Friday, August 27, 2010

Uncharted TerriTORI by Tori Spelling

Cute book detailing what's going on in her life now and her new relationship with her mom. It was an easy read but not as funny as her first book.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

Charlie feels incredible guilt over the car accident that killed his younger brother. For thirteen years after the accident, Charlie spends each night with his brother, playing baseball and holding onto the past. Charlie has a gift that allows him to see those who have died and their spirirts before they move on. Then he meets Tess, who was injured in a boating accident, and is lost at sea. Charlie and Tess start some sort of relationship while Charlie eventually tries to find Tess and return her to her life.

I wanted to read this book because of the movie. The movie seems so good but I thought books are usually better than the movie. It was a hard book to get into. Took me about nine or so chapters before I really became invested and wanted to read more. It had a great middle and second half and I'm happy I stuck with it.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

One False Note (book 2: The 39 Clues)

Different books, different authors. Don't think I like it. The first book (The Maze of Bones) was really enjoyable. I liked the author's writing style, but book two seems harder to read.

We continue on the journey to finding the 39 clues. This story takes us to Vienna and Italy to continue to chase down more clues that will ultimately lead to a grand prize.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Another vampire (oh excuse me, vampyre) story? Absolutely! I loved loved loved this book. It took a bit to get used the the premise of a vampire boarding school but once I did, I really enjoyed it. This book has everything: vampires, mean girls, good looking guys, drama, and danger. Many of the characters seem a little odd but are endearing. It had a strong storyline of teens who are marked to become vampyres. It follows their lives through "the change."

In the first book, Zoey is marked, her mom and step dad basically disown her, and shes goes to the House of Night, a vampyre finishing school. There she meets some great friends who help her through the change from human to non human, while trying to battle the school's elite clique.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Sons of Destiny by Darren Shan

All I can say is hallejuah!! I've finished the series! I started this one on recommendation from my brother (thanks Mike) who never made it past the first book (too childish he says). I enjoyed the first book, the second book, the third, and on and on. But seriously........twelve books. Way too many. No series should be that long. But anyway, I finished it. I made it through. I finally know how it ends. I'm a little disappointed I think. I'm not sure if I like the ending of the series or not. I like that Darren overcame the prophecy and didn't become Lord of the Shadows. I love the fact that Evanna finally got off her but and actually took part of something instead of sitting on the sidelines. It was a cool twist that Darren was able to replace "himself" in the course of events. That I liked. I'm happy I stuck with the series and happy to see it go.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Originally I wanted to read Rebel Angels by the same author. I was so excited to read it. Then I found out I had to read the first book in the series (see title of post). So I did. And I didn't like it. It was okay. For me, reading something set in "olden times" just didn't work for me. I liked the premise but not the entire plot. So, now that I finished it and see Rebel Angels waiting for me, I'm having second thoughts on whether I should even read it. There are so many other great books to read.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls 2)

Linger. I love it. It's great (even with green font), it's suspenseful, new characters, and a bittersweet ending. I loved Shiver (the first book). I can't say that I live this one more, but it's different. Each chapter is from a different characters perspective. Isabel, dealing with her brothers death, is now good friends with Grace. Olivia (who's mentioned often but doesn't make an appearance except for one quick snippet as a wolf) is still in wolf form and everyone is wondering about her. Cole, a new wolf, dealing with the fact that he destroyed his friend's life and is desperately trying to stay a wolf. Sam (sigh) who is learning to trust that he's "cured" (but is he really)? And Grace, who becomes sick and is trying to figure out what is happening to her.

I loved everything about this book. Even though it ended on a surprising (and bittersweet) note. Plus it's a pretty cover and that's always a good thing!

Angelology by Danielle Trussoni

I'm obsessed with angels. I love the idea of them, their beauty, their place in the human world. This book was a recommedation. Honestly, when I saw the page count I cringed. It was huge (451). Okay maybe not so huge but more than I really wanted to read for a summer book. But I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It wasn't an easy read though. There were many times I had to go back and reread things. It had a lot of historical, religious, and biblical references. Not usually my thing.

The idea in this book is not what we are used to when we think of angels. We think of cute (or beautiful), with long feathery wings, and angels that are on the side of good. This book totally twists that around. The premise is that angels are among us. They are suffering from some disesase that slowly kills them. They need to find the lyre, thought to make them strong, and possibly destroy the world. A nun, comes to find out that she comes from a family of angelologists and her new mission is continue their work.