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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

FRACTURED LIGHT by Rachel McClellan

I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end.


First line:
“Sigmund Freud once said that the goal of all life is death.”

Llona has special powers/secrets that keeps her and her guardian uncle on the move. Whenever something scares or worries Llona, the two pack up and move somewhere else. Why? Because someone, the Vyken, killed her parents and are after her, an Aura.
Llona tries not to make any friends to keep them out of danger. But in this new school she makes a couple of friends who both have secrets of their own.
This story follows Llona and her guardian as they escape danger time and time again.
Llona has to find out how strong she really is to defeat the darkness that stalks her. She wants to learn to fight and protect herself, which is unusual for an Aura. She also has to learn to trust someone other than her uncle.
I figured out who the bad person was but I kept thinking IT had to be a red herring because IT was obvious. So I kept picking other suspects. :)
I wish someone would have helped her from the beginning of the story. A mentor or teacher. I would have liked to see her develop her talents progressively throughout the book, not just at the end. I wanted to see more what Llona could do.

This is a good, clean read.



Rating: PG
L: No
V: Dead animals, blood
S:No

Liked:
Llona
Story concept
No love triangle

Disliked:
Not enough Light

3 STARS

Friday, December 14, 2012

Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale by Tamra Torero

Shayla Witherwood has never been like other girls. Being a half-faerie will do that to you. But with magical powers like invisibility, shape-shifting, and healing kisses, high school is bound to be anything but boring. Throw in an ancient prophecy that is sure to get someone killed and a few unpredictable enchantments, and you have one of the most anticipated fairy tales of the season.

First line:
"With three hundred Students wandering the halls
of Jasper Jenkins High School, it was easy to be invisible—especially for me."


Shayla just wants to be a normal high school girl but alas! She's been home-schooled her whole life AND she's part fairy.
Shayla is a cute, witty girl. She has to find her way in the social hierarchy of school. She tries different places and friends, through hard times. The head cheerleader doesn't like her, her science teacher is strict with her, the nerds want her to play chess at lunch (which she really enjoys) and the janitor is nice to her. What can a high school girl do? Find real friends and her true self, that's what.
This book has a good mix of fae, romance and humor for a good, clean read. This is a good story with a positive, uplifting beat about high school.


Rating:
S: No
V: No
L: No

Liked:
Shayla
Jace
Quick, clean read

Disliked:
Nothing

3 1/2 STARS

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

DEMONS by Heather Frost

Kate's life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can't get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

First line:
"My lower back was beginning to ache."

I really enjoyed SEERS and looked forward to DEMONS. Kate is a Seer and Patrick a Guardian. They've decided to take a chance with a romantic relationship. Kate is constantly in danger with the Demon Lord after her.  When Patrick becomes ill, Kate must find him help. Will it be from their enemies?
The chapters are often told from different viewpoints and I really enjoyed Patrick's story.
SEERS had more of the first-time romance storyline while DEMONS has the in a romance story. There are a few convenient ploys in this book. Overall, a good read.

RATING: PG 13
V: Fighting
L: Sprinkling
S: kissing

Liked:
Writing style
Patrick
Plot

Disliked:
Felt slower/bogged down than last book


 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

ATHENA by Heather B. Moore

Athena is a self-proclaimed bachelorette—it’s better that way—no one gets hurt. But when tragedy strikes, Athena realizes friendship and love is the only way she can pull through, and she must, for the first time in her life, risk opening her heart.

The Newport Ladies Book Club series is unique in that each Newport book is written from the point of view of a different woman in the book club. The first 4 books cover the same time period and the same book club meetings. But only with reading all 4 books, will you learn the whole story of each of the women and her full character journey. Think of it as a parallel series, not as a forward-moving series


First line:
"Three! Four! Five! Six!" My class chanted in unison, but it sounded more like we were just grunting."

Athena was another great book in the Newport Ladies Book Club. Athena is a smart, and sassy, businesswoman with a successful online business. She worked hard to get where she is and she feels happy. Everythings going well. Until the convenient boyfriend wants more from her and accusses her of not being well-rounded. This leads Athena to buy a book to prove she still reads. While in a local bookstore she's introduced to two things that will change her life: the bookstore own and a bookclub.
In Athena's personal life, she's worried about her father who has dementia and her mother as the caregiver. When a tragedy strikes, Athena must rely on other's for help and support, a hard choice for independant Athena.
I enjoyed the romance in this book! :)
I also liked how Athena's perceptions changed throughout the book, in every aspect of her life: romance, family, friends, work etc. Athena is a well-rounded character, very enjoyable to read, even in the hard times. 

Rating: PG
S: No
V: No
L: No

Liked:
Romance
Hard choices

Disliked:
Nothing

Monday, November 19, 2012

TOBY GOLD Blog Tour

Before we get to the tour I have recommend this book. Boys will enjoy it (girls will too)! Fast pace, intriguing plot and twists, good characterizations. Toby is an orphan with unique powers. And someone wants to use them for illegal stock market tampering. Toby and his friends have to figure out a way to stop the bad guy--and not die.
If you want to learn about money and stocks, this is a great place to start. Good job, Mr. Everett!

TOBY GOLD BLOG TOUR

TOBY GOLD AND THE SECRET FORTUNE by CRAIG EVERETT




"Money is the most dangerous magic."
 


"Unique children’s lit that cleverly tackles interest rates, endowments, fluctuating commodities, bullying and identity." 

- Kirkus Reviews



 An infant is discovered one night on a commuter train from New York City during a stop in the sleepy town of Wallingford, Connecticut.  The local police are summoned, but are unable to locate the boy’s parents, despite painstakingly questioning each person on the train.  For some strange reason, none of the passengers can remember seeing his mother falling from the train – after falling victim to an assassin’s bullet.


Assigned the name “Toby Gold” by social services, the mysterious child grows up in Wallingford, moving from foster home to foster home, not knowing who his real parents are - or why he was born with such freakish skills with math and money.



Now a teenager, Toby’s money skills are noticed by the wrong people, and thus he is unwittingly sucked into a high-stakes financial conspiracy that puts his life, and the lives of his two closest friends, in great peril.  Ultimately, Toby solves the crime, saves his friends, and even saves his school—all in one harrowing afternoon.



"This fast-paced adventure weaves fundamental concepts in economics and finance seamlessly into the story. Toby Gold makes learning finance exciting."



- Francis A. Longstaff, PhD, Professor of Finance, UCLA - Anderson School of Management



About the Author: Craig Everett





Craig R. Everett was born and raised in Maine, spending his childhood summers digging along the shores of Bar Harbor for buried pirate treasure.  Fortunately, he was able to remain blissfully unaware that pirates seldom, if ever, ventured that far north.  He received his B.A. in Economics from Tufts University, an MBA from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in Finance from Purdue University.



Dr. Everett is currently a finance professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he teaches corporate and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Everett also volunteers in public schools teaching financial literacy principles.  



You can learn more about Craig here:








Toby Gold and the Secret FortuneReading Level: 9 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Fiscal Press (October 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-936-21495-2
Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 1.0 inches 


Blog Tour Schedule for Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune by Craig Everett, 2012
04-Oct-2012  Free Money Finance 
11-Oct-2012 Queen of Random  
12-Oct-2012 Why Not? Because I Said So
12-Oct-2012 LDS Women's Book Review
13-Oct-2012 A Storybook World
15-Oct-2012 A Thousand Wrongs
16-Oct-2012 Say This Write
16-Oct-2012 Money and Me for Canadians
16-Oct-2012 Word Spelunking
17-Oct-2012 Couponing with Boys
18-Oct-2012 Book Launch of Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune at the Access to Capital Conference at the LA Westin Bonaventure Hotel.
18-Oct-2012 The Book Bug
18-Oct-2012  I Am a Reader not a Writer
19-Oct-2012 Of Writerly Things
19-Oct-2012  Troop Petrie
22-Oct-2012 Renae's Writespot
22-Oct-2012  The Write Path
23-Oct-2012  Monique's Musings
23-Oct-2012  My Mommy's World
24-Oct-2012  The Things I Love
24-Oct-2012  Adventures of the Mommy Homemaker
25-Oct-2012  Live to Read
26-Oct-2012 Ordinary Happily Ever After
29-Oct-2012  Fire and Ice
01-Nov-2012  Jeffrey Olsen
01-Nov-2012  Bookworm Lisa
05-Nov-2012 Debbie's Inkspectations
07-Nov-2012  With a Side of Thriftiness
10-Nov-2012 A Storybook World

12-Nov-2012 Christy Dorrity's Dearest Dreams
14-Nov-2012 Rachelle Writes
15-Nov-2012  The Non-Reluctant Reader
19-Nov-2012  Taffy's Writings 
Nov 2012- http://www.queenoftheclan.com/
 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Priestess of the Eggstone by Jaleta Clegg


She didn’t know Belliff, the company who hired her to courier sensitive materials, is a front for the Targon Crime Syndicate. She finds out when she steps into the middle of a Patrol raid on Belliff’s offices. The Patrol and Targon both want her. But that’s nothing. Her copilot has an entire sentient species chasing him for stealing their god. The two of them set off on a desperate chase to get the Eggstone god back to avert war with the Sessimoniss while evading the Patrol and the Targon Syndicate.

But the Eggstone isn’t just any rock. The Patrol isn’t chasing her for the reasons she thinks. And Targon’s days are numbered.



First line:
"The office on Herifon was the same as a thousand other Patrol offices."

This book is a quick, entertaining read. Ms. Clegg told me this was one of her favorite to write and I can see why. Dace is smart and strong but trouble follows her everywhere. And this moves the book along.
Good world building and interesting storyline.
Keep up the good work!

Rating: PG13
V: Fighting
L: No
S: No

Liked:
Dace

Disliked:
Story needs tightening

4 STARS




Friday, November 9, 2012

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?



Poor Nickolas. He is poor, he's invited to parties to round out the numbers and he has a crush on a woman whom he can't have. And he's a total playboy.
Until he's distant cousin dies and Nickolas Pritchard becomes heir to an estate and loads of money. Now that young lady and her parents look favorably on him. But the more he gets to know the  Ms. Castleton, the more he finds she's not quite what he wants in a woman. It's probably Gwen's fault his interest has changed. Only, it doesn't matter how much Nickolas falls for Gwen, she's a ghost. The Ghost who haunts the estate Nickolas just inherited. How can a person fall in love with a ghost?
Once again, Ms. Eden delivers on story, wit and character development. Throughout the story, the reader gets to watch the main characters grow. I especially enjoyed watching Nickolas change and deepen.

Rating: PG
S: No
V: No
L: No

Liked:
Love ghost story
Having characters tell us how to say certain names or words

Disliked:
Use of (lots) of unfamiliar words that were only used once and were confusing

4 STARS

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

THE CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson

In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy


First line:
"My entourage of guards struggles to keep pace as I fly down the corridors of my palace."

Another good book in the Fire and Thorn series.
I love how tough and smart and brave Elisa is.
Elisa is now queen. Men think women are weak and therefore can take advantage of Elisa. But she is cunning and can take of herself, thankyouverymuch. And is doesn't hurt the Hector is by her side helping and guiding and protecting her as well.
Elisa has to find out what kind of queen she is and be herself. It is as symbolic as the crown she wears.
How will Elisa bring her kingdom together?
Who are her enemies and how can she get rid of them?
And most importantly, who will end up together?
Loved the ending.
Hate that I have to wait for the next book.


Rating: PG 14
S: Kissing, taking birth control for the possibility, main character checking out her naked body in the mirror
L: No
V: fighting, war

Liked:
Elisa
Storm

 Disliked:
Waiting for book #3

4 STARS


Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the bad-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money--a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption.

First line:
"I once believed that heroes existed only in old men's fables, that evil in the world had triumphed over good, and that love--a true, unselfish, and abiding love--could only be found in a little girl's imagination."


I was a little worried about reading this book just for the fact that I have a hard time reading about, well, hard times. From the cover and blurb I knew I'd be reading about Cambodians living in a dump. Hard times. But the first line, first chapter, first character drew me in and gave me hope.
RENT COLLECTOR is about a Cambodian family who ekes a living going through the city's trash and finding junk they can trade or sell for food. Sang Ly is a mother of a small boy who is constantly sick and she is desperate to get him better. Her husband loves his family and takes care of them the best he can.
There is a woman who collects rent from certain people in the dump. She's ornery, negative and quite often drunk. Many call her Cow.
But when Sang Ly stumbles on part of the Rent Collector's secret, her goal to get her son better expands to giving her son a better life. Sang Ly wants to learn to read and she believes that literacy is the step up he needs.
The story is based on a real family. Their pictures are in the back of the book though I didn't see them until I was finished reading. Mr. Wright does a great job of moving the story along, characterizations and playing on emotions.
This story is about hope and redemption and perspective.
It's full of stories, poems, folk tales and discussions about literature. Life lessons are layered through out and woven with the tales. I found by the end of the book I was no longer turning my nose up at the place the family lived. There is more to life than the place we call home.
I recommend this read to anyone. Book clubs would really enjoy this book. There are questions in the back also.
There is one part of the book that touched me and I wanted to share it with you. Sang Ly takes her family back the village where she grew up to see if the Healer can help her son. While there she talks to her Auntie about how much she loves the village and hates the dump.
Her Auntie replies, "...Remember, the province, though beautiful, has it's own pockets of ugliness. While the dump is ugly, it also has pockets of beauty. I think finding beauty in either place simply depends on where you decide to stand." 
Beauty is where you are, you just need to find it. 

Rating: PG
V: A fight, living in a dump
S: No
L: No

Liked:
Storyline
Stories, poems, fables

Disliked:
Stories of the war because they hurt my heart

4 1/2 STARS

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

BOUNDARIES by Dr. Henry Cloud Dr. John Townsend

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives:. Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances. Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions. Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others. Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator. Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask: Can I set limits and still be a loving person? What are legitimate boundaries? What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries? How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy or money? Aren't boundaries selfish? Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?


First line:
"The alarm jangled."

 Good book on setting boundaries in all areas of your life, from work to children to yourself. Many insightful thoughts and ideas and stories.
This book is put out by a Christian ministry so there are many references to scriptures and God.

Rating: PG

3 1/2 STARS

Friday, October 19, 2012

FIRE by Kristin Cashore

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was


First line:
"Larch often thought that if it had not been for his newborn son, he never would have survived his wife's Mikra's death."

I read this book right after the first one and was soooo confused that I put it down. Recently, I had a couple of friends tell me to try again and I did and I'm glad! I liked this book. I like Fire! She's awesome and strong and weak all at once. She actually had me wanting to understand my emotions better (strange, I know). Fire shows depth and character as she makes decisions throughout the book. She's awesome. She has many conflicting emotions (love the father/hate the monster he is).
The plot is constantly moving forward and I had a hard time putting the book down. I wanted to find out who won the war, who dies and if the love interest works out.
Archer was a bit of a cad, wanting Fire for himself for the wrong reasons but sleeping around with other women in the meantime. Not sure how many of the characters knew their true lineage...
The writing was good as well as the world building. The characters had strengths and weaknesses and flaws, which made them very real.
I'm ready to read the next one!

Rating: PG 17
S: Mentions of sleeping around, kissing
L: No
V: Fighting, swords, bows & arrows, war

Liked:
Fire's war with herself, finding peace
Prince Brigan
The writing

Disliked:
Sleeping around

4 STARS

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

KISS IN THE DARK by Marcia Lynn McClure

“Boston,” he mumbled.
“I mean…Logan…he’s like the man of my dreams! Why would I blow it? What if…” Boston continued to babble.
“Boston,” he said. The commanding sound of his voice caused Boston to cease in her prattling and look to him.
“What?” she asked, somewhat grateful he’d interrupted her panic attack.
He frowned and shook his head.
“Shut up,” he said. “You’re all worked up about nothing.” He reached out, slipping one hand beneath her hair to the back of her neck.
Boston was so startled by his touch, she couldn’t speak—she could only stare up into his mesmerizing green eyes. His hand was strong and warm, powerful and reassuring.
“If it freaks you out so much…just kiss in the dark,” he said.
Boston watched as Vance put the heel of his free hand to the light switch. In an instant the room went black.




First line:
""Boston!"


This is my first book to read of Marcia's and I think I'll read more. KISSING IN THE DARK was a good, clean romance with upstanding values.
Boston is a kind soul who gets walked on too much. She's in a poisonous relationship because she wanted to help someone. Boston has good friends who help her. Her best friend has an older brother, Vance,  who gives her pep talks to build her up and get her away from the mean friend.
The characters are fun. They all have a bit of the storyline.
I LOVE a gentleman in stories. I really do. Vance, the main hottie, is such a person.
Marcia work good characters and I found myself wanting to be a better friend like some of the friends.
There were a couple loose ends like: Boston got the job she wanted but then we never hear about it again or the way she wanted to stand up to her boss. Also, the boy she's crushing on isn't heard from again after the third date. Oh and we don't hear about the IOU.
Ms. McClure has a few pet words she likes to use a lot: giggle, scolded, nest.
Marcia has a great writing style. I'm going to find another one of hers to read.

Rating: PG
L: No
S: Kissing
V: No

Liked:
Vance
Boston
BFF

Disliked:
Mean roommate
A few loose ends

4 STARS

Monday, October 15, 2012

SCARLET by A. C. Gauchen

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.


First line:
"No one really know 'bout me."


Is this a stand alone book or not??
I liked many aspects of this book. I figured out the twist. There was a bit of foreshadowing with the dialogue.
Scarlet is strong and fierce and fearless. She can jump among tree limbs, throw daggers with accuracy and steal with the best thieves. It's almost unbelievable what she can do.
Robin Hood found her and brought her into his band. He didn't know she was a girl at first. But that doesn't stop her from thieving. He likes her; she likes him. But she's a thief, not a noblewoman which Robin should marry. He huffs a lot at her decision to not tell him her past. He feels she's lying to him by not telling him.
Gisbourne is evil!
Obstacles were constantly in the way of the goal of Robin and his band of bandits, moving the plot forward and keeping the pace moving.
The end confused me because there were loose ends so I wondered if this was a trilogy??


Rating: PG 14
S: No, kissing
V: Fighting, death
L: No

Liked:
Story

Disliked:
Loose ends
Too much 'poor me'

3 1/2 STARS

Friday, October 12, 2012

DEFIANCE by C. J. Redwine

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.


First line:
"The weight of their pity is like a stone tied about my neck."


This book is set up from the viewpoint of Rachel and Logan, each with their own chapters.
Rachel's dad taught her to live with her smarts, not be a weak female like the government wants. Logan was orphaned and apprenticed to Rachel's dad.
Logan becomes Rachel's protector which is awkward because a few years ago Rachel confessed her love for him and he didn't return it. So, Rachel hates Logan and hasn't talked to him since then.
The world and government building were done well. Except some things were confusing. I couldn't tell if the world was one that was new or one that was modern than laid to waste.
The characters were unique and easy to follow through the story. The villain is truly evil. But the main characters weren't saints. Rachel went through a dark time half way through the book and had to find some hope of the future to give her some light.
There were so many obstacles in the way of the characters achieving their goals! It kept the story moving and griping. I wanted to know what would happen to the characters, especially when they started on their trip.
 The relationship development didn't quite ring true with me. But I loved Logan looking out for Rachel and still respecting her strength. He knew when to help her.
There are a lot of unanswered questions. I hope they are answered in the next book.



Rated: PG 13
V: Some
L: No
S: Kissing

Liked:
Rachel
Logan
Internal dialogue

Disliked:
Middle is hazy to me now
The evil and killing


4 STARS

Monday, October 8, 2012

THE PRINCETTA by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Princess Malva—the Princetta of Galnicia—flees her kingdom and an arranged marriage, only to find herself betrayed by the very man who promised to help her. Orpheus is the son of a sea-captain-turned-pirate and is determined to make a name of his own commanding a ship in Galnicia’s royal armada. But when their paths cross on the high seas, so do their destinies. Together the Princetta and Orpheus will travel to edges of the Known World and beyond . . . a journey from which only one of them will return alive. Shipwrecks, shark attacks, barbarians, and mysterious archipelagos await readers in this lavish fantasy-adventure written by one of France’s most celebrated authors.

First line: "A few months ago you summoned me to the council chamber."


There isn't much warmth or connection to the characters. I do like Malva. She's adventuresome and brave.
I didn't care for Orpheus from the beginning.
I skimmed most of the book. I didn't feel any real depth to this story. Maybe some of it was lost in the translation from French.



Rating: PG
V: Some
L: No
S: No

Liked: 
the adventures
new species

Disliked:
Disjointed story
Didn't connect with characters


2 STARS