definitely agree with that. I haven't read any of his books before, but wow. The man writes good stuff.
Imagine what it would be like if every day you woke up in someone else's body. You didn't even have a body that you can remember to begin with. You have always been someone different. Every. Day. How would you survive? What would you do? How could you have any lasting relationships.
That's what this story is all about. The main character, A, is not truly male or female. A just is. And every day A is someone else. He/she gets used to being unobtrusive in his host's life. But then he meets a girl. And he falls in love. And everything changes. This story is all about A's discovery of this love and his/her quest to discover whether such a relationship can even exist based on his/her life path.
This book is different. And imaginative. I really, really enjoyed it. Definitely an improvement over the last book I read. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary with a great storyline, then look no further.
Happy reading, folks!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Dead Ever After
So, I just finished the final installment of the Sookie Stackhouse series. I am not impressed. Excuse me while I go on a mini rant. Ugh, Charlaine. Just ugh. Why'dyouhavetogodothattoagoodseries? (forgive my Diantha speak for a moment).
Now, I guess I should be fair for a moment and say that it is not the worst book I've ever read. But it definitely felt a little...off. Like Charlaine didn't really know what to do with it and just picked a direction. Sometimes, it felt like an entirely different author was writing this book. I dunno if she just lost sight of her original vision or got overtaken by her enjoyment of the tv show or what. But this is not the Sookie series I came to know and love and told everyone to read. It just isn't.
On a positive note, I can appreciate that some loose ends were tied up. Some characters that I quite enjoyed made cameos in the book and tied up their storylines, which was good. The villain was a bit unexpected, so I suppose that works okay, too.
I will say, though, that I hated what she did with some of the characters. And I am conflicted about the ending. On the one hand, it could be the perfect way to end the story. On the other hand, no. Just, no.
So if you're a true Sookie fan and you have the desire to know how it all ends and who Sookie chooses, then definitely read the book. Get the closure. See where it goes. But don't expect the fireworks that you found in some of the earlier books from the series. (And, I'm sure I've said this before, but I just really haven't truly enjoyed any of the books since the vampire convention at Rhodes.)
Not sure what my next book will be, but expect to find out soon!
Now, I guess I should be fair for a moment and say that it is not the worst book I've ever read. But it definitely felt a little...off. Like Charlaine didn't really know what to do with it and just picked a direction. Sometimes, it felt like an entirely different author was writing this book. I dunno if she just lost sight of her original vision or got overtaken by her enjoyment of the tv show or what. But this is not the Sookie series I came to know and love and told everyone to read. It just isn't.
On a positive note, I can appreciate that some loose ends were tied up. Some characters that I quite enjoyed made cameos in the book and tied up their storylines, which was good. The villain was a bit unexpected, so I suppose that works okay, too.
I will say, though, that I hated what she did with some of the characters. And I am conflicted about the ending. On the one hand, it could be the perfect way to end the story. On the other hand, no. Just, no.
So if you're a true Sookie fan and you have the desire to know how it all ends and who Sookie chooses, then definitely read the book. Get the closure. See where it goes. But don't expect the fireworks that you found in some of the earlier books from the series. (And, I'm sure I've said this before, but I just really haven't truly enjoyed any of the books since the vampire convention at Rhodes.)
Not sure what my next book will be, but expect to find out soon!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Night Circus
So, I have only good things to say about Erin Morgenstern's Night Circus. I liked this book a lot more than I anticipated (considering I don't often read about the circus or anything circus related.).
This is a book that is an epic love story as well as an epic competition. Where you know from the beginning who the competitors are, but not what the competition entails. They live in a world where real magic is disguised as illusion within the boundaries of the enchanting night circus (aptly named because it is only opened from dusk until dawn). Everything is laid out in shades of black and white for the characters (literally) and we, the reader, watch as the competition unfolds.
Many things did not happen as I anticipated. Many fascinating events occurred throughout the story and I found myself getting drawn into the book. There are even chapters that literally lead you through various parts of the circus as if you are there.
All in all, I found this to be quite enchanting. The back cover touts it as a love story, but that is really only a small part of the story as a whole. Instead it is more about finding the same outcome despite taking different paths to it. I would definitely recommend this for anyone just looking for a good summer read.
Happy reading, friends!
This is a book that is an epic love story as well as an epic competition. Where you know from the beginning who the competitors are, but not what the competition entails. They live in a world where real magic is disguised as illusion within the boundaries of the enchanting night circus (aptly named because it is only opened from dusk until dawn). Everything is laid out in shades of black and white for the characters (literally) and we, the reader, watch as the competition unfolds.
Many things did not happen as I anticipated. Many fascinating events occurred throughout the story and I found myself getting drawn into the book. There are even chapters that literally lead you through various parts of the circus as if you are there.
All in all, I found this to be quite enchanting. The back cover touts it as a love story, but that is really only a small part of the story as a whole. Instead it is more about finding the same outcome despite taking different paths to it. I would definitely recommend this for anyone just looking for a good summer read.
Happy reading, friends!
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