The Dragon Queen

From Goodreads:    When a human girl enters a portal into the land of the elves, she's in for a journey full of action, magic, and friendship!The chapter books in this series will have foil on the cover and offer enchanting adventures in a lush new world.














My Thoughts:

-    Gnome loves the Lego Elves sets, and she wants all the dragons. She and I both enjoy these Lego Elves books. 

-    I liked the first book better. I think the story was plotted out better in Quest for the Keys, but this story was still fun. 

-    It was fun to read about some of the Lego sets Gnome owns, and it was fun learning the names of the dragons. I didn't know they had names.

-    There is a little humor in the book, and I didn't find all of it amusing, but I always liked when Faran was teased. 

-    If your child likes fun adventures, these books are for you.

Previous Lego Elves Book

Quest for the Keys

From Goodreads:    Welcome to the enchanted world of LEGO(R) Elves, where building a magical adventure is just the turn of a key away!

When Emily Jones was walking through her grandmother's garden, she never dreamed she would end up in another world. But after crossing through a secret portal, Emily finds herself in Elvendale, the mystical land of the elves... with no way to leave! 

Luckily, she meets the elves of fire, earth, wind, and water. Together they set off on a quest to find four legendary keys that have the power to open the portal to Emily's world. But it will take imagination and courage for them to succeed as they encounter riddles and powerful magic on their way. Can they unlock the mystery and get Emily back home? 

Young readers will be enchanted by this exciting chapter book series based on the newest LEGO(R) Elves toys!

My Thoughts:

-    Gnome loves the Lego Elves sets, and she was pretty excited to read this with me. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a lot better than I was expecting.

-    I liked the characters. They were fun, and Gnome liked them a lot too. I like how each elf represented a different element.

-    The story was good. It was a fun little adventure.

-    I liked reading about some of the Lego sets we already own. It was fun to see what scene they belonged to and the back story. 

A Night Divided

Goodreads Synopsis:    From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

My Thoughts:

-    Jennifer is one of my favorite Utah Authors. Her books are so clever and amazing, and she is just an all around nice lady. I've only read her False Prince books, but I've been wanting to read more, and I finally did! 

-    The writing is so good! When I read this, it felt effortless. The story just unfolded in my mind, and it didn't even feel like reading. I just absorbed the story. 

-    I love stories about the Berlin Wall. It intrigues me, especially stories about the Candy Bomber. 

-    Most of the story is about dirt, and digging the dirt, but I wasn't bored. I was thoroughly entertained the whole time.

-    I think this book is perfect for the target audience. It covers the sad and scary parts of history in a very real but safe way. I also love that anyone could pick up this book and enjoy it. Great storytelling!

Endure

Goodreads Says:    At last, Alexa and King Damian are engaged to be married. But their lives are far from safe. The kingdom of Antion is under siege, and Rylan is a prisoner of the enemy. Even worse, Alexa remains at the mercy of the evil Dansiian Rafe, who controls her mind and can force Alexa to kill or harm Damian at any moment. Despite this, Alexa is determined to rescue Rylan, which soon leads her far from Damian and deep into enemy territory.

When she arrives, what awaits her is deadlier than anything she could have ever imagined: an army of black sorcerers and a horrifying plot to destroy the world as Alexa knows it. Will she be able to gather the strength to free herself, protect the love of her life, and save the land? Will there ever be true peace?

Acclaimed author Sara B. Larson has woven a stunning, romantic, and evocative finale to the Defy trilogy that is sure to leave readers breathless until the very last page.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a good conclusion to the series. I was happy with how everything wrapped up.

-    I really wanted Damian to take a bigger role in this book. I wanted to see his amazing fighting and magic skills, but there wasn't much of it. I was disappointed. I think it would have been cool to see Alexa and Damian go on an adventure together. They are equally matched, and I wanted to see more of that.

-    Damian and Alexa's relationship still bugs a bit. Damian pretty much became Four in the beginning of the book. 

-    I liked all the action and I thought the story telling was well done. 

-    I really wish Rylan had been replaced with Marcel. I don't like the love triangle, but it would have been awesome if Alexa had been trying to save her beloved brother. I could have gotten behind that. 

-    Spoiler! People die. For a little bit I was thinking the author was killing people off just to kill people, but I'm actually okay with the deaths. I feel like the character's deaths weren't wasted, and it made the book more realistic. 

-    I like how the author portrayed war as something horrible for both sides. She didn't sugar coat anything, and I appreciate that. 

-    I would consider this more of a fluff fantasy trilogy, but I enjoyed it. 

Previous Books

(covers are linked)

 

NewsPrints

From Goodreads:    Blue is an orphan who disguises herself as a newsboy. There's a war going on, and girls are expected to help the struggling economy by selling cookies. But Blue loves living and working at the Bugle, the only paper in town that tells the truth. And what's printed in the newspapers now matters more than ever.

But Blue struggles with her secret, and worries that if her friends and adopted family at the Bugle find out that she's a girl, she'll lose everything and everyone she cares about. And when she meets and befriends Crow, a boy who is also not what he seems, together they seek the freedom to be their true selves... and to save each other.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a fun and poignant little graphic novel. I enjoyed it and will probably continue the series.

-    There were a few plot holes, but I'm hoping things will get cleared up in the next volumes.

-    This book was intended for a younger audience. I think I would have liked it a lot better when I was in middle school. This would be a good one to read with the kiddos. 

-    The story reminded me of The Iron Giant. It had a similar message and feeling.

-    I liked the characters, but I didn't get to know a lot of them. Again, I'm hoping that will be fixed in the next volumes.

Ignite

From Goodreads:    Murder, kidnapping, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

My Thoughts:

-    It has been a while, and I didn't take notes. I hope I can remember how I felt about this.

-    Overall, I liked it a lot. 

-    The Alexa/Rylan/Damian triangle thingy still bugs. I wish Rylan was just a good friend. Alexa doesn't even consider him an option.

-    I liked the fighting and action. I love reading about how Alexa beats everyone.

-    I felt bad for Alexa and her insecurities. I'm sure any woman would be sensitive over her face getting burned, and I liked how the author portrayed Alexa dealing with that. I liked seeing how others could overlook her scars. It was a bigger deal to Alexa than it was to anyone else, and I'm sure that is so true for a lot of things in life.

-    I hated Alexa keeping secrets and things from Damian. Their relationship seemed a tad immature in this book. Although there were plenty of tension moments.

-    I love the different cultures and seeing them through Alexa's POV.

-    Again, I felt like the romantic relationships overpowered the actual story. I wish more focus had been on the conflict. There was a lot going on with the politics and stuff.

-    Despite the minor setbacks, I'm eager to read the final book! 

Previous Book

(cover is linked)

If the Shoe Fits

Goodreads Says:    Once upon a time my brother and I found a magic mirror...

Tonight the mirror swept us into Cinderella's fairy tale. Now, we are NOT messing this story up. No way. Cinderella is going to marry her prince just like she's supposed to.

Uh-oh.

Cinderella broke her foot, and there's massive swelling. The glass slipper won't fit, the prince won't know she's the one for him, and they won't live happily ever after. And it's all our fault!

To save the day we'll need to:
- Learn how to use a dustpan
- Stay out of jail
- Find Cinderella a job
- Make sure true love finds its way

We just have to get it all done before the clock strikes twelve and the chance for a happy ending is gone . . . forever!

My Thoughts:

-    This is fun and cute! I'm really enjoying these books.

-    I love the twist on Cinderella. The crownies were really clever. It made me CRAVE brownies.

-    For some reason, I was expecting these two kids to meet up with classic fairy tale, but Cinderella's story is quite different.

-    I always like it when one of the step sisters is nice. 

-    I can't wait to read this to my daughter. She'll love it.

-    I love the little message of this book. Kindness and self reliance are always good things to talk about.

-    I really like how these stories are told from the girl's perspective. I love her thoughts/voice. It is quirky and fun. 

Previous Whatever After Book

(covers are linked to my thoughts)

Fairest of All

My Thoughts:

-    What I thought of this book:

-    I don't often read middle grade books. They are a hit and miss with me. This one was a hit.

-    The story and characters were fun and cute. 

-    I liked the twist on Snow White's story. It was fun to infiltrate the castle and see a little more from Snow, the queen, and the prince.

-    This was a really quick and easy read, and I needed that right now. Sometimes I just need a fluff book.

-    I love that there were female dwarves. Ha ha!

-    I really like the cover and the art in the trailer. I kinda wish this book had pictures with the same illustrator.

-    I love finding books that I want to share with my daughter. I will definitely be reading this with her soon. 

Out From Boneville

Goodreads Says:    After being run out of Boneville, the three Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone, are separated and lost in a vast uncharted desert.

One by one, they find their way into a deep, forested valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures...

Humor, mystery, and adventure are spun together in this action-packed, side-splitting saga. Everyone who has ever left home for the first time only to find that the world outside is strange and overwhelming will love Bone.

My Thoughts:

-    My husband started reading this to our 4 year old, and they both really liked it. They convinced me to give it a try, and I'm actually enjoying the series.

-    It starts off a little slow and silly, but it picks up and character become endearing.

-    The characters are what really make the story. They are funny and sometimes witty. Fone Bone is cute. I want to learn more about Grandma Rose. There is more to her.

-    The art surprises me. The Bone characters are simple, but everything else isn't. There is some cool stuff going on in the panels. 

-    Overall, this book was surprisingly fun, and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. 

The World of The Hunger Games

From Goodreads:    The definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen.

Welcome to Panem, the world of The Hunger Games. This is the definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen. A must-have for fans of both the Hunger Games novels and the new Hunger Games film.

My Thoughts:

-    This is a companion book for the movie.

-    I already knew most of it, but it did have some fun new facts from the author in it. I really like where the name Panem came from! It is so fitting!

-    The book is filled with great pictures from the movie. I got to look at the different scenes and moments for longer than a split second. 

-    Sometimes Peeta looks hot and other times he is eh.

-    This made me REALLY excited for the Catching Fire movie!! SQUEE!!

-    This also brought back memories of the first time I met some of my favorite blogger people! 

-    I think this is a worthwhile read for Hunger Game fans.

The Runaway King

Goodreads Synopsis:    A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!

My Thoughts:

-    Wholly cow! This story was brilliant from beginning to end! I'm never going to get over this book!

-    The story starts just a few weeks after The False Prince ends, and it is a thrilling beginning. It sets the mood for the whole book, and never slows down! 

-    I loved seeing old friends and characters from the first book, but I adored the new people I got to meet. Harlowe was especially a wonderful addition. He is such a tender person, and I just love him. My heart ached for him and rejoiced for him.

-    Erick and Fink were also fabulous new characters, and I hope we see lots more of them in the third book. Fink was a bit of a pest at the beginning, but he quickly grew on me. I liked Erick from the moment we met him. He reminds of the Erak from The Ranger's Apprentice series.

-    Sage is back and he is as stubborn as ever! How can he do some of the things he does!? His character is so fun and frustrating all at the same time. I don't know whether to admire him or smack him upside the head! He probably deserves both.

-    I love that Imogen and Amarinda are friends. I was so scared about there being a love triangle in this book, and there kind of is, but it is handled so well and so nobly. I love both these women! I wish there had been more of Amarinda, but she was doing her part.

-    I really love the dynamic between Roden and Sage. There is so much going on in their relationship, but I am SO happy with the way things ended.

-    The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but I think I might be able to live with it. What I can't live with is not being able to read more about the characters! I want to know what Jaron is scheming in his head next! 

The First book in the Ascendance Trilogy

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

The False Prince

From Goodreads:    The False Prince is the thrilling first audiobook in a brand-new trilogy with danger, deceit, and hidden identities that will keep listeners hanging on to the edge of their seats.

NARRATOR: Charlie McWade
FORMAT: 7 CDs, Unabridged

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Three orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point—he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage’s rivals have their own agendas as well.

My Thoughts:

-    I loved listening to this book!  It was just as fun as reading it.

-    The narrator has a nice voice.  I think it is the same guy that does The Percy Jackson series.

-    I learned and noticed new things the 2nd time through the story.  I was looking for clues and viewed Sage a little different, so it was really fun.  

-    Even thought I knew what was going to happen, I was still surprised.  I still felt like I didn't know which characters to trust and like or dislike.  

-    I loved the extra stuff at the end.  There is a deleted scene at the end about how Jaron challenged a king, and there is a interview with the author.  

-    I decided I really like the twist at the end.  In my first review, I didn't like the twist and I wanted treason and fraud and stuff, but I decided I really liked it, and it is better the way it is.

-    I'm really excited about the 2nd book.  Nielson talked a little bit about the next book, and I'm excited.  I don't like the prospect of the love triangle though.  

My Original Review

The False Prince

Goodreads Description:  THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

My Thoughts:

-    It was a nice change to read from a male perspective.  Most of the books I read are from a female point of view.  I think it is because I read more female author's books.  Sometimes a female author just can't pull off a believable guy.  I thought Nielson did a great job at capturing a believable rebellious boy.  

-    I like Sage's rebellious attitude.  At times, he can be a bit too stubborn though.  I have a bit of a rebel in me, and I always enjoy a good rebelliousness at times. 

-    The book was never dull.  I was captivated the whole time.  

-    The twist at the end was a bit of a surprise.  I kind of suspected it, but didn't really believe or linger on my suspicions.  I have to say, I wasn't too thrilled with the twist.  I kinda wanted it to play out a little differently.  

-    I enjoyed all the characters!  Each one kept me guessing at what they would do next.  Some of them were really hard to pinpoint their loyalties. 

-    Overall it was a really great book, I'm excited to read the rest of the series!!

Mockingjay

Goodreads Synopsis:   My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

My Thoughts:

-    Even though we don't see a lot of Prim in the first 2 books, most people feel a lot of love and compassion towards her.  I think this is due to the connection that the audience has with Katniss.  She cares so much about Prim, that the reader will automatically feel protective of her too.  I enjoyed the few instances in Mockingjay where we got to interact with Prim.

-    Collin's writing style is so easy to read and get caught up in.  Everything just flows so naturally, and I don't even notice I'm reading.  

-    I cried at the end of Chapter 11 and during the last few chapters.

-    Justice was served to everyone that deserved it!!!!

-    I know a lot of people weren't happy about the darkness and sadness of the last book, but I thought it was necessary.  There really wasn't any other way to end the trilogy.  There had to be a huge war.  Katniss was hysterical and lost for a lot of it, but in reality, people who have seen the horrors that she has act this way.  People who go through terrible things have post traumatic stress disorder, and I think the author captured this in Katniss very well.  

Catching Fire

Goodreads Synopsis:    Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. 

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

My Thoughts:

-    Peeta is almost the perfect man.  The way he always steps in to compensate for Katniss's lack of words or deeds, is amazing!  I totally agree with Haymitch when he says Katniss couldn't do any worse and that she doesn't really deserve someone so good.  

-    Even though this is the second time I'm reading this, it is still gripping and full of surprises.  

-    I wonder what is happening outside the arena.  I would love a companion book where we get to see Haymitch's perspective.  How do the mentors all watch and get sponsors and send things to the tributes?  

-    This is by far the worst cliffhanger ending ever!!!!!  

-    I'm never going to be able to think a rose smells good.  I hate President Snow that much!

-    The Hunger Games was mostly action and thrill, but Catching Fire is more emotional for me.  I go through so many different emotions when I read this:  sadness, anger, lots of anger, hope, shock, distress, etc.  It is so moving!

-    Haymitch you JERK!!

The Hunger Games

Goodreads Synopsis:  In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts:

Keep in mind that this is the second time I've read this amazing book.  I'm going to the midnight showing of the movie, and I wanted everything to be fresh in my mind.  This might destroy the movie for me, but I'm willing to take that chance.  

-    This is one of my favorite Dystopian novels!  I love the fast pace and dying urge to know what happens next!!  This book captured my FULL attention from the get go!

-    I hate the Capitol!!!  

-    The first time I read through the trilogy,  I didn't want Katniss to end up with anyone.  After all she had been through, how could she?  This time through though, I was a total Peeta fan!  The more and more I read, the more I realized how much Katniss actually needs Peeta.  With her survival instincts, the chaos surrounding her, and the completely lost feeling she has sometimes, she really needs Peeta by her side to help her and steady her!

-   This book has everything for everyone.  It is pact full of action, suspense, romance, bloodshed, a wide range of emotions, etc.  It is awesome!

-    I love all the characters.  I feel for them, and I love the depth of their personalities.  Characters make or break a book.  The Hunger Games has some of my favorite people in all of literature.  Besides the main characters, the one that really gets me in this book is Rue.  I feel so much emotion towards that little girl!