An Update at the End of the Year

It's been a year since I started my ravenous hunt for books... wow...

At the beginning of 2008, I set a goal: I wanted to read 25 books before January 1, 2009. I've reached that goal, and doubled it--I've read 50 books, and what books I read!!!

Here are some favorites from my long hunt:*

1. Holes, by Louis Sachar
2. The Shadow Thieves and Siren Song, by Anne Ursu
3. The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse and Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
4. Sirena (DEPRESSING ENDING ALERT!!!), by Donna Jo Napoli
5. Waiting For Odysseus, by Clemence McLaren
6. The Riddles of Epsilon, Christine Morten-Shaw
7. The Good Neighbors, by Holly Black
8. The Book of Lies, by James Moloney
9. Keeper of the Winds, by Jenna Solitaire
10. Getting Started With Latin (NON FICTION ALERT!), by William E. Linney

My favorite of them being Holes, which is currently my all-time favorite book (even though it's not fantasy. Quite shocking)

What will the next year hold? Hopefully a huge bag of books--good books! And what will my goal be? Well, I decided instead of setting a goal, I would guess how many books I think I'll read. My guess for now, I suppose, is 48.

Anyways, this has been a wonderful year of books! I hope this next year brings you the most wonderful of stories--and life--you can imagine!

Love,

The Bookworm known as Galaxy

*There were bunches of other wonderful books; these were just some of my favorites. Also, I didn't mention the books that came in a series I had already read part of when I started my book-blog (like Brisingr, which was wonderful, but I didn't review Eragon or Eldest--its predecessors--so I didn't mention it in my favorites).

Inkdeath

(warning: Parts of this post may seem bloodthirsty due to some characters who made Galaxy furious)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Back-of-the-Book Description: The Inkworld is in disarray: Its author, Fenoglio, has lost his ability to write and, therefore, shape events; the odious Orpheus, however, has taken to recycling Fenoglio's words to control the narrative/world himself. The evil Adderhead, whose immortality was bound into the White Book by bookbinder-turned-people's champion Mo/the Bluejay, finds his body decomposing and demands a new Book; can Mo use the opportunity to end the villain's life altogether? Can Dustfinger come back from the dead? Will Resa's baby be born into peace or violence?

My Description: Inkdeath is beautiful. I'm not sure if it's the way it's written, if it's the magical Inkworld... I don't know. It's just beautiful, and you can't stop reading it because of it's beauty, and when you realize there are only 100 pages left you have to close the book and sigh to yourself that's it going to be over soon, and think about never finishing it, just so you won't have to leave that world behind.

However, I do have a few problems;

1. Doria(who is a boy, by the way, not a girl as the name suggests): In the last book, Meggie and Farid are together. I liked that. It tied the characters together, and those two made a cute couple; even though Meggie is a too young, and he is too old. For some reason, in this book Ms. Funke decides to bring in this 'other character' who starts to steal Meggie's affections, but we don't even get to know him. Sure, I know a bit about Doria's past, but that's it. I don't know his character.or what he would do or say half as well as almost any other character in the story, or at all, as a matter of fact, and for me he was underdeveloped. Meggie 'falling in love' with him was underdeveloped as well. One second we read about how he "sometimes brought her flowers", (it would have been nice if Ms. Funke had devoted a page or two to have an actual SCENE of that) the next her father sees him whispering in her ear and making her blush. Farid does hardly anything about it, even when he's without Dustfinger and with Meggie. He doesn't try to salvage the relationship until the very end, and that didn't make much sense.
2. Dustfinger: I love Dustfinger. He is one of my favorite characters; perhaps even my favorite. There jut wasn't enough of him in this book, though I was very excited when he took a lead in the end of Inkdeath, and I liked how he and Mo ended up good friends.
3. Meggie: Meggie used to be the main character. What happened to that? Why is Meggie no longer our protagonist? WHY? I always loved reading about her, yet she doesn't have much to do in this book besides blush at Doria, worry about her father and hold grudges with people who don't deserve it (especially her mother). Still, her no longer being the lead didn't bother me as much as I would have expected it to; it just confused me and made me wish for more of her--without the stupid grudges.
4. Mo: At the beginning of the book I can hardly recognize his character, but as the book moves on Ms. Funke sort of fixes that... Still, I find it odd that he'd say to Resa who is begging him to go back into our world (since when did Mo want to stay in the Inkworld anyway?) that "Meggie is almost grown up"(she's just thirteen, like me)"and she's in love with Farid"(oh, yes, she'd never even blush at another boy because of her love of Farid--that was sarcastic)and that's why they should stay. Later in the book Mo gets better, and you understand how he changed (sort of), it's just that one scene was a problem for me.
5. Orpheus: He LIVES? Are you kidding me? Why? WHY? Orpheus, who was a mere nuisance and annoying character in the previous book, becomes an evil, evil villain, and I, wanted, him, DEAD! Why did Ms. Funke leave him alive? WHY?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
6. Brianna: Someone should have punched her. Violante should have punched her. I almost want to read her out of the book just so I can punch her. I don't mind Violante forgiving her for having a romance with Cosimo, Violante's husband, but I just wanted someone to punch her for it. I wanted Violante to do something. I mean yes, she kicked Brianna out of the castle for a while, (which was wonderful), but I would have liked something else... Like someone punching her. Like me punching her. Just once.

Besides those problems, this is a wonderful, wonderful book. I loved it. It's a page turning, it's interesting, and it's so, so beautiful.

Starting Date: Christmas (December 25th)

Ending Date: 2:??am, December 28th

Reading Time: Three days, if you count me staying up 'til 2:00am as a third day.

Pages: 663

Recommendations: To those who have read Inkheart and Inkspell. Don't think about reading this series out of order.

Writing Rating: 9

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: 8

Book #50 of '08

P.S. In the end, Farid leaves Dustfinger. WHAT? That's doesn't make any sense. NONE. That, is, not, FARID! NONE!!!

Keeper of the Winds

Author: Jenna Solitaire
Back-of-the-Book Description: After the death of her beloved grandfather--childhood guardian and only living relative--19-year-old Jenna Solitaire (billed as the book's author, complete with biographical blurb) begins the difficult task of sorting through family memorabilia in the attic. There she discovers a strange object in a pale, leathery case in an old trunk: an oddly shaped wooden board covered in scorched symbols accompanied by a planchette. The board, which produces in Jenna an uncomfortable yet addictive surge of energy, seems to be linked to her recent bad dreams and appears capable of summoning gale-force winds. The board also attracts friends and foes, including Simon Monk, a handsome yet shifty Vatican scholar with whom Jenna feels a resonance but whose allegiance remains a mystery.
My Description: I actually really enjoyed this book. The plot was very interesting, and I couldn't put it down. Still, I personally think that there was too much death (not of anyone we knew, besides Jenna's Grandfather, just innocent people), and Jenna should have listened to Simon much sooner. Besides that, not absolutely fabulous, but a very good read. I'll be looking for the next in the Daughter of Destiny series!
Pages: 236
Recommendations: To teens (probably more for girls than boys) who enjoy fantasy and mystery.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7 1/2


Book #49 of '08

Getting Started With Latin

(subtitle: Beginning Latin for Homeschoolers and Self-Taught Students of Any Age)

Author: William E. Linney

Back-of-the-Book Description: What's preventing you from teaching Latin in your homeschool or learning it on your own? If you're intimidated because you've never studied Latin, bewildered by traditional Latin books that move too fast, or just don't know where to begin, then Getting Started with Latin is for you! Specifically designed to overcome these types of obstacles, Getting Started with Latin is divided into simple lessons that explain the fundamentals of Latin grammar in a way that anyone can grasp. Instead of burying you in mountains of information to memorize, new words and concepts are introduced in a gradual and systematic way. You can immediately apply what you've learned by translating the fun exercises at the end of each lesson. To hear the words pronounced, simply download the free MP3 files from www.gettingstartedwithlatin.com. Quickly check your work by turning to the included answer key. With everything you need here in one book, why aren't you Getting Started with Latin?

My Description: My family and I have been wanting to learn Latin for quite some time now. Mommy found this book on Amazon.com and ordered it.

It sat lonely on our shelf for a couple weeks before I pulled it down. I'll never forget my first lesson... "Nauta". It means sailor.

Now, for the actual review...

Mr. Linney gives us bite-sized lessons--usually only one page-worth--where we learn one word at a time, and sometimes learn Latin grammar. He makes it easy to grasp and though there were some times when I was slightly confused (the whole "Ablative Case" really mystified me. It took me a bit before I figured that out) I just kept going and I got it eventually.

I did, however, 'take a break' a couple times. Not purposely, but I just stopped studying... I was able to come back to it, though; almost without any trouble. By the end of this book I had a much-improved understanding of Latin, and more than just a foundation to build the house of language upon.

Getting Started With Latin is the only non-fiction book I've been truly wrapped up in. Practically all I read is fantasy, so being almost completely sucked-in wasn't something I expected. Now I love Latin. I really, truly do. He made it fun, interesting, and very lovable. I loved how it ended, and I also loved the little "Latin Expressions" he does every once in a while to keep us from getting bored (he explains some Latin phrases that are in our own language--like Summa Cum Laude). The FREE downloadable MP3s on his website helped quite a bit with my pronunciation, and the pronunciation guide in the back helped as well.

As much as I loved this book (and I mean really LOVED), I never fully appreciated it until I moved on to "The First Year of Latin". Don't get me wrong, it's good so far, and I'm excited about doing it, it's just the piles and piles of information in the INTRODUCTION, and the way it was written, and how small the text was... If I hadn't developed my love of Latin and that foundation from Mr. Linney's book, I would have been scared off. Instead, I took a few deep breathes and re-read the beginning. Turns out I was reading WAY more than I was supposed to, and after a bit I finally started catching on.

Anyways, to get to the bottom of it, if you want to get started with Latin, Getting Started With Latin is the way to go. Definitely. Positively. ABSOLUTELY.

Recommendations: To anyone who wants to learn Latin--if you can read, you could do it by yourself (like I did), but I'd recommend learning it with someone, if only so you can have someone to talk to in Latin and to share your new knowledge with (a job Dear Sister was forced to take, hehe. It's amazing how much she has learned without even reading passed lesson 8--she even skipped #6 and 7)

Pages: 224

Writing Rating: 9

Interest Level: 9

Overall Rating: 9 (it would be 10, but the book wasn't nearly long enough)

Book #48 of '08

The Book of Lies

Author: James Moloney

Back-of-the-Book Description: One dark and stormy night, four hooded men deliver an unconscious boy to a home for orphans and foundlings. There, a wizard awaits, ready to erase the boy's memories and implant new ones with the help of a magical book, The Book of Lies. A small girl watches the scene from her hiding place, plugs the boy's ears with wax to limit the damage, and later tells him his actual name, Marcel. Throughout the book, Marcel's challenge is to peel back the layers of deception that lies between him and the truth as he struggles to determine his identity and his allies amid warring factions grasping for a kingdom.

My Description: Wow. This book is a workout for the mind... You start formulating hundreds of guesses before you even realize it.

All the twists aren't that unpredictable, but it still keeps you guessing and guessing and dances circles around you, and still manages to pull you gently through the entire tail.

I loved Marcel and Bea and Nicola and Fergus (eventually), and the whole mystery around them. I love how you slowly... slowly learn pieces bit by bit, until CLICK! the story falls into place and things finally make sense.

I would highly recommend this book; even though the ending confused me, and left me a little disappointed.

Recommendations: To those who love fantasy, adventure, and/or mystery.

Pages: 368

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #47 of '08

Septimus Heap: Queste

Author: Angie Sage
Back-of-the-Book Description: There's trouble at the Castle, and it's all because Merrin Meredith has returned with Darke plans for Septimus. More trouble awaits Septimus and Jenna in the form of Tertius Fume, the ghost of the very first Chief Hermetic Scribe, who is determined to send Septimus on a deadly Queste. But Septimus and Jenna have other plans—they are headed for the mysterious House of Foryx, a place where all Time meets and the place where they fervently hope they will be able to find Nicko and Snorri, who were trapped back in time in physik. But how will Septimus escape the Queste?
My Description: I didn't like "Queste" as much as I had liked the other Septimus Heap books. It just didn't do it for me.
I wish that they had a happier ending for Simon and Lucy. I know what Simon did was horrible in the book before last, but I wanted him to resolve things with his brothers, and Jenna especially... I also wanted Lucy to figure things out with her own family, but I suppose the next book might make all that better--fingers crossed!
Also, it took forever for the action to start. In different books it's about halfway before they get passed the introduction. Normally in Ms. Sage's books I get it a lot more quickly. Strangely enough, this one was a little different. It took forever for some action, but when it came it was great.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book. It was still the clever, witty, humorous and fun stuff that made me love this series... I just didn't like it as much as the others. Oh well.

Oh, and the whole Dragon/Marcia thing was great. I love Marcia.
Recommendations: To those of us who have fallen in love with the Septimus Heap books.
Pages: 608
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #46 of '08

The Other Boleyn Girl

Author: Philippa Gregory

Back-of-the-Book Description: Before Henry VIII ever considered making Anne Boleyn his wife, her older sister, Mary, was his mistress. Historical novelist Gregory (Virgin Earth) uses the perspective of this "other Boleyn girl" to reveal the rivalries and intrigues swirling through England. The sisters and their brother George were raised with one goal: to advance the Howard family's interests, especially against the Seymours. So when Mary catches the king's fancy, her family orders her to abandon the husband they had chosen. She bears Henry two children, including a son, but Anne's desire to be queen drives her with ruthless intensity, alienating family and foes. As Henry grows more desperate for a legitimate son and Anne strives to replace Catherine as queen, the social fabric weakens. Mary abandons court life to live with a new husband and her children in the countryside, but love and duty bring her back to Anne time and again.

My Description: Before I start my review I would like to mention that I am going to completely (with the exception of Anne's last words) ignore history in this review. All I say will be in relation to this book, so there will be no confusion in the matter.

I picked this book up because I'm tired of reading books and hearing about movies where Anne Boleyn is practically evil, and I am thinking of writing my own book... unfortunately, I didn't know much about her history, so I thought I'd read a story around the same time period and see how that was presented, so hopefully I could find something useful in the writing to help me write my own. I had a hunch this book would be for older readers (a hunch that was confirmed), but I really wanted to see how it would be presented...

Now, for the actual review...

Mary seems nice enough, though it's a little odd that she would be as virtuous as the book depicts when she is from such a cruel and heartless family, but oh well, I can live with that. I liked that I could sympathise with her falling in love with King Henry, since she had been stuck in a marriage that she had no say in, and she was only fourteen and being pushed to become the King's mistress by her ambitious family, though she should have felt more guilty about what it was doing to Catherine of Aragon (whose character I adored) than she was.

When Mary has her children, she has a complete change of morals and all she wants is to be with them. That I liked and could believe, but I found it odd how little her parents cared for her and Anne. On that same note, Anne seemed to have no feelings for Elizabeth, and though she was desperately wanting a boy, I still think that she should have had a bit more feeling for her. I guess Ms. Gregory was just trying to get us to hate her even more.

I also felt that Mary should have been more sympathetic to her husband at that point, as it was obvious he really cared for her. Also, there were several things in this book that just made me really uncomfortable.

I did, however, like the parts about Anne falling in love with Henry Percy (no, not the King, a different Henry) simply because it was sweet and it showed a less than evil picture of her, the parts with William Stafford, and the parts with Mary and her babies.

I was quite disappointed in the execution scene. There was no feeling written into that part of the book. NONE. It was if Mary were any old spectator. Not a tear was shed from her face, and Ms. Gregory didn't do Anne's last words, which really meant a lot to me. Of course, Anne's last words in real life didn't fit the character of Anne that was in the book, so I guess that's why she made Mary "unable to hear them". It was cool how that last scene was a mirror as to how the book began, but it didn't do it for me.

I was also really looking forwards to Anne and Mary coming together at the end of it all, but no, Anne stays as merciless and cruel as she was at the beginning. I was really disappointed.

All in all, highly interesting, but not something I really care about.

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 672

Recommendations: To late teens and up who like 'risque' historical fiction.

Writing Rating: 6

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 5

Book #45 of '08

The Thief Queen's Daughter

Author: Elizabeth Haydon

Back-of-the-Book Description: In the sequel to The Floating Island (2006), the king sends Ven to the amazing Gated City in Kingston, which is ruled by the Thief Queen, and where "some of the most magical and exotic goods in the world are sold." His mission: to solve the riddle of a mysterious light stone. He is accompanied by four good friends, one of whom is kidnapped, and the search for her is fraught with peril, though they find some individuals willing to help. One of them turns out to be the Thief Queen's runaway daughter, who orchestrates their escape from her mother's evil clutches.

My Description: I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, so I got it expecting something quite different than what I got. Still, once I realized what the book was, I was able to enjoy the story a lot more. Some of the things in the book, such as Saeli getting captured, didn't impact me as much as it would have if I had read the first, but when I put the book down, I decided it was a good one. It's a humorous little story with action and characters you can care about, though I did get Nicholas and Char confused a bit here and there, just because of my lack of experience in this series.

Still, I think you should give The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series a try--just read the first book first!

Pages: 320

Recommendations: To both boys and girls anywhere from 8-14, or a family (with younger children) reading together.

Writing Rating: 6 1/2

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7

Book #44 of '08

My Book List

I've decided I'll make a post dedicated to books I want to read, but have yet to, and put a link on the side-bar. That way, I won't forget the ones I'm waiting for.

1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian, by Rick Riordan
2. The Good Neighbors, Kith, by Holly Black
3. I'm uncertain to the title, but I want to find the audio version I heard with Dear Sister when I was little. On the second half of the tape there was some songs from a musical of that book, and I'm hoping to get it again, if only for memories.
4. Inheritance, book four, (title unknown) by Christopher Paolini
5. Master of the Books, by James Moloney
6. A Perry Mason book, by Erle Stanley Gardner
7. The 10th Kingdom, by Kathryn Wesley
8. Song of the Unicorn, an audio CD.
9. The Singing Neanderthals, (MOST LIKELY NON FICTION ALERT!!!) by Steven Mithen
10. The Next Generation: Ghost Ship, by Diane Carey
    

If you have any suggestions for me, that would be awesome!!!

Galaxy

The Good Neighbors

Author: Holly Black

Back-of-the-Book Description: Rue Silver's mother has disappeared . . . and her father has been arrested, suspected of killing her. But it's not as straightforward as that. Because Rue is a faerie, like her mother was. And her father didn't kill her mother -- instead, he broke a promise to Rue's faerie king grandfather, which caused Rue's mother to be flung back to the faerie world. Now Rue must go to save her -- and must also defeat a dark faerie that threatens our very mortal world.

My Description: Mommy picked this book out for me, and I was excited since it's from on of the authors of The Spiderwick Chronicles. It was not what I expected, but in a good way.

The story is written like a comic strip, which is something I don't really read, but it's also dark and mysterious, and low key, another thing I don't often read. It was like swimming in cold water, refreshing, relaxing, and strange. It was a breath of fresh air, and though confusing here and there, I actually liked it, just because it was so different from what I usually read, and I finished the story needing more. I'll definitely be looking for the next in Kin.

Pages: 117 (it's mostly pictures, so it isn't as long as it seems)

Reading Time: An hour or so.

Recommendations: To older readers... Early to mid teens, I'd suppose. Maybe a few tweens.

Writing Rating: 7 3/4

Story Rating: 7 3/4

Overall Rating: 8

Book #44 of '08

Dragon Slippers

Author: Jessica Day George

My Description: I put off writing my review for this book for quite some time, so I might not cover all of the facts I wanted to, but I'll do my best.

I got this book expecting a highly lighthearted and hopefully not too much less than hysterical comedy... that's just what I got out of the cover and description. At first, it was pretty much what I wanted and expected, but the second half changed, and I wasn't too happy with it.

I liked Creel (the heroine) immediately, which helped me to like the book. It was really funny at first, so that helped too. One thing that Ms. George did that took away from her story was something fairly easy to do in writing, that I do myself sometimes, was that she scooby-dooed things. Sometimes, weeks passed in a book like this: "Weeks passed,", and I would have liked it if it had either had more written on those weeks, or that it had been less time, but it wasn't really that bad.

Also, the second half of the book got a little intense. It wasn't that light-hearted comedy it was at the beginning, and characters actually died, which really took me off guard. Normally, I wouldn't have minded such things, but in the comedy book that I was expecting, it just didn't fit. Also, they had two main characters who we really care about die, and then made it seem like they might be alive after a death that makes it impossible for them to be alive, and didn't explain how they survived, so that was a little weird too. Ms. George also had the main villain of the book die, when I rather would have had "Justice". The death of her just didn't please me, while if she had actually been brought to court I would have felt happy and smug.

I also would have liked it if Creel had been reunited with her brother. I'm really family oriented, so maybe that wouldn't bother other people, but it did me, and that's something I wanted to mention.

Besides all that, I rather enjoyed the story. The last part just didn't do it for me... Oh well.
P.S. (much, much later) It turns out that there is a sequel to this book, so I take back what I said about things not getting explained!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel’s enormous talent at embroidery, and you can’t help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it’s up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom.

Pages: 352

Writing Rating: 7 1/2

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: 6 1/2

Book #43 of '08

Silent Echoes

Author: Carla Jablonski
My Description: Silent Echoes has a very interesting premise, in my opinion. Two girls being able to speak with each other over a hundred years... The other good thing is that it was actually played out very well, and I rather enjoyed it.
However, there were some things in the book that made me a little... uncomfortable. Some definite "adult content" made this book a bit hard for me to swallow.
As for how they could communicate, I didn't really get the reason, and what happens to Lindsay in the end could have been more satisfying, but I suppose it was well enough.
All in all, an enjoyable book, but definitely for older readers.
Back-of-the-Book Description: Silent Echoes jumps back and forth between 19th-century New York City and the present. In 1882, Lucy, 16, has been forced (I don't know why this review says that... she wasn't really forced to, though she probably wouldn't have if her father hadn't been there) by her father to act as a medium in sham séances for the wealthy. Much to her surprise, at her first session she hears the voice of Lindsay, whom she assumes is a spirit. In the present day, Lindsay feels trapped by her alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather. She hides in her closet to avoid their fighting and is surprised when Lucy answers her cries for help. Lindsay gradually discovers that they hear one another only when they are in the same place in their respective times. Eventually the girls unravel the reasons they are able to converse across time, and each one helps the other out of a no-win situation.
Starting Date: (coming soon)
Ending Date: (coming soon)
Reading Time: (coming soon)
Pages: 288
Recommendations: For older teens to adults who enjoy history and a bit of romance.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7

Book #42 of '08

Brisingr

(see this post on my regular blog if you wish... it's about this book as well)

Author: Christopher Paolini

My Description: Oh, my, gosh. It's not everyday you come by a book like this. It's not every year you come by a book like this. This an amazing adventure... a wonderful ride... a fantastic story....

Now for my description:

The first ten or so pages were okay, then it was fabulous. Then, it went down hill when Eragon started eating meat again.

In the last book, Eragon learns to go inside the minds of other creatures, and he feels how animals feel, and then, when he starts to eat animals, he just can't do it after sharing their experience of existence and knowing how they live... It was just a complete change of morals for him to start eating it regularly, and I had really liked the whole vegetarian thing. After that, however, the book really takes off and gets great. I love how it switched from Roran, to Eragon, to Nasuada... I really haven't read a book like this in a long, long time. I just loved it. There was a little too much time spent on forging Eragon's new sword, but besides that and my other few problems, Brisingr was amazing... Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

There was one plot twist (that I actually predicted!) that was just wonderful. I thought it was a great addition and though I want to go on and on about it, I don't want to spoil it for you... So I'll just let you read the book. The amazing, wonderful book.

Here's a 'prophecy' I made up about some things that happen in the book... I thought you might like to hear it:

A Shade slain,

A city taken,

A new King named,

And truths shaken...

Mr. Paolini, please hurry up and finish the next book!!!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too.

The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices—choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny.

Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king? (OF COURSE! Eragon is awesome. Yes, this is Galaxy speaking...)

Starting Date: (Coming soon)

Ending Date: October 11th

Reading Time: (Coming soon)

Pages: 784

Recommendations: To those who like fantasies or adventures 11 & up, and those who like the Inheritance series (Eragon, Eldest, and now Brisingr).

Writing Rating: 8 1/2

Story Rating: 9

Overall Rating: 9

Book #41 of '08

Beware, Princess Elizabeth

Author: Carolyn Meyer
My Description: A lot less depressing than Mary, Bloody Mary (both books are in the Young Royals series), but just as interesting, fast paced and enjoyable. I rather liked the heroine of this book... she is tough, witty and charming (though she does have a bit of a temper!), and it wasn't hard to like Elizabeth or sympathize with her situation. I don't agree with her image of marriage (she swore she would never marry) but I might have the same convictions if my father had my mother executed Still, the book was well written and I rather liked it. It was especially nice that the story was written in first person, so I could really feel her anger, sorrow and joy throughout the whole book. It was a little weird, however, to go from Mary being the heroine (from Mary, Bloody Mary), to Mary being the villain, as she was in this book.
I was a little disappointed in the ending, as near the end of Mary's rein as queen the entire kingdom was in turmoil and poverty, I was hoping to read about how Elizabeth would fix things up... still, if didn't end there, there wouldn't have been a place for that beautiful last paragraph, and that magnificent ending line:

Today I am Elizabeth, Queen of England.

Back-of-the-Book Description: As the title suggests, this gripping historical drama tells of the danger Elizabeth Tudor faced on her way to the throne of England. The novel is not meant to portray Elizabeth's whole life; rather, set within a story frame of her coronation, the narrative relays the hardships, ill treatment, and tragedies that occurred between the death of King Henry VIII and the death of Elizabeth's half sister, Queen Mary. Because the story is told in first person, readers have a sense of being with Elizabeth and feeling the uncertainty, apprehension, and determination she feels. The author does not pull any punches when it comes to telling about Elizabeth's feelings for Tom Seymour, her religious convictions, or the bloodshed caused at the behest of Queen Mary. The political intrigue and changing alliances could be confusing, but a family tree at the front of the book helps readers keep most of the relatives straight. If only there were a chart of court advisors, foreign dignitaries, and servants! Reading Jane Yolen's The Queen's Own Fool (Philomel, 2000), about Elizabeth's cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, would be an interesting comparison/contrast study with this novel because both women faced similar types of opposition. Elizabeth was a unique person in her own time, and her intelligence, drive, and independence will appeal to today's readers.
Starting Date: Unknown
Ending Date: Unknown
Reading Time: I don't really know... I interrupted the reading of this book to read one of the Percy Jackson books (the previous review)
Pages: 211
Recommendations: To those who would enjoy learning about England in it's earlier years, and also simply to those who wouldn't mind a good drama.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7

Book #40 of '08

The Battle of the Labyrinth

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Author: Rick Riordan
My Description: Again, a good book. Funny, interesting, exciting... a real page-turner. It's just as good as the other books, and that makes me pretty happy as I know of a lot of series (how do you plural that?) that go down hill.

However, I do have a couple issues: One, Annabeth's attitude to Rachael, and 'mortals' in general. Yes, she is a little jealous of her and Percy, but she doesn't really have too much of a reason to be (as they aren't even really 'together', and there isn't much hinting otherwise), and she just went overboard with hostilities. Not only that, but she tried to demean her by hinting that she's a mortal and that halfbloods (half god, half human, as Annabeth and Percy are) were better... I've always liked Annabeth, but that just sent her down hill.
And then we come to Daedalus. They tried to make him some sort of hero near the end, but it didn't make me sad at all, as I was pretty neutral for the character after all that he had done... I'm still mourning for the character in the previous book that died, and his 'heroism' didn't come close to hers, and it just didn't impact me... This may not be a problem, but I thought I'd mention it.

Besides these facts, this book is a wonderful, fabulous and entertaining adventure. I'd go off more on this, but I think I've said enough in my reviews of the previous books in this series (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and The Titans Curse). Definitely one of my favorite series (again, does ANYONE know how to plural 'series'?).
Back-of-the-Book Description: Percy Jackson isn’t expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse. In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos’s army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth–a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this latest book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.
Starting Date: (unknown)
Ending Date: (unknown)
Reading Time: Approximately four days...
Pages: 368
Recommendations: To those who enjoy Greek mythology and would like a modern twist, and to those who enjoy fantasy adventures.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8


Book #39 of '08

Mary, Bloody Mary

Author: Carolyn Meter
My Description: An interesting story. I started it late last night and couldn't put it down. It took me a while to convince myself that I needed to stop and sleep. On the down side it's very depressing... I felt so sorry for poor Mary. I would hate to be in her shoes.

It did annoy me that Anne Boleyn was the 'villain' of this book, since ever since Shakespeare's Secret I've had a high opinion of her. Of course, this book is from the perspective of Mary, and since Anne replaced her mother as Henry's wife she must have a low opinion of her... Still, I feel that if you read this book you should check Anne Boleyn out in some history books or on the Internet, since I don't think it's fair to judge her from this book alone; e.g. After Catherine's--Mary's mother, the King's x-wife-- death her wearing bright yellow, which in the book was put in celebration, and though that might be true, yellow is also the Spanish color of morning, and I might be wrong but I think Catherine was Spanish.

These were Anne's last words before she was executed--by her husband's (the kings) command!

"Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul."

Back-of-the-Book Description: As a baby, Mary was adored by her father, who carried her around on his shoulder and displayed her for the court to admire. But as his marriage with her mother, Catherine of Aragon, waned for lack of a male heir, Henry began an affair with the beautiful Anne Boleyn. Mary was convinced that Anne was a witch. Didn't everyone know she had a sixth finger? And wasn't it Anne who persuaded Henry to declare his first marriage invalid (rendering Mary a bastard)? As the king grows ever colder, Mary is banished to a distant house, forbidden from seeing her mother, left to wear rags, and finally--at Anne's bidding--summoned back to court to be a servant to her baby half sister Elizabeth. Once there, Mary lives in constant dread that she will be poisoned or sent to the executioner's block in one of her father's rages. By the time Anne Boleyn herself is beheaded, Henry's first daughter has become the bitter and angry woman who was to be known as Bloody Queen Mary for her savage religious genocide.
Starting Date: September 18th
Ending Date: September 18th
Reading Time: One day
Pages: 222
Recommendations: To those who would like to learn a bit of history in a rather interesting way, and who don't mind being depressed.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 6 1/2
Overall Rating: 6 1/2


Book # 38

Where are the Pictures?

The last couple of reviews didn't have any pictures... I thought I'd post as to why:

Well, I go to Amazon.com so I can copy and paste a picture of the particular book... sometimes they have this weird 'Search Inside' thing where you can read the first chapter or so of the book on the Internet; when they do this they have this weird 'Search Inside' icon, and it didn't feel right to have 'Search Inside' icon on the picture of the book... Sorry about this! At least some books don't have it...

Until next time!


Galaxy

Second Sight

(no picture available)

Author: Gary Blackwood

My Description: A very interesting entertaining and suspenseful story. I really enjoyed it and had the hardest time putting it down.

I especially enjoyed this story because the author talked to me, and he talked in such a way that I really felt like he was talking to me, Galaxy. The way he described his story was almost like getting a tour of a house, and he made me feel at home. It was really nice just to follow him as he led me around through all the amazing places and happenings of his Second Sight... and he described it all so well that I could see it clearly in my minds eye. It was just a really good story, and I was wondering through the entire book whether or not he was going to have President Lincoln die in this slightly altered version of the end of the Civil War.

I highly recommend you read this book!

Back-of-the-Book Description: In fall 1864 Joseph and his father appear on the Washington stage in a skillfully performed mind-reading act. Their success eases the family's poverty and leads to Joseph crossing paths with fellow actor John Wilkes Booth and with President Lincoln, whose wife is attracted by the boy's supposed clairvoyance. Although their act is based on a verbal code, Joseph comes to believe that Cassandra, a girl who lives in the same boardinghouse as his family, actually does have psychic abilities. When she foretells the shooting of President Lincoln in a theater box, Joseph feels compelled to take action.

Starting Date: Unknown...

Ending Date: Unknown...

Reading Time: 5-6 days???

Pages: 288

Recommendations: To those who enjoy history and would like a bit of a twist, to those who enjoy mysteries, to those who enjoy suspenses and to a family reading together.

Writing Rating: 8 1/2

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #37 of '08

The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio

(no image available)

Author: Lloyd Alexander

My Description: The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio was a humorous and entertaining book. The story was interesting, though a bit predictable at a few points, and some thing weren't really explained, the characters were fun and (mostly) likable and I enjoyed it.

All in all, not my favorite book, but it's Lloyd Alexander, you gotta love it.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Since his parents' death, Carlo has worked for his uncle, a merchant, but Uncle's patience with Carlo's daydreaming wears so thin that he finally gives the young man a purse of coins and ships him off to nearby Campania. Carlo, who has just discovered a treasure map in an old book, travels across the sea to the Middle Eastern port that marks the beginning of the Road of Golden Dreams. Planning to follow that perilous route to the treasure, Carlo hires two traveling companions: Baksheesh, a lazy, loquacious camel puller, and Shira, a young woman bent on revenge. Against all advice, Carlo follows his dream, only to find it changing as he comes to know himself through the crucible of the journey.

Starting Date: (unknown)

Ending Date: July 20th

Reading Time: 4-6 days

Pages: 320

Reccomendations: To 9-12 year olds, a family reading together or just someone who loves Lloyd Alexander as my family and I do.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7 1/2

Book #36 of '08

The Titan's Curse

Author: Rick Riordan

My Description: A great book. Bunches of action, adventure, cool stuff, humor... but for once in this series, there was death.

Two people died, and I was not expecting it. Yeah, the prophecy did say that 'one would be lost in land without rain' and 'one shall perish by parent's hand' but I really was expecting Mr. Riordan to find away around it. And he didn't. There's hope for one, but none for the other, and the other was a really awesome character who I did NOT want to die. She had such sorrow in her life, and she was finally happy... it just wasn't right. And it really depressed me. These books had never had such grief in them... I just wasn't expecting it. I guess that Riordan felt that for it to be realistic someone had to die. He didn't have to make it them. It wasn't fair.

Now that I'm done whining about death, I would like to say that this book is just as clever, humorous and downright fun as it's predecessors and I recommend it, but be prepared.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Just after finding Bianca and Nico, two newly discovered half-bloods, Percy, Grover, Annabeth, and Thalia end up trapped between a helicopter and a manticore. Artemis and her Hunters save the day, but Annabeth disappears over a cliff; then Artemis rushes off to hunt a dangerous monster. Back at Camp Half-Blood, the Oracle foretells that Artemis must be rescued and makes a prediction that bodes ill for one of their number—but which one? Percy, who is supposed to remain behind while others pursue the quest, follows in search of the missing Annabeth. Their adventures range widely across the U.S., taking them to locales that include Washington, D.C., and the deserts of the Southwest and pitting them against the usual assortment of colorful adversaries.

Starting Date: July 9th

Ending Date: July 10th

Reading Time: Two days

Recommendations: To those who enjoy fantasies and/or Greek mythology with a splash of humor.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #35 of '08

The Gorgan's Gaze

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Author: Julia Golding
My Description: Another of my types! This one was very very enjoyable. A great come-back and sequel to the first in the Companions Quartet (Secret of the Sirens). I highly enjoyed it and expect you will too.
Also, I really understood and liked the Kullervo part near the end. I truly related as to how Connie felt. In most instances where the lead refuses to kill the villain, I find it very stupid and unbelievable. In this one, it made sense, and I really got it.
Back-of-the-Book Description: Connie Lionheart's calculating great-aunt and uncle try to take her away from the tantalizing reach of the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures. What they don't realize (or do they?) is that Connie is the Society's most important member--she is the only universal companion able to bond with all mythical creatures. Connie's great gift also puts her in great danger, as the evil shape-shifter Kullervo needs her power to destroy the Society once and for all. But how can Connie help anyone, even herself, when she hasn't learned how to use her gift yet? In this second book of the Companions Quartet, Connie and her friends team together again to protect the fragile bonds between humans, creatures, and the world we must share.
Starting Date:
Ending Date:
Reading Time:
Pages: 320
Recommendations: To those who enjoy fantasies with adventure.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7



Book #34 of '08

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren

Author: Wendy Toliver

My Description: Did I miss something? I found this book on Amazon.com while looking for pictures of some of the books I've read to put up on this blog. The lowest rating in reviews of this book was four stars. I was really disappointed.

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is really crass. The other word for a female dog was used at least twice, butt was used a lot (though that word isn't bad, the way that it was used was just weird), and the s-word was uncountable. Teenagers were drinking, and doing other inappropriate things, and not only all of this, but the way the Lead--Roxy--talked was just crass too. It was hard to like her sometimes, and you know me, I need to like the lead.

The story was mostly predictable to me, though the ending was slightly surprising, and though the story did make me laugh a couple times, it really wasn't that funny. As I said in the 'About the Journey' article on my side-bar, there are some books I just can't relate to. Maybe if I had gone to school/high school I would understand the characters better, and I'm sure there are some (thus the five star rating on Amazon) who love this book, but I really didn't. The one redeeming quality was the slightly sweet ending, though at that point it didn't really matter.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Geeky to gorgeous in sixty seconds...
Roxy's about to turn sixteen, but life isn't so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute.
There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a siren, and don't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing...but how can she keep herself from falling in love?

Starting Date: June 18th

Ending Date: June 19th

Pages: 304

Recommendations: To people who don't mind bad language and other such things in a romantic comedy--definetly over 14.

Writing Rating: 5

Story Rating: 6

Overall Rating: 3

Book #33 of '08

The Sea of Monsters--Percy and the Olympains #2

Author: Rick Riordan

My Description: Another of my kind of books. This one being a little more serious than 'Siren Song', it's still light-hearted and fun. I really loved it. It has a tiny bit of humor and many surprises and twists that make it a real page turner and is sure to give you all the action and excitement that you could want in a book.

Back-of-the-Book Description: In this second installment in the series, Percy, Poseidon's 13-year-old demigod son, is desperate to rescue his friend Grover, captive of the bloodthirsty Cyclops Polyphemus, and to retrieve the healing Golden Fleece. The sheepskin is needed to restore the protection around Camp Half-Blood, the only safe haven for the children of gods and humans, heroes-in-training in our modern world. However, the camp has already been compromised and the quest for the Golden Fleece has been awarded to the bully Clarisse. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy sets off for the Bermuda Triangle anyway with his friend Annabeth and classmate Tyson, who turns out to be a half-brother and a Cyclops as well. Adventure follows chaotic adventure at a rapid pace, and readers with even a passing acquaintance with the Odyssey will enjoy this fresh use of familiar stories.

Starting Date: May 31st

Ending Date: June 2nd

Reading Time: Three days

Pages: 288

Recommendations: To anyone who likes Greek Mythology or adventure.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #32 of '08

Siren Song--The Cronus Chronicles

Author: Anne Ursu
My Description: This is my kind of book! I loved it! Anne Ursu gives us humor, fun, and at the same time suspense. This book is one that can make you you feel the thrills and suspense without getting gloomy and at the same time make you smile. This is a very rare book--a light hearted one! I just can't get over how fun it was, though it was a little unjust here and there, but you couldn't really get around that with what happened in the first book in this series. I do promise you this, though, it ends happily!
Back-of-the-Book Description: Ever since Charlotte Mielswetzski and her cousin, Zee, saved the world, life has been rather ordinary. Ordinary, that is, if you call being ultramegagrounded (in Charlotte's case) or treated as if you might fall to pieces (in Zee's case) ordinary. Either way, heroes deserve better.
Of course, no one knows Charlotte and Zee are heroes. It's not like they can simply announce that Greek myths are real or proclaim they have returned from the Underworld, where they rescued all of mankind from Philonecron, a deranged demigod with delusions of grandeur. Instead, they are forced to keep this terrible knowledge to themselves, and are stuck in a state of extraordinary ordinariness.
But things aren't quite as ordinary as they seem. For Philonecron is the grandson of Poseidon, and you don't mess with the progeny of the second most powerful god in the universe. And Philonecron himself isn't so happy about having all of his delicious plans thwarted by mortal children. He wants revenge, and with his grandfather to help him, he is going to get what he wants.
For Charlotte and Zee, their not-so-ordinary lives are about to be disruptedonce again. This time it's not the world they must save -- it's themselves.
Starting Date: May 28th
Ending Date: May 30th
Reading Time: Three days
Pages: 448
Recommendations: To anyone who likes Greek mythology but wants a little twist, or likes adventure with a constant sprinkle of humor.
Writing Rating: 9
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 8

Book #31 of '08

Pirate Curse

Author: Kai Meyer
My Description: Great first part. Despite Munk's parents getting killed it was light-hearted and fun and I really liked it. And then it came to the next part and it just went down hill. It became frightening, gloomy, frustrating, and sad. Can't there be any lighthearted books out there? (that stay lighthearted anyway) Oh, and it's kind of silly that the description doesn't even mention Griffin, a boy who likes Jolly, who quite infuriated me because Munk likes Jolly too, and I liked Munk (not in that way, of course).
Back-of-the-Book Description: Fourteen-year-old Jolly is a polliwog. She can literally walk on water. Raised by a pirate captain, she loves her life until Bannon and his crew are betrayed and only Jolly escapes. She is washed up on a tiny island, discovered by Munk (another polliwog), and quickly drawn into the plans of the mysterious Ghost Trader, who insists that the very existence of the world is threatened by the imminent return of the Maelstrom. Somehow, the polliwogs hold the secret to defeating the ancient malevolent force, even if they are only teens.
Starting Date: Somewhere around May 20th?
Ending Date: May 28th
Reading Time: Approximately 8 days?
Pages: 336
Recommendations: To people who don't mind goriness, and to those who like pirates. I didn't really enjoy this book, but I'm sure others will.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: (for me) 4


Book #30 of '08

Secret of the Sirens

Author: Julia Golding
My Description: A really good book (for those readers of my regular blog this is the one I was reading in the rain) with awesome characters and cool magical beings... There were a few things I didn't get (like why the Heroine's parents send her to live with her aunt and her brother to boarding school? Or some other unanswered questions that I can't quite remember...) but overall it was a pretty good book that I would recommend it... and don't be fooled by the word 'Siren' like I was, this book isn't really that much about Greek mythology.
Back-of-the-Book Description: When Connie Lionheart is sent to live with her eccentric aunt by the sea, she's not expecting anything great--not to make friends with Col, the coolest guy in town, and certainly not to discover that mythical creatures still exist, that an ancient society had protected them for centuries, and that a dark and treacherous force lurks in their midst.
Most of all, she doesn't expect to learn that she has the rarest of talents, greater even than her secret ability to communicate with animals. With Col's help, she could achieve unimaginable power--and face the terrifying choices that come with it.
Starting Date: May 19th
Ending Date: May 23rd
Reading Time: Five days
Pages: 357
Writing Rating: 6
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7

Book #29 of '08

Here's a Siren I drew as it appeared in this book... I just thought I'd put it in.

The Shadow Theives

Author: Anne Ursu

My Description: A wonderfully witty and fun book--for once, it doesn't have that dark atmostphere that more than 90% of our books have these days(well, it does get a little dreary here and there, but it's much better than most in that aspect)! Again, it's got Greek Mythology , fun humor, interesting characters (who you can like quite easily) and a great theme. I'm not sure I really liked how the author did Hades, and the villain of the book needed a bit of work, but besides that, I really did enjoy this book and I will be looking for the next in the Cronus Chronicles!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Charlotte Mielswetzki is in such a bad mood that she doesn't notice a freakish man in a tuxedo following her home from school. But something extraordinary is about to happen. Charlotte's cousin Zee lives in England, where all of his friends are becoming mysteriously and seriously ill. Sent to Charlotte's family in America, he discovers that the same thing is happening to his new friends. It turns out that Philonecron, born in the Underworld, is determined to overthrow Hades and builds an army from children's stolen shadows, getting at them through Zee. The quick-paced novel takes readers on a danger-filled journey from the Midwest to Hades, where Charlotte and Zee make their final stand against the evil threatening to destroy the world of the dead.

Starting Date: May 7th

Ending Date: May 11th

Reading Time: Five days

Pages: 432 (it passes by quickly)

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #28 of '08

The Princess Bride

Author: I'm not sure if it's Willam Goldman, or S. Morgenstein...
My Description: This book was (very) confusing, and slightly frustrating (not to mention a little boring), but there were a couple good parts... I think I liked the movie better. Back-of-the-Book Description: The Princess Bride is a true fantasy classic. William Goldman describes it as a "good parts version" of "S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure." Morgenstern's original was filled with details of Florinese history, court etiquette, and Mrs. Morgenstern's mostly complimentary views of the text. Much admired by academics, the "Classic Tale" nonetheless obscured what Mr. Goldman feels is a story that has everything: "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles."
Goldman frames the fairy tale with an "autobiographical" story: his father, who came from Florin, abridged the book as he read it to his son. Now, Goldman is publishing an abridged version, interspersed with comments on the parts he cut out.
Starting Date: April 28th
Ending Date: May 4th
Reading Time: Seven days
Pages: 300
Writing Rating: 4
Story Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 3 1/2

Book 27 of '08

The Case of the Demure Defendant

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner
My Description: Another wonderful Perry Mason book! I really loved it.
It's definitely the most suspenseful of the them all... I never would have guessed who dunnit! I had no idea how Perry was going to pull this one off!
Back-Of-The-Book Description: A young woman under the influence of the "truth" serum sodium penthahol confesses to her doctor that she poisoned the older man in whose house she had been living. After the man's death, she says, she threw the bottle containing the poison into a lake. The doctor, armed with this information and a recording of the session, consults Perry Mason, bringing the famous lawyer into the case.

The police have no knowledge that anyone has been murdered. The possible victim's cause of death was put down to natural causes when he died. Now, though, the police get wind of the confession, and Mason finds himself racing against time to determine whether a crime has been committed at all. He goes to the lake and succeeds in finding a bottle that, thankfully, does not contain poison. Apparently, the case is at an end. The "confession," he thinks, was just a product of the woman's imagination and guilty conscience. However, just when Mason thinks he can rest easy, the police recover a second bottle.

Now, not only is Mason's client back in hot water, but Mason himself is also facing legal trouble. The police, it seems, suspect Mason of having planted the first bottle... Can Perry Mason save his client--and himself?
Starting Date: April 25th
Ending Date: April 28th
Reading Time: Four days
Pages: 242
Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries. Again, Erle Stanley Gardner has proven himself a most fabulous writer!
Writing Rating: 7 3/4
Story Rating: 7 3/4
Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #26 of '08

GOAL REACHED!!!

Hooray! I've read 25 books just like I wanted--am I even halfway through the year yet?!?!?! Anyway, I'm very happy and I look forwards to seeing how many I devour by the end of the year!

The Case of the Shapely Shadow

Author: Erle Stanly Gardner

My Description: Fabulous! Amazing! Wonderful! READ IT!!!

The mystery was very interesting and highly unpredictable. Perry (yes, this is another Perry Mason book) did a great job in solving the case, and I think this book was wonderful--it really kept you on your toes and guessing.

One negative thing is that near the end they kept talking about putting the Defendant on the stand, and I was getting really excited about that, but they didn't, and that made me a little disappointed. Besides that, this book was great, and I highly recommend it!

Back-Of-The-Book Description: When Janice Wainwright shows up in Perry Mason's office with a suitcase full of money and a story of her employer being blackmailed, Perry, Della, and Janice start recording the numbers of as many bills as possible. However, when her employer ends up murdered, the evidence points to Janice as a blackmailer and a killer. Even more surprising, Perry Mason puts on no defense evidence, effectively betting Janice's life on one small detail, a detail which sets off a firestorm of legal fireworks and has Hamilton Burger (District Attorney) spitting nails.
This is a novel that defines Perry Mason; one where he goes up against a mountain of evidence, but finds a different analysis of it, combined with legal tactics which run circles around the district attorney. Highly recommended.

Starting Date: April 20th

Ending Date: April 24th

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 162

Recommendations: To anyone who loves/likes mysteries. This is fabulous.

Writing Rating: 7 3/4

Story Rating: 7 3/4

Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #25 of '08